Faith Flaherty: Gone But Not Forgotten

"During the COVID-19 quarantine, I have been walking for exercise. It may seem strange, but my favorite places to walk are cemeteries. I find it interesting to walk through the cemeteries in Franklin. 

The Union St. cemetery has grave stones from the 1700s. There are some very recognizable names:

• Oliver Dean, who founded Dean College
• Fletcher family, there’s a softball field named after the family
• Ray family, funded Franklin Library - the first library in the country

Then there’s the Beaver Street Cemetery. It is really called St. Mary’s Cemetery because the parishioners of St. Mary’s purchased the land in 1864 because Catholics weren’t allowed to be buried in the Union St. cemetery. But that was then and this is now. Now anyone can be buried in either the Union St. or Beaver St. cemetery. I found it interesting to notice the Irish and Italian names on the St. Mary’s grave stones in contrast to the English names on the Union St. cemetery tombstones.

Cemeteries hold the history of civilization. These two cemeteries reflect the mindset of our Puritan ancestors who left England for freedom to practice their own religion and then in turn didn’t practice what they preached. In St. Mary’s cemetery we see the oldest gravestones engraved with Irish surnames, reflecting the Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine in the mid-1800s. Soon overwhelming the Irish names are Italian names. Names that only Franklinites could pronounce:

• Mucciarone
• Bucchanio
• D’Aniello

St. Mary’s cemetery has a beautiful memorial garden and a columbarium. A columbarium is a wall of vaults containing the cremated remains of the deceased. It is a peaceful area for respectful reflection. 

There’s one more cemetery that is perhaps the most interesting of all, albeit the smallest one. It is on Green St., Franklin. The official name is the City Mills Historical Cemetery. That area is part of the City Mills section of Norfolk/Franklin, hence the name. Some of the people buried there:

• Samuel Allen 15 Mar 1778 Franklin, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA - 14 Jan 1866
• Edward Gay Jr 2 Jul 1696 Wrentham, Suffolk, Province of Massachusetts Bay - 28 Feb 1758
• Timothy Hawes 21 Jul 1722 Wrentham, Suffolk, Province of Massachusetts Bay - 8 Mar 1772
• Rhoda (Mason) Allen abt 1795 Dedham, Norfolk, Massachusetts, USA - 15 Apr 1862
• James Shepardson 24 Jul 1789 Wrentham, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States - 8 Mar 1863

There are other reasons to enjoy walking in these cemeteries besides historical interest. There’s the peace and quiet. The roads are paved so one can wholly concentrate on their reflections. The epitaphs on the gravestones are interesting and some are funny. (That will be a future story.) The architecture, material, and choice of design offer imaginative stories about people’s lives. It certainly makes you wonder what happened between birth date - death date. Just imagine! An entire life is represented by a dash! 

Soon many more graves and cremains will be added to our cemeteries, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A walk through the cemeteries will put your priorities in order. What will your legacy be?"

Faith Flaherty

Union St cemetery

SAFE Coalition announces PEERS Scholarship award: Emma Kucich

Each year, the SAFE Coalition is honored to provide one graduating senior with the PEERS Scholarship. This scholarship fund was established and donated by the Sacchetti Family in close collaboration with the SAFE Coalition and Franklin High School. 

We are Extremely excited to offer this annual $5,000 scholarship award to a graduating FHS Senior in recognition of their selfless and often underappreciated and unrecognized commitment to raising awareness and educating and influencing their PEERS about substance use and prevention.

This year, we are proud to announce Emma Kucich as the PEERS Scholarship award recipient. Emma has been participating in the coalition for three years, has been an active member in meetings and programming, has been a driving force for her peers at school to seek additional mental health support, is a strong advocate for peer recovery services, and has dedicated her last summer before college to interning with the Coalition. 

Emma is a bright light, a warm conversation, and someone who we know will share the spirit of recovery and support to all those who cross her path. We are so happy to award this scholarship to Emma Kucich. University of Massachusetts Amherst is so lucky to have you!

SAFE Coalition announces PEERS Scholarship award: Emma Kucich

Sports Buzz: Coach CJ Neely

Jay Horrigan and Kevin Papa interview Coach CJ Neely for Sports Buzz

CJ Neely Interview_converted from Jay Horrigan on Vimeo.

Shared via Twitter: https://twitter.com/jphref/status/1266900615680200705

Register O’Donnell Reports Homeowners Taking Advantage of Low Interest Rates

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported a surge in mortgage lending prevented what would have been a disappointing month of May for the Norfolk County real estate market.

“During May 2020, 1,194 real estate sales were recorded, a 31% decrease year over year. However, the average sales price, both residential and commercial, actually increased 40% to $984,666. This number was impacted by a $51 million sale recorded against a Canton commercial property on 5/29/20. Total dollar sales volume for May was $659 million, a 16% decrease from the previous year. There is no question the COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact real estate sales activity county wide. Real Estate Brokers and Agents continue to report being unable to hold open houses. With the economy beginning to reopen, we are optimistic real estate sales numbers will pick up, if not in June hopefully later in the summer and early fall,” noted the Register.

During May, homeowners continued to take advantage of low interest rates to refinance existing mortgages. The month of May saw a total of 3,564 mortgages recorded in Norfolk County, a 43% increase compared to May 2019. Total mortgage borrowing came in at $1.35 billion. “These past few months,” noted O’Donnell, “have been extraordinary for the Norfolk County lending market. It will be interesting to see how long this momentum can be sustained.”

A total of 7 foreclosure deeds were recorded in May. However, there were 0 Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded during the month. This reflects the moratorium placed on foreclosures and evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Register O’Donnell stated, “While foreclosure activity fell this past month, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with two non-profit organizations that counsel and assist those struggling with foreclosure. The groups are Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950. These organizations are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender or is struggling to make mortgage payments. Another option is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs are staffed by knowledgeable professionals. Anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue is urged to avail themselves of these excellent programs.”

Homestead activity again showed reduced numbers in May. A total of 796 Homestead documents were recorded during the month, a 31% decrease from the previous year. “The Homestead law 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 homeowners to consider this important consumer protection tool,” noted O’Donnell.

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “During May, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds remained open for the recording of land documents. This occurred despite all the issues surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. While our building was closed to the general public and real estate professionals alike, Registry operations continued unabated. We continued to utilize social distancing and split work shifts to keep the Registry office functioning. A key factor in our ability to remain operationally viable was the utilization of electronic recording for our institutional users. We also continued to receive land documents for recording from both regular mail and Federal Express. Also, a drop-off box in front of our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA continues to be available for those individuals who want to bring their land documents to the Registry for recording.

“Looking at the numbers, there is no question the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and significant impact on the Norfolk County real estate market. What has saved us is a remarkable run in the mortgage lending market fueled by low interest rates. By keeping our office open for the recording of land documents, we have allowed the Norfolk County real estate market to remain viable. Norfolk County residents need to know that the recording fee and deeds excise tax monies collected are utilized by state, county, and local governments to pay for critical services including education, police & fire, and social services needed by many of our neighbors and those less fortunate. We again want to thank all Norfolk County residents for their patience and understanding during this pandemic. Be healthy. Be safe.”

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, 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 O’Donnell Reports Homeowners Taking Advantage of Low Interest Rates

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - June 9, 2020

Franklin School Committee 

June 9, 2020

7:00 P.M.

Meetings are recorded by Franklin TV and shown on Comcast channel 11 and Verizon channel 29

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.

Per Governor Baker’s Executive Order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A sec. 20, the public will not be allowed to physically access this School Committee meeting. Members of the Public can access the meeting via remote conference. The School Committee reserves the right to implement additional remote participation procedures and will notify the public of these procedures as soon as practicable.

LOCATION: Remote participation via: ZOOM Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95814618148?pwd=YWdaOFN4cGxmZjViY21wUlU1MmkxZz09

Meeting ID: 958 1461 8148
Password: SCMTG

One tap mobile
+16465588656,,95814618148#,,1#,466078# US (New York)
+13017158592,,95814618148#,,1#,466078# US (Germantown)

Dial by your location
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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.”

Call to Order
Pledge of Allegiance Moment of Silence

I. Routine Business
A. Review of Agenda
B. Citizen’s Comments

In the spirit of open communication, “the Committee will hold a public participation segment (also called Citizen’s Comments) about matters 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…. The Committee will hear public comments related to an agenda item when the Chair deems appropriate during the Committee meeting. Topics for discussion during the meeting must be limited to those items listed on the Committee meeting agenda for that evening…. ” - from Policy BEDH

C. FHS Student Representative Comments
D. Superintendent’s Report

II. Guests/Presentations
A. FHS DECA Students and Advisor Mr. Carmo

III. Discussion/Action Items
A. BICO Board Appointment
I recommend appointment of Dr. Sara Ahern to the BICO Board for the 2020-2021 school year.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-bico-board

B. ACCEPT Board Appointment
I recommend appointment of Dr. Sara Ahern to the ACCEPT Board for the 2020-2021 school year.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-b-accept-board-appointment
 
C. Resolution in Support of Funding in the COVID-19 Era
I recommend that the School Committee adopt the resolution as discussed.
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/disc-c-resolutions

IV. Discussion Only Items
A. FY21 Budget Discussion

• Budget memo

https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/budget-memo-6920

FY 21 Proposed Reductions
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/proposed-reductions

Under-funded Mandates
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/files/underfunded-mandates

V. Information Matters
A. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Ad Hoc Supt. Evaluation, Ad Hoc Facilities Analysis, Budget, Community Relations/Public Schools Advocacy, Policy, Transportation)
B. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC, Substance Abuse Task Force, School Wellness Advisory Council)

VI. New Business
A. To discuss any future agenda items

VII. Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your May 26, 2020 School Committee Meeting as detailed.
B. Scholarship
I recommend acceptance of a check for $2,500.00 from Sheila Lima for a FHS Scholarship as detailed.
C. FHS Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,000.00 from Signs by Cam for in-house enrichment at FHS as detailed.
D. Music Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $968.00 from the Franklin Music Boosters for in-house enrichment as detailed.
E. School Lunch Donation
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,208.12 from various donors for scholarship/memorial as detailed.

VIII. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

IX. Payroll Ms. D’Angelo

X. Executive Session

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

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

XI. Adjournment


The agenda document
https://www.franklinps.net/sites/franklinmaps/files/uploads/scagenda_6-9-20.pdf

The meeting packet folder
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee/pages/june-9-2020-school-committee-meeting-packet

Franklin, MA: School Committee Meeting Agenda - June 9, 2020

FY 2021 - Budget Collection

Town Council
Budget hearing #2 - June 18
Budget hearing #1 - June 17
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/town-of-franklin-fy-21-budget-hearings.html

School Committee 
Budget Subcommittee meeting - June 5
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-school-committee-budget.html


Finance Committee

Budget Hearing #4 - 6/04/20

• audio =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_55.html
• notes =  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-4.html

Budget hearing #3 - 6/02/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/finance-committee-budget-hearing-3.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/06/franklin-ma-finance-committee-budget_6.html

Budget hearing #2 - 5/28/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-279-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Budget hearing #1 - 5/27/20

• audio = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-280-finance-committee-budget-hearing.html
• Notes = https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/finance-committee-recap-budget-hearing.html

Town of Franklin budget page for FY 2021
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-budget/pages/fy2021-budget-materials

Schools budget page for FY 2021
https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/fy-2021-budget

FY 2021 - Budget Collection

FM #290 "Talk Franklin" with Jamie Hellen - 6/04/20

FM #290 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 290 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talk about Re-opening

• Temp license authority
• Recreation planning
• Phase 2 awaiting Gov Baker

Budget

• Last hearing for FinComm
• SchComm Jun 9 meeting, notification of personnel cuts by 6/15
• Town Council schedule 6/17-18

Spotlight

• Town clerk

And close with some cultural comments about a new album by Nicole Atkins, a great blues singer. Her album link via BandCamp is https://nicoleatkins.bandcamp.com/album/italian-ice

The recording runs about 43 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie  Audio file =  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HNPCM1w7



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The Town of Franklin COVID-19 Portal page
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal

Temporary Outdoor Dining Guidance
https://www.franklinma.gov/administrator/webforms/temporary-outdoor-dining-guidance-and-application

If you have a question for Jamie, please use the form to submit it
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/02/ask-franklin-matters-you-ask-question.html

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

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

How can you help?

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

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I 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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"