Reporting by Walking Around: A Wreath of Franklin - Dec 7 (photo essay)

The first "A Wreath of Franklin" was held on Saturday Dec 7, 2024.  I did my walking around to catch a few of the multiple events. My wife and I also came back (via car) to catch the Celtic & Christmas concert at the Library at 3 PM.

The wreaths are scheduled to be on display through December.

The story map of the wreath locations. A screen grab of the map is shown, the link  takes you to the interactive map ->   https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/aaa1de9182414b349cf62a16057b8a89

wreath outside Fire Station #1

Eddie Grant wreath at the Historical Museum

sock skating rink temporarily set up by the Children's Museum of Franklin

display of student art inside the former bookstore set up as a popup shop for the day

display of student art inside 2 the former bookstore set up as a popup shop for the day

wreath crafted by the Rise Up group (I did participate in a segment of the crafting)

A Wreath of Franklin booklet

If you missed picking up the booklet, I have a PDF copy available for download here -> https://drive.google.com/file/d/172dz2ZFH_7r7x_LVCtDL5G1yCOztJ-TO/view?usp=drive_link

Of note, the #ThinkFranklinFirst gifts are being revived. An info session will be held at Dean Bank in early 2025. I'll share the info details once I get it.

All the photos can also be found in one album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/F7ivkU97yCoCPLHaA

A-Wreath-of-Franklin | Stories of the Season - Saturday, Dec 7

The sidewalks and businesses in downtown Franklin are about to come alive with holiday spirit! On Saturday, December 7 from 12 PM to 7 PM. Franklin will host its newest holiday tradition: Franklin’s Sip, Shop, Stroll & Roll. It will be a community event meant for everyone!

Sip: Coffee, teas, hot chocolate, soft drinks and special adult beverages will be available at our downtown cafes, markets and restaurants. 

Shop: Downtown vendors will be open to do your holiday shopping and to idea shop and dream as well. Artisans will be located throughout the downtown shopping area selling their arts and crafts. 

Stroll: Walk along Franklin’s downtown sidewalks now festively arrayed in holiday cheer. Stop into downtown stores, shops, businesses, restaurants and cafes and check out this year’s entries into the A-Wreath-of-Franklin Festival. Wreaths will be hung in many downtown venues. Vote for your favorites. 

Roll: Bring the stroller, wheelchair or carriage. There will be music, arts, holiday cheer and an indoor skating rink (no skates needed) throughout the day and evening." - John Ristaino, Franklin Cultural Council Chair

A-Wreath-of-Franklin | Stories of the Season - Saturday, Dec 7 

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12pm Ringing of the Bells & Kick off to our Festivities!

12-7pm - Popped Up all day at 12 Main Street - Arts Market! Shop for handmade goodies directly from the creators!

12-7pm - Pop Up Franklin Highschool Student Exhibition, 12 Main Street

12pm-2pm | Dean Bank, Cookies & Crafts in their lobby, 21 Main Street

12-4pm | Fiori & Fern 138 E Central St, Wreath Raffle + Live Music Featuring Heath Nisbett 12-1:30pm & Dom DeBaggis 2-3:30pm

12-7pm | The Little Shop of Olive Oils 5 Main St, Raffles and more!

12-7pm | Children’s Museum of Franklin Popped up at Franklin United Methodist Church 82 W Central St. Indoor Skating Rink, Hot Chocolate + Children Museum Swag Sale

12-7pm | Birchwood Bakery & Kitchen 17 E Central St.12-7pm Specialty Cocktails, coffees & Snacks. 12-5pm Live Music. Featuring Franklin Highschool Students Jenny’s Group, Daniel’s Group, Sarah’s Group. Ava, Kavya, Pat and Amelia. Jack & Aida.

12-7pm | Greco Design Co. 6 Main St, Raffles & more!

12-7pm | Applause 36 Main St, Grab a cup of Austrian hot chocolate from 12-7pm and visit with special elf guests from 12-4pm.

12-7pm | Franklin Historical Museum (Special hours), 80 W Central St, Screening at 5pm, " So Proudly We Hail"  The story of the lives of three U.S. Army nurses who leave San Francisco for their tour of duty in Hawaii in December 1941.

12pm- 12AM | Teddy Gallagher’s 30 Main St, Specialty ‘Wreath’ Cocktails

12- 9pm | The Rome 4 E Central St, Specialty Cocktails at The Rome.

12pm-12am | Teddy Gallagher's Irish Pub, 30 Main St, Specialty Cocktails, "Cinnamon Apple Wreath Martinis"

1pm | Franklin Public Library 118 Main St, Crafting for kiddos of all ages. They'll have an assortment of winter and holiday themed crafts for all to enjoy!

1-3pm | Franklin Historical Museum, Jazz-infused guitarist, Frank Saccoccio

5pm | The Dean College Vocal Ensemble Popped up by 12 Main Street

7pm | Ringing of the Bells + Voting Concludes wrapping up the evening!

7pm | Franklin United Methodist Church 82 W Central St, Jamie Barrett Performing Community Carols, Cookies & Cocoa.

Shared from -> https://www.franklinculture.org/wreath-franklin

Local Charm for Mom: Bird & Bear’s Gift Boxes Celebrate Community

This Mother’s Day, the Bird & Bear Collective is proud to showcase their commitment to local makers with a beautifully curated $125 gift box that celebrates and supports the talents in our communities. Located in downtown Holliston, the Collective is more than just a store; it is a dynamic hub of community, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Local Charm for Mom: Bird & Bear’s Gift Boxes Celebrate Community

Founded by Erin Defoyd, a Medway local, the Bird & Bear Collective began as an experiment in her backyard barn in 2019 and has since evolved into a cornerstone of community and creativity. Erin’s vision of transforming everyday interactions into opportunities for connection and creativity has resonated throughout the community.

In a special nod to Franklin, the boxes feature PT Color Market and ITZY, both owned by dedicated Franklin residents. The collective hopes that these boxes will inspire more people to shop locally and recognize the impact of their support on local businesses and the broader community. 

We encourage thoughtful gifting through our special Mama gift boxes. Highlighted by the crowd-favorite "Mama" T-shirt, the box also includes scented hand-poured candles by Hedge & Heather, decadent artisanal chocolates by Vivilicious, unique handmade leather earrings by PT Color Market, and gold vermeil necklaces by ITZY. Each box is filled with purpose and passion.

The gift boxes are available online HERE and we advise early ordering to ensure availability.

Alternative link to order -> https://shopbirdandbearcollective.square.site/product/mama-gift-box-option-1/2051?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=false&category_id=15

Download a flyer with this info as a reminder or to share ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/108K0fUnNuyWa__-6EqThx4AheIVaN-GB/view?usp=drive_link

An Agway Story - An Update - March 7

An Agway Story - An Update

MARCH 7, 2024

In a world where you can be anything, be kind

HEY FRIENDS,

Neal and I Wanted to let you know that after months of looking for new owners with no success and a great deal of thought and angst we have decided that we cannot continue to run the store, work our new jobs and regain some of the verve we once had

TO THAT END

we have decided that April 6th 2024 will be the last day of operations of The Franklin Agway.

The store schedule will change again as we will no longer be able to be operate on Tuesdays. The store will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays starting on March 11 2024

An Agway Story - An Update - March 7

March 8th through March 16th most items will be 20% off. This initial discount period will exclude animal feed, vegetable seeds, heating pellets and hay.

From March 17 through March 23 all items in the store will be 30% off. 

March 24-30 all items will be 40% off 

And March 31 -April 6 all items will be 50% off. 

Please note that March 31 is Easter Sunday and we will not be open.

UNFORTUNATELY

once the discounting begins we will no longer offer loyalty rewards for most items. We will continue reward programs around pet food programs and Wild Delight wild bird seed. No manufacturers coupons will be accepted.

IF ANYONE HAS

or knows anyone who has a gift card, please spread the word. We would like to honor as many as we can before time is up.

WE ARE URGING

everyone to support your local shops. If you can, throughout the whole year not just one season. We would love our pet food customers to visit Vet Med Pet Supplies in Franklin. 

There will be other deals so stay tuned 

Peace. from Mel. Neal and the Agway Crew

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=915441657253084&id=100063617738435

Applause is taking an intermission during Feb & Mar, returning in April 2024

"Applause will be closed during February and March, BUT the curtain will be open on our Gelato and Unique Finds on APRIL 4th! 

Thank you all for your enthusiastic support of our first season!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C2kgAI5Lsni/

You can visit Applause online -> https://www.applausefranklin.com/

Applause is taking an intermission during Feb & Mar, returning in April 2024

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