Did you know the Franklin Food Pantry schedules a tour monthly? Next one Weds, Feb 12 at 7 PM

Next one Weds, Feb 12 at 7 PM

Come and learn about what we do and how we do it!  

Tour The Pantry this Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 7 PM.  

Space is limited to please register today to secure your spot!

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/18jpnsUkGN/

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025

• wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines

2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

• Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

 

7:30 am     Joe Landry: Hurricane of 1938
9:00 am     Mental Health: Joanne Spillane
10:00 am     Frank Presents: Michael Soter and Jeff Roy
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin': Peppers
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: Stir Fry
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer '19 Show 2
3:00 pm     Candlepin New Generation: Show 11
3:30 pm     Riffin' on Main Street: Jacob Juncker
4:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
5:30 pm     Martin Luther King: Music and Spoken Word
6:30 pm     Second Sunday Speaker Series: Freedom Trail
8:00 pm     Shelley Otis: Harpist

• Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel        (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am     Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 3 01-15-19
9:00 am     Public School Event: Remington Winter Music 2022
10:30 am     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes Pt 1
11:30 am     Mental Health: Joanne Spillane
12:30 pm     Lifelong Music: Band & Elementary Glee
2:00 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Hockey v Attleboro 02-05-25
4:30 pm     FHS Boys Varsity Basketball v Taunton 02-04-25
8:30 pm     FHSTC: Peter and the Starcatcher

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

 

8:00 am     School Committee 02-04-25
12:30 pm     Master Plan Committee 01-27-25
2:00 pm     School Committee 02-04-25
7:00 pm      School Committee  CHAMBERS  889 8040 3617  Passcode 327246

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

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Monday, February 10, 2025 ???

Monday, February 10

support the FHS Class of 2025 with their popcorn fund raiser(last day today)
support the FHS Class of 2028 by eating at Panera on Feb 10

1:00pm The Poop Museum (Franklin Public Library)

 

**   Town Meetings today   **

Planning Board Meeting         7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/265?fileID=3584 

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Why are there multiple calendars?

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

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
The School district calendar is found  https://franklinpublicschooldistrictma.sites.thrillshare.com/o/fpsd/page/school-calendars

Enjoy the FREE Children's Museum mobile exhibits at Patriot Place on Sunday, Feb 23

Patriot Place Sunday, Feb 23

 "We’re back! Join us Feb 23 at Patriot Place (indoors!) for a FREE Mobile Museum featuring ALL of our themed areas, including (sock)

skating! 

There are no time blocks for this event - come anytime between 10 AM and 5 PM!  

Register at: childrensmuseumfranklin.org/register"

Did you listen to the excitement in Erin & Meg's voices as we talked of the opening of their facility on Cottage St here in Franklin?

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/02/erin-meg-share-their-excitement-as.html

Shared from -> https://childrensmuseumoffranklin.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F13914

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)

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%.

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

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!

https://forms.gle/6GNMBvNCyecdcJ8y5"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19rKh1Yox3/

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

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DF3ZMYnIiy-/

4 ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster

Four ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster 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? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/four-ways-avoid-scams-after-weather-related-disaster?

4 ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster