Friday, January 29, 2016

'12 Days of Donating' Totals Press Release

Franklin Food Elves Bring in Record Donations – Again!
FRANKLIN, MA – The Franklin Food Elves did it again! The final donation numbers are in, and the Elves are pleased to announce that the “12 Days of Donating” Campaign has collected more than four tons (or 8,001 pounds) of goods, and more than $11,000 for the Franklin Food Pantry.


Photo courtesy of Bob Teixeira

These numbers beat last year’s record totals by more than 1,500 pounds of food, and nearly $3,000. The success was due to the hard work of more than 120 Food Elves, along with tremendous support from the community and local businesses. The Food Elves, increasing by 35 elves this year, has grown every year in popularity among local elementary, middle and high school students.
As the Food Elves canvassed local neighborhoods for food and monetary donations, Franklin businesses did their part by placing donation bins at their locations and pledging cash donations to support the cause. Those businesses included Chestnut Dental Associates, DCU, Dean Bank, Dean College, Emma’s Quilt Cupboard, Franklin Downtown Partnership Office, Jane’s Frames, Keefe Insurance Agency, Murphy Business, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, SELF Aesthetics and Therapeutic Specialists, Medical Spa and The Adirondack Club.
“We are overwhelmed by the amount of support we received this year from the Franklin Food Elves, member businesses of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, and our community,” said Erin Lynch, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry. “Thanks to the hard work of the Food Elves, we will be able to continue helping our families who are struggling to put food on their tables.”
For the first time, the Food Elves gave residents the option of making monetary donations in addition to, or in lieu of, food. Monetary gifts allow the Pantry to supplement food donations with more nutritious and fresh food, such as fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meats.
“The response was incredible,” said Lynch. “Not only did we break all records in the amount of food we received, we are able to supplement the nonperishable donations with fresh, protein-rich and nutritious foods. We could not be more grateful.”
For more information about the Food Elves and the “12 Days of Donating” Campaign, please contact the Food Elves at franklinfoodelves@yahoo.com. For more information about the Franklin Food Pantry, or a list of its current needs, visit www.franklinfoodpantry.org.

FDP Networking Luncheons Scheduled for Spring 2016



Three Networking Luncheons have been scheduled:

Friday, February 19
Friday, March 11
Friday, April 15

The luncheons take place at the Dean College Dining Center in the Campus Center building. You can expect to meet new contacts, share ideas and information, and form partnerships over a delicious and low-cost meal.

More details will be posted closer to each date. For more information, please contact Networking Co-Chair Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu.

Thursday, January 28, 2016

2016 Events And General Meeting Schedule

The dates have been set for the 2016 Franklin Downtown Partnership Events and General Meetings! 

We have three Strolls, two Beautification Days, two Progressive Dinners, and four General Meetings (including one evening meeting) on the calendar: 

Click here to download a PDF version.





Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Member Announcements: Art Association Show, Businesses Pair Up For Wine & Chocolate Event


Franklin Art Association Meets 2/3


The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, Feb.3, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street. Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30.

The program will feature a colorful abstract demo from guest artist Elizabeth Ricketson. A founding member of the Attleboro Museum, Elizabeth's vibrant and dynamic works stand out and should be a welcome lightening to a dark February night. 

Meetings are free and opened to the public. For more information please visit our web site at http://www.franklinart.org/  or  www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc


***   ***   ***   ***   ***   ***

Valentine Chocolate and Wine Tasting
Brought To You by The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning

Just in time for Valentine’s Day. Chocolate and wine pairings…..bring your sweetheart, your BFF, your neighbor, and join the good folks from the Sugar Shoppe and Franklin Liquors on Tuesday, February 9, from 7:00 to 9:00pm for an evening you won’t soon forget!

Explore the world of decadent chocolate and a minimum of 6 fabulous wine pairings. There is simply nothing better. The Sugar Shoppe’s Courtney Nappa and Franklin Liquor’s Mark Lenzi will show you the way for this educational sit-down tasting.
And, a portion of your registration will go towards helping someone in need through the Sugar Shoppe, a local non-profit candy store, working with local businesses to help raise money for homeless moms and kids in joint community efforts.

Note: Participants must be over 21 years of age
Location:
Franklin Liquors, 363 East Central Street, Franklin
Cost: $40

If you would like a copy of the winter brochure you can go online to www.FranklinLifelongLearning.com  and click on Adult Education to view or download our entire catalogue with activated links. While you’re there, you can register. You can also call The Center at 508-613-1480 for more information.

The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning at Franklin is a program of the Franklin Public School’s Lifelong Learning Institute, dedicated to providing quality learning experiences for adults in the Town of Franklin and surrounding communities.


Monday, January 25, 2016

Downtown Streetscape Project Update #22

The streetscape construction project is progressing during this relatively mild winter. While work continues, remember to shop and dine downtown. Local merchants are always happy to see you!

The latest from the Town Administrator's office:


January 21, 2016

Downtown Project Update #22 

Verizon ground crew will be on site Tuesday (the 26th) or Wednesday (the 27th) to transfer the line on Main St. They are there now doing overheard work in preparation for that. 

Anthony Tavalone 
CE III MA DOT

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

Ladybug Story on WCVB's 'Chronicle' Tuesday Night

Did you catch "Chronicle" on Channel 5 Tuesday night? The show featured many of the 56 official Massachusetts symbols, including the ladybug. 

A screen shot from the WCVB website shows Rep. Jeff Roy speaking at Town Hall about The Ladybug Story booklet.

The story of the Kennedy School second grade class of 1974's efforts to have the ladybug named as the official state insect was highlighted as part of this show. 

Follow the link below to watch the segment on the WCVB Chronicle website. The fiberglass painted ladybugs from the Cultural Council's project, as well as Representative Jeff Roy, Town Hall, the Franklin Public Library and the Franklin Art Center, made appearances. The Franklin portion of the story begins after the Polka segment, at 1:45. 

http://www.wcvb.com/chronicle/keeping-it-symbol-official-insect/37413776?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=wcvb


Tuesday, January 12, 2016

Lady Bugs, Rep. Roy Appear on WCVB's 'Chronicle' Tonight

Word on the street is that a few of the ceramic Lady Bug public art creations will make an appearance on tonight's Chronicle episode about the Bay State's symbols. We hear Representative Roy was interviewed, too. One of the Lady Bugs is currently residing on Beacon Hill. Do you know the history of how the Lady Bug became the Massachusetts State Bug? 

Set your DVR or tune in to Chronicle tonight on Channel 5 at 7:30 p.m.

A screen shot from the WCVB Chronicle website.
 

The Franklin Cultural Council spearheaded the Lady Bug Spots Public Art project two years ago. The photo below shows a grouping at the 2014 Harvest Festival in downtown Franklin.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership Lady Bug
The Lady Bugs on display in October 2014


Monday, January 4, 2016

Member Announcements: Happy New Year! Art Association Meeting, Mike Dunsky

Happy New Year! 

Art Association

The Franklin Art Association is meeting this Wednesday, January 6, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill St. Refreshments and socialization will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The program will feature well-known pastel painter Liz Haywood-Sullivan as the demonstrating artist. 
"The Bright of Day" by Liz Haywood-Sullivan

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information please visit www.franklinart.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc.


***   ***   ***   ***   ***   ***

New Member


Welcome new member Michael Dunsky of Guaranteed Rate, Inc., a mortgage provider located at 38 Pond Street, Suite 108. Michael has been named one of the Top 200 US Mortgage Bankers. Learn more about Michael and Guaranteed Rate by visiting www.michaeldunsky.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.