Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Franklin School Committee - Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM

Franklin Public Schools - Franklin School Committee
Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee

November 15, 2022 - 6:00 PM
Franklin High School Media Center

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
● Introductions
● Project Goals and Objectives
● Timeline
● Project Approach/Workflow
● Guiding Principles
● Town Background
● District Background
● Questions/Discussion
● Adjourn


The agenda with remote connection info ->

Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM
Redistricting Advisory Subcommittee - Nov 15, 2022 at 6 PM

Franklin School Committee - Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 9 at 6:00 PM


Franklin School Committee
Policy Subcommittee Meeting
3rd Floor Municipal Building – Training Room
DATE: 11/9/2022 TIME: 6:00 – 7:30 PM


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.”

I. Distribution of Approved Policies
A. JJEA - Crowdfunding Policy
B. JJE - Student Fundraising Activities
C. JJF - Student Activity Accounts
D. JJF-R - Student Activity Accounts
E. JICH, Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Use by Students Prohibited

II. Discussion of Policies sent to School Committee
A. none

III. Policy Revisions & New Policies - New Discussion Item
A. JLCDD - Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies
1. Reviewed, will return at next meeting
B. JLCDD-E - Protocols and Guidelines for Managing Life Threatening Food Allergies
1. Reviewed, will return at next meeting
C. Custodial Rate increase to $42.45 on building use KF-E3 Facility Rental Fee Schedule
D. Continued Review of E Policies


Agenda doc with remote connection information -> 

Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 9 at 6:00 PM
Policy Subcommittee Meeting - Nov 9 at 6:00 PM

Reminder: Order your Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie from the Knights Of Columbus by Nov 13

Why bake when the Knights can do it for you?

The Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 St. Mary Parish Franklin MA is running their 5th Annual Thanksgiving Pie Sale. Our famous bakery (same as last year) is the family owned Mann’s Orchards and Bakery. The flavors will be - Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin and our new Burgundy. 

These Pies are fantastic.... outstanding flavor, aroma, and taste. The price will be $16.00 per Pie. As was last year you will be able to DONATE a pie. All donations will go to the Franklin Senior Center and the Franklin Food Pantry for distribution at Thanksgiving time.

This year there will be 2 means by which you may purchase your Thanksgiving Day pies. Please visit our website https://www.kofc1847.org/payments-thanksgiving-pie-sale or on Facebook…… KnightsofColumbusCouncil1847. You will find a link to order and pay for your order. The site is open now till November 14. We will also be taking Pie orders in person over two weekends this year November 5, 6 and November 12-13, after all the Masses at St Mary Franklin. We will be set up in the back of the Church to take your Pie orders.

Cash, Check, or Credit Card will be accepted. On line orders are Credit Card only.

You will be able to Pick Up your order of Thanksgiving Day Pies on Tuesday, November 22, from 3 PM – 6 PM at the CCD Offices at the old St. Mary's Franklin Parish School (previously the Charter School) on the 1st floor. You will see our Signs.

We are excited again this year to bring this quality product to St Mary Parish community and all our Franklin neighbors.

Please support this most worthy cause, enjoy them on your dinner table as well as help a senior and people in need to make their Thanksgiving Day special with a Pie (or2) from Mann’s Orchard.

Any questions, please call Jim Campbell at 508-848-8681 or Jim Lane at 774-571-9804 or Mike Swan 508-404-4792.

Thank You for your generosity and “giving back”...

Knights of Columbus, Sacred Heart Council 1847 Franklin, MA 02038

5th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale – Knights Of Columbus, Franklin
5th Annual Thanksgiving Day Pie Sale – Knights Of Columbus, Franklin

A climate change report card for the world - not good

"Last year’s United Nations climate conference in Glasgow, Scotland, had the same optimistic energy as the first day of a new school year. The United States — a truant since the nation withdrew from the Paris agreement under President Donald Trump — was back at the table. The cool kids (Leonardo DiCaprio, Prince William, Greta Thunberg) brushed shoulders with the nerds (everyone else). A parade of presidents and prime ministers pledged renewed climate efforts with all the fervor of students promising their parents that this semester would be different.

But that back-to-school energy never lasts. Some of the splashiest COP26 pledges have been derailed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and upheavals in the global economy. Catastrophic climate disasters hampered countries’ abilities to invest in renewable energy and resilient infrastructure, even as they exposed the urgency of preparing for a warmer world.

There are also some glimmers of hope on the horizon: The United States finally passed significant climate legislation to speed the transition away from fossil fuels. Global renewable energy investments are starting to outpace fossil fuel spending."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee holds their Monthly Meeting Tuesday, Nov 8 at 7 PM


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Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
Monthly Meeting Tuesday, Nov 8
Monthly Meeting:

Tuesday, November 8th, 7pm


@ 67 Degrees Brewing

Hope to see you there!

 
MEMBERSHIP!
VOLUNTEER!

Copyright © 2022 Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee, All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
PO Box 68
Franklin, Ma 02038

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Franklin TV and wfpr.fm schedule for Tuesday, Nov 8, 2022

  • wfpr.fm or 102.9 on the FM dial = Tuesday

9:00 AM 12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Jazz Journey – with Pamela Hines
2 hours. An insightful tour of Jazz Greats in a golden era

11:00 AM 2 PM and 8:00 PM SAFE Radio– Jim Derick and Dr. Anne Bergen Addressing issues of Drug Abuse Disorder 

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Second Sunday Speaker Series: Ted Reinstein
9:00 am It Takes A Village: Janice Houlihan
10:00 am Frank Presents: Mark Lenzi
11:00 am Frank's Musings: Ballot Questions
11:30 am Senior Connection: Other Activities
12:10 pm Brook'n'Cookin: Stromboli
12:40 pm Sandhya: Macaroons
1:30 pm Pizzapalooza: Meat-Lovers Pt. 2
2:00 pm New England Candlepins: Fall 2019 Show 5
3:00 pm Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm FAA: Art From The Heart
4:00 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
4:30 pm Extended Play Sessions: Alice Wallace
5:30 pm Physician Focus: Winter is Coming
6:00 pm Metrowest Symposium: Sharing Identity on Social Media
7:30 pm Once Upon A Town: Schools
9:00 pm Franklin Cultural Council: Pamela Means

  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28) = TUESDAY

7:00 am Public School Concert: Lifelong Music Pt. 2 01-29-19
9:00 am Public School Concert: Sullivan Winter Music 2019
11:00 am Universe of Adolescent Sleep
12:00 pm Public School Concert: Elementary Winter Music Pt. 1 12-11-18
2:00 pm It Takes A Village: Janice Houlihan
3:00 pm FHS Varsity Volleyball: v Attleboro 10-24-22
5:30 pm FHS Boys Varsity Soccer v N. Attleboro 10-20-22
7:30 pm Let's Talk Sports: Episode 7
8:00 pm FHS Girls Varsity Soccer v Milford 10-27-22

  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29) = TUESDAY

8:00 am School Committee: 10-25-22
12:00 pm Finance Committee 10-26-22
2:00 pm School Committee: 10-25-22
7:00 pm School Committee: LIVE, Chambers, 872 5635 5404 Code 750553


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

Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)
Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm)

Monday, November 7, 2022

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Voting in Franklin
  • The polls are open on election day from 6 AM to 8 PM at the Franklin High School on Oak St
  • At the check-In table tell the poll worker your name first, followed by your street number and street name
  • If your name does not appear on the list the poll worker will send you to the Town Clerk's table
  • To cast your vote in Franklin follow the voting instructions by filling in the oval circle next to the name you wish to vote for. If you need assistance, you may bring someone to assist you or ask a poll worker to provide confidential, non-partisan help
NO political paraphernalia may be displayed within 150 feet of the entrance to the polling location (includes signs, stickers, clothing and lapel buttons).

The map of the 9 precincts for Franklin

Other information can be found on the Town Clerk's page

The Election Collection - all the info we have gathered on the local candidates and ballot questions ->  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/10/election-collection-2022-state-election.html

Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022
Voting in Franklin on Nov 8, 2022

Kaye Kelly as Outgoing Chair, Franklin Cultural Council


Updates to our Leadership

It is bittersweet to announce I'll be stepping down as Chair of the Franklin Cultural Council soon. I'm so very proud of all we accomplished over the past five years!
 
During the hardest days of the pandemic, this particular group of volunteers provided the community of Franklin consistent online programming and opportunities to remain creative and resilient. We facilitated eight online "Monday Night Masterclasses" as well as held musical shows outside at the Franklin Senior Center and Franklin's Rehabilitation Center throughout 2020. During this dark period, we also started the Franklin Halloween House Decorating Contest, and never could have predicted its popularity!
 
We've been able to pull off two gigantic Franklin Cultural Festivals on our town common, as well as host the inaugural "MetroWest Arts & Cultural Symposium" – both events bringing in residents from all over MetroWest, MA. We've continued to advocate for funding and this year we will be giving out our all-time highest amount of grant awarding – roughly $27,000! All of that money will be spent on our community in the form of arts and cultural programming. I will be leading the charge of the grant reviews this November before I step down officially.
 
We've worked hard to add over 2,000 members to our online community via Facebook and Instagram in just a few short years. Our online community has been a large ingredient in our success towards community engagement, and our online branding has also helped us to shape an inclusive and caring environment for our community.
 
I think by far the most important work that has taken place, is the quiet work that has been done to increase inclusivity and diversity within the Town of Franklin. That work has been purposeful and strategic. We have first-hand witnessed impactful and positive change within the different demographics in Franklin. We are very proud of these initiatives, programming and the results. We sincerely hope it will inspire others to continue in this direction -  in the spirit of "Community Unity".
 

Thank you to all that have partnered with us to promote arts and cultural programming. I hope these partnerships will continue in the years to come. And a heartfelt thank you to the members of the Council who have worked tirelessly in the name of the arts: Sarah Cronin, Lillian Gould, Pushpa Jangareddi, Patrick Kinner, Jamele Adams, Jacob Juncker,Venus Senjam, Brianna Cummings, Karen Wellerson Juhl, Lauren Sanford, Jon Mitchell, Ted Cormier-Leger, Shelley Green and, Swati Bhaskar Rao.
 
You'll always be able to reach us at Franklinculturalcouncil02038@gmail.com and you'll be able to reach me at kayekellyhardt@gmail.com. I am looking forward to opening myself up to new adventures in the world of arts and culture!
 
Yours in gratitude and community,
Kaye     
     



Franklin Cultural Council · 355 East Central Street · Franklin, Ma 02038 · USA

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Kaye Kelly as Outgoing Chair, Franklin Cultural Council
Kaye Kelly as Outgoing Chair, Franklin Cultural Council


Franklin Community Cable Access, Inc. dba Franklin●TV (www.franklin.tv) - Part 1 of 2

Franklin●TV is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. We operate the local access TV studios for Franklin. We produce local TV programs on three channels: 
  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 8, Verizon 26).
  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Schools Channel (Comcast 96, Verizon 28).
  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel (Comcast 11, Verizon 29).
We are Franklin’s local TV channels on Comcast and Verizon. We are not owned by Comcast or Verizon.

Background

The Town of Franklin is the Local Franchise Authority (LFA) that maintains agreements with Comcast and Verizon. Franklin●TV’s funding comes from a local access fee that cable subscribers pay per the LFA agreements. Thus, as an independent nonprofit group, F●TV is not funded by taxes. We operate at no cost to the town. We support both residents and the Town per our charter. F●TV also pays a PILOT fee (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) to the Town of Franklin by agreement. We are the first nonprofit group that contributes to town services. As an IRS 501(c)(3) charity we also may receive grants and donations from contributors.

Community Bulletin Board Service

In addition to programming, Franklin●TV offers free community announcements on our Bulletin Board for all three P/E/G channels. Nonprofit organizations who wish to promote their meetings, special events and activities are welcome to contact us.

Our Studios and Offices

We have five thousand square feet that houses two video studios (a large drive-in access studio and an interview studio), A live television control room, two audio recording and production rooms, six digital video editing/effects systems, and our multi-channel playback systems and offices.

We also have general purpose Community Meeting Space available – free to qualified nonprofit groups and service organizations for occasional meetings. Our facility accommodates up to 30 people.

Uniquely Trying Times for All
At the start of 2020 the world experienced the rapid rise of the drastically transformative COVID pandemic. Whether that transformation would prove disastrous or not in the long run was a matter of reassessing our present circumstances and longer-term future plans.

In the film Apollo 13. NASA's Mission Director Gene Kranz (Ed Harris) declares, "Failure is not an option", and he asks the pivotal question, "I know what's not working. Tell me what's working."

What was not working?

Out of an abundance of caution our studio was closed for the duration. This was true for all local community TV studios. We opted to avoid having people gather for interviews in our smaller studio. Having folks talking in close proximity for an hour or so posed far too much risk of infection.

So, what was working?

We moved quickly to add new technical capabilities across the facility. The entire operation is now controlled remotely. We edit our video programs remotely. We control our cable channels remotely. We manage wfpr.fm, our radio station remotely. We added online video services via YouTube as well.

Meanwhile, normal town business had to continue. Our coverage of open meetings required a substantial expansion of technical facilities, both in our main studio as well as in Franklin's Town Chambers. Zoom became the digital transport means for most of our live event programming. The result is that meetings are now more interactive, enabling town officials, committee members, experts, guest presenters and residents to communicate freely in real-time.

We also began covering Franklin high school's varsity sports as live events via Zoom. This became a major priority since parents could no longer attend events to watch their kids play. Our announcers also worked remotely from home, watching and commenting on the games via Zoom. To facilitate multi-camera sports coverage we designed and constructed three video 'flypacks' - basically a ready-to-air TV control room in a highly portable, fold-up, fifty-pound box. Unfold box. Connect cameras. Broadcast live.

We also worked to support other organizations – Senior Center, The Rec Dept., Black Box, the boy scouts and others to provide streaming coverage for key events where a live audience could not attend.

Finally, our radio station has actually expanded its local programming - effectively doubling since the pandemic began. We provided podcast microphone kits to our radio volunteers to connect them all together and to the radio station via Zoom. Steve Sherlock, Jim Derick, Frank Falvey, Jay Horrigan, Anne Bergen, Pandora Carlucci, Michael Walker-Jones, Jeff Roy, Mark Lenzi, Kim Simone, et al have all engaged in enhancing our community connectedness in a time of increased social isolation through their ongoing radio programs and audio podcasts.

Each challenge during this past year has been met with one philosophy. Whatever the solution – it's here to stay, so do it right. We are already the better for it, and the sweeping technical changes that we have made will be a permanent part of our newer, better normal. Failure was not an option.


This is part of the Franklin Annual Report which can be found online ->

The vision is one site to "Watch, Listen, Read" all that matters in Franklin, MA
The vision is one site to "Watch, Listen, Read" all that matters in Franklin, MA

Both FHS Cheerleader Varsity and JV teams take First Place in Hockomock Championships

Franklin Athletics (@FHSSports) tweeted on Sun, Nov 06, 2022:
Congratulations to @FHScheer_ both Varsity and JV on their first place  finishes at the Hock Championship!! 
Let's Go Panthers!!  

Shared from Twitter -> https://t.co/ZtfUq7E7lE



Franklin Athletics congratulate FHS Cheerleader Varsity and JV teams on winning Hockomock Championships
FHS Varsity cheerleaders

FHS Junior Varsity cheerleaders
FHS Junior Varsity cheerleaders

Representative Jeff Roy rolls out 2022 endorsements for his re-election campaign

Maura Healey has endorsed Jeffrey Roy in his State Representative race in the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin and Medway). “Representative Roy is a passionate advocate who stands for our values and gets things done for Franklin and Medway,” said Healey. “We’ve worked together on many of the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts residents, including the recently passed clean energy and offshore wind bill, and I look forward to continuing to deliver results together. I’m proud to endorse him for re-election.”

In addition to Healey, Roy has been endorsed by Franklin Firefighters Local 2637, Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts, Massachusetts AFL-CIO, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 103), Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund, Sierra Club, 350 Mass Action, Massachusetts Nurses Association, and SEIU Local 509. He has also been endorsed by Franklin Town Council Chair Thomas Mercer; Franklin Town Council Vice-Chair Robert Dellorco; Franklin Town Council Clerk Glenn Jones; and Franklin Town Councilors Deborah Pellegri, Melanie Hamblen, Ted Cormier-Leger, Cobi Frongillo, and Patrick Sheridan.

“Chair Roy was central to the passage of the 2021 Roadmap Bill, one of the strongest climate laws in the US,” said Casey Bowers from the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund. “He also crafted the House’s offshore wind bill which will ensure the industry takes off in Massachusetts and provides the clean energy we need to reach our roadmap targets. We're grateful for his leadership in addressing the climate crisis.”

"Representative Roy has quickly become a climate champion for Massachusetts," said Mimi Locke, Political Committee Chair for the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter. "As House chair of the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee, he stewarded the Massachusetts 2022 climate bill into law. The bill will significantly build out our clean energy industries while minimizing ratepayer impact and creating new, good clean energy jobs."

350 Mass Action’s Political Director, Cabell Eames stated: "It is with great pleasure that 350 Mass Action proudly endorses Representative Roy for the 10th Norfolk district.

Representative Roy has delivered expansive progress as the chair of the Telecommunications, Utility, and Energy committee, proving that the Commonwealth is ready to be a leader in driving solutions that invigorate our economy at scale and insure a better life for Massachusetts residents in the face of climate change."

“SEIU 509 is proud to endorse Jeff Roy for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk,” said Peter MacKinnon, President of SEIU 509. “Representative Roy is committed to leveling the playing field for every resident of the Commonwealth - from fighting for affordable higher education to championing job growth and creation across our sectors. We look forward to working with him on policies that will continue to uplift our members and the communities they serve.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO President Steven A. Tolman stated: “The Massachusetts AFL- CIO Executive Council has officially voted to endorse your campaign for State Representative in the 10th Norfolk District. We are proud to support candidates who have demonstrated a commitment to the values and principles of the Labor Movement. I would like to congratulate you on earning the endorsement of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO and our nearly half a million members across the Commonwealth. We look forward to advocating on your behalf and working together to create a brighter future for working people in Massachusetts.”

In his letter announcing the local endorsement, Franklin Union President, Brian Hamann, stated: "The Professional Firefighters of Franklin feel very fortunate to have a friend of your stature representing the 10th Norfolk district. Since your election in 2012 you have stood by our side through triumph and tragedy. Your unwavering commitment to the fire service and our members has been evident.”

In announcing the state level endorsement, PFFM President Richard D. MacKinnon Jr. stated: “During your career as an elected official, you have prioritized the relationships you hold with the firefighters of your district. You understand our issues and are an effective advocate for us on Beacon Hill. We look forward to your next term in office and continued leadership for firefighters.”

"I am absolutely thrilled to receive the support and endorsement from all of these groups and individuals," noted Roy. "In my years in the Massachusetts House I have built strong and lasting relationships and have partnered with them to make Massachusetts and our communities great places to live, work, and raise a family. With their continued support, I am confident we can continue to deliver results for Massachusetts."

Since 2013 Jeff has been part of a legislative team that has addressed the issues of education, economic development, the coronavirus pandemic, health care, substance use disorder, criminal justice, civil rights and social equity, gun safety, climate change, energy, and the environment. In addition, he led efforts to:

Draft and pass the clean energy and offshore wind bill in 2022;
Draft and pass the Genocide Education Act in 2021;
Finalize the Roadmap Bill on climate change in 2021;
Draft and pass legislation on Step Therapy and Patient Safety in 2022;
Draft and pass legislation relative to sexual violence on higher education campuses in 2021;
Draft and pass legislation increasing transparency and financial reporting requirements for higher education institutions in 2019;
Draft and pass legislation that increased transparency and civic engagement by creating a searchable online database of legal notices in 2015;
Pass legislation lowering thresholds on specialty license plates, making them available to smaller charities and causes in 2015; and
Pass legislation to create a Regional Dispatch Center for Franklin, Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville in 2013.

He has also led efforts to bring millions of dollars in local aid for schools, roads, infrastructure, public safety, arts, recreation, substance use disorder, economic development, historical preservation, and food insecurity. He has also helped thousands of constituents with issues involving unemployment, health care, human services, and other matters with state agencies.

Roy is seeking re-election as the State Representative for the 10th Norfolk District (Franklin & Medway). He is the Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy and previously served as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Joint Committee on Health Care Finance. He is also the Chair of the Manufacturing Caucus, which promotes and encourages “Making It” in Massachusetts. Previously, he served as a member of the Franklin Town Council and Franklin School Committee where he held the position of Chair for 9 of his 10 years. He also chaired Franklin's Master Plan Committee from 2012 to 2013.

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.

Reminder: Register O'Donnell Announces 2022 Holiday Food Drive November 14 through December 13, 2022

As inflation rates continue to rise and the cost of living becomes an increasing challenge for some families across Norfolk County, Register of Deeds William O'Donnell is asking people to take a moment to contribute to the Annual Registry of Deeds Food Drive, starting Monday November 14th and running through Tuesday December 13th.

"There is no doubt that Norfolk County is a desirable place to live and to work. However, there are people throughout the county that are truly hurting. This year we, as a community, have seen an unprecedented rise in inflation rates, especially in the cost of food. Some Norfolk County families are hit harder by these increased costs and worry about putting food on the table this holiday season."

Today, according to the latest Project Bread statistics, 19.6% of households in Massachusetts are considered food insecure. Furthermore, 22% of children in the state are also considered food insecure. The increasing cost of housing and food are likely factors that contribute to the rising rates of food insecurity.

Register O'Donnell noted. "As the holidays approach, there is definitely a need for more food assistance. Household expenses are higher due to the cost of home heating fuel, food bills, and increased interest rates. Let us be mindful during this Thanksgiving season that others may need our help."

Non-perishable food items can be brought directly to the Registry of Deeds, which is located at 649 High Street in Dedham. A donation bin will be set-up in the Registry's lobby and food can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Suggested donations include canned goods, breakfast cereals, pasta, sauces, toiletries, and paper products.

If you can't get to the Registry of Deeds building to drop off food, you can check the Registry website at www.norfolkdeeds.org for a pantry location in your community.

"Working together, we can truly make a huge difference this holiday season," concluded Register O'Donnell.

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on facebook.com/norfolkdeeds, follow us on twitter and instagram @norfolkdeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High St., Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. 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 at (781) 461-6101 or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O'Donnell Announces 2022 Holiday Food Drive  November 14  through December 13, 2022
Register O'Donnell Announces 2022 Holiday Food Drive  November 14  through December 13, 2022

Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video)

Patients in Massachusetts will have better access to a wider array of medications after Rep. Jeffrey N. Roy’s step therapy bill was signed by Gov. Charlie Baker last week. Roy filed the bill in the House with Rep. Marjorie Decker (D- Cambridge). The bill will curtail the policy of insurance providers insisting on lower-cost treatments before approving coverage of more expensive medications.

"We've heard countless stories of patients being forced to take drugs that their health insurers want as opposed to what their doctors think is best," said Rep. Roy. "This is a great, common-sense measure to help patients get the care that their physician believes they need. It removes needless insurance protocols that delay necessary treatment and access to medication and removes the barriers that interfere with sound medical judgments made within the confines of the physician-patient relationship.”

The new law requires insurance providers to approve or deny step therapy exemption requests within three business days, or 24 hours in an emergency, meaning faster access to the more expensive drugs. It is a win for patients who would otherwise have to go through a lengthy authorization or review process.

Roy further noted the old "Fail First" practice was untenable for obvious reasons. “Adding to patient stress by delaying access to the medicine they need is unacceptable,” he added. “We live in a state that has some of the best healthcare in the world and this legislation restores access to that great system for all patients. I thank the many volunteers and advocacy groups who shared stories and pushed for this bill.”

Patients will be eligible for an exemption from the step therapy process if the cheaper drugs would harm them, if they have already tried and failed to improve on the drugs, if the treatment would be ineffective or if they're already stable using their preferred medication.

Advocates opposed to step therapy had been working for years to convince Beacon Hill leaders to limit or ban the practice.

Rep. Roy’s floor remarks on the bill are available at https://youtu.be/6zYy_HgR8Ag

For more information on Jeffrey Roy, please visit http://jeffreyroy.com/.

Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video)
Representative Roy step therapy bill signed into law (video)


"the critical milepost of 2030 is already out of reach"

"Boston is so far behind on climate progress that cutting greenhouse emissions in half by the critical milepost of 2030 is already out of reach, a new assessment has found, and reaching the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 will require a decades-long, all-in effort.

The report blamed a decade or more of stalled action at the city, state, and federal levels, and said that dramatic changes must now begin.

In a year that saw the hottest three-week period in 151 years of Boston records and just ahead of what is expected to be a record-hot weekend, the report, dubbed the Inaugural Boston Climate Progress Report, was seen as a jolt of reality.

“It is a call to action,” said report author Joan Fitzgerald, a professor of public policy and urban affairs at Northeastern University. “But this city government can’t do this alone. ... Everyone has to be moving in lockstep to realize these goals.”
Continue reading the Boston Globe article (subscription maybe required) ->

CommonWealth Magazine coverage ->

Boston Foundation page releasing their report ->

Download the PDF version (there are other versions available) -> 

 
Boston’s Long Wharf as a king tide flooded parts of Boston’s waterfront, as well as other coastal areas of Massachusetts. DAVID L. RYAN
Boston’s Long Wharf as a king tide flooded parts of Boston’s waterfront, as well as other coastal areas of Massachusetts. DAVID L. RYAN

Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election

Notice: The Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8, 2022 due to State Election

Visit the Town Clerk online at -> https://www.franklinma.gov/town-clerk 


Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election
Town Clerk's Office will be closed on November 8 due to State Election