Monday, June 10, 2024

Senior Center happenings for the week of June 10-17, 2024

Via the Franklin Senior Center:

"The SENIOR OLYMPICS kick off Monday at 10 AM!!

What are you signed up for? Plus Drumming, guided meditation, board games and so much more!

We are not your average senior center. Come visit and see what’s happening at the #franklinseniorcenter
Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7_0i2-RwNS/

Senior Center happenings for the week of June 10-17, 2024
Senior Center happenings for the week of June 10-17, 2024

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 265 - Gadgets & Salmon Safe (audio)

The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW): Gadgets & Salmon Safe with Kim & Mark

Episode Description:
Join Kim and Mark on The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) exploring all things wine with you!

We discuss two fascinating topics: wine gadgets and sustainable wine choices!

Part 1: Gadgets Galore (or Duds?)
  • We kick things off with a review of a recent VinePair article exploring must-have wine gadgets.
  • Kim and Mark share their experiences with their own wine gadgets, separating the truly useful from the dust-collectors.
  • Get ready for some fun and practical advice on whether those fancy accessories are really worth the splurge!
Part 2: Sipping Sustainably: Salmon-Safe Certification
  • We shift gears to explore the world of sustainable wine with a focus on Salmon-Safe certification.
  • We explain what this certification signifies and how it benefits our environment, particularly salmon habitats.
  • Learn about other eco-conscious certifications you might encounter on wine labels and how they can guide your sustainable wine selections.
This episode is packed with insightful tips, lighthearted banter, and a newfound appreciation for both innovative gadgets and environmentally responsible winemaking!

Cheers

Kim and Mark
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 265 - Gadgets & Salmon Safe (audio)
The Wonderful World of Wine (WWW) Episode 265 - Gadgets & Salmon Safe (audio)



#wine #thewonderfulworldofwine #gadgets #franklinma #wineeducation 



Norfolk County Home Sales Continue to Rise in May

Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported that Norfolk County recordings for the month of May 2024 indicate an increase in overall real estate activity, with significant increases in property sales and transfers as compared to May 2023.

The Registry of Deeds recorded 9,249 documents in May 2024. This was 1% more than in May 2023 and an 11% increase compared to April 2024.
 
Norfolk County Home Sales Continue to Rise in May
Norfolk County Home Sales Continue to Rise in May


“The increase in overall real estate activity, especially when it is driven by a jump in property sales and transfers, is a positive sign for the local real estate market, indicating continued growth,” stated Norfolk County Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell. “The rise in the number of deeds recorded suggests a strong demand for real estate in Norfolk County. It also reflects that Spring is a traditional time period to buy and sell homes.”

The total number of deeds recorded for May 2024, which reflects both commercial and residential real estate sales and transfers, was 1,504, up 11% from May 2023 and up 20% from April 2024. Looking at just commercial and residential real estate sales, the number was up 3% from last year and up 19% from last month.

“The total number of commercial and residential property sales in May 2024 showed a notable increase compared to May 2023. This positive trend is a promising indicator that the real estate market in Norfolk County continues to show resilience and growth,” Register O'Donnell added. “The likely factor in the rise in the number of deeds recorded is the ongoing desire to both live and work in Norfolk County communities, which is increasing demand for properties in the area.

The average sale price of commercial and residential properties for May 2024 rose to $1,252,129, a 27% increase compared to May 2023 and an increase of 21% from April 2024. The total dollar volume of commercial and residential sales is also up, increasing 31% from last year and up 43% from last month.

Register O’Donnell noted, “With a limited supply of available properties on the market, any increase in demand is likely to cause an increase in the average property sales price. Unfortunately, when prices rise without an equivalent rise in inventory, it may result in increased competition among buyers. This makes it harder for homebuyers in general, but especially for first-time homebuyers.”

For the month of May, lending activity showed a decrease compared to the same month a year ago. A total of 1,392 mortgages were recorded in May 2024, down 3% from May 2023, but 12% more than last month.

“Homeowners who took advantage of lower interest rates in 2020 and 2021 are less likely to refinance and are more hesitant to buy at current mortgage interest rates. Higher interest rates also make it harder for first-time home buyers to secure affordable repayment options,” noted O'Donnell.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds has been closely monitoring the foreclosure market. In May 2024, there were 3 foreclosure deeds recorded as a result of mortgage foreclosures taking place in Norfolk County, whereas in May 2023, there were 7 recorded. However, in May 2024, there were 32 notices to foreclose, the first step in the foreclosure process, more than the 28 recorded in May 2023.

“The number of these notices is troubling. It suggests that more of our neighbors may have financial difficulties in the future,” said O'Donnell. “If you are having difficulty paying your monthly mortgage, please consider contacting one of these non-profit agencies for help and guidance,” said O’Donnell.

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.

O’Donnell concluded, “It is good to see that the real estate market in Norfolk County is strong and vibrant, driven by an increased demand for property in local communities due to the desire to live and work in the area. We hope to see this trend continue as we move into the summer months. However, the lack of available inventory may lead to further price increases. It will be important to keep an eye on these trends to help navigate the competitive market.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, "like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/norfolkdeeds. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @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, and 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 

Compensation offered to the Blood Test Donors sought by MRN Diagnostics

MRN Diagnostics is looking for individuals who have a history of alcohol or substance use within their lives to donate blood in our latest clinical collection. 
This study aims to improve testing modalities for medical research through your blood donation. 
Please enroll in our "High-Risk Behavior" collection online or by calling us at (508) 384-0033.

We talked with MRN Diagnostics CEO Dr. Greg Chiklis in October 2023 about the work his company (based here in Franklin) does. You can listen here -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/10/take-part-in-mrn-clinical-trial-to.html

Compensation offered to the Blood Test Donors sought by MRN Diagnostics
Compensation offered to the Blood Test Donors sought by MRN Diagnostics

Rail Trail Committee schedules their Monthly Meeting for June 11 at 7 PM



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June Monthly Meeting

Hello!  

Tuesday night we will have our monthly meeting at Franklin.TV, 23 Hutchinson Street, Franklin at 7pm. The meeting will be BYOB.  We'd love to see you there!

The minutes from our previous meeting can be found here on our web site.

The agenda for this month's meeting is here.

The most recent trail counter statistics can be found here.

Warm regards,

Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee

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Our mailing address is:
Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee
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Franklin, Ma 02038

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"There’s a secret for Mass. cities and towns to win big bucks from Washington: Invest in sustainability"

Via the Boston Globe

"In three years, when the Bennett-Hemenway Elementary School in Natick is outfitted with air conditioning and staff and students will no longer wilt on the hottest days, it will be thanks to two things: a $2 million grant from the US Department of Energy, and Jillian Wilson Martin.

Wilson Martin is the sustainability director for Natick, one of dozens employed by cities and towns across the state. They don’t always do the most exciting work. Increasingly, the job description includes hours of writing grant applications, trying to get a piece of the billions of federal dollars for climate and infrastructure projects pushed by the Biden administration.

But the payoff can be huge.

“You guys. I literally almost passed out when I found out,” Wilson Martin wrote last summer in a joy-filled newsletter announcing the Energy Department grant, as well as a separate $250,000 grant from the state aimed at helping communities adapt to climate impacts. “Those hand cramps paid off!”
Continue reading the Boston Globe article ->  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/06/08/science/sustainability-officers-help-deliver-federal-funding/

"There’s a secret for Mass. cities and towns to win big bucks from Washington: Invest in sustainability"
"There’s a secret for Mass. cities and towns to win big bucks from Washington: Invest in sustainability"

WHY we (Rob Vacca) are voting YES for FRANKLIN! (video)

The next in the series of "WHY we are voting YES for FRANKLIN!" features Rob Vacca. He urges all to vote Yes 4 Franklin -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0G9oUPVYaYg

More information can be found on the One Franklin page ->    https://onefranklinma.com/


The "override collection" has been updated. You can review all the information shared to make an informed vote on June 11 -> https://buff.ly/3Vm2hJi


The Guardian: Beware QR code scams

"Look before you scan – the QR code scammers are phishing for business"
Here’s a familiar scenario. You’re going to a meeting in an unfamiliar part of town. You’re running late and it’s raining. And there isn’t a car park in sight. Ah, but here’s some on-street parking and you gratefully pull into the empty bay. Now all you have to do is pay for a couple of hours and then scuttle along to your meeting. But the parking meter (of course) no longer takes coins. This is the 21st century, after all.

No worries – you can pay by phone. There are notices plastered all over the meter on how to pay using an app that – of course – you have not yet downloaded. The rain is getting heavier and there’s no mobile signal. You’re getting increasingly flustered. And then you spot that there’s a Quick Response (QR) code – a nice (if incomprehensible) square with lots of funny squares and spaces – on one side of the meter. Phew! All you have to do is scan it and you’ll be through to a website in no time. So you do and you are. Job done. Relax.

Continue reading the article online ->  https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/jun/08/qr-code-scammers-phishing-quick-response-cybersecurity

The Guardian: Beware QR code scams
The Guardian: Beware QR code scams

Franklin TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) schedule for Monday, June 10, 2024

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

9 AM 12 PM and 6 PM Talkin’ the Blues – Jim Derick & Nick Remissong
2 hours of awesome blues music, info, interviews

11 AM 2 PM and 8 PM Frank’s Music – with Frank Falvey

  • Franklin All Access TV - Our Public Access Channel (Comcast 6, Verizon 26) = MONDAY

8:00 am     SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
9:00 am     FHS Graduation 2024
12:00 pm     Brook'n'Cookin: Tai Salad
12:30 pm     Cooking with Linda: "Marry Me" Chicken
1:00 pm     Cooking Thyme: Ice Cream
1:30 pm     Pizzapalooza: Margherita Pizza
2:00 pm     New England Candlepins: Summer 2018 Show 2
3:00 pm     Candlepin New Generation: Show 7
3:30 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes May 2024
4:30 pm     Tri County Graduation 2024
7:00 pm     Frank Presents: Michael Videira
8:00 pm     Endless Konnections: Legrand Lindor
9:00 pm     Circle of Friends: Garnet Rogers
 
  • Franklin Pride TV - Our Educational Channel           (Comcast 8, Verizon 28) = MONDAY

8:00 am     FHS Girls Varsity Lacrosse: v Westwood 06-13-23
10:00 am     All-Town Showcase 2024: Band
11:30 am     All-Town Showcase 2024: Chorus and Orchestra
1:00 pm     Winning Ways with the MIAA: Student Athletes May 2024
2:30 pm     SAFE Coalition: The Hamlins
3:30 pm     FHS Varsity Baseball v Shrewsbury 06-04-24
8:30 pm     FHS Graduation 2024


  • Franklin Town Hall TV - Our Government Channel  (Comcast 9, Verizon 29) = MONDAY

8:00 am     Planning Board 06-03-24
12:00 pm     Master Plan Committee 05-29-24
2:00 pm     Planning Board 06-03-24
7:00pm    Davis Thayer Reuse Cmte Meeting  814 8176 8659

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


Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA
Watch Listen Read all things that matter in Franklin MA

Sunday, June 9, 2024

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023

The chart depicting the voter count and percent for the elections from 2003 through 2023 

Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023
Franklin (MA) Elections Voter Turnout History: from 2003 - 2023

The table of info most recently from Town Clerk Nancy Danello (and prior Town Clerks) (PDF) ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PEhv7D0uIHBxGyE42JQpVuoTEZLeibXF/view?usp=drive_link

What's happening in Franklin, MA: Sunday, June 9, 2024?

Sunday, June 9

8:00am  PMC Kids Ride (Jefferson Elementary School)
1:00pm  Franklin Historical Museum (always free)
1:00pm  Musical Bingo (Teddy Gallgher's Pub)
1:15pm  Second Sunday Speaker (parachutes) (Franklin Historical Museum)
2:00pm  August: Osage County! (THE BLACK BOX)
2:30pm  Mary Anning: Fossil Hunter A Chamber Opera in 2 Acts (FUSF, Chestnut St)

** No Town Meetings today


What's happening today in Franklin?
What's happening today in Franklin? 
---------------

Why are there multiple calendars?
There is a Cultural events calendar upon which other community events are layered to create the Community calendar.

Respectfully, the Library and Senior Center calendars are too full of events to include all their events so we tend to focus on the major events. Town and School meetings are also kept separate. Links for all the calendars are shared here:

The Cultural calendar displays only the cultural events    

Find the full Community event calendar  https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://bit.ly/Submit2Calendar

The Library calendar of events ->    calendar link

The Senior Center calendar of events ->   https://www.franklinma.gov/node/39/events/month/39/2023-12

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26

Voices of Franklin: Franklin School Cmte ask for support for Franklin Schools by voting Yes on June 11th

Franklin Friends and Neighbors,

Join us in supporting our schools by voting Yes on June 11th. Your vote can help us make a positive difference in our community

Thank you

(signed by all 7 members of the Franklin School Committee)

Voices of Franklin:  Franklin School Cmte ask for support for Franklin Schools by voting Yes on June 11th
Voices of Franklin:  Franklin School Cmte ask for support for Franklin Schools by voting Yes on June 11th

If you have something to say, you can find the guidelines here
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html

Voices of Franklin
Voices of Franklin


This Chalkboard Chat recaps the current Schools situation awaiting results of the Special Election June 11 (audio)

FM #1232 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1232 in the series. 


This session shares my conversation with School Committee Chairperson Dave Callaghan. This is a new episode of our continuing “Chalkboard Chat” series. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio studio after our respective participation in the Strawberry Stroll on Friday, June 7, 2024. 

 

We talk about 

  • The school budget & the override scheduled for June 11

  • Redistricting next steps proceeding no matter the override vote results

  • Harsh reality of cuts pending if the override vote fails

  • Reminder to vote on June 11 and make sure your friends & neighbors do so as well


The recording runs about 35 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1232-chalkboard-chat-06-07-24



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


Contact info for Dave Callaghan -> callaghand@franklinps.net  


School Committee page => https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-committee  


School budget ->  https://www.franklinps.net/district/school-district-budget/pages/1-fy2025-budget 


Redistricting page -> https://www.franklinps.net/district/comprehensive-school-facilities-assessment 


Other episodes mentioned


Senior Center Q&A -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/many-override-questions-answered-at.html 


School redistricting update -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/06/last-comprehensive-school-facility.html 


Donna Grady FEA President ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/talking-about-teaching-education-with.html


Jay Horrigan, Franklin TV & Radio colleague ->

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2024/05/jay-i-cover-franklins-current-issues-in.html 


2 Schools Committee Chairpersons share their views (current & former)

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

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!

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


This Chalkboard Chat recaps the current Schools situation awaiting results of the Special Election June 11 (audio)
This Chalkboard Chat recaps the current Schools situation awaiting results of the Special Election June 11 (audio)