Wednesday, December 18, 2013

A Few Important Upcoming Meeting Dates

Franklin Downtown Partnership
General Meeting
Thursday, January 9th-8:30 AM
Dean College Campus Center-Golder Room
Coffee will be served


Hearing on 150 Emmons Street Property/Old Municipal Building
Discussions on what the community would like to see developed on this site
Tuesday, January 21st-7:00 PM
Town Hall-Training Room


Zoning Workshop
Wednesday, January 29th-7:00 PM
Town Hall-Training Room


Have a nice Holiday...hope to see you all in January!

Record Breaking '12 Days' Wraps Up This Week

The Franklin Food Elves' "12 Days of Donating" will be ending this week.

Thank you to everyone who participated.  The Food Elves collected a record 6,750 pounds of donations this year so far.  This is 2,550 pounds more than last year!

The Food Elves are hoping to add another 100 pounds to the total by the
end of this week…. so please stop by one of the participating businesses
by Thursday if you still have donations.  Red Bins can be found at: 
  • Dean Bank
  • Dean College
  • DCU
  • Downtown Partnership
  • Emma's Quilt Cupboard
  • Jane's Frames
  • Murphy Business
  • Pour Richards

You can also mail or drop off check donations to the Food Pantry directly.

Have a very Merry Holiday Season!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership
The Franklin Food Elves


Tuesday, December 17, 2013

January General Meeting

Mark your calendars!

FDP General Meeting
Thursday, January 9, 2014
8:30 a.m.
Dean College Campus Center, Golder Room

Coffee will be served and important downtown updates will be discussed.

All members are encouraged to attend.


Monday, December 9, 2013

12 Days of Donating Going On Now

The Franklin Food Elves is partnering once again with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to support the Franklin Food Pantry.  Please stop by one of the participating businesses with your donations and help the elves reach their goal.  You can also drop off checks to the pantry by December 14th.



Food Elves Coming to Your Neighborhood This December

The enterprising and energetic Franklin Food Elves soon will be canvassing neighborhoods all around Franklin collecting goods during the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. From December 1 to December 12, citizens can donate items in their own neighborhoods or at local participating businesses to help neighbors in need.

The Food Elves is a charitable community service group made up of more than 60 students ranging from elementary through high school. For the past two years they have joined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to operate the “12 Days of Donating” campaign with great success. This year the Elves aim to beat last year’s record-breaking collection drive by raising more than $5,700 and 4,200 pounds of goods.

“The people who live and work in Franklin have been so generous that our ’12 Days of Donating’ campaign helped the Food Pantry give out about 17,000 meals to families last winter,” says Cameron Piana, Food Elves co-founder. “This town’s support has been awesome and we hope we can do more this year.”

According to the Food Pantry, about 600 households are registered to use Pantry services. This year’s need will be even greater due to a decrease in SNAP benefits in November. Health and hygiene items are not covered by those benefits and are a particular need

“The Food Elves truly bring out the magic of the holidays,” says Erin Lynch, Food Pantry director of development. “These amazing kids organize and implement one of the biggest drives of the entire year for the pantry. Their ’12 Days of Donating’ campaign provides thousands of pounds of food for those who need it. At the same time it fuels this community with what we all need: inspiration, hope and a shining example of the impact young people can make when they work together.”

In early December, Food Elves will notify their neighbors about the collection campaign, including what items can be collected and the collection dates. Residents simply place bags of goods at their mailboxes on the designated pickup day and the Elves will do the rest. Collection dates will be Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, or Saturday, December 14.

In case there’s no Elf in your neighborhood, it is still easy to donate. The Elves have placed bright red collection bins at participating Downtown Partnership member businesses. If the Elves meet their goal of collecting more than 1,200 pounds of goods, each business has pledged to donate $200. You can drop off donations at the Food Pantry, 43 West Central St., and designate them for the “12 Days of Donating” drive.

Bins can be found at these participating locations:
  • Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
  • DCU, 500 West Central St
  • Dean College, Campus Center
  • Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
  • Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
  • Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
  • Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
  • Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St.


     

Community Mural Project at Jane's Frames

Community Mural: A River Runs Through

At Jane’s Frames kids of all ages contributed to the 58” x 75” mural during the Franklin Downtown Strawberry Stroll and Harvest Festival. The inspiration for the work on canvas was a piece of art by David Hockney titled “Garrowby Hill,” which is on exhibit at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts. About 50 people took brush in hand, dipped into acrylic paint and added their own creativity, creating a new piece entitled “A River Runs Through.”



The completed framed piece will be donated to the Franklin Food Pantry and offered to the public at an upcoming auction, with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry. Details about the auction will be announced at a later date.



Through the winter the piece will travel throughout the community so as many people as possible can view it.  If you were to bid on and win the artwork but do not have a place for it, you could donate it to one of the schools, the library or another building of your choice in the community. Because of the size, the frame will be placed on the piece when it goes to its new home.



Many people enjoyed viewing the piece in the windows of Jane’s Frames during the month of November and at the Holiday Stroll on December 5th. Beginning Wednesday, December 11th, the piece will be displayed in the lobby of the Municipal Building. The schedule of schools, municipal building, banks and other businesses where “The River Runs Through” travels will be published when details are finalized.


Friday, December 6, 2013

A Festive (and Foggy) Holiday Stroll

The Franklin Downtown Partnership's 5th annual Holiday Stroll got off to a foggy but celebratory start Thursday afternoon with the traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Dean College campus. Although a bit damp, the weather was mild and families flocked to downtown Franklin to listen to music, shop for gifts, visit with Santa, sample treats, decorate holiday crafts and dine with friends and family. It was the largest Holiday Stroll crowd yet! 



Many thanks go to event organizers Gregg Chalk and Roberta Trahan for organizing a terrific evening! 

Thanks also to our sponsors, who generously make this night possible:

Platinum Sponsor Big Y World Class Market


Gold Sponsors Dean Bank, Dean College, DCU and Middlesex Savings Bank


Silver Sponsors D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Local Town Pages Franklin and Franklin Ford


Bronze Sponsors The Franklin Girl Scouts of Southeastern MA and Simon's Furniture



Platinum Sponsor Big Y World Class Market



Santa and his Elves at Bronze Sponsor Simon's Furniture

The Mount St. Charles Hand Bell Choir performed at Gold Sponsor Dean Bank





The Franklin Girl Scouts of Southestern MA, a Bronze Sponsor, helped kids create holiday crafts
a Franklin High a cappella group performed at The Cake Bar


Kids decorated crafts at the Franklin Art Center

Made-to-order wreaths were created on Main Street




Jamie Barrett entertained kids of all ages at Jane's Frames

Shoppers browsed for gifts at the Holiday Bazaar inside the Depot Plaza

Carolers hit all the right notes at the Tree Lighting at Dean College






Thursday, December 5, 2013

Holiday Stroll Happenings

Please join us downtown as we celebrate the holidays at the Holiday Stroll this afternoon!

Below is a listing of participating businesses and activities. Pick up a copy at the Tree Lighting or download and print a copy here.



2013 Holiday Stroll Happenings



Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Holiday Stroll Tomorrow

Please join us downtown for the 5th annual Holiday Stroll!




Wednesday, November 27, 2013

2013 Holiday Stroll Press Release

Festive Fun at the Holiday Stroll December 5

Come celebrate the sights, sounds and sweet tastes of the holiday season at the Franklin Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 5, from 4 p.m to 7 p.m. The evening promises fun for the whole family, including a visit from Santa, holiday crafts, live entertainment, tempting treats and seasonal shopping deals at local businesses.

The Stroll will begin with a traditional tree lighting, complete with carolers, gingerbread men and hot cocoa, at 4 p.m. in front of Dean Hall on the Dean College Campus. From there revelers can stroll through downtown Franklin and explore the festivities at more than 30 participating businesses. A complete listing of each location’s special offerings will be available at the tree lighting and at participating locations.

“Downtown Franklin really shines during the Holiday Stroll,” says Roberta Trahan of the Franklin Downtown Partnership and co-chair of the event. “Families can make an evening of it. They can visit Santa, do a little shopping, listen to a handbell choir, have dinner together, and explore new shops, all while staying close to home.”

Fresh from the tree lighting, visitors can stop by Dean Bank to decorate gingerbread men and hear enchanting performances by the students of the Mount St. Charles Hand Bell Choir at 4:30 p.m. and 5 p.m.

At Santa’s Workshop next to Rockland Trust Bank, the Franklin Girl Scouts will help little ones write letters to Santa and create holiday crafts from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Santa himself will greet children at Simon’s Furniture from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Around the corner from Simon’s, new business Terry Louison Photography invites everyone to stop in for a portrait at the holiday-themed photo booth.

There will be plenty of opportunities to do some holiday shopping at participating businesses. Browse for locally made gifts, plan a holiday party, pick up a gift certificate and catch some martial arts demonstrations while staying warm at the “Holiday Bazaar” located inside the Depot Plaza building next to Acapulco’s on Main Street.

Music and entertainment will fill the downtown. Milford radio station WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast holiday music live at the event. Dean College’s costumed carolers and its a cappella group, Vocal Conviction, will sing at the tree lighting.  Franklin High School groups Take 5 and The Salzillo Jazz Trio will appear at downtown locations, and the Franklin Dance Company will entertain the crowds outside Simon’s.

Other venues around town not to be missed include Jane’s Frames, where musician Jamie Barrett will perform, and the Fire Station, which will have a fire engine for the kids to climb upon.

With all of these activities, visitors will work up an appetite. Many businesses will lure shoppers through their doors with holiday treats and warm beverages, and several downtown restaurants will offer meal deals that night.

While strolling, visitors will notice red collection bins at many locations. The Franklin Food Elves, a charitable community service group, will be collecting non-perishable goods for the Franklin Food Pantry as part of the “12 Days of Donating” campaign. The food drive will run through the first two weeks of December.

“It’s important to remember that the holidays are also a time to give back, and in that vein the Franklin Downtown Partnership is working with the Food Elves to help make the ‘12 Days of Donating’ drive another big success,” says Gregg Chalk, Holiday Stroll co-chair.  “Last year, due to the generosity of our community, the Food Pantry had resources that lasted into March. We are proud to work with these students and make such a difference.”

The Food Elves will have a drop-off bin placed at the tree lighting ceremony and at Partnership member businesses including Dean College, Dean Bank, DCU, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, the Franklin Downtown Partnership office, Jane’s Frames, Murphy Business and Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits.

This year’s Holiday Stroll is made possible by Platinum Sponsor Big Y World Class Market, and by Gold Sponsors Dean Bank, Dean College, DCU and Middlesex Savings Bank. Silver Sponsors are D. G. Ranieri Real Estate, Local Town Pages Franklin and Franklin Ford, and Bronze Sponsors are the Franklin Girl Scouts of Southeastern Massachusetts and Simon’s Furniture.

For more information about the Holiday Stroll contact co-chairs Gregg Chalk, gchalk@dean.edu, or Roberta Trahan, roberta_icu1@verizon.net.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to revitalize downtown Franklin. For more information about the Partnership please go to our website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

###


Click here to download the 2013 Holiday Stroll Press Release



Monday, November 25, 2013

Networking Celebration Recap

Dear FDP Members,

Thank you to everyone who attended our networking event last Wednesday night at Rockland Trust Bank. An estimated 90 Franklin Downtown Partnership members, Franklin Performing Arts Company notables, Town Council members and others filled the lobby to mingle and celebrate the planned FPAC Black Box theater on West Central Street. 

Artistry Kitchen, due to open this winter at the corner of East Central and Cottage streets, catered the event with a delicious sampling of appetizers. A jazz combo, courtesy of FPAC, entertained the crowd, and Raye Lynn Mercer detailed plans for the new theater space while thanking the donors, town executives and local businesses for their support. 

Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana also thanked the group and displayed the giant check, dated 2006, which the late Senator Ted Kennedy presented to the town for the Downtown Improvement Project. That long-awaited streetscape initiative is now scheduled to begin in April 2014. 

Many thanks to Laurel Katsaros and the staff at Rockland Trust for organizing and hosting this celebration, and to Raye Lynn Mercer of the Franklin Performing Arts Company for her continued dedication to the revitalization of downtown Franklin.

Happy Holidays!


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Decorating Day this Sunday, November 24

We invite any and all volunteers to help out with our Holiday and Winter Decorating Day this Sunday, November 24. Volunteers will meet on the center island at 9:00 a.m. If you're busy on Sunday, please consider meeting Eileen Mason on Saturday at Hillside Nurseries at 9:00 a.m. to help separate greens. Please email Eileen at emason11@verizon.net if you can volunteer.


Click here to download and print this press release.

Downtown Partnership, Garden Club To Decorate November 24

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will join the Franklin Garden Club to decorate the downtown for the holidays on Sunday, November 24. Any and all helpers are welcome.

Interested volunteers for the annual Holiday and Winter Decorating Day should contact Eileen Mason, event chairperson, at emason11@verizon.net.  All volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. on the center island downtown. Community service hours are available for students, and teams are encouraged to participate. 

“We are always happy to have the community come out and help our efforts to make Franklin festive for the holidays,” says Mason. “We also welcome donations as they help us offset the cost of materials. Decorating, planting, watering, cleanup and planning happen all year long, and it all requires manpower and funds.”

The Partnership also has formed a “Downtown Clean Sweep Committee” whose mission is to encourage a clean and vibrant downtown. The FDP is looking for business owners to adopt a block and for volunteers to get involved in helping to keep the downtown free of trash, weeds and debris. 

“We invite citizens to get involved,” says Executive Director Lisa Piana.  “Our many volunteers have made a huge difference over the years in making our downtown beautiful with flowers, holiday decorations and even sweeping the sidewalks.” 

Additionally, the Franklin Garden Club is recruiting new members. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St., at 7:00 p.m.

More information about downtown beautification efforts and sponsorship opportunities can be found at the Partnership’s website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that runs events including the Holiday Stroll and the Harvest Festival and supports ongoing streetscape and revitalization efforts. For more information please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

###

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Franklin Food Elves Coming Soon


The Franklin Food Elves and the Franklin Downtown Partnership will soon kick off the '12 Days of Donating' campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry!

More than 60 Food Elves will be collecting goods in neighborhoods around Franklin. If you don't have an Elf in your neighborhood, you can still participate in our food drive! Look for the red collection bins at these participating FDP member businesses:

  • DCU, 500 West Central St.
  • Dean Bank, 21 Main St. 
  • Dean College, Campus Center
  • Emma's Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
  • Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St.
  • Jane's Frames, 11 East Central St.
  • Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
  • Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St.

Last year the Franklin community donated more than 4,200 pounds of goods and more than $5,700 for the Food Pantry. Thank you for your generosity and we hope we can count on you again this year!


The Milford Daily News ran a story about the Food Elves and the '12 Days of Donating' campaign this past weekend. To read the full text of Matt Tota's story click  http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x825431789/Franklin-Food-Elves-return-this-holiday-season#ixzz2koMdF0Gz


Click here to read the 2013 Franklin Food Elves Press Release




2013 Food Elves Press Release

Food Elves Coming to Your Neighborhood This December

The enterprising and energetic Franklin Food Elves soon will be canvassing neighborhoods all around Franklin collecting goods during the “12 Days of Donating” campaign to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. From December 1 to December 12, citizens can donate items in their own neighborhoods or at local participating businesses to help neighbors in need.

The Food Elves is a charitable community service group made up of more than 60 students ranging from elementary through high school. For the past two years they have joined forces with the Franklin Downtown Partnership to operate the “12 Days of Donating” campaign with great success. This year the Elves aim to beat last year’s record-breaking collection drive by raising more than $5,700 and 4,200 pounds of goods.

“The people who live and work in Franklin have been so generous that our ’12 Days of Donating’ campaign helped the Food Pantry give out about 17,000 meals to families last winter,” says Cameron Piana, Food Elves co-founder. “This town’s support has been awesome and we hope we can do more this year.”

According to the Food Pantry, about 600 households are registered to use Pantry services. This year’s need will be even greater due to a decrease in SNAP benefits in November. Health and hygiene items are not covered by those benefits and are a particular need.

“The Food Elves truly bring out the magic of the holidays,” says Erin Lynch, Food Pantry director of development. “These amazing kids organize and implement one of the biggest drives of the entire year for the pantry. Their ’12 Days of Donating’ campaign provides thousands of pounds of food for those who need it. At the same time it fuels this community with what we all need: inspiration, hope and a shining example of the impact young people can make when they work together.”

In early December, Food Elves will notify their neighbors about the collection campaign, including what items can be collected and the collection dates. Residents simply place bags of goods at their mailboxes on the designated pickup day and the Elves will do the rest. Collection dates will be Saturday, December 7, Sunday, December 8, or Saturday, December 14. 

In case there’s no Elf in your neighborhood, it is still easy to donate. The Elves have placed bright red collection bins at participating Downtown Partnership member businesses. If the Elves meet their goal of collecting more than 1,200 pounds of goods, each business has pledged to donate $200. There will be a donation bin at the Holiday Stroll tree lighting ceremony at Dean College on Thursday, December 5, or you can drop off donations at the Food Pantry, 43 West Central St., and designate them for the “12 Days of Donating” drive.

Bins can be found at these participating locations:
  • DCU, 500 West Central St.
  • Dean Bank, 21 Main St.
  • Dean College, Campus Center
  • Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, 12 Main St.
  • Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, 9 East Central St. 
  • Jane’s Frames, 11 East Central St.
  • Murphy Business, 15 East Central St.
  • Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, 14 Grove St.

“It’s a busy time of year and we’re working with the food elves to make donating easy and convenient,” says Nicole Fortier, Partnership president. “When you’re out shopping or running errands, please stop by one of our local businesses and drop off some goods. The Partnership is happy to support these students who are doing important work and helping our community.”

The Franklin Food Elves may be your neighbors: 
Colin and CJ Berg; Gabbie Blood; Malik, Hatim, Suhail and Nasir Brahimi; Julia and Katie Buccella; Cara and Chris Callahan; Sarah Carroll; Austin and Carter Castillo; Avery and Erin Chalk; Allie Champlin; Gillian Cristiano; Karen Cunningham; Jacob and Julia Dextradeur; Ryan Dombroski; Brendan Donaghey; Jamie Dragsbaek; Adam Duval; Kaleigh, Abby, Megan and Maddie Egan; Griffin and John Fenton; Haley Frank; Megan Georges; Alexa Katsaros; Maddie Lacman; Nicolette McCarthy; Kyle Neenan; Connor O’Brian; Cameron Piana; Dylan, Kaitlyn, Lindsey and Sydney Rappa; Ashley and Taylor Reutlinger; Sara Richardson; Aubree, Cassi and Corey Ronan; Abby, Chloe and Cooper Ross; Emily Shea; Jake Signo; Cam and Evan Strouse;  Ellie and Katie Teixeira; Ben and Dan Weiss. 


For more information about the Franklin Food Elves and the “12 Days of Donating” campaign, please contact the Franklin Downtown Partnership at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry and what items are needed, go to their website, www.franklinfoodpantry.org/, or call (508) 528-3115. 

###

To download and print this release click here.


2013 Holiday Stroll Flyer


To download and print this flyer click here.




Friday, November 15, 2013

Downtown Projects Coverage in Milford Daily News

Two stories concerning downtown Franklin appeared in the November 14, 2013, issue of the Milford Daily News

The first covered the streetscape construction project due to begin this spring. To read Matt Tota's full story go to Downtown Franklin work to start in spring.

The second story deals with the Town Council's plan to hold a public hearing in January to discuss the future use of the former Town Hall on Emmon's Street. To read Matt's full story go to Franklin officials to decide former Town Hall's fate in January.


Thursday, November 7, 2013

2013 Winter Decorating Day Press Release

Downtown Partnership, Garden Club To Decorate November 24

The Franklin Downtown Partnership will join the Franklin Garden Club to decorate the downtown for the holidays on Sunday, November 24. Any and all helpers are welcome.

Interested volunteers for the annual Holiday and Winter Decorating Day should contact Eileen Mason, event chairperson, at emason11@verizon.net.  All volunteers will meet at 9:00 a.m. on the center island downtown. Community service hours are available for students, and teams are encouraged to participate. 

“We are always happy to have the community come out and help our efforts to make Franklin festive for the holidays,” says Mason. “We also welcome donations as they help us offset the cost of materials. Decorating, planting, watering, cleanup and planning happen all year long, and it all requires manpower and funds.”

The Partnership also has formed a “Downtown Clean Sweep Committee” whose mission is to encourage a clean and vibrant downtown. The FDP is looking for business owners to adopt a block and for volunteers to get involved in helping to keep the downtown free of trash, weeds and debris. 

“We invite citizens to get involved,” says Executive Director Lisa Piana.  “Our many volunteers have made a huge difference over the years in making our downtown beautiful with flowers, holiday decorations and even sweeping the sidewalks.” 

Additionally, the Franklin Garden Club is recruiting new members. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 237 Pleasant St., at 7:00 p.m.

More information about downtown beautification efforts and sponsorship opportunities can be found at the Partnership’s website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that runs events including the Holiday Stroll and the Harvest Festival and supports ongoing streetscape and revitalization efforts. For more information please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at (774)571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  




Friday, November 1, 2013

November 7 General Meeting Agenda

Please join us at our upcoming General Meeting! We have a number of New Projects happening downtown. This is a good meeting to attend for a complete update! Coffee and snacks will be served.


Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Agenda
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Dean College Campus Center at 8:30 a.m.
Golder Room


I.          Open Meeting

II.         Adoption of Agenda

III.        Introductions

IV.        Holiday Stroll Committee:  Gregg Chalk, Roberta Trahan

V.         Report from Executive Director
            a.    Partnership Updates
                   i.    Strategic Planning and Marketing Ideas
                   ii.   Membership and Sponsorship
                   iii.  Clean-up Committee:  (Adopt a Block/Clean-Sweep)

            b.    Downtown Updates
                   i.    FPAC new "Black Box" theater
                   ii.   New Building coming on 41 East Central Street
                   iii.  Ideas for town property redevelopment on Emmons Street
                         (January Idea Meeting)
                   iv.  Parking changes (parking meeting TBD)
                   v.   Streetscape project

VI.        Networking Luncheon -- Joel Carrara (DateTBD)

VII.       Holiday Decorating Day -- Eileen Mason (Nov. 24)

VIII.      Town Updates -- Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
             a.    Parking Ideas and Updates
             b.    Streetscape Project Starting April 2014!

IX.        New Business

X.         Adjourn


Next General Meeting -- January

Holiday Decorating Day -- November 24