Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam Continuing his efforts to combat consumer fraud, Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today expressed his ongoing frustration regarding Norfolk County residents who continue to receive direct-mail solicitations offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an exorbitant fee ranging anywhere from $59.50-$83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "These companies are making outrageous profits. If a consumer knew that the Registry of Deeds would provide them a certified copy of a property deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 for postage, they would never agree to pay these companies such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner's deed by the Registry (usually two pages) is $3.00." The Registry has heard numerous stories from Norfolk County residents about examples of receiving deed solicitation notices from a California private company. The solicitation was labeled Recorded Deed Notice and requested that the homeowner forward a check to them in the amount of $83.00 for a copy of their deed. A Braintree resident, who received the solicitation, notified the Registry about the advertisement instead of spending $83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "While the practice may be legal, it's certainly not ethical. Clearly these direct-mail companies are preying upon the innocent assumptions of Norfolk County residents, many of whom are first-time homeowners or elderly. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they are affixed with a due date. I urge Norfolk County citizens not to fall prey to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements." If you receive such a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry's Customer Service Center immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Additionally, if you desire a copy of your deed, also contact the Registry's Customer Service Center and we will be glad to provide you with one for a nominal fee of usually $2.00-$3.00. 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

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk County Deeds seal

1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner - April 27

The Franklin Food Pantry and the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club have joined forces to co-host the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner on Wednesday, April 27 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the Franklin High School cafeteria. The event, which includes a simple meal of soup and bread, is meant to remind guests of the many “empty bowls” that exist in the lives of those who experience hunger.

Attendees will choose a hand-painted, ceramic bowl to take home as a reminder that “somewhere, someone’s bowl is empty.” A silent auction will feature select pieces that have been created and painted by members of the FHS Empty Bowls Club, and local youth, adult and corporate groups. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Franklin Food Pantry and will be used to fight hunger locally.

“The Empty Bowls Dinner will bring together members of our community who are working together to fight hunger,” says Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “We hope it will be a powerful reminder of the many people who struggle to put enough food on the table. We are thrilled to partner with the Franklin High School Empty Bowls Club to address the vital issue of hunger. We look forward to attracting all ages at this family-friendly event.”

Students in the Empty Bowls Club have been making ceramic bowls throughout the year to be used at the dinner. “Our students are excited to be part of such a meaningful effort,” said Brenna Johnson, FHS art teacher and instructor for the Empty Bowls Club. “It is rewarding for them to use their creativity to contribute to such a worthy cause. The true impact of their hard work will be felt on the night of our big event.”

Tickets must be bought in advance and can be purchased at the Franklin Food Pantry. Seating is limited so tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $20 for adults and $10 for children and students. Payment must be made in cash or checks payable to the Franklin Food Pantry. 

The Pantry will hold “Box Office Hours” to sell tickets at its 43 W. Central Street location (on Route 140 across from the Franklin Fire Station) during the following times:

• April 19, 4 – 6 pm
• April 21, 5 – 7 pm

This bowl will be included in the Silent Auction at the 1st Annual Empty Bowls Dinner at Franklin High School on April 25. 

Empty Bowls is an international grassroots effort to fight hunger and raise funds to support local pantries. The Franklin Food Pantry and the FHS Empty Bowls Club work together to support the cause locally. The ceramic bowls are created throughout the year by the Empty Bowls Club and various corporate and community groups organized by the Pantry through its Empty Bowls Project. For more information on the dinner, or to arrange for your group to hold an Empty Bowls Project, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115.

"Commuter rail adds extra train run for Franklin line"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) this week announced changes to its commuter rail schedules, including alterations that would affect the Franklin line. 

The new schedules, announced on Thursday, will take effect on May 23. 

MBTA spokesman Jason Johnson said the new schedules are intended to improve reliability - partly by making one delay less likely to cause another.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160415/commuter-rail-adds-extra-train-run-for-franklin-line

The full new MBTA schedule for Franklin can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/mbta-starting-may-23-commuter-rail.html

MBTA commuter rail heading to Forge Park

FHS spring sports results for Friday, April 15

It was a split result against Mansfield on Friday with the FHS boys and girls tennis teams winning their matches with the Mansfield baseball and softball teams taking theirs. In the boys lacrosse match against Cohasset, the FHS team lost 8-7. Results courtesy of Hockomock Sports.

Baseball

• Franklin, 6 @ Mansfield, 14 – Final 

– Sophomore Tyler Dalton struck out five in five innings of work to earn his first career win. Mansfield’s offense exploded with Kevin Dow and Mike Arnold each going 3-4 with three runs scored, Jake Tryder going 2-3 with two RBI and Tyrone Pascual went 2-3 with an RBI for the Hornets.

Softball

• Franklin, 2 @ Mansfield, 7 – Final 

– Freshman Mady Bendanillo had a career day, connecting on a pair of home runs to lead the Hornets. Bendanillo hit a solo home run in the first inning and then connected for her first career grand slam in the second inning. The tandem of pitcher Maddie Letendre and catcher Bri Homer limited the Panthers at the plate. Letendre struck out six in a complete game while Homer played great behind the plate according to head coach Lori Letendre. Maddie Letendre helped her cause at the plate, going 2-3, while Megan Letendre, Kara Bendanillo, Rachel Carafa, Homer and Liz Mackin all had hits. For Franklin, Ally Shea went 2-4 with a run scored, Clara DeCarvalho was 2-4 and Alyssa Dasilva had a pair of RBIs in the top of the seventh.

Boys Tennis

• Mansfield, 1 @ Franklin, 4 – Final 

– Franklin won at second and third singles as well as first and second doubles to get the win. Junior Eli Brooks won 6-0, 6-3 at second singles and Tom Mancini won 6-0, 6-1 at third singles. James Johnston and Cam Piana won 6-0, 6-2 at first doubles and the team of Jeremy Gran and Dan Barrow won 6-0, 6-2 at second doubles.

Girls Tennis

• Franklin, 4 @ Mansfield, 1 – Final

Boys Lacrosse

• Franklin, 7 @ Cohasset, 8 – Final 

– Senior Austin Kent and sophomore Eric Civetti both scored a hat trick and registered an assist for the Panthers. Head coach Lou Verrochi said Sophomore Connor O’Rourke was superb in goal with nine saves.

Luke Gordon (32) battles with a Cohasset player in Friday’s non-conference matchup. (Phil Garceau/ESPN Boston)

http://www.hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-lacrosse-falls-goal-cohasset/

For the remainder of the results around the Hockomock League on Friday
http://www.hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-041516/

MBTA - Starting May 23 - Commuter Rail Schedule Change

The new Commuter Rail spring schedules go into effect on Monday, May 23rd and are now available on the MBTA website at www.mbta.com. Please note that there will be no schedule changes for the Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Middleborough/Lakeville Lines. Paper copies of the schedules will be available in the Boston-based stations (North Station, South Station, and Back Bay) starting on Monday, May 16th. Last updated: Apr 14 2016 02:02 PM Click here for more information: http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442456079&month=&year= Sent by the MBTA.

Franklin commuter rail approaching Franklin Dean Station from Forge Park

For ease, the Franklin line new schedule can be found here



Or on the MBTA site
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/Smart_Forms/News,_Events_and_Press_Releases/04.12%20Franklin%20Final.pdf

Winemaking Classes Start Soon

DON'T FORGET TO REGISTER  REGISTER TODAY  Winemaking Classes with LaCantina Winery  Begin Later This Month Dear Friends: Learn the art of traditional Italian winemaking - and bring home your own case of wine! The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning at Franklin, in conjunction with La Cantina Winery, is pleased to once again offer Winemaking Partnership classes. This is a multi-week course designed to introduce you to the pleasures and satisfaction of winemaking. Your seminar fee of $250 includes all materials - grapes, use of professional winemaking equipment, winemaking consultation and education, 10-month wine storage, corks, capsules, bottles and one case of wine to take home.           For More Information and To Register click here

FPS- Life Long Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by adulted@franklin.k12.ma.us in collaboration with Try it free today

Franklin Art Association - Spring Art Show - Apr 30, May 1

On Saturday, April 30th, the Franklin Art Association will hold an opening reception and awards ceremony at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street, Franklin.  The show will feature an exhibit and sale of works of art by member artists, a "clothesline cash and carry" art sale, small works table and bin sales of original work and prints.  Live music will be provided by the Franklin High School Jazz Band.  Refreshments will be served and the public is invited.

Franklin Art Associate - Spring Show and Sale

The show opens on Saturday, April 30th, 12 pm - 8 pm, and continues through Sunday, May 1st, 12 pm - 3 pm.

"We are very excited to have the opportunity to showcase our members' artwork at this terrific new venue at THE BLACK BOX," says Sue Sheridan, association president.

More than 100 pieces of art and photography by member artists will be featured.  All works will be for sale and reasonably priced.

The Franklin Art Association is a non-profit organization and has been continuously providing art education programs in Franklin for more than 40 years.  Monthly meetings, art exhibits and painting workshops provide the opportunity for artists and photographers at every skill level to meet and learn from one another in a supportive environment.  Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month at the Franklin Senior Center, which feature art demonstrations by established regional and national artists.

The association's activities are supported in part by the Franklin Cultural Council, which is a local agency funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.  For more information about association activities, check the website at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc/

About the event:

WHEN:  Saturday, April 30th from 12 pm - 8 pm, with an opening reception at 7 pm.  The show continues on Sunday, May 1st, 12 pm - 3 pm.  

WHERE:  THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central St., Franklin

ADMISSION:  Free

INFORMATION:  www.franklinart.org

Downtown Project Update #26 - April 15, 2016

"There will be no work on site (downtown) Monday, April 18. 

Tuesday traffic will be detoured off West Central St down West St as curbing will be installed in front of 711 plaza."

Anthony Tavalone

CE III MA DOT

new curbing being put in place, to be followed with new sidewalks

This was shared from the Town of Franklin

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA Area: FRI 4/15/16 - THU 4/21/16

SATURDAY 4/16/16
8am-12pm   Recycling Event - Bottles, Cans, Appliances, Electronics to benefit FHS Softball Boosters, Elks Lodge, Pond Street.
12:30-1:30pm   FYHA Try Hockey for Free - Girls only! (ages 7-12) at the Pirelli Veterans Arena

SUNDAY 4/17/16
7:30-10:30am   Sunday Morning Breakfast at Franklin Rod and Gun Club

TUESDAY 4/19/16
9-11:30am   Dean College Bulldog Baseball Clinic
1-3pm   Kids Paint - Spring Flowers - Franklin Art Center

WEDNESDAY 4/20/16
9-11:30am   Dean College Bulldog Baseball Clinic
7:30pm   Franklin Newcomers Club Meeting at the “3” Restaurant. Public welcome.

THURSDAY 4/21/16
9-11:30am   Dean College Bulldog Baseball Clinic
3pm   Memory Cafe for Caregivers and Their Loved Ones, free event, registration required at Franklin Senior Center
6:30pm   Art Night Uncorked - Tulips - Franklin Art Center
7pm   La Cantina Winery Tasting at Franklin Liquors

For additional April Break kid's activities in Franklin area go HERE.

For all the Town of Franklin Public Meetings click HERE.

For event details click HERE.

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

Franklin Neighbor Brigade recognizes the Spirit of Volunteer Appreciation Week

Franklin Neighbor Brigade has a couple of shout outs in the Spirit of Volunteer Appreciation week. Thank you to our volunteers for giving and sharing themselves to others!

• To all our volunteers - April 22nd the Franklin brigade will be receiving an award from the Franklin Senior Center and Council on Aging for our volunteer work with the Senior population.

• As a fundraiser for the Jefferson Elementary Fifth Grade Celebration, the school's fifth graders sold bags of "Soul Warming Soups," and provided the option of donating a bag of soup to a local charity. With the selling power of the fifth grade students, as well as their generous families and friends, the school donated thirty bags of frozen soup to the Franklin chapter of Neighbor Brigade. More than fifteen families purchased two and four pound bags of soup, and the company generously matched these donations. The students thoroughly embraced the opportunity to raise money for their end-of-year celebration, while participating firsthand in assisting local families in need. Thank you volunteer Jacqui. S. For making this happen! Our recipients are going to be enjoying this soup all winter long.

Soul Warming Soups

• Kelly K has led a committee in creating "Neighbor Brigade Care Cups" to welcome new recipients with extra cheer and encouragement.

"NB Care Cups"

• Catherine A is leading a committee at her children's school with the art department in creating words of inspiration on butterfly's to Neighbor Brigade recipients in an art project.

words of inspiration on butterflies

You can help the Franklin Neighbor Brigade. Information on the group can be found on the internet at http://www.neighborbrigade.org/1-public/chapters/?chapter=FranklinMA

FHS girls lacrosse tops Concord-Carlisle 13-7

"On Thursday evening, the Franklin girls’ lacrosse team began a run of five straight games against teams ranked among the top 25 in the state with the visit of Div. 1 Central/East rival Concord-Carlisle, which won the sectional title last spring. 

After losing a second half lead against Needham in the season opener and eventually falling in overtime, this was an opportunity for the Panthers to pick up a marquee win early in the season and build momentum for a difficult portion of the schedule. 

It did not start well. The Patriots jumped out to a 4-1 lead in the first half, but senior midfielder Kenzie Pleshaw took over with four goals before the break and five in the game to spark a Franklin comeback that turned into a comfortable 13-7 victory."

Continue reading the article by Josh Perry, Managing Editor of Hockomock Sports  http://www.hockomocksports.com/pleshaw-fires-franklin-girls-lacrosse-to-comeback-win/

Kenzie Pleshaw (15) scored five goals and the Panthers rallied from an early deficit to beat Concord-Carlisle. (Josh Perry/HockomockSports.com)

Rotarians honored with Paul Harris Awards

In addition to the many projects Rotarians do locally (scholarships, TVs and wheelchairs for the Senior Center, spaghetti supper for Franklin Seniors (sign up will be posted at the Senior Center in late May), town common benches and lights, Youth Leadership training), Rotary is the largest nonprofit service agency in the world, building water and sanitation services in the 3rd world, ambulances and medical supplies in disaster areas, crutches in disease ravaged countries, as well as running Polio Plus, which has recently been enhanced by matching contributions from the Bill Gates Foundation that has Rotary virtually eliminating polio from the face of the Earth. 

The major way individual Rotarians support International activities is by becoming Paul Harris Fellows (meaning they contributed $1000 increments to Rotary Foundation (which monitors and supports the projects). 

Several local Rotarians were honored by District Governor Jim Fusco recently Pictured receiving their Paul Harris Awards are Bruce Healey (Dean Bank), Frank Cusanno (Bristol Co. Savings Bank) and Joe Paolino (Honeydew Donuts). Presenting the awards were Dr Jeff Morrill and DG Fusco, both Fellows themselves.

Joe Paolino (Honeydew Donuts)

Frank Cusanno (Bristol Co. Savings Bank)

Bruce Healey (Dean Bank)

In the News: School Committee hears about counseling, Atty General Healy looking for equal pay, DelCarte clean up scheduled

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin

"The School Committee heard an extensive presentation on district counseling efforts this week. 

The committee at its Tuesday night meeting listened to several members of the counseling staff - as well as some students - as they outlined initiatives at the elementary, middle school and high school levels. 

Committee Chairman Kevin O'Malley said the role of school counselors had changed dramatically from the days when the focus was college and job preparedness. 

"School counseling is not what it used to be," he said. "It has never been more involved or far-reaching."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160414/franklin-schools-work-to-develop-counseling

The Franklin Matters reporting on the School Committee meeting can be found here  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/04/storify-real-time-reporting-school.html

"Attorney General Maura Healey calculates that she could have purchased 1 million cups of coffee with the additional wages she would have earned if she were paid the same as her male co-workers. 

“It is long past the time to get this done,” said Healey, who joined with state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, State Auditor Suzanne Bump and dozens of male and female legislators by the Statehouse’s Grand Staircase for Equal Pay Day, which was Tuesday. 

Chief among the topics was a pay equity bill (S 983) that prohibits employers from discriminating on wages based on gender. 

The bill would make it illegal for a company to ask what a job applicant made in a previous job, which Healey said often used as a way to keep women’s salaries down. The legislation would also bar any prohibitions against employees discussing their wages with each other."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160414/legislators-stump-for-equal-pay

"The Conservation Commission is seeking volunteers for a cleanup of the DelCarte Conservation property next weekend. 

The cleanup - scheduled for 8 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 23 - is the first such event at the 136-acre Pleasant Street property, which the town has opened up for recreational uses. 

Town Conservation Agent George Russell said the work that day would likely involve mostly trash pick-up. 

"It's more a maintenance issue than anything," he said, adding that the work would take place along the property's trails and picnic areas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160414/franklin-delcarte-cleanup-scheduled-for-april-23

the playground at DelCarte is currently closed for repair but scheduled to be re-opened for May

Governor Baker Signs $200 Million Bill for Chapter 90 Funding; Franklin to get $948,070

"Governor Charlie Baker today (Thursday, Apr 14) signed House Bill 4133, An Act Financing Improvements to Certain Municipal Roads, authorizing $200 million in Chapter 90 transportation funds for municipalities this construction season. Chapter 90 funding supports the reimbursement of every municipality in the Commonwealth for road-related construction projects and comes from general obligation bond issuances.

“Fulfilling the state’s commitment to support municipalities and grant access to critical funding for important transportation improvements across the Commonwealth has been a priority of our administration since our first day in office,” said Governor Baker. “Cities and towns count on this funding each year and we look forward to remaining a reliable partner on this issue for years to come.”

“As I have traveled across the Commonwealth meeting with local officials to discuss the most important issues facing their cities and towns, Chapter 90 is always an important part of the conversation,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We are pleased the state will provide $200 million worth of funding that will have a direct impact on the everyday lives of everyone in Massachusetts.”

Chapter 90 reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the MassDOT Highway Division district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Department which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns."

Continue reading the press release from the Governor here
http://www.mass.gov/governor/press-office/press-releases/fy2016/governor-signs-200-million-bill-for-chapter-90-funding.html

What does Franklin get from this announcement? According to the links provided, Franklin is scheduled to receive $948,070

• City\Town: FRANKLIN
• District: 3
• Mileage: 134
• Population: 31,635
• Employed: 17,513
• Allotment: $948,070

View the FRANKLIN Apportionment Letter

Download the Chapter 90 Distribution (PDF)

For the interactive view to see what other communities receive
http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/highway/DoingBusinessWithUs/LocalAidPrograms/Chapter90Program/Chapter90Apportionment.aspx

screen grab of MassDOT Chapter 90 program page

Mine Brook Area Cleanup and Walk Planned in Franklin

Metacomet Land Trust will sponsor a trail walk and cleanup of the town open space near Mine Brook in Franklin in cooperation with the Charles River Meadowland Initiative, the Charles River Watershed Association and the Town of Franklin Earth Day celebration. 

Everyone is welcome; families with young children please email for more information about conditions.

WHEN: 

Saturday, April 30, at 10:30 AM, rain or shine – duration, approximately 90 minutes

WHERE: 

Town-owned open space along Mine Brook, accessed through the Pond Street Property of the Town of Franklin. Follow the dirt driveway to the north of the the Kinder Care daycare facility at 42 Pond St. to the open “parking” area at the end, approximately 1000 feet. [This location is also known as the former sewer bed area.] While the trail is level, the trail may be overgrown and brushy. Please be prepared for wet ground. Please bring insect repellent, hat and work gloves of your choice. 

Link to Google Maps

WHAT: 

Free; suggested for adults, teens, and families with children 10 and older. Volunteers from Metacomet and the Charles River Meadowland Initiative will be on site to lead a walk over and through town land toward the vicinity of Mine Brook and the US Army Corps of Engineers Upper Charles flood control project lands. The focus is both to clean up any litter along path and to provide the public and local officials with an introduction to the 500 acres of contiguous open space in the proposed Charles River Meadowland area. Trash bags will be provided.

WHY: 

The Charles River Meadowland Initiative is working to bring together Federal and State agencies, as well as citizens and town governments in Bellingham, Franklin, and Medway to improve access to and management of this important open space resource. We also will use this occasion to contribute to the annual cleanup efforts of the Charles River Watershed Association. Mine Brook flows into the Charles River.

Please register to attend so we can provide enough materials for all: please contact Alan Earls at alan.r.earls@gmail.com (mention Cleanup in the subject line) or by call 508 528 6930.​

Mine Brook seen looking toward i495