Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Downtown Streetscape Project Update #11

The latest from the town administrator's office:


September 29, 2015

DownTown Project Update # 11 

The contractor plans to delay paving on Emmons Street and Summer Street until next week due to the predicted rain. 

They will continue to install new curbs on West Central Street over the next 10 days. Their goal is to have the all the curbs, sidewalks and paving complete on West Central Street by the end of the construction season except for a short section of paving between Emmons Street and Union Street where a base coat will be applied for the winter.

They will be digging up the sidewalk on the east side of East Central Street to install the conduit over the next two weeks. They will put back temporary pavement on both sidewalks of East Central Street until the new curb and sidewalks are installed next week. 

Please be reminded that the schedule can change due to weather or other delays.

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 Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949. 


2015 October Stroll Flyer

Reminder:  If you want to participate in the October Stroll on October 15, you must register by today (Wednesday). Email the office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com for more information about fees. 



Monday, September 28, 2015

Parking Meter Story In Milford Daily News

The parking meters that were removed from one side of East Central Street last week made the Milford Daily News over the weekend. In this story, FDP Executive Director Lisa Piana discusses how Partnership members have been brainstorming about the parking issue and working on solutions over the past year. All members are welcome to join the discussion at a general meeting or by contacting the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.


Franklin:  Parking meters going, perhaps permanently

    By Mike Gleason/Daily News Staff
    Posted Sep. 25, 2015 at 9:22 PM 

    FRANKLIN - The town has removed parking meters along downtown East 
    Central Street, a move that could be made permanent.

    Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting said the meters were being removed 
    to accommodate ongoing roadwork taking place in the center of town. 
    He said the status of the meters after the work is completed is in question.

    "There's been a proposal to not (put the meters back), but it hasn't been 
    approved," he said.

    Nutting said the police department would be enforcing a two-hour parking 
    limit where the meters once were. That regulation, he said, would remain 
    in effect until the Town Council adopts more permanent rules.

    According to Nutting, East Central Street meters will be the only ones 
    taken out this year. The Main Street meters will be removed to coincide 
    with roadwork there next year.

    Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana said she 
    believes businesses downtown would welcome the change.

    "We've been meeting on the subject for over a year," she said. "I think 
    most of the businesses are very excited - this allows customers to not have 
    to worry about feeding the meters."

    Piana said she had seen the town remove the meters from the Artistry 
    Kitchen restaurant side of the street, and that the remainder of the East 
    Central Street meters would be taken out over the next week.

    "It's my understanding that the meter person will still come around to 
    make sure vehicles don't park for more than two hours," she said. "The 
    reason for that is to ensure people don't park there for the train station."

    Piana said it was her belief that the two-hour limit would ultimately be 
    refined based on the location of the spaces.

    Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or 
    mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him 
    on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.


Thursday, September 24, 2015

Member Announcements: Neighbor Brigade 3rd Annual Pam's Run

Neighbor Brigade

There is still time to put together a team and run in Neighbor Brigade's annual Fundraiser "Pam's Run" on October 18. 

The local Franklin Neighbor Brigade chapter includes more than 200 members who provide rides, meals, assistance and comfort to neighbors in our community. Go to www.pamsrun.com for more about the race or http://www.neighborbrigade.org/1-public/chapters/?chapter=FranklinMA for the Franklin chapter.



Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Parking Meters on East Central Street Coming Down


According to Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting, the parking meters on the Hang Tai side of East Central Street are being removed today. Meters on the other side of East Central will be removed in the next few weeks. 

2-Hour parking will be posted and enforced in those spaces. 


New Event Happens October 15! October Stroll Press Release


All New October Stroll Thursday, October 15, in Downtown Franklin: 
Pumpkin Decorating, Entertainment, Crafts, Activities Planned

It has been said that fall is the best time of year in New England, and the Franklin Downtown Partnership plans to celebrate autumn in downtown Franklin with the October Stroll on Thursday, October 15, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The October Stroll was created after organizers postponed the Harvest Festival this year because of downtown streetscape construction. Festival organizers embraced the opportunity to bring the community together to enjoy a pumpkin decorating contest, crafts, entertainers, seasonal treats and other activities on a smaller, more intimate scale.

“Our shops are open, groups and businesses want to connect with residents in Franklin and surrounding communities, and we are excited to offer some fun activities in many locations around our downtown,” says Nicole Fortier, Franklin Downtown Partnership president.

Many activities are planned for the kids. Dean Bank will be giving out pumpkins along with decorating kits to children at its 21 Main Street location.

The Hockomock Area YMCA Bernon Family Branch will create a kids’ sports center in the parking area behind Rockland Trust. It will be the ideal place for children to burn off extra energy while trying out games and learning new sports skills.


Music and entertainment are planned for seven different venues, including Dean Bank, Rockland Trust, the Main Street parking lot, Jane’s Frames, The Cake Bar, Simon’s Furniture and The Black Box.

Jamie Barrett is scheduled to perform at Jane’s Frames, and Kevin Wolfe will entertain visitors on Main Street. Franklin High School student musicians will perform at The Cake Bar and Dean Bank. Go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org for details about performance times as they are finalized.

The Franklin Performing Arts Company will present a preview of “The Addams Family” at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. at THE BLACK BOX, 15 West Central Street. Stop in between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and take a photo with a costumed cast member from this production, based loosely on the 1960s TV show.

DJ Domenic Cotoia of Music Odyssey Productions will entertain crowds browsing booths in the parking lot on Main Street, and WMRC 1490-AM will broadcast live from the event.

Downtown stores and restaurants will offer specials and fall-themed treats at their locations. Make time for cider and cookies at the Franklin Historical Museum and take a tour of the latest displays.

Local businesses, crafters and groups will have booths at Simon’s Furniture on Summer Street and the patio on East Central Street. More vendor booths will be found along Sponsorship Row in the Main Street parking lot.  

Gold Sponsors for the October Stroll are Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust. Silver Sponsors are Dean Bank, DCU, Franklin Ford and The Estate at Franklin.

The Bronze Sponsors are Chestnut Dental Associates and Keefe Insurance. Friends of the Stroll Sponsors are Alumni Restaurant, Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Crossway Church, D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Jane’s Frames, Nexamp, Next Step Living, The Franklin Historical Museum and WMRC.


The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. Go to the www.franklindowntownpartnership.org to learn more.




Monday, September 21, 2015

Don't Be Late To Dinner! Purchase Tickets Today



Reminder:  

Only a few more days left to purchase your tickets for the Progressive Dinner. Don't miss this fun Franklin event!

The Partnership Progressive Dinner is Sunday, September 27, in downtown Franklin. This is a fundraiser for the Partnership and a chance to support your downtown restaurants.  Come join the fun and have dinner with us!

Tickets need to be purchased by Tuesday, September 22.
Please e-mail your friends and neighbors to let them know about this wonderful event.  



Partnership Progressive Dinner to be Sept. 27

The Franklin Downtown Partnership would like to invite you out to dinner. Instead of choosing just one restaurant, why not go to four different eateries? You can by joining us for the inaugural Progressive Dinner on Sunday, September 27, in downtown Franklin.

Your culinary exploration will begin with appetizers at one restaurant, soup at another, an entrée at a third, and then dessert. You can choose from two different flights, with each flight featuring four downtown restaurants. Flights will be staggered to begin every half hour starting at 5:30 p.m. The evening will end on a sweet note with dessert at The Black Box while you’re entertained by Franklin School for the Performing Arts students. 

“We created the Progressive Dinner to remind the community that our businesses are open during the road construction project. What better way than to have people walking through downtown, enjoying local restaurants and entertainment with friends?” says event organizer Jane Curran, owner of Jane’s Frames.

"The Rome Flight" includes Vegetable Spring Rolls at Hang Tai, Tofu Vegetable Soup at Bamboo House, Chicken Parmesan with Penne at The Rome, and a Chocolate Whoopie Pie from Making Whoopie.

"The Artistry Kitchen Flight" includes an Assorted Sushi Plate at Maguro House, Manchow Vegetable Soup at Chinese Mirch, Butternut Squash Flatbread with Arugula at Artistry Kitchen, and a Sticky Toffee Cupcake from The Cake Bar. 



Gluten Free option for "The Artistry Flight" includes an Assorted Sushi Plate at Maguro House, Manchow Vegetable Soup with Rice Noodles at Chinese Mirch, a Fall Cassoulet: Ragout of White Beans & Root Vegetables at Artistry Kitchen, and a Gluten Free Chocolate Whoopie Pie from Making Whoopie.

Tickets are $50 per person, including tips and taxes. Beverages are not included. Choose your flight when you purchase tickets, which are on sale now through September 22 online at the Partnership’s Eventbrite.com Progressive Dinner page

Thank you to the Franklin Historical Museum, Little Green Phone Book, NHS Print, Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits, Simon’s Furniture and The Mac Deli for sponsoring this event. Sponsorships are still available. Contact FDP event co-chairperson Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net for more information or with questions.


Thursday, September 17, 2015

Downtown Streetscape Project Update #10

Dear FDP Members:
The Streetscape project is moving along.  Stop by the FDP office and you can look out the window and see two new traffic light posts.... 
Please see the official town update below.  
Have a good weekend. 


September 17, 2015

Downtown Project Update #10
 
Next Wednesday they will be setting the curbs on West Central Street (they were waiting on the subcontractor). 

Mid to late next week they will be line striping the new top that they are putting down this week. At the end of next week or into the following week the landscapers will be spreading loam and seeding in the area that has been paved and completed. 

Starting tomorrow and into next week they will be finalizing walk ways between Moore Ave and Pleasant Street. 

The week after next they will be paving Emmons Street and Summer Street, possibly at night. In about two weeks they will be working in front of the Fire Station entrance. They are not excavating any more sidewalks on West Central Street for now. 

The sidewalk widening on Main Street will be done when the subcontractor gets back, in the next few weeks. We are waiting on National Grid to move a few telephone poles. 

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 Jeffrey Nutting, Town Administrator at 508-520-4949. 


What's For Dinner? The Progressive Dinner Menus

You can still buy tickets! On sale now 
through Tuesday, September 22. 



The Progressive Dinner on Sunday, September 27, celebrates 8 of our downtown Franklin restaurants. 

Here's what's for dinner!

The Rome Flight
Hang Tai                          Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Bamboo House               Vegetable Tofu Soup
The Rome Restaurant     Chicken Parmesan with Penne
Making Whoopie...          Chocolate Whoopie Pie


The Artistry Flight
Maguro House                Assorted Sushi Plate
Chinese Mirch                 Manchow Vegetable Soup with Rice Noodles
Artistry Kitchen               Butternut Squash Flatbread with Arugula
The Cake Bar                  Sticky Toffee Cupcake



Gluten Free Option at for Artistry Flight
Maguro House                 Assorted Sushi Plate
Chinese Mirch                 Manchow Vegetable Soup with Rice Noodles
Artistry Kitchen                Fall Cassoulet: Ragout of White Beans & Root Vegetables
Making Whoopie...          Gluten Free Chocolate Whoopie Pie


Choose your flight when you order your tickets. There is an additional charge of $5 for the gluten free option. Buy your tickets here on our Eventbrite Page.


Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Member Announcements: Businesses Hiring, Dash & Dine Event

Three Franklin Downtown Partnership business members are hiring:




The Alumni Restaurant & Bar is looking for part-time help:  Manager Andrea Savioli needs two hosts, one part-time lottery (keno) operator, one dish washer, and one or two prep/line cooks to work nights and weekends. The best time for applicants to call is between 1:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. Applicants can leave a voicemail between 8:30 p.m. and 11 a.m., or they can email a work history or resume.
Andrea Savioli, Restaurant Manager/Function Coordinator, 508-528-8894, andrea@alumnibar.comcastbiz.net.




***   ***   ***   ***   ***   ***



Acorn Animal Hospital is looking for a Kennel Technician & Bather to work in the Boarding and Grooming departments. Duties include but are not limited to checking in clients, feeding animals, cleaning kennels, administering medications, bathing & drying animals, cleaning grooming salon and assisting grooming and hospital staff as needed. 


Experience working with animals is preferred. An ideal candidate would have confidence working with small and large dogs as well as cats. A positive attitude and the ability to multitask and handle a high pressure, fast-paced environment are a must. The position is listed on Craigslist: http://boston.craigslist.org/bmw/lab/5223081836.html


***   ***   ***   ***   ***   *** 



The cake bar is looking to hire a baker approximately 32 hours per week. Experience is a plus but we are also willing to train. Typical shifts are 10:00-6:30. If you are interested or if you know someone who might be, our application can be found using this link:
E-mail the completed app to angie@thecakebaronline.com or bring it by the bakery.


***   ***   ***   ***   ***   ***


September 24 Event at The Estate at Franklin

FDP members are invited to The Estate at Franklin on Thursday, September 24, for their "Dash & Dine" event. Stop in after work, get a quick tour of The Estate at Franklin, and within 20 minutes or so you’re out the door with a complementary delicious meal and bottle of wine. 






Networking Luncheon Friday at 1 p.m.


The Franklin Downtown Partnership Networking Luncheon happens this Friday, September 18, at 1 p.m. at 
Dean College's Smith Dining Center. 

Enjoy good conversation, meet other professionals, and share ideas while sampling the delicious and affordable lunch offerings at the Smith Dining Center.

Please RSVP to event coordinators Dave Drucker, ddrucker@dean.edu, or Gary Donelan, gary.donelan@middlesexbank.com.



Monday, September 14, 2015

Gluten Free Option Available For Progressive Dinner

Have you purchased your Progressive Dinner tickets yet? 

If not, grab a group of friends and buy your tickets on our Eventbrite site!

Logo compilation courtesy of Steve Sherlock

We have a fun night out planned for Sunday, September 27, in downtown Franklin! The evening begins with the first dinner Flight starting at 5:30 p.m. Start at the first restaurant with an appetizer, then move on to the second restaurant for a soup course. At the third restaurant you will enjoy an entree, and finish the evening with dessert* and a performance at The Black Box.

On the Progressive Dinner event site, choose between 2 dinner flights, the Artistry Flight and the Rome Flight. 


We have added a Gluten Free option to the menu! It will be an option in the Artistry Flight at all four venues. If you are interested in the gluten free option, you may register for any of the Artistry Kitchen flights and then check the gluten free option box at checkout. Cost is an additional $5.

Tickets include tax and tip. Beverages are not included. 

Questions? Contact event coordinator Jane Curran at janeframe@verizon.net


Friday, September 11, 2015

Member Announcements: New Hope, Assisted Living Week

New Member

Welcome New Hope Inc. to the Franklin Downtown Partnership! New Hope is a 501 (C) (3) non-profit organization whose mission is “Ending Domestic and Sexual Violence in Our Community”. New Hope offers a wide range of services which combine crisis intervention, violence prevention, life transition and self-sufficiency opportunities, while promoting behavioral and systemic changes to reduce violence at the individual and community levels. Franklin is one of 54 communities served. Learn more about New Hope on their website, www.new-hope.org



***   ***   ***   ***   ***   ***

The Estate at Franklin

Next week is National Assisted Living Week, and The Estate at Franklin has planned a week's worth of open houses to celebrate the many options available to seniors and their families.







Thursday, September 10, 2015

Horace Mann Statue Funds Secured

The Horace Mann statue planned for the corner of Emmons and West Central Streets is now fully funded thanks to an allocation of trust funds approved by the Town Council Wednesday evening. The following story appeared in the Milford Daily News:


Franklin:  Council approves Mann statue funds

  • By Mike Gleason/Daily News Staff
    Posted Sep. 9, 2015 at 8:33 PM 

    FRANKLIN - The Town Council has voted to allocate $46,000 to a project 
    to build a statue of Horace Mann, securing the final piece of funding 
    needed to honor the man known as the father of public education.

    The council at its meeting Wednesday night opted to transfer $28,000 
    from the Adelbert Thayer Trust and $18,000 from the Austin Fletcher 
    Trust to the effort, which would place the statue at 150 Emmons St.

    Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting noted that State Rep. Jeffrey Roy, 
    D-Franklin, had secured $50,000 in state funding for the $96,000 project. 
    He said the $46,000 transferred Wednesday would come from trust funds 
    established to assist the town.

    "It wouldn't be taxpayers' money, and it would come from interest earned 
    on the trust funds," he said.

    Town Clerk Deborah Pellegri, who led the statue committee, said the 
    location was the site of the town's former municipal building and also the 
    former Horace Mann High School.

    "(Mann) was born here in Franklin, on Central Street - we have a stone 
    marker to designate where he was born," she said. "We're proud of our 
    native son, and we honor him by naming many areas in town after him."

    A letter from Roy was read into the record. In it, he said the statue could 
    become a "shining monument" not only for the town, but for public 
    education in the United States. He said the statue's location, at a notable 
    downtown area, would represent an excellent gateway to the community.

    Franklin Schools Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski said that it was just 
    about a year before that the council presided over the opening of the 
    town's new high school. She said the statue would further cement the 
    town's legacy in promoting public education.

    "It's an opportunity to create a public space that's easily accessible, not 
    just for school children, but college students and residents as well," 
    she said.

    The council unanimously approved the transfer of the funds.

    Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com.
    For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.