Monday, February 10, 2025

Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)

FM #1378 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1378 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with Felicia Oti, Director of the Franklin Public Library. We were joined by many of her staff, see the list of names below. We had our discussion virtually on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.


I opened the conversation with my recitation of “Hail, hail, the gang's all here… what the heck do we care now?”  We all care about the Franklin Public Library which is why we are here now, and are about to find out some of the breadth of services they cover.


  • Felicia Oti, Library Director

  • Allison Smith, Deputy Director

  • Kara Naff, Circulation Supervisor

  • Vicki Earls, Head of Reference 

  • Mitzi Gousie, Public Services Librarian

  • Caleigh Keating, Youth Services Librarian


Among the many services the Library offer are:

  • Digitization of Franklin History

  • US Citizenship test prep

  • Subscription to Khan Academy

  • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) both a opportunity that provides training for those that volunteer , as well as a service for those with income less than 65K to file their taxes

  • Decodable books for beginning readers now in the library

  • Citizen science kits co-sponsored by Conservation Commission

  • From Mass Cultural Council, Franklin Cultural Council & Franklin  Cultural District come grant funded programs, including a typewriter orchestra concert coming in April


The show notes include links to the Library page and to the calendar of events where registration for some of the events is required/recommended.


The recording runs about 58 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1378-franklin-public-library-group-shares-highlights-02-05-25/



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Franklin Public Library page -> https://www.franklinma.gov/233/Franklin-Public-Library 


Event calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/942/Calendar-of-Events 


English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

https://franklinma.gov/313/English-for-Speakers-of-Other-Languages-


Prior recording April 2020 #248

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/fm-248-franklin-public-library-staff.html 


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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.


How can you help?

  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

  • And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.


For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 


If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.


I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)
Hail, hail, the gang's all here; this "gang" cares about the Library and what they offer (audio)

Register O’Donnell Reports on 2024 Annual Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reports that Norfolk County recordings for 2024 show greater real estate activity compared to 2023 with increases in both the total number of deeds and mortgages recorded.

In 2024, there were 103,165 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, a 1% increase from 2023. July was the busiest month in 2024 for real-estate activity with a total of 9,827 documents recorded. It also tied August with the highest increase in document volume compared to their respective months in 2023, up 14%.

“In 2024 we began to see some positive trends in real estate recording activity, with nine out of twelve months showing a rise in document recordings compared to 2023,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “This higher volume of activity in 2024 is largely due to an increase in the number of deeds and mortgages recorded compared to 2023.”

The number of deeds recorded in 2024, which reflect real estate sales and transfers, both commercial and residential, was 15,795 an increase of 4% from 2023. The number of property sales was also up increasing 1% from the previous year. With a total of 899 transactions in one month, July had the highest number of property sales in 2024. Comparing months in 2023 to months in 2024, August showed the largest rise in property sales with an increase of 20%.
Register O’Donnell Reports on 2024 Annual Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County
2024 Annual Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

“The overall number of deeds recorded monthly in 2024 compared to 2023 reveals a consistent positive trend, with only two months out of the twelve showing fewer deed recordings than the previous year,” noted Register O’Donnell. “This indicates that the real estate market is performing decently, particularly in certain neighborhoods and property types in area communities.”

Property sale prices for 2024 appear to have increased slightly compared to 2023. The average sale price for all of Norfolk County, both commercial and residential, this year was $1,149,809 a 6% increase from 2023. December 2024 saw the largest increase from the same month in 2023, up 39%. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales for 2024 is also up, increasing by 7% from one year ago.

Follow this link to the Registry of Deeds website to watch this short segment on December 2024 real estate statistics that aired on Norwood Community Media: https://www.norfolkdeeds.org/news-event/december-2024-real-estate-stats-ncm

“There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and work, a credit to all the communities and the municipal staff and leaders who have created such a vibrant area,” stated Register O'Donnell. “While many Norfolk County communities increased construction of new homes in 2024 the inventory of available property remains out paced by the demand, which can make it a difficult market for buyers, especially first-time home buyers.”

In 2024, Overall, Norfolk County’s lending activity increased compared to 2023. A total of 15,461 mortgages were recorded in 2024, up 6% from 2023. October had the largest increase in mortgage recordings compared to the same month in 2023, up 30%.

“2024 saw the average mortgage interest rate come down slightly, especially in late September and early October, and while rates may not have decreased as much as some would have liked, many individuals took advantage of the opportunity to refinance or take out new property loans resulting in a net increase in mortgage recordings in 2024 compared to 2023,” stated Register O'Donnell.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In 2024, there were 87 foreclosure deeds recorded, as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in 2023, there were 73 recorded. Also concerning is in 2024, there were 380 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, compared to the 339 recorded in 2023.

“We cannot begin to know all the causes that have contributed to these foreclosures and notices to foreclose, but what we do know is that a number of our neighbors have lost their homes, and even more are dangerously close to losing their homes,” said Register O'Donnell. “We all experience unforeseen events in our lives, and sometimes events beyond our control can have devastating emotional and financial effects, so I would urge anyone struggling to pay their mortgage or who knows someone who is struggling to contact one of the non-profit organizations listed on our website, www.norfolkdeeds.org.”

For the past several years, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs (617-479-8181 x376) and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions (508-587-0950) to help anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400.

“Over all the real estate market remained steady in 2024 with a slight rise in activity in the second half of the year compared to 2023.” O'Donnell continued, “As we move into 2025 we hope to see real estate activity continue to rise as we wait to see how mortgage interest rates and the inventory of available property impact the real estate market.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities, and others with a need for secure, accurate, and accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website, www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Still time to register for the Franklin High School Cheer Youth Clinic on 2/17/25

Still time to register for the Franklin High School Cheer Youth Clinic on 2/17/25
FHS Cheer Youth Clinic on 2/17/25

 

"Still time to register!  
Does your child have an interest in cheer? Franklin HS Cheer is hosting a Youth Clinic on 2/17!  
Sign them up so they can join in the fun!



TV broadcasts for FHS sports Feb 11- Feb 14

TV broadcasts for FHS sports Feb 11- Feb 14
TV broadcasts for FHS sports Feb 11- Feb 14
Franklin TV's portable "studio in a box" will be moving about this week to broadcast 3 FHS basketball games and the JBSC Listening Session at Remington/Jefferson on Wednesday.

This schedule is in addition to the live broadcasts from the studio at the Municipal Building for the Planning Board meeting Monday, and the School Committee meeting on Tuesday.

You can get each day's schedule at Franklin.news or get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) here ->   http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 


The basketball games can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/FTV-Schools

The Listening Session can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/FTV-TownHall


4 ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster


Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission

By BCP Staff

Whenever severe weather strikes — blizzards, heavy winds, or the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles — you can bet scammers are following the news to target people affected. 
So, how do you protect yourself against weather-related scams?



Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, Feb 10, 2025

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Monday
9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM - Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey


  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY
7:00 am     Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
8:00 am     Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
9:00 am     Shelley Otis: Harpist
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Stir Fry
1:04 pm     Cooking Thyme: Lasagna
1:33 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm     Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
4:00 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
5:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
7:00 pm     Frank Presents: Michael Soter and Jeff Roy
8:30 pm     Circle of Friends; Abbie Gardner
 
  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am     FHS Girls Varsity Basketball v Attleboro 02-07-25
10:30 am     Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
12:00 pm     Lifelong Music: Strings School 01-22-25
1:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
3:30 pm     Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19
5:00 pm     FHS Girls Varsity Hockey v Canton 02-05-25
7:30 pm     Pickleball Tournament: Pickleball Tournament
8:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

 
8:00 am     Planning Board 01-27-25
12:00 pm     Master Plan Committee 01-27-25
2:00 pm     Planning Board 01-27-25
7:00 pm     Planning Board  CHAMBERS  889 9657 3243


Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf 


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Both girls & boys FHS Indoor Track teams take 2nd place at Hockomock Championships

The Hockomock League Indoor Track Championships were held on Friday, Feb 7, 2025 (instead of Thursday, Feb 6 due to the snow).

HockomockSports.com provides coverage here

and photos of the girls events

and boys events




Detailed results of the individual girls events (PDF)

Detailed results of the individual boys events (PDF)

Both girls & boys FHS Indoor Track teams take 2nd place at Hockomock Championships
Both girls & boys FHS Indoor Track teams take 2nd place at Hockomock Championships

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, February 9, 2025 ???

Sunday, February 9
11:00am Sunday Brunch (Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub)
1:00pm CLOSED - (due to the weather) Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:15pm CANCELED - 2nd Sunday Speaker (Franklin Historical Museum) (to be rescheduled)
4:00pm Franklin Distinguished Young Women - Info Session (90 Hayward St)
 
 
**   NO  Town Meetings today   **


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Why are there multiple calendars?
What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link
The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar.aspx?CID=37&showPastEvents=false

Think Franklin First | A Community Re Introduction


Attention all Franklin business owners! You're invited to a free informational event to learn how your business can participate in the 'Think Franklin First' gift card program. Join us on February 26th at 7 PM at Dean Bank.


The 'Think Franklin First' gift card is a community initiative designed to support our local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally. These gift cards can be purchased online or at Dean Bank and are accepted at a wide variety of local businesses, shops, and venues, making them the perfect gift while keeping spending within our community.


By attending this event, you'll discover how your business can become a participating merchant, the benefits of joining the program, and how to maximize your exposure to local consumers. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and contribute to the growth of Franklin's local economy.



Remember, registration is required to attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sign Up Here


A great way to support our local economy, while providing the flexibility of use! The Think Franklin First Gift Card will be accepted at a wide variety of local businesses, shops, and venues! Makes the perfect gift, all while keeping it local! 

Learn More about the Program

Have questions? Please email Cory Shea Director of Arts Culture and the Creative Enconomy[cshea@franklinma.gov]


Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Franklin TV: World Radio Day

We celebrate radio on 02/13/2025
 
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 02/09/2025

Last week I noted that Franklin Public Radio began broadcasting on Groundhog Day, 02/02/2017. Since then, we’ve been On the Air (tune to 102.9 fm). We’re also streaming 24/7 on our wfpr●fm website – to the entire world.

UNESCO launched the first official World Radio Day five years earlier, on 02/13/2012. Clearly, a banner year for local radio. Also in 2012 – the volunteer Franklin Cable Committee formed a new charitable entity – us – Franklin.TV. Clearly, a banner year for local TV.

In an era marked by the dizzying speed of high-tech innovation and the shifting fashion of each shiny new social platform, radio begins its second century of public service as one of the most dependable, accessible, and wide-reaching forms of mass media in the world.

Proclaimed in 2011 by UNESCO Member States and adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, Feb 13 became World Radio Day (WRD). To all radio professionals and volunteers around the world, (including our esteemed wfpr●fm Radio Gang) UNESCO salutes your daily work and your commitment to open, honest communication in the public interest, convenience and necessity.

So, this year we celebrate our birthday and World Radio Day with plans for expanding our local programming. This month our weekly radio schedule is getting a make-over. New programs are also in the works. See the next page (
in this PDF doc) for a sneak peek. All of this work begins next week and will be unfolding through the next few months. As they say on the radio – stay tuned.

Do you have an idea, topic or pastime that you are passionate about? That you enjoy talking about? That you enjoy discussing with like-minded friends?
Perhaps it could be a radio program and podcast.

If you would like to produce your own podcast and radio program, you can email info@franklin.tv, or just call us at 508-541-4118. We make it easy.

And – as always –
Thank you for watching.
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And staying informed at Franklin●news.
 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf   


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA