In the News: Nutcracker here, Nutcracker there, breakfast with Santa, Nativity sets

Franklin: Growing up in 'The Nutcracker'

When Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) presents its annual production of the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” this weekend, more than 100 area dancers will grace the stage.

Becoming Clara… PEDC dancers reflect on path to ‘Nutcracker’ lead role

It all began at the age of 6 when she was cast as the “lead mouse” and a “polichenelle” and the adventure of being in Patti Eisenhauer Dance Center’s, “The Nutcracker,” was upon her.

Holiday breakfast to benefit Santa Foundation in Franklin

A Breakfast with Santa to benefit the Santa Foundation will be held at the British Beer Company, 280 Franklin Village Drive, Franklin on Saturday, Dec. 14. There will be one seating at 9:30 a.m.

Christmas Nativity Festival planned in Franklin, Dec. 14

On Saturday, Dec. 14 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Franklin is organizing a Nativity Festival. More than 100 nativity sets from church members and area residents will be on display during the open house.

In the News: solar farm, Santa Foundation

Abbey sisters, politicians celebrate solar farm

The sisters of Mount St. Mary’s Abbey hosted a public celebration and ribbon-cutting for their latest green energy effort – an 8.6-megawatt solar farm off Upper Union Street. The abbey already has a 130-foot-tall wind turbine and a geothermal system underneath its chapel. As a result of their efforts, the sisters were awarded the Energy Leadership Award by the Mass Energy Consumer Alliance in October.

Franklin non-profit Christmas gift provider in need of donations

For the 28th consecutive year, Franklin small businessman Bob Sullivan shut down his own business to open up a Santa’s workshop that plans to bring the joy of Christmas to about 800 local families in need.

"raising money to buy gifts for families and children who would otherwise go without"

It’s all part of the school’s Light Up a Life project that works with a local charity, The Santa Foundation, for which students shop and then wrap and deliver gifts. This year, the gifts will be distributed to 26 families as well as 24 children from a home for abused children. 

“It feels really special to give back to the community. After doing this the past two years, it feels like a Christmas tradition,” said junior Rob Ward, one of the peer leaders helping with the drive. 

Light Up a Life peer leaders, who serve as school ambassadors, collect money from fellow classmates and teachers. They are then given a family for whom to buy gifts which come from a wish list made by the family.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/features/x1270566676/Franklin-students-give-presents-to-families-in-need#ixzz1gEAz7WIo

To make a contribution, visit their website and donate using PayPal
http://lightupalife.blogspot.com/

Breakfast with Santa - Franklin British Beer Company

What: Breakfast with Santa

Where: British Beer Company in Franklin

When: Saturday December 10th, 8:30am and 10am

Why: To benefit the Santa Foundation

Santa's coming to town!  Gather up the kiddies and let 'em know they better be good, for goodness sake, 'cause Santa will be hosting breakfast at the British Beer Company in Franklin.  Old Saint Nick will be flying in from the North Pole on December 10^th for this special morning.  There will be two seatings: 8:30am and 10am, tickets are only $10 and $5 for kids under 12. The breakfast, and a raffle, will be helping us to raise funds for the Santa Foundation, who provides gifts for families in need during Christmas.  The foundation was able to help 700 families last Christmas…that's a lot of shiny happy local children!  The BBC is inviting the whole Franklin community down for some eggs and pancakes…all for a good cause.  Children should come with their Christmas wish list ready to go for good ole Chris Kringle.

British Beer Company

280 Franklin Village Drive - Franklin, MA

http://www.britishbeer.com/local/franklin/

Second Annual Giving Tree to benefit The Santa Foundation

The United Regional Young Professionals Organization (YPO), a group of young professionals having an interest in social and business networking, community involvement, and professional development; is proud to announce their second annual Giving Tree collection efforts for The Santa Foundation.

With the holidays quickly approaching and the giving season upon us, the YPO has created a Giving Tree collection drive to benefit The Santa Foundation. The tree has been set up at the Hampton Inn in Franklin, MA where patrons can collect an ornament to donate new hats, mittens or scarves for all ages. Can’t get to the Hampton Inn? Don’t worry; picking up an ornament isn’t required to donate.

Patrons can drop off all unwrapped donations to the Hampton Inn, 735 Union Street, Franklin, MA or to the United Regional Chamber of Commerce office at 42 Union Street, Attleboro, MA. Donations must be returned by December 9, 2011. Members of the YPO will deliver all of the items collected to The Santa Foundation after this date.

The Santa Foundation in Franklin, MA was established over 25 years ago to fulfill one goal - to provide gifts for families in need at Christmas time. 100% of all contributions, cash and gifts received go directly to local families in need. In 2010 alone, The Santa Foundation assisted over 700 families.

Back row, Left to right: Lori Suher, Phil Hickey, Chris Pintarich, Victoria Faunce

Front Row, Left to Right: Ron Groves, Amanda Culhane, Santa, Jen Osojnicki and Kaitlyn Pintarich

Santa Foundation - based in Franklin

On the night before Christmas, Santa has already paid a personal visit to more than 700 families in the Milford area and MetroWest thanks to husband and wife team Bob and Elaine Sullivan who head the Santa Foundation.

In its 21st year, the charitable organization spreads holiday cheer by delivering gifts to families in need.

"We have always felt that at least on Christmas Day these families should be like every other family," said Sullivan.

Read the remainder of this good news story by Michelle Laczkoski's in today's Milford Daily News.