Fall Fun, Food Planned for Franklin’s Harvest Stroll October 6

Celebrate fall and the completion of the Roadway and Streetscape Improvement Project at the Franklin Downtown Partnership’s Harvest Stroll on Thursday, October 6, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Partnership is planning exciting new attractions for its 14th annual fall festival, including a hayride, delicious food options, a variety of entertainers, and more games and activities for kids.

Franklin Downtown Partnership

Main Street will be closed to car traffic for the event, which also will include participating businesses and activities along Summer, East Central and West Central streets. Join members of the FDP and state and local government at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Main Street to officially mark the revitalization project.

“We have a lot to celebrate this year. The downtown revitalization project is nearly complete and the downtown is more walk-able than ever before. The Franklin Downtown Partnership is excited to invite the community to our fall street festival and showcase the unique offerings of our local businesses,” says Scott Martin, event co-chair.

Organizers expect thousands of visitors to enjoy the party that evening, sampling fall-themed foods and activities, watching talented local artists, discovering shopping specials and learning about helpful community resources at more than 50 booths and locations downtown.

“We invite everyone to come see first-hand the revitalization of our downtown and enjoy the new amenities,” says Lisa Piana, FDP Executive Director. “For 15 years FDP members have worked hard to bring more economic viability to downtown Franklin and we look forward to showing off the progress that’s been made so far.”

There is still time for crafters, organizations, performers and interested community groups to participate in the Harvest Stroll. Booths are free to FDP members and cost $75 for non-members ($150 for non-member food vendors). Registrations are due by September 15. Forms can be found on www.franklindowntownpartnership.org or on the FDP Facebook page. Contact Scott Martin at scottm@hockymca.org with questions.

Many local businesses are sponsoring this event. 

• Middlesex Savings Bank and Rockland Trust are Gold Sponsors.
• Dean Bank, Franklin Ford and Keefe Insurance are Silver Sponsors.
• Beaux Regards Photographic Art by Marjorie Sardella, Chestnut Dental and Michael Dunsky, Branch Manager Guaranteed Rate, Inc. are Bronze Sponsors.
• D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Maven Hair Company, Simon’s Furniture and Tom Fricker Heating & A/C, Inc. are Friends Sponsors.

If you would like to sponsor this event, please contact the FDP office at downtown.franklin@yahoo.com or (774) 571-3109. Sponsorship forms and a full list of opportunities can be found on the FDP website, www.franklindowntownpartnership.org, under the Sponsors tab.

The Franklin Downtown Partnership is celebrating its 15th year as a non-profit, 501©3 organization made up of businesses, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership runs events such as the Strawberry Stroll, the Harvest Stroll and the Holiday Stroll, and is involved in streetscape and design efforts, greenspace and sculpture projects. New members are always welcome. Learn more at www.franklindowntownpartnership.org.

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse announces schedule for 2016-2017 season

"The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse, 262 Chestnut St., will begin its 27th season Sept. 10 with Canadian singer Garnet Rogers. 

The schedule below is full of well-known artists such as Tom Rush, Ellis Paul and Livingston Taylor, but also includes up-and-coming talents. 

The Circle of Friends Coffeehouse is a nonprofit organization affiliated with Franklin’s First Universalist Society. Concerts are presented in a smoke-free and alcohol-free environment at the Society’s handicapped-accessible meetinghouse. Shows begin at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7:30 p.m. 

Beverages and gourmet desserts will be available. For tickets or more information: 508-528-2541; circlefolk.org."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160823/circle-of-friends-coffeehouse-announces-schedule-

Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Franklin Historical Museum To Host Miniature Metals Exhibit In October

A very special exhibit will open October 2nd at the Franklin Historical Museum. A personal collection of miniature metal artwork, hand crafted by Franklin born Abraham Megerdichian will be on display for the month of October. Megerdichian’s son Robert will open the exhibit with a presentation and talk about the history of his father’s work.

A selection of about 20 tiny recreations of everyday objects, made from brass, aluminum, stainless-steel and copper will be on display. A sampling of items for this exhibit include: a brass Asphalt Roller, a copper and steel Cannon with Cannonballs, an aluminum Inkwell with Feather Pen, a Flexible Flyer Sled and tiny brass Roller Skates.

miniature metal artwork 1

In his life time, the elder Megerdichian, a machinist by trade, made over 300 miniatures for family and friends as gifts for holidays and special occasions. Just a hobby to him at the time, his work is now being recognized as the intricate creative artwork that it is. It’s a labor of love by his son Robert to bring his father’s work out of storage and into the public eye.

Various pieces are currently being exhibited at The Attleboro Area Museum of Industry, The Science Museum in Boston, The Lynn Museum, the Providence Children’s Museum, and soon at Connecticut’s New Britain Industrial Museum. Robert approached the Franklin Historical Museum because of his father’s connection to Franklin.

miniature metal artwork 2

Abraham was born in Franklin in 1923 to Armenian Immigrants, but the family later moved to Cambridge where he was raised. The family kept close ties to Franklin and Abraham helped build Camp Haiastan, the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Camp on Summer Street.

Robert Megerdichian’s presentation will cover his father’s craft, his artwork, his love of family, as well as an interesting history and anecdotal stories of Franklin’s Armenian Community.

miniature metal artwork 3

Join us for this very special event, 1:30PM, Sunday afternoon, October 2nd, 80 West Central Street, Franklin. 

Visit us on our Facebook page and our webpage franklinhistoricalmuseum.com. Admission is always free and the museum is wheelchair accessible.

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.

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

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

“We know that the arts bring economic prosperity”

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

"Roberta Trahan said she always has a song in her head as she makes her way through each day. 

On Saturday though, she said, that daily song was replaced with the music that was in the air at the Franklin Cultural Festival. 

“Today is all about whatever's on that stage,” said Trahan, a member of the Franklin Cultural District Steering Committee. 

Both inside and outside The Black Box theater on West Central Street Saturday afternoon, musical acts traded off the spotlight as the festival came to a close after four days of theater, art and food."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20160731/franklin-cultural-festival-showcases-music-art-and-more

A sampling of photos from Saturday:

check the marquee for future events

Lori Diamond and Fred Abatelli

Jamie Barrett

Ferrara's Market was one of several offering a "Taste of Franklin" 

Susan Cattaneo, Jim Henry, Stephanie Marshall performing

the Franklin Cultural Festival closed with a rocking performance by Victims of Gravity

 Additional photos and videos will be shared as they become available


This posting was also shared on Franklin Matters
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2016/08/we-know-that-arts-bring-economic.html