Holiday Stroll: Downtown Franklin, Fri, Sat, & Sun

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Keep It Local Support Franklin Businesses Holiday Stroll Nov. 24 - 26 Franklin Historical Museum Bring the kids and enjoy the fun! Mrs. Claus will make her annual appearance at the Franklin Historical Museum Thanksgiving weekend.  Join us Sat, Nov. 25 from 10 AM to noon. Mrs. Claus will be reading The Night Before Christmas to enchanted children and of course will be available for a special holiday photo. Each child will also receive a holiday sticker craft.

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

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap - Dec 13

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap.

Not just for Newcomers . . .

Join us Wednesday, December 13th, 7:00 PM at Franklin’s local bookstore, Escape Into Fiction, 12 Main Street, Downtown Franklin. The night will include our Holiday themed trivia contest and our Yankee Swap. Bring a wrapped gift ($20 limit) and get one in return. Prizes are awarded to trivia winners and we’ll be serving refreshments from Birchwood, a lovely cafe/bakeshop located in Franklin. Come early and check out the bookstore to get a jump on Holiday shopping. There is always a wonderful selection for all ages.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our bi-monthly meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year. Upcoming meetings will be held in February and April.

Look for us on social media for more information: 

https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends 

https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersCraftFair/

Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club annual Holiday Yankee Swap - Dec 13

Franklin Downtown Partnership coordinates the "Count on me" Challenge

visit the butterfly mural

"The Franklin Downtown Partnership, in collaboration with @escape_into_fiction and @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen and local artist Amy Adams (@paintingvenus_ ) bring to you a fun, interactive contest!! 

Simply visit the butterfly mural across from Birchwood Bakery, count the butterflies and submit your answer as to how many you see for your chance to win a warm drink and a book!  

The perfect cozy combo for the cooler days to come!  

Entries due by 11/22!"

Shared from -> 

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid02m1pWXZHxwpqDLyeDhtL93RKWQczzrMyxUndMj8LR3i8FQgMW5Zaue3jiYjZKBpdtl&id=100071168539757

Franklin Downtown Partnership coordinates the "Count on me" Challenge

Book club at Escape into Fiction takes a field trip to Birchwood Nov 16

via Escape Into Fiction 

November Book club is taking a field trip!

Meet us at Birchwood Cafe' @birchwoodbakeryandkitchen
11/16/23 at 6:30pm

The book is The Radcliffe Ladies' Reading Club by @juliabryanthomas_author
a #massachusetts #historicalfiction

visit www.escapeintofiction.com @escape_into_fiction to purchase the ticket and the book for the event. There will be a small snack provided, and ability to purchase more as you wish! If you already own the book, you may just purchase the ticket online or in store!

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/Cy6pPgtOF-o/?

Book club at Escape into Fiction takes a field trip to Birchwood Nov 16

Franklin Art Association schedules reception for Nov 9 from 6 to 8 PM

The Franklin Art Association will hold an opening reception of new artwork at the association gallery at Escape into Fiction Bookstore on November 9, 6-8 PM, 12 Main Street, Franklin.    

The event is free and open to the public.  

Please join us in support of local artists and their creative work!

This gallery will be up for viewing from October 16th 2023 to February 17th 2024

www.franklinart.org, Facebook and Instagram.

Franklin Art Association schedules reception for Nov 9 from 6 to 8 PM

Franklin Art Association schedule reception for Nov 9 from 6 to 8 PM

The Franklin Art Association will hold an opening reception of new artwork at the association gallery at Escape into Fiction Bookstore on November 9, 6-8 PM, 12 Main Street, Franklin.    

The event is free and open to the public.  

Please join us in support of local artists and their creative work!

www.franklinart.org, Facebook and Instagram.

Franklin Art Association gallery

Escape Into Fiction coordinates with FSPA for a Mermaid Story Time - Oct 7

"Coming Soon!!!

Mark your calendars for this fun collaboration with @fspaonline for a Mermaid Story Time.... as they prepare for their big production, we want to show our community support!

Feel free to let your little ones dress up in their favorite Mermaid character costume!"

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

Escape Into Fiction coordinates with FSPA for a Mermaid Story Time  - Oct 7

Not just for Newcomers . . . Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Scheduled to Meet - Oct 11

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club October Meeting.

Join us Wednesday, October 11, 7:00 PM at Franklin’s local bookstore, Escape Into Fiction, 12 Main Street, Downtown Franklin. This season we will meet in October, December, February and April.

There is always time to socialize and we offer varied speakers and events at our gatherings. Light refreshments are provided. Come early to shop the Bookstore … for yourself or for gifts. There is always a wonderful selection for all ages.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. In addition to our meetings, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

We’re excited to announce that our 48th annual Craft Fair is set for Saturday, November 18th at Tri-County High School in Franklin. You’ll find a great selection of items for yourself, your home or for gift- giving. This popular event is an opportunity for members to volunteer and work together, help raise funds, and give back to the community.

Look for us on social media for more information: https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends https://www.facebook.com/FranklinNewcomersCraftFair/

Not just for Newcomers . . . Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club Scheduled to Meet - Oct 11

"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)

Franklin Art Association announce their Juried Art Show Opening at the Harvest Festival - Sep 30

The Franklin Art Association will be hosting a juried exhibit of works by its members from noon–5 PM on Saturday, September 30 at Escape Into Fiction Bookstore. 

The exhibit, held in conjunction with the 20th Annual Franklin Downtown Partnership Harvest Festival, will remain up for viewing until October 14, 2023.

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CvuvRC8O19p/

Franklin Art Association announce their Juried Art Show Opening at the Harvest Festival - Sep 30

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

Art Association Juried Exhibit Scheduled for Strawberry Stroll Friday, June 9

The Franklin Art Association (FAA) has a juried art exhibit scheduled for the Strawberry Stroll on Friday, June 9. The exhibit will be located at Escape Into Fiction.

Shared from https://www.instagram.com/p/CtFFVeuxY6R/

Art Association Juried Exhibit Scheduled for Strawberry Stroll Friday, June 9

Reminder: Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting on May 3 - topic 'online safety'

Come join your Franklin friends and neighbors at the Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club May Meeting.

We typically meet the 2nd Wednesday of the month … we made a date change for this presentation. Join us on Wednesday, May 3rd at 7:00 PM. Robin Putnam, Events & Outreach Manager from the MA Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, will present on online safety. The presentation will include information about her Office and what they do. It will also cover how to be safe online, whether it be on your smart device, social media or online banking, phishing emails and general protection from scams and identity theft.

Join us at Escape Into Fiction Book Store, 12 Main Street, Downtown Franklin. The presentation will start at 7 PM but feel free to come early to socialize, get some refreshments and shop.

We are a multi-generational, member-driven organization and are always excited to welcome new faces and new ideas. Residents of Franklin, or any surrounding town that doesn't have a Newcomers Club, are welcome to join us. Our monthly meetings run September through May.

Additionally, we hold fun and varied events to stay connected throughout the year.

As always, we are thankful for the generosity and kindness we receive from April Rock, Owner, Escape Into Fiction. Our extended community is so fortunate to her and her business in Franklin. If you haven’t yet, please visit this gem of a book store!

Look for us on our Meetup page for more information. https://www.meetup.com/Franklin-Newcomers-Friends

Not just for Newcomers . . . Franklin Newcomers and Friends Club - Meeting on May 3 - topic 'online safety'

Franklin Cultural District: dance & concerts, listening tour & poetry, Electric Youth & Future Shock as #artshappenhere

Dance and concerts surround the arts & culture listening tour on Friday and a favorite poem reading at the Library on Saturday as #artshappenhere

Wednesday, April 26

1:00pm - Senior Scribblers (writing group) (Franklin TV Studio - recording session)

7:00pm - Critical Conversations (student voices) (Franklin School District at FHS)

7:00pm - Executive Function Strategies Workshop (Virtual) (Franklin SEPAC)

7:00pm - Library Book Club - "The Plot" (Franklin Public Library)

dance performances

Thursday, April 27

10:00am - Writer's Quiet Space (Escape Into Fiction)

5:00pm - FHS Softball Boosters Fund Raiser (Pretty is Pink)

6:00pm - Open Mic Night (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

Friday, April 28

9:00am - Arts & Culture Listening Tour - Session 2 (Franklin Public Library)

6:00pm - Northeast Groove (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

Saturday, April 29

10:00am - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

favorite poem project

12:00pm - Favorite Poem Project (Franklin Public Library)

2:00pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

6:00pm - Corner 2 Corner (live music) (67 Degrees Brewery)

7:30pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

7:30pm - Electric Youth 2023 (ticketed event) (THE BLACK BOX)

8:00pm - John Gorka (ticketed event, masks required) (Circle of Friends Coffeehouse)

Sunday, April 30

1:00pm - Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm - Dean Dance Company (Ticketed performance) (Dean College Main Stage)

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The Franklin Art Association Art Gallery remains open for viewing (and purchasing the art displayed) during business hours at Escape into Fiction (Main St, Franklin)

Franklin Art Association Art Gallery

Visit the Cultural District page ->  https://www.franklinculture.org/

Find the full Community event calendar  https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

If you have an event to add to the calendar, you can use the form to submit it for publication:  https://forms.gle/oPdi8X3ZbHHyrHzo6

The Town meeting calendar is found  https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar
The School district calendar is found  https://www.franklinps.net/calendar-by-event-type/26 

Franklin Cultural District: Arts are happening here!