MA Walking Tour Concert (video)

We shared the Massachusetts Walking Tour schedule here in June. This video shares some highlights of the walk as well as the concert that took place in Norfolk.

"The Massachusetts Walking Tour -- this year highlighting the local area’s Ten Mile River Watershed -- runs June 17 through 29. All on foot, the traveling musicians give a free concert in each community they stop at and host daily community hikes to bring awareness to local natural resources. In each town, they invite local performers to share the stage with them, promoting local arts and culture in the process.

Like traveling minstrels of old, songwriters Mark Mandeville and Raianne Richards are getting ready to pack up their instruments and other gear and take their show on the road.

The pair is marking the 10th year of their Massachusetts Walking Tour - this year highlighting the region’s Ten Mile River Watershed."

From June 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/in-news-massachusetts-walking-tour.html




Visit the Mass Walking Tour page for details on the route and concert schedule
http://masswalkingtour.org/2019-tour/

Massachusetts Walking Tour - 2019

FM #168 - Joint Budget Subcommittee Mtg 7/24/19 (audio)

FM #168

This internet radio show or podcast is number 168 in the series for Franklin Matters.

This recording shares the Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. The joint budget subcommittee is comprised of members of the Town Council, School Committee, and Finance Committee and is supported by members of the Town Administration as well as the School District Central Office.

Plans started for an override to be put before the voters for the FY 2021 budget at the meeting held in June meeting. This meeting picks up and provides some updates on events since the prior meeting. (Audio recording of the June meeting is linked below)

The Legislative Conference Committee has submitted their budget to the Governor who has 10 days to review, modify and approve the whole, or parts thereof. What went to the Governor is looking good for Franklin’s budget situation given the word from Senate President Spilka and Representative Roy. (Both their letters were share here earlier, links also provided below)

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern jointly authored a memo to the Governor regarding Franklin’s interest in the FY 2020 budget. (Copy attached)

Town Administrator Jamie Hellen also walked through an abridged version of the Five Year Fiscal Forecast for Franklin. (Copy attached)

There will be an open planning session on Sep 11 at the Senior Center at 6:30 PM. Additional details will be included as that announcement comes out.

Without further ado, here is the audio recording (approx 45 minutes).


-------------

Additional References:
The Joint Budget Subcommittee meeting of June 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/06/fm-167-joint-budget-subcommittee.html

Senate President Spilka letter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/legislature-passes-balanced-budget-with.html

Representative Roy letter
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/this-consensus-fiscal-year-2020-budget.html

The joint memo to the Governor
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lNwBM3PwuDbx7D03ys_DPZouGOoVHqVZ/view?usp=sharing

The abridged 5 Year Fiscal Forecast
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FZiTDKj0sOVFi9tdcYLObOayEq8id8kN/view?usp=sharing


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

 

1950's Car Show - August 10

A car show featuring vehicles from the 1950's is scheduled for the Benchmark Senior Living Center on Forge Hill Aug 10. Additional details in the flyer image.

1950's Car Show - August 10

Register O'Donnell Answers the Question - Where is My Deed?

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Answers the Question - Where is My Deed? When interacting with the general public, Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell and the staff of the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds are asked many questions relative to land documents. One of the most common questions asked is where is my deed? Register O'Donnell noted, "When a property transaction in Norfolk County takes place, a new deed is recorded here at the Registry of Deeds. This deed is a legal document affirming that a piece of property has been transferred from the seller (grantor) to the buyer (grantee). The filing fee for recording a deed, set by state statute, is $126.00." After a deed is recorded, Registry of Deeds personnel enter and scan the document into the Registry's computer system. The deed is then available for viewing via the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org. In addition to viewing the deed, anyone can print a non-certified copy of the deed, free of charge, from the website. A certified copy of the deed will cost $1.00 per page plus an additional $1.00 per document for postage if the request is made by regular mail. Further information about obtaining a copy of a certified deed can be had by calling the Registry's Customer Service Center, Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM, at 781-461-6101. Register O'Donnell pointed out that while the recording, online storing, viewing and printing a copy of a deed is pretty straight forward, there are some private companies that take advantage of a property owner's desire for a copy of their deed. "Norfolk County residents," stated O'Donnell, "are receiving solicitations from private companies stating they can obtain a copy of their deed for an outrageous fee of $86.00. Under no circumstances should someone fall for this deed scam. As stated above, viewing of all land documents, including deeds, recorded in Norfolk County are available online via www.norfolkdeeds.org. A non-certified copy of a deed can be printed free while a certified copy can be obtained for a nominal fee. If someone gets one of these deed scam solicitations, throw it away or if you have a question, contact our Customer Service Center at the 781-461-6101 number." In conclusion, Register O'Donnell noted, "For most individuals, a home is the most important economic possession they have. They want to make sure their deed is recorded accurately and is easily accessible if needed. In Norfolk County, we achieve these goals each and every day. While many people want a certified copy of their deed for peace of mind, the important thing to note is that it is available online via our website www.norfolkdeeds.org." 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 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 email marketing for free today!

Register O'Donnell Answers the Question - Where is My Deed?

“The way that the pills came to New England wasn’t from the local prescription pad”

Following up on the database released by the Washington Post with the opioid pills by manufacturer and distributor, the Boston Globe has an article on the single pharmacy in MA doing the most volume. The story within the data has many factors. The article also quotes Dr Ruth Potee who has been featured by the SAFE Coalition.

"Little about the appearance of the only CVS store in this picturesque old mill city of 17,000 suggests anything remarkable.

The cream-colored 24-hour pharmacy occupies a plaza wedged between a brick public elementary school and a storefront business that prepares tax returns.

But this CVS in the northern part of the state’s Pioneer Valley bears a dubious distinction: From 2006 to 2012, the pharmacy received the largest number of opioid painkillers of any neighborhood drugstore in Massachusetts, taking in 5.3 million hydrocodone and oxycodone pills from pharmaceutical distributors, according to recently released federal data.

The data, which The Washington Post and other media outlets recently obtained from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, has stirred concerns about the painkillers that poured into this Western Massachusetts city."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/07/28/one-drugstore-dispensed-lot-painkillers-but-that-not-whole-story/knyhZsDzpA8gbHL8WggXEM/story.html

The post from last week

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/how-much-hydrocodone-and-oxycodone-went.html

 

 

Dr. Ruth Potee noted that many pills arrive in New England from places other than local pharmacies.(Steven G. Smith for The Boston Globe)

Town Council - Recap - July 24, 2019

With a full Town Council membership present for the only meeting in July, the Council took care of business in just under an hour.

Three new fire fighters were sworn in and made the congratulatory rounds

Benjamin Connell, Dana Kent, and Mathew LaFleur being sworn in by Town Clerk Teresa Burr

It was no surprise that one of the public hearings scheduled was moved to a future meeting. The matter concerning the West Central Street Zoning was moved to September 18, 2019 at 7:10 PM. This is the matter currently in the courts concerning the D'Errico proposal for the property that the Planning Board denied a resubmittal of.

Clearview Drive was formally accepted as a road by the Town continuing their efforts to reduce the number of roads in this 'unaccepted' cagtegory.

The water ban was mentioned during the Town Administrators update. The root cause has not been finalized but it seems to have been caused by lightning. The machinery is operational and the DPW is waiting for the holding tanks to return to acceptable levels before releasing the ban. There was no timeline indicated for this but hopefully it will be soon.  Due to the quick response by DPW and Fire Dept the damage was limited and may amount to a couple of hundred thousand dollars instead of being significantly more.


The official Actions Taken document for this meeting was published
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/news/town_council_actions_taken_for_july_24_2019.pdf

My notes reported live during the meeting can be found below

• Live reporting: from Town Administrator report to ...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-from-town-administrator.html

• Live reporting: Public Hearings - Legislation for ...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-public-hearings.html

• Live Reporting: Town Council - July 24, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-town-council-july-24-2019.html

The agenda and documents released for the meeting can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/july-24-town-council-agenda 

Franklin School Committee - Recap - July 23, 2019

With short attendance (five of seven members participating), and a light agenda, the School Committee meeting on Tuesday July 23, 2019 conducted its business efficiently in about 40 minutes. 

The major item of discussion was the Committee evaluation of Superintendent Sara Ahern. The documentation referred to by the Chair and members of the committee during the discussion is not yet available on the School Committee page. It should not be a surprise that the Superintendent was well reviewed. Her performance in my view has been very good in trying circumstances.

One of the key items for the next meeting is the review of updates to the school handbooks. The link to the current version is shared here. The meeting version for the Committee will show potential changes inline with current text. There will also be a summary of the changes for each handbook school by school. The handbooks changes are in legal review now and will be made available to the Committee before the next meeting. Whether the public also gets to review the changes before hand was not discussed.


https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-handbooks

The text of the Superintendent's update can be found online
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/superintendents_report_to_school_committee_july_23_2019.pdf


My notes reported live during the meeting can be found here

• Live reporting: Consent agenda to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-consent-agenda-to-closing.html

• Live reporting: Policy First Readings

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-policy-first-readings.html

• Live reporting: School Committee Meeting - July 23...

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/07/live-reporting-school-committee-meeting.html

The meeting packet and documents released for the meeting can be found 
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/july-23-2019-school-committee-packet

Franklin School Committee - Recap - July 23, 2019

Spread The Word About Social Security Scams Getting calls saying your Social Security number is suspended because of suspicious activity? It's a scam. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is not calling you, no matter what your caller ID says. To spread the word about this growing scam, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau created this fraud prevention place mat in consultation with the FTC and SSA: Order Free Copies You can order free copies of the place mat to use at a meal site or to share with friends and family. The place mat is in English on one side and Spanish on the other. To report these scams, go to ftc.gov/complaint. And for more tips, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA. This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

"It’s a problem with invasion of privacy”

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

"Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix said officers try to do the best they can in difficult environments, and body cameras alone do not necessarily capture every angle in police interactions.

Many area police chiefs acknowledge that body cameras are an opportunity to improve transparency between law enforcement and the public. But they say the benefits of such high-tech improvements come with additional costs.

Other than Sherborn, no community police department in the MetroWest region currently wears police body cameras when responding to suspected crimes.

“There’s much more to it than the monetary cost,” said Sudbury Police Chief Scott Nix. “It also includes the cost of retention of the footage and the ability to reproduce it in different formats. We want to be educated and informed on the best route for the town.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190727/metrowest-chiefs-cite-cost-as-key-deterrent-to-implementing-body-cams

Equifax Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Your Benefits

Equifax Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Your Benefits by Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Earlier this week, we told you that roughly half the people in the country can get benefits under a settlement that the FTC and others reached with Equifax. Now, you can now find out if you were affected by the September 2017 breach and make your claim for benefits. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/equifax-data-breach-settlement-how-claim-your-benefits?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

---

If you were part of the unlucky group affected by the data breech as I was, then confirm that you were via this link  ftc.gov/Equifax

confirm that you were part of the Equifax breech via this link  ftc.gov/equifax

Once confirmed, you can also file a claim. The instructions are clear and the website easy to use. I filed my claim this morning

 

https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/file-a-claim

 

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019
Reminders:

• You can pay online here

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/online-payments-and-applications

• If you are mailing in your payment, please be sure to include the remittance copy with your check.
• If you choose to use your Online Banking to pay your bills, please remember to reference the bill number(s) you are paying.

Thank you!

This is an automatic message from Town of Franklin MA and shared from
https://www.franklinma.gov/treasurer-collector/news/fiscal-year-2020%C2%A01st-quarter-real-estate-and-personal-property-tax-bills

Fiscal Year 2020 1st Quarter Real Estate and Personal Property Tax Bills are due August 1, 2019

 

In the News: Investigation of fire on Providence Line; UMass tuition increase likely

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

"Workers continue to investigate the cause of a fire that broke out in the locomotive engine of a Providence-bound train Thursday night, according to a spokesman for commuter rail operator Keolis.

The fire, captured in videos posted to social media, was “brief and contained” to the engine of a locomotive at about 8:30 p.m., Keolis spokesman Justin Thompson said.

Passengers were transferred to another train on the line, and no injuries were reported.

Thompson said there were a “handful of residual delays” along the Providence line as a result of the incident, though the MBTA’s Commuter Rail Twitter page indicated at the time that some delays were close to an hour."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190726/officials-probe-locomotive-fire

 Investigation of fire on Providence Line

It looks like a 2.5 percent tuition increase is likely for University of Massachusetts students this fall, system President Marty Meehan said Thursday.

The $43.1 billion state budget that the Legislature sent to Gov. Charlie Baker’s desk includes $558 million in aid to UMass, which has 75,000 students. Despite the last-minute addition of $317 million in spending above and beyond spending levels approved this spring by the House and Senate, UMass was unable to secure about $10 million in additional funds that could have led to a tuition freeze for the coming academic year.

“It looks like it would be about a two and a half percent increase,” Meehan told two reporters after telling House Bonding Committee members about capital spending plans and a $3.3 billion deferred maintenance backlog.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20190726/meehan-umass-tuition-hike-looks-like-25

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 26 to THU - Aug 1

Friday, July 26

9:30am

 SUMMER Family Yoga (outside if permitting)

10:00am

 Knitting Group

12:00pm

 Farmers Market

12:00pm

 School Committee Information Tent

1:00pm

 SUMMER PROGRAM: Farmer's Market Fun!

8:00pm

 Kenny Hadley Big Band

Saturday, July 27

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:30am

 SUMMER BYO(Baby)

8:00pm

 Ali Funkhouser: I Only Wanna Laugh

Sunday, July 28

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

Monday, July 29

10:30am

 SUMMER MOVE ALONG (outside if permitting, otherwise in Community Room)

1:00pm

 SUMMER PROGRAM: Picnic Storytime (CALEIGH)

Tuesday, July 30

9:30am

 Cool Cruisers

1:00pm

 TEEN SUMMER Page to Screen Showdown: Dumplin'

6:30pm

 Foreign Film Series

7:00pm

 Franklin Public Library Book Club

Wednesday, July 31

10:30am

 SUMMER Family Chess and More!

1:00pm

 SUMMER EVENT: Harry Potter Party!

4:00pm

 SUMMER Crafternoon!

6:00pm

 Concerts on the Common: Kids Show TBD

6:30pm

 Concerts on the Common: Electric Youth

Thursday, August 1

9:30am

 Baby Tummy Time

3:30pm

 TEEN SUMMER Board Game Cafe!

5:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

5:00pm

 SUMMER Thursday Movie Night

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Jul 26 to THU - Aug 1