Representative Jeff Roy appointed to 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission

Speaker Mariano appointed Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) to the special commission to investigate and study the promotion and celebration of the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the American Revolution. The Massachusetts Commission on the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution was established in the FY22 state budget which was signed by Governor Charlie Baker on July 16, 2021. 
 
Revolution 250 will explore the history of the American Revolution and the ways that this story still resonates in society today. Culminating in 2026, 250 years since the American colonies declared independence from the British Empire, the organization will pull together residents, visitors, planners, educators, artists, students, the business community, and politicians to recognize the importance of our culture and values. 
 
The Commission’s members — leaders in the historical, cultural, tourism, and political sectors — are expected to partner with the other states, and with the federal America 250 Commission, to commemorate, celebrate, and investigate the will and determination of the people 250 years ago who risked their “lives, liberty, and property” for the cause of American Independence. 
 
“It is a great honor for me to serve on this commission given my love of, appreciation for, and understanding of history,” said Representative Roy.  “I have worked closely with the Massachusetts Historical Commission over the past year on this legislation and am committed to ensuring that the anniversary does not pass without appropriate acknowledgment from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It is sure to be a great educational effort and will be a boost for our local economy.” 
 
Franklin and Medway have a long and distinguished connection to the events surrounding American independence. Franklin is home to the first public library in America started with a donation of books by Benjamin Franklin, as well it being along the route that saw the victorious French army march through on their return from the battlefield of Yorktown. Medway’s Evergreen Cemetery is the final resting place for about 50 Revolutionary War veterans. 
 
The Commission will be tasked with overseeing the operations of Revolution 250, a consortium of organizations working together to commemorate the 250th anniversaries of the events that led to American Revolution. With over 30 institutional members, it operates under the fiscal sponsorship of the Massachusetts Historical Society. 
 
To learn more about the commission, including news, upcoming events and how to become a sponsor visit the website https://revolution250.org/. 

Representative Jeff Roy appointed to 250th American Revolution Anniversary Commission

FSPA Celebrates 35th Anniversary

The Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) will celebrate its 35th Anniversary Season beginning in September. Since 1985, FSPA has been dedicated to the enjoyment of the arts for all ages and to the artistic growth and development of young people. Founded by Director Raye Lynn Mercer and built upon the notion that arts experiences are an integral part of a well-rounded education, FSPA provides a nurturing environment where students grow skills for the stage – and for life. 

Children develop a sense of independence and accomplishment at an early age, while gaining confidence, poise, and self-esteem. The performing arts impart life skills, expanding students’ ability to communicate effectively, whether in the secondary school classroom or other public speaking opportunities. The arts also enhance creativity and imagination, developing improvisatory skills to navigate a rapidly changing world.

With a distinguished faculty of Boston-area artists, expansive roster of classes and extensive calendar of wide-ranging performance opportunities, FSPA serves students of all ages and levels of ability, whether for recreational enjoyment or serious study.

FSPA’s Music Department offers private voice lessons and instruction on all instruments, along with group voice classes, music theory and chamber music, jazz, and percussion ensembles. Performing opportunities for singers include the FSPA Glee Club, studio voice recitals, opera scenes, acoustic coffee houses, and musical theater showcases. FSPA’s innovative Little Music School program teaches children as young as 18 months to play the piano and offers creative and engaging general music classes for children ages 1-5.

The Dance Department provides programs for all ages and levels in ballet, jazz, tap, modern, commercial dance, dance for musical theater, and contemporary, and also features classes for boys, adults and beginner teens. Performance opportunities include Spring Concert, Ballet Conservatory performances, Next Step and CenterStage ensembles, and FSPA Dance Company. Many dancers are also cast, by audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual holiday production of The Nutcracker, featuring professional orchestra and special guest artists.

For drama students, beginning in kindergarten, FSPA offers an extensive range of acting and musical theater classes that build performance skills and explore theater games, improvisation, character development, and scene work. Musical theater troupes for students in grades 5-12 are cast each year, with annual performance trips to Walt Disney World for select ensembles. FSPA students also perform, through audition, in Franklin Performing Arts Company’s annual season of shows alongside FSPA alumni, professional performers, and Broadway guests.

FSPA Celebrates 35th Anniversary

Alumni of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts have gone on to Broadway, national tours, extensive regional theater, professional opera, TV and feature film, professional dance companies, and more.

For more information, visit www.FSPAonline.com or call 508-528-8668. Follow FSPA on Facebook, Instagram (@fspaonline), Twitter (@fspaonline), and YouTube.

Odd Fellows Celebrating 141 Years in Franklin

William F. Ray Odd Fellows Lodge #71 has been a good neighbor in the Town of Franklin for 141 years, and counting. The local lodge was celebrating their 100th anniversary at the same time that the town was celebrating the Bi-Centennial Celebration in 1978. 

Their former location was the three story brick building on Depot St., which the lodge sold to Central West Realty Trust in 1981. That property was renovated and then named “The Brickyard” and housed various businesses for several years until the building was leveled for the Dean Bank addition and drive through lot.

After the sale of the Depot St. building in 1985, the lodge members bought the Varsinic Bogigian house and land at 330 West Central St. near the corner of Rte. 140 and Beaver St. in Franklin. The house was a smaller and more manageable property than the former Depot St. property, and with some internal renovations, was turned into our present day lodge hall.  
The hall was dedicated on December 3, 1985 and was honored during the ceremony by a visit from Sovereign Grand Master George Shaw, the highest ranking officer in the World Order. Being just one of 10,000 lodges in 30 countries, Odd Fellowship has the distinction of being the largest fraternal order in the world under one leader.

In 1996, Past Grand, John Gardner, engaged the Cub Scouts in Franklin and offered the Lodge to be the Parent Non-Profit Organization behind the creation of the new Pack #17. From approximately one dozen scouts in that year, the Pack grew to become the largest Pack in Franklin with 78 scouts. William F. Ray Lodge has provided a home base of operations for the scouts and we annually put on a Children’s Christmas Party in their behalf at neighboring Rising Sun Lodge in Medway. 

The Franklin lodge also assisted the Franklin Youth Soccer Association by allowing them full use of the building for their headquarters before obtaining more permanent quarters on Cottage St. Accepting the hospitality of the Odd Fellows Lodge enabled the FYSA to grow from a small and splintered organization, with its members working out of kitchens and basements, to a much more organized and centrally operated entity.

In the early 80’s and into the 90’s, the Franklin Odd Fellows ran 11 years of benefit volleyball tournaments for the Arthritis Foundation and raised over $27,000 for this worthy cause. We also organized an Arthritis Walk in Franklin, but it was lightly attended. The Grand Lodge, I.O.O.F. of Massachusetts in Worcester followed our lead and has been running with it ever since with such events as the Boston and the Worcester Walk-a-Thons, the Spring Charity Ball in Worcester and an annual golf tournament. 

This year, the golf tournament will be held at the Quail Hollow Golf and Country Club in Oakham, MA on June 17, the day after Father’s Day. The Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of Mass. raise more money for the National Arthritis Foundation than any other state in the country.

Local charities that the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs support are the scouting programs and foodbanks, the Franklin and Bellingham Rail Trail effort, the Odd Fellows Full Care Nursing Home, the Odd Fellows Children’s Summer Camp in Belfast, Maine, the Children’s Pilgrimage for Youth, the Veterans Walkway project and others. Nationally we support a Visual Research Foundation at the Johns Hopkins Hospital’s Wilmer Eye Institute, a National Disaster Relief Fund, the Living Legacy Program, The Home for Little Wanderers, the Mass. Diabetes Foundation and an Education Scholarship Fund for our community’s youth. Odd Fellowship internationally supports S.O.S., a program of building children’s orphanage villages in Cambodia. 

Nationally, the Odd Fellows are celebrating their 200th Anniversary in this country and celebrations will be occurring in all 50 states. Internationally, Odd Fellowship is much older in England where it originated in the early 1600s but it is much younger in many of the 30 countries worldwide. Members who travel in this country and abroad will be welcomed at any lodge in any state or in any country. One of the Franklin members has made meetings in the New England States and Minnesota in this country and has also participated in meetings in the Netherlands and in Germany.

Our warm and personal affiliation with our Brothers and Sisters in the Order has attracted many notable names throughout our country’s rich history. The following have all been Odd Fellows: William Jennings Bryan, Sec of State; Wyatt Earp, Law Officer from the Old Wild West; Robert C. Byrd, U.S. Senator; Charlie Chaplin, Comedic Actor & Film Director; Ulysses S. Grant, 18th U.S. President; Rutherford B. Hayes, 19th U.S. President; Warren G. Harding, 29th U.S. President; Charles Lindbergh, American aviator, author, inventor and social activist; William McKinley, 25th U.S. President; Franklin D. Roosevelt, 32nd U.S. President; and Lucy Hobbs Taylor, first U.S. female dentist. A record of all past officers of our local Franklin lodge, going back to our institution in 1878, can be found in our web site under the History Tab.

The local lodge is currently undergoing a 2 year long building upgrade with a new roof, all new windows, new siding, insulation, a new bulkhead and garage door. Member and builder, Chris Miller, has generously given his time, as well as other dedicated members who work full time jobs and manage to find a few hours on weekends to work at the lodge. 

To help support our charities, the members are planning on a Second Annual Fundraiser Cornhole Tournament to be held at the Bellingham Sportsman Club at 360 Lake St., Bellingham, MA 02019 on June 23, 2019 at 1:00 PM. The cost of admission per player will be $20 per person with drinks available from the bar and the DJ services of Rich Gillespie of New Style Entertainment. Look for future notifications to come on this event.

The mission statement for the Odd Fellows fraternal organization is as follows: 

“We endeavor to elevate the character of mankind, to provide aid to our community, to make it and the world a better place to live, to aid the less fortunate members of our society by donating to charities, to support the youth of our community and help them grow, to aid our own members in times of distress, to support science and research foundations for the elimination of diseases and poverty and to support our community in every way possible.” 

The sister and supporting organization to the Odd Fellows is the Rebekah Assembly of Massachusetts who do a great job every year raising funds and awarding scholarships to needy high school students aspiring to go to college. Membership into either the Odd Fellows, or the Rebekahs, is open to both male and female and we honor a non-discrimination policy that comes directly from our Sovereign Grand Lodge.

More information on the Odd Fellows organization and history can be found at the following web sites:
franklinmassoddfellows.org
massioof.org
odd-fellows.org

Odd Fellows Celebrating 141 Years in Franklin

This year, Best Buddies International is incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

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Happy 30th Anniversary, Best Buddies! 🎉  Dear Friends, This year, Best Buddies International is incredibly proud to celebrate 30 years of inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). When I started Best Buddies 30 years ago at Georgetown University, I never imagined that this organization would impact the lives of more than 1.2 million people across the globe, spanning 53 countries and six continents. Furthermore, If someone had told me then that I would live to see individuals with IDD working in a tech lab earning more than $50,000, participating in pension plans and receiving full healthcare benefits; reporting for a national television show, testifying in front of Congress; and delivering the keynote address at an annual corporate conference in Silicon Valley; I would not have believed any of it. Fast forward 30 years to a world that is indeed more inclusive and diverse, although there is still so much more to be done. To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, we are excited to launch the organization's newest program, Best Buddies Living. Best Buddies is elevating our mission to meet the significant need for inclusion by establishing a residential living experience for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their peers.  This new program represents our organization's newest and fourth key mission pillar, Inclusive Living. Best Buddies Living will provide individuals with and without IDD the opportunity to live together in a vibrant community that supports all residents in advancing their employment, financial literacy, continued education and life skills as they work to achieve their personal goals.  Located in Los Angeles in partnership with UCLA, the first house will create innovative residents and pioneer ways to support individuals with disabilities and their peers. As the program expands, Best Buddies Living residences will continue to be near college campuses, cultivating mutually transformative relationships and growth opportunities for people of all abilities. For more information about Best Buddies Living, please visit: bestbuddies.org/living. Our 30th Anniversary is a special milestone and I am beyond blessed that I get to wake up each day and do what I love. My appreciation and gratitude for this gift is unimaginable! As we look ahead, I am excited to watch a new generation of leaders step up to the plate to guide our global movement to new levels. I was only in my early 20's when all of this began, and I have never lost faith in the endless creativity, genius level talent, leadership and power that young people have. We will need each of you to help lead our movement forward as I am confident that the spirit of Best Buddies will continue to live on through each of you. As we celebrate the impact Best Buddies has had on millions of lives, please know that I am eternally grateful to each and every one of you who have supported this organization over the past 30 years. Without you, we would not have reached this momentous milestone. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making this world a better place for people with special abilities.   Forever grateful, Anthony K. Shriver Founder, Chairman & CEO Best Buddies International

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to  establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities  for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment,  leadership development, and inclusive living for people  with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).bestbuddies.org

Best Buddies International 100 SE 2nd Street, Suite 2200 Miami, FL 33131 Phone: (305) 374-2233

Library of Congress: WATCH LIVE on HALLOWEEN - Frankenreads

LIVE Reading of Shelley's "Frankenreads" on Halloween 2018 marks the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," and to acknowledge this milestone, the Library of Congress hosts "Frankenreads," a live, day-long reading of the novel in its entirety by Library staff, friends and some very special guests. The program will be streamed LIVE on Halloween, Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET:  Watch LIVE on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY7dn_7dj9o

In the News: benefits to ballroom dancing; few contests for Primary; Plymouth gearing for 400th Anniversary

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Nina DiPerrio started teaching at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Franklin about the same time “Dancing with the Stars” premiered on ABC in 2005. Her bragging rights include performing with professionals from the hit show who were encouraging and eager to share their knowledge. 

DiPerrio credits the popular television show with bringing an influx of new students to the studio and changing the demographic. Younger people especially, are eager to give ballroom dancing a whirl. 

“Most people say it’s something they always wanted to do, but never tried before. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ showed that it’s doable, that dance is not something that is out of their reach,” said DiPerrio, who started dance lessons at age 5. “The Fred Astaire studios put a lot of emphasis on community and the social aspect, and create a very encouraging and inviting atmosphere.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/shall-we-dance-from-salsa-to-foxtrot-ballroom-dance-is-all-rage

Debunking Common Ballroom Dance Myths

"With just a couple days to go before primary elections, contested races have heated up across Massachusetts. 

The primary, scheduled for Tuesday, will decide which Democratic and Republican candidates will go on to run against one another in the general election scheduled for Nov. 6. 

This year, the primary is scheduled for the day after Labor Day, which could complicate voting for some people, such as families with school-age children and college students, who might be leaving the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/few-contested-races-could-impact-voter-turnout-for-sept-4-primary

Primary Election Info for Sep 4
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2018/09/primary-election-info-for-tuesday-sep-4.html

"With the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Plymouth Colony a little more than a year away, state officials this past week looked ahead to what the commemoration would mean for Massachusetts. 

Michele Pecoraro, executive director of the nonprofit organization Plymouth 400, offered up the countdown at a press conference Tuesday in the State Library, where she said the 2020 event series would “reflect the history and culture of the commonwealth from a holistic view.” 

“The native people and English settlers left historic footprints throughout Massachusetts, from Provincetown to Mashpee, from Aquinnah to Plymouth and right on into Boston and beyond,” she said. 

The Plymouth 400 “signature events” will launch on April 24, 2020 with an opening ceremony and run through Thanksgiving week. They will deal with themes including exploration, innovation, self-governance, immigration and religious expression, Pecoraro said."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180901/state-plymouth-gear-up-for-quadricentennial

Last Call to Celebrate Norfolk Deeds Registry’s 225th Birthday

It’s still not too late to mark on your calendar the date of Wednesday June 20th so that you can be part of a celebration as the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds celebrates its 225th birthday. The event, which is free to the public, will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. at the Registry of Deeds located at 649 High Street in Dedham Center.

“It was on June 20, 1793 that Norfolk County and the Registry of Deeds came into existence thanks to a bill signed into law by then Governor John Hancock,” noted Register of Deeds William O’Donnell. “As some residents of Norfolk County will proudly tell you, next to his being the lead signer of the Declaration of Independence, this was probably the second most important signature in John Hancock’s life.”

The Register further stated, “This celebration as John Adams would say will be filled with “pomp and parade.” We will have patriotic music sung by retired state trooper Dan Clark. Special appearance will be made by John Adams, John Hancock and his lovely wife Dorothy Quincy. The Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office will present an honor guard and there will be food and refreshments.”

The event will celebrate the history of Norfolk County with the exhibits of 45 notable land records, including those of the 4 United States Presidents born here: John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John F. Kennedy and George H.W. Bush. Additionally, the evening will also focus on the land record of an individual from each one of the county’s twenty-eight communities. “This is an eclectic group of people that have made significant contributions in the areas of science, the arts, politics, environment, law, military and medicine. Additionally, there will be exhibits listing Nobel Prize winners and Governors who were Norfolk County residents,” noted Register O’Donnell

A booklet of the notable land exhibits will be given to each person attending the event. Anyone with questions about this event, please email ksirois@norfolkdeeds.org or call the registry of deeds at 781-461-6117.

Last Call to Celebrate Norfolk Deeds Registry’s 225th Birthday

Happy anniversary, by way of three music videos

Cue the music please!

"Fools, said I, you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence"

https://play.google.com/music/preview/Trl6tawgwanyxvmpcedposoopoi?









I hope you enjoyed the music. 

All this by way of celebrating 11 years of Franklin Matters. The webpage (Franklin Matters.org/) was born 10 years ago. My reporting on Franklin matters started the year before that. 

I am looking forward to continuing the collaboration for many more years!

Thank you for reading and sharing!

the Franklin Matters archives are deep and rich with information

-------------

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Snappy Dogs helps Pour Richard's celebrate - Sunday - Nov 12, 2 - 5 PM

The delicious hot dogs (and homemade toppings) from Snappy Dogs will be at Pour Richard's on Sunday to help celebrate their birthday party.

Wasn't it only a few months ago that I wrote:

"The Silver Maple Common on King St, near exit 16 for i495 has three of the five business locations now vacant.  The drive through bank was occupied by TD Bank and they left a couple of years ago. The liquor store sold their business and liquor license to Pour Richard's who opened on 14 Grove St. Frankly, not a great location as it is somewhat out of the way but the facility is larger and they are making a good effort to attract the business they want."

No, it was June of 2013 and it is amazing  how time flies. Pour Richard's is still located "somewhat out of the way" but it is worth making the trip to! They have established themselves in the community. They help non-profits with fund raising. And they provide a good product, reasonably priced, with exceptional service.

Stop by Sunday, Nov 12 from 2 to 5 PM for tastings and, of course, the delicious hot dogs.

Snappy Dogs helps Pour Richard's celebrate

Photos from the first visit in Feb 2013:




The June 2013 link can be found here
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/open-for-business.html

More about Snappy Dogs on their webpage   http://www.snappydogs.com/

More about Pour Richard's on their webpage   https://pourrichardswine.com/

15 Years Strong: The Franklin Downtown Partnership Works Toward Vision of Revitalized Downtown Center

Franklin Downtown Partnership celebrates!

It began with a few business owners, some community leaders, a town employee, and several Franklin residents who wanted to revitalize downtown Franklin’s development, help recreate the town center as a destination, and help stimulate economic growth.

Fifteen years, three new mixed-use buildings, 25 beautification days, three greenspace areas, new benches, new trash barrels, one bronze statue, nearly 40 events and downtown strolls, one Streetscape and Roadway Improvement plan, and 200 members later, the Franklin Downtown Partnership is planning even more collaborations and improvements in the heart of Franklin. 

“It’s truly all about the word ‘Partnership.’ Our goal has always been to stimulate economic growth by bringing community groups, the town, businesses and residents together and putting ideas to work that improve our downtown,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. 

“We’ve worked on impactful projects behind the scenes; things that have cultural, beautification and historical importance and improve the quality of life in town.”

East Central Street furniture building, 2005.

Over time, many people have forgotten the 

dilapidated furniture store building on East Central Street, which is now the home of The Cake Bar, Maguro House and Dean College student housing. Others have forgotten the abandoned rental car lot on West Central Street across from THE BLACK BOX and Mac City. That location is now commuter parking and greenspace.

Franklin Commons building, East Central Street, 2015.

Strawberry Stroll, 2007, West Central Street greenspace.

Projects like these illustrate the non-profit Partnership’s mission – to stimulate economic development; to bring residents, business owners, and community leaders together; to encourage cooperation; and to provide leadership for the purpose of revitalizing downtown Franklin. 

“We started with the main belief that a strong, thriving downtown is the heart and soul of Franklin. Interestingly, we have a lot of members who are not downtown businesses who understand that. The connections we create make the difference. It has taken all of these people coming together over the past 15 years that make the Partnership work,” says Jane Curran, a founding FDP board member. 

In 2001, the group started with only eight members. By 2015 the organization had grown to nearly 200 member businesses, groups and residents. Many of those have been members for more than 10 years. In the past 15 years the FDP has had a hand in at least 25 projects (see related article). 

“In that time I’ve seen the organization grow to 200 members, and I’m very proud of the way we work cohesively together on to these important projects,” says Nicole Fortier, FDP President for the past 12 1/2 years.  “Positive changes require great ideas, countless volunteer hours, and, often times, funding and support from our town council and state representatives, and we’ve been very successful in leading these collaborations.”

Franklin Town Administrator Jeff Nutting says in 2001 the Town Council made the revitalization of the town center a priority and began working with the FDP. According to Nutting, the Partnership has played an important role in the overall economic development of Franklin. 

A flurry of new building on East Central and Summer streets, greenspace installations, downtown gateway signs, and creation of a statue in front of the Historical Museum in the early 2000s slowed when the U.S. economy struggled beginning in 2007. The Partnership continued to hold seasonal events downtown as a way for the community to socialize and to draw interest to the area. The group also solicited members’ ideas and opinions about the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement project. 

Park and statue at Franklin Historical Museum

When road construction is completed in late summer, downtown Franklin will be safer for pedestrians and have a more welcoming appearance. 

“During construction our main focus is on supporting the businesses that are downtown today. We currently meet with town officials every two weeks to keep members up to date. We are planning another progressive dinner and new ways to bring people into the center of town,” says Lisa Piana. 

The group is also making a strategic plan for life after two-way traffic and working on aesthetic improvements, including banners for the light poles. Organizers are busy planning the annual events as well. 

The Partnership’s Strawberry Stroll will happen June 9, the October Stroll will be October 6 and the Holiday Stroll is set for December 1. The group is lining up networking events and guest speaker presentations, and will also lend support to the Franklin Cultural District Committee’s Summer Arts Festival in July. 

Volunteers, Senator Spilka at Summer Street ribbon cutting ceremony.

(L to R) Jim Vallee, Jeff Nutting, Jane Curran, Lisa Piana
with gateway signage downtown Franklin.

The Partnership and the Town of Franklin both agree that the finished downtown project will attract more private investment to the area.

“A vibrant downtown is a core value of a community. People identify with a nice downtown, one that’s an attractive place to socialize, dine out, and do business. An improved downtown improves rents, and improved rents improve the town’s bottom line,” says Town Administrator Nutting.  

“We’ll still have challenges,” he continues. “Parking is one we’re continually working on; it’s a problem faced by every downtown. The future of Franklin is about redevelopment of old warehouses and manufacturing space, and upgrading buildings downtown. We just have to keep going. People still need a social network, service needs, unique places to shop. The challenge is finding the right mix of businesses that will do well in downtown Franklin, and the Partnership can help us do that.”

 According to Fortier, when the streetscape project is completed this summer and traffic flow is improved, the downtown will be much closer to what the Partnership envisioned many years ago. 

“We’ll be able to feel the change in downtown Franklin,” says Fortier. “As an organization, the Partnership will continue to drive foot traffic to the center of town and invite interesting and unique businesses and restaurants to move here. We’re not done.”

The Partnership invites residents and business owners to participate in discussions about what they would like to see in their downtown. The group relies on sponsorship, membership dues and donations to fund events and oversee projects. Resident memberships are $25, and business memberships start as low as $100.  

• This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage here

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/08/franklin-downtown-partnership.html

Note: by way of disclosure, I hold a resident membership with the Franklin Downtown Partnership.

In the News: charter review possible, Sons of Italy celebrate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Town Council is considering another attempt at a town charter review.
The council at its prior meeting charged town staff with gathering the information, a process that Deputy Town Administrator Jamie Hellen said is under way. 

"We're trying to collect the reports and recommendations, which include those made by the 2010 and 1995 commissions," he said. "(They) usually put together reports that included suggestions made - which ones they felt made sense and which ones they didn't."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160803/franklin-personnel-examining-past-charter-review-efforts

"The Quattro Eroi Lodge No. 1414 Order Sons of Italy in America, of Franklin, will celebrate its 90th anniversary on Sept. 24 at the Coachman’s Lodge, 273 Wrentham Road, Bellingham. 

There will be a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m. with a full-course dinner to follow. Dancing will take place until 11 p.m. 

Music will be provided by Power Play of Hudson. Dinner will include roasted chicken, baked stuffed filet of sole with lobster Newburg sauce, and roast beef served family style."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160803/quattro-eroi-lodge-to-celebrate-90th-anniversary

Franklin High School Class of 1966 - 50th Anniversary

Franklin High School Class of 1966 is busy with preparations for the 50th anniversary of their graduation. The class reunion will be held the weekend of June 3, 2016, and will include attending the graduation ceremony of the Class of 2016 on June 3. 

There will be additional gatherings after graduation on Friday evening, and on Saturday and Sunday. Committee members will be mailing “Save the Date” notices in January and information about registering for specific reunion activities in February. 

The Class of 1966 Reunion Committee includes: Sandy DiCamillo Fitzpatrick, Dottie Vendetti Leoncavallo, Cynthia DiPietro Douglas, Marion Fricker Jennings, Jean Ellen Keras, Janet Miller Robinson, and Peter Baglioni.

If you would like more information about the class reunion, please contact Franklin Public Schools Lifelong Learning Institute at 508-553-4814 or email at: alumni@franklin.k12.ma.us.

community entrance at Franklin High School

Thanks for a Great 1st Season at THE BLACK BOX!

Dear Friend of FPAC, Thank you for being a part of our exciting first season at THE BLACK BOX! We are grateful for the tremendous support of our audiences and patrons this inaugural year as we celebrated the grand opening of Franklin Performing Arts Company's new home and multi-purpose theater, music and event venue. With the enthusiastic participation of our community, we have accomplished great things in so short a time: Recognized among some of the finest cultural organizations statewide in 2015, FPAC was awarded a prestigious $220,000 capital grant for THE BLACK BOX by the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund. FPAC's production season expanded to include five musicals and three plays, including such iconic book musicals as Peter Pan and The Music Man; an original, experimental musical, Zero; and such through-provoking dramatic works as Nobel Poet Laureate Harold Pinter's The Dumbwaiter. THE BLACK BOX quickly established itself as a key suburban hub for great music with the launch of Children's, Jazz, Cabaret, New England Artists and Local Artists Series. Featuring prominent Boston area musicians and entertainers with local roots, THE BLACK BOX welcomed such diverse artists as Jamie Barrett, Ayla Brown, Brothers McCann, and the Kenny Hadley Big Band. THE BLACK BOX hosted Broadway stars Tyler Hanes and Sara Jean Ford and the NYC-based Joffrey Ballet Concert Group for Artist-in-Residence weekends featuring masterclasses and performances demonstrating FPAC's sustained commitment to quality creative expression and youth development in the arts. Tony Award winner Beth Leavel and Broadway's Alexander Gemignani headlined FPAC's Grand Opening Gala at THE BLACK BOX, bringing the magic of 42nd Street to our suburban MetroWest audiences! FPAC's 8th annual Whatever Theater Festival, featuring free performances of One Acts at THE BLACK BOX and Shakespeare on the Common, was presented this year as part of the first annual Franklin Cultural Festival, showcasing the greater Franklin arts community for a week of cultural events on multiple stages throughout the town's proposed Cultural District. With great pride and anticipation, we look forward to kicking off FPAC's milestone 25th season and ringing in the first anniversary of our downtown performing arts venue.  We hope you will join us for many events this upcoming year, beginning with Neil Simon's Pulitzer Prize-winning Lost in Yonkers on September 25-27 and FPAC's 2015 Gala celebration on October 3, as we together sustain a thriving cultural center for our region! Warmest regards, Raye Lynn Mercer Executive Director Franklin Performing Arts Company

Franklin Performing Arts Company uses Vendini for ticketing, marketing, and box office management.

Franklin Performing Arts Company - PO Box 16, Franklin, MA, 02038, (508) 528-8668
Vendini, Inc. - 660 Market Street, San Francisco, CA, 94104, 1 (800) 901-7173

View as a web page.

“We’re now able to give students more opportunities"

In its early years, Dean College’s campus covered only one plot, consisting of four buildings, the grandest of which, Dean Hall, still stands. 

The college has a much larger footprint in downtown Franklin now, but officials say its mission has remained as humble as when founder Oliver Dean first received state approval for a charter 150 years ago. 

“We try to meet students where they are to get them where they want to go,” said John Marcus, vice president of enrollment services and marketing. 

Dean Hall on the Dean College campus

All this year, Dean will look back on its history in Franklin during a celebration of its 150th anniversary. College officials have compiled a collection of artifacts, newspaper clippings, photographs and mementos chronicling Dean’s growth.

Continue reading the Milford Daily News article here: http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20150221/NEWS/150229275/1994/NEWS#sthash.xJ19bqTn.dpuf

40th Anniversary Celebration - St Mary's - June 8th

On June 8, 2014, the Parish of Saint Mary in Franklin is privileged to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of ordination to the priesthood of two members of the Parish clergy. Pastor Brian T. Manning and Parochial Vicar John L. Sullivan will be jointly celebrating this significant event. 

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Mary’s Church. Concelebrating the Mass will be Reverend Manning, principal celebrant, Reverend Sullivan, homilist, and Reverend Anthony V. Le, as well as numerous priests from throughout the Archdiocese of Boston and other friends of the celebrants. 

The liturgy will include music directed Mr. Terrance Kerr, Parish Music Director, with participation by the St. Mary Adult choir and the Children’s choir. A String Quartet and Trumpet will accompany the choirs. Music literature will include the Adult Choir singing “Laudate Dominum” by Mozart, and the Children’s Choir singing “Shall We Gather at the River” by Robert Lowry. 

Following the Mass of Thanksgiving, there will be a reception on the parish grounds. Parishioners, as well as the families and friends of the celebrants, will be in attendance.

St Mary's Church, Franklin

Additional information on St Mary's Parish can be found on their webpage

http://www.stmarysfranklin.org/

Solar Anniversary Celebration - rescheduled

If you wanted to help celebrate the 1 year anniversary of the solar panels at the First Universalist Society of Franklin and stayed indoors due to the changeable weather on Sunday, you didn't miss anything.

Solar Anniversary Celebration poster

The event was rescheduled to Sunday, March 17th at 11:45 AM.

Maybe the luck of the Irish will bring better weather to celebrate the solar installation!



Want to check on how much energy their system has created?
https://enlighten.enphaseenergy.com/public/systems/vGRK57403

Things to do - many choices

Sunrise Montessori Spring Fair
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/reminder-sunrise-montessori-school.html

The Cake Bar grand opening
Franklin Art Center One Year Anniversary
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/exciting-saturday-downtown-franklin-may.html

Horace Mann Destination Imagination Fund raiser - Panera Bread
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/franklin-destination-imagination-group.html

Cub Scouts shoe recycling
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/05/cub-scouts-to-franklin-residents-if.html

Franklin Art Center 1 year anniversary and art opening

Franklin Art Center CREATIVITY     CULTURE     COMMUNITY SOLO SHOWING Orfeo Fabbri - Solo Opening Reception May 5th Please join us for the opening reception of Orfeo Fabbri May 5th at the Franklin Art Center from 5-8pm. Orfeo is an award winning artist living and working on Cape Cod while studying at the Rhode Island School of Design. His work has been described as having a "…very strong, saturated color and powerful compositions, sometimes including mixed media. His techniques include extensive use of the palette knife, thus his surfaces have the strength of an impasto surface" -Melissa J. Woringer, Art Consultant See more of Orfeo's work at: www.OrfeoFabbri.com The Encounter May 5 - June 10, 2012 Orfeo has studied with some of Cape Cod's finest artists. He is a juried artist member of the Cape Cod Art Association and the Provincetown Art Association & Museum. In May (2009) he was awarded First Place in oil/acrylic by the Cape Cod Art Association for his piece, Sunday Afternoon, in the All Cape Cod Artist Juried Exhibit. Orfeo's work is included in private and corporate collections. For more infor mation contact Franklin Art Center atfranklinartcenter@gmail.com. Or call 508 887-2797. You're receiving this newsletter because you are also member of the FAA