Monday, September 11, 2017

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds: Register O'Donnell Announces August '17 Real Estate Results



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Announces August '17 Norfolk County Real Estate Results

With reduced sales and mortgage activity, the Norfolk County real estate market faced challenges in August of 2017.

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell noted, "There are challenges taking place within the Norfolk County real estate market. The total number of real estate sales, both residential and commercial, was 1,851, a 5% reduction from August of 2016. The average sales price for the month was $684,661, a 22% drop-off from the previous year.

"In addition, the total volume of real estate activity, for residential and commercial, was $872,258,838, a 26% decrease from the same time period in 2016. This percentage decrease, however, can be attributable in part to one transaction: the $205 million sale of Westwood Station that took place in August 2016."

Lending activity also showed reduced volume during August. Register O'Donnell noted, "The total number of mortgages recorded during the month was 2,631 compared to 3,511 recorded in August 2016. The total volume of mortgage financing for the month was $1.1 billion, a 31% reduction year over year. Clearly, consumers are being very cautious when it comes to incurring debt."

One piece of optimistic news for the month was the reduced number of foreclosure deed filings. A total of 20 foreclosure deeds were recorded in August compared to 32 recordings in August 2016, a reduction of 37%. In addition, there was a significant reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage filings, the first step in the foreclosure process as 32 Notice to Foreclose Mortgage documents were recorded compared to 96 the previous August, amounting to a 66% decrease.

O'Donnell noted, "While one foreclosure deed filing is one too many, I am encouraged that the trend lines continue to point in the right direction. I want to remind those who are struggling with paying their mortgage payment that the Registry continues to have a partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs at (617) 479-8181 x-376 and Neighbor Works Southern Mass at (508) 598-0950. These agencies can help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage. Another option for those struggling with their mortgage payment is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at (617) 727-8400."

On another consumer front, Homestead recordings showed a small decrease from the previous year. A total of 1,326 Homesteads were filed in August 2017, resulting in a 3% decrease compared to the same period last year. "A Homestead is an important consumer benefit which provides limited protection against the forced sale of your primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000," noted the Register.

In conclusion, Register O'Donnell stated, "While I was disappointed with Norfolk County real estate numbers for August, I believe the numbers are explainable. Low levels of inventory continue to hamper real estate sales and mortgage activity financing is dampened by the slight increases in mortgage 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, 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 at 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
Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831

Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact


Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service
Norfolk Deeds - Consumer Alert Service

VA Home Loan Home Buyer Seminar - Sep 19

Sadly, 5% of Massachusetts Veteran's use their VA home loan benefits, the lowest in the country. Most Veteran's are unaware they have these well deserved benefits. 

Please come and learn the significant financial rewards of the Veteran's Home Loan Guarantee Program and how you can become a homeowner today.

http://www.burbsofboston.com/va-home-loan-home-buyer-seminar/

When:  Tuesday, Sep 19, 2017  6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Where: VFW, 1034 Pond St., Franklin, MA

VA Home Loan Home Buyer Seminar - Sep 19
VA Home Loan Home Buyer Seminar - Sep 19

"all very positive things about the district”

Devyn Forcina, Editor of Pantherbook, interviews Dr Sara Ahern, the Superintendent of Franklin Public Schools.

“I want everyone to know that I want to know about their experience at, and about, Franklin public schools”, says Dr. Sara Ahern, the new superintendent of Franklin Public Schools. Dr. Ahern is a passionate, caring, and enthusiastic educator who I had the pleasure of interviewing last week. In this article, you can learn more about our new superintendent.
Continue reading the article online
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2017/09/08/dr-ahern-putting-the-super-in-superintendent/


Dr Ahern answers questions during the community forum earlier this year
Dr Ahern answers questions during the community forum earlier this year

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - Sep 13, 2017

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, September 13, 2017

(Note: where there are active links in the agenda item, it will take you to the associated document)


You can also download and review the 166 pages of documents released for this agenda
http://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/september_13_2017_town_council_agenda.pdf


Agenda ItemSummary


A. Approval of Minutes
A. Approval of Minutes - August 9, 2017 - (Motion to Approve August 9, 2017 Meeting Minutes - Majority vote - (5))
B. Announcements
B. Announcements -
1. 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
C. Proclamations/Recognitions - Swearing in of Firefighters
D. Citizen Comments
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 reivew the matter.
E. Appointments
E. Appointments
F. Hearings
F. Hearings - Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, in an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 7:10 pm
G. License Transactions
G. License Transactions:
1. Ashadeep, Inc. d/b/a Union Street Wine & Liquors - Change in Officer/Director, Transfer of Stock - 7:10 pm
2. 99 Restaurant - Change in Officer/Director - 7:10 pm
H. Presentations/Discussions
H. Presentations/Discussions - Franklin 4th of July Committee
I. Subcommittee Reports
I. Subcommittee Reports
J. Legislation for Action
J. Legislation for Action:
1. Resolution 17-52: Transfer of Two Town-Owned Parcels of Vacant Land to Care, Etc of the Conservation Commision (Motion to Move Resolution 17-52 - 2/3 Majority vote (6)
2. Resolution 17-53: Disolution of Horace Mann Statue Committee (Motion to Move Resolution 17-53 - Majority vote (5))
3. Resolution 17-54: Franklin Green Community Designation (Motion to Move Resolution 17-54 - Majority vote (5))
4. Bylaw Amendment 17-796: Chapter 63, Buildings, Numbering of - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Bylaw Amendment 17-796 to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5))
5. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R: Zoning Map Changes from Business and Commercial II to Single Family Residential IV and Commercial I, In an Area on or Near Union, Cottage, and Saxon Streets - 1st Reading (Motion to Move Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-795R to a 2nd Reading - Majority vote (5))
6. Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797: Setbacks for Accessory Building and Structures - Referral to Planning Board (Motion to refer Zoning Bylaw Amendment 17-797 to the Planning Board - Majority vote (5))
K. Town Administrator's Report
K. Town Administrator's Report - Update on Town Council Goals
L. Future Agenda Items
L. Future Agenda Items
M. Council Comments
M. Council Comments
N. Executive Session
N. Executive Session
O. Adjourn
O. Adjourn

the Library renovation is nearing completion. The temporary location will close  on Sep 16 to begin the move back to 118 Main St
the Library renovation is nearing completion. The temporary location will close
on Sep 16 to begin the move back to 118 Main St

The Updated Franklin Candidate listing for Election Nov 7, 2017

From Teresa Burr, Franklin Town Clerk:

As of Friday, September 8, 2017 the following list of residents had taken out nomination papers for the upcoming Biennial Town Election this November 7, 2017


Town Council – 9 Seats


  • Deborah L. Pellegri - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Judith Pond Pfeffer - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Glenn Jones - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Andrew Bissanti - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Thomas D. Mercer - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Robert Dellorco - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Peter E. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election
  • Matthew Kelly – Candidate for Re-Election
  • Eamon McCarthy-Earls
  • Melanie Hamblen
  • Patrick Casey
  • Anthony D. Padula
  • Benjamin M. Terry
  • Mickey Lee Whitmore


School Committee – 7 Seats


  • Anne K. Bergen – Candidate for Re-Election
  • Cynthia Douglas - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Denise L. Schultz - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Mary Jane Scofield – Candidate for Re-Election
  • Dr. Monica Linden
  • Alexandra Porter-Marques
  • Virginia (Gigi) Zub
  • Dianne C. Feeley


Planning Board – 2 Seats


  • Joseph Halligan - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Anthony D. Padula – Candidate for Re-Election


Planning Board –Associate – 1 Seat


  • Richard W. Power, Sr.


Board of Health – 1 Seat


  • Bruce J. Hunchard - Candidate for Re-Election
  • Bridget Sweet


Board of Assessors – 1 Seat


  • Christopher K. Feeley – Candidate for Re-Election

You can also find this listing on the Town of Franklin webpage


Franklin Election Collection - 2017



FHS girls soccer tie Algonquin 1-1

From Hockomock Sports and Twitter, we share the results of the FHS girls soccer game against Algonquin on Saturday. The only scheduled match for FHS this weekend.

Girls Soccer
Franklin, 1 vs. Algonquin, 1 – Final 
– Freshman Erin Quaile scored the goal for the Panther off an assist by sophomore Carly Alston.

For other results around the Hockomock League on Saturday
https://hockomocksports.com/saturdays-schedule-scoreboard-090917/


FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St

The Franklin Public Library is closing the Temporary Location (25 Kenwood Circle) on Saturday, September 16. 

The Library will be closed for approximately four weeks. If you have holds, check their status to see if the pickup location has been changed. If placing a hold, please change the pickup location to a nearby library.

Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St
Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St

Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music at THE BLACK BOX

The Acme Jazz Quartet kicks off an exciting new season of live music at THE BLACK BOX, downtown Franklin’s theater, music and event venue, on Friday, September 15 at 8 p.m. The Quartet features Kenny Hadley (drums), Mark White (guitar), Mark Poniatowski (bass) and Arnie Krakowsky (saxophone), four world-class musicians whose performance resumes include a long list of music royalty. 

A suburban hub for great music, THE BLACK BOX presents wide-ranging music entertainment, slated to include a Big Band Brunch, classical concert, cabaret performances, New England Artist Series events and more this fall. The home of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC), THE BLACK BOX is located at 15 West Central Street.

Drummer Kenny Hadley has performed with Van Morrison, Dizzy Gillespie, Peter Wolf, The Drifters and Rebecca Parris. His acclaimed Kenny Hadley Big Band has shared the stage with the Count Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra and has hosted guest soloists including Clark Terry and Louie Bellson. 
 
Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music  at THE BLACK BOX
Acme Jazz Quartet Kicks Off New Season of Live Music  at THE BLACK BOX

Bassist Mark Poniatowski is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. His extensive performing experience includes the Manchester Jazz and Blues Festival with the Toni Lynn Washington Band and the Boston Blues Festival with Joe Bargar and the Soul Providers, as well as with Sid Caesar, Floyd Dixon, Janiva Magness, Rita Moreno and Junior Watson. 

Poniatowski’s recordings include “Mississippi Moan” with the Bruce Katz Band and “The George Carlin Show” soundtrack. Guitarist Mark White has performed with the Boston Pops under Keith Lockhart, Boston Musica Viva under Richard Pitman, and the New England Ragtime Ensemble under Gunther Schuller, as well as with the Empire Brass Quintet, George Russell, Gil Evans and Anthony Braxton, and numerous theatre engagements with touring Broadway companies. 

A Professor of Guitar at Berklee College of Music, Mark White has taught over 25 clinics for Berklee in Ecuador, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Germany, Italy, Japan and Korea. Saxophonist Arnie Krakowsky has performed with Dick Johnson and the Artie Shaw Orchestra, the Lionel Hampton Band, Phil Woods, Dave McKenna, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Jr., and Tony Bennett. His recordings include “Where the Tenor Meets the Bone” and “Is It Minor Yours.”

Tickets for the September 15th evening with the Acme Jazz Quartet are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. A cash bar is available. For tickets and more information, visit www.THEBLACKBOXonline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

Fall Registration Open at Lifelong Community Learning



Franklin Public Schools
Lifelong Community Learning 
Formerly The Center for Adult Education and Community Learning

Newsletter
 Fall / Winter
September 2017      
SPOTLIGHT

Public Safety Partnership


Citizen Police Academy 
Beginning September 13

Women's Self-Defense Workshop 

Beginning October 16

Home Alone Safety

Grades 1-5October 17
For more information 
& to register 
Join Our Mailing List
Please share this newsletter with friends and family. So they can join our mailing list and get this newsletter, too!


And Then There's This



Community Walking Wellness Challenge

For more information    

          Click Here   


* * * * * * * 


Lifelong Community Learning
218 Oak Street
 Franklin, MA 02038
Dear Reader ... It's Fall. Well ..... ALMOST.
    So we wanted to let you know that registration is open. AND we have some new, fun offerings as well as returning programs and a whole lot more .............  Happy reading!
            
                           Brenda Reed, Director



 Lifelong Community Learning
                  Fall / Winter Catalog  

                 Fall / Winter Brochure

                                        * * * * * * *


    Dance, Exercise and Wellness
Expanded  session this fall
Now 14 weeks
  
                    For more information                  and to Register Click Here  

                                        * * * * * * * 

Kid's Corner 
Where fun and learning meet
 Kids' Corner Franklin, a program of Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute and The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning, is a unique collection of after school activities for children with the goal of making learning fun. Classes are small, relaxed and designed to encourage children's creativity......a place where fun and learning meet.

For more information 
& to Register 



For more information 
& to Register Click Here
An Evening of Wine 
Tasting and Art





This could be the perfect class for you!
Paint Your Pet In An Autumn Scene AND Help The Purrfect Cat Shelter, Too! 

For more information 
and to Register Click Here 
And
  so much more
Expanded Sports Schedule, Cooking, Wine Tasting, Digital Photography, Language, AND Special Events.

There's so much planned for this Fall. Check us out online and take advantage of our fun, affordable classes.
       
          www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com 
       click on Lifelong Community Learning               
     Proud to be part of the Franklin Public Schools.

FPS- Lifelong Learning, 355 East Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038

Sent by reedb@franklinps.net in collaboration with
Constant Contact

United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Legislative Update Sponsor Opportunity

Legislative Update with Featured Speaker, Congressman Joseph Kennedy III
  • September 20th
  • 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Dean College


http://files.constantcontact.com/7263d634001/e4b30ba7-9a22-4847-a494-4009c47b4466.png
Sponsor the Legislative Update lunch at the following levels:

Platinum Sponsor
$2,000.00 - 1 available - Name and logo on all materials and signage for the event - Bio and company information to be put on website - 4 tickets to the event - Ad on Chamber website for 6 months

Diamond Sponsor
$1,000.00 - 2 available - All of the above excluding the story and bio on website, smaller logo and typeface, positioned below the platinum - 2 tickets to event - Ad on the Chamber website for 3 months

Gold Sponsor
$500.00 - 4 available - Above excluding the tickets - Ad on the Chamber website for 1 month

Silver Sponsor
$250.00 - Event signage only

Table Sponsor 
$100.00 - Sign on table acknowledging the sponsorship

For more information, please call the chamber office at 508-316-0861.


United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Legislative Update Sponsor Opportunity
United Regional Chamber of Commerce: Legislative Update Sponsor Opportunity