Pantherbook Series: Environmental Investigations

via Pantherbook we find:

"In recent years, environmental issues have taken center stage in political discussions across the globe. How do these large-scale issues affect Franklin? Answering this question is the goal of Pantherbook’s newest series, known as Environmental Investigations.

Each week, a new article will be posted detailing an ecological problem pertaining to Franklin High School, or the town as a whole.

The series will be kicked off by Anika Patchala, who will talk about FHS’s resident environmental activists: the Green Team. Halle Goldsmith will discuss recycling practices and Amanda Wylie will inform readers about plant-based meat as a solution to meat overconsumption. Next, Gretchen Scotland will detail the issue of forest fragmentation in Franklin. Amelia Johnson-Pelligri will investigate the purportedly unsustainable cafeteria practices at FHS. Finally, Elise Ravich will summarize the findings of other journalists by describing the most effective ways for readers to get involved."

Continue reading about the new series
https://franklinpanthers.us/top-stories/2019/11/15/upcoming-series-environmental-investigations/

Is Franklin doing a good job conserving beautiful landscapes like this one? (Photo by Emily Cesa)

Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October 2019

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported lending activity, fueled by continued low interest rates, showed significant increases during October 2019. O'Donnell noted, "As we saw during the 3rd quarter 2019, significant increases year over year were seen with lending activity in Norfolk County. A total of 3,373 mortgages were recorded in October, a significant 62% increase compared to October 2018. Also, the total amount of money borrowed against Norfolk County properties during the month was $1.9 billion, a 106% increase compared to the previous year.  While this particular figure was impacted by two commercial loans of $100 million and $160 million recorded against Franklin and Braintree properties respectively, the statistics also show that positive trend lines relative to borrowing in the county continue unabated. Consumers are clearly taking advantage of low interest rates to purchase big ticket items and pay for large capital expenses." During October, the number of county real estate transactions both residential and commercial, recorded was 3,373, a 5% increase year over year. Buyers also saw encouraging signs as the average real estate sales price, again both residential and commercial, fell 6% to $878,369. Total dollar real estate sales for the month was $866 million, a 2% decrease from the previous year. "These figures," noted the Register, "bear watching as they may portend a real estate inventory increase and more options for prospective Norfolk County homeowners." Norfolk County homeowners continued to show they are very familiar with the benefits of the Homestead Act. A total of 1,042 Homesteads were recorded during the month of October, a 2% increase compared to October 2018. Register O'Donnell reiterated the importance of having a Homestead. "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this important consumer protection tool." One surprise seen during October was a small increase in the number of foreclosure deeds recorded countywide. A total of 17 foreclosure deeds were recorded compared to 14 during the same timeframe in 2018. This bit of bad news was offset by a 28% decrease in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded during the month. O'Donnell stated, "The reduction in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings in October was certainly encouraging. With that said, we want any homeowner facing challenges paying their mortgage to know help is available. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has partnered with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376 and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 to help any homeowner who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. An additional option available is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400." Register O'Donnell concluded, "A robust eastern Massachusetts economy continues to propel the Norfolk County real estate market in a positive direction. Strong lending activity, also fueled by low interest rates, and an uptick in real estate sales shows Norfolk County homeowners are confident about the current state of the economy and their finances. Another possible factor to consider could be concern that a possible recession, forecast by some economic watchdogs, could mean it is more advantageous to borrow now instead of in calendar year 2020." 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: https://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 Reports Strong Lending Numbers Continue in October

Franklin Starbucks - hiring event - Dec 2

Franklin Starbucks is hosting a hiring event on Monday December 2 from 3 to 6 PM

Franklin Starbucks - hiring event - Dec 2

Hiring Event

at the

Franklin Starbucks

648 Old West Central Street

Monday, December 2

3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

PEDC presents the Nutcracker! - four performances on Dec 7-8

With the explosive growth of the arts in the Franklin community, Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center is proud to present the Nutcracker with four performances this holiday season. The performances will take place on Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 and 5:30 PM and Sunday, December 8, at 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM at Bellingham High School.

Dancing the role of Young Clara is Haylee Goguen, Cheyanne Kelley and Abigail Scollins. Mature Clara will be danced by Grace Jerrier, Rachel Barrows, Jackie Dubois and Angelina Rak.

In other lead roles, the Snow Queen will be danced by Emily Conroy, Julia Broll, Nora Hansen and Kaitlyn Auerbach. The Dew Drop Fairy features Larissa Logan, Amanda Mason, Ellie Rodrigues and Dani Bean. The featured dancers for the coveted role of the Sugar Plum Fairy are Andrea Gray, Isabella Lambros, Samantha Robillard and Bridgette Ginley. 

The box office is open and tickets are limited for the performances. Ticket prices are family-friendly at $18. Tickets are available by calling PEDC at 508-520-7873 or emailing pedcnews@gmail.com.

The show is performed at Bellingham High School's auditorium, 60 Blackstone St., Bellingham, MA.

From left to right, first row: Abigail Scollins, Haylee Goguen and Cheyanne Kelley as Ypung Clara; second row: Jackie Dubois, Agelina Rak, Grace Jerrier and Rachel Barros as Mature Clara; third row: Julia Broll, Katelyn Auerback, Isabella Lambros, Ellie Rodriques and Amanda Mason; fourth row: Emily Conroy, Samantha Robillard, Bridgette Ginley, Andrea Gray, Dani Bean and Larissa Logan. Missing: Norah Hansen. Photo credit: Marcos Esteves

For more info on the Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center visit
https://www.pattieisenhauerdancecenter.com/

School Committee - recap - Nov 12, 2019

Unlike the Town Council meeting on Wednesday, the new School Committee members were not sworn in during the public meeting as scheduled for 7:00 PM. Apparently, there was a pre-meeting before the public session to take care of the swearing in.

As for the public meeting, it was opened at 7 PM as scheduled by Superintendent Sara Ahern who after the blessing and pledge of allegiance, facilitated the nomination and election (unanimous) of the new Chair, Anne Bergen. 

The Chair, then conducted the nominations for Vice-Chair. There was one for Denise Spencer that was not seconded, and one for Mary Jane Scofield that was did receive a second. Scofield received all 7 votes for Vice Chair.

The Actions Taken document as posted in incomplete in at least two items. One as noted here on the vote for the Vice Chair, the other nomination without a second is not acknowledged. The second item is in regards to the Consent Agenda, as 5 members were not present for the meeting covered by the minutes  up for approval, these minutes were separated from the other consent agenda items to all the five new members to abstain. The minutes were approved 2-0-5 (approve-no-abstain). The remaining Consent Agenda items were approved unanimously (7-0-0).
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/news/scagenda_11-12-19_actions_taken.pdf

Also of note, on a similar vote for prior meeting minutes for the Town Council on Weds, the new members were allowed to vote (rather than abstain). Town Attorney, Mark Cerel, approved of this action. For further research: there are differences between School and Town but I don't know if this is one of them, it would seem likely to operate on this matter in the same manner.


The Superintendent's report
https://www.franklinps.net/district/news/superintendents-report-111219


Documents released for this meeting
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/november-12-2019-school-committee-packet

Additional details can be found in my notes updated after the meeting. I used Twitter and my pen and paper notebook to capture notes during the meeting (along with the audio recording)

• Live reporting: Consent Agenda through to Closing

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-consent-agenda-through.html

• Live reporting: Discussion - Action Items

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-discussion-action-items.html

• Live reporting: School Committee - Nov 12, 2019

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/11/live-reporting-school-committee-nov-12.html

School Committee - recap - Nov 12, 2019

FPS Voice - A town podcast on wfpr●fm

FPS Voice - A town podcast on wfpr●fm
by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director, Franklin●TV ad wfpr●fm

"Our radio studios were designed for producing the programs that you hear on the air at 102.9fm and online at wfpr●fm. But, in our digital age the audio podcast is another increasingly popular form of ‘radio’.

Like video-on-demand, you can listen to an audio podcast anytime, anywhere. A new podcast joins us this week – FPS voice. It’s all about Franklin’s Public Schools (and Panther Pride of course). 

Here, Anne Marie Tracey talks with School Superintendent Sara Ahearn and FHS High School Principle Paul Peri. It starts this Wednesday, at 9A.

See you soon – on the radio."

Questions? 508-541-4118.
As always – Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thanks for watching.

"The Official Podcast of the Franklin Public Schools, Franklin, MA. Learn more about what is happening in our school district, ask questions, hear from members of the FPS Community and special guests! Connect with us!

Submit questions and topics to fpsvoice@franklinps.net"

The intro episode is available now  https://anchor.fm/fpsvoice

Listen to wfpr.fm  from your computer or mobile device  http://radio.citrus3.com:8418/;stream.mp3

Anne Marie Tracey talks with School Superintendent Sara Ahearn and FHS High School Principle Paul Peri (Franklin TV photo)

Christmas Ornaments for sale at the Franklin Historical Museum

Beautiful Town Common Gazebo ornaments are available at the Franklin Historical Museum gift shop for $16.00. They are a great gift to hang on the tree of anyone who loves Franklin. Neighbors, friends, family and co-workers will all love this thoughtful gift. They come packaged each in their own box, for safe storage. 

Ornaments, and Cat’s Meow collectables of the New Library, the Franklin Train Station and the Red Brick School are available while they last. Cat’s Meow collectables are $18.00 each. Proceeds go to the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. 

Museum winter hours are Saturday mornings 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Sunday afternoons 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/
 

Town Common Gazebo ornaments

 

 

What Is the 2020 Census?

The 2020 Census counts every person living in the United States and five U.S. territories. Each home will receive an invitation to respond to a short questionnaire—online, by phone, or by mail. 

Watch this new Public Service Announcement (PSA) by the U.S. Census Bureau to learn more about what the 2020 Census is, why it’s written in the U.S. Constitution, and why it’s important.

https://youtu.be/Syg4zqb0iCU




For more about the 2020 Census  https://2020census.gov/en.html

Note: This is separate and distinct from the annual census conducted by the Franklin Town Clerk. The Franklin survey should be in the mail during January 2020. The federal 2020 Census starts April 1, 2020.

FHS' Calitri runs to 9th at the Boys Cross Country State meet

The FHS results from the D1 boys cross country State meet

MIAA Boys All State Division l Cross Country Championships 2019 - 11/16/2019          
                          Gardner Municipal Golf Course                           
                               Last Completed Event                               
 
Event 4  Boys 5k Run CC Division 1
==================================================================================
    Name                    Year School                  Avg 1K     Finals  Points
==================================================================================
  1 #599 Mike Griffin         12 King Philip               3:14      16:06        
  2 #517 William Chaffin      12 Concord-Carlisle          3:15      16:13    1   
  3 #674 Loeden Rodrigues     11 Marblehead                3:17      16:22    2   
  4 #831 Steven Jackson       12 Saint John's Prep         3:17      16:24    3   
  5 #600 Mike Norberg         12 King Philip               3:18      16:26        
  6 #771 Tobias L'Esperance   12 Northampton               3:18      16:28    4   
  7 #918 Jason Norris         12 Wellesley                 3:18      16:29    5   
  8 #508 Myles Liss-Riordan   11 Brookline                 3:18      16:29    6   
  9 #551 Nicholas Calitri     11 Franklin                  3:19      16:31        
 10 #503 Joe Young            12 Boston Latin School       3:19      16:32        
 11 #500 Stephen Carvalho     12 Belmont                   3:19      16:33        
 12 #705 Bobby Carew          12 Milton                    3:19      16:34    7   
 13 #515 James Johnson        11 Burlington                3:19      16:34        
 14 #832 Nathan Lopez          9 Saint John's Prep         3:20      16:36    8   
 15 #639 Tommy Li             11 Longmeadow                3:20      16:36    9   
 16 #912 Tyler Sullivan       12 Walpole                   3:20      16:37   10   
 17 #901 Tanner Jellison      12 Wakefield                 3:20      16:39        
 18 #579 Alexander Brown      12 Hopkinton                 3:21      16:41   11   
 19 #550 Tyler Brogan         12 Franklin                  3:21      16:44        

Congrats to Tyler and Nick for ending very successful seasons at All-States today. Nick placed 9th!! On to Reggie

The MIAA results page  http://miaa.ezstream.net/index.cfm?itemid=8339

Story time with Mrs Claus at the Franklin Historical Museum - Dec 1

Story time with Mrs Claus

Everyone’s favorite storyteller, Mrs. Claus, returns to the Franklin Historical Museum, for her annual visit on Sunday, December 1, from 1:30-3:30. Join us for some warm cocoa, candy canes and story time with Mrs. Claus. 

Children of all ages enjoy this special time of year, listening to a Christmas story from their special holiday friend. There will still be plenty of time to head down to the common for Christmas on the Common (at 4 PM). 

Make it an afternoon of holiday delights for the children. Mrs. Claus will be waiting.


Visit the Franklin Historical Museum online at https://www.franklinmuseum1778.com/

“We create lifestyles for people”

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

"Ever since they began as makers of woolen fabric during the mid-19th century, operators of the sprawling mill on Franklin’s Union Street have found little ways to reinvent the building’s purpose - from making woolen uniforms for Union forces during the Civil War, to selling woolen remnants in the 1940s, to stocking millions of yards of fabrics and yarns, threads and ribbons, and offering classes to turn it all into something useful and beautiful. 

For more than 150 years, the mill has become a proud Franklin fixture - like a beloved, if worn, heirloom passed from generation to generation - and has continued to draw people through its doors: First to create, and then to inspire creativity. 

Once again, there is reinvention taking place within the faded brick walls of The Franklin Mill Store. The vision builds upon the success of the fabric and sewing supplies store and spins forward the notion of the mill as a place of creation and artistry, with an eye toward making the mill into a suburban iteration of the types of interior design centers that usually require a trip into a big city. 

The third-generation family textile business recently celebrated a soft launch of its newly renovated design center, and unveiled a new partnership with local artists that exhibits their work and offers it for sale to those who come to the center in search of fresh interior touches or entirely new interior design ideas."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191115/beautiful-by-design-franklin-mill-store-takes-on-role-as-center-for-art-interior-design

“We create lifestyles for people”

The Franklin Mill Store (https://franklinmillstore.com/) is well positioned in the "Crossing" section of Franklin which is also being planned for additional and appropriate economic development. If you have not yet answered the survey being conducted, please do so. You can find it on the Town’s Economic Development Site: https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/franklin-economic-development-survey

Catholic Memorial remains undefeated to end the FHS football playoff run

Via HockomockSports.com, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Friday, Nov 15, 2019

Football = D1 South Final = #2 Franklin, 8 @ #1 Catholic Memorial, 42 – Final

for other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/fridays-schedule-scoreboard-11-15-19/


Kevin Stone provides the write up on the game for MetroWest

"It had been 37 years since the Franklin football program had a sectional or state trophy to put on display at Franklin High School. And while the consolation hardware wasn’t what the Panthers were looking for on Friday night, there is no denying how far the program has come. 

Second-seeded Franklin lost to top-seeded Catholic Memorial in the Division 1 South championship, 42-8. With the win, the Knights (10-0) advance to the Division 1 Super Bowl at Gillette Stadium in a few weeks. 

The Panthers (7-3) still have one game left on Thanksgiving, but the Division 1 South finalist trophy that is headed back to Franklin signifies quite a bit of growth from a program that just was a two-win team during head coach Eain Bain’s first year in 2016. 

“It’s a consolation prize, but we haven’t put a trophy in the case at Franklin High School since 1982,” Bain said following the loss. “I wasn’t even born yet, some of our coaches weren’t even born yet, so look, tonight wasn’t our night. CM is a great program. They’re able to bring in guys from all over and they’ve assembled a lot of talent."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/sports/20191115/not-so-fast-catholic-memorial-halts-franklin-footballs-run-in-div-1-south-final

Follow Kevin on Twitter https://twitter.com/kstone06

Catholic Memorial remains undefeated to end the FHS football playoff run

Town of Franklin Job Opportunities with ZBA, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

Job Opportunities

To apply for a vacant position, please submit a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov.  Please put the job title in the subject line of your email.  

• Clerk 2 - Zoning Board of Appeals (Building and Inspections, Health, Planning and Conservation Offices) 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/clerk2-buildingandinspections-zba-jobposting-nov2019.pdf

• Heavy Motor Equipment Operator - Department of Public Works 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/hmeo-external-posting-october252019.pdf

• Part-Time and Substitute Custodian positions - Facilities Department 

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/part-time.and-substitute-custodians-oct252019.pdf

• Firefighter/Paramedics - The Town of Franklin's Fire Department is in the Massachusetts Civil Service system
  • If you are currently a Firefighter/Paramedic in a Civil Service community and are interested in working for Franklin, send a resume and cover letter to apply@franklinma.gov. 
  • Please note: new hires must have and maintain a paramedic certification and complete an Associate's Degree within 5 years of the date they are hired.   

If you do not have a resume, you may send a completed Application for Employment instead.

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/application_for_employment_-_town_of_franklin.pdf

To receive notifications of all job opportunities in the Town of Franklin, subscribe here  https://www.franklinma.gov/subscribe 

Town of Franklin Job Opportunities with ZBA, DPW, Facilities, and Fire Dept

Dunkin replacing foam cups with cardboard

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

"By Dec. 1, all Dunkin’ restaurants across New England will have phased out foam cups and replaced them with double-walled paper cups, the company announced Friday. 

But that’s not the only change. 

The brand is also taking a stand against double cupping, encouraging customers to “break up with the double cup,” said Dunkin’ Chief Operating Officer Scott Murphy. 

Dunkin’ is launching a marketing campaign to alert customers to the end of the practice of nesting an iced beverage — already in a plastic cup — inside a foam cup to provide additional insulation, resulting in added waste."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20191115/dunkin-to-eliminate-foam-cups-in-new-england-shops

Dunkin replacing foam cups with cardboard

FTC Consumer Alert: AT&T Unlimited Data Customers Getting Refunds

AT&T Unlimited Data Customers Getting Refunds by Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC You might have heard that AT&T agreed to return $60 million to customers for allegedly reducing the data speed on their unlimited data plans without telling them.  In its 2014 complaint, the FTC said that AT&T's practice of data throttling – slowing down the data speed for unlimited customers who used large amounts of data – was unfair and deceptive.  It was unfair because AT&T promised unlimited data, but didn't give customers the data they paid for. And it was deceptive because AT&T didn't tell customers it was reducing their data speed, says the FTC. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/11/att-unlimited-data-customers-getting-refunds?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission

---

Additional details on settlement

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/2019/11/att-pay-60-million-resolve-ftc-allegations-it-misled-consumers