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Postal Customer Local Vol. 5 No. 12
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0 Frank 1 0 2 e c lin’s Original Newspaper Sin
Santa Foundation – Giving a Little Hope
Requests for Housing, Heat Assistance on the Upswing By J.D. O’Gara The Franklin-based Santa Foundation is 28 years old, and it not only brings gifts to needy families in Franklin and 28 surrounding communities during the holidays, it helps people year-round with their needs. The all-volunteer, donation-based Santa Foundation, founded by Bob Sullivan, who runs it with his partner, Richard Timmons and the help of about 14 parttime volunteers, expects to help 900 families this year. “We’ve already made up (gift packages for) 450 families in 2014. We’ll do 900 when we’re totally done,” says Sullivan.
Shown with Richard Timmons is Jan Prentice, second generation Franklin native, has volunteered for over 20 years helping to put together holiday packages from the Santa Foundation to help make Christmas a little brighter for less fortunate neighbors. The Santa Foundation (thesantafoundationinc.org ) not only helps with Christmas gifts to needy in 29 towns, including Franklin, it also helps with needs such as rent and oil costs.
Last year, Sullivan had predicted that the Santa Foundation would disburse $40,000 in funds in 2013. He was wrong. It jumped to $55,815—over
santa Foundation
continued on page 3
Downtown Franklin’s Holiday Stroll to be December 4 The entire family is invited to the Franklin Holiday Stroll on Thursday, December 4. The Franklin Downtown Partnership will transform the downtown center into a festive holiday party from 4 p.m. to
Santa Claus will hear children’s wish lists at Simon’s Furniture from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Franklin Holiday Stroll on December 4. Photo used with permission.
7 p.m., complete with visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts, holiday shopping, refreshments and plenty of entertainment.
Real Living is an official Toys for Tots drop off location. Or for pick up call us.
508-520-1600
Organic Valley Meats & Cheeses, Organic Vegetables no artificial Colors or Flavors, Gluten-Free & allergy Friendly
508-520-7900
oPen year round
11:30 am - 9 pm • 7 days a week!
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370 King St. (Exit 16) Franklin
“The Holiday Stroll is a unique event that we feel really showcases our businesses. Our merchants stay open late and invite everyone inside. It’s a great opportunity to discover new businesses and have one-on-one conversations with business owners,” says event cochair Gregg Chalk of the Franklin Downtown Partnership.
Holiday Stroll
continued on page 4
Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC)
MILFORD - FRANKLIN
EYE CENTER
Organ ic Beer & Win e
Wood oven THIn CrusT PIzza
From there holiday revelers can stroll through downtown Franklin and stop into more than 30 participating businesses for tempting treats, special offers and holidaythemed entertainment. A complete list of each business’s activity or offering will be available at the tree lighting ceremony and at participating locations.
See inside.
233 W Central Street, Franklin
spruce Pond Creamery
The fun begins with carolers and hot chocolate at the annual tree lighting at 4 p.m. on Dean Hall Common on the Dean College campus.
Holiday shows in Franklin
Happy Holidays from Real Living Realty Group
Homemade Ice Cream
December 1, 2014
Optical Shop On-Site
John F. Hatch, M.D. Roger M. Kaldawy, M.D. Kameran Lashkari, M.D. James I. Merlin, M.S.,O.D.
Saturday & After Hours Available
Excellent Eye Care for the Entire Family
508-528-3344
391 East Central Street Franklin, MA 02038
YOUR EYES DESERVE THE BEST
508-473-7939
160 South Main St (Rt 140) Milford, MA 01757
Michelle Haynes
Cell: (508) 328-8184 Fax: (508) 520-3116
ABR,SFR Broker
55 West Central Street Franklin, MA 02038 MHaynes@ERAKey.com www.PlatinumPropertiesPC.com
Each ERA® Office is Independently Owned and Operated.