Applause reopening rescheduled to April 26

"Rain rain go away! 

 

We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring but she is seemingly in no rush. 

 

Applause reopening rescheduled to April 26

Due to the cold temps and heavy rains expected this weekend, we have decided to delay our opening till April 26th to coincide with the @franklindowntownpartnership ladybug trail spring walk! Join us from 12-7 pm on April 26th for our seasonal grand opening where we will be offering ladybug themed sprinkles to commemorate the day!"

 

 

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/reel/DIRHLaKxyOR/

 

 

Spring is approaching, and that means gelato is also available soon! Opening April 12

available soon! Opening April 12

 

"Announcement! 

Gelato season is upon us!!! 

Join us for our seasonal opening on April 12th! #gelato #shopfranklin #shopsmallbusinesses"

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

Please hold that gelato. Applause Franklin closing for Winter season, reopening in Spring

Please hold that gelato desire, reopening in Spring

via Applause Franklin 

"We are closed for the season but will be re-opening on April 11! Stay Warm Franklin!"

Shared from -> https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15XXPbyDuL/

The archives tell us that Applause opened in March 2023, closed for Feb & March in 2024, and reopened in April 2024. This move is inline with what they did previously.

Applause Franklin web site ->   https://www.applausefranklin.com/

Raye Lynn talks about the FSPA 40th Anniversary & the FPAC season underway at THE BLACK BOX (audio)

FM #1308 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1308 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Raye Lynn Mercer, founder and director of the Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) and Artistic/Executive Director of the Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC). We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

 

Our conversation covers 

• 40th anniversary of Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA)

• Franklin Performing Arts Company’s new season

• Fundraising efforts (The Gala, Culinary Cabaret, Golf Tournament, etc.)

• The role of arts & culture in the Franklin economy

The recording runs about 39 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1308-fspa-40th-the-black-box-season-10-23-24/

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Franklin School for the Performing Arts (FSPA) -> https://www.fspaonline.com/ 

Visit Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) online at -> https://fpaconline.com/ 

The audio recording mentions: 38 Years at 38 Main -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2022/09/raye-lynn-mercer-shares-some-stories-of.html 

Fun pathways with Raye Lynn & Susana Cordon -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/09/talking-about-fun-pathways-at-fspa-with.html

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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

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

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"

Raye Lynn talks about the FSPA 40th Anniversary & the FPAC season underway at THE BLACK BOX (audio)

Rockland Trust Hosts Gelato Buyout - Today, first 100 beginning at 3:30 PM at Applause

In honor of “National Do Something Nice Day,” Rockland Trust will host a Gelato Buyout Event at downtown Franklin’s APPLAUSE – Gelato and Unique Finds. 

Rockland Trust Hosts Gelato Buyout 

On Friday, October 4, beginning at 3:30, the first 100 customers can enjoy a small gelato of choice in celebration of random acts of kindness. APPLAUSE, located at 34 Main Street, is an Italian-inspired gelateria. Eight flavors of gelato are served daily with offerings that include Espresso and Affogato combining espresso and gelato for a delicious treat. 

Flavors for the special Rockland Trust event will be Stracciatella, pistachio, mint, birthday cake, strawberry cheesecake, and mango sorbetto. 

“We appreciate this community outreach by our neighbors at Rockland Trust and hope to introduce APPLAUSE to some new members of the community,” proprietor Raye Lynn Mercer notes. “In our downtown block, we promote and encourage kindness as part of our mission at APPLAUSE, Intermission Café, and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. It’s lovely to have a day and an event to celebrate it!”

 

APPLAUSE – Gelato and Unique Finds is located at 34 Main Street in downtown Franklin, MA. 

Applause Fall Hours start Tuesday, September 10

Applause Fall Hours September 10

 

"Seasons are changing and so are our hours! 

Celebrate back to school with a sweet treat from Applause! 

It’s eat gelato in a sweater weather!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C_jbnGdxM2p/

Applause starts summer hours Tuesday, June 11

"We are opening the curtain to our SUMMER HOURS! 

Beginning tomorrow, June 11 we will be open Tuesday through Sunday, 12 PM to 8 PM. 

Come see us as you celebrate your end of school year or take an evening stroll for a post dinner gelato with the family! Summer has arrived and we can’t wait to celebrate with you!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C8Cvrjrx7P6/

Applause starts summer hours Tuesday, June 11

Let's applaud for Applause as they reopen April 4

If you have been craving gelato, then the wait is almost over. We hear from the folks at Applause that they are reopening this week.

"We are BACK beginning Thursday, April 4th! 

Swipe through for our opening week hours and beyond. 

We can’t wait to have you all back for artisan gelato, one of a kind gifts, and so much more…

#applause #gelato #applausegelato #franklin #downtownfranklin #franklinmassachusetts #massachusetts"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C5HJTh6xNZa/

Visit Applause on the web at https://www.applausefranklin.com/

or in person (especially for gelato) on Main St!

Let's applaud for Applause as they reopen April 4

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

Applause announces new hours for Winter

"Starting December 28th, we begin new winter hours! 

Save this post for the next time you’re craving our authentic gelato, Austrian Hot Chocolate, or a sweet treat!"

Applause announces new hours for Winter

 For more about Applause, visit their web page -> https://www.applausefranklin.com/

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/C1FPzZBL7az/

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

Buy Local

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!

Rockland Trust Hosts Gelato Buyout - Oct 5 from 3:30 PM, first 75 get a small gelato of choice

In honor of “National Do Something Nice Day,” Rockland Trust will host a Gelato Buyout Event at downtown Franklin’s APPLAUSE – Gelato and Unique Finds. This afternoon, on October 5, beginning at 3:30, the first 75 customers can enjoy a small gelato of choice in celebration of random acts of kindness. 

APPLAUSE, located at 34 Main Street, is an Italian-inspired gelateria that opened in April of this year. Eight flavors of gelato are served daily with new offerings that include Espresso and Affogato combining espresso and gelato for a delicious treat.

Flavors for the special Rockland Trust event will be fall specials Maple Butter Pecan and Apple Crisp, kid favorite Cookies and Cream, as well as Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Belgian Dark Chocolate, Sea Salt Caramel, Mint Chocolate Chip, and Mango Sorbetto. 

“We appreciate this community outreach by our neighbors at Rockland Trust and hope to introduce APPLAUSE to some new members of the community,” proprietor Raye Lynn Mercer notes. “In our downtown block, we promote and encourage kindness as part of our mission at APPLAUSE, Intermission Café, and the Franklin School for the Performing Arts. It’s lovely to have a day and an event to celebrate it!”

 

APPLAUSE – Gelato and Unique Finds is located at 34 Main Street in downtown Franklin

The gelato flavors are ready to be served 

Applause Gelato cut their ribbon Thursday, opens Saturday, Apr 8 from noon to 4 PM

Applause, the new gelato and one of a kind gift shop, held their ribbon cutting on Thursday with a small but distinguished invitation only event. The official opening will be Saturday afternoon from noon to 4 PM.

Announced during the brief ribbon cutting the hours will be limited initially and as May/June bring more college students home from school, the hours are expected to expand.

Some photos from the ribbon cutting are shared here and additional photos are collected in an album as well.  Album ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/hwwX825KGVgrKHy6A

Raye Lynn Mercer cut the ribbon assisted by  Marcie DiChiara and State Rep Jeff Roy

State Rep Jeff Roy presented a proclamation from the MA House

L - R: State Rep Jeff Roy, Marcie DiChara, Raye Lynn Mercer, Town Administrator Jamie Hellen, Town Council Chair Tom Mercer, Town Councilor Cobi Frongillo

The menu board lists the available gelato flavors

The gelato flavors are ready to be served on Saturday

Applause: Gelato and one of a kind gift shop to open next month in Franklin

Franklin residents are in for a sweet addition to their downtown Main Street this Spring.  Applause, a Gelato Shop and Unique Finds gift store is set to debut at 34 Main Street, the former location of The Spotlight Shop.

This is the first Gelateria to be offered in Franklin, and the only one within a 20-mile radius of the downtown area.  The aim is to offer a true artisan Italian-style Gelato shop in Franklin, featuring flavors that deliver unparalleled texture and taste.  In keeping with Italian tradition, Applause Gelato will offer authentic Gelato perfection in every bite with the use of the finest ingredients from around the world including Real Belgium Chocolate, Italian Nut Paste, Argentine Dulce de Leche, Alphonso Mangos from India, Sicilian Blood Oranges, Madagascar Vanilla, and more.  

The shop will offer eight flavors in rotation including vegan options.  Customers can expect to see classics like Chocolate, Birthday Cake, Cookies and Cream, and Coffee gelato, but also more complex flavor profiles, such as Bourbon Vanilla Apple Crisp, Roasted Banana Dolce de Leche, and Maple Roasted Butter Pecan.

Founder and Franklin resident Raye Lynn Mercer, who is the Director of the neighboring Franklin School for the Performing Arts, is an avid traveler with an affinity for European Culture.  Her 20+ years of annual travel to Europe with her teen sensation music ensemble, Electric Youth, was the impetus for her unique vision to offer an authentic, European dessert experience in the heart of our downtown.  “I hope Applause provides a unique experience for patrons and helps draw visitors to Main Street,” says Mercer.

Perhaps what makes this experience different from any other, is its fusion of artisan Gelato with artisan gifts within a one of kind retail space; a space which incorporates bold colors, eclectic exuberance, and European tradition with a modern flair. From copper ceiling and stools, to modern pendants and beautiful live edge counters, the shop features classic interiors that have been beautifully reimagined for today's taste, with a vibrant traditional European look.  

The concept and design of the space and management of the renovation has been under the direction of Marcie DiChiara and Kylie Bodiya of Franklin.  “It has been a thrilling opportunity to be a part of the creative design team for Applause,” DiChiara notes.  From inception to the final finishing touches, we really strived to created a particularly unique and inviting aesthetic.  I think Franklin residents will be excited to have this new addition in the heart of their downtown.”

Mercer adds, “Our goal is to marry the concept of a Gelateria with a unique, one of a kind global treasures gift shop.  The product offerings in our retail space will be made up of one off, custom curated, and hand-crafted pieces, specially selected for Applause.”  Inspired by her global adventures, her aim is to offer gifts such as jewelry, apparel, home accents and art pieces that are one of a kind, and never duplicated.  Mercer also plans to incorporate some local flair into the mix as well, drawing from local artists and creators who offer unique giftables and artisan treasures.

Applause will celebrate with a formal ribbon cutting by invitation on April 6th and will be featured at the annual Culinary Cabaret at THE BLACK BOX on April 7th.  Doors will open to the public on Saturday, April 8, noon – 4:00 p.m. 

Preliminary spring hours of operation will be Wednesday – Friday, 3:00-7:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m.  When you are welcomed into Applause, whatever you do… don’t call it ice cream!

rendering of "Applause" the new gelato shop downtown