Register O'Donnell Reports on February 2017 Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb 2017 Real Estate Activity A patch of bad weather and the loss of one critical business day, contributed to the downturn in the Norfolk County real estate and lending markets for the month of February 2017. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "The inclement weather in the second week of February and the loss of 1 business day, with February 2016 being a leap year, were primary factors in the reduction of real estate activity. We also noticed a reduced number of high-end sales which contributed to the decline in total volume and average sales price." Register O'Donnell stated, "The month of February saw a 2% reduction in the number of deeds recorded year over year from 1,042 to 1,019. More striking was the total volume of residential and commercial sales coming in at $338 million, a 35% reduction from February 2016. Also, the average sales price, again both residential and commercial, fell 34% to $594,915. Overall, the number of land documents recorded at the Registry during February was 9,905, a 7% reduction from the previous year." The lending market also saw declines during February 2017. A total of 1,691 mortgages were recorded, a 12% reduction from the previous year. The total amount of mortgage borrowing also fell 48% to $700 million; the decline was significantly influenced by a $479 million mortgage recorded in February 2016. Norfolk County homeowners continued to avail themselves of the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 674 Homesteads were recorded in February, a 2% increase year over year. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell. A bright spot for February was the reduction in foreclosure activity. A total of 16 foreclosure deeds were recorded compared to 30 the previous February. In addition, the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process, was down to 49 filings compared to 55 in February 2016. Register O'Donnell stated, "I remain optimistic that we are now finally turning the corner when it comes to the issues of foreclosure, a significant problem we have steadily faced for nearly a decade. With that said, one foreclosure is one too many. We need to remain diligent that any homeowner facing a challenge with their monthly mortgage payments are getting the help and counseling they need. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376, and NeighborWorks SouthernMass, 508-587-0950 to help homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option is to contact the Attorney General's HomeCorps program at 617-573-3333." Register O'Donnell concluded, "While Norfolk County continues to be a destination location for individuals and families to live and work, there are two significant factors that will impact how the housing and lending markets take shape in 2017. One key factor will be the amount of housing inventory available for consumers. The other major issue will be whether or not the Federal Reserve follows through on its promise to increase 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 and Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@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

Register O'Donnell Reports on Feb 2017 Real Estate Activity

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - March 22, 2017

Note: The left column contains links to the supporting documents for each of the agenda sections

A. Approval of Minutes	Approval of March 1, 2017 Meeting Minutes
B. Announcements	This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29. This meeting may also be recorded by others.
C. Proclamations/Recognitions
D. Citizen Comments	Citizens are welcome to express their views for up to five minutes on a matter that is not on the Agenda. The Council will not engage in a dialogue or comment on a matter raised during Citizen Comments. The Town Council will give remarks appropriate consideration and may ask the Town Administrator to review the matter.
E. Appointments
F. Hearings	Hearing on Whether to Exercise the Town's First Refusal Option to Purchase Land on Washington Street - 7:10 pm
G. License Transactions	British Beer Company - Change of Manager - 7:10 pm
H. Presentations/Discussions	Auditors
I. Subcommittee Reports	(Update provided during meeting)
J. Legislation for Action
1. Resolution 17-17 Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property at 121 Longhill Road	1. Resolution 17-17: Acceptance of Access Easement Over Property at 121 Longhill Road (Motion to Move Resolution 17-17: Majority vote (5))
2. Resolution 17-18: Order of Franklin Town Council, Exercising Town's G.L. Chapter 61, Section 8 First Refusal Option, Re: Land of William C. Roode and Jeanne M. Roode, Containing Approximately 12.5 Acres on Washing STreet...	2. Resolution 17-18: Order of Franklin Town Council, Exercising Town's G.L. Chapter 61, Section 8 First Refusal Option, RE: Land of William C. Roode and Jeanne M. Roode, Containing Approximately 12.5 Acres on Washington Street, Title Reference: Norfolk Registry of Deeds Book 5501, Page 521 (Motion to Move Resolution 17-18: 2/3/Majority vote (6))
3. Resolution 17-19: Redirect Bond Proceeds	3. Resolution 17-19: Redirect Bond Proceeds (Motion to Move Resolution 17-19: Majority vote (5))
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Chapter 179, Water - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787 to a 2nd Reading: Majority vote (5))	4. Bylaw Amendment 17-787: Chapter 179, Water - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-787 to a 2nd Reading: Majority vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report	Town Administrator's Report
L. Future Agenda Items	Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments	Council Comments
N. Executive Session	Executive Session - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining -  all Municipal units
O. Adjourn	O. Adjourn

large street crossing downtown Franklin

Superintendent Search: Candidate Resumes and Remaining Schedule

The resumes of the two candidates for Franklin School Superintendent are available below. The Community Forum is scheduled for Monday evening at 6:30 PM.

Based upon what occurred the last time, the candidates will appear separately. They will have an opportunity to make some opening remarks, the community will get to ask questions, and the candidate will be allowed to make a summary statement. 

There'll be a brief break between candidates and the candidate process will repeat.

The candidates are scheduled for a day of visit to the Franklin Schools with meetings scheduled with the principals and asst principals, Central Office, and the teachers and staff. Peter Light is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21. Sara Ahern is scheduled for Thursday, March 23.

The School Committee will make their site visits to the respective candidate districts between March 27 and March 31. 

Those who participate in the Community Forum and visits will be provided a link to a survey to submit feedback on the candidates.

All the information will be gathered by the School Committee and lead to their discussion and decision at an April 4th meeting of the Committee.











The audio recording of the special School Committee meeting Wednesday, March 15 can be found here:
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/03/fm-128-special-school-committee-mtg.html

Franklin High School in a snow covered sunrise

Tri-County Regional Opens Summer Camp Registration

Tri-County Regional’s summer camp program, “Tri-County Summer STEAM Camp” is now accepting registrations.

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 refine valuable STEAM skills during the summer months.

“Parents and teachers agree, summer is the perfect time to enjoy activities that interest our children and continue authentic learning,” said Jean George, Director of Vocational Education at Tri-County. “Tri-County Summer STEAM Camp offers opportunities to have fun and become familiar with 21st century careers.”

http://www.tri-county.tc/Summer-Camps

Several of Tri-County’s most popular camps, including Minecraft Camp and Engineering Camp, will be offered once again this year. We are introducing an Art Adventures Camp that will offer students to learn about graphic design. Full camp descriptions are available on the high school’s website.

Camps will be offered in five, one-week sessions beginning on July 17 and ending on August 18. The cost of each camp will be $210. Enrollment in each program is limited to students entering grades 6, 7, and 8 in September 2017. 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, visit http://www.tri-county.tc/Summer-Camps.

Tri-County RVTHS, located at 147 Pond Street in Franklin, is a recipient of the High Schools That Work Gold Achievement Award and serves the communities of Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Norfolk, North Attleborough, Plainville, Seekonk, Sherborn, Walpole, and Wrentham.

FHS boys basketball falls to Cambridge in State Final

"There’s a reason that Cambridge Rindge and Latin came into Saturday’s Division 1 State Final riding a 44 game winning streak. 

The Falcons’ talent was on full display, and they got the most out of their size advantage to pick up their 45th straight win and second consecutive state championship with a 70-43 win over Franklin. 

While the Panthers kept close for the first quarter, Cambridge built a double-digit lead going into the halftime break and never looked back. 

“It wasn’t our best game, but [Cambridge] does a lot to make that happen,” said Franklin head coach CJ Neely. “This wasn’t like the teams we had played during the year, when you drive to the lane, you get some space, all of a sudden there’s a 6’9 guy there cleaning everything up. It’s hard, he’s a good player and a difference maker for those guys in the interior."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-boys-basketball-falls-to-cambridge-in-state-championship/

Franklin’s Chris Edgehill attempts to dribble past Cambridge’s Kareem Octavien in the first half. (Ryan Lanigan/HockomockSports.com)

MassBudget: How the President's budget would affect Massachusetts

Three resources

MassBudget    Information.    Participation.  Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center    Democracy. Resources on What the President's  Budget Would Mean for Massachusetts Following President Trump's budget outline this week, we invite you to listen to MassBudget President Noah Berger interviewed by Radio Boston's Deborah Becker on WBUR about what the particular effects could look like for Massachusetts. This Center on Budget and Policy Priorities paper provides a national perspective describing what the President's proposal would mean for schools, affordable housing, home energy assistance, and other state and local programs. And -- more relevant than ever -- those who missed it can read our analysis published last month, Partnership in Peril: Federal Funding at Risk for State Programs Relied on by Massachusetts Residents. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, 15 Court Square, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02108 Sent by pbaxandall@massbudget.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Solutions announces 5-Week Program for Summer 2017

A daylong summer program open to children entering Kindergarten through Fifth Grade


The Solutions Extended Day/Enrichment Program, a program of the Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute, is pleased to announce it will be offering a 5-week summer program located at the Oak Street Elementary School. 

Solutions, known for its affordable, safe and enriching before and after school programs will offer a daylong summer adventure program beginning July 10, 2017. There will be five theme based weeks for children to attend: Spy Kids, Fantastic Beasts, Science Rocks, The Gold Rush, and I Love Disney!

The program is led by the professional school year staff who plan a variety of enriching activities such as arts & crafts, science experiments, water play, and dramatic play. Each week there is also a special visitor or show to add to the fun. 

Registration is currently open online at www.franklinlifelonglearning.com. For more information, contact the Solutions Program Office at 508-613-1771 or solutions@franklin.k12.ma.us.

http://www.franklinlifelonglearning.com/solutions_program/index.php

ABOUT US: Established in 1999, Solutions is committed to providing enriching, educational and recreational opportunities for our students. The program enables Franklin Public Schools to respond to the needs of our students and their families. 

The Solutions program was created in an effort to continue to expand the cultural, educational, and athletic experiences of elementary school children. Frequently there are requests for additional experiences beyond those possible during the traditional school day. In addition, many parents/guardians have expressed the need for a safe and enriching program before and after school to accommodate the needs of a working family.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Jennifer Maitland at 508-613-1772 or email at maitlandj@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Jennifer Maitland
Associate Director
Solutions Extended Day/Enrichment Program
Franklin Public Schools
(508) 613-1772