Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Franklin Brochure

The new Franklin Brochure is available!



Use the slider bars on the right side and bottom edge to scroll through the brochure. Click here to download a PDF of the brochure

The brochure was produced by the Franklin Downtown Partnership with support from the MetroWest Visitors Bureau and the Town of Franklin Planning Department. Copies are available at many FDP member businesses, and brochures are being delivered to residences in Franklin, Wrentham, Millis, Medway, Norfolk and Bellingham as an insert in local newspapers. Copies also will be available at the FDP table at the October 5 Harvest Festival in downtown Franklin.

Click here to read the Franklin Brochure Printed Press Release.




Franklin Brochure Press Release


The new Franklin brochure has been printed and will be distributed to businesses and residents in Franklin and surrounding communities in the next several weeks. 

Created by the Franklin Downtown Partnership, the piece details many of the entertainment, dining, shopping, business, and recreation options available in Franklin. It also highlight’s the town’s notable cultural and historic sites such as the Historical Museum, the bronze sculptures, and the Franklin Public Library. Included in the brochure are two maps and a comprehensive listing of nearly 150 Partnership member businesses and organizations to make finding what you’re looking for easy and convenient.






“We have talked about producing a town brochure for years. With support from the town Planning Department and the MetroWest Visitors Bureau, we were able to make it a priority this summer,” says Nicole Fortier, Partnership president. 

The brochure will be distributed to Franklin Downtown Partnership members in September and October. Copies of the brochure have been included in the Dean College new student welcome packets, and local realtors plan to use the piece as a tool to help new residents get to know their surroundings. 

Wider distribution to all residences in Franklin, Wrentham, Millis, Medway, Norfolk and Bellingham will be on October 1 as an insert in each town’s newspaper. Copies also will be available at the October 5 Harvest Festival at the FDP information table. 

“This brochure gives our member businesses excellent exposure in nearby towns and with visitors to the area. Franklin continues to change and grow, and more changes are on the way. This piece tells our residents and the surrounding communities that Franklin is open for business and has options galore,” says Lisa Piana, Downtown Partnership executive director.
FDP President Nicole Fortier, Communications Coordinator Terri Frank, and Executive Director Lisa Piana at the Partnership office, 9 E. Central St. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to revitalizing downtown Franklin. Interested in membership or volunteer opportunities? For more information please go to our website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact the executive director at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.


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Monday, September 29, 2014

Harvest Festival Vendor Instructions

Attention all 2014 Harvest Festival vendors:  

Last week you should have received the booth placement map and the set of Vendor Instructions for Sunday's Harvest Festival. If not, please contact Booth Chairperson Terri Frank at terrifrank1@gmail.com




Thank you for participating! We are looking forward to a wonderful Festival!


Franklin Ford Invitation

You are invited to the Grand Re-Opening celebration of Partnership member Franklin Ford:



Thursday, September 25, 2014

Harvest Festival Guide

The place to be on Sunday, October 5, is downtown Franklin!

Here's a quick guide to the Festival booths, sponsors, entertainment and food hot spots. Look for the guide in the Franklin Local Town Pages next week, at the FDP booth on October 5, or download and print a copy here




Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Harvest Festival Press Release (long version)



The Harvest Festival has become a favorite fall tradition, and the Franklin Downtown Partnership plans a fun-filled start to the season with the 12th annual event on Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Organizers expect approximately 6,000 people will visit downtown Franklin and enjoy lively entertainment, delicious food, browsing among more than 100 participating artists, crafters, businesses and community groups, and, of course, games and activities in the Children’s Area.

“Every year the festival gives people an opportunity to relax, have one-on-one conversations with business owners, and take the time to learn more about our community,” says Lisa Piana, Franklin Downtown Partnership executive director. “We are happy to give everyone the chance to catch up with 6,000 of their closest friends and neighbors.”

DJ Domenic Cotoia of Music Odyssey Productions will kick off the event at 11 a.m. and entertain festival goers with a mix of country, Top 40 and rock and roll hits all day long from his booth on Main Street in front of Platinum Sponsor Rockland Trust.

Entertainment also can be found on the center island at the corner of Main and East Central streets and on the patio next to The Cake Bar. Local entertainers, including Franklin High students, will perform, along with perennial favorite Jamie Barrett, sponsored by Jane’s Frames. Fred Astaire Dance Studio dancers will show off their ballroom skills, and The Cake Bar will feature balloon artist Dick Moberg of Fun Faces With a Twist from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Franklin School for the Performing Arts plans special events on its Main Street stage throughout the day.

Food options will cater to a variety of tastes. The FDP food tent on Main Street in front of Dean Bank will satisfy cravings for hot dogs, popcorn, snacks and water. The food truck outside of Century 21 will tempt with steak tips, burgers, Italian sausages, chicken, fresh-squeezed lemonade and lime rickeys.

Several downtown restaurants will serve signature snacks, and many food-based businesses will hand out free samples. Outside the Food Pantry, local farmers will sell fresh seasonal produce.

The Children’s Area behind Rockland Trust will be staffed by energetic volunteers from the Bernon Family Branch YMCA. Carnival games like the ring toss, balloon darts, corn hole and sink it, along with a bounce house, face painting and fall-themed crafts will keep children entertained. “Shoot, Kick and Tumble” will challenge kids to show off their basketball, soccer and gymnastic skills.

The area will feature many child-oriented businesses, such as Franklin Martial Arts, which plans board-breaking seminars. New this year is the ChildID booth where children, teens and young adults can be fingerprinted for free. The program is a service to parents, who will leave with a ChildID kit.  

The fun continues with tours at the Historical Museum, and the Franklin Public Library plans to host a “Make and Take” Halloween craft. Kids are invited to drop in between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and sip hot cider while they create a Halloween spider or pumpkin.

The festival is not just for kids. Throughout town visitors can find a variety of art, informational, gift, business and organizational booths. The Franklin Cultural Council’s painted ladybugs will be on display at the corner of East Central and Summer streets. On Main, volunteers will answer questions and hand out information about the Franklin Solar Challenge.

The Harvest Festival is made possible by the generous support of sponsors who will have booths in “Sponsorship Row” on Main Street. This year’s Platinum Sponsors are Big Y World Class Market and Rockland Trust. Silver Sponsors are Digital Credit Union and Middlesex Savings Bank.

Bronze Sponsors include Chestnut Dental Associates, Dean Bank, Franklin Ford, Keefe Insurance Agency and SolarFlair Energy. Friends of the Festival Sponsors are AstrumSolar, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Franklin Yoga & Wellness, Leaf Filter, Rescom Exteriors and the Bernon Family Branch YMCA.

“The Harvest Festival shows what a tight-knit community Franklin is. In a relatively small downtown area we include more than 100 non-profit organizations, businesses, churches, banks, community groups, restaurants and cultural attractions. The festival continues to attract more vendors and visitors but essentially has stayed true to its origins by bringing the community together for a fun, affordable day out,” says Terri Frank, Harvest Festival booth chair.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization made up of businesses, community leaders and residents working together to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership relies on donations and sponsorship to fund events like the Harvest Festival, the Holiday Stroll and the Strawberry Stroll. The FDP works year-round on Beautification and greenspace efforts, and is actively involved in streetscape design and development issues involving the downtown. For more information please visit the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/, or contact the Executive Director at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

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Monday, September 22, 2014

Jane's Frames 20th Anniversary Celebration Tuesday


logo 
You're invited to Jane's Frames
20th Anniversary
Celebration
Please Celebrate with us 
 Enjoy free mimosa's and scones from 10-1
Wine and cheese from 1-5:30
Check out Some Great Specials in Artwork
Some as low as $1.00 each
 See our New Arrivals in Home Decor & our Gift Items 
When
Tuesday 
September 23rd 
From 10am to 5:30pm
Where
11 East Central Street
Franklin, Ma
508-528-3256
Community Mural
Our Anniversary Celebration Continues
Now - September 30th
If you are not able to drop in on Tuesday, Please come by any time as we will continue to celebrate through the end of the month.

Please see the Community Mural created by young people from the community at Jane's Frames during the Downtown Festivals last year. It is being raffled with all donations going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

2014 Harvest Festival Flyer






Franklin Matters: Akin Bak Farm To Set Up Produce Stand At Museum Fo...

Franklin Matters: Akin Bak Farm To Set Up Produce Stand At Museum Fo...: Pumpkins, apples, winter squash, honey and crafts! The Franklin Historical Museum is pleased to partner with Akin Bak Farm at this year’s...

Thursday, September 18, 2014

The Estate at Franklin Invitation

Partnership member The Estate at Franklin, a senior living community located on King Street, is hosting a fall networking afternoon:





Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Announcements from our Members

Mark your calendars! Several of our Partnership members have events coming up soon:

On Saturday, September 27, The United Regional Chamber of Commerce is hosting an Electronic Recycling event to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Village Shopping Center. 

"Join us at our annual Electronic Recycling Event to benefit the Franklin Food Pantry! Bring us your unwanted electronic waste and a non-perishable food item for each item you'd like to recycle, all proceeds to benefit the Food Pantry. Clean out your electronic junk, while helping out a great cause! Please note there is a small fee for CRTs, TVs, and secure hard drive destruction."

Click here to see the Facebook Event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/1493804670866690/?ref=3&ref_newsfeed_story_type=regular

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On October 7, The Friends of the Franklin Library and the Franklin Garden Club have a guest speaker appearing at the Alumni Restaurant and Bar. 
Click here to download a flyer.




Monday, September 15, 2014

RFP Discussion Wednesday at TC Meeting

Town Council Meeting

Wednesday, September 17
7:00 p.m. at Town Hall

Town Council will vote on the specifics of the RFP for the downtown Emmons Street Property.

The Council will decide whether they will allow a drive-thru option on this site. They would like to hear from residents and business owners their views regarding this downtown gateway property. 


Friday, September 12, 2014

Last Call for Harvest Festival Booth Registration

Don't put it off! Today is the last chance to sign up for a booth at the October 5 Harvest Festival.


Click here for a Harvest Festival Registration Form. Please be sure to add a $35 late fee. 

Questions? 
Entertainment       Jim Schultz, jamesdschultzjr@gmail.com

Vendor Booths     Terri Frank, terrifrank1@gmail.com

Volunteers            Bryan Taberner, btaberner@franklin.ma.us 
                             Joel Carrara, jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

General Festival   Mary Graff, mgraff@berryinsurance.com

General FDP        Lisa Piana, downtown.franklin@yahoo.com

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Harvest Festival Reminders


Sponsorships Needed for the Harvest Festival. Please e-mail us this week if you would like to be listed in our promotional materials.  



Booth Registrations Due this week.  LAST CALL!
We have a few spaces left...so don't be left out.  Free with your membership. E-mail Terri Frank at terrifrank1@gmail.com


Volunteers needed for the day of the Festival.
Please contact Bryan Taberner at btaberner@franklin.ma.us or Joel Carrara at jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Harvest Festival Contacts

Do you have a Harvest Festival question and you're not sure who to ask? These contacts should help:

Entertainment       Jim Schultz, jamesdschultzjr@gmail.com

Vendor Booths     Terri Frank, terrifrank1@gmail.com

Volunteers            Bryan Taberner, btaberner@franklin.ma.us 
                             Joel Carrara, jcarrara@printsmartoffice.com

General Festival   Mary Graff, mgraff@berryinsurance.com

General FDP        Lisa Piana, downtown.franklin@yahoo.com




Registration Extension

We are extending the Harvest Festival registration due date to Wednesday, September 10. After this date please remember to include the late fee of $35. 

The Harvest Festival will be Sunday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. 


Terri Frank is our Vendor Chairperson. She is the contact person for all booth-related questions. She can be reached at terrifrank1@gmail.com.

Please click here for a Harvest Festival Registration Form. 
Spaces are assigned on a first-come-first-serve basis. Registration forms must be received no later than September 12 to participate. 


Important Reminders:
You must fill out a registration form to participate. Booth spaces are free to FDP members who have paid their 2014 membership. Please remember to read the form carefully and sign it. Terri will send the final festival booth map at the end of September. 


Sponsors Needed:
Please let us know if you would like to sponsor this year's festival. All sponsors will have their booth location on Main Street on Sponsorship Row, and their names will appear in press materials and maps. 

Click here for a Sponsorship Registration Form.



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Economic Development Meeting Tonight

The Town of Franklin's Economic Development Committee will meet this evening to discuss the RFP for the parcel of land at 150 Emmons Street. 



The committee will decide on specific recommendations to be included in the request. 

The public is encouraged to attend this meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Building, third floor meeting room. 




Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Register By This Friday for Harvest Festival

The registration deadline for the October 5 Harvest Festival is this Friday, September 5. 

If you haven't already done so, please mail your registration form today!

Click here to download and print a Harvest Festival Registration Form.


General Meeting Agenda

Franklin Downtown Partnership General Meeting Agenda
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Dean College Campus Center @ 8:30 am
Golder Room



  1. Open Meeting

  1. Adoption of Agenda

  1. Introductions

  1. Town Updates -- Town Administrator Jeff Nutting
    1. Streetscape Construction
    2. Emmons Street
    3. FHS
    4. Planning Department outreach -- Bryan Taberner

  1. Report from Excutive Director
    1. New Brochures
    2. Facebook/Twitter
    3. Video of Downtown

  1. Harvest Festival Details –- Lisa/Mary/Terri
    1. Sunday,  October 5th
    2. Volunteers
    3. Sponsorship still needed

  1. Networking Luncheon -- Joel Carrara
  1. New Business
    1. Opening of the Black Box

  1. Adjourn


Next General FDP meeting-Thursday, November 6th



Important Dates, Meetings and Deadlines

Happy September....so sorry summer is over.
We have a great FDP meeting planned for this Thursday. 
Agenda to follow.

FDP General Meeting
Thursday, September 4th
8:30 a.m., Dean College, Golder Room, 2nd floor.
New members welcome. Coffee will be served.

Important Reminders:

Emmons Street Property Discussion
Economic Development Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 3rd
5:30 p.m., Town Hall meeting room, 3rd floor.
Committee will decide on specific recommendations to be included in the RFP. Public encouraged to attend.

Harvest Festival Booth Registrations
Due:  September 5th
That's this Friday!!
Please include a late charge of $35.00 after September 5th.  Spaces going quickly!

Sponsorships Needed
Please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109 so we can include your business in the press materials. Thank you for your continued support!