Tuesday, June 25, 2019

FHS Alexander = MVP, several FHS named to boys, girls Hockomock League Lacross All Stars

Below are the official 2019 Hockomock League Boys Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Jacob Alexander, Franklin

Hockomock League All Stars
Will Davis, Franklin
Patrick Morrison, Franklin
Jacob Alexander, Franklin
Nitin Chaudhury, Franklin
Benjamin Kolb, Franklin
Will Harvey, Franklin
Jake Davis, Franklin
Matthew Lazzaro, Franklin

Below are the official 2019 Hockomock League Girls Lacrosse All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league.

Hockomock League MVP
Alana Tavares, Taunton

Hockomock League All Stars
Gianna Cameron, Franklin
Kelsey MacCallum, Franklin
Hailey Toolin, Franklin
Annie Walsh, Franklin
Erin Walsh, Franklin


For other selections to the boys lacrosse all stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-boys-lacrosse-all-stars/

For other selections to the girls lacrosse all stars
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-girls-lacrosse-all-stars/

FHS Alexander = MVP, several named to boys, girls Hockomock League Lacross All Stars
FHS Alexander = MVP, several named to boys, girls Hockomock League Lacross All Stars

"Humans have made 8.3bn tons of plastic since 1950"

The Guardian continues their series on The United States of Plastic:
"This is the illustrated story of where it's gone

‘There was this moment I realized ... I can account for all humanity’s plastic.’ Illustration: Susie Cagle/The Guardian

Until recently we didn’t know how much plastic was piling up around us. When we found out, the picture wasn’t pretty"

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/jun/23/all-the-plastic-ever-made-study-comic

Humans have made 8.3bn tons of plastic since 1950
Humans have made 8.3bn tons of plastic since 1950

FTC - Consumer Alerts: There are no “quick fixes” to clean up your credit




FTC - Consumer Alerts: There are no “quick fixes” to clean up your credit
by Lisa Lake, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

If you're trying to clean up your credit, you'll come across plenty of companies offering an easy fix. But any company promising instant results for a price is likely a scam.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/06/there-are-no-quick-fixes-clean-your-credit-0?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Monday, June 24, 2019

FM #167 - Joint Budget Subcommittee Meeting - June 19, 2019 (audio)

FM #167

This internet radio show or podcast is number 167 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, June 19, 2019. The joint budget subcommittee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee and supported by members of the Town Administration as well as the School District Central Office.

Plans have started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget. The specific amount and details remain to be finalized. The timing of the override vote also remains to be determined.

My notes from the meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/we-will-need-to-consider-override-on-fy.html

The one page handout with the projected deficits referred to
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/the-projected-budget-deficits-for.html

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-june.html

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 90 minutes).




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Additional References:
The prior Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting was held in Sep 2018
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-sep.html


This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can always use your help.

How can you help?

In particular, if you have an interest in real estate, zoning, or construction, I would like someone to help us by following the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and or the Conservation Commission meetings. I’ll provide the guidance on note taking and sharing. You need to bring an inquisitive, open mind, and willingness to learn and share.

Overall:
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like this, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

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You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

The projected budget deficits for Franklin FY 2021 and beyond

The one page spreadsheet depicts the projected budget deficits facing Franklin for fiscal year 2021 and beyond. This page was part of the handout for the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting on June 19, 2019. 

Plans have started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget. The specific amount and details remain to be finalized. The timing of the override vote also remains to be determined.

Agenda doc
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/joint-budget-subcommittee-meeting-june.html 


As acknowledged in the meeting, these numbers are projections. The rationale and timing for 'finalizing' the numbers is outlined by Town Administrator Jamie Hellen is captured in the audio recording of the meeting:
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html

You can download a copy of the spreadsheet
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UMZFs6fJxSHB6gj_yKVCldt2oOjd8jPg/view?usp=sharing




Franklin FY 2021 and future projected budget deficits
Franklin FY 2021 and future projected budget deficits

Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - now hiring

BFCCPS is growing and over the last few months we have completed phone screens, first round interviews, second round interviews and model lessons in the classroom. We are so thankful for the support of teachers, faculty and students for participating in this process.

We have met a number of incredibly talented and passionate educators that we are thrilled to add to the team for the 2019-2020 school year. 

At this time, hiring for the following position and job postings are available on our website, learn more and apply here: https://tinyurl.com/y5p8ckxj


  • Inclusion Assistants
  • Inclusion Teachers
  • Grade 5 Teacher (2 openings)
  • Grades 7/8 Science Teacher
  • Library/Technology Teacher
  • Grade 1 Classroom Assistant
  • Grade 2 Classroom Assistant
  • Grade 4 Classroom Assistant
  • New Teacher Coach
  • Speech-Language Pathology Assistant
  • EL Teacher
  • French Teacher (grades 3-5)
  • Technology Specialist
  • Lunch Coordinator
  • Lunch Server
  • Maintenance Staff
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - now hiring
Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter Public School - now hiring
This was shared from the BFCCPS Facebook post



FHS' Marr, Herur, Saripalli, and Mahotra selected as Hockomock League tennis all stars

Below are the official 2019 Hockomock League Boys Tennis All Stars, selected by the coaches in the league. I share the Franklin representatives here. The full listing is linked to below.

Hockomock League MVP
Luke Nickerson, Mansfield

Hockomock League All Stars
Liam Marr, Franklin
Rohan Herur, Franklin
Saketh Saripalli, Franklin
Vayshnav Malhotra, Franklin

For the remainder of the boys tennis All Star listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-boys-tennis-all-stars/

For the girls tennis all star listing
https://hockomocksports.com/2019-hockomock-league-girls-tennis-all-stars/

FHS Panthers
FHS Panthers

 

Register O'Donnell Reminds Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges



Norfolk County Registry of Deeds

Register O'Donnell Reminds Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges

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

The Register stated, "When a mortgage has been paid off, a mortgage discharge document needs to be recorded with the Registry of Deeds to clear a homeowner's property title relative to that loan. A discharge is a document (typically one-two pages) issued by the lender, usually with a title such as "Discharge of Mortgage" or "Satisfaction of Mortgage."

"In some cases," noted O'Donnell, "discharges are filed directly by banks or settlement closing attorneys with the Registry as part of a property sale or as a result of a refinancing transaction. In other instances, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who then becomes responsible for making sure the document is recorded. Whether or not a discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is important that the property owner makes sure all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds."

"One way for a homeowner to check their title," noted O'Donnell, "is by accessing the Registry's online records at www.norfolkdeeds.org and verifying if all mortgages associated with the property have been discharged. Please remember not having a mortgage discharged will result in a title issue and thereby impact the process of selling one's home."

The Register further noted 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. In other cases, financial entities have merged with another lending institution."

If a property owner needs to retrieve an original discharge of 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 x-1 and then x-61501. Another option is to access the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation website www.fdic.gov. Then find the BankFind tab approximately half way down the home page, put in the lending institution in question, then click on the lending institution link and you will be able to determine who has responsibility 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 have peace of mind that they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Being on top of what is required will go a long way in giving the homeowner assurances that they have clear title to their property. I strongly urge homeowners to make sure their mortgage discharge has been filed with the Registry of Deeds once their mortgage has been paid off."

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is staffed with a team of customer service representatives who can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM 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 and/or 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 via telephone 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
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Picture This: Your Great Outdoors Photo Contest 2019

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Do you appreciate the outdoors and enjoy taking photographs that celebrate your connection with nature? Then you and Picture This: Your Great Outdoors, Mass Audubon’s annual statewide photo contest, are a picture-perfect fit. 
Picture This welcomes shutterbugs of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience to share the natural beauty of the Bay State through their photography. The competition, which each year attracts hundreds of photographers who submit thousands of images, is now under way and continues through Monday, Sept. 30. 
Participants can enter in either 18-and-older or Under-18 age categories and can focus on six subject areas: People in Nature, Birds, Mammals, Other Animals, Landscapes, and Plants and Fungi. Contestants can submit up to 10 images. 
Photographs can have been taken any time prior to or during the 2019 contest period, but must have been shot in Massachusetts or at Mass Audubon’s Wildwood Camp in Rindge, NH."

Continue reading the article online
https://franklin.wickedlocal.com/news/20190623/picture-this-mass-audubons-statewide-photo-contest-under-way

Additional info can be found at the Mass Audubon page
https://www.massaudubon.org/news-events/photo-contest

Picture This: Your Great Outdoors Photo Contest 2019
Picture This: Your Great Outdoors Photo Contest 2019

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - June 25, 2019

Vision Statement
The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A
“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”


1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments
i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH
c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. none

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – Second Reading/Adoption
I recommend adoption of Policy BGC – Policy Review and Revision as detailed.
b. Revised 2019-2020 School Calendar
I recommend approval of the revised 2019-2020 School Calendar as discussed.

4. Discussion Only Items
a. Annual Report
b. School Wellness Advisory Council (SWAC) – End of Year Report
c. Substance Abuse Task Force (SATF) – End of Year Report

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations; Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC], MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the Minutes from your June 11, 2019 School Committee meeting as detailed.
b. Executive Session Minutes
I recommend approval of the Executive Session Minutes from your June 11, 2019 School Committee meeting to be released.
c. Transfers
I recommend approval of the Budget Transfers as detailed.
d. Solutions Program Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $250.00 from the Franklin Cultural Council for supplemental supplies for the Solutions Program as detailed.
e. ECDC Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $5,000.00 from Big Y Foods for supplemental supplies at ECDC as detailed.
f. Parmenter Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $650.00 from the Parmenter PCC for inhouse enrichment as detailed.
g. Athletics Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $650.00 from the FHS Class of 1967 for in-house enrichment for the Athletics Program.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence – none

11. Executive Session
a. Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 30A, §21(a)(3) to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the FEA as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the School Committee and the chair so declares.

12. Adjournment

The agenda document can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_6-25-19.pdf

The documents released for this meeting (before and after) can be found
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/june-25-2019-school-committee-meeting-packet

the gardens are growing at Davis Thayer (taken June 8, 2019)
the gardens are growing at Davis Thayer (taken June 8, 2019)

Franklin, MA: Town Council - Agenda - June 26, 2019

The published agenda and documents for the Franklin Town Council meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, 2019

You can also find the full set of documents in one PDF
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/town_council_meeting_agenda_for_june_26_2019.pdf

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


Agenda ItemSummary
Town Council Meeting Agenda
Meeting of June 26, 2019
1. ANNOUNCEMENTS
a. This meeting is being recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast Channel 11 and Verizon Channel 29. This meeting may be recorded by others.
2. CITIZENS COMMENTS
a. 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.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. May 22, 2019
b. May 23, 2019
4. PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS
a. Kevin Petriello- Finance Intern
b. Swearing in of Police Officer, Police Sergeant and New Firefighter
5. APPOINTMENTS
a. Annual Board/Committee Appointments
b. Reappointment of Election Workers
6. HEARINGS
None
7. LICENSE TRANSACTIONS
None
8. PRESENTATIONS/DISCUSSIONS
a. Franklin July 4th Coalition
9. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Capital Budget Subcommittee
b. Budget Subcommittee
c. Economic Development Subcommittee
10. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
10a. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-41: Acceptance of Gift-Police Department (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-41 - Majority Vote (5))
10b. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-42: Appropriation Transfers FY19 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-42 - Majority Vote (5))
10c. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-43: Appropriation FY19 Capital Plan Round 2 (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-43 - Majority Vote (5))
10d. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-44: Appropriation Public Safety Communications Infrastructure (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-44 - Majority Vote (5))
10e. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-45: Appropriation Wage Settlement Account (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-45 - Majority Vote (5))
10f. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-46: Appropriation Historical Museum Artifacts Preservation (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-46 - Majority Vote (5))
10g. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-47: Authority For Town Administrator to Negotiate and Execute Tax Agreement with Owner Of Ground-Mounted Solar Facility Located Off Spring Street (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-47 - Majority Vote (5))
10h. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
Resolution 19-48: Dissolution of the Franklin Community Garden Committee (Motion to Approve Resolution 19-48  Majority Vote (5))
10i. LEGISLATION FOR ACTION
19-843: Bylaw Amendment- Chapter 25 Human Resource Management - 2nd Reading (Motion to Adopt Bylaw Amendment 19-843 - Majority Vote (5))
11. TOWN ADMINISTRATORS REPORT
12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
13. COUNCIL COMMENTS
14. EXECUTIVE SESSION
None Scheduled
15. ADJOURN

The 4th of July schedule is shared at the Town Council meeting June 26, 2019
The 4th of July schedule is shared at the Town Council meeting June 26, 2019
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/mai/files/8a._4th_of_july.pdf

Solid Waste mailer - PDF copy to keep handy

The Solid Waste mailer should have arrived in your mail this week. It has the updated schedule for  pick delays for the holidays. It has the yard waste pick up days as well as the Christmas tree pick up week. Yes, in summer time we'll both have forgotten when the tree pick up will be. But we'll have a copy available via PDF here or on the Town of Franklin page to go to when we need it.

Franklin Matters copy
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iuZGcAGYSZv-UsIXw1ekZ2MWR59RUHBC/view?usp=sharing

Town of Franklin copy
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/franklin_2019_2020_mailer.pdf





Solid Waste mailer - PDF copy to keep handy
Solid Waste mailer - PDF copy to keep handy

In the News: 100 years of the 19th Amendment; ZēLUS Beer designed specifically active lifestyle

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts ratified the 19th Amendment 100 years ago, ensuring a woman’s right to vote. Though more women are running for office and casting more ballots than men, female elected officials are still in the minority. Women make up 28.5% of the Massachusetts Legislature. 
When Shirley Anita Chisholm, the first black congresswoman in the United States, met 6-year-old Yvonne Spicer, she said her job was “to help people.” 
Spicer, who lived in the congresswoman’s hometown of Brooklyn, New York, was immediately enamored by her. 
“I think about that experience and where that seed was being planted when I was six,” said Spicer, Framingham’s mayor and the first African-American woman popularly elected mayor in Massachusetts."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190623/womens-right-to-vote-is-no-guarantee-for-equal-representation




"ZēLUS Beer was designed specifically for your active lifestyle"

"Though the Zelus Beer Company launched in 2015, the Medfield brewer has been somewhat incognito, operating from an office and warehouse not open to the public. 
The company is set to change that soon; it has been building a “tap room” at 1 Green St. to feature its offerings, and plans to open it in coming days. 
Company founder Geoffrey Pedder said the company - named for Zelus, the Greek personification of competition and rivalry - began with the intent of connecting to anyone who’s active. 
“It was designed and developed with athletes in mind,” he said. “We do want to be known as the home for wellness beers, which is a big segment of the market.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190622/new-tap-room-for-medfield-brewer

According the the Zelus webpage, the tap room is indeed open
https://www.zelusbeer.com/home


Zelus Beer Company
Zelus Beer Company