Little Free Library built by Girls Scouts

Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) tweeted Mon, Oct 25, 2021:

"Joined Girl Scouts from Troop 62394 who are spreading the gift of knowledge through the construction of a Little Free Library at the Oak Street and Horace Mann Schools complex (Charter #127996 in the https://t.co/4O5pueGqCA network). 

Amazing work and their second library in town! https://t.co/oovgX1V2fF"

https://twitter.com/jeffroy/status/1452587716684795908?t=zesqbgjXaiXe6A-rt2Z_Pg&s=03

Little Free Library built by Girls Scouts

Joined Girl Scouts from Troop 62394 who are spreading the gift of knowledge through the construction of a Little Free Library at the Oak Street and Horace Mann Schools complex (Charter #127996 in the https://t.co/4O5pueGqCA network). Amazing work and their second library in town! pic.twitter.com/oovgX1V2fF

— Jeffrey N. Roy (@jeffroy) October 25, 2021

FHS girls soccer post win, boys soccer post a tie on Monday

Via @HockomockSports and the Boston Globe, we share the results of the FHS fall sports action on Monday, Oct 25, 2021  

Boys Soccer = Franklin, 1 @ Milford, 1 – Final

"Sitting at 499 career wins, Franklin boys’ soccer coach Fran Bositis will have to wait at least one more game to reach the 500-win milestone. 

Franklin tied host Milford, 1-1, Monday under the lights in a Hockomock League battle filled with physical play in a playoff-type atmosphere. 

Bositis, who has coached the Panthers for 51 years, will get another crack at No. 500 Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the regular-season finale at King Philip. He isn’t too stressed about accomplishing the feat."

Continue reading the article in the Boston Globe (Subscription maybe required)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/25/sports/milford-boys-soccer-battles-1-1-draw-denies-franklin-coach-fran-bositis-his-500th-win/

For a photo gallery of the game -> https://hockomocksports.smugmug.com/2021-2022/Fall-2021/Milford-Franklin-Boys-Soccer-10-25-21/

Girls Soccer = Milford, 0 @ Franklin, 5 – Final 
– With the win, and KP’s draw against Attleboro, Franklin clinched the outright Kelley-Rex title. Anna Grasso scored twice to lead the Panthers on senior night. Riley Fitzpatrick and Anya Zub each had a goal and assist, while Stella Regan and Emily Reilly each had assists for the Panthers.

For other results around the Hockomock League

https://hockomocksports.com/mondays-schedule-scoreboard-10-25-21/

Franklin coach Fran Bositis took in stride his team's 1-1 draw with Milford on Monday -- even if it denied him a chance to record his 500th career win. "If it's God's will, it will be done,'' Bositis said afterward.BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF

Student Spotlight: FHS junior, Amal Alkhalaf

Panther TV (@fhspanthertv) tweeted Mon, Oct 25, 2021:

Student Spotlight: FHS junior, Amal Alkhalaf, shares her story about living through the war in Syria. @FHSPantherbook https://t.co/Taa2GY3kC0

Student Spotlight: Amal Alkhalaf

Climate Action in Boston, Friday, October 29

Greetings from the Greater Franklin Node of 350 Mass.  We are notifying climate activists and concerned citizens about an action in Boston, this Friday afternoon, October 29th. We encourage you to attend if possible.

 

Across the country, leading climate justice groups are teaming up to target financial institutions that are funding the fossil fuel industry. A key organizer is the Youth Climate Finance Alliance.  Young people are rising up across the world to demand an immediate end to the funding of fossil fuel expansion. As they say on their website, "We're calling out greenwashed climate commitments, uplifting frontline fights, and demanding an end to the harm. If we can stop the flow of money, we can stop the flow of oil."

 

The day of action for a Fossil Free Future includes a protest in Boston targeting Chase Bank. Here are the details: 

• Start time: 3:45 pm, near Liberty Mutual, 157 Berkeley St Boston.
• Rally with youth and indigenous speakers.
• March to Chase - Downtown Crossing (arriving 4:30-4:45).
• Bank action led by youth.
• Action complete by 5:30.

Register  here for the Boston event.

 

Thank you for participating, considering it, and spreading the word.

 

Ralph Halpern

ralph.halpern@comcast.net

781-784-3839 (h)

339-203-5017 (c)

Climate Action in Boston, Friday, October 29

Franklin Athletics: FYI - high school playoff tickets will be digital only

FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) tweeted  Mon, Oct 25, 2021:

Panther Fans: Beginning with the round of 16 for ALL MIAA Playoffs, ticket sales will be online via GoFan. Digital tickets only!!! Be sure to download the GoFan App in the App Store or  https://t.co/1k19miTbHe

Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1452638843425992717?t=hOwxD6D-Uv9c9VojQP_H7g&s=03

FYI - high school playoff tickets will be digital only 

"Natural gas leaks in Boston are vastly underreported"

"Six times more natural gas is leaking into the skies of Boston than is officially reported, new research shows. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also suggests that gas could be escaping not only from distribution pipelines but from inside businesses and homes as well — a finding that some say may be overstated.

Natural gas is made up primarily of methane, which — when released directly into the atmosphere instead of being burned first — has more than 80 times the warming potential of carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.

The study monitored natural gas methane emissions in the Boston area between 2012 and 2020. It found that an average of 49,000 tons of methane leaked into the air each year. That amounts to an estimated 2.5 percent of all gas delivered to the metro area and is equivalent to the carbon dioxide emissions of roughly a quarter-million cars operating for a year."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required) 
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2021/10/25/methane-leaks-natural-gas-boston/

And the Boston Globe coverage (Subscription maybe required)  ->   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/10/25/science/state-vastly-underestimates-emissions-natural-gas-study-finds/

Crews replaced old underground gas pipes along Summit Avenue. The pipes were leaking and killing trees, adversely affecting health, and contributing to climate change.MARK LORENZ FOR THE BOSTON GLOBE/FILE

Dean College - Dr. Rooney to Conclude Presidency of College

News from Dean College Franklin Downtown Partnership • 774-571-3109 • FranklinDowntownPartnership.org

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

Milford Daily News: Town Council candidate summaries

"The town budget, open space, development, the master plan and the town charter are all topics that have the attention of candidates seeking election to the city's top governing board.

In all, there are 12 residents hoping for one of nine spots on the Town Council. Eight candidates are incumbents hoping for re-election on Nov. 2 — the ninth seat was left open by the recent resignation of Matt Kelly.

Read about some of each candidate's key issues below. Each is listed in order of their appearance on the town ballot."

Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/story/news/2021/10/22/candidates-franklin-town-council-share-their-views/8534937002/

Milford Daily News: Town Council candidate summaries

Milford Daily News - School Committee & Planning Board candidate summaries

• The Milford Daily News recently published an article on all 12 candidates for Franklin School Committee. Please see the link below and don't forget to get out and vote!  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/10/25/12-candidates-vie-seven-seats-franklin-school-committee/6116633001/
• The Planning Board candidate summaries can be found online  https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/country-gazette/2021/10/25/meet-candidates-franklin-planning-board/6132869001/

Shared from Twitter:   https://twitter.com/DSpencerFSC/status/1452624287593078784?t=8SJmiNP255C73XUJ-OkIEA&s=03

Milford Daily News - School Committee candidate summaries

Communities thrive when we work together

Communities thrive when we work together by Ami Dziekan, Division of Consumer Response and Operations Every day dedicated community advocates work to improve the lives and protect the rights of people across the country. The FTC is proud of our work with the legal services community and we are excited to share the Community Advocate Center, a new resource to help you report to the FTC your clients' experiences with fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/10/communities-thrive-when-we-work-together?utm_source=govdelivery

Video link -> https://youtu.be/xLGq3EcG6hA

 

Franklin Pop up shops Expand

Bookstore and Coffee Shop Combination Coming to Franklin’s Downtown for a Limited Time

The Town of Franklin is pleased to announce “Escape into Fiction'' and “Doglio Coffee'' as the latest round of businesses to occupy the 70 East Central St. Pop Shop Opportunity Space. The Town hopes residents and visitors of Franklin stop in and check out the new local businesses.

Escape into Fiction is a fiction only bookstore carrying genres such as horror, romance, science fiction, mystery and more. The bookstore will open its doors on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 at 10:00 AM.

Residents can expect a variety of bookmarks, totes, stickers, puzzles and coloring books from Escape into Fiction. Their diverse catalog ensures there is something for people of all ages to enjoy. Owners April and Michael Rock had hoped to establish a brick and mortar store prior to the pandemic, however, they decided to pursue an online only business model due to the circumstances the pandemic presented. After making an unexpected move from Ohio to Franklin, they are excited to pick up where they left off in their new home. 

Franklin Pop up shops Expand

"Escape Into Fiction feels incredibly honored to have the opportunity to participate in the Town of Franklin Pop Up Shop project. This has been the perfect way for us to introduce ourselves to our new community and we can't wait to meet everyone!" said April Rock.

Their Pop Shop partner, Doglio Coffee, specializes in offering high quality organic coffee and will launch in early November. Doglio Coffee utilizes direct trade to ensure ethically sourced beans. Their coffee is low-acidity, made with quadruple-filtered water and brewed in small batches to maintain pristine quality.

Owners Alexa Monochio and Steve Poirier witnessed the authentic connections made over a great cup of coffee during a trip to Italy. Yearning to help create authentic moments back home, they launched Doglio in Feb. 2021. They hope to continue to celebrate great coffee and connections through the Pop Shop Franklin Initiative.

The Pop Shop Opportunity Spaces will be filled until December 31, 2021 when the Franklin Pop Shop Initiative is completed due to grant requirements by the state grant. Residents are encouraged to visit the second Pop Shop Opportunity Space (2A Main St. in Franklin) which has been utilized by Greco Design Co. since June. This program was made possible by a Regional Pilot Project Grant issued by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Learn more about the Pop Shop Franklin Initiative by visiting: www.franklinma.gov/economic-development/pages/pop-shop-franklin

For more information about the Franklin Pop Shop businesses, be sure to visit their websites and connect with them on social media.

Learn more at escapeintofiction.com 
Learn more at dogliocoffee.com
Learn more at grecodesigncompany.com

Media Contact: Lily Rivera riveral@franklinps.net Office:508- 520-4888 

Franklin Cultural Council announce Halloween Decoration Contest winners

Oy! The Facebook Live feature today is cranky! I give up! 

Here are our amazing winners!!! Thank you to all for helping us to BUILD community, STRENGTHEN community and have a little fun and joy while doing so! 

• 1st Place Winner = "When Dinosaurs Ruled Halloween", 2 Russet Hill Road 
• 2nd Place Winner = "All Souls Cemetery", 404 Martello Road
• 3rd Place Tied Winners = "Scorched Souls" (28 Anthony Road)
•                     AND "The Scary, Scary Skeletones" (6 Hayden Lane)

AMAZING HONORABLE MENTIONS!

 - Horror on East Street

 - Haunting on Shady Lane

 - Pumpkin Patch of the Dead

- Red Rum Manor

Pick up a MAP tomorrow at Allegra Marketing and Print at 317 Union Street and be sure to thank them for always helping out the community! 

Have fun, Franklin!

Shared from Franklin Cultural Council -> https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=206956758217106&id=100067083505968

Halloween Decoration Contest Map -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/the-halloween-decoration-contest-map-is.html

Franklin Cultural Council announce Halloween Decoration Contest winners

Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

FM #646-647-648 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 646-647-648 in the series. 

This session shares part of the Franklin, MA Town Council meeting held on Wednesday, October 20, 2021. 

The meeting was conducted in a hybrid format: members of the Town Council and Town Administration personnel, the Police retirement and promotion individuals, along with their guest and family members were in the Council Chambers, some members of the public participated in person, some via the Zoom conference bridge, all to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

I’ve split the just about two hours and forty minutes ( 2:40 total elapsed time) into three (3) logical segments:

• Part 1 -> covers the opening, citizen comments, appointment/swearing in of new firefighter/paramedic and the update on ARPA funding (~54 mins) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/58eae587-351d-46ca-9e11-8f6c5e6523a4
• Part 2 -> covers the Census 2020 data and the reprecincting presentation and Q&A session (~ 40 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/7e79c518-913e-4002-99b9-1ccce36d5b3e
• Part 3 -> covers the Legislation for Action, Council Comments and meeting close. (~ 52 minutes) https://player.captivate.fm/episode/c578b0eb-36c0-4d2e-bb40-6ea793864b56

The show notes contain links to the meeting agenda. Let’s listen to this segment of the Town Council meeting of Oct 20, 2021

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

Agenda document ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif6896/f/agendas/october_20_2021_town_council_agenda.pdf

Agenda folder ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/october-20-town-council-agenda 

My notes from the meeting  -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/recap-town-council-approves-creation-of.html

Town Council Quarterbacking session (a short recap with Council Chair Tom Mercer) -> 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/town-council-quarterbacking-with-chair.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"

 

Town Council Meeting - 10/20/21 - three audio segments

Did you get your tickets to Mamma Mia!?

WHY WAIT UNTIL OPENING NIGHT? Purchase tickets online today—it's quick and easy! Mamma Mia! Presented By Franklin High School Theatre Company Nov 12th 2021, 7:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 2:00 PM Nov 13th 2021, 7:00 PM BUY TICKETS Franklin High School 218 Oak Street Franklin, MA 02038 Visit here for more information. TICKETING BY

On The Stage · 254 West 54th Street, 13th Floor · New York, NY 10019 · USA

Register O'Donnell Delivers Third Quarter of Year 2021 Real Estate Activity Report

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported that third quarter (July-September 2021) real estate stats showed an increase in residential and commercial sales, while mortgage lending numbers experienced a decline.

Register O'Donnell noted, "The recently concluded third quarter of the calendar year, the average Norfolk County real estate sales price, both residential and commercial, increased 16% to $1,001,738. Total real estate volume, again both residential and commercial, was $3.7 billion, a 23% increase year over year."

Register O'Donnell further stated, "The third quarter of the calendar year figures also show an overall 10% increase in the number of properties sold countywide from 5,893 to 5,342 for the same quarter of 2020."

For the third quarter of 2021, the number of land documents recorded, (such as deeds, mortgages, Homesteads, mortgage discharges, etc.) was 48,341, a 3% drop from the previous year. Register O'Donnell noted, "These figures are pointing that things are starting to slow down.  We will continue to watch these numbers."

Q3 Year 2021 Real Estate Activity Report

Another area that is slowing down was the 10,869 mortgages recorded at the Registry during the third quarter of the calendar year 2021 compared to 12,900 for the same time period in 2020.  This is a sixteen percent (16%) decrease in the third quarter of 2021 over the same period in 2020. Total mortgage borrowing was $8.9 billion for the third quarter of the year compared to $5.3 billion during the third quarter of 2020. "With the relatively low interest rates, consumers seem to be more comfortable borrowing money, however it appears most consumers who were going to refinance have done so." stated the Register.

Norfolk County homeowners continued to benefit from the Homestead Act. A total of 3,840 Homesteads were recorded during the third quarter of the calendar year, which is comparable to last year's 3,822 Homestead recordings. "The Homestead law provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County residents to consider this important consumer protection tool," noted O'Donnell.

Another sobering indicator was the uptick in foreclosure activity in Norfolk County. A total of 18 foreclosure deeds were recorded versus 9 filed during the third quarter of 2020. In addition, there was a significant increase in the number of Notice to Foreclose Mortgage recordings, the first step in the foreclosure process.

O'Donnell stated, "While the eastern Massachusetts economy remains on a solid footing, there are still those in Norfolk County experiencing economic hardship, in many cases through no fault of their own. The Registry continues to work with Quincy Community Action Programs, (617-479-8181 x376), and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, (508-587-0950) to help 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, "While the numbers were a bit contradictory, I am confident that Norfolk County real estate remains a very strong commodity. The Registry will continue to monitor the housing inventory levels and future real estate indicators closely."

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.