|
Providing accurate and timely information about what matters in Franklin, MA since 2007. * Working in collaboration with Franklin TV and Radio (wfpr.fm) since October 2019 *
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
Wright Old School Chocolate adds Gift Cards
Tuesday, December 20, 2022
Have you seen the Franklin Downtown Partnership Holiday Events and Gift Guide?
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
’Tis the season to spot and avoid gift card scams
|
Monday, March 28, 2022
Senator Rausch talks with Sarah Mabardy (Facebook live - 03/25/22) (video)
Having left Facebook, I try not to encourage folks to go there but in this instance, the 30 min (or so) conversation is worth spending some time with. Senator Becca Rausch prompts Sarah Mabardy to share some great nuggets of info that are well worth implementing (if you haven't already).
For example: Sarah talks about her service orientation, facilitating "word of mouth," and her idea of "everyday impact."
Video link -> https://www.facebook.com/beccarauschMA/videos/266734962322974
![]() |
Senator Rausch talks with Sarah Mabardy (Facebook live - 03/25/22) (video) |
Sunday, April 11, 2021
Yes, #ThinkFranklinFirst Gift Cards are reloadable
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle
"FHS family, friends, and fans - Thank you so much for taking the time to view our fundraiser page. Your support is greatly appreciated.
For every $10 you spend, you will receive one raffle ticket to win a Visa gift card: 1-$100 card, 2-$50 cards and 4-$25 cards. ($20 donation gets you two tickets, $30 gets you three tickets, etc.) Drawing to be held in April when the campaign ends.
Please help these exceptional young men, who are working hard to represent their school and community, reach their goal.
Please spread the word about our fundraiser by sharing it with your friends via Text, Email, Facebook and Twitter. We greatly appreciate any support! Go Panthers!"
![]() |
Franklin Football Gridiron Club fund raising for gift card raffle |
Sunday, February 21, 2021
#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing!
"We are excited to share that 2 new businesses are accepting the #ThinkFranklinFirst gift card! You can now use your card at Mirchi Indian Cuisine and at Night Owl Farm!Do you have a Franklin Gift card? Check out the 40 different businesses where you can redeem them! These cards are helping our local economy by boosting local spending AND covering processing costs thanks to our generous sponsor, Dean Bank!Businesses are redeemed 100% of the funds spent at their locations! Random Smile Project has helped make this initiative possible by donating their time and energy to assist with administrative tasks. We are so lucky to live in such a supportive community!Gift cards are always available both online and at Dean Bank. www.franklingiftcard.com #supportlocal #shoplocal #giftlocal"
A full listing of the participating businesses can be found
![]() |
#ThinkFranklinFirst adds businesses to the listing! |
Saturday, February 6, 2021
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
Saturday, December 26, 2020
BerkShares are an early version of #thinkfranklinfirst gift cards
"Last spring, shortly after it became clear that COVID-19 was more than just a little flu and that local shops would be down and out for more than just a little while, America got to wondering: How can we save small businesses?Many commentators demanded quick federal relief. Some consumers went on gift card shopping sprees. And 2020 presidential candidate Andrew Yang tweeted a proposal combining the two — government-issued debit cards redeemable only at locally owned small businesses.The Twitterati mostly condemned Yang’s idea as “stupid,” “impractical,” and “useless.” And the debit cards never came to pass; consumers got stimulus checks and small businesses got Paycheck Protection Program loans instead.But a piece of his idea — a currency that could only be spent at local businesses — has been a fixture of life in Massachusetts’ southern Berkshires since 2006."
Tuesday, December 22, 2020
FTC Consumer Alert: New tools to fight gift card scams
|
Monday, December 14, 2020
FAQs for #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards
- Cards can be purchased for ANY denomination if they are bought at Dean Bank. Cards purchased online at www.franklingiftcard.com have a $25 minimum, due to processing fees.
- Cards can be purchased with cash only at Dean Bank, and with credit/debit cards online.
- This program is not only running during the holiday season! It is our hope that these cards become part of the Franklin shop local mentality. The cards do not have an expiration date.
- The list of participating businesses will continue to evolve. Check the website for the most current list.
- The businesses listed have agreed to accept and honor the cards at their locations, although you may not be able to add a tip on the cards. Please be prepared for that 🙂
- A printable list of Participating Businesses is now available on our website here https://franklingiftcard.com/participating-businesses
- And finally, this is purely an Economic Development initiative! Businesses are 100% reimbursed for any cards redeemed at their location.
- Dean Bank
- Random Smile Project
![]() |
FAQs for #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards |
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
FM #408 Talk Franklin - 12/04/20 (audio) - #thinkfirstfranklin gift cards, tax rate, spear phishing, etc.
FM #408 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 408 in the series.
This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Marketing and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.
We talk about:
- December closing the year out
- #ThinkFranklinFirst gift cards
- Tax rate hearing
- Comcast contract
- Spear phishing update
We’ll record a session of Talk Franklin each week leading to Christmas and take the holiday week off to begin again in 2021
Links to the key topics covered here are included in the show notes. The recording runs about 45 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie.
--------------
https://www.franklinma.gov/town-council/agenda/december-2-town-council-meeting-tax-rate-hearing
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-council-meeting-comcast-contract.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/town-of-franklin-spear-phishing.html
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/12/business-listening-session-3-dec-9-2020.html
We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.
This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.
How can you help?
- If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
- If you don't like something here, please let me know
For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
------------------
You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"
Sunday, November 29, 2020
Think Franklin First - gift cards now on sale
"Today is the day! Think Franklin First gift cards are now available for purchase both online and at Dean Bank!
You can redeem the gift cards at the local businesses pictured below beginning next week!
www.franklingiftcard.com #thinkfranklinfirst #GivetheGiftofFranklin #localsupport #shoplocal #keepitlocal Dean Bank, Random Smile Project"
Saturday, November 14, 2020
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 |
Monday, April 20, 2020
Visit the Franklin Business Gift Card portal
We have set up a special portal for residents to easily purchase gift cards.
https://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/p/gift-card-portal.html
![]() |
Gift Card Portal |
Thursday, April 2, 2020
Great American Gift Card Purchase - Friday, April 3
Please join us in support local small businesses by participating in the Great American Gift Card Purchase
https://www.facebook.com/events/628613174537145/
Saturday, March 21, 2020
FIORI: We now sell eGift Cards!
Place your order online https://squareup.com/gift/QE9A48RJBYEZ5/order?
![]() |
FIORI: We now sell eGift Cards! |
FIORI
305 Union Street, Franklin, MA, 02038
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Tips for holiday gift card shopping
|
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
FTC Consumer Alerts: Scammers demand gift cards
|
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Knights of Columbus - Food Drive - March 24-25
All proceeds will benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. The Knights will have a table set up selling Stop and Shop gift cards outside the church after Mass on Saturday, March 24 and after each Mass on Sunday, March 25. (5% of sales benefits St. Vincent)
In recognition of significant need, we are also suggesting a second way you can share the spirit of giving. Please donate one or more of the gift cards you purchased (100% of donated card benefits St. Vincent) Contribute a purchased gift card using the Donation Box.
We thank you in advance for your compassion and donation to those less fortunate.
Thank You for your Caring
Knights of Columbus - Sacred Heart Council #1847
![]() |
Knights of Columbus Sacred Heart Council #1847 |