Monday, June 14, 2021

Franklin TV: Somewhere In Between Or – Why Do I Feel Undressed?

Via Pete Fasciano - 06-13-2021

As I approach [Store Name – Home Depot, Target, CVS] I stop halfway across the parking lot. Turn around and head back to the car. Again.

Forgot my mask. We are at an in-between time where COVID mandates and rules have softened to become guidelines, recommendations – courtesies. While things are getting better and optimism is on the rise, so is confusion. Do I still mask?

To mask, or not to mask – that – is the question:
Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer 
the slings and arrows of outrageous infection, 
Or to take arms against a sea of virus
And by masking – end them.
To live— to weep
for those now lost upon the shoals of sorry happenstance 
and doubt in science that hath shielded us
as guide – to light our pathway out.

We are in the churlish waters of change as our new normal envelopes us. Although I’m fully vaxxed, I keep a mask with me – as a courtesy where socially appropriate. If it makes others feel more comfortable, I’m good with it. A social grace.

We’re continuing to rework our facility to better accommodate how programs will be produced in a future that still carries some unknowns, and we continue to adapt. We adapted our way in. We adapt our way back out. Reopening does not mean simply unlocking the front door. Our Community room will now support hybrid Zoom meetings as an option for our guest groups. Our radio programs will as well. There will also be production practices yet to be defined in our TV studios.

The world is forever changed. We’re just not quite certain as to how. But, with change comes opportunity. We intend to find it and seize it. At the moment, we may be ‘in between’, but we are looking and leaning forward.
And –  as always –
Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm.
And, thank you for watching. 

Get this week's program guide for Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) online
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf  or for archive purposes

Franklin TV: Somewhere In Between Or –  Why Do I Feel Undressed?
Franklin TV: Somewhere In Between Or –  Why Do I Feel Undressed?  


Rabbi Tom Alpert on the FHS incident

Via Rabbi Tom Alpert:  "I want to share with you the email that I sent to Temple Etz Chaim about the swastika incident.  "
"Dear Temple Etz Chaim community,

Like many of you, I was saddened and angered by the news that yesterday grafitti depicting swastikas was found in a Boys’ bathroom at Franklin High School.  I commend Principal Joshua Hanna for his swift response.  While hindsight will and can yield ideas about how to improve that response, it is welcome that he quickly insisted that this sort of hate symbol has no place in the schools.

Of course, we in the Jewish community feel the special sting of this symbol, and while it can be addressed to others as well, it always includes us.  It is particularly concerning in light of two factors.  One is that this is not the first incident of swastikas being displayed in Franklin schools.  The other is that we have seen a spike in anti-Semitic activities over the last few years, and in particular over the last few weeks.  I have spoken about antisemitism a lot lately, most recently on my radio show with Rev. Kathleen McAdams and Rev. Eric Cherry, “A Priest, a Minister, and a Rabbi Walk Into a Radio Station.”  You can hear what I and the other participants had to say by listening to the show on Franklin Public Radio, WPFR, or checking out the podcast when it is available (which will be soon).

I serve on a group started this year called the Franklin Freedom Team, which is designed to address hate and bias concerns before they boil over.  Among the members of the Team are School Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern and Police Chief T.J. Lynch.  Both have reached out to our community through me.  Dr. Ahern spoke this morning to the High School assembly and made her intolerance of this intolerance plain.  She also is developing plans to get ahead of these incidents in the future, and members of the Team have given her their input on her initial suggestions.  Chief Lynch assured me that the Police Department is investigating this matter thoroughly.

For anyone with children in Franklin High School, please know that I am ready to speak with them about their experiences if that would be of help to them.  And please let other students who are not in our Temple community know that I am here for them as well.

I know that antisemitism does not disappear and must be confronted regularly.  But I also believe, as I have since I arrived in Franklin, that this is a good community that welcomes us.  Let us hold both truths close to us, that we may struggle for justice but never despair of our fellow human beings.

Shabbat shalom.
Rabbi Tom Alpert"

Shared from Facebook: 



“A Priest, a Minister, and a Rabbi Walk Into a Radio Station”
“A Priest, a Minister, and a Rabbi Walk Into a Radio Station”


FM #563-564 - Town Council Mtg - 06/09/21 P1: Maple Hill public hearing P2: remainder of meeting (audio)

FM #563-564 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 563-564 in the series. 

This session shares the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. 


The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council, selected guests, and Town Administration personnel were in the Council Chambers, the remainder were remote along with the public via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


I’ve split the almost 2 and a half hour meeting into two logical segments:

  • First - covers the opening with 2 recognitions, 2 licenses transactions and then the public hearing on the Maple Hill right of first refusal (~1:23 mins)

  • Second - covers the legislation for action and the balance of the meeting (~1:05 minutes)

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda including documents released for this meeting. 


Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of June 9, 2021






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


Agenda document folder - > https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/6-9-21_town_council_agenda_1.pdf


The proposal summary and details on the 'right of first refusal' can be found in this document -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf


My notes from the meeting -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/06/recap-town-council-on-maple-hill-right.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


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 www.Franklinmatters.org   or www.franklin.news 


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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"


FM #563-564 - Town Council Mtg - 06/09/21
FM #563-564 - Town Council Mtg - 06/09/21


Boston Globe: "Harvard professor Danielle Allen to launch historic bid for governor"

"Harvard professor Danielle Allen will launch a historic campaign for governor on Tuesday, entering the Democratic field as the first Black woman to run for the executive office as part of a major party in Massachusetts at a time when women and people of color are breaking barriers in city and state government.

Allen, 49, joins what’s likely to be a crowded primary with a hefty academic resume but no experience holding elected office.

A MacArthur “Genius Grant” recipient and the head of Harvard’s Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics since 2015, Allen says she is running to bring the lessons of her career as a political philosopher — that government must meet a high bar, serving all people — to Beacon Hill.

And her bid solidifies a family legacy steeped in fights for racial justice: a grandfather who helped found the first NAACP chapter in his North Florida community, where doing so meant risking one’s life, and a grandmother, working as a nurse in the segregated South, who dreamed that one day her offspring would study at Harvard."
Continue reading the article online (subscription maybe required)

You can listen to Danielle on an episode of  "Toward a More Perfect Union"


I have read her book on the Declaration of Independence "Our Declaration." She provides a slow reading of the text with insights and perspectives you don't get elsewhere. Well worth the time to read.

"Our Declaration"
"Our Declaration"



FM #562 - Board of Health Mtg - 06/09/21 (audio)

FM #562 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 562 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health meeting held on Wednesday, June 9, 2021.


The meeting was conducted in person at the Municipal Bldg third floor training room. There was also a Zoom session for remote participation and no one did. This was the first in person meeting since Feb 2020.


Links to the meeting agenda and associated documents are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 31 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting for June.  Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/f82d62b7-9494-48db-9871-3c5cac165c7e



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


Board of Health agenda -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/agenda-06-09-2021_0.pdf


My notes captured from the meeting 

  • Live reporting for Board of Health meeting underway #boh0609

  • Cathleen provides update on work for new podcast The Topic, to explore a variety of health issues #boh0609

  • Lots of ideas coming for the new podcast, BoH loves the concept #BoH0609

  • Discussion on emergency condemnation, slow process but underway. #BoH0609 VNA contract ending Jun 30, hiring a nurse is underway.

  • There is progress on the 27 Winter St property, as well as Jordan Road property. #BoH0609

  • (I neglected to close out the meeting when it adjourned. Had some in person conversations to distract me from the process.)


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


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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/ or www.franklin.news/


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!

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


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 

screengrab of a prior virtual Board of Health mtg
screengrab of a prior virtual Board of Health mtg

Register O’Donnell Reminds Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges with this Increased Real Estate Activity

The Norfolk Registry of Deeds even during this COVID-19 pandemic has been very busy recording land documents.  In calendar year 2020 there were over 179,000 documents recorded at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds which was a nineteen (19%) percent increase over the year before.  A sizeable portion of this document volume were the 45,669 mortgages recorded representing a fifty-four (54%) percent increase in calendar year 2020 over 2019. 

This growth has continued into calendar year 2021.  During the five-month period from January 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021 there were 85,046 documents recorded at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds which is a forty-four (44%) percent increase over the same time period in 2020.  A big part of this document volume was the 22,045 mortgages recorded.  This represents a forty-nine (49%) percent increase in filed mortgages in this five-month period in calendar year 2021 over the same period in 2020.
 
Given this huge increase in mortgage activity Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell advises Norfolk County homeowners about the need to file a mortgage discharge after their mortgage has been paid off.
 
Register O’Donnell stated, “As consumers we all need to borrow money.  There are many reasons why consumers borrow money- to purchase a house, to make home improvements or to help pay for ever increasing tuition payments of our children.  The borrowing of money involving real estate leads to a mortgage being recorded against the title of that real estate.”
 
Register O’Donnell 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. This is particularly important in light of the thousands of homeowners who have been taking advantage of historically low interest rates to refinance their mortgages. It should be noted 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”.  During this busy period of refinancing your old mortgages are being paid off.  As a consumer you want to make sure a discharge has been recorded at the Registry of Deeds which tells the world that that mortgage has been paid off.”
 
“In some instances,” noted the Register, “mortgage 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 cases, the mortgage discharge is sent to the property owner who then becomes responsible for making sure the document is recorded. Whether or not the mortgage discharge is recorded by the lending institution or the individual property owner, it is imperative that the property owner makes sure all necessary documents have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds.”
 
“If you are looking to check your title and make sure all your mortgages have been properly discharged, Norfolk County homeowners can access the Registry’s online records at www.norfolkdeeds.org. By going to the Online Research section of our website, you can verify that 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,” noted O’Donnell. 
 
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 a 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 mortgage discharge, the original document is required. The Registry of Deeds by law cannot accept photo copies or faxed copies of documents. The filing fee, set by state statute, is $106.00.
 
In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “After paying off all the mortgages on their property, homeowners want to know they have clear title to their property, especially if they are contemplating selling. Knowing what steps need to be taken to ensure all paid off mortgages have been properly discharged will go a long way in giving the homeowner assurances that they have clear title to their property. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is that homeowners 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, 8:30AM-4:30PM 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 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.

Reminds Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges
Reminds Homeowners of Need to File Mortgage Discharges


Sunday, June 13, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee - June 16, 2021

Economic Development Subcommittee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
June 16, 2021 - 7:00 PM

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.

Agenda:

1. Housing Production Plan  

2. Home Occupation Business Zoning Discussion


The agenda doc contains connection info

Economic Development Subcommittee - June 16, 2021
Economic Development Subcommittee - June 16, 2021


Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting 
Agenda & Meeting Packet 
June 16th, 2021 = 6:00 PM

Meeting will be held at the Municipal Building
2nd floor, Council Chambers 355 East Central Street

The public will be permitted to enter the building to participate in person.
Residents are encouraged to attend and participate via the “ZOOM” Platform.

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Chapter 61A, Town’s Right of First Refusal to Purchase Approx. 70 Acres of Land off Maple Street approved as “Maple Hill” Definitive Residential Subdivision:
a. Cover Memo and Purchase & Sale Agreement: (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/6._web_rofr_hearing.pdf)
i. Notice of intent to sell land for residential use off Maple Street
b. Open Space Presentation - April 6th, 2021 CPC Meeting  (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/open_space_presentation_update_4-6-2021.pdf)
c. 2016 Town of Franklin Open Space Plan  
(https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/uploads/updated_osrp.pdf)
d. Financials
e. Town Administrator Presentation to Town Council June 9, 2021  (
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/mai/files/_maple_hill_rofr_open_space_update.pdf)
5. Budget Stabilization Policy Discussion
6. Fletcher Fund Expenditures
7. FY21 Budget Update
8. Future Agenda Items
9. Adjourn

Agenda doc contains connection info

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - June 16, 2021


Escape to the Arts! - last day of events today, ArtWALK continues through June

Escape to the Arts! Sunday, June 13 closes out the Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration
 
For the complete schedule of events and activities for the ArtWALK



Escape to the Arts! Sunday, June 13
Escape to the Arts! Sunday, June 13

Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13
Franklin's ArtWALK Celebration June 11-12-13

Nick Gaspar Day at George’s Pizza - June 23

"Join us and show your support for Nick on Wednesday June 23rd, 2021 by eating at George’s!

15% of ALL Orders will be generously donated by George’s to support Nick and his family.  

Please visit George’s @ 1 Crossing Plaza Franklin, MA 02038 or CALL 508-528-0055
or order online -> http://george-s-pizza.mxstorefront.com/"

#1NickStrong18  

Visit the webpage for additional ways to support the Gaspar family https://nickgaspar.com/

Nick Gaspar Day at George’s Pizza  - June 23
Nick Gaspar Day at George’s Pizza  - June 23



Boston Foundation: report -> "Pathways to Economic Mobility"

Boston Foundation (@bostonfdn) tweeted on Thu, Jun 10, 2021:
The Pathways to Economic Mobility report draws on data across high schools, postsecondary institutions & employers, exploring important & timely questions to better understand the impact of community colleges on students' career trajectories. 
Read it here: https://t.co/hjYbLW7jqz 

Shared from Twitter: https://twitter.com/bostonfdn/status/1402991082166620171

Boston Foundation: report -> "Pathways to Economic Mobility"
Boston Foundation: report -> "Pathways to Economic Mobility"


Clothing Drive for Franklin Crossing

"Please help and share this information any question message me (Theresa Auciello Shea) or Megan Langevin or Andy Bissanti-or email the Lions, But its pretty simple we need your clothing your not using or anything made of material or cloth, even in the most poor condition, we will earn dollars so we can donate to the Families that have suffered a big loss from the fire at Franklin Crossing."

   
Clothing Drive for Franklin Crossing
Clothing Drive for Franklin Crossing

"A Virtual Night Of The Arts" (video)

Did you miss viewing the "A Virtual Night Of The Arts" the exhibit of the Davis Thayer, Jefferson, and Virtual Learning Academy (VLA) student art work.  You can view on YouTube ->   https://youtu.be/foVLOZS5kJM


Thanks to Jamie Barrett for the link:    https://twitter.com/MusicWithMrJHB/status/1402624788984520707


Watch Denzel Washington's Life Advice on YouTube

Aspire to make a difference!   
"He is an American actor, director, and producer. He has received three Golden Globe awards, a Tony Award, and two Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for the historical war drama film Glory and Best Actor for his role as a corrupt cop in the crime thriller Training Day. May his quotes inspire you to work hard to make your dreams a reality."


Amy Adams participates in "Renewal - a juried exhibit"

Franklin resident and artist Amy Adams shares: 

"So honored to be sharing a space with some amazing artists in this gallery. If you haven’t checked it out yet please take a peek at the show in person or online. Art is available for purchase"