Thursday, April 30, 2015

Office Space Available Downtown on East Central Street

Do you know anyone in need of office space? 

There are two offices available at 9 E. Central Street, the building where the Franklin Downtown Partnership is located. That same building also houses FDP members Jane's Frames and H & R Block.

An extra perk -- if any FDP member finds a tenant for the space, the landlord has pledged a $500 donation to the Partnership. 

Please contact Executive Director Lisa Piana with inquiries or information. Email her at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com, call (774) 571-3109 or stop buy the office (2nd floor and to the left). 

Details:  
  • Highly visible, professional office, retail building in downtown Franklin, MA.
  • Bright second floor offices, one with four smaller rooms and one with two rooms. Common rest rooms. 24/7 access. Other practices in the building: Law office, Family therapy, Non-Profit, Art Studio.
  • Conveniently located next to commuter rail station on Route 140 and near Route 495. 
  •  Four room office: $550/mo. plus Elec.
  • Two room office: $475/mo. plus Elec.
  •  First and last month's rent plus security.
The FDP office moved down the hall earlier this year. Here are photos from a recent visit by Rep. Joe Kennedy to show examples of office space at 9 E. Central St.



The FDP office's outer meeting space.

Franklin Food Pantry News: Stamp Out Hunger May 9

The following press release from the Franklin Food Pantry asks for community support of their upcoming event:

Franklin Letter Carriers Help Franklin Food Pantry
Stamp Out Hunger in Community Food Drive on May 9
FRANKLIN, Ma. – On Saturday, May 9, Franklin letter carriers will help the Franklin Food Pantry Stamp Out Hunger when the carriers pick up food donations from town residents at their mailboxes and deliver them to the Franklin Food Pantry.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is a nationwide effort organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) that provides food to local food banks and pantries that would otherwise be faced with depleted stocks during the summer months. The food drive is the nation’s largest single-day drive, collecting almost 73 million pounds of food last year.

Franklin members of the National Association of Letter Carriers collected and delivered more than two tons of food to the Franklin Food Pantry during the 2014 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This year’s drive will be held on Saturday, May 9.
The Franklin letter carriers collected and delivered more than 4,585 pounds of food to the Franklin Food Pantry in last year’s drive. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive comes at an ideal time for the Pantry.
“Stamp Out Hunger is truly a community-wide effort that gives us the inventory boost we need to help us through the summer,” says Erin Lynch, executive director for the Franklin Food Pantry. “Donations slow down after the first of the year, and by springtime, our inventory is depleted of the generous provisions we received over the holidays. We are so thankful to the letter carriers, and a supportive community, for helping us replenish our Pantry for the summer season.”
Nearly 600 households in Franklin count on the Franklin Food Pantry for supplemental food assistance.
Franklin residents can donate to the food drive by leaving a bag of non-perishable food where their letter carrier normally delivers their mail on Saturday, May 9. Some residents may receive the special yellow Stamp Out Hunger grocery bags to use, but any paper or plastic bag can be used. Letter carriers will pick up the bags during their normal mail rounds and will deliver the food to the Franklin Food Pantry.
Residents can also drop their donations off at the Franklin Food Pantry from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 9, or during the Pantry’s regular business hours, Tuesday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Pantry is located at 43 West Central Street, Route 140, adjacent to the Rockland Trust parking lot across from the Franklin fire station.
While all non-perishable food donations are welcome, items that are currently most needed at the Pantry include:
Tuna
Juice boxes
Granola bars
Pudding
Sugar-free Jell-O
Crackers Cake/cookie/brownie mix 
Coffee
The Pantry is also in need of the following non-food items:
Toilet paper 
Deodorant 
Dish soap 
Hand soap
If residents prefer to give a monetary donation (please no cash), please write a check payable to the Franklin Food Pantry, seal it in an envelope (no postage required), write “Letter Carriers’ Food Drive” on the envelope, and leave it in your mailbox. Donations can also be made online at www.franklinfoodpantry.org, or mailed to the Franklin Food Pantry, P.O. Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038.
For more information on the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, visit www.helpstampouthunger.com or call the Franklin Food Pantry at 508-528-3115.


The Franklin Food Pantry, established in 1987, provides immediate hunger relief and healthy sustainable solutions by empowering the community through resources, education and collaboration. It is part of the Greater Boston Food Bank network and depends entirely on support and donations from volunteers, corporate partners, schools, churches and community members. Located at 43 West Central Street, the Pantry accepts donations during business hours, Tuesday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Non-perishables may also be dropped off after hours in the bin by the front door. Monetary donations may be mailed to Franklin Food Pantry, PO Box 116, Franklin, MA 02038. For more information, visit franklinfoodpantry.org or call 508-528-3115. The Franklin Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization FEIN # 04-3272663.

Fundraiser for Representative Roy Next Thursday

You are invited to a fundraiser for State Representative (and FDP member) Jeff Roy! 

Thursday, May 7, at The Black Box, 15 W. Central St. 
For a suggested contribution you can enjoy great music and fun with 
Jeff and "Ben Gardner's Boat"



Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Beautification Day Volunteers, Sponsors Needed

Dear Members:

Please consider volunteering to help the Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club plant flowers in Downtown Center on Saturday, May 16th.  Even if you only have an hour...we would love to have your help!  Volunteers will meet on the center island at 9:00 a.m.

More information about this spring's event can be found here in our Beautification Day press release.

Please contact Eileen Mason at emason11@verizon.net if you are interested volunteering.

We are also in need of sponsorships.  Please see the list of sponsorship levels below. 


Please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if you would like to be a sponsor.


Monday, April 27, 2015

Register Now for Your Strawberry Stroll Booth

Happy Spring!

We are getting ready for the June 11th Strawberry Stroll.

If you would like to have a booth at this fun event, please fill out the participation form by May 10th and e-mail to our Event Chairperson Nicole Fortier at nfortier@deanbank.com.  

Click here to download the 2015 Strawberry Stroll Booth Form.



If you would like to be a Sponsor, please use the following links for more information about sponsorship levels and to download a sponsorship registration form.



Questions? Feel free to contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or call (774) 571-3109.



2015 Sponsorship Forms

Dear FDP Business Members, 

We hope you will consider sponsoring the Strawberry Stroll on June 11 this year.

As you know, as a non-profit organization the Franklin Downtown Partnership counts on local support in order to keep the organization moving forward with events, festivals, beautification, and economic development projects.

This year we are in need of your support more than ever as we continue to grow.

Please see the attached sponsorship forms for details on all of our 2015 events.  Please e-mail the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if you have any questions.







Friday, April 24, 2015

Two Networking Events at The Estate At Franklin

The Estate at Franklin, 656 King Street, offers two upcoming opportunities to network. RSVP soon!

On Thursday, April 30: 

Brookdale - Senior Living Solutions
For those who appreciate the finer things in life. Wine & Cheese Networking Reception.
Expand your palate and your network at our Wine & Cheese Networking Reception. Sample a variety of fine wines and cheeses, connect with professional colleagues and tour our community. It’s a great way to unwind at the end of the day and to learn how we can help you serve your clients well.
Thursday, April 30  |  5:30 to 7 p.m.
Join us for wine sampling, mingling and fun.
Discover why Brookdale communities are such exceptional places to live.
For reservations, or to schedule your personal visit,
call (508) 520-1150 by April 27
The Estate at Franklin
Assisted Living  |  Alzheimer's & Dementia Care 
656 King Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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On Monday, May 4:
Brookdale - Senior Living Solutions
This Cinco de mayo come fiesta with us.
We’re planning a special celebration for you to connect with other professionals and you’re invited.
This is one party you won’t want to miss — a festive Cinco de Mayo get-together featuring authentic Mexican cuisine and lively entertainment compliments of our amazing chef at The Estate At Franklin. You’ll have a chance to meet and mingle with other professionals. It’s a great opportunity to learn how we can help serve you and those in your care. Make plans now to attend, and have fun experiencing our take on this south-of-the-border fiesta. 
Monday, May 4   |  5:30 to 7 p.m.
Complimentary admission
For reservations or more information, call (508) 520-1150 by May 1
The Estate at Franklin
Assisted Living  |  Alzheimer's & Dementia Care 
656 King Street, Franklin, MA 02038

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Why Be A Member? A Few Reasons

It's time to renew your Franklin Downtown Partnership membership. Not yet a member? Please join us!

The Partnership has over 200 members and we would like to include you! The FDP is celebrating it's 14th year and we hope that you will join our members in continuing to build a strong business community. Be a part of the downtown revitalization! Applications are due Friday, May 1.


Click here to download and print a Membership Application



Top 12 Reasons to Join 
the Franklin Downtown Partnership:

#12:  Attend networking socials and attract new customers to your business.
#11:  Be informed on the Streetscape construction project and road closings.
#10:  Attend educational talks on topics that will help your business.
#9:    Partner with other businesses and hear new ideas.
#8:    New members receive discount on Chamber membership and a free ad in newspaper.
#7:    Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
#6:    Support downtown center beautification.
#5:    Support local events like Beautification, Strawberry Stroll and the Holiday Stroll.
#4:    Receive a free booth at the Strawberry Stroll and Holiday Stroll - worth $200.
#3:    Receive a free business listing on the FDP website.
#2:    Receive updates on events, meetings and important news.
#1:    Be part of the revitalization of downtown Franklin and support the local community.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 organization and your contribution is tax deductible. Please visit our office at 9 E. Central St. or email us at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.


Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Downtown Streetscape Project Update #2

An update from Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting:



April 21, 2015

Downtown Project Update #2

Contractor started saw cutting the pavement from West Central at Emmons Street to East Central Street for installation of drainage structures. They expect to start with the drainage structures along West and East Central Streets, and then jump back up to Main Street at School Street, then work down Main to Emmons Street, then Emmons Street back to West Central.

In the next couple of weeks, they expect to have another crew on the project starting with the roadway reconstruction at the Church and work down Main Street to Emmons Street.

The light pole crew is also expected in the next couple of weeks.

MASSDOT indicated that they would have the contractor repair any tree protection fencing that was damaged over the winter.

If anyone has a question, please feel free to reach out to the DPW Director Brutus Cantoreggi or Town Engineer Michael Maglio at 508-553-5500 or my (Jeff Nutting) office at 508-520-4949. 


Project map from Spring 2014. 






















More details about the project can be found on the Town of Franklin website, http://town.franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_AdminNews/


Small Shop Co-Op Scavenger Hunt Coming Soon

A message from Tracie Turinese, Co-Owner of The Cake Bar:

Guess what is happening this June in Franklin? A small business scavenger hunt of course! 


The Ladybug Trek will occur between June 12th- June 30th and will include many local businesses including: Making Whoopie, Elizabeth's Bagels, Franklin Yoga and Wellness, Hillside Nurseries, Emma's Quilts, Jane's Frames, Pretty is Pink, Daddario Hardware, Mac Deli, Salon Sorella, Franklin Art, The Cake Bar, Terazza, NHS Printing and Franklin Liquors

Participants will use a mobile app to follow clues throughout the participating businesses to complete the hunt. The grand prize will total over $1,000 in gift cards from local businesses. 

More to come on this event in coming weeks! This event is sponsored by the Small Shop Co-Op.


Monday, April 20, 2015

2015 Beautification Day Press Release

Franklin Beautification Day to be May 16
Join the Franklin Downtown Partnership and the Franklin Garden Club and help add a colorful touch of spring to downtown and the Town Common on Saturday, May 16.
Volunteers and sponsors are needed to help with the 12th annual Beautification Day from 9 a.m. to Noon, rain or shine. This year’s color scheme honors American service men and women.
Volunteers plant flowers on the Main Street bridge last spring

“We chose a patriotic theme this year to remember those who have served and continue to serve our country both at home and overseas,” says Eileen Mason, Beautification Day chairperson.
Red, white and blue flowers and greenery will adorn the Common’s memorial gardens as well as the planter boxes along the bridge and in front of several businesses downtown. The plants will be hardy enough to withstand full sunlight and this summer’s harsh construction environment.  
Residents interested in volunteering, especially students in need of community service hours, should contact Eileen Mason at emason11@verizon.net. Volunteers will meet at 9 a.m. on the center island in front of the Rome Restaurant.
According to Mason, the Franklin High School hockey teams and volunteers from the YMCA will once again pull on garden gloves and help spruce up the downtown to create a welcoming environment.



Sponsors and donations are needed to help cover costs associated with the beautification committee’s year-round efforts. Tax-exempt donations help with planning, installation, and maintenance of the spring plantings and holiday decorations.
For as little as $150 businesses or residents can sponsor the group’s efforts. All sponsors will receive acknowledgement in the local papers and on the Partnership’s website and social media.
More information about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.
The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of business owners, community leaders and residents working together 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 (774) 571-3109 or downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

###

Eileen Mason coordinates the annual event

Click here to download the 2015 Beautification press release.