Tuesday, November 9, 2021

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service scheduled for Nov 21

The Franklin Interfaith Council announces its annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service for the community. Everyone is welcome! Please join us on Sunday, November 21 at 7 PM at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, 1 Church Square (masks required) and live streamed at stmarysfranklin.org, then  click Live-stream Masses.

This year, the service features preacher Rev. Dr. Marylayna Schmidt, Interim Minister at Franklin Federated Church, and live performance by the Interfaith Choir, directed by Mary Diehl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The collection will benefit Gilly’s House addiction treatment center in Wrentham (gillyshouse.com).

The Franklin Interfaith Council is an organization whose membership is composed of faith communities in the town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It addresses the various needs of its community by recognizing the power of faith as defined by the individual spiritual traditions.  However, it is these same traditions that unite us in the common goal to initiate and sponsor activities that enrich and challenge the citizens of Franklin. 

The intent of the council is to sensitize the Franklin community to issues of deprivation and social injustice, and to promote tolerance and understanding through shared worship, programs, performances, and publications, and to bring the understanding of our faith traditions to bear on these issues. Additionally, through these same devices, the council seeks to acknowledge and celebrate both the diversity and the common values existing within the community. The council is a nonprofit organization that has as its primary purpose the betterment of the community it serves.

Participating Houses of Worship :

      First Universalist Society in Franklin

      St. John’s Episcopal Church

      Temple Etz Chaim

      St. Mary’s Catholic Parish

      Franklin Federated Church

      Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

       Franklin United Methodist Church

For more information, go to www.FranklinInterfaith.org or on Facebook:  Franklin Interfaith Council. 

Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21
Franklin Interfaith Council schedules Thanksgiving Service - Nov 21

DPW reminders on avoiding frozen pipes

From Franklin's DPW - Important information as the temperatures start to drop.

DPW reminders on avoiding frozen pipes
DPW reminders on avoiding frozen pipes



"Could long COVID unlock clues to chronic fatigue and other poorly understood conditions?"

Via The Washington Post

"In early 2020, Alison Sbrana watched the coronavirus skip from China across continents with a sense of impending doom. Sbrana, plagued by fatigue and brain fog since being diagnosed with mononucleosis six years earlier, was convinced that the pernicious new virus would wreak similar havoc in some of those who contracted it.

Her intuition proved prescient. Some people who had suffered even mild cases of covid-19 began complaining of problems that Sbrana knew too well, including muscle pain and drop-dead exhaustion. Now, as millions of people nationwide are suffering from long-haul COVID, Sbrana and an army of patient advocates are cautiously hopeful that new research may unlock clues to other conditions that appear to crop up after infections, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, known as ME/CFS.

“I think there is potential,” said Sbrana, who suffers from ME/CFS.

COVID long-haulers inherited many of the challenges that have faced people like Sbrana for years, including a lack of understanding of the mechanisms that triggered their disabilities — leaving some doctors to view their symptoms as largely psychosomatic."
Continue reading the article online. (Subscription maybe required)

Alison Sbrana, who struggles with fatigue and brain fog after having mono several years ago, sits on a screened-in patio at her home in Fort Collins, Colo., on Nov. 3. (Stephen Speranza/for The Washington Post)
Alison Sbrana, who struggles with fatigue and brain fog after having mono several years ago, sits on a screened-in patio at her home in Fort Collins, Colo., on Nov. 3. (Stephen Speranza/for The Washington Post)


Monday, November 8, 2021

Happy anniversary Franklin Matters! Goodbye Facebook! (audio)

Let’s celebrate your readership (and growing numbers of readers) as we enter November 2021. 


It was only in November 2007 that FranklinMatters.org came into existence. I had started reporting on Franklin about two years prior, and as the override vote became a reality, during 2007 my reporting increased to cover it. There had been talk of getting it on the ballot and then all the informational meetings began to prepare for the vote when it was set for May 22, 2007.


After the vote passed, I continued to report on what was happening and my ‘regular’ readers began complaining about ‘this Franklin stuff’ that was taking me away from other topics I had been writing about. Hence, plans began for a new page. As the 2007 local election was also scheduled for November, I decided to make the switch after the election and begin preparing the new page for that introduction.


The Facebook page was added in 2010 and will be deleted at the end of November 2021. There was life before Facebook, and there will be life after the Franklin Matters page goes away from Facebook. 


So to be clear, while the Franklin Matters feed to Facebook will go away, Franklin Matters will not.


My commitment will continue to be providing timely and accurate information to all interested. I will continue to ‘follow the money’ focusing on the School Committee, Finance Committee, and Town Council meetings. In my current retirement lifestyle, some of the extra time I have, can then be applied to expanding my reporting to include the quality of life items that ‘following the money’ provides for us.


The content will continue to be text based with appropriate links to the supporting or source documents. Audio will be made available when practical. Photos will be shared. Multiple social media channels will help spread the information to where you can find it. Except that Facebook will not be part of our journey forward.


Email is the best source. One email daily with all that matters. 


Twitter will continue to be used for sharing the individual items as well as for capturing my notes during meetings or events. The podcast will share the audio files of meetings and interviews.


Integration with Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) will continue. Someday, not too far away, there will be one page with three views to “Watch, Listen, and Read” all of Franklin’s information. 

  1. Franklin TV and the three channels will be the “Watch” view

  2. Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) will be the “Listen” 

  3. last but not least, to help tie them all together will be Franklin Matters as the “Read’ view


It does take two to tango, so you have a role to play as we take this journey together to keep informed on what matters in Franklin.  What do you need to do? I am glad you asked.

  • 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 reading, listening, and asking questions.


My ‘radar’ is pretty good but not perfect. So if you want to know something, don’t be bashful. Ask. Send me an email, or use Twitter. You can also use Facebook messenger. I will still participate on Facebook primarily to keep up with family connections so you can use that if you choose.


I also host a monthly “Franklin Matters Q&A” event. It is usually hybrid. I’ll be in person at the Senior Center with a Zoom link to enable remote participation. It provides some time for a quick overview of what’s current and time for in depth Q&A to answer your questions.


Let me close with this is my public service effort for Franklin because I believe Franklin matters. If you do too, then we are on this journey together.

Audio file -> https://player.captivate.fm/episode/28cb4f2e-5832-4c3e-b588-b927519bff91


---------

If you need or want help setting up one of the options to remain 'in the know' , sign up here ->   https://forms.gle/x4gWma8PgrmDD1i66


You can find all the archives for the Override Vote in 2007 on my personal blog  https://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/04/franklin-override-collection.html  


All the posts for the Election Collection in 2007 are also there

https://steves2cents.blogspot.com/2007/11/franklin-election-2007.html 


Fall house cleaning

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2021/10/welcome-little-fall-house-cleaning-is.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 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"


the monthly “Franklin Matters Q&A” event is usually hybrid
the monthly “Franklin Matters Q&A” event is usually hybrid


Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 10, 2021

Finance Committee Meeting
Agenda & Meeting Packet
November 10, 2021 - 6:00 PM

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

Agenda
1. Call to Order
2. Public Comments
3. Town Budget proposals
a. Previous Year unpaid bills
b. FY22 Operating Budget Amendment
c. Host Community Agreement Cannabis Appropriations
4. Adjourn

Agenda doc and remote connection info ->

Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 10, 2021
Franklin, MA: Finance Committee - Agenda - Nov 10, 2021


FHS Varsity and JV cheerleaders take home trophies at Hockomock League Meet

FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) tweeted Sun, Nov 07, 2021:
Congratulations to our Cheer Teams! Varsity takes 1st Place at the Hockomock Meet! 
JV takes 2nd! 
Great day for our Cheer student-athletes!!!! 🏆 🏆 https://t.co/dLOKe2cqtb

https://twitter.com/FHSSports/status/1457442474440466436

FHS varsity cheerleaders
FHS varsity cheerleaders

FHS JV cheerleaders
FHS JV cheerleaders


Register O'Donnell Sees Decline in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity

Register of Deeds William P. O'Donnell reported an across-the-board decline in real estate activity for Norfolk County in October 2021. Declines were seen in both real estate sales and in mortgage lending. 

"The Norfolk County real estate market" noted Register O'Donnell, "has started to slow down and decline.  There were 14,433 documents recorded at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds which is a 20% decrease over last year's October document volume." 

"During the month of October in 2021, a total of 1,590 residential and commercial real estate sales were recorded countywide, resulting in a 15% drop from the previous year's October numbers. Additionally, the total dollar volume of these residential and commercial sales decreased by 22% to $973.1 million year over year, as well as declined in the average sale price by 1% to $1,009,538." noted the Register.

Although there were less mortgages recorded the total amount of money borrowed for mortgages County wide was over 2.5 billon, a 13% increase compared to October 2020.  "While some of the mortgages are due to purchases and sales of real estate, other mortgages are due to refinancing existing mortgages.  Individuals have different motivations to refinance.  Some refinance to reduce their monthly payments, others to take some years off their debt while still others are using the money to pay for home improvements and other capital expenditures" said Register O'Donnell. 

One continuing cause for concern, however in Norfolk County, was foreclosures.   A moratorium on foreclosures in place during the pandemic in 2020 was lifted on October 17, 2020.  This moratorium was in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely watching the foreclosure market.  O'Donnell stated, "During October of 2021 there were only 1 foreclosure deed recorded as a result of foreclosure processes taking place in Norfolk County.  

However, there were 15 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, recorded here in Norfolk County in October of 2021.  A foreclosure recording is very impactful on those being foreclosed on.  During October of 2020 there were 3 Foreclosure Deeds and 2 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages filed as opposed to this year's 15 Notices to Foreclosure Mortgages."  "These numbers remind us that some of our neighbors continue to face financial challenges", said O'Donnell.  "We will continue to monitor these numbers."

Additionally, for the past several years, 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 anyone facing challenges paying their mortgage. Another option for homeowners is to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Register O'Donnell stated, "If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance."

Homestead recordings by owners of homes and condominiums decreased this year at the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds in October.    There was a 22% decrease in homestead recordings in October 2021 compared to October 2020.  "A Homestead," noted O'Donnell, "provides limited protection against the forced sale of an individual's primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000.  It is great to see folks protecting the biggest asset most of us have, our homes.  I would urge anyone who has not availed themselves of this important consumer protection tool to consider doing so.  Please visit the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org  to get more information on homestead protection."

Register O'Donnell concluded, "Without question October was a disappointing month for real estate activity in Norfolk County.  Available real estate inventory continues to be a constant source of concern in Norfolk County. It's especially been a problem for first-time homebuyers attempting to crack the market. Also, things may be slowing down compared to past real estate indicators.  The Registry of Deeds was operational every work day during the pandemic.  The Registry of Deeds continues to be open to the public for business, however that is being evaluated as the COVID-19 developments unfold.  The drop-off box located at the main entrance of the Registry Building for the time being will continue to be available for use by those members of the public who may not be comfortable in entering the Registry of Deeds Building.  Land documents are being recorded electronically for many of our institutional users. We are also receiving documents in person, via regular mail, Federal Express and from those placed in our drop-off box located just outside our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA."   

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.

Register O'Donnell Sees Decline in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity
Register O'Donnell Sees Decline in Norfolk County Real Estate Activity


GoFundMe: Help widowed disabled wife with bills and moving

Paul F Connor passed Oct 21, 2021 leaving his disabled wife Ellaree alone with the grown children living out of state. The GoFundMe is to raise money to enable a move closer to family.


Go Fund Me:  Help widowed disabled wife with bills and moving
Go Fund Me:  Help widowed disabled wife with bills and moving




Reminder: St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - Nov 13

The St. Mary's Women's Faith Formation group will be meeting via Zoom on November 13 from 9:30 - 10:30 AM.  We will be viewing a short video from the Bishop Barron series entitled "Conversion – Following the Call of Christ". During the meeting we will listen to the story of "The Woman at the Well". 

Here is a link to the Trailer provided by Bishop Barron on his Conversion series. It will give you a sense of what is coming. https://www.wordonfire.org/study-programs/conversion/.  

We are extending an invitation to each of you to join us. Please email Deacon Guy (deaconguy@stmarysfranklin.org) if you are interested in the  Zoom link contact information. 

 
St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - Nov 13
St Mary's Women's Faith Formation - Nov 13


Franklin Newcomers - Changed Plans for Wednesday's meeting - Nov 10

Come join your friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers & Friends Club monthly Meeting.  Meet us upstairs at "3" Restaurant on Wednesday, November 10 at 7:30. Typically we meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month at “3” . . .  however, we switched nights this month.

Last minute substitution!! We were scheduled to have a few members of the newly elected Town Council members speak, but their meeting has been postponed to the 10th – so we will reschedule them for sometime next year.

Terri Attinello, one of our members who also works at The Little Shop of Olive Oils, will speak about olive oil and balsamic vinegars – everything from history and cultural significance, health benefits, how to use and some fun facts. We will have some different oils and vinegars to sample. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served and a cash bar is available.

No need to be a newcomer to the area . . . and no need to RSVP.  Come join us and have fun while you make connections in your community.  We are a multi-generational club offering a wide range of activities for all ages with an emphasis on fun and camaraderie.  We are a member driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas.

Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us the 3rdWednesday of the month.  We run our meetings September through May.  We also hold many fun and varied events throughout the year to stay connected.  We meet at “3” Restaurant, 461 W. Central Street, Franklin, upstairs in a private room.  

So come join us on the 3rdWednesday at “3”!

Look for us on our Meetup and Facebook pages for more information.
https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends
https://facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersFriendsClub 


Franklin Newcomers & Friends
Franklin Newcomers - Changed Plans for Wednesday's meeting - Nov 10