April Rock and I talk about local business and her lessons to share from Escape Into Fiction (audio)

FM #1056 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1056 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with April Rock, owner operator of Escape Into Fiction. We met in person at Escape on Tuesday, February 14, 2023.  (Yes, this may seem to have gotten ‘aged’ in the archives. However, the discussion was relatively green so it did age well. Fortunately, April is healthy now and approved of sharing this.)

April shares her insights into operating a bookstore downtown Franklin, collaborating with Franklin Art Association, the Cultural District, Cultural Council, and other local groups. How research and listening are her two big pieces of advice for local businesses.

Their inventory is small but they can order other books you want, as long as they are still in print. So if you don’t find something in particular, don’t be afraid to ask.

This conversation runs about 16 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with April at Escape Into Fiction. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1056-escape-into-fiction-with-april-rock-02-14-23

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

Escape Into Fiction webpage  -> https://escapeintofiction.com/ 

Located at 12 Min St, Franklin contact and hours -> https://escapeintofiction.com/contact-hours 

—------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm). 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news/

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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

April Rock and I talk about local business and her lessons to share from Escape Into Fiction (audio)

Escape Into Fiction appeals to local support to survive

"As a small business owner I have to constantly monitor our progress. So far this year we have met so many new customers and we have grown so much!!

But the reality is that in order to stay where we are, right on Main St, and to continue in a healthy business pattern we will need to make sure we are making enough business.

We’ve been asked many times, so I thought I’d share. Here are the numbers it will take for us to remain and stay viable.

Shopping local matters. The store is asked almost daily for donations, participating in local events, and about employment. Without local support we can’t manage it all.

Thank you for those who are already loyal! We are so appreciative"

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CvfQanJL7mO/

Escape Into Fiction web page ->  https://www.escapeintofiction.com/

#ThinkFranklinFirst

Escape Into Fiction appeals to local support to survive

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares date night suggestions for August - #ThinkFranklinFirst (photo essay)

Via the Franklin Downtown partnership: 

"Looking for some fun date night ideas for the month of August? We’ve got you covered!!  

Check out these great local spots and events coming to you this month!  

Summer is a great time to explore all that Franklin has to offer!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvc_VYpxh-P/

Franklin Downtown Partnership shares date night suggestions for August

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - Birchwood Bakery

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - La Cantina Winery

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - The Rome Restaurant

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - Franklin Nutrition

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - THE BLACK BOX

FDP shares date night suggestions for August - Teddie Gallagher's Pub

Shared from the FDP Instagram post -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cvc_VYpxh-P/?img_index=1

The Frongillo Family in the news (video)

"In the coming weeks, thousands of college students will graduate and need a place to live. 

With the high cost of housing and student loan debt, a growing number of them will trade their roommates for mom and dad. 

The trend in recent years is for young people to move home."

Watch the video clip online -> https://www.boston25news.com/news/local/more-young-people-rooming-with-mom-dad-high-cost-housing-sends-them-back-home/DAEXY6NSKVATLGRKQUHGJK5COU/ 

The Frongillo Family in the news

Rich Frongillo has two interviews worthy of listening to (if you haven't already)

• In September2020, we talked about his business growth in Franklin ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/fm-353-rich-frongillo-growing.html 
• In January 2023, we talked about the newest expansion of his business with a preschool opening later this year -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/01/talking-with-rich-frongillo-about.html

Birchwood Bakery: Smash Burger Pop Up Feb 17 - SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE! 

Friday 2/17 ~ Smash Burger Pop Up!!

We have teamed up with Chef Shawn @o_heide owner of @thekitchenatwhitebarn to offer a night of smash burgers, fries, burgers, crazy big shakes, fun cocktails, and beers.

Starts at 5 PM and ends when we run out!

Can’t wait to see you all there.

Shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cof1GF3PZ_i/

Birchwood Bakery: Smash Burger Pop Up Feb 17 - SAVE THE DATE!

Wright Old School Chocolate introduces a chocolate mix drink

Indulge in the Rich and Decadent Taste of Chocolate I hope this email finds you in good spirits. Today, I wanted to share some exciting news with you

Indulge in the Rich and Decadent Taste of Chocolate I hope this email finds you in good spirits. Today, I wanted to share some exciting news with you – our latest product, the Drinking Cocoa Mix is now available! Crafted with only the finest ingredients, this mix of chocolate is a true indulgence that you can tailor to your taste. Whether you're a chocolate lover or just looking for a sweet treat, this mix is sure to satisfy your cravings. I suggest adding 4-6 heaping tablespoons and 2-4 tablespoons of sugar to 8-10 oz of your favorite type of milk. The more mix that is added the richer the drink becomes. You can further customize your drink with cinnamon or as the ancient Mayans first enjoyed chocolate with chili. Here's what makes my chocolate mix special: ▪ The chocolate is pure chocolate (the full goodness of the nibs) ▪ There are only two ingredients (cocoa nibs and unrefined sugar – just like the bars). ▪ The packaging is easy to ship (this is no glass to make the weight heavy or to allow for breakage) ▪ The chocolate is pure chocolate (the full goodness of the nibs) ▪ There are only two ingredients (cocoa nibs and unrefined sugar – just like the bars). ▪ The packaging is easy to ship (this is no glass to make the weight heavy or to allow for breakage) I invite you to treat yourself to the rich, robust taste of my chocolate mix today. Simply follow this link below (Wright Old School Chocolate Website) to place your order. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy our latest addition. Wright Old School Chocolate Website Kind regards, Peter W. Carlson Wright Old School Chocolate ©2023 Wright Old School Chocolate | 127 Old West Street, K2, Walpole, MA 02081 Web Version   Forward   Powered by GoDaddy Email Marketing ®

Talking with Rich Frongillo about Downtown Preschool (opening 2023), economic development, soccer, etc. (audio)

FM #927 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 927 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Rich Frongillo. Rich is the owner of Tinetrix, founder of the Franklin Soccer School, Inc., Downtown Sports, and the forthcoming Downtown Preschool (new in 2023!). Our conversation was recorded in the Franklin TV & Radio studios on Tuesday, Dec 20, 2022.

Rich and I had another winding conversation. We start with the World Cup, talk soccer, and then catch up on business in this ‘new normal’ time. We get into economic development, housing, and other topics catching up from our prior conversation recorded in September 2020.

Downtown Preschool is the most recent small business venture and it is scheduled to open this year.

Our conversation runs 67 mins. Let’s listen to Rich and I talk about small business life here in Franklin. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-927-rich-frongillo-downtown-sports-expanding-12-20-23

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

Rich’s LinkedIn profile = https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-frongillo-4860a96/ 

Tinetrix, Inc. =  https://www.tinetrix.com/ 

Franklin Soccer School, Inc. = https://www.franklinsoccerschool.com/ 

Downtown Sports =  https://www.downtownsports.net/ 

Registration for all activities =  https://www.downtownsports.net/registration

Downtown Preschool -> https://www.downtownpreschool.org 

Our prior conversation (Sep 2020)  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/09/fm-353-rich-frongillo-growing.html 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news

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 or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Downtown Preschool scheduled to open in 2023

Congratulations to Escape into Fiction for winning a "Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus" for 2022

"We are so excited to announce @escape_into_fiction was awarded @jamespattersonbooks Holiday Bookstore Bonus! 

We are so #grateful for the award and plan on putting it to good use! 

Thank you Mr.@jamespattersonbooks !!!

Thanks also go to the community of #franklinma, #franklin @franklindowntownpartnership, @franklinculture for all of the everyday #smallbusiness support you show us! Continue to #shoplocal and #supportsmallbusiness"

Shared from Instagram ->  https://www.instagram.com/p/CmckddNOQbG/

Full listing of Award Recipients ->  https://bookweb.org/james-patterson-2022

Congratulations to Escape into Fiction for winning a "Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus" for 2022

Look no further than Thru the Looking Glass

Written by:  Lyn MacLean

Holiday shopping days that remain are now closing in! Selected for our fourth business in our “Shop Local Series”, we would like to highlight Thru The Looking Glass Custom Picture Framing located at 11 East Central Street, Franklin. 

Established in June 2018, the store offers a wide variety of custom framing services and will work with you throughout the design process to make your framed art the perfect complement to your home. Perhaps you have a special photograph you would like restored as a special gift? Look no further, Thru the Looking Glass has partnered with a local specialist who completes the photo restoration and printing for the shop. You know that special image will be in safe hands with this dynamic partnership. No need to ship your adored photograph out to a stranger far away.  

The owner Maryann Wickman also offers unique vintage holiday items that you will not see in other stores. It’s a personal interest of hers to obtain unique items that she collects over the course of the year and presents for purchase in her shop. The inventory is always changing so you are encouraged to visit frequently to find that perfect gift for someone special in your life.  

The store name cites custom picture framing. However, one will notice quickly upon entering the shop that there are wonderful gift-giving items all around.  The shop includes hand-knitted hats, scarfs, blankets, consignment pottery, handmade cards, and Alice and Wonderland-themed art and watercolors. They are open Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM - 5:30 PM and Saturday from 10 AM - 4 PM.

If you cannot decide from all the wonderful items to choose from, they offer gift cards as a perfect gift to give this season. Remember to shop locally and support your Franklin businesses this holiday season and throughout the year. 

Visit Thru the Looking Glass on the web at ->   https://thruthelookingglassframes.com/

Reminder: THINK FRANKLIN FIRST GIFT CARDS 

The cards are available for purchase in any denomination at Dean Bank or franklingiftcard.com.  This website provides the most up-to-date list of participating businesses.  

If you are a local business owner who would like more information contact Lily Rivera at  508-553-4888 or riveral@franklinps.net 

Look no further than Thru the Looking Glass

Franklin.TV: Think Franklin First

Shop – Easily, Wisely, Locally, Lavishly, Lovingly 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 12/04/2022

If you need to find great gifts that’re useful/pretty/comfy/tasty/fun/awesome etc. then shop no more. You’ve ready found ‘em.

These Franklin area shops and services are ready to deliver stocking stuffer smiles.

Drive less. Keep more jingle in your pocket. Just Think Franklin First. Easy-peasy.

(No need to give it a second thought. Done.)

Visit:  https://franklingiftcard.com/

Questions? Call us. 508-541-4118. 

Thanks for listening to 102.9 wfpr●fm. 

And – as always – thanks for watching.

Get this week's program guide for Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) 

online  http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf