Get a bonus amount added with a purchase of a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card on Saturday

A special for 3 hours on Saturday at Dean Bank will be an addition of $10 to a $50 gift card (limit 2 per customer).

The gift card that gives more when spent in Franklin gets even better!

Get a bonus amount added with a purchase of a #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card on Saturday

You're Invited! #ThinkFranklinFirst (2/26), Community Conversation (3/5) FY2025 Grant recipients (3/13)

Community Conversations + A Celebration!

Springing into Arts & Culture

Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy Think Franklin First Gift Card Program Art Pharmacy in Franklin Franklin Cultural Volunteer & Grant Recipient Reception Call for Artists

FEBRUARY 26TH | 7 PM DEAN BANK By attending this event, you'll discover how your business can become a participating merchant, the benefits of joining the program, and how to maximize your exposure to local consumers. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and contribute to the growth of Franklin's local economy. Click here for more info + to RSVP

MARCH 5TH | 12-2 PM, Black Box Theater We're thrilled to welcome Michael Bobbitt (Mass Cultural Council) & Emily Devlin (Art Pharmacy) as we explore how Art Pharmacy—a nationally recognized program—will support substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment & recovery in our community.⁠ This is your chance to get involved and help bring this initiative to life!⁠ ⁠ 🔹 Learn how Art Pharmacy will impact Franklin⁠ 🔹 Discover partnership opportunities⁠ 🔹 Explore the role of arts in mental health & social connection⁠ Click here for more info + RSVP

MARCH 13TH | SAVE THE DATE Thursday, March 13th, 7-8:30pm | A night to honor our FY2025 grant recipients and our Franklin cultural volunteers Dean College | Guidrey Center in the Paula Rooney Student Center. Our reception is free and open to the public. Click here to RSVP

Read more on the Town of Franklin website under the Department of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy. Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

Think Franklin First | A Community Re Introduction

Learn how to Accept This Card in Your Business

Attention all Franklin business owners! You're invited to a free informational event to learn how your business can participate in the 'Think Franklin First' gift card program. Join us on February 26th at 7 PM at Dean Bank. The 'Think Franklin First' gift card is a community initiative designed to support our local economy by encouraging residents and visitors to shop locally. These gift cards can be purchased online or at Dean Bank and are accepted at a wide variety of local businesses, shops, and venues, making them the perfect gift while keeping spending within our community. By attending this event, you'll discover how your business can become a participating merchant, the benefits of joining the program, and how to maximize your exposure to local consumers. Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow business owners and contribute to the growth of Franklin's local economy.  Remember, registration is required to attend. We look forward to seeing you there! Sign Up Here   A great way to support our local economy, while providing the flexibility of use! The Think Franklin First Gift Card will be accepted at a wide variety of local businesses, shops, and venues! Makes the perfect gift, all while keeping it local!  Learn More about the Program Have questions? Please email Cory Shea Director of Arts Culture and the Creative Enconomy[cshea@franklinma.gov] Town of Franklin Franklin Culture District | 355 East Central Street | Franklin, MA 02038 US

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 

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

You can support the Franklin Downtown Partnership

Save the Date for June 10 - the Strawberry Stroll returns!

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is currently organizing its annual Strawberry Stroll, set for Friday, June 10, from 4 PM to 8 PM in downtown Franklin. The rain date will be Saturday, June 11 from 4 PM to 8 PM. 

During the Stroll, the Partnership will unveil the Ladybug Cultural and Historical Trail. The Trail uses ladybug sculptures to tie approximately 25 historical and cultural sites together in downtown Franklin.

Also during the Strawberry Stroll, Dean Bank will host “Dancing on Dean” which will feature two local bands on a bandstand at the intersection of Main Street and Dean Avenue. Delicious strawberry shortcakes provided by Dean Bank and Dean College will be sold in front of Dean Bank.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Strawberry Stroll back after a two-year absence because of the pandemic,” said Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We are looking forward to kicking off the summer season with this fun event.”

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For information about sponsorships, contact the Partnership office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com.

 

Harvest Festival - Handicap parking available at Dean Bank (Dean Ave)

Handicap parking during the Oct. 2 Harvest Festival will be available in the Dean Bank parking lot behind the bank from noon to 5 PM

Note: With Main St closed for the Festival, you would need to approach Dean Bank via Dean Ave

Shared from Facebook:   https://facebook.com/franklindowntownpartnership.org/photos/a.256790157835460/1859602564220870/?type=3

Harvest Festival - Handicap parking available at Dean Bank (Dean Ave)

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

To answer a frequently asked question: YES! Think Franklin First Gift Cards are reloadable! Bring your card to our amazing partner, Dean Bank, and add funds anytime! (Cash only!) 

Keep one ready to use in your wallet at all times as a reminder to #ThinkFranklinFirst!  

Status update: we have sold over $47,000 worth of gift cards! Thank you for the support!

Do you have one to spend? Visit www.franklingiftcard.com for a current list of participating businesses!  

Shared from Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/491291672237940/

Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable

Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank

The Hockomock Area YMCA has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Dean Bank for the Y’s annual Reach Out Campaign.

“For almost two decades, Dean Bank has helped our YMCA address the ever-changing needs of our shared community through values-based programming and services.  Dean Bank's philanthropic investments over the years, especially through Reach Out,  have enriched the lives of our neighbors through progressive community impact to meet the often urgent needs of those who face life's unforeseen challenges, and I am deeply grateful for their partnership, engagement, and confidence in our YMCA's mission,” states Hockomock Area YMCA CEO Ed Hurley.

The Reach Out Campaign is a volunteer- and community-driven annual fundraising effort serving as the cornerstone of its philanthropic outreach across the 15 communities the Y serves.

The Hockomock Area YMCA has for decades invited Y members, volunteers, neighbors, partners, collaborators, vendors and friends in the community to join in raising funds to provide confidential scholarship assistance, program subsidies, and essential services for those who are facing challenges in their lives.  

The essence of Reach Out and a cornerstone of the Hockomock Y’s mission is that nobody is turned away because of their inability to pay.

Each contribution to this campaign provides confidential scholarships for those who otherwise could not enjoy a Y experience due to financial struggles. This is an opportunity to feel welcomed as part of the YMCA  family and for kids to enjoy summer camps, swim lessons, and out-of-school child care programs.  

Reach Out also subsidizes mission-driven programs, including our Teen Centers, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, and participation in our Teen Center programming and sports, as examples, designed to address the increasing problem of bullying in and outside of school.

Additionally, Reach Out helps make it possible for our YMCA to deliver essential services to our neighbors experiencing hardships, such as food insecurity, emergency child care during extremely challenging times, and backpacks for kids who cannot afford them at the start of a school year.

In 2020, the Reach Out program provided $1.9 million in confidential scholarships and subsidies, 247,439 grab and go meals, and 25,242 bags of groceries, valued at $50 each. 

The Hockomock Area YMCA is extremely grateful for the long-standing relationship with Dean Bank and for its continued generosity for its mission-driven work.  

For more information please contact Katie Moore at KatieM@hockymca.org or 508.643.5265. 

About Hockomock Area YMCA:
Where Cause Meets Community.  At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

 

Hockomock Area YMCA Awarded Grant From Dean Bank

Another business on the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card listing to visit

Another local business has joined the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card program!  We welcome Lotus Lash to the list of participating businesses! 

Gift cards can be purchased at Dean Bank  right in Downtown Franklin or online at www.franklingiftcard.com 

 

#LocalBusiness #LocaSupport #ItMatters #ShopLocal #SpendLocal

Shared from Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/109645590402552/posts/451347476232360/

You can use the #ThinkFranklinFirst card make your purchase as part of the #ProjectEnvoy eat out/take out, help out effort!

 

Another business on the #thinkfranklinfirst gift card listing to visit

Town of Franklin, MA: Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

"BIG NEWS ALERT! We are excited to announce the upcoming launch of Think Franklin First gift cards!

With the incredible support of Dean Bank & the Random Smile Project, these Franklin-only gift cards will be available for purchase beginning on Wednesday, November 25th.

See more... https://t.co/XQ3RcLIvwj"

"They will be redeemable at a wide variety of local businesses! This economic development initiative is intended to help support our local businesses by directing spending away from competition/online retailers into our local economy, where it makes an important impact"

"especially in these difficult times. Stay tuned for more information as we move towards our official launch date! http://franklingiftcard.com #shoplocal #shoplocalma #ThinkFranklinFirst"

 

Think Franklin First gift cards

Think Franklin First gift cards coming Nov 25

Under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

The Franklin Performing Arts Company is pleased to present You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, October 17-25th under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX! 

With socially distanced staging, Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. The charming music and humorous vignettes brought to life by the beloved Peanuts characters, offer the laughs and entertainment we need right about now!!

Enjoy and all-star FPAC cast including Nick Paone as Snoopy, Katie Gray as Lucy, Austin Davy as Schroeder, Tim Ayres-Kerr as Linus, Ali Funkhouser as Sally, and featuring Julian DiChiara as Charlie Brown.

Directed by Raye Lynn Mercer with musical direction by Hallie Wetzell, the production is creatively staged with the actors socially distanced. Audience seating will be socially distanced and face coverings are required.

GET TICKETS = https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1418

You're a Good Man Charlie Brown is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

Under the Dean Bank Tent at THE BLACK BOX  "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal - Aug 6

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series presents Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal, as an outdoor weekend concert in the theater’s parking lot. Sponsored by Dean Bank.

Singer/Songwriter Britt Connors was born and raised singing in small-town West Boylston, MA before taking her studies to Ithaca College in NY. But, the lure of the talented Boston singer/songwriter scene and the thought that she may someday try her hand at songwriting brought her to Boston in 2001. Her acclaimed 2010 debut “The Bad Side of Good" was released under her maiden name of Britt Sawdon and blended blues, folk, and country with jazz voicings and pop sensibilities. 

By the time she released her second album, "Warmer Season" in 2014, she had met and formed her backing band, "Bourbon Renewal," and had written the songs with that sound in mind, with tunes that are alternately rockin', country, sweet, rootsy, and New-Orleans-street-parade. The record needed its own category, so they started calling it "Y'all-Ternative" music. Britt continued to expand into the band's sound, calling on even more of some of Boston's talented musicians for her 2020 album, "Longitude." On this third record, she slips nimbly and authentically between soulful ballads, pop-rock, and gospel-infused Americana, reminiscent of recent feminist-inspired albums by Sara Bareilles and The Highwomen.


Thursday, August 6, 2020 - 8:00 PM

• For more info and tickets, visit THE BLACK BOX online

https://www.theblackboxonline.com/events.php?id=1391&month=08&year=2020

• What does the outdoor seating look like? Check out this aerial view

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/the-black-box-outdoor-concert-setting.html

THE BLACK BOX Summer Concert Series: Britt Connors and Bourbon Renewal - Aug 6