Franklin Residents: "Adopt a hydrant" Program available

"The Franklin Department of Public Works has created a new program that will give residents the opportunity to help the Fire Department ensure hydrants are clear and visible after a snow storm.This will speed the response time in case of an emergency and alleviate time spent by firefighters searching for and clearing hydrants buried in drifts or plowed snow. 

Adopt a hydrant

Volunteers should clear at least a 3' circle of snow from the area around the hydrant and wear visible and appropriate weather related clothing when clearing snow. Hand shoveling or using a snow blower is the best option for clearing snow from a hydrant, please do not use a snow plow.

Residents and civic groups (Scouts, local youth groups, Franklin High School teams, etc.) can "adopt" a hydrant or hydrants. This is intended to be a commitment for the 2019/2020 snow season and can be applied towards student community service hours.

Please contact us if you know of any hydrants that are located near a resident's house and they are not physically able to clear the hydrant themselves. These hydrants can be delineated as "high priority" and would be highlighted in yellow and available to adopt.

If you have any questions, difficulty selecting and adopting a hydrant, or are a student and would like to adopt a hydrant as part of your community service requirements, please email RoseanneS@franklinma.gov for more information."

This was shared from the Facebook post:
https://www.facebook.com/931498886934582/posts/2830605863690532/


To Adopt-A-Hydrant, please sign up at this link:
http://townoffranklin.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9b2624de1eaf43b8acb5e62ccba2e9d1

Franklin Residents: "Adopt a hydrant" Program available

wfpr.fm Radio Schedule for week of Jan 15, 2020

Our weekly wfpr●fm program schedule lists interviews and musical programs of interest hosted by Franklin residents. 

Our current slate of programs runs Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. 

Programs repeat at 9 AM, Noon, and 6 PM, and Saturdays, starting at 9 AM.

Wednesday:

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey

All about Franklin Public Schools

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone

All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00p TBA


Thursday:

9:00a/12:00p/6:00p The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey
Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition.

Friday:

9:00a/12:00p /6:00p Chapters – Jim Derick
Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

10:00a/1:00p/7:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey
An hour of uplifting music for all 

11:00a/2:00p/8:00pm Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
Original short stories presented by the authors


Weekdays:

3:00p Music of the Swingin’ Big Band Era

4:00p Starlight Songs from the Great American Songbook

Listen each week on the air at 102●9 fm, and online at our website, wfpr●fm as we bring more of our community – to community radio.


This Weekend – wfpr●fm!

Weekend radio is big. We’ve been fine-tuning our weekend radio programming. It’s a reprise of all our weekday shows that some folks don’t get to hear at work. 

Here’s what’s up for the weekend – on the air on 102.9 and online at wfpr●fm.

Saturday:

9:00a FPS Voice – Anne Marie Tracey

All about Franklin Public Schools 

10:00a Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey

Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

11:00a Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

An hour of uplifting music for all 

12:00p The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City

1:00p The Wonderful World of Wine – Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone 
All about wine, its culture, lore and finer points

2:00p Chapters – Jim Derick
Insightful, life-affirming stories and interviews 

4:00p Senior Story Hour – Senior Center Scribblers Group
Original short stories presented by the authors 

5:00p Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick
Exploring the music of the great Blues tradition.


Sunday:

9:00a The Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City

10:00a Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey 
An hour of uplifting music for all

11:00a Frank’s Music – Frank Falvey

Frank explores a range of music genres and artists 

1:00p Music to Lift the Spirit - Jim Derick & Frank Falvey

An hour of uplifting music for all

Questions? Call us at 508–528–9377. That’s 508–528–wfpr. And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. 
And, thank you for watching.

wfpr.fm Radio Schedule

Reminder: Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon 2020 - Jan 16

Ben Franklin Autobiography 

Readathon 2020

Thursday, January 16, 2020 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

In honor of the 314th birthday of Benjamin Franklin, the namesake of our town and founder of our library, the Franklin Public Library will be holding its third annual "readathon" – a marathon reading of the full text of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin.

The book is considered a classic of American literature. According to the Library of Congress, "It was not only the first autobiography to achieve widespread popularity, but after two hundred years remains one of the most enduringly popular examples of the genre ever written."

Like other readathons, this one invites the public to participate! Readers are encouraged to sign up in advance for 15-minute segments. Commencing when the library opens at 9 AM on January 16 [the day before Ben's actual birthday], readers will share the words of Ben Franklin with anyone interested in dropping by for all or part of the event.

It is expected that the reading will be completed between 6 PM and 8PM, when the library closes. Water and other refreshments will be available for readers and audience.

To register, visit https://forms.gle/tpwzALpEb4XhzD279 .

Ben Franklin Autobiography Readathon 2020 - Jan 16

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting

Municipal Building

355 East Central Street, 3rd Floor Training Room Franklin, MA

January 15, 2020

6:00 PM

1. Free Cash Overview

2. Department Presentations

• a. School Department
• b. Facilities Department
• C. Recreation Department
• d. Technology Department
• e. Administration Department
• f. Fire Department
• g. Police Department
• h. Public Works Department

3. Final Recommendation of the FY20 Capital Plan


Capital Budget agenda document
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/capital_budget_agenda_1-15-2020.pdf

Capital budget supplemental information
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/fy20_capital_plan_2_supplemental_materials_1.pdf

This is a meeting of the Franklin Town Council Sub-Committee; under the Open Meeting Law, this subcommittee is a separate "public body" from the Town Council. Therefore, unless the Town Council has separately noticed and posted its own meeting, Councilors who are not members of this subcommittee will not be permitted to speak or otherwise actively participate @ this meeting, although they may attend and observe. This prohibition is necessary to avoid the potential for an Open Meeting Law Violation.

The Finance Committee reviewed and approved the capital budget over two session and the recording segments are available here

Dec 10, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-188-finance-committee-capital-plan.html

Dec 17, 2019
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2019/12/fm-186-finance-committee-capital-budget.html

Capital Budget Subcommittee Meeting - Jan 15, 2020

FHS girls hockey posts win at Leominster, gymnastic post top team performance vs. Mansfield

Via HockomockSports.com and Twitter, we share the results of FHS winter sports action on Monday.


Girls Hockey = Franklin, 7 @ Leominster, 0 - Final

Girls Gymnastics = Mansfield, 141.85 @ Franklin, 139.15 Final

Tonight was Epic! Check out the highlights!! We are not done! These girls continue to impress! When rightly motivated it’s amazing what your team can accomplish!! Next stop Attleboro 1/20 10am Butlers. @FHSSports @MetroWestSports @HockomockSports @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/oJgOxNWYy6

— FHS Gymnastics (@fhs_gymnastics) January 14, 2020

Info shared via @FHS_Gymnastics Twitter
https://twitter.com/fhs_gymnastics/status/1216923315056599040

We are not done! These girls continue to impress!

For other results around the Hockomock League
https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-01-13-20/

And via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FranklinMatters/lists/fhs-sports

Awesome 7-0 win over Leominster tonight. Great teamwork ladies🤩Home game tomorrow @ 6:30 Vs Westwood, come show your support‼️

— FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) January 14, 2020

Nice win by the JV today as they traveled to Framingham. 6-3 win!! Benny Jarosz with the Bull Head tonight with 2 goals and an assist! Way to go Benny and team!! @PanthersJvPuck @FHSSports @FHS_Puck @FranklinRec @MassHSHockey pic.twitter.com/yiluYCNYDk

— FHSPantherHockey (@FHSPantherHocke) January 13, 2020

"Much of the platform will become a construction zone" at South Station

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest to Franklin Line commuters

"The tens of thousands of commuter rail and bus riders who pour through South Station every day will soon have a more complicated course through the terminal.

Construction zones will go up in and around the station and platforms as work begins this month on a 51-story tower above the railbed area where passengers board trains. Over the coming months, the open area in front of the platforms will slowly be cordoned off, as workers build an extension of the loading zone over a portion of the rails, according to detailed construction plans the Massachusetts Department of Transportation posted on a new website late Friday.

Construction zones will also be set up along the Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street side entrances to the platform areas, and work will begin on an expanded bus terminal.

By July, work will be in full swing, and passing through the station will be a very different experience."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2020/01/11/construction-zones-coming-soon-south-station-platforms/EFN7GJkEFViUaBpkZgScxI/story.html?

Rendering of the final expanded outdoor concourse area. (image from https://southstationairrights.com/)

Additional info on the MA DOT project page    https://southstationairrights.com/

South Station Construction Sequence video  https://youtu.be/zm3JNciahIM

Youth Basketball Leagues Enrolling for Smart Team Player Development through Fast-Paced Games in 3 v 3 Format (grades 1-6)

The YMCA is hosting 1 hour 15 minute youth basketball leagues, which will run Saturdays starting February 8th in Foxboro and Franklin and Sundays starting February 9th in North Attleboro. This eight week program is an addition to YMCA offerings and is available through partnership with the premier teaching program for youth basketball—Crafty Basketball, which is based in Mansfield, MA.

Youth Basketball Leagues

Crafty 3x3 Basketball develops players in grades 1-6 with its focus on doing the things smart team basketball players do. The benefit of 3 on 3 games vs traditional youth leagues is players will get more touches of the ball. Develop smarter, savvier players in a format different than 5 on 5 basketball. Learn how a passion for the game develops from playing beautiful, team-based basketball with an emphasis on combining skill and smarts.

Here is the breakdown of times by age group:

• SATURDAYS (2/8-3/28): GRADE 1-2 8:30 a.m. (Franklin) 10:00 a.m. (Foxboro) coed; GRADE 3-4: boys 10:00 a.m. (Franklin) 11:30 a.m. (Foxboro) and girls 11:30 a.m. (Franklin) 1:00 p.m. (Foxboro); GRADE 5-6: boys 1:00 p.m. (Franklin) 2:30 p.m. (Foxboro) and girls 2:30 p.m. (Franklin) 4:00 p.m. (Foxboro)
• SUNDAYS (2/9-3/29): GRADE 1-2 11:15 a.m. (North Attleboro) coed; GRADE 3-4: boys 12:30 p.m. (North Attleboro) and girls 1:45 p.m. (North Attleboro); GRADE 5-6 3:00 p.m. (North Attleboro) boys & girls divisions

Changing the way basketball is taught. Innovative scoring will reward your son or daughter for doing the things smart team players do: 1 Point awarded for any unassisted basket, 2 Bonus Points awarded for assisted back door cuts, 2 Points awarded for any other assisted basket, 1 Point awarded for free throw. Assisted scoring play occurs when player scores after pass and no more than 1 dribble. Each player on a winning team is awarded two points for a win. For games ending in a tie, all players receive 1 point.

Enroll today at: www.hockymca.org/crafty. Cost is $85 and you do not have to by a member of the Y. Non-members will be required to start an account by simply providing an email address and password. Questions, please contact the YMCA or your local Y’s sports director: in Foxboro Ashli Phillips ashlip@hockymca.org 508-772-1353; in Franklin Alex Dorson alexd@hockymca.org 774-235-2752; in North Attleboro Kerrie Francis kerrief@hockymca.org 508-643-5215.

About Hockomock Area YMCA: Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility. 

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Middle School Students can learn Public Speaking Skills - Register Now for Jan 29 session start

Whether it's getting an A on a school presentation, a successful college or job interview, the ability to present to an audience is a critical skill. 

With preparation, practice and experience, you can overcome fear, build confidence, and deliver memorable speeches. 

Students will learn how to engage an audience, tips to overcome stage fright, and eliminate fear, and how to appear confident throughout any presentation.

Day: Wednesdays from 5:00 - 6:00 PM
Dates: Jan 29 through March 11 (no class Feb 19)
Location: Franklin Recreation
Ages: 10-14 years old
Fee: $75

For more info about the program itself:  https://www.miccaptains.com/

To register use the Recreation page  (and select "Public Speaking" on the left menu)
https://franklinrecreation.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs

Middle School Students can learn Public Speaking Skills

FHS Indoor Track results from MSTCA Track & Field Invitational 1/10-1/11

FHS Indoor Track

Northeast Indoor MSTCA Track & Field Invitational - 1/10/2020 to 1/12/2020   

Sponsored by Marathon Sports                          

Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center    

Results:  http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202020/ResultsDay1NE.htm

Friday 1/10/20

Boys 1600 Sprint Medley

================================================================

    School                                               Finals 

================================================================

Section  2  

  1 Franklin  'A'                               3:37.18  

  2 Sharon  'A'                                   3:43.11  

  

Boys Distance Medley

================================================================

    School                                               Finals 

================================================================

Section  1  

  1 King Philip  'A'                       10:45.25  

  2 Brookline  'A'                           10:48.47  

  3 Belmont  'A'                               11:04.78  

  4 Franklin  'A'                             11:20.41  

Saturday 1/11/20

Results:  http://www.mstca.org/Winter_Season/Winter%202020/ResultsDay2.htm 

Girls 55 Meter Dash SEEDED

===================================================================

    Name                    Year School     Prelims H#

===================================================================

Preliminaries

  1 #  996 Marsh, Madison     12 Shepherd Hil       7.35q 1 

 16 #  285 Fenerty, Jillian   10 Franklin       7.81 2

Girls 300 Meter Dash

===================================================================

    Name                    Year School     Finals H#

===================================================================

  1 #   96 Ingemi, India      12 Beverly       40.27 1 

  12 #  285 Fenerty, Jillian   10 Franklin     43.27 3

 52 #  294 Jackson, Lauren    12 Franklin     46.78 10

 63 #  286 Fitzpatrick, Rile  10 Franklin     47.19 12

 76 #  280 Collins, Molly     11 Franklin     47.67 12

 88 #  287 Fraulo, Ava        10 Franklin     48.30 17

 91 #  284 Duval, Lauren      11 Franklin     48.36 21

 94 #  292 Barca, Chloe       10 Franklin     48.42 18

 97 #  281 Corcoran, Katheri  11 Franklin     48.54 20

 99 #  306 Robinson, Mia      10 Franklin     48.56 13 

101 #  288 Gaughran, Madison   9 Franklin   48.63 17 

115 #  308 Sault, Caity       11 Franklin     49.18 23 

119 #  290 Grasso, Anna       10 Franklin     49.35 18 

121 #  295 Jones, Kendall     10 Franklin     49.62 28 

128 #  291 Guidi, Katelyn     11 Franklin     49.85 21 

129 #  298 McLaughlin, Ella    9 Franklin   49.94 18 

130 #  309 Socci, Ali         11 Franklin     49.99 28 

146 #  304 Pfluke, Barra       9 Franklin   50.68 29 

150 #  275 Arnold, Isabelle   10 Franklin     50.97 26

Girls 600 Meter Run

===================================================================

    Name                    Year School     Finals H#

===================================================================

  1 #  436 Sheth, Lily        12 Lexington   1:40.34 1 

  25 #  302 Nguyen, Katie      12 Franklin   1:51.58 7

 44 #  273 Agati, Tarah       10 Franklin   1:55.13 8 

 54 #  296 Lavery, Aislinn    10 Franklin   1:56.74 7

 74 #  277 Brady, Sydney      11 Franklin   2:00.50 8 

 78 #  307 Rondeau, Olivia    12 Franklin   2:01.50 9 

 83 #  299 Mogauro, Lucia     10 Franklin   2:03.36 10

Girls 1000 Meter Run

===================================================================

    Name                    Year School     Finals H#

===================================================================

  1 # 1002 Sullivan, Emma     12 Shepherd Hil 2:58.12   1 

 31 #  274 Alston, Carly      12 Franklin   3:24.22 4

 46 #  278 Casey, Caitlin     10 Franklin   3:27.26 6

 64 #  283 Duffy, Liliana     10 Franklin   3:34.33 4

 78 #  282 Cunniff, Madeline  12 Franklin   3:39.34 7

115 #  289 Golden, Colleen     9 Franklin 4:02.78   6

Girls 4x200 Meter Relay

===================================================================

    School                                               Finals H#

===================================================================

  1 Peabody Vet. Mem.  'A'             1:47.45 1 

  18 Franklin  'A'                             1:56.41 5

Girls 4x400 Meter Relay

===================================================================

    School                                               Finals H#

===================================================================

  1 South Hadley  'A'                       4:12.66 1 

   6 Franklin  'A'                               4:23.63 1

Girls 4x800 Meter Relay

================================================================

    School                                               Finals 

================================================================

  1 Marshfield  'A'                           9:30.02  

   8 Franklin  'A'                             10:29.50 

Girls High Jump SEEDED

================================================================

    Name                    Year School     Finals 

================================================================

  1 # 1152 Fetherston, Olivi  12 Wakefield 5-06.00  

  3 # 1054 Marjanski, Lindsa  12 South Hadley J5-02.00  

  3 #  153 Schoenberg, Saman  12 Bromfield Sc   J5-02.00  

  3 #  300 Morse, Lindsey     11 Franklin   J5-02.00

Register O'Donnell Reports on 2019 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Reports on 2019 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity The 2019 real estate market in Norfolk County saw ups and downs characterized by flat residential and commercial property sales, but on the bright side there was a large spike in the number of mortgage documents recorded due to low interest rates. Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell stated, "During 2019, a total of 18,325 residential and commercial real estate sales transactions were recorded, resulting in a modest 1% increase compared to the previous year. However, the total real estate dollar sales, again both residential and commercial, actually fell 6% to $9.2 billion. The average real estate sales transaction price, combining both residential and commercial sales, was $807,730, a decrease of 4% from the previous year." The Register noted there was a total of 150,899 land documents recorded at the Registry during 2019, a 7% increase compared to the previous year. "Much of the land document recording increase in 2019," noted O'Donnell, "was attributed to the 21% increase seen in the number of mortgages recorded, including mortgage refinances and home equity loans. Specifically, a total of 29,740 mortgages were recorded during the year versus 24,504 recorded in 2018. Total mortgage financing actually saw a slight 1% dip coming in at $17.6 billion for the year." Last year saw Norfolk County property owners continue to avail themselves of the protections provided by the Homestead Act. A total of 12,546 Homesteads were recorded, a 4% increase from 2018. O'Donnell again spoke about the importance of having Homestead protection. "A Homestead provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. For more information about the Homestead, including information on what is and is not covered, please consult the Registry's website www.norfolkdeeds.org." The 2019 calendar year also saw encouraging signs relative to foreclosure activity. A total of 146 foreclosure deeds were filed in Norfolk County last year compared to 221 in 2018, a significant 34% decrease. Additionally, Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, decreased by 24.3%. "While this is good news, we must always remember even one foreclosure is one too many," stated Register O'Donnell. Specifically, for those who are struggling paying their mortgage, the Registry continues to work in partnership with Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x-376 and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions at 508-587-0950. These organizations can provide direction to homeowners who have received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage document. A third option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O'Donnell concluded, "Last year's sluggish real estate market can be attributed in part to low residential real estate inventory. Until we see increases in available housing stock, property sales will likely remain stagnant. On the bright side, continuing low interest rates should keep the lending market an attractive option for consumers when it comes to paying for capital improvements and other big ticket items. However, we should keep a close eye on the Federal Reserve and interest rates, along with international events to see how these issues impact the economy." 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 on 2019 Norfolk County Real Estate Activity