The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Episode 261 - interview Len Presutti (audio)

In this episode Kim and Mark interview longtime respected Certified Wine Educator Len Presutti.

Welcome to another captivating episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW)!  In this delightful interview, we sit down with the esteemed Len Presutti, a true connoisseur of the grape. Let's uncork the conversation and explore a bouquet of fascinating topics:

Episode 261 - interview Len Presutti (audio)

1. Wine and Temperature:

   - Len shares his insights on the impact of temperature on wine. From cellaring to serving, discover how the right temperature enhances your wine experience.

2. Serendipitous Encounters:

   - Kim and Mark reminisce about how we met Len. His passion for wine and generosity in sharing knowledge left an indelible mark on our careers. We owe much of our growth to his mentorship.

3. Sip, Swirl, Savor:

   - Len unveils his top wine tasting tips. From deciphering aromas to assessing flavors, these pro tips will elevate your tasting game.

4. Perfect Pairings:

   - We delve into the art of matching wine with food. Len's expertise shines as he guides us through harmonious pairings that elevate both the dish and the glass.

5. Education Uncorked:

   - Does wine education truly impact sales? Len weighs in on the value of wine knowledge for consumers and industry professionals alike.

6. Wine by Design with Len:

   - Tune in to Len's new radio show, Wine by Design With Len, airing on 1510 WMEX Boston.  Discover the stories behind the labels, the vineyards, and the winemakers. Len's passion for wine radiates through the airwaves.

Wine Buying tips Len shares his secrets to shopping for wine. 

So, grab your favorite glass, pour a generous splash, and join us as we raise our glasses to Len Presutti and the enchanting world of wine! 

You can reach Len by email Lenwmex@gmail.com

And find his show on www.wmexboston.com

Cheers,

Kim and Mark

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #franklinma #podcast #winebydesignwithlen #wineeducation 

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-261-wine-by-design-len-presutti-cwe-interview

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 261-Wine By Design, Len Presutti CWE Interview

The Guardian: "How to spot five of the fossil fuel industry’s biggest disinformation tactics"

"Amy Westervelt and Kyle Pope have covered climate disinformation for a combined 20-plus years – here’s their guide on how to decode it

Increasingly sophisticated and better-funded disinformation is making climate coverage trickier both for journalists to produce and for the public to fully understand and trust.

But telling the story, and understanding it, has never been more urgent with half of Earth’s population eligible to vote in elections that could decisively impact the world’s ability to act in time to stave off the worst of the climate crisis.

Swayed for 30 years by fossil fuel industry propaganda, the media has been as likely to unknowingly amplify falsehoods as they were to bat them down. It’s only in recent years that more journalists started to shy away from “both-sides-ing” the climate crisis – decades after scientists reached an overwhelming consensus on the scope of the problem and its causes."

Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/apr/14/climate-disinformation-explainer?CMP=share_btn_url

‘Basically it’s a propaganda campaign.’ Composite: Getty Images, Guardian Design

Franklin Announces DPW Director Cantoreggi Reinstated as of April 11, 2024

On February 15, 2024 the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission announced that Franklin DPW Director, Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi violated Conflict of Interest Law relative to the unethical acceptance of gifts, G.L. chapter 268A, section 23(b)(2)(i). In the attached Press Release from the State Ethics Commission and the Disposition Agreement between the Ethics Commission and Mr. Cantoreggi, Mr. Cantoreggi admits to the proposed violations and waives his right to a hearing.

On February 9, 2024, when the Town was in receipt of this information, Mr. Cantoreggi was placed on unpaid administrative leave indefinitely and until further notice. Since this time, the Town has been working to gather information in order to fully understand the extent of Mr. Cantoreggi’s actions in his official capacity as Department of Public Works Director.

“While the realization of this ethics violation has been very difficult for Town staff, the Town Council, and the Franklin community at large, this incident was an isolated incident and does not reflect on the entire organization,” stated Jamie Hellen, Franklin Town Administrator. “The Town has independent annual financial town audits in addition to effective standards, training, internal controls and policies in place and a truly remarkable staff culture. These were careless and hubris actions by Mr. Cantoreggi, but do not reflect a widespread problem in the organization.”

The Town has issued a report on the complete findings of its own internal investigation. Notably, and most importantly, zero taxpayers dollars were affected by this violation and succeeding decisions. No bribery allegations, charges, or findings relevant to a quid pro-quo or “something for something” or any other illegal or criminal act were found. There were no procurement violations found.

In addition to a $15,000 fine to the State Ethics Commission and significant damage to Mr. Cantoreggi’s reputation, both personally and professionally, the Town instituted the following corrective measures:

● An unpaid suspension for two months; a wage loss of $29,935, or $44,935 in total, when accounting for the civil penalty from the state;

● A six (6) day redaction of employee Earned Time (aka “ET” which is equivalent to vacation time) for time off during the two ski trips as they were not work related;

● No accrued additional Earned Time during the time of the two-month suspension, which is lost time for a total of approximately 11.3 days (91 hours);

● One-year prohibition on attendance at industry sponsored events and conferences in an effort to focus on DPW staff needs and succession planning;

● Execution of a “Last Chance” Agreement for any unknown past and future incidents;

● Release and waiver of all legal and privacy rights;

● Public apology acknowledging impacts on the organization and community; and

● Repeating his state mandated Ethics Training and documenting the receipt and review of the Conflict of Interest Law Summary.

Based on the facts of the Ethics Investigation, as well as additional supporting factors and materials that have been laid out, the Town Administrator has decided to reinstate Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi as the DPW Director, effective Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 7:00 AM.

“I deeply apologize to all of the residents of Franklin for making such a poor decision without truly thinking through the ramifications of it,” said Robert “Brutus” Cantoreggi. “I am very regretful of the unintended consequences my poor judgment has had on the Town, my staff, my colleagues and my family. I have committed my professional career to the Town of Franklin and truly love my job. Over the past eight weeks, I have used this time to reflect and it has reaffirmed how much I value my role as the Public Works Director for the Town of Franklin. It has not been easy being under the scrutiny of false accusations by some, but I have also been humbled by the amount of support I have received by so many others. I will never be able to express my deep gratitude to the members of the community, the Council, and Town Administrator for their time working on this ordeal. Going forward, I will recommit myself to working to be the best Public Works director, colleague, friend, husband and father. I know we have all made mistakes in life, and I can unequivocally say that I have learned huge lessons from this. I am so grateful for the second chance, I will not let you down, and I pledge to do everything in my power to earn back the public's trust.”

The Town Council received a briefing from the Town Administration on March 13, 2024 in Executive Session. In an effort to be transparent and proactive with the public, these materials have been posted on a dedicated webpage.

“Mr. Cantoreggi’s actions are extremely disappointing, and as the DPW Director he should have known that his acceptance of these gifts violated the Conflict of Interest Law,” stated Tom Mercer, Chair of the Franklin Town Council. “These proscribed actions not only reflect poorly on

 

Mr. Cantoreggi personally but also on the Town of Franklin. While significant reputational damage has been done, I feel the prescribed disciplinary action is on par with the misconduct. As a lifelong Franklin resident and one who values his expertise, he has earned a second chance in my book due to his dedicated and innovative leadership over two decades. While we may individually have our own views on the matter, the entire Town Council has agreed to move forward together. ”

“It is vital that Franklin residents have the utmost trust and confidence in the integrity of their government,” stated Hellen. “With this information I acknowledge a violation of the public’s trust and confidence. I will work with Mr. Cantoreggi to build back public trust and confidence moving forward. Mr. Cantoreggi is remorseful for his lapse in judgment, and I believe if there is anyone who can restore both his own reputation and the reputation of the Town, it is Brutus.”

Town Administrator website with all materials ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/pages/special-presentations

Franklin Announces DPW Director Cantoreggi Reinstated as of April 11, 2024

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 260 - Andrea Immer Robinson (audio)

In this episode of The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Kim and Mark interview the renowned Andrea Immer Robinson 

In this captivating episode, we delve into the fascinating world of wine with the esteemed sommelier, chef, television personality, and author Andrea Immer Robinson.

She is one of twenty six women Master Sommeliers in the world and was the first woman to be named  as the best sommelier in the United States. She has been the recipient of three James Beard Awards. 

Andrea Immer Robinson

We explored her remarkable journey and contributions to the wine industry:

1. Wine Credentials and Background

   -Andrea's impressive credentials include being a Master Sommelier, a prestigious title achieved by only a select few in the wine world.

   - Her extensive experience spans working in top restaurants, educating wine enthusiasts, and contributing to wine publications. We discuss her connection to New York’s Twin Towers.

2. Education on the Big 6 Grapes

   - Andrea is passionate about educating wine lovers on her Big 6 Grapes.  Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.

   - She demystifies these grape varieties, helping listeners appreciate their unique characteristics and flavors.

3. Simply Wine TV Show

   - Andrea hosted the popular television show Simply Wine, where she shared her expertise and made wine accessible to viewers.

   - Through engaging storytelling, she simplified wine concepts and encouraged exploration.

4. The One Wine Glass

   - Andrea's innovation extends to the One Wine Glass a versatile glassware design that enhances the tasting experience for various wine styles.

   - We discuss the science behind this groundbreaking glass and its impact on wine appreciation.

5. Pairings with Andrea and Cooking Background

   - Andrea's culinary background shines through in her show Pairings with Andrea

   - She skillfully pairs wines with dishes, emphasizing the magic that happens when food and wine harmonize.

6. Connect with Andrea

   - Visit Andrea's website at https://andreawine.com to explore her resources, articles, and upcoming events.

Tune in to this episode to discover Andrea Immer Robinson's passion for wine, her insights, and her unwavering commitment to making wine enjoyable for all. 

Cheers

Kim and Mark

#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #andrearobinson #wineeducation 

Audio link -> https://soundcloud.com/user-492543397/episode-260-andrea-immer-robinson-interview

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) · Episode 260-Andrea Immer Robinson Interview

Senior Connection Newsletter from the Franklin Senior Center for April 2024

Senior Connection Newsletter for April 2024 

Hello!

Click here for our April 2024 Senior Connection Newsletter for the Franklin Senior Center

A few changes to mention - 

* The Dating Your Device 6 week classes- start on the second week of April not the first week.
* The Pizza and Movie Night is NOT Poor Things but rather the movie "100 Foot Journey"
* Joe Landry will be doing a presentation on Industry in Franklin on Wednesday, April 3rd at 1:00 PM

Have a great rest of your day and looking forward to signing everyone up for programs on Monday, April 1st!

-Your Franklin Senior Center Family 

Shared from -> https://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-senior-center/pages/april-2024-senior-connection-newsletter-franklin-senior-center

Senior Connection Newsletter from the Franklin Senior Center for April 2024

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update For the prior 2 weeks (as of 3/19/24)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Introducing legislation to hold social media corporations accountable for youth mental health Supporting TikTok's divestment State of the Union recap Lowering drug prices Ukraine aid update Bay State students in Washington           —  Biotech conversation with European consuls general Talking taxes with Citizens for Citizens Visiting Mansfield Delivering funds for bridges, clean water, and after-school activities On the Hill Introducing legislation to hold social media corporations accountable for youth mental health: I was excited to welcome Myrieme Nadri-Churchill, one of my constituents from Brookline, as my guest for President Biden's State of the Union. Myrieme is the Executive Director of Parents for Peace, a non-profit that empowers families, friends, and communities to prevent teens from falling victim to radicalization, violence, and extremism online using a public health approach. With the help of Myrieme's invaluable counsel, I recently introduced legislation to hold social media companies accountable for their effects on American youth. The Verifying Kids Online Privacy Act would build on the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 2000 (COPPA) by 1) increasing the internet age of adulthood from 13 to 16, and 2) requiring social media companies to verify the ages of their users in a privacy-protected manner. As the youngest Democratic parent in Congress, I am intent on ensuring that parents don't have to fight the Big Tech companies alone. Congress must protect our children's well-being from the greed of social media platforms that productize our children's attention spans for the benefit of advertisers.  Supporting TikTok's divestment: Last week, I voted to force TikTok to separate from its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, as the first step in a comprehensive policy to support youth mental health and de-platform disinformation. Under Chinese law, TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.  There are three steps Congress should take:  Step 1: Force TikTok to answer to Congress, not the Chinese Communist Party. Step 2: Pass my legislation to raise the age of internet adulthood from 13 to 16. Step 3: Hold social media corporations accountable for illegal actions committed on their platforms, through Section 230 reform.  State of the Union recap: I joined MSNBC following President Biden's State of the Union address to share my key takeaways on the sharp contrasts the president laid out between Democrats' and Republicans' positions on reproductive freedom, affordable healthcare, addressing gun violence, and defending our allies against dictators. The enduring legacy of Obamacare is just one example. For over a decade, Democrats have been fighting on behalf of the American patient to protect those with pre-existing conditions, and we're going to continue that fight against insurance companies to lower prescription drug costs.  The president opened the speech by directly linking January 6th with the Ukraine war: both are examples of authoritarians trampling on the rule of law. Russians didn't get a free and fair vote for their president in 2024; but Americans do. We must consider which vision of the American future to believe in – possibilities and progress or anger and regression.  Lowering prescription drug pricing: I joined The Hill for a fireside chat focused on lowering prescription drug pricing. I discussed my plan to rein in pharmacy benefit managers, which are drug-pricing middlemen owned by Fortune 50 health insurance companies. In particular, I advocated bipartisan legislation I helped introduce in the House, the Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act, which would sever the link between PBM compensation and the cost of medications. After decades of aggressive lobbying by the likes of UnitedHealthcare, Congress must get serious about holding these drug-pricing middlemen accountable. In his State of the Union speech, President Biden highlighted how Democrats were able to come together to take on the health insurance companies and pass Obamacare in the 2010s. This decade's fight against the insurance lobby must include lowering drug costs through PBM reform. Ukraine aid update: I spoke with CNN's Kasie Hunt about the immediate need for Congress to authorize additional military assistance for our allies in Ukraine. I signed a discharge petition filed by Congressman McGovern to force a vote on Ukraine aid in the House. Congress has the votes to fund Ukraine in its fight for freedom, but Speaker Johnson refuses to allow an up-or-down vote on the floor. I encourage all my Democratic colleagues – and those Republican Members who quote Reagan in their campaign ads – to join me and sign the discharge petition. MA-04 students in Washington: I welcomed groups from Dexter-Southfield, Dover-Sherborn, and my own alma mater, Newton North, over the last two weeks during their annual trips to D.C. With our nation's Capitol as the backdrop, I talked to students about the importance of social media regulations (they didn't always agree), supporting Ukraine, and defending democracy at home and abroad. They asked questions about a typical day in the life of a Congressman and how I got the job. I advised them to be willing to take risks in pursuit of their curiosity. I'm always impressed by how thoughtful and engaged Bay State students are. Make your voice heard → I want to hear from you.  Do you support forcing TikTok to be owned by a U.S. company? Around the Fourth Biotech conversation with European consuls general: I met with consuls general from Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy to discuss how the life sciences in Massachusetts factor into the global biotech enterprise. In the wide-ranging conversation, we discussed the importance of immigration, medical research, IP laws, and commercialization policies that reward makers, not takers. A booming biotech sector has propelled the Bay State's economy for over twenty years, but policymakers should not allow our success to justify complacency. Other states and countries–friends and foes alike–are competing hard.  In my recent op-ed on the subject in the Boston Globe, I explain how Congress should support progress:  "Rationalizing the Coordinated Framework for the Regulation of Biotechnology, as recently advised by the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, is one opportunity to reward biotech makers and discourage snake-oil salesmen, by simultaneously streamlining and toughening regulations. Another example is regulating pharmacy benefit managers, the middlemen of the drug supply chain who decide on behalf of insurance companies which drugs patients can access. The PBMs take billions in profits that should be directed to lowering patients' out-of-pocket costs. In addition to supporting talent and passing pro-maker policy, policymakers should also provide infrastructure and standards for the life sciences. Clinical trials are the most expensive phase of biomedical innovation and are getting costlier. Improving the efficiency and diversity of clinical trials would be a rising tide to lift all biomedical boats, and the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, which I helped site in Massachusetts, should make it a priority. Another way to lift all boats is standardization, especially across bio-manufacturing, a growth sector for Massachusetts. Standardization of conventions, measures, and data reduces friction and amplifies U.S. soft power in international industry, as it did for telecommunications." Talking taxes with CFC: I met with Citizens for Citizens (CFC), a Massachusetts Community Action Agency that assists over 30,000 individuals in the Greater Fall River and Taunton areas each year to provide short-and long-term services for low-income individuals and families. CFC provided information about free tax prep services offered through the Massachusetts Association for Community Action.  The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services for qualifying taxpayers. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years and provides free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their tax returns, including: People who generally make $64,000 or less Persons with disabilities Limited English-speaking taxpayers Our district has five VITA locations: CAN-DO in Newton, Citizens for Citizens in Fall River, Franklin Public Library in Franklin, and High Street Veterans Family Learning Center and Trustman Family Learning Center in Brookline. You can find the one nearest to you using the IRS locator tool: Find a Location for Free Tax Prep. Visiting Mansfield: I kicked off a full day in Mansfield by meeting with seniors at the Village at Willow Crossing, a senior living community that over 200 seniors call home. I toured the neighborhood and main lodge, which features 24-hour healthcare support that includes expert mind and memory care developed with Alzheimer's specialists. We discussed Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices and the lowering of Part D costs for millions. Now, Congress must ensure that health insurance companies are passing on further negotiated prescription drug savings to patients. Next, I joined seniors for the town's annual St. Patrick's Day Lunch at the Mansfield Council On Aging, where we continued the conversation on the future of Medicare. Many also asked about Social Security, and I emphasized my commitment to protecting those earned benefits as well as my continued support of the Social Security Fairness Act and the Social Security 2100 Act. Then, alongside Rep. Adam Scanlon and Town Manager Kevin Dumas, I toured the Cate Springs PFAS treatment plant, which was funded in part by the American Rescue Plan. Cate Springs is one of several local PFAS treatment facilities supported by federal funds. Clean drinking water is a human right, and since taking office I have directed millions of dollars to local PFAS remediation. Finally, I wrapped up the day at the Mansfield BioIncubator to meet with the startup Aclarity, which electrochemically destroys PFAS using technology invented in Massachusetts. Tougher EPA regulations are rightfully pushing industry, landfills, and treatment plants to eliminate PFAS rather than cycle it. Delivering wins for the MA-04: I am excited to announce that my office was able to secure $14,000,000 in Community Project Funding for important infrastructure projects across the district. We focused on bridges, clean water, and affordable housing. Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Congressman Auchincloss: An Update For the past 2 weeks (03/05/24)

LAST 2 WEEKS IN REVIEW I'm your representative in Congress and I write to keep you informed. Standing with our allies 30th anniversary of the Brady Bill Attorneys General share support for my drug-pricing efforts Protecting kids online with the Dads Caucus Talking transportation with Radio Boston           — The state of Massachusetts manufacturing Medically tailored meals in Mansfield Virtual Roundtables with constituents across the district On the Hill Standing with our allies: I joined CNN to discuss funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Putin's murder of Alexei Navalny is emblematic of his drive towards autocratic governance – a repressive vision shared by dictators like Xi Jinping. Ukraine is fighting on the front lines against this assault on democracy. Navalny's murder underscores why it is so critical to fund Ukraine and all our democratic allies abroad.  Next, we turned to the Israel-Hamas war. I stressed the immediate need to secure the return of the hostages, surge aid, and deny Hamas, which has immiserated the Palestinian people and vowed to repeat the atrocities of October 7th, any role in postwar governance of Gaza.  Right now, there is a deal on the table that would enable a temporary ceasefire, unlock aid, and return many of the hostages. Israel has agreed to it. For the sake of the hostages and the Palestinian people, Hamas must accept it. Then, I followed up with WBUR, where I explained why Speaker Mike Johnson won't bring the Senate's national security bill to the House floor: he's afraid of Trump. The House has the votes to pass funding for our allies in Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as humanitarian aid to Gaza; it has the support of a bipartisan majority. But the MAGA flank is vociferous, and Speaker Johnson fears they'll move to oust him for standing up to what a former Bush 41 foreign policy advisor has called the GOP's "bizarre romance with Russian authoritarianism."  Speaker Johnson does not have control of his conference and is on the way out, regardless. His legacy will be defined by whether he stands with Ukraine. Recognizing 30 years of the Brady Bill: I shared my thoughts with you last week on the enduring legacy of the Brady Bill, which has blocked almost 4.9 million illegal gun transactions since its enactment in 1994. Last Congress, we passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act – the first major piece of gun safety legislation since Brady's passage. 90 percent of Americans – Democrats, Republicans, and independents alike – want to expand Brady to include universal background checks and strengthen extreme risk protection orders, or "red flag" laws, to prevent criminals from purchasing guns. I am committed to going beyond thoughts and prayers and to working with members of good conscience across the aisle to enact bipartisan, common-sense gun safety legislation that will end the scourge of gun violence in America.  Attorneys General share support for my drug-pricing efforts: I was happy to see Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and a coalition of attorneys general from across the country send a letter to Congressional Leadership last week in support of drug-pricing legislation that I helped introduce in the House. The letter states that "the DRUG Act, Protecting Patients Against PBM Abuses Act, and The Lower Costs, More Transparency Act…would be an important step toward reforming this industry." Among other things, these bills would de-link PBM compensation from the cost of medications, prohibit spread pricing and patient steering, and prohibit PBMs from paying affiliated pharmacies more than independent community pharmacies. In plain English: they would help lower drug prices for patients! I have been encouraged to see the efforts of state regulators and law enforcement to stop PBMs from evading state law and regulations. Now, Congress must pass legislation so that state and federal regulators have the necessary tools to work together to finally hold drug-pricing middlemen accountable. Talking transportation with Radio Boston: I spoke with WBUR about my ideas for replacing the federal gas tax with state and local funding mechanisms as we look toward a transportation system unencumbered by automobile dominance. The federal government induces states and cities to choose highways over transit by offering better deals on funding for these projects. Owning two cars shouldn't be a precondition to participate in civil society. In a 2022 op-ed, I explained why the federal gas tax would be better used to subsidize locally-sponsored projects that promote walkability, micromobility, and transit:  "The benefits of reforming federal highway funding and changing the way we spend the federal gas tax would be swift and tangible. First, giving states and cities more latitude will encourage local innovation, helping us find better transportation solutions and root out failed practices. Second, it will compel honest accounting of the cost of car-centric infrastructure. Right now, federal gas tax revenue incentivizes states to build and build without thinking about the compounded costs of maintaining an ever-expanding roadway, which are paid for by our children in the form of federal debt. Eliminating that revenue stream eliminates that unsustainable incentive.  Third, a transparent account of the costs of maintenance will make it more likely that states implement strategies like congestion pricing and improved alternative mobility options, like cycling lanes, rail, and on-demand transit. The transition will be disruptive to politicians and bureaucrats, but the net effect will be a lower carbon footprint, better mobility, and more walkable downtowns."  Protecting kids online: I was appointed Chair of a new Congressional Dads Caucus working group focused on children's mental health and online safety. The Technology, Media, and the Family Working Group will convene subject matter experts to educate members on issues related to modern technology and media and their impact on families, particularly children.  As a millennial parent in Congress, I know parents shouldn't have to wrestle with trillion-dollar social media corporations over what's best for their children. Meta, TikTok, and the rest are attention-fracking America's youth, but they are so big and profitable that they have knocked down objectors. As Chair of this working group, I am intent on taking on their corporate greed to protect our children's mental health, cognitive development, and sense of self. Are you concerned about the impact of social media on children's mental health? Around the Fourth The state of manufacturing in MA: I joined State Senator Paul Feeney and MassMEP at CPS Technologies in Norton to discuss how I am working to help equip Bay Staters to pursue the roughly 150,000 manufacturing jobs that require moderate on-the-job training, but no experience or degree. We also discussed the current landscape of manufacturing in Massachusetts. The Voice of the Manufacturer Survey in Massachusetts quantified my own impression from dozens of conversations with manufacturers across our district: access to talent is the most significant concern right now. According to the survey, 'availability of skilled labor' was the most commonly cited impediment to growth. To build a skilled workforce for the 21st century, there are two steps Congress should take that would secure our border and our economic future: Pass the bipartisan DIGNITY Act, which would help secure the border and provide documentation & dignity for immigrants, while also creating a skills fund, open to all, for apprenticeships and earn-and-learn programs financed by fees and back-taxes from naturalization; and Encourage the federal government to set a better example in its own hiring practices by not defaulting to degree requirements that screen out qualified applicants without degrees. Medically tailored meals in Mansfield: I also joined Community Servings, a nonprofit organization that prepares and delivers medically tailored meals for patients and their families, at their Mansfield ribbon-cutting ceremony. The thought leaders and volunteers at Community Servings are not only helping people in a moment of illness and insecurity; studies indicate that they are also taking costs out of the health care system by treating the whole person, including their daily nutrition needs. I hope Community Servings' approach to food as medicine can help inspire a broader societal reckoning with our appetite for the high-sugar, ultra-processed foods that are ultimately making us sicker. Virtual roundtables with constituents across the district: Over the past two weeks, I held a series of virtual roundtables with constituents in Brookline, North Attleborough, Mansfield, Sharon, Dover, Sherborn, Needham, Blackstone, Millville, Medfield, and Taunton. We discussed a wide range of topics from immigration, the Israel-Hamas war, and aid to Ukraine and our allies abroad to funding for complex disease research and access to multimodal transportation. I am encouraged by my neighbors' eagerness to engage in conversations about how federal policy impacts them at home. I value these virtual roundtable conversations with constituents and, along with phone calls, online opinion submissions, and informal conversations across the district with residents, it helps me to better serve as your voice and vote in Congress.  In addition to these community-centered conversations, I invited students from across MA-04 to join me for a virtual roundtable during the February school break. These bright students came prepared with great questions about the House, improving access to diabetes medications, what I did for fun at their age (read American history), and my favorite part of being a Member of Congress (calling high school seniors who have been accepted into military service academies). Onwards, Jake WASHINGTON 15 Independence Avenue SE 1524 Longworth HOB Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5931 NEWTON 29 Crafts Street Suite 375 Newton, MA 02458 Phone: (617) 332-3333 ATTLEBORO 8 North Main Steet Suite 200 Attleboro, MA 02703 Phone: (508) 431-1110 Contact

Register O'Donnell reveals Norfolk County’s top 20 real estate sales from 2023

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that during 2023, twenty properties, a mix of commercial and residential, sold for more than $18,000,000, with an average price of $50,868,490.

The prices on the properties listed in this article relate to real estate sales during the period of January 1st, 2023, through December 31st, 2023 that occurred in the 28 communities that make up Norfolk County.

The twenty real estate properties were:

20. 2121 Central Street & Henry Street, Stoughton, a 91-unit, 277-room assisted living facility, sold in April for $18,713,000;

 

19. 210 Grove Street, Franklin, a 167,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, sold in July for $19,500,000;

 

18. 85 John Road, Canton, a 435,600-square-foot research and development facility on 10 acres, sold in August for $22,750,000;

 

17. 102–104 Revere Street, Canton, a 3-story apartment building known as “Millside at Heritage Park,” housing 60 units built on 2.24 acres, sold in February for $26,625,000;

 

16. 206 Grove Street, Franklin, a 150,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution facility, sold in July for $28,000,000;

 

15. Wheeler Circle, Stoughton, the 280-unit apartment complex, known as Stone Ends Apartments, sold in July for $28,972,000;

 

14. 176 Grove Street, Franklin, a 171,000-square-foot freight transportation center and warehouse, was sold in May for $29,500,000;

 

13. 25 & 40 Kenwood Circle, Franklin, A multi-building storage and distribution center with a combined 200,000 square feet of space was sold in July to Boston Infill LLC for $37,500,000;

12. 40 Allied Drive, Dedham/Westwood, The Hilton hotel on the Dedham Westwood border sold in June for $41,900,000;

 

11. 57 Littlefield, Avon, multiple portions of land known as the "Avon Business Center" sold in July for $47,250,000;

 

10. 23.07 acres of land from the former U.S. Naval Air Station in Weymouth, sold in September for $50,000,000;

 

9. Finnell Drive Industrial Park, the 5-building, 246,625-square-foot industrial park located in Weymouth, sold on the last day of August for $51,000,000;

 

8. 45 Maple Street, Stoughton, a 49.98-acre asphalt and pavement quarry, sold on the first day of December for $62,000,000;

 

7. 135 Will Drive, Canton, a 417,014-square-foot warehouse and logistics facility on 26.3 acres of land, sold in December for $68,000,000;

 

6. 1284 Beacon Street, Brookline, the 8-story, 148-unit apartment building known as Pelham Hall, sold in December for $70,000,000;

 

5. Walpole Mall, which sits on 31 acres of land along the Boston Providence Highway, sold in July for $71,950,000 to LCR Walpole LLC;

 

4. 175-185 Campanelli Drive, Braintree, the 494,520-square-foot former United Liquors warehouse and distribution facility, sold in December for $77,500,000;

 

3. 51 Trotter Road, Weymouth, known as the MIO Apartments, an upscale residential studio apartment complex, sold in July for $94,600,000;

 

2. 8 Upland Woods Circle, Norwood, the 262-unit apartments complex known as One Upland, sold in December for $114,300,000;

 

1. The 472-unit apartment complex on the border of Canton and Randolph, known as Prynne Hills, sold in October for $143,500,000.

The top sales appear to have been a combination of apartment complexes, retail, industrial and warehouse space, and distribution facilities.

Register O'Donnell reveals Norfolk County’s top 20 real estate sales from 2023

"The industrial and commercial nature of these developments bodes well for the Norfolk County economy, both in terms of employment and revenue," stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. "This also indicates that Norfolk County is not only a desirable place to both live and work but is also a magnet for business, industry, and trade."

Excise taxes mandated by state law from these 20 real estate sales totaled more than $4,639,206 for the state and county.

"Despite a slowdown in overall real estate activity throughout Norfolk County in 2023, there were still pockets of the market that saw significant growth and development, particularly in commercial real estate and rental property," noted Register O’Donnell.

In 2023, there were 8,192 property sales recorded in Norfolk County, down 20% compared to 2022. The average real estate sales price, which include commercial and residential property, was $1,083,609, down 8% from last year.

"With many observers of the market predicting mortgage interest rates to decrease in the first half of the upcoming year in 2024, we hope to see more robust real estate activity in 2024, with continued growth in commercial real estate, rental, and residential properties," said Register O’Donnell.

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The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., 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, and 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 at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.