Fall cleanup - yard waste picked up on your normal trash day

via the Franklin DPW Facebook page, we find that the fall cleanup where your yard waste is picked up on your normal trash day, is this week, beginning Monday, November 18.

For more info about solid waste and recycling
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste

For the online link to the solid waste flyer
https://www.franklinma.gov/recycling-solid-waste/files/20192020-solid-waste-mailer-and-calendar

For the Franklin DPW on Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/FranklinDPW/

Fall cleanup - yard waste picked up on your normal trash day

Pantherbook Series: Environmental Investigations

via Pantherbook we find:

"In recent years, environmental issues have taken center stage in political discussions across the globe. How do these large-scale issues affect Franklin? Answering this question is the goal of Pantherbook’s newest series, known as Environmental Investigations.

Each week, a new article will be posted detailing an ecological problem pertaining to Franklin High School, or the town as a whole.

The series will be kicked off by Anika Patchala, who will talk about FHS’s resident environmental activists: the Green Team. Halle Goldsmith will discuss recycling practices and Amanda Wylie will inform readers about plant-based meat as a solution to meat overconsumption. Next, Gretchen Scotland will detail the issue of forest fragmentation in Franklin. Amelia Johnson-Pelligri will investigate the purportedly unsustainable cafeteria practices at FHS. Finally, Elise Ravich will summarize the findings of other journalists by describing the most effective ways for readers to get involved."

Continue reading about the new series
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2019/11/15/upcoming-series-environmental-investigations/

Is Franklin doing a good job conserving beautiful landscapes like this one? (Photo by Emily Cesa)

Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October 2019

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported lending activity, fueled by continued low interest rates, showed significant increases during October 2019. O'Donnell noted, "As we saw during the 3rd quarter 2019, significant increases year over year were seen with lending activity in Norfolk County. A total of 3,373 mortgages were recorded in October, a significant 62% increase compared to October 2018. Also, the total amount of money borrowed against Norfolk County properties during the month was $1.9 billion, a 106% increase compared to the previous year.  While this particular figure was impacted by two commercial loans of $100 million and $160 million recorded against Franklin and Braintree properties respectively, the statistics also show that positive trend lines relative to borrowing in the county continue unabated. Consumers are clearly taking advantage of low interest rates to purchase big ticket items and pay for large capital expenses." During October, the number of county real estate transactions both residential and commercial, recorded was 3,373, a 5% increase year over year. Buyers also saw encouraging signs as the average real estate sales price, again both residential and commercial, fell 6% to $878,369. Total dollar real estate sales for the month was $866 million, a 2% decrease from the previous year. "These figures," noted the Register, "bear watching as they may portend a real estate inventory increase and more options for prospective Norfolk County homeowners." Norfolk County homeowners continued to show they are very familiar with the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 1,042 Homesteads were recorded during the month of October, a 2% increase compared to October 2018. Register O'Donnell reiterated the importance of having a Homestead. "A Homestead 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 residents to consider this important consumer protection tool." One surprise seen during October was a small increase in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded countywide. A total of 17 foreclosure deeds were recorded compared to 14 during the same timeframe in 2018. This bit of bad news was offset by a 28% decrease in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded during the month. O'Donnell stated, "The reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings in October was certainly encouraging. With that said, we want any homeowner facing challenges paying their mortgage to know help is available. 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 any homeowner who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. An additional option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400." Register O'Donnell concluded, "A robust eastern Massachusetts economy continues to propel the Norfolk County real estate market in a positive direction. Strong lending activity, also fueled by low interest rates, and an uptick in real estate sales shows Norfolk County homeowners are confident about the current state of the economy and their finances. Another possible factor to consider could be concern that a possible recession, forecast by some economic watchdogs, could mean it is more advantageous to borrow now instead of in calendar year 2020." 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: https://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 Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October

Franklin Starbucks - hiring event - Dec 2

Franklin Starbucks is hosting a hiring event on Monday December 2 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin Starbucks - hiring event - Dec 2

Hiring Event

at the

Franklin Starbucks

648 Old West Central Street

Monday, December 2

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PEDC presents the Nutcracker! - four performances on Dec 7-8

With the explosive growth of the arts in the Franklin community, Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center is proud to present the Nutcracker with four performances this holiday season. The performances will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 and 5:30 PM and Sunday, December 8, at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at Bellingham High School.

Dancing the role of Young Clara is Haylee Goguen, Cheyanne Kelley and Abigail Scollins. Mature Clara will be danced by Grace Jerrier, Rachel Barrows, Jackie Dubois and Angelina Rak.

In other lead roles, the Snow Queen will be danced by Emily Conroy, Julia Broll, Nora Hansen and Kaitlyn Auerbach. The Dew Drop Fairy features Larissa Logan, Amanda Mason, Ellie Rodrigues and Dani Bean. The featured dancers for the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy are Andrea Gray, Isabella Lambros, Samantha Robillard and Bridgette Ginley. 

The box office is open and tickets are limited for the performances. Ticket prices are family-friendly at $18. Tickets are available by calling PEDC at 508-520-7873 or emailing pedcnews@gmail.com.

The show is performed at Bellingham High School's auditorium, 60 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA.

From left to right, first row: Abigail Scollins, Haylee Goguen and Cheyanne Kelley as Ypung Clara; second row: Jackie Dubois, Agelina Rak, Grace Jerrier and Rachel Barros as Mature Clara; third row: Julia Broll, Katelyn Auerback, Isabella Lambros, Ellie Rodriques and Amanda Mason; fourth row: Emily Conroy, Samantha Robillard, Bridgette Ginley, Andrea Gray, Dani Bean and Larissa Logan. Missing: Norah Hansen. Photo credit: Marcos Esteves

For more info on the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center visit
https://www.pattieisenhauerdancecenter.com/

School Committee - recap - Nov 12, 2019

Unlike the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, the new School Committee members were not sworn in during the public meeting as scheduled for 7:00 PM. Apparently, there was a pre-meeting before the public session to take care of the swearing in.

As for the public meeting, it was opened at 7 PM as scheduled by Superintendent Sara Ahern who after the blessing and pledge of allegiance, facilitated the nomination and election (unanimous) of the new Chair, Anne Bergen. 

The Chair, then conducted the nominations for Vice-Chair. There was one for Denise Spencer that was not seconded, and one for Mary Jane Scofield that was did receive a second. Scofield received all 7 votes for Vice Chair.

The Actions Taken document as posted in incomplete in at least two items. One as noted here on the vote for the Vice Chair, the other nomination without a second is not acknowledged. The second item is in regards to the Consent Agenda, as 5 members were not present for the meeting covered by the minutes  up for approval, these minutes were separated from the other consent agenda items to all the five new members to abstain. The minutes were approved 2-0-5 (approve-no-abstain). The remaining Consent Agenda items were approved unanimously (7-0-0).
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/scagenda_11-12-19_actions_taken.pdf

Also of note, on a similar vote for prior meeting minutes for the Town Council on Weds, the new members were allowed to vote (rather than abstain). Town Attorney, Mark Cerel, approved of this action. For further research: there are differences between School and Town but I don't know if this is one of them, it would seem likely to operate on this matter in the same manner.


The Superintendent's report
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/superintendents-report-111219


Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Additional details can be found in my notes updated after the meeting. I used Twitter and my pen and paper notebook to capture notes during the meeting (along with the audio recording)

• Live reporting: Consent Agenda through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-consent-agenda-through.html

• Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Nov 12, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-school-committee-nov-12.html

School Committee - recap - Nov 12, 2019

FPS Voice - A town podcast on wfpr●fm

FPS Voice - A town podcast on wfpr●fm
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV ad wfpr●fm

"Our radio studios were designed for producing the programs that you hear on the air at 102.9fm and online at wfpr●fm. But, in our digital age the audio podcast is another increasingly popular form of ‘radio’.

Like video-on-demand, you can listen to an audio podcast anytime, anywhere. A new podcast joins us this week – FPS voice. It’s all about Franklin’s Public Schools (and Panther Pride of course). 

Here, Anne Marie Tracey talks with School Superintendent Sara Ahearn and FHS High School Principle Paul Peri. It starts this Wednesday, at 9A.

See you soon – on the radio."

Questions? 508-541-4118.
As always – Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thanks for watching.

"The Official Podcast of the Franklin Public Schools, Franklin, MA. Learn more about what is happening in our school district, ask questions, hear from members of the FPS Community and special guests! Connect with us!

Submit questions and topics to fpsvoice@franklinps.net"

The intro episode is available now  https://anchor.fm/fpsvoice

Listen to wfpr.fm  from your computer or mobile device  http://radio.citrus3.com:8418/;stream.mp3

Anne Marie Tracey talks with School Superintendent Sara Ahearn and FHS High School Principle Paul Peri (Franklin TV photo)