News from Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Sees Continued Improvement in Norfolk County Real Estate Market Pointing to statistics that showed both increases in real estate sales and mortgage financing for the past month of July, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that the Norfolk County real estate market is continuing to move in the right direction. Register O'Donnell noted, "For the month of July, the total number of deeds recorded increased 9% compared to July of 2014. I believe these results stem from an improved economy and buyers eager to invest in Norfolk County real estate." Elaborating further, O'Donnell stated, "The total dollar volume of residential and commercial real estate sales increased by 13% to $1.08 billion and the average sale price of property increased a modest 3% to $752,941." Other positive Norfolk County real estate trends that continued in July 2015, as compared to the previous July, was the performance of the mortgage market, as 2,948 mortgages were recorded, a 13% increase, along with a 25% rise in mortgage financing. "Homeowners continue to take advantage of improved equity in their properties along with low interest rates to obtain financing for home improvements, family educational expenses and other critical needs," noted the Register. One continuing cause for concern, however in Norfolk County, was foreclosures. A total of 22 foreclosure deeds were filed during July, a 38% increase from July, 2014. "This increase was the result of lending institutions continuing to work through a backlog of foreclosures resulting from the economic downturn of 2008. Another sobering figure was the 65 notices to foreclose filed in July 2015 compared to 50 recorded in the previous July. Notice to Foreclose Mortgage is the first step in the foreclosure process. These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges," said O'Donnell. The Registry continues to partner with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950 to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose from a lender. Another option for homeowners is to call the Massachusetts Attorney General's HomeCorps program at (617) 573-5333. On the consumer front, homestead recording activity increased 11% in July compared to one year ago. Homestead recording provides for limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. Register O'Donnell concluded, "There is no question July 2015 was a solid month for real estate activity in Norfolk County. An improved economy, eager buyers and low interest rates were all key components that drove the market. However, two points of caution: I agree with industry observers who have stated the need for increased housing inventory to sustain real estate growth and I also continue to be concerned about the potential negative impact on real estate activity of the Federal Reserve increasing 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. 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

Forward email Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831

screen grab of Norfolk County Deeds webpage

125,000 kids in eastern MA have a secret: Hunger

Dear Neighbor When Jack and Sara leave school at the end of the day, they carry an embarrassing secret: there's not enough food at home, and hunger makes it hard to study or sleep. Like so many in eastern Massachusetts, Jack and Sara's family is unable to put enough food on the table. But fortunately, once a month, families like theirs get relief from our School-Based Pantry program that allows them to select from a variety of fresh, healthy food to help make ends meet. Our School-Based Pantry program is just one of the many child-focused programs that can help End Hunger Here in eastern Massachusetts, and that's why I'm asking for your help today. Please donate now to help keep our programs going for children like Jack and Sara. Today, more than 125,000 children like Jack and Sara face hunger in eastern Massachusetts, but with your help we can ensure every child gets the wholesome food they need to learn, grow and thrive. Thank you for giving today. Sincerely,

Catherine D'Amato President and CEO The Greater Boston Food Bank Send this email to a friend and make an even bigger difference.

The Greater Boston Food Bank  |  70 South Bay Ave. Boston, MA 02118 Phone: (617) 427-5200  |  Email: info@gbfb.org  |  Privacy Policy  |                Copyright © 2015 The Greater Boston Food Bank

In the News: Tri-County Adult Ed, tax free weekend

Registration is now open for the Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical School District’s fall 2015 continuing education courses. 

Course offerings include basic cake decorating, how to start a profitable business, Social Media 101, archery, Kripalu yoga and a three-course home improvement course. 

The school also offers industry certification courses that include electrical apprentice training, plumbing apprentice training, OSHA 30 Hour training and ServSafe certification.

Tri-County Adult Education

Course and registration info here
https://registration.xenegrade.com/tri-county/categorySearch.cfm?category=1

Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150807/NEWS/150807505/1994/NEWS

Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday morning signed into law the bill suspending the state's 6.25 percent sales tax for most purchases that weekend. 

"This tax-free weekend is not only an opportunity to save a few dollars for consumers, but it's also an opportunity for people to buy local and keep more business here in the Commonwealth," Baker said, citing a Retailers Association of Massachusetts report that showed the sale tax holiday boosts retail by over $100 million. 

The sales tax will still apply to sales of telecommunications items, tobacco products, motor vehicles, motorboats, gasoline, electricity, meals and items priced at more than $2,500.

Continue reading the article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150806/NEWS/150807938/1994/NEWS

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 8/7/15 - THU 8/13/15

FRIDAY 8/7/15
12-6pm   Franklin Farmers Market at The Town Common
1pm   Family Sing-along with Jamie Barrett at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked at Franklin Art Center
8-9:50pm   Frozen Friday DJ Public Skate at Pirelli Arena

SATURDAY 8/8/15
1pm   Zentangle Workshop at Franklin Art Center

MONDAY 8/10/15
10:30am   Mike The Hatman at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Drop In Craft at Franklin Public Library

TUESDAY 8/11/15
10:30am   Get Ready For Kindergarten (ages 3-5) at Franklin Public Library
6:30pm   Drawing Superheroes, Manga and Other Heroes at Franklin Public Library (grades 6-12)
7:30pm   Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail Committee Monthly Meeting at the Franklin YMCA, public welcome.

WEDNESDAY 8/12/15
10:30am   Incredible Insects with Kevin Kopczynski at Franklin Public Library
1pm  Stories of the Night Sky with Kevin Kopczynski at Franklin Public Library
6pm   Concerts on The Common: Westwood Swing Band, Children's Program: Storyteller Elaine Kessler
7pm   Franklin Coalition on Opioid Abuse - 2nd Meeting. Guest speaker: Dr. John F. Kelly, the director of the Addiction Recovery Management Service at Mass General Hospital

THURSDAY 8/13/15
10:30am   Story and Craft (ages 3-6) at Franklin Public Library
1pm   Wii Club Franklin Public Library
6-10pm Feast of St. Rocco

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

For FPL Summer Programs details click HERE

*If you have any suggestions or events for the calendar, please email Renata@BetterLivingRE.com

Don't forget family movie night is Aug 21

Don't forget family movie night is happening in a couple weeks on Friday, August 21st.  Come meet and interact with your favorite, live toy story characters and watch the Toy Story movie on the Beaver Pond field!!!  The movie will begin at dusk, but come anytime after 6:30 to play with sporting equipment, get hair streaking, enjoy cupcakes, goodies and treats, and of course meet the characters!   The vendor marketplace will be open at 6:30, characters arriving at 7:00, and movie starting at dusk.  We hope to see you there!!!!!!  Movie Night - Beaver Pond - Aug 21 You can follow the event on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1466436143653149/

Finally, a Top 50 that has Franklin Schools

Via the Westwood Patch, the radar reveals:

"Niche.com, a national research group started by Carnegie Mellon University, recently released its 2015 list of school districts with the best teachers throughout the nation, as well as the commonwealth of Massachusetts."

The Top 50 listing for teachers has Franklin in the 14th position for MA.

"Here is a look at the commonwealth’s 50 school districts as ranked by Niche.com

1. Westwood Public Schools
2. Newton Public Schools
3. Lexington Public Schools
4. Northboro-Southboro Regional School District
5. Westford Public Schools
6. Acton-Boxborough Regional School District
7. Lincoln-Sudbury Regional School District
8. Masconomet Public Schools
9. Brookline Public Schools
10. Needham Public Schools
11. Braintree Public Schools
12. Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District
13. Shrewsbury Public Schools
14. Franklin Public Schools
15. Cambridge Public Schools"

http://patch.com/massachusetts/westwood/50-school-districts-best-teachers-ma-0

Click through to https://k12.niche.com/ to explore the other listings

Franklin Election: Who are the candidates?

As of Thursday, Aug 6, 2015 the current listing as provided by Town Clerk Debbie Pellegri is as follows:

NAME	ADDRESS	POSITION
W.Kenneth  Norman	18 Daniels St.	Assessor
Philip M. Brunelli	26 James Street	Bd. Of Health
John S. Power	211 Union St.	Constable
Philip M. Brunelli	26 James Street	Constable
Kenneth B. Hiscoe, III	19 Red Gate Lane	School Com.
Trevor A. Clement	9 Secret Garden Ln	School Com.
Vanessa A. Bilello	5 Symphony Dr.	School Com.
Diane M. Padula-O'Neill	102 Pine Street	Town Clerk
Elizabeth F. Simon	6 Monterey Dr.	Town Clerk
Paul J. Cheli	6 Pearly Lane	Town Clerk
Teresa M. Burr	27 Brushwood Hill	Town Clerk
Brett S. Feldman	37 Meadowbrook Rd.	Town Council
Deborah L. Pellegri	181 Pleasant St	Town Council
Glenn F. Jones	172 School St.	Town Council
James D. Schultz, Jr.	21 MacKintosh Street	Town Council
Judith Pond Pfeffer	37 Arlington St.	Town Council
Peter E. Padula	14 Fort Apache Dr.	Town Council
Richard W. Power, Sr.	10 Royal Ct	Town Council
Thomas D. Mercer	14 Mercer Lane	Town Council

These folks have taken out papers to run for the position indicated, they have not yet turned them in to be certified as on the ballot. There is time for that according to the timeline shown below.

Thompson Press building, part of the property proposed to being rezoned for residential

The time line leading to the election is as follows: