What Has The Franklin Downtown Partnership Been Doing For 15 Years?

You've visited, walked by or driven past these places and things for years, yet have you ever stopped to think how they came to be? 

Here are some of the projects and events the Franklin Downtown Partnership has created or been involved with since 2001:

1 - The multi-year $7.25 million Streetscape Improvement Project 

2 - The Franklin Commons Development

3 - The Cake Bar patio on East Central Street

4 - The Summer Street patio area and green space

5 - The green space sitting area on West Central Street

6 - The design of the green space in front of the Historical Museum

7 - The bronze statue of the straw hat boy in front of the Historical Museum

8 - The park benches in downtown

9 - The downtown changeable gateway signs

10 - The new trash and recycling barrels

11 - The downtown holiday decorations and lights 

12 - Beautification and flowers throughout the downtown

13 - The launch and early management of the Farmers’ Market

14 - The Food Elves “12 Days of Donating” campaign

15 - The Franklin downtown map and brochure

16 - Emmons Street development property

17 - The 150 Emmons Street green space and Horace Mann Statue 

18 - Franklin High School scholarships

19 - On-going Economic Development 

20 - The Annual Strawberry Stroll

21 - The Annual October Stroll

22 - The Annual Holiday Stroll and Tree Lighting

23 - Progressive Dinner and Third Thursday Events

24 - On-going community outreach and business support

25 - Won’t you join us this year for our next exciting downtown project?

• This was shared from the Franklin Downtown Partnership webpage

http://www.franklindowntownpartnership.org/2016/08/what-has-fdp-been-doing-for-15-years.html

Note the last day to register to vote has CHANGED

Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation, for the State Primary is now Friday August 19. The Town Clerk's office will be open until 5:00pm. 

Last day to register to vote or change party affiliation, State Election is Wednesday, October 19 till 8:00pm in The Town Clerk’s Office

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State Primary = Thursday, September 8, 2016

State Election = Tuesday, November 8, 2016

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All Franklin precincts vote in one place

• Franklin High School, Oak Street, 6:00am – 8:00pm

election booths at FHS will be ready for the State Primary on Thursday, Sep 8, 2016

The updated notice from the Secretary of the Commonwealth can be found here
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CB5-000F8513

This was shared from the official Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CF2-000F8513

Updated Absentee Ballot info
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CE0-000F8513

Last "Concert on the Common" for this summer

6:00 pm – 6::30pm -> Children's Program

• Elaine Kessler - Story Teller

6:30pm – 8:30pm

• Matt Zajak and Partner

last concert on the common for this summer, Aug 17

LET'S LAUGH TODAY in Franklin returns on Wednesday, September 7th!

Experience the health benefits of joyful laughter on Wednesday, September 7th (and every first Wednesday of the month) from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Meetinghouse of the First Universalist Society in Franklin, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. 

Life is better when you're laughing

Laughter Yoga is a unique and playful practice that does not rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter Yoga will have you smiling frequently and laughing heartily. Learn simple exercises to help you lighten up about life and bring more laughter into it! 

Laughing strengthens the immune system and helps with stress, depression and anxiety. There are no fancy postures and is appropriate for all ages and all physical levels. You can sit or stand. New laughers are always welcomed! 

$5 donation to the church, $10 maximum per family. Please bring your water bottle because laughing can be dehydrating. Led by Certified Laughter Yoga Teachers, Linda and Bill Hamaker. 

If you have any questions, just call them at 508-660-2223 or e-mail billandlinda@letslaughtoday.com. 

See more information and other opportunities to laugh at www.letslaughtoday.com.

Blackstone Heritage Corridor - Strategic Plan Now Available for Public Comment

BHC's Strategic Plan Now Available for Public Comment Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. (BHC) has developed a ten-year strategic plan and is inviting the public to review and comment on it. To develop the Plan, subcommittees of the BHC Board of Directors were formed to lead the work in specific areas of the BHC mission:  Environment, Historical & Cultural Resources, and Economic Development & Community Revitalization.  Nearly 50 people participated on those subcommittees, representing Board of Director members, partners, residents, businesses, corporations, municipalities, nonprofits, state agencies and federal agencies.  Participants applied their extensive knowledge base to contemplate challenges and opportunities that BHC and the National Heritage Corridor are likely to face during the ten-year period of the plan.  Each subcommittee gave birth to an overall vision for the resource category and developed a list of strategies that would achieve their vision. Those visions and strategies were then compiled into this strategic plan. To review the strategic plan, click here. Comments should be directed to Charlene Perkins Cutler by email at CCutler@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org and should be sent by September 1, 2016.  Volunteer Show & Tell Are you interested in volunteering in your community? Have you been looking for an opportunity to get connected to the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor? We would love to show you how through the Volunteers-in-Parks program. Join us  for a Volunteer Open House. RSVP to Suzanne Buchanan at volunteer@BlackstoneHeritageCorridor.org or call (508 ) 234-4242. When: Monday, September 10, 2016 from 6:30-8 p.m. Where: 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Get ready to GO! Explore in September Enjoy the rest of summer but know that the best is yet to come! BHC is proud to bring GO! back for another exciting September, featuring 75 different experiences throughout the National Heritage Corridor. This year's program features new events, offering at least one adventure in each of the 25 National Heritage Corridor communities. The program begins on  Thursday, September 1st at 1:30 p.m. with a kickoff celebration at BHC headquarters at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA, and includes a tour of the historic Linwood Mill. Immediately after the building tour, enjoy a Ranger Walking Tour of the historic village of Whitinsville, beginning at 3:00 p.m. For a full copy of the GO! program, click HERE, or pick up a brochure at any of the BHC's Visitor Centers, at one of the brochure kiosks throughout the National Heritage Corridor or at the BHC office at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. Follow Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. on Facebook for news and updates on GO! and more. NOTE: A reminder to GO! experience leaders: there is a volunteer training meeting on Wednesday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m. at BHC headquarters at 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA. Please come to pick up your 2016 t-shirt and signs. Blackstone Heritage Corridor, Inc. | Mail@BlackatoneHeritageCorridor.org | 508-234-4242| BlacktoneHeritageCorridor.org See what's happening on our social sites:

Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, 670 Linwood Avenue, Whitinsville, MA 01588 Sent by mail@blackstoneheritagecorridor.org in collaboration with Try it free today

The Newsletter was shortened for publication here. Feel free to follow the links to subscribe for your own copy.

#ShopFranklin: Back to Business with Linda Waters

"#shopFranklin - supporting small business speaks with Linda Waters of Back to Business. Back to Business has changed the dialogue around re-entering the work force after an absence and empowers job seekers to own their many talents."

This video is especially good for anyone looking for work or considering changing careers. Linda is a great resource. I have been fortunate to have her as part of a couple of the Job Search Jam Sessions I ran a several years ago and her sessions were dynamite!

Back to Business, confident career transitions

Linda's Back to Business webpage   http://backtobusiness.org/

Linda was prepared for the session in 2010

Linda has returned to the Hopkinton Networking Group since then
http://jobsearchjamsessions.blogspot.com/2014/09/hng-meeting-september-19-2014-agenda.html

Franklin Historical Museum Hosts Antique Appraisal Day - Sept16

Gather your antiques and mark your calendars to have your prized possessions appraised at the Franklin Historical Museum. This popular and enjoyable event returns to the museum this year on a new day and time, Friday September 16th, 6:00PM-8:30PM. Curious about what your favorite vintage items might be worth? Here’s your opportunity to find out. 

Antiques will be appraised by certified appraiser Nancy Wyman of Coyles Auction Gallery of Bellingham. Guests are allowed a maximum of 3 items to be appraised at a rate of $5.00 each.

Items to be appraised include, but are not limited to:

• decorative stoneware and pottery
• vintage clothing and costume jewelry
• fine china, glass and art glass
• Oriental rugs
• paintings and prints
• lamps, clocks, decorative accessories
• Hummels and music boxes
• sterling silver, pewter and brass
• American, Victorian and country furniture

The following items will not be considered for appraisal: 

• no fine jewelry
• no coins
• no stamps
• no weapons

The Franklin Historical Museum is located at 80 West Central Street and is wheelchair accessible. The event is hosted by and all proceeds go to the Friends of the Franklin Historical Museum. Don’t miss it.

Franklin Historical Museum

The traveling petting zoo brings barn babies to the Franklin Library

Barn babies will make an appearance at the Franklin Public Library on Tuesday, Aug 16 at 2:30 PM. The babies are wrapped in snuggling cloth to enable the children to hold them and keep them safe and warm.

The traveling petting zoo brings barn babies to the Franklin Library

This was shared from the offical Town of Franklin webpage
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/I02471121

Thriving at College: Your First Week-end and Beyond

Just a reminder workshop on Thriving at College: Your First Week-end and Beyond, Tuesday evening, August 16th, FHS Lecture Hall at 6:00 p.m.

Goes BEYOND the usual college orientation experience. Counselors and college administrators deal head on with some of the complex emotions and situations that freshmen face. 

In addition, experts help parents manage their own anxiety and how best to support their kids on their journey.

Free and open to the public.

Franklin HIgh School

In the News: Pokewalk on the SNETT, children's center director named

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

"Just more than 10 people lined up at the Grove Street entrance to the Southern New England Trunkline Trail (SNETT) Monday morning to catch Pokemon and hatch eggs. 

The walk - dubbed a "PokeWalk" by the Franklin & Bellingham Rail Trail Committee - was meant to encourage local residents to explore the trail, using the enormously popular "Pokemon Go" phone app as a lure. 

Renata Gilarova, a member of the committee, led the walk. She said it was a good opportunity to encourage trail awareness. 

"(In the app), you need to walk to hatch eggs - the straighter the line you walk, the better," she said. "We're also trying to map out where there could be Poke Stops (areas where players can collect supplies) along the trail, for when they start taking applications for Poke Stops."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160815/poking-along-rail-trail-committee-hosts-pokemon-go-walk

parking at the SNETT trail head on Grove St

"Dean College announced that Joanne Hogan has been named director of the Children’s Center. 

Hogan is new to the Dean College team but has been in the field of early childhood education since 1989. She has worked at three other campus-based preschool programs, all of which were NAEYC accredited, in the roles of preschool teacher, lead teacher and director. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Assumption College and a Master of Education in early childhood from Bridgewater State College. She is certified as a teacher in Massachusetts for preschool through grade 2 and has served as a cooperating practitioner for numerous college students who hope to be future early childhood educators."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160815/dean-college-names-director-of-childrens-center

@shopFranklin Movie Night at Beaver Pond - Aug 26

#shopFranklin Small Businesses in partnership with the Franklin Rec Department and FranklinTV are excited to announce the #shopFranklin Family Movie Night on Beaver Pond featuring the Pixar/Disney film FINDING NEMO.

FINDING NEMO

Join some of our favorite local independently owned businesses for an evening of community and entertainment. 

The evening will begin at 7pm where you can browse participating business tables to buy merchandise, learn about services and enter raffles. 

Our featured film, FINDING NEMO, will begin promptly at dusk (approximately 7:40PM) so make sure to have your FREE popcorn in hand

Make sure to stop by the #shopFranklin Welcome Table to pick up a free gift for the first 50 guests, buy raffle tickets (all proceeds going to charity)

@shopFranklin Movie Night at Beaver Pond - Aug 26

Franklin Historical Museum Event At Almont Gallery In Medway - Aug 28

A unique event allowing a rare opportunity to view selected vintage photographs from the collection of the Franklin Historical Museum will be held at Almont Gallery and Studios August 28th. The public is invited to view classic vintage photos from the museum’s collection which have been digitized for clearer and closer viewing. The images will be shown on giant poster size digital display units hung throughout this one-of-a-kind gallery. 

This is a unique chance to see Franklin’s historic photographs like you’ve never seen them before. Many of the photos are labeled with dates and information, but guests will have the opportunity to name people, locations and events not previously identified. The images date from the early 1900s through the 1950s and include photos of FHS Athletic teams, police and fire department photos, factory and mill images, family photos and many more.

If you love Franklin, love history, love photography and love unique social events, you won’t want to miss this chance to see these vintage photographs come to life. If you find a favorite image, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase the photo.

Almont Gallery is located at Medway Mills, 161 Main Street, across from Choate Park. The event starts at 3:00PM and runs to 6:30PM, light refreshments will be served. 

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing our collection. Admission is free of charge.

Almont Gallery and Studios

Yankee Quilters Guild - Sep 13

Love to quilt or eager to learn? All area quilters are invited to attend the monthly meeting of Yankee Quilters Guild, a charitable organization which provides comfort quilts to those battling serious illness while offering an artistic outlet for those who love the craft of creating quilts from scratch. An organizational meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 13th, at 7:00 p.m. at St. John’s Church, 237 Pleasant Street, in Franklin.

Yankee Quilters meets monthly in Franklin but draws members from surrounding towns. Everyone is welcome whether they're an experienced quilter or just getting started. Quilters of all ages work together on charity quilts, exchange information and tips and techniques from traditional to modern, and learn from each other's work. Meetings are held at St. John's Episcopal Church on the second Tuesday of each month, with charity work, workshops, trips and other activities throughout the year.

The September meeting will include a trunk show of a member’s recent quilts, “show and tell” of work completed by members over the summer, and a “block of the month” swap open to all members. The theme for the September block swap is “Black and Orange.”

New members and guests are welcome at all meetings. The first meeting is always free for anyone who wants to find out what the group has to offer. There is a $5 fee for guests.

Membership year runs July-June; new membership is $35/year and returning members pay $25 per year.


For more information, email yankeequilters11@gmail.com or visit the group’s Facebook page -->>  https://www.facebook.com/YankeeQuilters/

Facebook page image for Yankee Quilters Group

Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam

	Norfolk County Registry of Deeds
	Register O'Donnell Warns Homeowners About Deed Scam Continuing his efforts to combat consumer fraud, Norfolk County Register Of Deeds William P. O'Donnell today expressed his ongoing frustration regarding Norfolk County residents who continue to receive direct-mail solicitations offering them a certified copy of their property deed for an exorbitant fee ranging anywhere from $59.50-$83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "These companies are making an outrageous profit at the consumer's expense. If a consumer knew that the Registry of Deeds would provide them the same certified copy of a property deed for a charge of only $1.00 per page, plus an additional $1.00 for postage, they would never agree to pay these companies such an outrageous fee for service. The average price for a mailed homeowner's deed by the Registry (usually two pages) is $3.00." The Registry has heard numerous stories from Norfolk County residents about examples of receiving deed solicitation notices from a California private company. The solicitations were labeled Recorded Deed Notice and requested that the homeowner forward a check to them in the amount of $83.00 for a copy of their deed. A Dedham resident, who received the solicitation, notified the Registry about the advertisement instead of spending $83.00. Register O'Donnell stated, "While the practice may be legal, it's certainly not ethical. Clearly these direct-mail companies are preying upon the innocent assumptions of Norfolk County residents, many of whom are first-time homeowners or elderly. Consumers are interpreting these notices as a bill, since they are affixed with a due date. I urge Norfolk County citizens not to fall prey to these types of misleading deed scam advertisements." If you receive a deed solicitation notice, please contact the Registry's Customer Service Center immediately at (781) 461-6101 or by email at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org. Additionally, if you desire a copy of your own deed, also contact the Registry's Customer Service Center and we will be glad to provide you with one for a nominal fee of usually $2.00-$3.00. To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds. The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, located at 649 High Street, Dedham, is the principal office for real property in Norfolk County. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center at (781) 461-6101, or on the web at www.norfolkdeeds.org. Register William P. O'Donnell Norfolk County Registry of Deeds email: registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org phone: 781-234-3336 web: http://www.norfolkdeeds.org

Norfolk County Registry of Deeds, 649 High Street, Dedham,, MA 02026-1831 Sent by registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org in collaboration with Try it free today

Norfolk Registry of Deeds image

1st PokeWalk on the SNETT - Monday, August 15 - 9:00 AM

Join us for the 1st PokeWalk on the SNETT.

Walk your phone, hatch some eggs, catch a Pokemon and explore the trail!

Meet at the trailhead on Grove Street and walk as little or as much as you can (see the picture for map and distances).

Bring good shoes, bug spray, maybe some change (Spring Street Farm stand is along the way) and don't forget to charge your phone. 

Weather permitting. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

PokeWalk on the SNETT

Where is the trailhead for the SNETT?

Along Grove St, closer to the Washington St end (not the Beaver St/140 end)



From the SNETT Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/events/1133915243349554/

"we've gotta be doing something right"

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

"The 38th annual Feast of St. Rocco, put on by St. Mary's Parish, is in full swing, with thousands expected to partake of the carnival rides, games and food. 

Peter Brunelli, one of the organizers of the yearly celebration of the saint venerated as a protector against sickness, said attendance was decent as of midday Saturday, but he expected it to improve as the weekend continues. The festival opened Thursday and will continue through Sunday. 

"I think the rain showers (Friday) night had been holding people back a bit," he said. "We just had an outside Mass, which was filled with 300 people."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160813/feast-of-st-rocco-rocks-on

early Thursday morning before the Feast opened, it was empty and quiet

When open Thursday evening, there was a line at the Italian parties provided by the DeBaggis family 

The schedule of events for Sunday:

Sunday is a 'bracelet day', ride from noon to 4:00 pm for $25

The entertainment schedule

music at the bandstand from noon to 9:00 PM when the 38th Feast of St Rocco's closes

Wednesday is the last day to register to vote in the Sept. 8 state primary.

Two things to know about the Sept 8 primary:

• One, it is being held on the Thursday after Labor Day
• Two, the deadline for registration is this Wednesday Friday, August 19

The Secretary of the Commonwealth issued an update August 5th changing the date to Friday, August 19. 

• You can find the update posted to the official Franklin website Aug 16 here

http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02499CB5-000F8513

"Wednesday is the deadline to register to vote in the Sept. 8 state primary. 

Clerk’s offices at city and town halls will be open from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. Wednesday for voter registration. Voters can also register on line at sec.state.ma.us/OVR, in person at Registry of Motor Vehicles offices or by mail by downloading a form available on the secretary of state’s website and sending it to or dropping it off at the local city or town hall. Mail-in forms must be postmarked by Wednesday for a voter to be eligible for the primary. 

Absentee ballots for the primary are available for voters who will be out of town on primary day or who have medical conditions or religious beliefs that will prevent them from going to the polls in person."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160814/wednesday-last-day-to-register-to-vote-in-state-primary

election booths at Franklin High School where all precincts in Franklin cast their ballots

Franklin's absentee ballot info
http://franklin.ma.us/Pages/FranklinMA_News/02484803-000F8513

Franklin Art Association September 7 meeting open to public

The Franklin Art Association will meet on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 6:30 to 9:00PM at the Franklin Senior Center, 10 Daniel McCahill Street in Franklin. 

Refreshments and social time will begin at 6:30 followed by a short business meeting and a demonstration by oil painter and pastelist, Colleen Vandeventer of Attleboro.

Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information log on to www.franklinart.org.

Faneuil Hall 12 x 24 Oil - Colleen Vandeventer