Franklin Downtown Partnership presents the Holiday Gift Guide for 2023

The Holiday Gift Guide is too long to share here so you can find the full set of content in on PDF file ->   https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j7JAyTsmduZYjgLjkKn6vy59MMRjSz-K/view?usp=drive_link

One item left off the gift guide to consider is the Think Franklin First gift cards

https://franklingiftcard.com/   Introduced in Dec 2020, you can find the FAQ on the gift cards -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/faqs-for-thinkfranklinfirst-gift-cards.html

https://franklingiftcard.com/

Buy Local

Keep It Local Support Franklin Businesses Thank You to the Sponsors of this Holiday Newsletter: GOLD SPONSORS: Camford Property Group, Inc., D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, The Enclave of Franklin BRONZE SPONSORS: DCU Mary's Holiday Lights Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond   Franklin Downtown Partnership 9 E. Central St., Franklin | 774-571-3109

Franklin Downtown Partnership | 9 E. Central St., Franklin, MA 02038 Sent by franklindowntownpartnership@gmail.com powered by Try email marketing for free today!

La Cantina Winery is hiring to support their expansion

Via Bob Vozzella at La Cantina Winery:

"La Cantina Winery is currently seeking extraordinary individuals to form our tasting room team for our much-anticipated opening. As a member of our crush house team, you will be responsible for creating a fun, informative, and memorable experience for our guests who are like our friends and family.  

If you are personable, reliable, hard-working, professional, a good conversationalist, and above all else enjoy creating nothing but the best experience for others, we are interested in hearing from you!  

A variety of front of the house and back of the house positions are available including a chef! Stop by during our regular hours for an application."

Shared from Facebook ->   https://www.facebook.com/551718538/posts/pfbid0K1VxdgV2D1cU9ovT34XjLZscpfkDK2VWdEtTgv6GVeTnsDYR4Xbcce4czQ6syJbjl/?mibextid=Nif5oz

Listen to the conversation I had with Bob Vozzella earlier this year. We discussed wine and doing business in Franklin and about his expansion plans.

The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-928-lacantina-winery-bob-vozzella-01-17-23

The former automotive shop will become La Cantina Winery's expanded operations. Lot ready for paving

"Keeping the bookstore here" status for August 2023!

Via Escape Into Fiction 

We made the month goals and a bit more!! Thank you #franklinma for ALL of your #shoplocal support and showing the love! 

We are grateful to be in a wonderful #community and hope to continue to see the goal met each month going forward!!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwq4K33Rjb7/

Visit Escape Into Fiction downtown at 12 Main St or online at   https://www.escapeintofiction.com/

"Keeping the bookstore here" status for August 2023!

     

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

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

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

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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!

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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

Want to know where to get your Girl Scout Cookies in Franklin, MA?

In case you needed to know, (yes, I'll admit to needing this) the remaining schedule for Girl Scout cookie sales beginning with Sunday, Jan 22, 2023. 

• 1/22 Fresh Start Market 12-3pm
• 1/28 
• King St. Dunkin' 8a-1p
• Dean Bank 8:30a-12p
• Stop & Shop 10a-2p
• 1/29 Learning Express 10a-2p
• 2/4 
• King St. Dunkin' 8a-1p
• Aubuchon's 10a-2p
• 2/11 
• Shaw's 9a-2p
• Stop & Shop 10a-2p
• Dean Bank 8:30a-12p
• 2/12
  
• King St. Dunkin' 8a-1p
• Shaw's 9a-2p
• Stop & Shop 10a-2p
• 2/18 
  
• Learning Express 10a-2p
  
• DCU Bank 8:30a-1p
• 2/19 Learning Express 11a-2p

Want to know where to get your Girl Scout Cookies in Franklin, MA?

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

Support the Franklin Music Boosters! Get your meal(s) from Santa Fe Burrito Grill - Tues, Dec 6 from 5 to 9 PM

Mrs. Plouffe (@FranklinHSOrch) tweeted  Mon, Dec 05, 2022:

"Enjoy a great meal, support a local business and the Franklin Music Boosters!

Santa Fe Burrito Grill 

Tuesday, December 6 from 5 to 9 PM
30% of the event sales are donated back. 

Tell them it's for the Franklin Music Boosters!"

https://twitter.com/FranklinHSOrch/status/1599774433123573760

Support the Franklin Music Boosters!  Get your meal(s) from Santa Fe
Burrito Grill - Tues, Dec 6 from 5 to 9 PM

Fur And Feather Families Take Note! Vet Med Pet Supplies has been helping Franklin area pets for almost 40 years

Written by Lyn MacLean 

Fur And Feather Families Take Note! 

Vet Med Pet Supplies is being highlighted as the third in our “Shop Local for the holidays” series.  This quaint shop is located at 359 West Central Street and has been serving the community for almost 40 years since 1983.

The shop caters to Dogs, Cats, Small Birds and Fish, Rabbits, Reptiles, Guinea pigs, and even Chinchillas.  The store offers high-quality foods, grooming supplies, and non-prescription health aids for allergies and anxiety.  Is your dog anxious or could become overwhelmed with all the holiday hustle and visitors?  The store even has a large selection of CBD oral health aids to help calm anxious dogs.  

“Our team has a wonderful depth of knowledge and works hard to provide personal service to our customers”, the owner Karen Walsh stated. “One of our staff members has even worked for local zoos and a vet in town” she emphasized.  The staff enjoys assisting customers with fitting collars, harnesses, and winter coats to establish a proper fit for the animal.   This is the type of personalized pet service you typically do not receive in a big box pet store. 

 

Vet Med Pet Supplies has been helping Franklin area pets for almost 40 years

Currently, Stella and Chewy’s brand is offering a special holiday promotion.  The sale offers to buy 3 freeze-dried food items for dogs for $25.00 and buy 3 Crav’n Bac’n Biscuits for $20.00.  In addition, they offer to buy one get one free canned cat food.  This promotion runs until the end of the year.  

All animals are welcome to visit the store as well.  Upon arrival, they will be greeted with a special treat and can walk, hop or crawl around the store to see what they like.  Vet Met has welcomed cats, rabbits, dogs, and even ferrets to visit the store.   Save time, visit Vet Med with plenty of parking available.  Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 10-6 pm and Sunday 12-5.  

Lastly, remember that last-minute gift idea of a gift card!  Vet Med Pet Supplies is a participant in the 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 

Shop Small, Shop Local (video)

As a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, you know the importance of shopping small and local! 

This is a video The Partnership recently produced promoting shopping local!

Video link ->  https://youtu.be/V01bMdW543A

Shop Small, Shop Local 

Instead of Black Friday, let's focus on Small Business Saturday & #GivingTuesday

Yes, the commercials started a while ago. Black Friday deals available online and Before Black Friday. It is hard to avoid them they are so pervasive.

(1) Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to really spend our money wisely and locally. Consider the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card and the shops where it can be used. Check out the listing of shops here ->  https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses

Don't have a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card? You can buy one online or at Dean Bank. www.franklingiftcard.com

Did you catch the series on local Franklin businesses we are running? The first 2 are available and more are coming. Thanks to contributor Lyn MacLean!

• Pour Richard's Wine & Spirits ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/the-shop-local-for-holidays-series.html
• Pretty Is Pink -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/11/shop-local-at-pretty-is-pink-boutique.html 

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

(2) There are over 100 nonprofits based in Franklin and a number of others who service this community while based elsewhere. #GivingTuesday was developed in response to the popularity of Black Friday and an attempt to focus on supporting the nonprofits. 

You should be seeing nonprofits advertising or emailing to prompt a donation for their cause on #givingtuesday. 

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is just one of the many we can support! The Food Pantry, SAFE Coalition, HMEA, the Hockomock YMCA... the list goes on...  If you can't think of a nonprofit to support there is a listing of them based in Franklin here -> https://www.franklinareanonprofitnetwork.org/p/area-non-profits.html

You can support the Franklin Downtown Partnership

Shop Local at the PRETTY IS PINK Boutique and "Look Good – Feel Good"

Written by: Lyn MacLean 

PRETTY IS PINK Boutique is being highlighted for our second in the series of “Shop Local” for the holidays. 

New York City fashion lives right here at 480 King Street, Franklin. This women’s clothing boutique has been located in Franklin for over TWENTY years!  

Pretty is Pink’s motto is "Look Good – Feel Good". Any woman will do just that by shopping a wide selection of crew and funnel neck sweaters, slip, mini, and smocked dresses, knit wraps, and straight, flare, and wide-leg pants and jeans.  Complimenting these clothing choices, you will also find crossbody, clutch, tote, and shoulder handbags. Accessories such as jewelry, and fun-colored winter hats with coordinating mittens would make a perfect gift for teens or teachers at a perfect gift giving price point. Lastly, tucked among the amazing clothing selections lies a beautiful woven plush paw blanket that would be the perfect gift for any animal lover on your list.    

Do you have a holiday party you need something special for? Look no further as an abundance of sparkle was seen to make your ensemble stand out from the crowd. Dusters, dresses, and blouses with shine and sparkle were plentiful. 

Personal, individualized service is the hallmark of this store. The employees get to know their customers directly. They learn the preferences of their clients and if desired will provide feedback about the fit and overall look of each item tried on. 

A customer profile can be kept on file with the client's purchased sizes and items so if and when new items arrive that they may like, the client can be updated and suggestions can be made for these new items as soon as they hit the selling floor. 

Do you have little ones that deter you from trying to shop in-store?  Pretty is Pink has you covered. To allow you time to focus on shopping, the store offers a sip-and-shop beverage bar that allows little ones to sit in a comfortable chair with hot chocolate and a selection of pink starbursts and Hershey’s chocolate kisses.  They can unwrap these treats to allow you time to find that special item you’ve been looking for.  To top off your shopping experience everything is gift-wrapped for free! 

To keep on top of all events and sale promotions you can add your contact information to their list. You will receive an email or text every Thursday with the current promotion that they offer each week. For example, last week they sent a text to notify subscribers of a customer appreciation flash sale on the "day of" for 30% off Haute Shore handbags. Customers flocked to the store that day to take advantage of the fabulous savings. 

The upcoming "PINK FRIDAY" will be on Friday, November 26. Serving Bubbly and treats while you shop with special promotions announced that day. 

And don’t forget that Pretty is Pink is participating in the Franklin First Gift Cards which can be purchased in person at Dean Bank or www.franklingiftcard.com. 

These are a perfect “PINK” idea for hostesses, husbands, fathers, and anyone who wants their special person to make their own selection.  Make your gift-giving local, quick and easy. 

The hours of operation from now until the end of the year will be Monday-Wednesday and Friday 10-5, Thursday extended hours 10-7, and Sunday 12-4.  The store is open 7 days a week.  Online purchases can also be made at www.prettyispink.com

Shop Local at the PRETTY IS PINK Boutique and "Look Good – Feel Good" (image courtesy of Pretty Is Pink Facebook page)

The Shop Local for Holidays Series features Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits

Written by:  Lyn MacLean

Here at Franklin Matters, we would like to encourage shopping locally during the upcoming holiday season.  Over the next few weeks, we plan to feature a variety of local establishments to highlight some of the wonderful gift options they can offer just a short distance away.  Avoid the crowds, avoid the parking scramble, and support your local shop owners.   

Pour Richard’s Wine & Spirits

Gift giving, home cooked meals and the special pairing of a fine wine or spirit epitomize the traditions for many this time of year.   This is why today we would like to highlight POUR RICHARD’S WINE & SPIRITS at their new location at 835 West Central Street #2 Franklin. They are currently celebrating their 10 year Anniversary serving the Franklin community. 

“Never Drink Ordinary” is their motto and I can see why.  As I entered the store, I immediately was greeted with the warm presence of the owner Ann Williams.  I quickly recognized the unique well-edited selection of wines, craft beers, ciders, and spirits that were available. 

With a long-standing experience in the beverage industry, Ann worked with Blackbutton Distilling to create a Pour Richards private label bespoke Gin.  This Gin was formulated with nothing added or subtracted, no sugar or cornstarch were added which lends to a rich spirit.   

A second Pour Richards blend included the Mad River Double Barrel Rum created in bourbon barrels, a third called the Hill Rock Bourbon Whiskey and a fourth, Ladies Choice Bourbon Whiskey. 

Pour Richards provides a highly personalized service.  The owner makes an effort to know all customers names and loves to provide suggestions to meet personal tastes. 

With advance notice the store is more than happy to create custom gift baskets where they can curate suggestions or fulfill any specific spirit requests you may have for your recipient.

Along with gift baskets, curated 3 or 6 pack of craft beers, cases of wine and tasting kits of various spirits can be packaged. To top off this personalized service, keep in mind that curbside pickup is available to expedite your purchases quickly during this hurried season.  

Several upcoming events to kick off the holiday season are listed below.  You can sign up in person or online at www.pourrichardswine.com 

Local Beer & Wine Vendor Event 

“Small business” Saturday, November 26, 2022 1-4 PM 

Local Beer and Wine Vendors will provide sample testing and special discounts.

Bubbles & Bark Event Saturday, December 3, 2022   2-5 PM

- Focused on Holiday pairing gift ideas, Hostess Gift Ideas - $20.00 at door 

100% proceeds are donated directly to the Forever Home Rescue New England of Medfield, MA. They are devoted to saving the lives of dogs. 

Artisan Chocolate and spirits pairing

Thursday, December 8th 7:00pm start

- Wrights Old School Chocolate of Walpole, MA will present an Expert Chocolatier that will explain the sourcing of cocoa beans and the process of making the chocolate.  $20.00 includes a tasting kit of various full size single origin chocolate bars along with spirit samples to taste that complement the chocolate pairing.  Tickets may be purchased the night of or online at www.pourrichardswine.com

Reminder: Other ways to support your local community 

THINK FRANKLIN FIRST GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE! 

Another great way to support our local economy.  This gift card provides use to a variety of local businesses and makes the perfect gift!  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 

 

THINK FRANKLIN FIRST GIFT CARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE