50+ Job Seekers Networking Group - Sep 15 - "Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism"

Session #1 = Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism

• Wednesday, September 15th from 10:00 am – 12 pm
• Virtual Doors open at 9:45 am!
• The session shall start promptly at 10 am

Facilitators: Ed Lawrence and Melody Beach

This first interactive session in our fall program discusses ageism, career pathways, and assessments.

Ageism is real. Bias is inevitable. So, what do you do?

What’s your career path? Do you want to stay in the same field or transition to a new one? What’s your plan?

Assessments may be required by many companies, but they are a necessity for the modern job seeker. Knowing yourself--your values and preferences--enables you to set realistic career goals and ultimately land the job you want.

This session isn’t just a presentation; it poses questions, presents real- time exercises, and challenges your mindset.

This is your first step in mastering the 21st-century job-search in a world of Millennials still reeling from an ongoing pandemic.

Are you willing to do what it takes to land a job during uncertain, challenging times? If so, we invite you to join the 50+program this fall. Eight sessions that build a foundation for one purpose---land you a job.

Pre-Registration is Required: https://50plusjobseekers.org/outreach/registration/ 

Get your copy of the flyer here
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X9NH62bZBEGAcpd2rkefxi4RyXf02GR4/view?usp=sharing

Sep 15 - "Self-Assessment, Career Pathways, and Ageism"

Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA

"Due to four months of below normal rainfall, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Kathleen Theoharides today declared a Level 2 – Significant Drought in all seven regions of the Commonwealth – the Western, Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Southeast, Cape Cod, and Islands regions. The drought level remains unchanged from the previous month’s declaration. 

At a Level 2 – Significant Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, conditions are becoming significantly dry and warrant detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, emphasis on water conservation, more stringent watering restrictions, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities.

“Although recent rain events have been helpful, the combination of four months of below normal rainfall and consistently above normal temperatures throughout the summer have led to very dry conditions in every region of Massachusetts,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. 

“All levels of government are coordinating to address these critical drought conditions, and it is essential that residents and businesses across the Commonwealth take extra care to conserve water both indoors and outdoors and be mindful of the increased risk of brush and wildland fire when using any fire or smoking materials.”

Continue reading the article on the MA.gov page  

https://www.mass.gov/news/significant-drought-conditions-continue-across-massachusetts

Significant Drought Conditions Continue Across MA

Picked up for Franklin radar from Twitter  https://t.co/vccgSca2fD 

“This model is going to be unique, because it’s a learning model”

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

"As students prepare to spend at least part of their week this fall learning remotely, many families are faced with a practical problem they’ve been wrestling with since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Someone needs to watch their children from the same side of the computer screen during the work day.

School systems in Milford, Franklin and three other communities have teamed up with the local YMCA to offer that opportunity.

“We’ve been able to work with the town, as well as the youth center and the YMCA, to provide a low-cost child care option for families, to be open throughout the school year,” Milford Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre said. “We know that child care is going to be one of the biggest challenges.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200908/working-families-in-milford-franklin-get-relief-from-ymca-remote-school-program?rssfeed=true

For reference, the press release from the Hockomock YMCA

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/hockomock-area-ymca-opens-virtual.html

hockymca.org

Stormwater Ad Hoc Subcommittee Meeting - Agenda - Sep 9, 2020

Agenda

1. Stormwater Implementation Update, Plan Proposal & Discussion

• Stormwater Town website  https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Connection info in Agenda doc
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/2020-09-09_stormwater_ad_hoc_committee.pdf

• Aug 8 meeting recap

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/stormwater-ad-hoc-subcommittee-meeting_9.html

• Aug 8 meeting audio

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/fm-327-stormwater-subcomm-mtg-80520.html

https://www.franklinma.gov/stormwater-division

Franklin, MA: Budget Update Memo to School Committee - Sep 3, 2020

To: Franklin School Committee

From: Miriam Goodman, School Business Administrator 

Date: September 3, 2020

Re: Updated Budget Information

Due to the pandemic, we find our budgetary needs changing rapidly. Concurrently, we find our revenue sources also changing. This memo is to provide you with some updated information relative to budget fluctuations based on the information that we know at this time.

Budgetary Savings:

We anticipate some favorability based on retirements and resignations that currently approximates $414,000. We are still filling some vacant positions as well, so this figure will change as the year progresses.

Midyear leaves of absences would be replaced by a substitute which would generate savings as well. Additionally, contract negotiations were favorable, and after school stipends are likely to be reduced due to the pandemic and the limitations of what we can provide for students.

We expect there will be some savings in transportation due to the reduction in the number of student in-person days by about 45 days. Additionally, there are fewer students being transported on any given day due to the AAXBB hybrid schedule. While there is still reduced capacity on buses, I expect that we will be able to reduce the number of buses used on our contract by at least ten. We will be negotiating with our vendor and will keep you apprised.

At the end of last year we were able to prepay additional tuition amounts in excess of the amount that was budgeted, so there is additional favorability there as well.

Changes to Revenue:

The local appropriation budget is currently approved at 65,658,500. As of now, we expect Chapter 70 funding to be fully funded.

We expect to see a reduction in transportation fees collected. The School Committee should consider a reduction in the fee based on the AAXBB hybrid schedule in place for the year. Most students will only be riding a bus 2 times per week. Some would ride more, many would ride fewer. None are riding until at least October 1, 2020. Additionally, based on current signups, we have about 30% fewer students riding.

We will see a reduction in Preschool Tuition revenue based on the current climate.

With changes to the Athletic program, we expect reduced revenue in this area.

Our Lifelong Learning program suffered significantly last year and will not be able to continue to support the cost of healthcare or central services as expected. This amount could approximate $200,000 and we are still working on finalizing this.

Added Expenses:

Due to additional enrollments, which has increased class sizes at the elementary level, and significant space constraints due to physical distancing requirements, we need to hire three additional elementary teaching positions.

Of course, as you know, the School Committee’s budget is a bottom line budget, and we expect as usual, to stay within the constraints of this bottom line.

 GRANT FUNDING:

Entitlement Grants such as Title I, Title IIa, Title IV, IDEA and IDEA preschool have all been received as expected and the budget has been adjusted accordingly.

ESSER - Federal Grant - Allocation $123,235 - This grant was identified during the budgetary process and will support interventionists. The budget was already reduced accordingly.

CvRF - Federal Grant - Allocation $!,156,275 - This grant will support the addition of 3 Digital Learning Integrationists as well as monitors, long-term and permanent substitutes, ESPs, LPNs, and Crossing Guards through December, 2020. These will be strategically hired as the need arises. Additionally, these funds will be used for the rental of tents at each location to support outdoor mask breaks. Vendor professional development is included as well as additional software subscriptions to support learning in a remote environment. And finally, there is an allocation for personal protective equipment (PPE) also included in this grant.

Thank you for the opportunity to present this information to you. Please let me know if you have any questions.

 

Memo PDF copy on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/g/files/vyhlif4431/f/uploads/budget_update_for_school_committee_9_2_2020.pdf

School Committee agenda for Sep 8, 2020 meeting

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/franklin-ma-school-committee-agenda-sep.html

Franklin, MA: Budget Update Memo to School Committee - Sep 3, 2020

Register O’Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Driving Norfolk County Real Estate Market

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and high unemployment rate seen in Massachusetts, the Norfolk County real estate market more than held its own during the month of August 2020.

Register O’Donnell noted, “During August, a total of 1,865 real estate sales transactions, both residential and commercial, were recorded. This represented a slight 2% increase year over year. However, the average sales price for a property, again both residential and commercial, actually fell 9% to $877,906. Also, the total real estate sales volume in Norfolk County, both residential and commercial, also fell 9% to $1.1 billion. The drop in average sales price and total sales volume can be explained by the $270 million sale of the Windsor Gardens apartment complex located in Norwood and Walpole that took place in August 2019.”

Norfolk County lending numbers continued to show significant strength in August. A total of 4,096 mortgages were recorded countywide, a 36% increase from the previous year. In addition, the total dollar amount borrowed in Norfolk County also increased 24% to $2 billion. “These numbers,” noted the Register, “are a direct result of historically low interest rates and the continuing appeal of Norfolk County as a place to live and work. A recent announcement by Fed Chairman Jerome Powell indicates low interest rates may persist well into the next year no matter what happens with the economy.”

Homestead recordings also showed some life in August. A total of 1,344 Homesteads were recorded, a 2% increase compared to August 2019. Register O’Donnell stated, “I am especially pleased to see Norfolk County homeowners taking advantage of the benefits afforded by the Homestead law. It is another layer of protection that can be utilized by a homeowner on their primary residence. Specifically, a Homestead prevents the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.”

During August, a total of 5 foreclosure deeds were recorded against Norfolk County property. However, due to the ongoing statewide moratorium against initiation of foreclosure or eviction activity, no Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, were recorded.

Register O’Donnell stated, “While the vast majority of foreclosure activity has been suspended while the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing, we know many of our neighbors and friends are experiencing economic hardship due to the pandemic. One of the programs I am most proud of here at the Registry of Deeds is our ongoing partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs (QCAP), 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950. Each of these agencies are staffed by knowledgeable professionals who can help individuals and families who are facing challenges paying their monthly mortgage payment. Another program available is the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Like QCAP and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, the CARD program can help those having difficulty paying their mortgage. Each of these programs are excellent examples of non-profit and government agencies helping those in need.”

Concluding his remarks, Register O’Donnell stated, “I am pleased and frankly happily surprised by the relative strength of the Norfolk County real estate market while the COVID-19 pandemic has been ongoing. The importance of low interest rates can not be overstated as the primary reason for these solid sales and lending numbers. As long as interest rates remain low, we should be able to sustain these numbers in Norfolk County. Additionally, real estate observers are continuing to see the demand for housing far exceeding the available supply. Antidotally, we have been made aware of instances of housing selling for above the original asking price. While all of us are hopeful a vaccine to eradicate COVID-19 will be available sooner than later, the after effects of the pandemic will be interesting to watch. Will remote work continue to be utilized by companies large and small? Will remote work result in individuals and families considering more rural areas to live? Going forward, will individuals and families be more inclined to live in single-family homes as opposed to condominiums? These are just a few of the many questions facing the Norfolk County real estate market over the next few months and years.”

“I want to remind Norfolk County citizens and all our users that the Registry of Deeds building continues to remain closed to the general public and real estate professionals alike. This is being done out of an abundance of caution. Registry staff continues to be onsite doing the important work of recording land documents in a safe, accurate and secure manner.  We are receiving documents via regular mail, Federal Express and a drop-off box located just outside the main entrance to our building located at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA. Many of our institutional users, banks, law firms, title companies, are utilizing electronic recording for their land document submissions. I urge any institutional user not using electronic recording to consider its usage.”

“Finally, I want to thank all Norfolk County residents for their patience and understanding while the pandemic has been ongoing. It has not been easy but working in a spirit of cooperation, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been able to remain open. This has kept the Norfolk County real estate market viable benefiting individuals, families and real estate professionals alike. I am hopeful the end of this pandemic will be sooner than later. In the meantime, be healthy, be safe.”

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, 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.

 

www.norfolkdeeds.org

"Everyone has a stake in ensuring that the workers we all depend on are secure and healthy"

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"It’s simple. If the workers who make our economy run aren’t healthy and secure, then our economy isn’t healthy and secure. Especially in the absence of any leadership or plan from the Trump administration, we need Massachusetts leaders to walk the walk when it comes to our workers, and not just talk the talk.

Essential workers need a bill of rights. They deserve hazard pay for the dangerous and critical work they are performing for the public. Everyone agrees on the importance of people with symptoms staying home from work and school, but that should come with the guarantee that nobody will lose their job or the ability to feed their families should they need to stay home.

Essential workers here in Massachusetts, like many of their counterparts in other states, deserve a presumption that if they contract COVID-19 they did so in the line of duty so they are covered by workers compensation. Workers need a reliable place to turn to if they think their workplaces are unsafe, and they need protection from employer retaliation for whistleblowing.

We need comprehensive data collection on the infection rates of workers — by occupation, industry, and employer — which are crucial data points to identify new outbreaks and guide future responses to protect these workers and the public they serve.  And we need science, workers, and occupational safety experts to guide how our workplaces and economy reopens, definitely not CEOs. "

Continue reading the article online
https://commonwealthmagazine.org/opinion/essential-workers-need-a-bill-of-rights/