If it is Tuesday, it must be time for

• 5 PM to 7 PM -> 

The first stop of the Arts & Culture Listening Tour - at Dean College, More details on the event -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/02/youre-invited-to-franklin-arts-culture.html

• 6 PM to 8 PM -> 

Franklin Public Schools seeks public input on proposed options amid redistricting analysis process (also a virtual event is scheduled for March 13, same information both nights) -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/franklin-public-schools-seeks-public.html

• 7 PM -> 

Community Preservation Committee review the proposed FY 2024 budget for allocation of the CPA funds for projects - Agenda and supporting materials ->    https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/community-preservation-committee.html

• 7 PM ->

Peonies: Love of My Life presentation hosted by the Franklin Garden Club at the Franklin Public Library - additional details ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/03/reminder-peonies-love-of-my-life-march.html

If it is Tuesday, it must be time for

Reminder: “Peonies: Love of My Life” - March 7 at 7 PM

The Franklin Garden Club, in conjunction with the Franklin Public Library, will co-sponsor a program on “Peonies: Love of My Life” on Tuesday, March 7, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program, open to the public free of charge, will be presented by Christine Paxhia, an expert in growing peonies. This presentation features information on the history of peonies and how to select, install, care for and divide these beautiful and much-loved plants.  In addition, there will be a colorful photographic showcase of the many different varieties and types of peonies. Handouts will be available.

Paxhia has been a Massachusetts Master Gardener since 2012. Her appreciation and admiration for “growing things” started as a child on woodland hikes with her mother. At the age of ten she saw her first peony; today her Milton home garden is filled with 38 varieties (and growing!). 

A member of the Milton Garden Club, Christine is a Garden Club of America Photography Judge. She is the MMGA’s Project Manager for the Fletcher Steele Garden, Milton, which is home to an impressive peony collection. Christine is a graduate of the MMGA Speakers Bureau Training Program.

Image shared from Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/p/CpSsxSeJJMS/

Reminder: “Peonies: Love of My Life” - March 7 at 7 PM

“Peonies: Love of My Life” - March 7 at 7 PM

The Franklin Garden Club, in conjunction with the Franklin Public Library, will co-sponsor a program on “Peonies: Love of My Life” on Tuesday, March 7, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program, open to the public free of charge, will be presented by Christine Paxhia, an expert in growing peonies. This presentation features information on the history of peonies and how to select, install, care for and divide these beautiful and much-loved plants.  In addition, there will be a colorful photographic showcase of the many different varieties and types of peonies. Handouts will be available.

 Paxhia has been a Massachusetts Master Gardener since 2012. Her appreciation and admiration for “growing things” started as a child on woodland hikes with her mother. At the age of ten she saw her first peony; today her Milton home garden is filled with 38 varieties (and growing!). 

A member of the Milton Garden Club, Christine is a Garden Club of America Photography Judge. She is the MMGA’s Project Manager for the Fletcher Steele Garden, Milton, which is home to an impressive peony collection. Christine is a graduate of the MMGA Speakers Bureau Training Program.

“Peonies: Love of My Life” - March 7 at 7 PM

Franklin Downtown Partnership Announces 2023 Events and Meeting Dates

The dates for Franklin Downtown Partnership events and meetings during 2023 have been set.

The Strawberry Stroll is scheduled for Fri., June 9, with a rain date of Sat., June 10. Join us for delicious strawberry shortcake in an old-fashioned block party in downtown Franklin!

Our largest event of the year, the Harvest Festival, is set for Sat., Sept. 30, with a rain date of Sun., Oct. 1. Celebrate the fall on the closed-off streets of downtown Franklin with all your neighbors.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

“We are so happy to present our signature events and welcome all our Franklin residents to celebrate our community,” said Franklin Downtown Partnership Executive Director Lisa Piana. “We are so thankful to our Franklin businesses, volunteers and sponsors who make these events possible.”

General meetings of the Partnership are scheduled on April 6, June 1, Sept. 7 and Nov. 2. Meetings begin at 8:30 AM at Dean College, Dr. Paula Rooney Student Center on the second floor in the Golder Room.

The Partnership works with the Franklin Garden Club to deck out the downtown with seasonal decorations. The 2023 Spring/Summer Beautification Day is scheduled for  Sat., May 20. The Autumn/Winter Beautification Day is Sat., Nov. 18. Groups are encouraged to volunteer and high school community service hours are available.

Sponsors are needed for the Partnership’s 2023 events. Please contact the Partnership office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com if you’re interested in sponsorship.

The Partnership reminds residents to shop local to support our Franklin businesses. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of more than 360 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area.  

Visit the Franklin Downtown Partnership for more info or to join ->

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/

Reminder: Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements - Dec 3

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths and cemetery arrangements on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Daddario Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold  on Instagram beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities.

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens, as will the cemetery boxes.  All items will be reasonably priced from $25 - $40.  The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $40.

Payment for the wreaths and centerpieces may be made through credit card, check, cash, or Venmo.

Club Co-Presidents Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club." 

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.    https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements - Dec 3

The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths and cemetery arrangements on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Daddario Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram beginning December 17. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma. The sales will benefit several different club activities.

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens, as will the cemetery boxes.  All items will be reasonably priced from $25 - $40.  The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $40.

Payment for the wreaths and centerpieces may be made through credit card, check, cash, or Venmo.

Club Co-Presidents Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club." 

All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.    https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements 

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on "Gardening with Dahlias" - Oct 4

The Franklin Garden Club, in conjunction with the Franklin Public Library, will co-sponsor a program on “Gardening with Dahlias” on Tuesday, October 4, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program, open to the public free of charge, will be presented by Betsy Szymczak of Natick, MA, an expert in growing dahlias and begonias. This presentation features information on the history of dahlias, how to select dahlia tubers, where to plant, how to water and fertilize, and when to stake. Handouts will be available.

Szymczak is an avid outdoor vegetable and flower gardener who has a relatively small suburban yard. She started growing dahlias 10 years ago. Today, she is a member of the American Dahlia Society (ADS), as well as the Rhode Island, Connecticut and New England Dahlia Societies. She is an ADS candidate judge
In addition to growing dahlias, she also grows begonias. Eight years ago, she joined the Buxton Branch of the American Begonia Society (ABS). 

This diverse genus of plants, not native to North America, quickly became another plant passion that satisfied her need to garden year-round. She is an ABS certified begonia judge and was recently named ABS Judging Co-Chair. Szymczak has judged begonia sections at the Philadelphia and Boston Flower shows and is a student judge for the Gesneriad Society. She also volunteers at the Lyman Estate Greenhouses. 

Szymczak recently retired from 35+ years of teaching clinical microbiology at several Boston area colleges and universities.

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on "Gardening with Dahlias" - Oct 4

Franklin Garden Club September Program Open to New Members - Sep 6

The Franklin Garden Club will begin its 2022-2023 season on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, with a meeting at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel Cahill Street, from 7:00 – 9:00 PM.   An informal social get-together will take place from 6:30 – 7:00 PM. followed by a presentation on the coming year’s programs and a fall wreath making workshop. The meeting is open to the public, including those interested in becoming a member. 

Club Co-Presidents Janet Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “The Garden Club, founded in 1987, offers many educational programs, and one does not have to be a Master Gardener to join. Meetings provide a wonderful opportunity to learn about various aspects of gardening from experts and to exchange information with fellow members. We welcome anyone who is interested to attend the first meeting to learn more about the Club and planned activities.” 

The wreath making workshop will enable members to make fall wreaths that will be sold at the Franklin Farmers Market Garden Club Booth on October 14.  Supplies will be provided.  

In addition to the September 6 meeting, this year’s programming schedule includes: 

• October 4: Gardening with Dahlias
• November 1: Creating Cornucopia Arrangements
• December 6: Making Soap Embedded with Flowers for Gifts
• February 7: Handmade Paper Floral Designs
• March 7:  Growing and Caring for Peonies
• April 4: Drought Tolerant Gardening and Landscaping
• May 2: Meeting at White Owl Farm
• June 6: Year End Social

Club community service activities include planting and maintenance of the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsorship of an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distribution of pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.     

Visit their webpage for more information ->  https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

Franklin Garden Club

Volunteers needed for Beautification Day - May 21

Volunteers are needed for the Franklin Downtown Partnership and Franklin Garden Club's annual Beautification Day in downtown Franklin and the Town Common on the morning of Saturday, May 21.

Dozens of volunteers are needed to help plant red, white and blue flowers on the downtown bridges and in barrels in front of businesses. Volunteers with trucks are also needed to help pick up trays of flowers at Fairmount Fruit Farm, 887 Lincoln St., Franklin. Community service hours are available to students needing volunteer opportunities.

If you can volunteer, please email Beautification Chair Eileen Mason at emason4234@gmail.com.

We appreciate the support of these sponsors who make the beautification efforts in the downtown Franklin possible. Platinum sponsors are Chaffee Property Group, Inc., Doherty, Dugan, Cannon, Raymond & Weil, P.C., RI Motorsports and Detail, and Eileen Mason of ReMax Real Estate. Gold sponsors are D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Dean Bank, and Encore Music Academy And Recording Studios. The silver sponsor is Safford Insurance.

Shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership page

https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2022/04/beautification-day-may-21.html

Volunteers needed for Beautification Day - May 21

Reminder: Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5

The Franklin Garden Club, in conjunction with the Franklin Public Library, will co-sponsor a program on “Easy Rose Care” on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program, open to the public free of charge, will be presented by Teresa Mosher, one of the leading garden and rose consultants in New England.  This presentation features information on uncovering winter protected roses, pruning various types, planting, fertilizing and choosing hardy roses.  Photos from Mosher’s highly regarded Zone 5 garden in Methuen are incorporated into the presentation.  Handouts will be available.

Mosher is past President of the New England Rose Society, a Horticulture Rose Judge and Master Rosarian for the American Rose Society.  An avid gardener for more than 40 years, she cares for and maintains 42 flower beds, over 200 roses, more than 1500 perennials, shrubs and trees in her garden.  She has served as a past Judge in Floral Design and Horticulture for the Massachusetts Garden Federation and has designed and maintained gardens in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Mosher has garnered numerous awards, including the Bronze Honor Medal for Outstanding Service, 2012 – New England Rose Society; Outstanding Horticulture Judge, 2016 - Yankee District, American Rose Society; and Outstanding Consulting Rosarian, 2018- Yankee District, American Rose Society.  She has served as President of the New England Rose Society - 2012-2019 and vice president – 2011-2012. She is a member of several rose organizations, including the Hybridizers Rose Association, Heritage Rose Foundation, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Massachusetts Garden Study Council and Landscape Design Council.

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5

 

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5

The Franklin Garden Club, in conjunction with the Franklin Public Library, will co-sponsor a program on “Easy Rose Care” on Tuesday, April 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Library, 118 Main Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program, open to the public free of charge, will be presented by Teresa Mosher, one of the leading garden and rose consultants in New England.  This presentation features information on uncovering winter protected roses, pruning various types, planting, fertilizing and choosing hardy roses.  Photos from Mosher’s highly regarded Zone 5 garden in Methuen are incorporated into the presentation.  Handouts will be available.

Mosher is past President of the New England Rose Society, a Horticulture Rose Judge and Master Rosarian for the American Rose Society.  An avid gardener for more than 40 years, she cares for and maintains 42 flower beds, over 200 roses, more than 1500 perennials, shrubs and trees in her garden.  She has served as a past Judge in Floral Design and Horticulture for the Massachusetts Garden Federation and has designed and maintained gardens in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Mosher has garnered numerous awards, including the Bronze Honor Medal for Outstanding Service, 2012 – New England Rose Society; Outstanding Horticulture Judge, 2016 - Yankee District, American Rose Society; and Outstanding Consulting Rosarian, 2018- Yankee District, American Rose Society.  She has served as President of the New England Rose Society - 2012-2019 and vice president – 2011-2012. She is a member of several rose organizations, including the Hybridizers Rose Association, Heritage Rose Foundation, Massachusetts Horticultural Society, and Massachusetts Garden Study Council and Landscape Design Council.

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Easy Rose Care - Apr 5

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Gorgeous Gardens - March 1

The Franklin Garden Club and Medway Garden Club will co-sponsor a program on “Gorgeous Gardens of New England” on Tuesday, March 1, at 7:00 PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  

The program will be presented by Joanne Pearson of Fair Haven Photographs and is open to the public at no charge.  It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of some of the finest gardens in New England.  This presentation features a slideshow of public and private gardens in our region. Pearson will share the fascinating history of these gardens and some valuable tips on garden design and techniques for photographing flowers and gardens.

Pearson has been a professional photographer for over 25 years. Prior to her career as a photographer, she was a registered landscape architect in the state of Massachusetts where she practiced for 12 years, including 4 years at the renowned multi-disciplinary firm, Sasaki, headquartered in Watertown, Ma. 

Her photographs of gardens, landscapes and people have been featured in numerous magazines, books and calendars. Among them are Yankee, Vermont Life, Mahoney Publishing, BrownTrout Publishers Inc., Willow Creek Press, Vermont Illustrating LLC, Farm and Ranch Living, Country, Offshore, Insight Guides and Lonely Planet. She is the solo photographer for Mahoney Publishing’s “Flowers and Gardens of New England”. She photographs interiors, exteriors, gardens, lifestyle and food for inns and resorts throughout New England for their websites and collateral print marketing. Joanne regularly lectures on gardens and photography seeking to inspire and educate her audiences with her beautifully illustrated presentations. 

Joanne Pearson of Fair Haven Photographs

Reminder: Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design - Feb 1, 2022

The Franklin Garden Club will sponsor a program on “Interior Plant Landscape Design“ on Tuesday, February 1, at 7:00 p.m. at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street, Franklin, MA.  The program will be presented by Bellingham resident Jen Kuse, who is experienced in designing indoor and outdoor plantscapes and gardens for both private homes and commercial buildings. She also oversees the highly successful Franklin Food Pantry community garden.  The program is open to the public at no charge.  

Kuse’s presentation will include the following topics: information on the benefits of plants, including tropical plants, the most commonly used interior plants; examples of plants that do the best indoors; conditions and care required for plants; how to deal with common diseases and pest problems; organic methods for integrated pest management; basic design ideas for the home and office; and where to obtain tropical plants.  The program will include an opportunity to obtain plants used in the presentation with proceeds going to the Franklin Food Pantry.

Kuse, a graduate of Dean College, has more than 25 years of experience in designing plantscapes and gardens, primarily through her affiliation with the Interiorscapes Division of Central Nurseries of Johnston, RI 

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring an annual scholarship, distributing pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.       

 

Franklin Garden Club Features Program on Interior Plant Landscape Design  - Feb 1, 2022

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements - Dec 4

 (in person) The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths on Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

(online) In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram from December 6 – 20. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma (https://www.instagram.com/franklingardenclubma/). The sales will benefit several different club activities.

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens.  They will be reasonably priced from $25 - $35.  The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $25.

Payment for the wreaths and centerpieces may be made through credit card, check, cash, or Venmo.

Club Co-Presidents Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club. All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.   https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements

(in person) The Franklin Garden Club will sell decorated holiday wreaths on Saturday, December 4 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM at Daddario’s Hardware Store, 528 West Central Street, Franklin, MA.  

(online) In addition, holiday fresh floral arrangements will be sold on Instagram from December 6 – 20. The Franklin Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma (https://www.instagram.com/franklingardenclubma/). The sales will benefit several different club activities.

The real wreaths will be decorated in a variety of colors and styles and will include eye-catching bows and other ornamentation. Many will include a variety of greens.  They will be reasonably priced from $25 - $35.  The floral arrangements, created with fresh flowers and greens, will feature either holiday or winter themes and will be priced from $15 - $25.

Payment for the wreaths and centerpieces may be made through credit card, check, cash, or Venmo.

Club Co-Presidents Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “We are very excited to offer area residents the opportunity to purchase beautiful holiday wreaths and arrangements created by members of the Franklin Garden Club.  This will help those who may not have the time to decorate their own wreaths or make arrangements, while also assisting the Club. All proceeds will benefit Garden Club activities, including the Club scholarship, pine tree seedling program for elementary school students, some of the Franklin Common and library plantings, and education programs open to the public. 

The Franklin Garden Club is a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts.   https://www.gcfm.org/franklin-garden-club

 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Decorated Holiday Wreaths and Arrangements 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24

The Franklin Garden Club will sell real and artificial fall arrangements at the Friday, September 24, Franklin Farmers Market from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. 

Small succulents will also be sold in painted pots.  The arrangements, made by Garden Club members, will be in containers reflecting traditional fall colors of bronze, gold, orange and black and will be reasonably priced from $5 - $10.  

It is a great opportunity to purchase flowers for yourself or to give as gifts to others.  Proceeds from the sale will benefit Garden Club activities that include planting and caring for the Town Common Garden and urns at the Franklin Library, as well as sponsoring the pine tree sapling program and an annual scholarship. 

Franklin Garden Club to Sell Flowers at Farmers Market - Sep 24

Franklin Garden Club Seeks Speakers

The Franklin Garden Club is seeking to involve more community residents in its programs by offering residents with expertise in particular aspects of gardening the opportunity to present at one of the club’s monthly meetings.  Participants will receive a stipend for their presentations.

Club Co-Chairs Janice Cederquist and Mary Anne Dean stated, “The Garden Club recognizes that there are many area residents who are very knowledgeable about garden-related topics including, but not limited to, growing successful vegetable or flower gardens; using herbs in a variety of ways; maintaining healthy gardens; cultivating specific perennials, annuals, or house plants; designing floral arrangements; and creating landscape gardens.  We invite them to contact us about information they could share with Garden Club members.”  Those interested should send an email to franklingardenclubma@gmail.com.

In addition to its monthly programs, the Garden Club supports several service activities including planting and maintaining  the Franklin Town Common gardens and the planters at the Franklin Library, sponsoring  an annual scholarship awarded to a high school graduate, distributing  pine tree seedlings in the elementary schools, and sponsoring special projects with other community organizations. The Franklin Garden Club, founded in 1987, became a member of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts in 2015.  

   

Franklin Garden Club Seeks Speakers

Franklin Garden Club: Virtual Gift Basket Sale through December 19

The Franklin Garden Club is holding a virtual gift basket auction from December 17 -  December 19 through its Facebook and Instagram sites where there are full descriptions of each basket.  

The gift basket themes include: projects for quilters;  food and other goodies to enjoy around a campfire; holiday ornaments, candles and candy; kitchen accessories;  women’s accessories; and creative nature projects for children. They may be purchased through the garden club Facebook page and Instagram account.  

The Facebook page is called Franklin Garden Club – Massachusetts @franklinmagardenclub  (or direct link = https://www.facebook.com/franklinmagardenclub). 

The Garden Club Instagram handle is @franklingardenclubma  (or direct link = https://www.instagram.com/franklingardenclubma). 

Online payment options will be available. 

 

Franklin Garden Club:   Virtual Gift Basket Sale through December 19

Celebrating Downtown Franklin and Beyond This Winter

On Saturday, Nov. 21, members of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, Franklin Garden Club, and resident volunteers will decorate downtown Franklin for the holidays with wreaths, greenery and bows provided by Hillside Nurseries. Volunteers will work from 9 AM to noon. The rain date is Nov. 22. Please email emason4234@gmail.com if you are able to volunteer to dress up the downtown for the holidays!

All volunteers will wear masks and maintain appropriate social distancing, said Eileen Mason, chair of the beautification efforts in downtown. 

“We really appreciate the efforts of all our volunteers and the DPW to decorate the area,”  said Mason. “Please come to downtown Franklin to shop for your holiday presents and enjoy the decorations,” said Mason. 

In addition to downtown decorations, the FDP is inviting everyone to participate in “Light Up Downtown Franklin and Beyond” with lights and winter decorations in downtown businesses and beyond from Nov. 21 to March 1. Thank you to the sponsors of this event: Platinum Sponsor Dean Bank, Gold Sponsors Fenton Financial Group and Keefe Insurance Agency, and Silver Sponsor Station 117 Apartments.

“We want to emphasize the importance of shopping local and supporting Franklin businesses this winter season,” said Roberta Trahan, vice president of the FDP. “Our local businesses are so important to our town and we want to make sure they thrive during these difficult times.”

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit, 501©3 organization made up of nearly 300 business owners, community leaders and residents working to stimulate economic development downtown and create a positive impact throughout the area. Go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/ for more information.

The Town Common decorated in Dec 2019