Norfolk County Real Estate Bounces Back in August

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Norfolk County Real Estate Bounces Back in August After a disappointing July, the Norfolk County real estate market roared back to life showing mostly solid gains for the month of August. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell stated, "After a down July, it was nice to see the real estate market recover in August. Increases were seen in both home sales and lending. August was a month where all stakeholders benefited from the strong real estate market in Norfolk County." "During the month of August," noted O'Donnell, "a total of 1,945 property transactions, both residential and commercial, were recorded in Norfolk County. This represented a 9% increase year over year. The average sales price for these properties was $874,726, a 47% increase from August 2015." The Register also noted that the total volume of real estate sales, both residential and commercial, came in at $1.18 billion, a 60% increase from the same time period in 2015. It should be noted that these figures were enhanced by a $205 million dollar sale of Westwood Station that took place during the middle of August. O'Donnell stated, "Lending activity also showed some impressive gains. For the month of August, a total of 3,511 mortgages were recorded, a 35% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, total mortgage financing came in at $1.7 billion, a 60% increase from the previous August. Clearly, the continuing low interest rates are spurring individuals and businesses to borrow money for home and capital improvements and education." If there was one cloud in the silver lining concerning August's data, it was the increase in foreclosure activity experienced in Norfolk County. A total of 32 foreclosure deeds were filed compared to 19 filed in August 2015. Also, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgages recorded, the first step in the foreclosure process, was 96 compared to 31 recorded during the previous August. O'Donnell noted, "The significant increases in foreclosure activity were discouraging, especially after we thought the market had turned the corner. There is no question that some of our neighbors continue to struggle. "I want to again stress the Registry's continuing partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950. These agencies are there to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. I cannot stress enough to call them promptly if you are struggling with paying your mortgage." Homestead recordings showed a solid 11% increase in August compared to the same time period in 2015. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead is an important consumer protection tool that I would encourage all homeowners to consider. A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of your primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "After a less than robust July, it was great to see Norfolk County real estate activity rebound so strongly. It appears that a sizeable pool of buyers were aggressive in getting back into the market. Hopefully, the housing inventory level will not take a dip anytime soon. Another positive indicator is the continuing low interest rate which has been a key driver for real estate sales and lending." To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, 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, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds

"I've learned Horace Mann began his education using the books that Benjamin Franklin provided to the town library - it's astounding."

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The town will unveil a new statue of Horace Mann next spring. 

The statue of the town native known as the father of public education in America will be placed in a green space at 150 Emmons St. The town sold that land, once the site of a municipal building, to local developer Roger Calarese, but required an easement for a park honoring Mann. 

State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, D-Franklin, who has been active in supporting the effort, said the statue will be unveiled on May 7, 2017. 

"(The sculptor) could have it available in November or December, but the weather then is unpredictable," he said. "We also wanted to get it as close to Horace Mann's birthday (of May 4) as possible."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160911/franklin-mann-statue-being-readied-for-2017

a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from Emmons St

a recent view of the Horace Mann opens space from West Central St

Horace Mann is buried in Providence, RI
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/05/happy-birthday-horace-mann.html

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Sep 13, 2016

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

AGENDA

"The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which

may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed

and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent

permitted by law."

the key to learning

1. Routine Business

• Citizen’s Comments
• Review of Agenda
• Budget to Actual
• Minutes: I recommend approval of the minutes from the August 23, 2016 School Committee Meeting.
• Payment of Bills Dr. O’Malley
• Payroll Mrs. Douglas
• FHS Student Representatives
• Correspondence

2. Guests/Presentations
a. MASC Superintendent Search - Jim Hardy
b. Update DIP and Progress Monitoring 2nd doc
c. Middle School (SIP) School Improvement Plans
d. FHS School Improvement Plan

3. Discussion Only Items
Superintendent Search Discussion/Decision
Policy – Second Readings

• DJE - Bidding Requirements
• DKC - Expense Reimbursements
• JJF - Student Activity Accounts
• JJF-R - Student Activity Accounts
• JJFG - Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

4. Action Items
a. I recommend approval of the following 2016-2017 School Improvement Plans:

1. Annie Sullivan MS
2. Horace Mann MS
3. Remington MS
4. FHS

b. I recommend adoption of School Committee Policies:

1. DJE - Bidding Requirements
2. DKC - Expense Reimbursements
3. JJF - Student Activity Accounts
4. JJF-R - Student Activity Accounts
5. JJFG - Disposition of Student Activity Accounts

c. I recommend acceptance of the check from the Franklin Music Boosters in the amount of $1600.00 for supplemental supplies for the Elementary Music Program.

5. Information Matters

• Superintendent’s Report
• School Committee Sub-Committee Reports Policy
• School Committee Liaison Reports

6. New Business
To discuss future business that may be brought before the School Committee.

7. Motion to Adjourn 
– Dr. O’Malley

"a significant 'generational shift' over the past several years"

"In the 15 years since the 9/11 terror attacks, the United States has seen the rise of two ongoing wars, a massive government surveillance program and an increased awareness and fear of global terrorism. But for this year's first-time voters, this is the only world they've ever known. 

Most freshmen entering high school this year were born after 9/11. Those 18-year-olds entering college will have little, if any, direct memories of the attacks on the World Trade Center towers in New York and the Pentagon. As they enter the polling booth for the first time in November, they will be challenged to vote for a president who can tackle growing issues, including the fight against ISIS, the need to deal with economic instability and internet security that have become increasingly intertwined over the past decade-and-a-half."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160910/after-911-generations-differ-on-government-surveillance

flags placed on the lawn at the Elks Lodge on Ponds St to remember 9/11 victims

flags placed on the lawn at the Elks Lodge on Ponds St to remember 9/11 victims

flags placed on the lawn at the Elks Lodge on Ponds St to remember 9/11 victims

In the News: Cultural Council grant schedule, Russian Math School awards

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Franklin Cultural Council has set an Oct. 17 deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. 

This funding encourages individuals, groups and not-for-profit organizations to bring to the community unique programming that centers around the arts, humanities, history or interpretive sciences for children, adults and intergenerational groups. 

This year, the Franklin Cultural Council will distribute about $11,000 in grants. Previously funded projects include programs/field trips for five of Franklin’s schools (public and charter), Franklin Downtown Partnership Strawberry Stroll, LiveArts, Franklin Performing Arts Company Whatever Theatre Festival, Southeastern MA Community Concert Band and the Franklin Art Association."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160910/franklin-cultural-council-sets-funding-deadline

"The Russian School of Mathematics recently announced that 16 of its Franklin students posted notable scores on both national and international mathematics competitions. 

Nearly 100 students received an award on the AMC 8, 10 and 12, and approximately 87 percent of the Massachusetts Math Kangaroo winners were RSM students."

The following are Franklin award winners:

• Shoyaib Shaik, grade eight
• Aishwarya Prakki, grade five
• YickRen Leong, grade five
• Rutvik Parikh, grade six
• Sameen Shaik, grade six
• Izam Karukappadath, grade seven
• Pratusha Nouduri, grade seven
• Rohit Valiveti, grade seven
• Vibha Kamath, grade seven
• Arvind Sridhar, grade eight
• Shoumik Sompally, grade six
• Arya Bhat, grade four
• Nikhil Sankaran, grade three
• Justin Chen, grade four
• Liana Warnakulasooriya, grade four
• Alexandra Krylova, grade nine

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160910/russian-school-of-mathematics-announces-franklin-award-winners

Update on the BFCCPS expansion

Dear BFCCPS Community,

We wanted to provide an update to developments with the construction of our new school, this is the first step in our overall BFCCPS Expansion Process. It has been an exceptionally busy summer and we are pleased to announce that we made significant progress in the last eight weeks.

In July our project received clearance from the Franklin Conservation Committee followed by approval by the Franklin Planning Board. Based on that approval we were able to solicit bids for the Construction Manager for our new building. During the month of August the neighboring project which is involved in our land swap also received clearance from the Franklin Conservation Committee and the Franklin Planning Board.

Both projects are subject to a complete review by the Massachusetts EPA that has taken longer than we could possibly have anticipated.

At this time, we find ourself beyond the deadline where we would need to be in order to open for the 2017-2018 school year. We did consider a number of creative alternatives however in the end, they would have been significantly disruptive to our educational program. We will have a better idea of what our timeline will be once the MEPA review is completed . We remain incredibly pleased with the progress that has been made this summer, and we continue to be excited about continuing with this process and we hope that you are too.

If you have any questions about the project, please contact the Board of Trustees President, Mr. Jason Fine by email at jfine@bfccps.org.

Sincerely

The BFCCPS Board of Trustees

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School

Shared from the BFCCPS webpage
http://bfccps.org/an-expansion-update-from-the-board-of-trustees-2/

Pipeline Talk in Millis - Sep 13

Tuesday September 13th  = 7:00 PM

MILLIS PUBLIC LIBRARY
961 Main St.
Millis, MA

Sponsored by Millis Public Forum

As part of its Access Northeast project, Spectra Energy is proposing to build a 30-inch high pressure gas pipeline that would be 21.2 miles through nine towns: Bellingham, Medway, Millis, Franklin, Norfolk, Walpole, Sharon, Canton and Stoughton. A presentation on the proposed pipeline, sponsored by the Millis Public Forum, will be held Tuesday, September 13, 2016, at 7:00 PM at the Millis Library and will offer information about what it is, how it would impact Millis and its residents, and what people can do about it. 

Interested residents and town officials are invited to attend to learn more. A question and answer period will follow. 

Presenters: Carolyn and Rand Barthel of 350 Massachusetts.

For more information, contact Carol Coakley at 508-376-8495.

lawn sign found on several Franklin homes

For more information on the No Spectra effort, visit their webpage
http://nospectrama.org/