"Franklin will be led in part by its offensive-minded junior class"

In case you missed the GLobe West section Sunday included an outlook on the FHS boys hockey season:

"Franklin also overcame its demons last year, ending a 33-year championship drought with a double overtime win over St. Mary’s of Lynn, 4-3. 

A state title had eluded Franklin in three straight finals appearances from 2011 to 2013. But head coach Chris Spillane is hoping that last year’s win was indicative of a consistent, high standard of hockey for the Panthers. 

“We don’t want to be that team that goes and plays one year in the Garden, wins it, and then doesn’t get back there for 10, 15 years,” Spillane said. “Our goal is to consistently be one of the better programs in the area.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/12/09/nashoba-leads-pack-hockey-teams-set-out-defend-their-titles/IsQSuLMwzNiwfdjfLhNAZL/story.html

Franklin head coach Chris Spillane (standing at left), watches a recent scrimmage against Medfield. (PHOTOS BY BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF)

FHS Peterson, Wolowacki recognized for Hockomock Football

The 2016 Hockomock Sports .com Football Awards were posted by Hockomock Sports .com. The Franklin High School students recognized are shared here. For the full listing follow the link at the bottom.

Peterson, Wolowacki (photos by HockomockSports.Com)

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Connor Peterson – Franklin – Junior

Connor Peterson – Franklin – Junior

Franklin junior Connor Peterson developed into a true threat for the Panthers this season. Under first-year head coach Eian Bain, Peterson was a vital part of Franklin’s passing game. Peterson became a go-to option, hauling in a team-high 35 passes for 559 yards (16.0 yards per catch). The junior was especially dangerous around the end zone, pulling down a team-best seven touchdowns. “Connor has a natural way that he catches the football, he utilizes his rare blend size and speed to catch almost anything thrown in his direction,” Bain said. 

 Jacob Wolowacki – Franklin – Senior

HOCKOMOCKSPORTS.COM HOCK 5 ATHLETES

Jacob Wolowacki – Franklin – Senior

Franklin senior Jacob Wolowacki followed up a strong junior season with an impressive final year for the Panthers. Wolowacki was a two-way threat on offense, taking handoffs as well as catching passes out of the backfield. He rushed for 976 yards on 228 attempts and found the end zone 10 times on the ground. The senior also caught 21 passes for 262 yards and three touchdowns. “Jacob became a focal point of our offense with his quickness, vision, and excellent ability to catch the ball out of the backfield,” Franklin coach Eian Bain said. 

For the complete listing of awards for the 2016 Hockomock Football season
https://hockomocksports.com/awards/football/2016-2/

Photos courtesy of HockomockSports.com

“I’m worried about the density”

"One week after a developer pitched a 21-story apartment building for Coolidge Corner, selectmen have asked state officials to back a temporary moratorium on the review of future projects proposed under the state’s affordable housing law. 

Brookline has 10 separate projects seeking waivers from local zoning that would add hundreds of new units under Chapter 40B. 

The latest is a proposal from developer Chestnut Hill Realty that would bring 320 apartments in a complex on Waldo Street. Under the plan, 64 apartments would meet affordability rules and the rest would be market rate."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/12/07/brookline-officials-want-moratorium-new-affordable-housing-developments/QKlw5g5xAQq7Ep8mBtpH6H/story.html

For resources on MA.GOV for 40B  http://www.mass.gov/hed/community/40b-plan/

The Zoning Board of Appeals handles the 40B applications in Franklin
http://www.franklinma.gov/zoning-board-appeals

Zoning Board of Appeals

Franklin Public Schools: 2 hour delay - Monday, Dec 12

Due to icy road conditions Franklin Public Schools will open 2 hours late today, Monday December 12th.

Thank you

Fletcher Field in snow

Register O'Donnell "Most County Real Estate Data Remains Solid in November 2016"

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell "Most County Real Estate Data Remains Solid in November 2016" Norfolk County experienced for November 2016 a strong month of real estate sales and lending activity, tempered by a slight decrease in real estate sale prices. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "The number of property transactions increased a healthy 12% in November, compared to the same time period in 2015. A total of 1,563 deeds were recorded versus 1,395 in November 2015. "However, what was a little surprising was a small by noticeable 4% decrease in the average sale price of residential and commercial property. The average real estate sale price for the month of November was $721,968. However, total sales volume, again both residential and commercial, increased by 5% to $679 million." Another positive factor was that mortgage activity across the county increased in November by 37% as compared to November of 2015. A key factor in this activity, according to O'Donnell, was the relatively low interest rates still being offered by lending institutions. While the number of mortgages recorded increased significantly, total mortgage financing for November came in at $1.78 billion, a 25% decrease from the previous year. This decrease can be explained by 3 separate commercial mortgage transactions totaling $550 million that were recorded against properties in Weymouth, Walpole and Plainville in November 2015. Further encouraging news was seen when it came to foreclosure activity. A total of 19 foreclosure deeds were filed in November compared to 24 filings year over year. In addition, Notice to Foreclose Mortgage activity, the first step in the foreclosure process, decreased a significant 40% during the month compared to the same time period in 2015. Fifty-two Notice to Foreclose Mortgages were filed in November compared to 86 in November 2015. "These foreclosure figures are encouraging news," noted O'Donnell, "However, we can't simply focus on statistics, without realizing the human impact that results from a foreclosure filing. Clearly, some of our neighbors continue to face economic hardship. My office remains committed to partnering with Quincy Community Action Programs at (508) 598-0950 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass at (508) 587-0950 x-46 to ensure homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender are getting the help they need. Another option is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333." The number of Homesteads recorded, an important consumer tool, increased by 7%. A total of 1,002 Homesteads were filed last month, compared to 939 in November 2015. O'Donnell noted, "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While the slight dip in average real estate sale price for Norfolk County in November was a bit surprising, I nevertheless was heartened by the solid 12% increase in the number of real estate transactions compared to year over year at a time of the year where typically there is less real estate activity. Lending activity continues its acceleration, which is good for the real estate market. As I have previously stated, an uptick in interest rates could cause a chilling effect on both real estate sales and lending. For now, however, we will accept the good news seen in the November data while we keep a watchful eye on what the Federal Reserve will do with regards to interest rates." 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 http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

"water levels have been declining all year"

"Many fear the impending cold weather will accompany dreaded snowfall, but this winter, many are actually hoping that the white stuff will replenish water sources depleted by the several-month-long drought. 

While some towns are beginning to recover from this year's detrimental drought, others are still facing declining water supply triggered by a lack of rain. 

Every region in the state, with the exception of the Cape and the Islands remains in a drought warning, according to a state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs statement released Friday. 

Although many areas of the state experienced some rain and snow this past month, year-long averages are still well below normal."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20161210/as-winter-looms-many-reservoirs-still-dangerously-low

U.S. Drought Monitor Map Archive - MA 12/06/16

MBTA: Through Monday: Commuter Rail notice

"The commuter rail is operating on a regular weekday schedule Monday, 12/12/16. Please allow additional time travelling to stations and use caution traversing platforms and parking lots.

With winter weather expected overnight and into the morning,passengers are reminded to take precautions while travelling to their local stations. 

For the latest commuter rail information, follow us on Twitter @mbta_cr, sign up to be a T-Alert subscriber and consider downloading the MBTA Commuter Rail or Transit apps.

Please be on the platform 5-10 minutes prior to departure to ensure timely boarding.

Last updated: Dec 11 2016 06:07 PM"

Franklin Dean Station in the snow

Sign up for T-Alerts  http://www.mbta.com/rider_tools/t_alerts/