Showing posts with label Small business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small business. Show all posts
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Thursday, May 9, 2024
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.
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| 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 ->
Sunday, October 22, 2023
Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video)
The Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, Oct 18 as scheduled at 5:30 before the Town Council meeting at 7 PM. 3 members were present in the Council Chambers, Frongillo joined via remote.
My notes captured during the meeting:
Economic development Cmte meeting about to begin, live reporting will commence with the meeting #edc1018
3 of the 4 members present in Chambers (Frongillo absent?)
Home occupation proposal up for discussion only, no legislation drafted yet, looking to help understand the issue, pros/cons, to eventually bring something forward. Frongillo tapped in via Zoom. Follow along with agenda (link below)
Bryan Taberner, Planning and Community Development, provides an overview on the home occupancy research, example of other communities; we don't have a specific bylaw for home occupancy but do have a section covering the items, and in comparison, we have what others do
Discussion around the nuances of the current regulation, most staff are happy with the current status; suggestion on limiting to some number with an area; not practical, nor encouraging the entrepreneur spirit of those interested. Need to get up to speed (revenue) ...
Before moving from home to a more formal business setting. Lowers the barrier to entry for business. Frongillo (1) making it easier to understand the current status, (2) parking, most streets have parking space unused most of the time (3) manufacturing, particularly food ...
Cathy Liberty, Health Director, speaks to the issues on both sides business and Health to enforce the regulations; different from a food establishment, the health dept can go in anytime because they are in business for that reason; home kitchen different as it is ...
Used some of the time and the access to the kitchen would need to be scheduled. DPW Director Cantoreggi talks to the need for grease traps for commercial kitchens,
maintenance is a requirement so it does add cost to the business, but ultimately it protects the community
One aspect of the regulations is to protect the assets (sewer pipes, water infrastructure,...) Moving to the second agenda item, discussion of 40R.
One of the goals from the Franklin For All project. "A smart growth overlay district" if done right, does well
40R does require State approval before going to Town Council, a housing build. Slides shared for the overview ->
40R draft is good but doesn't really do anything until a 40R district is created. This is the umbrella language that covers the future districts. A boat load of work, bring it back for the Nov 1 EDC mtg
Motion to adjourn, second, passes 4-0 via roll call
Agenda doc -> https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/edc_agenda_10.18.2023.pdf
My notes in one PDF ->
Franklin TV video -> https://www.youtube.com/live/ZxSsKapfjqY?si=49MdVfK6SAwtc4Lj
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| Economic Development Cmte hears about home occupation and gets an overview of 40R (video) |
Sunday, October 8, 2023
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
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| The former automotive shop will become La Cantina Winery's expanded operations. Lot ready for paving |
Friday, June 30, 2023
January audio highlights in case you missed them, they are available
FM #928 - Talking small business in Franklin with La Cantina's Bob Vozzella
FM #931 - Talking about the importance of art with Amy Saltamacchia
FM #935 - Introduction to FUSF's Rev Bev
You can find more in the Franklin Matters Radio podcast page here -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/
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| Franklin Matters Radio podcast page |
Thursday, May 11, 2023
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/
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| 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
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Talking wine & small business with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery (audio)
FM #928 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 928 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my introductory conversation with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery. We had our conversation in person in the office of his ‘day job’ in the industrial park along Grove St.
Topics for this session
The growth of La Cantina from a wine school
Experience during COVID
Farmers Market tasting
The wine making process, differences between a white and a red
Expansion plans
The conversation runs about 40 minutes. Let’s listen to my conversation with Bob Vozzella. Audio file -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-928-lacantina-winery-bob-vozzella-01-17-23
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La Cantina Winery -> https://lacantinawinery.com/
Bob Vozzella’s LinkedIn profile -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-vozzella-9a878a3a/
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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!
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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"
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| Talking wine & small business with Bob Vozzella of La Cantina Winery (audio) |
Saturday, January 28, 2023
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
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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"
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| Downtown Preschool scheduled to open in 2023 |
Thursday, December 22, 2022
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
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| Congratulations to Escape into Fiction for winning a "Patterson Holiday Bookstore Bonus" for 2022 |
Tuesday, December 13, 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 CARDSThe 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
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| Look no further than Thru the Looking Glass |
Thursday, December 1, 2022
Reminder: AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3
Join us for our first annual holiday market featuring 16 local small businesses and their amazing offerings!
This market will take place on the top* floor of 205 E. Central Street, Franklin, MA throughout our Community Event Space, Boutique & Clinic Space!
There will be 12 local vendors and 4 fun activities including Henna, Tarot Readings, Astrology Readings and Chair Massage so make sure to arrive early to secure a spot if you wish to partake in an activity!
Note: *Unfortunately, there is no elevator in the building.
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| AcuPUNKture's Local Artisan Holiday Market - Dec 3 |
Thursday, November 24, 2022
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
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| 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
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