Showing posts with label renovation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label renovation. Show all posts

Friday, October 13, 2023

Red Brick Schoolhouse Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13 at 10 AM

On Friday, October 13 beginning at 10:00 AM all are welcome to attend a ceremonial ribbon cutting at Franklin's Red Brick Schoolhouse located at 2 Lincoln Street, to celebrate the restoration of the building's exterior.

Built in 1833, the Red Brick Schoolhouse is one of the oldest one-room schoolhouses in the United States, and a cornerstone of Franklin's history. 
Red Brick Schoolhouse Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13 at 10 AM
Red Brick Schoolhouse Ribbon Cutting - Oct 13 at 10 AM

Thursday, January 12, 2023

Stewards of America’s First Public Lending Library Bring Era to an End

Historic Franklin Library Association Releases History Book, Organizes Seminar on the Role of the Library in American Democracy.

In 1858, a group of public-spirited citizens banded together as the Franklin Library Association (FLA) to ensure the care of the books originally received by the town as a gift from America’s founding father, Benjamin Franklin. 

In a historic 1788 vote, the town selectmen had voted to make the books available for borrowing by any resident – creating the first public lending library in the nation.  An early beneficiary of this policy was a poor boy named Horace Mann, who would eventually become known as the “Father of American Public Education,” and as a Congressman and college president.

But by the 1850s, the book collection was suffering from neglect with no permanent home.

That’s when the Franklin Library Association stepped up, raising funds, hiring a librarian, and providing a place for the public to access the books. Indeed, for more than a century, the Association was a primary funding source for the library, intimately involved in managing it in the interest of the town.

With the Franklin Public Library now well supported by state and local funds and housed in a handsome, twice-expanded facility, the Association has decided to cease operations, having gradually disbursed most of its funds for library preservation and restoration projects in recent years.

One of its last projects has been the creation of a history of the organization and of the Franklin library from its inception.  The published, 160-page book is being introduced to the public at a special reception at the Franklin Public Library on Benjamin Franklin’s birthday, Jan. 17, 2023, at 6 PM. Following shortly afterward at 6:30 PM the Association, in cooperation with the Library, is holding a panel discussion, “Ben’s Donation at 245 - an Exploration of the Role of Libraries in America’s Democracy, Then, Now, and in the Future.” 

The Panel will be moderated by FLA president Scott Nolan. Confirmed panelists include:
  • James C. Johnston, Author, Historian, and Former Franklin Selectman
  • Patricia Saint Aubin, a PhD candidate with expertise in the history of the Ben Franklin-inspired Providence Library Company
  • R. A. Lawson (Ph.D., Vanderbilt, 2003) is professor of history and Director of the Honors Program at Dean College
The panel is open to the public and will be broadcast by Franklin TV.  For more information on the book, the panel, or the Franklin Library Association, please contact Scott Nolan at scott39@comcast.net
About the FLA: The Franklin Library Association is a 501 (c)3 organization, Scott F. Nolan is the President, Armand Fernandez Treasurer, Ed Padden, Secretary. Other board members include Nancy J. Rappa, Maryjane Whiton, Beth A. Mucciarone, Joan McGuire, Greg Dellorco, and Shirley Borruso
Stewards of America’s First Public Lending Library Bring Era to an End
Stewards of America’s First Public Lending Library Bring Era to an End

Saturday, December 10, 2022

Armenian Weekly: "Camp Haiastan planning expansion for Under the Trees project"

"Since last spring, Camp Haiastan has been working on designing an expanded Under the Trees. Anyone who has attended Camp Haiastan knows this area as the place where the entire Camp gathers for daily announcements and the Lord’s Prayer before meals. This area is also the Camp’s primary vantage point of Uncas Pond, Hye Hope Pavilion, the basketball courts and the lower Camp entrance. 
Anyone sitting Under the Trees can see nearly everything that is happening at Camp Haiastan. It is also a place many campers use to just relax, gather in small groups, play board games, read or observe their natural surroundings. “The Camp has grown significantly since the original Under the Trees area was constructed, and the area needs expansion and renovation,” notes executive director Kenar Charchaflian.

With the help of Kyle Zick Landscape Architecture (KZLA) of Boston, a series of designs was developed and reviewed by the Camp’s Infrastructure Committee led by Board member Michael Bahtiarian. The Committee chose a design that fits the needs and character of Camp Haiastan and presented the selection at the 70th anniversary gala in July.  

The new design will double the size of the Under the Trees area. In addition, it will not only save and secure the existing trees, but also plan for the future by planting new ones. Much like the current Under the Trees, the stone patio will include a new Armenian eternity symbol. The area closer to the Summer Office will have rounded benches, while the section closer to the Rec Hall will be square and have two new platforms and multiple benches.
 
KZLA has designed the new Under the Trees to seat as many as 150 campers and counselors. The area will be surrounded by new plants and vegetation as well as walking paths. Lighting will be added below benches to allow the space to be used at night. Other infrastructure improvements will be made as this project necessitates them, including rainwater drainage, irrigation and burying utilities."

Continue reading the article online ->  https://armenianweekly.com/2022/12/05/camp-haiastan-planning-expansion-for-under-the-trees-project/

 

Expanded Under the Trees 3D image by KZLA
Expanded Under the Trees 3D image by KZLA

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

Franklin YMCA Gymnasium Renovation Scheduled to being Oct 10, Check for Alternatives

An incredible facility project is coming soon for our Franklin Y – a new, renovated Lee Robbins Memorial Gymnasium!

This renovation is the first in a series of renovation projects in our branches to enhance the members experience, as part of our 50th Anniversary.

Renovations will include:
  • New hardwood floor installation
  • New safety padding
  • New court lines for basketball & pickleball play
  • Fresh coat of paint including the 2nd floor track area
  • Four New Backboards
  • Enhanced storage
Please note the following closure information as part of the renovation:
  • The indoor track will be closed for painting Monday, October 3 and will re-open Monday, October 10. All members are welcome to use the Foxboro Y indoor track during this time.
  • The gymnasium will close on Monday, October 10th for the renovations to begin. It will reopen in November. An exact re-open date will be shared soon, as the project begins.
All members are welcome to use our gymnasiums in North Attleboro and Foxboro (indoor track too) during this closure & renovation. Visit those branch pages for real-time schedules for open basketball times including pickleball and other gym activities.


We are excited for these renovations to begin and will be a great enhancement for our youth and adult basketball & pickleball programs and for group exercise classes taking place in the gymnasium.

You can expect a fresh, modern, welcoming space for our members who play basketball, for our gymnasts, and for family members to enjoy activities during open gymnasium times. Similar to a project completed at the North Attleboro Y in 2019, our gymnasium will have a new maple hardwood floor, new safety padding, enhanced storage, new court lines for basketball and pickleball play, and a fresh coat of paint including the entire second floor track area.

Thank you for your understanding as we make improvements and enhancements to our facilities. We are excited about our new Gymnasium and look forward to sharing it with our members and the community. See you on the court!

Shared from the Hockomock Y page -> https://www.hockymca.org/franklin-gymnasium-renovation/

Saturday, April 23, 2022

VFJ Renovations announces price reductions for garden beds and planters

Price Reduction! 

In an effort to combat inflation, as well as the stigma against mental illness, @vfjrenovations has reduced its pricing for 2022 from $320 to $295 for the raised garden bed and from $210 to $195 for the planter.

Quantities are limited, so purchase yours today and spread the word!

Did you know that in 2020, 1 of every 5 adults experienced mental illness? All profits will be donated to an organization that supports mental health awareness.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0mDBz2yiHlm__qKf1Bj5i3xxPV9szAQTkrUuMTJOCH-gjMA/viewform

VFJ Renovations announces price reductions for garden beds and planters
VFJ Renovations announces price reductions for garden beds and planters


2021 recording: 
VFJ Renovations webpage and ordering process
https://www.vfjrenovations.com/empower-with-gardening-initiative
 
Disclosure: I did purchase a 2.½ ‘x6’ garden bed in 2020. I am looking forward to using it again this year.

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Inside New England Chapel - Open House 11/13/21

If you missed getting to the Open House of the New England Chapel on Saturday, you can also watch the preview done by NECN here -> https://www.necn.com/on-air/as-seen-on/bowling-alley-in-franklin-transformed-into-church/2616029/

View the photos captured during my walk through which also includes photos of the outside as the changes began to take place transforming it from Ficco's to New England Chapel 

Open house ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/vMHAE8vK1EALrNEaA

Outside transformation ->  https://photos.app.goo.gl/LMEoUw44vky1vQ8P9

The handout provided a self guided walk through of the facility. You can view a copy of it here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/18Wk8BHJoOxij4SixQwVuv5Oia4pOBM-I/view?usp=sharing

To find out more about the services of New England Chapel visit them -> https://www.nechapel.org/


Inside New England Chapel - Open House 11/13/21
Inside New England Chapel - Open House 11/13/21

 

Thursday, November 4, 2021

New England Chapel schedules Open House at former Ficco's Bowladrome - Nov 13

An historic building in Franklin is now

serving another kind of history: 

Former bowling alley transformed into a new kind of church


Open House Set for Saturday, November 13, 2021


At least twice a week, a car will pull into the parking lot at 300 East Central Street in Franklin. Families, former patrons and even former workers want to see what has become of the place they used to spend their weekday nights, birthdays and teenage years. They are always delighted to see that the building remains and that a few of the creatively-repurposed bowling alleys are still on the premises. The transformation will be on full display as New England Chapel hosts a self-guided open house next month.


OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, November 13, 2021

3 to 5 PM

Self-guided tours, refreshments and giveaways.


How does a bowling alley turn into a church?


For more than 75 years, Ficco's Bowladrome served as the entertainment mecca of the small suburban town of Franklin, Massachusetts. It closed its doors in 2015 after an offer was made to demolish the building to make way for a shopping plaza. Hundreds of patrons came to say their goodbyes to the building that was the background for family nights, birthday parties, tournaments and more. 


For six years, the iconic Ficco's Bowladrome at 300 East Central Street in Franklin MA stood abandoned. On another side of town, New England Chapel's lease was expiring and they were ready for a place to call home. A sales sign on the property caught the eye of the senior pastor during a ride to the supermarket in 2019 and well, the rest is history. 


This unlikely community of buyers were able to purchase the building that would keep the walls standing and even a few bowling alleys on the premises. New England Chapel, established 20 years ago in Franklin, is a church for people who have given up on church but not on God. At a time when church attendance continues to decrease nationwide, hundreds of people attend the weekly services and attendance is growing. Many new attendees have come to 'check it out' due to their Ficco's connection. 


A community comes together to make it happen

  • Much of the construction took place during the pandemic while the three pastors conducted virtual service out of their temporary office space

  • The community of New England Chapel came together to make this opportunity happen with many volunteering a collective 1,500 hours painting, unpacking and prepping the space


Inside the building (21,450 square feet)

  • A sanctuary that seats up to 400 people (where 10 lanes were previously)

  • A cafe-free coffee is served during services (where the party rooms once were)

  • A space for children from birth through 5th grade during services

  • A designated youth room 

  • Conference rooms and offices rooms (including a library and prayer room)


About New England Chapel (NEC)

NEC is active in the community via partnerships with the Hockomock YMCA and the Franklin Food Pantry. Every year, they host a community-wide serve day where they end services early and send hundreds of volunteers out to serve local areas. Projects have included weeding a community garden, painting a concession stand at a local field, cleaning library windows and more.


More information available at nechapel.org.


--
Heather Kempskie, Pastor
New England Chapel



New England Chapel schedules Open House at former Ficco's Bowladrome - Nov 13
New England Chapel schedules Open House at former Ficco's Bowladrome - Nov 13

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Voices of Franklin: Get Back To Where We Were?

This spring we have been witness to people in leadership positions emphasizing the need for our economy and society to return to “normal” as soon as possible. But getting back to where we were is complicated, and begs the question: Was where we were, where we want to be?

When there are disruptions in our lives, we don’t believe it is prudent to rush back to the way things were. Instead, such disturbances afford us the opportunity to carefully reflect on the situation by asking: Where were we? What does the shakeup reveal? What of the past do we carry forward with us? How do we move forward in a way that allows us to cope and make our lives better?

As we reflect on the COVID-19 crisis this spring and all that we and others have to do to survive, we can’t help but think of our sustenance. Some of us feel vulnerable and confused by what roles we should play for our individual and families’ sustainability, and for what personal responsibilities we can own during this crisis.

This spring’s interruption of our “normal” existence is an opportunity to not only be socially conscious, but to empower ourselves. This is the year to GROW a GARDEN. It is the time to think about digging up part of that lawn. It is about helping out in the community gardens and installing planters or raised beds. NOW is the time for a movement towards gardening so that we can learn to enjoy the intrinsic value that lies in the preparation, sowing, cultivation, and reaping.

Gardening, in all its forms, will give you back more than the labor it takes. It provides opportunities to connect with the earth, and extends to you moments of teaching and learning. If you are patient you will see that gardening is about social responsibility, confidence, and empowerment.

Gardening grants time for community and family cultivation and, on top of it all, gives you those delicious fruits and vegetables of which you can say with pride, “I grew that!”


‘Tis the season,
Vincent Fanuele and Jessi Fanuele 
VFJ Renovations, Inc.

VFJ Renovations, Inc.
VFJ Renovations, Inc.

Find VFJ on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/336675640619192/photos/a.550464219240332/550462509240503/?type=3&theater

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Attention Residents: Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed Wednesday, May 16th at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21

The Building, Zoning, Planning, Conservation and Board of Health Departments will be closing Wednesday at 4:30 PM for renovations and will reopen Monday, May 21 at 8 AM.

We are sorry for any inconvenience.

Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed Wednesday, May 16th at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21
Building/Zoning/Planning/Conservation/Board of Health Departments will be closed
Wednesday, May 16 at 4:30 PM until Monday May 21

Friday, April 20, 2018

In the News: Camp Haiastan renovations; GoFundMe for Montgomery

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Hidden in the woods off Summer Street, the Armenian Youth Federation’s Camp Haiastan is being renovated with the help of a few generous donors. 
David Hamparian, executive director of Camp Haiastan, said that the camp’s offices are being restored because they are in one of the oldest buildings on the site. In the past few years the camp has renovated many of its facilities, all fueled by donations. 
The Armenian Summer camp was founded in 1950 by area residents who had lived through the Armenian genocide. Their children took over as the elder generations passed away. Haiastan was the first Armenian camp in the country. Hamparian said the mass murder of 1.5 million Armenians by Turkish forces in the early 1900s has flown under the radar in many ways and is given little attention in textbooks and classrooms.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180419/camp-haiastan-in-franklin-undergoes-renovation

AYF Camp Haiastan
AYF Camp Haiastan

"Teenage years can be stressful. But it’s also a time where the future is bright and minor details are forgotten over time. 
Small things, however, can alter lives. And in Jackson Montgomery’s case, it’s a bug bite. 
On Thursday afternoon, the Franklin resident was preparing for a science final at UMass Amherst. The test, he said, is stressful, but it’s his Lyme disease he was worried about. 
“My symptoms really start to act up at night,” he said. “But that’s OK, I’ll do my best and make it through.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180419/gofundme-page-to-benefit-franklin-teen-with-lyme-disease

Franklin resident struggles with Lyme disease. Can you help?
Franklin resident struggles with Lyme disease. Can you help?

Monday, November 6, 2017

FM #136 - Franklin Public Library Grand Re-Opening, Nov 5, 2017

FM #136 - Franklin Public Library Grand Re-Opening, Nov 5, 2017
This internet radio show or podcast is number 136 in the series for Franklin Matters.


This recording captures the grand re-opening ceremony for the Franklin Public Library on Sunday, November 5, 2017.


The ceremony and multiple speeches runs about 21 minutes. Without further ado, here is the recording.




This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but I can't do it alone. I can use your help.
How can you help?
If you like this, please tell your friends and neighbors.
If you don't like this, please let me know.


Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements.
Thank you for listening.
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com


The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission
I hope you enjoy!


------------------


You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes = search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

in the Main Hall
in the Main Hall

and the ribbon's cut
and the ribbon's cut

subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes
subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters on iTunes

Monday, October 30, 2017

The Franklin Public Library is getting ready for the grand re-opening on Sunday, Nov 5

It's starting to look like a library around here! First of all, thank you for your patience during our moving process. Construction is almost finished, furniture is being delivered, and the books are shelved. 
The Franklin Public Library's Grand Reopening Open House is Sunday, November 5 and is open to the public 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 
Regular hours will resume 9:00 a.m. Monday, November 6th. 
Meanwhile, here are some pictures of what the Library looks like inside.








The Franklin Public Library is getting ready for the grand re-opening on Sunday, Nov 5
The Franklin Public Library is getting ready for the grand re-opening on Sunday, Nov 5

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

In the News: Library on the move

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The library had its final day at a temporary location at Kenwood Circle on Saturday, and moving crews started packing up the shelves on Monday. 
Here’s some information to keep in mind during the four weeks the library be moving back to its 118 Main St. location: 
- During the transition, all borrowed Franklin Library materials, including museum passes, will be unavailable. 
- When placing requests on library materials online, be sure to change the pickup location from Franklin to the most convenient nearby Minuteman Network Library, such as Dean College, Medway or Millis libraries. 
- All due dates on library materials checked out in September will be extended to the end of October. While the library is closed, car holders can return items to the closest convenient Minuteman Network Library. The Franklin Library’s book return bins will not be available."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170918/franklin-library-on-move

Franklin Public Library has been added to and renovated and will open in late October
Franklin Public Library has been added to and renovated and will open in late October

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Franklin Public Library Closed for move back to 118 Main St

Sunday, September 17, 2017 (All day) to Sunday, October 15, 2017 (All day)

Franklin Public Library Closed for move back to 118 Main St
Franklin Public Library Closed for move back to 118 Main St
This was shared from the Town of Franklin webpage
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/bulletins/franklin-public-library-now-closed


What do you do in the meantime?


Check these posts with Library move information
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/its-going-to-be-gorgeous.html

http://www.franklinmatters.org/2017/09/franklin-library-closing-sep-16-to.html

Thursday, September 14, 2017

“It’s going to be gorgeous”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The temporary library at 25 Kenwood Circle is full of excited librarians, bustling about and getting ready for their big move back into the Main Street location after 17 months of renovations and additions. 
Library Director Felicia Oti said most of the big moving will start on Monday. The library will stay open at its temporary location until Saturday. Oti said residents can expect the library to reopen on Main Street in about four weeks. 
“We’re so excited to be going back,” she said. “I am really grateful. Everyone on the Town Council, the town administrator, the community, was so supportive. It’s a dream.” 
Once the library reopens, all return fees will be waived for the first two weeks. No return bins will be available during the transition."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20170913/franklin-librarians-prepare-to-move-back-to-main-street

brick patio with commemorative bricks. Did you buy one?
brick patio with commemorative bricks. Did you buy one?

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St

The Franklin Public Library is closing the Temporary Location (25 Kenwood Circle) on Saturday, September 16. 

The Library will be closed for approximately four weeks. If you have holds, check their status to see if the pickup location has been changed. If placing a hold, please change the pickup location to a nearby library.

Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St
Franklin Library closing Sep 16 to begin move back to 118 Main St

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Franklin Public Library getting ready to move back to Main St

The Franklin Public Library is getting ready to move back from its temporary location at 25 Kenwood Circle to its renovated home at 118 Main St. 

The temporary location will close on Sep 16 and the renovated building will re-open about 4 weeks later.

Franklin Public Library getting ready to move back to Main St
Franklin Public Library getting ready to move back to Main St

some of the bricks have been  installed. Have you purchased yours yet?
some of the bricks have been  installed. Have you purchased yours yet?
Information on the memorial bricks can be found here
http://www.franklinma.gov/franklin-public-library/pages/friends-franklin-library

Saturday, August 19, 2017

"A willingness to accept change"

Franklin has some of the ingredients that helped Hudson: 

  • The SNETT rail trail is located just outside of downtown
  • Local zoning was changed in 2017 to allow distiller, winery or brewery tasting rooms
  • The downtown renovation project was just completed in 2016
  • Local businesses and town officials are talking about what needs to be done

What remains to be done now?

"Downtown Hudson was quiet when Michael Kasseris stepped out into the late night air in 2012. 
Behind him was a Main Street space that had once housed a printing shop, a bagel shop and a gifting shop. 
His uncle owned the building. Kasseris and his two business partners had just opened Rail Trail Flatbread Co. -- a trendy new restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza and craft beer. 
He looked around. The downtown stores, tucked inside historic brick buildings, were empty. The parking spaces were empty. There was no foot traffic."
Continue reading the MassLive article about Hudson
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2017/08/hudson_how_this_small_massachu.html

It was the historic buildings and their curb appeal, the rail trail, the economy in an upswing, the streetscaping and a dozen little things that became big things.
"It was the historic buildings and their curb appeal, the rail trail, the economy in an upswing,
the streetscaping and a dozen little things that became big things."


Hat tip to Melanie for sharing the article!

Monday, March 6, 2017

Senior Center - Open House - Feb 26 (photo essay)

For those who missed the Open House at the Senior Center on Feb 26, 2017 here are some photos and the link to Realtor Warren Reynolds recap of the event.


Senior Center open house for the 2nd floor and renovations
Senior Center open house for the 2nd floor and renovations

Town Council and Building Committee members unveiled Stella Jeon Way
Town Council and Building Committee members unveiled Stella Jeon Way

stairway to the 2nd floor
stairway to the 2nd floor

hallway and gift shop
hallway and gift shop

conference room
conference room

cafeteria
cafeteria

some of the daily menu served by the Cafeteria at the Senior Center
some of the daily menu served by the Cafeteria at the Senior Center

the infamous elevator. Digging the shaft encountered delays due to the rock ledge the Senior Center is located upon
the infamous elevator. Digging the shaft encountered delays due to the rock ledge the Senior Center is located upon

Realtor Warren Reynolds also has a nice recap of the opening and renovations including some videos
http://02038.com/2017/03/franklin-senior-center-new-second-floor/

Sunday, January 29, 2017

Franklin Senior Center: Open House - February 26, 2017

The Franklin Senior Center Open House is scheduled for February 26, 2017. Yes, this open house is to celebrate the renovations to the second floor and the improvements accomplished inside and outside (more parking) as part of the project.

Senior Center Open House-  February 26, 2017 11:00 Am to 2:00 PM
Senior Center Open House-  February 26, 2017 11:00 Am to 2:00 PM


The original Open House was held on Nov 11, 2011. Photos from the event can be found in the archives here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/steve_sherlock/sets/72157612392922276/

Senior Center: Conference room in back
conference room from the Open House in Nov 2011


expanded parking to increase capacity by 25 vehicles at the Senior Center
expanded parking to increase capacity by 25 vehicles at the Senior Center