Register O'Donnell Reports on April's Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on April's Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County Registry of Deeds William P. O'Donnell stated that real estate sales remained sluggish in Norfolk County, but that the industry saw a slight increase in the volume of mortgage lending activity. "During April 2019, a total of 1,378 real estate sales were recorded, an identical number to what was recorded in April of 2018. The average sales price, both residential and commercial, did decrease 9% year over year coming in at $802,656. In addition, total dollar sales volume for the month was $665 million, a 9% decrease from the previous year. Hopefully, in the upcoming spring and summer months, we will see a turnaround in these numbers." One bright spot for April was in mortgage lending activity. A total of 2,022 mortgages were recorded in April in Norfolk County, a modest 2% increase compared to April 2018. Total mortgage borrowing came in at just over $1 billion. "These figures," noted the Register, "may have been stimulated by increased consumer confidence and the Federal Reserve Bank's decision to defer interest rate increases during the past few months." An area of great improvement seen during April was the reduced amount of foreclosure activity. Register O'Donnell stated, "During April there was a 29% decrease in the number of foreclosures recorded. Even more significantly was the 35 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded during the month, resulting in a whopping 57% decrease year over year. I am very pleased the foreclosure numbers are continuing to trend in this direction." The Register did note that for anyone experiencing financial trouble with their mortgage, there is help readily available. "The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376 and NeighborWorks Southern Mass, 508-587-0950. These non-profit agencies are equipped to help those who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400." On the consumer front, Norfolk County homeowners continued to take advantage of the protections offered through the Homestead Act. A total of 933 Homestead documents were recorded in April, a modest 4% increase from the previous year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County homeowners to consider this important consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "I was not discouraged by the number of real estate sales recorded in Norfolk County during the month of April. With the economy in eastern Massachusetts continuing to perform well, my hope is that we will see additional inventory hit the market, resulting in increased sales and lending activity. If this occurs, it would certainly help first-time home buyers who are having trouble securing properties due to limited inventory." "Finally, I was also very encouraged by the foreclosure numbers. While one foreclosure is one too many, I am starting to believe that the worst is behind us." 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 is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, 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 via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@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 email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Reports on April's Real Estate Activity in Norfolk County

In the News: Dean commencement; Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co opens in Marlboro

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

Dean commencement

"When first-generation American Fatima Naidjate, a Muslim, first stepped onto the Dean College campus in Franklin for student orientation nearly four years ago, she scanned the crowd of freshmen for another girl wearing a hijab, eager to shake the feeling of being different. 

“Before Dean, I was always reminded by those around me that I was different,” said Naidjate, addressing a maroon sea of 292 fellow graduates as the college’s 153rd commencement student speaker on Saturday. She graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in sociology, planning to later pursue an MBA degree with a concentration in marketing. 

“As the great Maya Angelou put it, ‘They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.’ With the strong community of diverse individuals here at Dean, I always felt at home,” she said. “At Dean, I did not need someone who looked exactly like me – it was those who were different from me that allowed me to feel a sense of belonging.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190511/dean-college-graduates-293-at-153rd-commencement

In the News: Dean commencement

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Co opens in Marlboro

"A unique new business is brewing in downtown Marlborough. 

Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company – a brewery and coffee roaster – opened its doors Saturday at the former Speakers nightclub on Weed Street. The brewery and roaster held a private soft opening for friends and family members Thursday. J.P. and Melynda Gallagher have worked for the past year and a half to turn the former nightclub into a combination coffee house and taproom. 

“We’ve put everything we have into this,” said Melynda Gallagher. “We’re so excited to share it with people.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190512/lost-shoe-opens-brewery-and-roasting-company-in-marlborough-this-weekend

For more about Lost Shoe: https://lostshoebrews.com/

FM #162 Franklin Cultural District Dedication - May 10 (audio)

FM #162

This internet radio show or podcast is number 162 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Dedication Ceremony for the Franklin Cultural District at the Historical Museum on May 10, 2019.

The ceremony was followed by a reception and entertainment at THE BLACK BOX.

The new Cultural District page can be found online at http://www.franklinculture.org/

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 30 minutes).






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

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors.
• If you don't like this, please let me know.

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

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
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 = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Franklin Cultural District Dedication - May 10 - photo essay

The Dedication Ceremony for the Franklin Cultural District was held at the Historical Museum on May 10, 2019.

The ceremony was followed by a reception and entertainment at THE BLACK BOX.

Photo album of the event

Dedication Ceremony for the Franklin Cultural District

Franklin Rotary Club plans their 28th Annual Pasta Supper - June 6

The Franklin Rotary Club International will host their 28th Annual Pasta Supper on June 6, 2019, at 5 PM, located at the Central Park Terrace Hall, 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA. All Senior Citizens are welcome to attend this annual event and as always, it is completely free of charge.

Seniors will not only enjoy a delicious homemade meal, but also a live musical performance by Brenda Padula and The Padula Brothers.

Seniors are urged to enter their names on a sign-up so that no one is left out. Sign-up sheets may found at the following locations:

• Central Park Terrace, 1000 Central Park Terrace, Franklin, MA
• Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA

The Rotary Club International is a non-profit organization made up of a diverse group of men and women “who come together to create positive, lasting change in our communities and around the world.” https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary

If you would like more information about our organization or Corporate Memberships, please call Terry Katsaros, 508-245-4127, Frank Cusano, 617-839-4567 or Scott Martin 774-235-2756 and they will make arrangements for you to be a guest at one of the upcoming meetings. 

Rotary members meet the first and third Thursdays of each month, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM at The Rome Restaurant, 4 East Central Street, Franklin, MA. You may also visit our website: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3689.

Franklin Rotary Club plans their 28th Annual Pasta Supper - June 6

FHS softball tops North Attleboro 5-2

Via HockomockSports, we share the results of the FHS sports action on Saturday, May 11, 2019

"Softball = North Attleboro, 2 @ Franklin, 5 – Final
– After trading two runs each in the first inning, Franklin took the lead with a pair of runs in the fifth and tacked on an insurance run in the sixth to pick up a non-league win over North Attleboro. Abby Gallagher had a one-out single and scored on a double from Ashley Cangiano. Cangiano took third on the throw and scored on an infield ground out to make it 2-0. 

Franklin responded with two in the bottom half when Anna Balkus (3-for-4, two runs, RBI) singled and Gabby Colace (two runs) reached on a fielder’s choice, both scoring on a two-out double from Sarah Jackson (2-for-3, two RBI). 

In the fifth, Balkus led off with a single, Colace reached on an error, Maddy White drove Balkus in on a fielder’s choice, and Jackie Cherry brought Colace home with a sac fly. Balkus singled in Kylie Bouzan (3-for-3) with two outs to add an insurance run. Cherry earned the win for the Panthers, scattering five hits and three walks with eight strikeouts."


For the other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-05-11-19/

FHS Panthers

Break the Frame Photo Competition: Vote for your 3 favorite images

"FHS Creative held it's 3rd Annual Break the Frame Photo Competition and we would like your help in choosing the winners! Vote for your 3 favorite images submitted by students and staff"

Vote once with this link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScrylkZDBNwE--GfNndLn2vNH_7HvptKrYB7SYwY6PqHUF8Tg/viewform

FHS Creative held it's 3rd Annual Break the Frame Photo Competition and we would like your help in choosing the winners! Vote for your 3 favorite images submitted by students and staff: https://t.co/SYZiSa2Y9I@FHSPantherbook @FranklinPSart

— Alyssa Taranto (@MsTaranto) May 9, 2019

Break the Frame Photo Competition: Vote for your 3 favorite images