Thursday, March 31, 2016

Happening Around Franklin: Emmons Street Video, Kraft to Speak at Dean

End of One Era and the Beginning of Another
Work crews hose down dusty rubble piles at Emmons Street site as winds gust today.


Dean College Executive Lecture Series to Feature Jonathan Kraft

DEAN LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE
11th Executive Lecture

Jonathan Kraft
President, The Kraft Group
April 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

You are cordially invited to join the Dean College community for our annual Executive Lecture presented by the Dean Leadership Institute. On April 6, 2016, we welcomeJONATHAN KRAFTPresident of The Kraft Group.

Jonathan Kraft is President of The Kraft Group. The
Kraft Group is a holding company whose businesses
include Rand Whitney Group, Rand-Whitney
Containerboard, New-Indy Containerboard,
International Forest Products, New England Patriots, New England Revolution, Gillette Stadium, and Patriot Place. A graduate of Williams College, Kraft earned his MBA from Harvard Business School.






Please note, bags may be subject to inspection before entering the 
Guidrey Center. Thank you.


Free Event
Open to Public

Register Now

When
Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m.

Where
The Guidrey Center
Dean College
100 W. Central St.
Franklin, MA 02038 

Quick Links
Directions
Dean Leadership Institute
School of Business

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Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Member Announcement: Welcome Joseph's Fine Jewelry

New Member

We'd like to welcome Joseph's Fine Jewelry to the FDP! A family-owned-and-operated jewelry store, Joseph's is located at 287 East Central Street. The shop carries a large selection of diamonds, colored gems, watches and fine silver, and also offers custom work and repairs. To see the selection, hours and directions, go to www.josephsfinejewelry.net.

Downtown Streetscape Project Update #24

From the Town Administrator's office:
March 29, 2016

Downtown Project Update #24 

Next week, construction will begin on the new sidewalk improvements and new road work on East Central Street leading into downtown. The bridge deck portion of the new island should be completed by the end of April. The project is anticipated to be fully complete by the end of August.

Also, please note detours. From time to time, please be aware of detours around the downtown construction area through the spring and summer. Detours may need to be established as the construction team sees fit, and may not be able to give residents notice in advance. If we can, we will. 



Monday, March 28, 2016

New Member

New Member

Welcome Envoy Mortgage to the Franklin Downtown Partnership! Located at 32 Main Street, Unit 2, Envoy Mortgage is a full-service mortgage bank that offers in-house expertise in many areas of mortgage lending. Learn more about Envoy Mortgages loan types, application process and customer service at their website, https://sboucher-envoy.mortgagewebcenter.com. You can also follow Envoy Mortgage RI & MA on Facebook. 


Wednesday, March 23, 2016

2016 Sponsorship Opportunities & Forms

We have many exciting events coming to downtown Franklin this year, beginning with a Progressive Dinner in May, to our Strawberry Stroll on June 9, the October Stroll on October 6, to our festive Holiday Stroll on December 1. 

These events bring thousands of people to the center of town and showcase our local vendors, civic groups, artists, musicians and restaurants. 

We rely on sponsorships from local businesses to fund these events. Can we count on your support this year?

If you have any questions, please email the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities 






Tuesday, March 22, 2016

New Member; Plus, A Reminder: It's Time to Renew!

New Member

Welcome our newest member, Rubino Hypnosis! Located at 38 Pond Street, Suite 206, Franklin, Mary Rubino uses hypnosis as a painless, all natural way to help create positive changes and new habits for health. The practice offers sessions covering (but not limited to) stress reduction, weight management, and smoking cessation, and Mary also leads team building workshops. Find more information at www.rubinohypnosis.com


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Membership Renewal

Now is the time to renew your support of the Partnership!

Please return your membership application with payment as soon as possible. We plan to list all of our current members in local newspapers - don't be left out! 

If you have questions, please contact the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com

Considering becoming a member? Check out the Membership tab to learn more about all the great benefits of membership, or call our office! (774) 571-3109.
Please note: The October Stroll should also be listed under Events and Activities. Click here to download a Membership Application. 




Thursday, March 17, 2016

2016 Events & Meeting Dates Press Release


The Franklin Downtown Partnership has set its 2016 dates for the Strawberry Stroll, October Stroll, Holiday Stroll, Spring and Winter Beautification days, and a Progressive Dinner. The Partnership also announces its General Meeting dates and Spring Networking Luncheons, all open to the public.

Click here to download this schedule

Downtown Beautification Day will be Saturday, May 21, 8:00 -- 11 a.m. The Partnership, the Franklin Garden Club and enthusiastic volunteers will install hundreds of flowers and greens throughout downtown and on the Common. Community service hours will be available to students. Contact Eileen Mason, emason4234@gmail.com, for more information about the event, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities. Winter Beautification Day will be Sunday, November 20.

The 13th annual Strawberry Stroll will happen Thursday, June 9, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Celebrate warmer weather with the Partnership’s famously delicious Strawberry Shortcakes, enjoy live entertainment and shop a sidewalk sale. If you would like to sponsor this event please contact event Co-chair Nicole Fortier, nfortier@deanbank.com.

The October Stroll is set for Thursday, October 6, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Pumpkin giveaways, games, delicious food, fall crafts, and live local entertainment will draw people downtown for a great evening with their neighbors. Beth Simon and Scott Martin will co-chair this popular new event.

The festive Holiday Stroll will be Thursday, December 1, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. This family favorite holiday celebration will include a tree lighting ceremony, visits from Santa, his elves and Mrs. Claus, gift shopping, holiday crafts for kids, live entertainment, and food and drink specials. Roberta Trahan and Jim Schultz will co-chair this event.

A Progressive Dinner is being planned for a Sunday evening in May (date to be decided). Celebrate Franklin’s restaurant and entertainment options with old and new friends. Menus and ticket information will be available on the FDP website and social media closer to the event date. To learn more or be involved in the event please contact Jane Curren at janeframe@verizon.net.

All FDP events and beautification efforts are possible thanks to business and resident memberships, donations and sponsorships. Franklin residents can join the Partnership for $25, and business memberships start as low as $100. Membership dues and donations are tax deductible.

The Partnership invites business owners, organization leaders and all interested residents to come learn more about issues affecting downtown Franklin at its General Meetings on May 5, September 8 and November 3. The May and November meetings will be held at 8:30 a.m., and the September meeting will be in the evening; all meetings are held at the Dean College Campus Center.

Make connections, share business ideas and develop partnerships at the FDP Networking Luncheons. The next lunch is scheduled for April 15. All luncheons take place on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. in the Smith Dining Center at Dean College. Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, and Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com, co-chair the networking efforts.

More information about each event, meeting, sponsorship, membership and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FranklinDowntownPartnership.org or on Twitter at @FranklinDowntwn.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. The FDP currently has over 200 members and welcomes all businesses and residents. For more information, please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.  

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Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Member Announcements: Local Bands at THE BLACK BOX, Art Assoc. April Meeting

Date Night

Make a night of it when two local bands play THE BLACK BOX on Friday, April 8!

Dance and sign along when The Chick Magnets, featuring Franklin Ford's Barry Madden, and Ben Gardner's Boat, with Rep. Jeff Roy on guitar, perform lively back and forth sets. Buy your tickets today! 





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Franklin Art Association's April Meeting

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, April 6. 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. Meetings are free and opened to the public.


The program will feature a water color demo from guest artist Marla Greenfield (see photo left). 














For more information please visit www.franklinart.org or www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc.



Friday, March 11, 2016

Member Announcement: Welcome to the FDP Liberty Tax Service!

New Member
Liberty Tax Service has joined the Franklin Downtown Partnership! Located at 22 E. Central Street (across the street from The Cake Bar), this Liberty Tax Service location is locally owned and operated. The certified tax professionals and enrolled agents prepare individual, partnership, estate and small business tax returns. Learn more about Liberty Tax from its website, www.libertytax.com, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Google+. 

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Networking Luncheon Friday, March 11

The next Networking Luncheon will be Friday, March 11, at 1 p.m. at the Smith Dining Center at Dean College.
Join fellow business owners and residents to discuss issues, make connections and share ideas over a delicious, reasonably priced meal! 

To reserve your spot at the table, please RSVP to Matt Lechter, mlechter@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com


Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Small Business Administration Event March 24

The Town of Franklin's Department of Planning and Community Development is hosting a Small Business Administration event on Thursday, March 24, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Municipal Building, 355 E. Central St. The event is free. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership encourages all small business owners to attend to learn more about financing, mentoring resources, and small business development opportunities, including writing a business growth plan.

Please read the attached flyer and RSVP to the link at the bottom of the page. (If that link does not work RSVP here).




Monday, March 7, 2016

Future of Downtown Franklin Covered in Milford Daily News

Members were introduced to Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and new Town Planner Kristin Kaczmarek at the FDP General Meeting. Discussion topics moved from Streetscape project progress to future plans for downtown Franklin. For example, new light posts downtown will feature banners, a project that is in the planning stages now. 

Executive Director Lisa Piana asked members to identify which businesses they would like to see move to Franklin, resulting in several great ideas. 

Do you have ideas? If so, please email the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com and tell us what they are! There is also a great on-going conversation on the #shopFranklin Facebook page.

The following is an excerpt from Mike Gleason's story in the Milford Daily News about this topic. To read the whole article Future of Downtown Franklin considered, please click here (subscription may be required). 

Pandora Carlucci, of the Franklin School Department, asked if there had been a study done of downtown needs. Partnership members said although there had been no comprehensive assessment, there has been some discussion of the types of businesses the downtown might welcome. They noted, for example, that there was no longer a place to get breakfast within that zone.
Partnership member Roberta Trahan said now is the time to promote economic development in the downtown.
"The streetscape project is going to be done - there will be no more excuses," she said.
The appearance of downtown will also be changing in a way beyond the street project, partnership members noted. The former municipal building on Emmons Street will likely be torn down in the next few weeks to make way for a new commercial building.
That property will also eventually contain a small park, with a statue of Franklin native Horace Mann in its center.





Sunday, March 6, 2016

Downtown Streetscape Update in Milford Daily News

At the FDP General Meeting Thursday, Anthony Tavalone of the Department of Transportation updated members about the progress and timeline of the Town of Franklin's ongoing streetscape road construction project. 

Milford Daily News reporter Mike Gleason attended the meeting and wrote a story -- Franklin: Road project may resume in April.  The following is an excerpt from that story:

Partnership members asked when two-way traffic would start in the center of town. Tavalone said the traffic pattern would probably take effect in early summer, noting that there would be an effort made to inform drivers about the changes.
"Before we start the new pattern, we'll have the contractor bring in new message boards," he said. "We can also bring in extra detail officers."
Roberta Trahan, of the partnership, said those involved in the project had been great about communicating progress on the project.
"You've all been so reasonable about keeping people informed," she said.
This is the second year of the two-year project, which has been in the planning for some time. It is hoped to revitalize the downtown area by rebuilding the roads and changing the traffic flow there.

Friday, March 4, 2016

Member Announcements: Lifelong Learning Spring Class Registration

FDP members are among the great instructors for some of this spring's class offerings:
  • Linda Kabat of Franklin Art Center will teach a floral vase painting class
  • Carol Bouchard, trainer at The Adirondack Club, will run a Zumba class
  • Bob Vozzella, head wine maker at La Cantina Winery, will lead a Winemaking Partnership class.
  • Sign up for a special Wine Tasting Reception, Tour and Entertainment event on June 10 at La Cantina Winery, featuring local adult chorus Franklin Forte


Spring REGISTRATION OPEN
The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning Announces Classes
Franklin, MA, February 25, 2016– Registration is now open for the spring semester at The Center for Adult Education & Community Learning in Franklin. Classes begin in mid-March.
Participation is open to individuals, organizations and businesses alike in Franklin and the surrounding region towns. This spring, participants can choose from a very interesting variety of options. Course offerings include everything from Floral Design, Winemaking and a Wine Tasting Reception to establishing a new Senior Players Group and the introduction of Kids’ Kornah!, where fun and learning meet.
You will find more exercise and sports programs than ever – Yoga, Zumba, Exercise class for Active Older Adults, and Community Walking. In addition, once again we will be offering Country Line Dancing. Men’s Basketball is back this spring along with Badminton and both have expanded to two nights. Intermediate and Advanced Volleyball classes round out the field.
Indian Street Food, a cooking demonstration and tasting for adults AND a 6-week cooking class, “Super Suppers”, for kids ages 10 years and up, are also on the spring menu. Expanded Private Music Lesson opportunities are available for adolescents and adults. Whether you are interested in Adult Chorus, Voice or Instrument lessons, we have them. This spring you will find so many opportunities and all reasonably priced.
If you would like a copy of the spring brochure you can go online 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.
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If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Brenda Reed at 508-613-1483 or email at: reedb@franklin.k12.ma.us.

Thursday, March 3, 2016

Birthday Celebration Sunday at Historical Museum

This story appeared in Franklin Matters Wednesday:

Help celebrate Franklin's 238th birthday at the Historical Museum - March 6

The Franklin Historical Museum will celebrate the town's 238th birthday on Sunday March 6th with cake and coffee in the museum library. Stop by for a slice of cake, have a look around and learn a little bit more about your town's history. 
Did you know that our town was originally to be called Exeter? In the original draft of the town's charter, the name throughout the document was Exeter. But on the day that the town was to be incorporated, our founding fathers with familiar names such as Fisher, Metcalf, Lethbridge, Whiting, Hawes and Boyd were inspired to cross out the name Exeter and claim the name Franklin. But why the change? 
In Blakes' History of Franklin, written at the time of the town's centennial, Blake speculated: "It will be remembered that Benjamin Franklin, with two others, had been sent to France immediately upon the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to negotiate a treaty of recognition and alliance.' The news finally arrived on the shores of this newly formed country that "on the 6th of January Louis XVI entered into a treaty of amity and commerce with the colonies."
The news was welcomed and celebrated and as a tribute to the popular statesman and diplomat the gentlemen from the 'Westerly Precinct of Wrentham' promptly changed the name on the application of incorporation to Franklin. Many other States have since honored Benjamin Franklin in the same way, but we are of course, the first. 
Join us this weekend and be among the first to experience our new monthly feature, the Item of the Month! Each month we will spotlight a different item from our collection that we hope will be interesting, intriguing and will encourage our visitors to learn something new. The March Item of the Month is an 18th century 'calash'. Not sure what it is? Come on in and find out. 
The museum is open Saturdays 10:00AM-1:00PM and Sundays 1:00PM-4:00PM. We are located at 80 West Central Street and we are handicap accessible.

The Franklin Historical Museum ready to party!
The Franklin Historical Museum ready to party!

For more about the Historical Museum visit them on the web at
http://franklinhistoricalmuseum.org/  

or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FHM02038


**In case you are interested, wikipedia lists 50 communities (cities and towns) called Franklin in the USA  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_places_named_for_Benjamin_Franklin