Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Franklin Public Schools: Kindergarten Registration Reminder

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION


  • April 11th 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • April 12th 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM


Horace Mann Middle School – Cafeteria
224 Oak Street, Franklin, MA





Oak St - Horace Mann School Complex
Oak St - Horace Mann School Complex

"questions over the legality of Eversource’s petition"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"Eversource says a plan to build a natural gas pipeline across Massachusetts will save customers money; consumer and environmental activists say it will hurt ratepayers and the environment. But it ultimately will be up to the state Supreme Judicial Court to determine if it is legal. 
The utility wants to build the Access Northeast Project, an expansion of pipeline capacity to supply cheaper natural gas to fire the company’s electric generation stations. The plan includes a new liquefied natural gas facility in Acushnet. 
The proposed pipeline would extend through most of Massachusetts, including Medway and Upton. The company plans for ratepayers to finance the cost of the new pipeline project, which has been estimated to cost $3 billion."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160301/eversource-pipeline-plan-debated

screen grab of one of the slides from the Spectra Energy presnetayion
screen grab of one of the slides from the Spectra Energy presnetayion


Eversource is the parent company of Spectra Energy. Spectra is looking to add a 30" pipeline to the existing 24" pipeline running through parts of Franklin. The Spectra folks made their presentation to the Town Council meeting on Wed Feb 24. 


  • The video is available on the Franklin webpage 

http://view.earthchannel.com/PlayerController.aspx?&PGD=franknma&eID=331


  • My notes are available here




Tuesday, March 1, 2016

It Takes a Village: Jefferson Elementary

Wendy Kemper and Renee Tolonen, members of the Parent Communication Council at Jefferson Elementary School, let the public know about the powerful enrichment activities planned for the school and also make a plea for others to join them in their efforts to keep these invaluable opportunities going. 

See them on Franklin Cable Access TV this week:

  • Tuesday at 9:00 a.m
  • Wednesday at 7:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, 8:30 p.m.

Franklin TV
Franklin TV

Verizon Channel 26; Comcast Channel 8

It does Take a Village....


For the full schedule of Franklin TV 
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf

Chris Herren tells it like it is

My notes from Chris Herren's powerful personal talk are captured here.

(be sure to scroll within the Storify widget to review all the entries)
Storify was an internet service that has gone away. I downloaded the files but need to spend time to re-do the posts.



Chris Herren tells the story behind August 1, 2008
Chris Herren tells the story behind August 1, 2008


Chris Herren tells it like it is

The SAFE Coalition featured Chris Herren at the auditorium of Franklin High School on Monday, Feb 29, 2016
  1. #safe-CH0229 Jim Derrick, President of the SAFE Coalition introducing Chris Herren https://t.co/fOsmZ2IXvZ
    #safe-CH0229 Jim Derrick, President of the SAFE Coalition introducing Chris Herren pic.twitter.com/fOsmZ2IXvZ


  2. There are a couple of videos that are worth seeing to hear Chris' message. The ESPN documentary is 80 minutes and well worth it vimeo.com/79305689 A 16 minute TEDx talk is also worthy  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAZ9aL30qOI
  3. #safe-ch0229 Chris Herren brings his talk to an almost full house. "I never believed it would happen to me" https://t.co/mAtVDpTQYM
    #safe-ch0229 Chris Herren brings his talk to an almost full house. "I never believed it would happen to me" pic.twitter.com/mAtVDpTQYM
  4. #safe-ch0229 "I did not know that one pill was going to change my life" https://t.co/DjdBRw8nki
    #safe-ch0229 "I did not know that one pill was going to change my life" pic.twitter.com/DjdBRw8nki
  5. #safe-ch0229 "I don't remember hearing my name announced as starting guard" only 1 of 7 born in NE to hear that
  6. #safe-ch0229 "at 18 I had all the answers, at 27 I couldn't answer my 5 yr old's question"
  7. #safe-ch0229 "we push them athleticly, we push them academically but we don't challenge them emotionally, check in with them socially"
  8. #safe-ch0229 "most parents are afraid to ask why? Why is the question that hurts"
  9. #safe-ch0229 "I think parents forget how awkward high school is"
  10. #safe-ch0229 "hopefully health and wellness will be a core class one day"
  11. #safe-ch0229 "the wealthier the community, the worse the drugs are. Poor kids can't buy drugs"

Tri-County Regional Rolls Out Summer Camp Offerings

Registration is now open for Tri-County Regional’s summer camp offerings.

The high school’s summer program, formerly known as “Summer Camps at Tri-County”, underwent a rebranding this winter and is now known as “Tri-County Summer STEAM Camp”. School administrators felt adding the word STEAM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics, would better encompass the true nature of the program offerings.

“Tri-County Camps are unique because each one was developed by experts in the industry and aligns with required skills for entry-level employment in each of the industries represented. Campers will work in laboratories that closely mimic the real world workplace and will perform tasks that are not only challenging, but fun,” explained Jean George, Director of Vocational Education at Tri-County.
Tri-County Steam Camp
Tri-County Steam Camp

Tri-County’s licensed teachers use their industry expertise to teach campers about everything from Engineering Technology to Cosmetology. During the week-long camps, students will learn how to program a video game, build like an engineer, or cook like a chef. These creative activities allow campers to hone valuable STEAM skills during the summer months.

“STEAM Camp at Tri-County will get kids excited about learning in an environment that doesn’t feel like ‘school’,” said Jean George. “Summer is the best time to delve deeper into something that truly interests each student, and our camps will not disappoint!”

Several of Tri-County’s most popular camps, including Minecraft Camp and Engineering Camp, will make a comeback this year. New offerings include Cyber Camp and Kerbal Space Program Camp. Full camp descriptions are available on the high school’s website.

Camps will be offered in five, one-week sessions beginning on July 18 and ending on August 19. The cost of each camp will be $210. Enrollment in each program is limited to students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 in September 2016. Students living in the Tri-County District are given preference for enrollment. Early registration is highly recommended as the camps are expected to fill up. All programs are subject to adequate enrollment.

A completed registration form and payment in full must be received in order to be registered. To learn more or to register, please visit www.tri-county.us

Monday, February 29, 2016

Franklin Democrats to Elect Delegates To State Convention

Registered Democrats in Franklin will be holding a caucus in the Community Room at Franklin Public Library on March 26th at 10am to elect 13 delegates and 3 alternates to the 2016 Massachusetts Democratic Convention, where Democrats from across Massachusetts will gather to adopt a new Action Agenda. 

The Convention will be held on Saturday, June 4th at the Tsongas Arena in Lowell.

"There is much at stake in 2016 as big, outside money targeting our Democratic legislators has already been pledged," said Chairperson Denise Schultz. "Our June convention will focus on building up our Democratic Party's grassroots around the values and ideas that improve the lives of working Bay Staters - ensuring we send strong Democrats to Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill and the White House."


Franklin Democrat Town Committee
Franklin Democrat Town Committee

The caucus is open to all registered Democrats in Franklin, and the Democratic Committee welcomes participants. Delegates will be divided equally between men and women, and all ballots will be written and secret. In the spirit of inclusion, youth, minorities, and people with disabilities who are not elected as delegates or alternates may apply to be "add-on" delegates.

The committee normally meets at 7:00 PM on the third Monday of the month at the Union Street Grill. For more information on the caucus or the committee please contact Denise Schultz at deniselynnschultz@gmail.com / 508-612-5950 or check out their website at FranklinDemocrats.com

Presidential Primary - March 1st. Polls open at 6:00 AM - close at 8:00 PM - all of Franklin votes at FHS


Reminder: Presidential Primary is March 1st. Polls open at 6:00am - 8:00pm at the Franklin High School Gymnasium on Oak St.

**The last day to vote Absentee is Monday, February 29, until 12:00 noon in the Town Clerks Office.**

If you are not sure you are a registered voter, what your Party Affiliation is or your Precinct Number, please call the Town Clerk's Office at (508)520-4900 or email: tburr@franklin.ma.us.


The Town Clerk's Office will be open on Tuesday March 1, (Election day) FOR ELECTION BUSINESS ONLY. Please plan accordingly. Thank you!

Primary election day - March 1 all of Franklin votes at Franklin High School
Primary election day - March 1 all of Franklin votes at Franklin High School


  • Related election information
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/01/presidential-primary-schedule-prepare.html

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Stresses Need to File Mortgage Discharges

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today reminded consumers about the importance of filing a mortgage discharge in a timely manner after their mortgage has been paid off.

Register O'Donnell noted, "During our office hours, one of the most common asked questions by homeowners is whether they have clear title to their property. This can be determined by accessing the Registry's online records and verifying if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged."

The Register went on to say, "When a mortgage is paid off, a mortgage discharge document needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner's property title. A discharge is a document (typically one page) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as "Discharge of Mortgage" or "Satisfaction of Mortgage."

In many instances stated O'Donnell, "Discharges are sometimes filed directly by banks or settlement attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who is then responsible for making sure the document is recorded at the Registry.

"Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, ultimately the responsibility falls on the property owner to check and make sure that all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds."

The Register further mentioned that there have been cases where no discharge has been recorded against a long paid off mortgage. Unfortunately, some of the lending institutions that provided funds for these mortgages are no longer in existence. While in most other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending entity. "You cannot sell your property without having all mortgage discharges recorded," the Register warned.

If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of a mortgage and is unclear which lending institution is now responsible for providing the document, an option is to contact the Massachusetts Division of Banks at 1-800-495-2265. This government agency can assist the consumer in tracking down contact information for the lending institution that is responsible for the mortgage.

When recording a discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds does not accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $76.00.

In conclusion O'Donnell stated, "After paying off all the mortgages on their property, homeowners want to be assured that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling it. Being diligent and aware of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner peace of mind."

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30AM-4:30PM at (781) 461-6101. These representatives have been trained in researching documents and are well versed on the subject of mortgage discharges and what, if necessary, needs to be done to clear title to a property."

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

phone: 781-234-3336

Forward email





Norfolk County Registry of Deeds | 649 High Street | Dedham, | MA | 02026-1831
screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage
screen grab of Norfolk Deeds webpage

In the Globe: Shrewsbury library renovation, FHS referenced in new schools using technology

The Boston Sunday Globe West edition featured an article on the renovation and expansion of the library in Shrewsbury. Franklin is about to renovate and expand its own library this year.


  • Read the Globe article here (subscription may be required)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/west/2016/02/26/few-whispers-shrewsbury-library-where-patrons-feel-home/LSTmoIXxhHUxPXiVfsWfUM/story.html



On Saturday, the Globe front page featured an article on the increasing use of technology in new schools. Among the schools mentioned was Franklin High School with several mentions.


  • Read the Globe article here (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/02/26/new-schools-focus-technology-security-and-informal-classrooms/XSmbjz7bOfh7EJGkhQGQoO/story.html

Students Brad Bedarian (left) and Ross Carboni worked on a robotics project at the modern Franklin High School (DAVID L RYAN/GLOBE STAFF)
Students Brad Bedarian (left) and Ross Carboni worked on a robotics project at the modern Franklin High School (DAVID L RYAN/GLOBE STAFF)

In the News: invasive plant attack, voter turnout trends

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"It concluded that the major problem is invasive plant life," he said. "Until that is addressed, all other life will be choked out." 
The study, conducted to evaluate obstacles to the ponds' recreational use, stated that non-native aquatic plants (milfoil and water chestnut) and invasive carp are threats to the native life at DelCarte. 
"Those fish (carp) will eventually take over the whole water body," Russell said. "A single-species ecosystem is unhealthy." 
Russell said the town's three-year plan - based on the study's recommendations - would call for the application of herbicides in years one and two and bolstering the ponds' spawning habitat in year three.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160228/franklin-looking-to-curb-invasive-species

The ESS Study referred to in the article can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/02/ecological-and-management-study-of.html

DelCarte in autumn color
DelCarte in autumn color


Ashland Town Clerk Tara Ward remembers the spring town election of 2014.
All day and into the evening, Ward and her staff manned voting stations. 
When the polls closed, it didn't take long to tally the results: Only 211 people voted. 
"I was telling my election workers to vote," said Ward. "I was floored." 
Ward's experience isn't unique in MetroWest, where residents come out in droves for presidential and state elections, but skip local races.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160228/towns-see-consistently-low-turnouts-for-local-elections

While not one of the communities listed in this article, Franklin's voting record aligns with the other communities. The numbers for elections from 2003 through 2014 can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2014/11/franklin-voter-turnout-2003-2014.html

Sunday, February 28, 2016

Photos from the walk around Franklin

Reporting by walking around, I'll share some photos of the walk around Franklin Saturday morning. 

weather unraveled the sign but Franklin TV is still operating on Hutchinson St
weather unraveled the sign but Franklin TV is still operating on Hutchinson St
The new Recreation Dept facility at 275 Beaver St
The new Recreation Dept facility at 275 Beaver St


one of the Mine Brook ponds as the brook crosses Beaver St
one of the Mine Brook ponds as the brook crosses Beaver St
the artificial turf field at Beaver St.
the artificial turf field at Beaver St.

touch the field, you can't put your fingers in the blades of the carpet
touch the field, you can't put your fingers in the blades of the carpet
at the Sculpture Park, looking good in the sunshine
at the Sculpture Park, looking good in the sunshine
rain garden along Panther Way, part of the preparations to meet the soon to be announced EPA regulations on managing storm water before it goes to the Charles River
from the window to the principal's office at FHS, evidence of the water damage

the new artificial turf field is markedly different from Beaver St
the new artificial turf field is markedly different from Beaver St
Big difference with the turf field just across the way, there are pellets, there are blades but not as much cushion as the new field although more than at Beaver St
Jeff Skillings, professor at Dean College,  will speak on Baseball history on Mar 23