On May 15, downtown Franklin sprang to life with colorful plants added to barrels, planters and window boxes. The Franklin Downtown Partnership (FDP) and the Franklin Garden Club organized the planting of pink, blue and white flowers to beautify the community.

“This year, we held a Covid-19 appropriate beautification effort in the downtown area,” said lead organizer Eileen Mason. “We had designated families or residents be responsible for certain locations. Everyone wore masks outside their family units, and we maintained the appropriate distancing. We only requested adult volunteers this year, in order to keep us all safe.”

Roberta Trahan, vice president of the FDP, said this project is especially meaningful during this time of social distancing.

“The planting of flowers and beautification efforts give us hope that life goes on,” Trahan said. “It is a visual reminder to our community that we will get through this. Seeing the flowers brings some joy and growth into this difficult time in our lives.”

Thank you to the following sponsors provided financial assistance to make the beautification efforts possible:

 

PLATINUM-Dean Bank, Fenton Financial Group, Glen Meadow Apartments, and Middlesex Savings Bank

GOLD-D.G. Ranieri Real Estate, Eileen Mason of RE/MAX Executive Realty, Kelly’s Landscaping Inc., and The Enclave of Franklin

SILVER-Chestnut Dental Associates, Keefe Insurance, Oteri and Son Funeral Home, and Vet Med Pet Supplies

BRONZE-Berry Insurance and Roche & Roche Law Offices

 “Thank you to all who helped pull the beautification effort together this year,” Mason said. “Special thanks to Fairmount Fruit Farms for the flowers, the Department of Public Works for helping with watering and mulching and to Melanie Hamblen, owner of Franklin Agway, for donating potting soil and distributing it to all of the containers.”

The FDP is a non-profit 501©3 organization made up of more than 290 business owners, residents and community leaders working to revitalize downtown Franklin. The Partnership manages events like the Strawberry Stroll and the Harvest Festival, and initiatives such as beautification, streetscape design, greenspace, alley murals, and sculpture projects. For more information on becoming a member go to www.franklindowntownpartnership.org or contact Executive Director, Lisa Piana at [email protected]. 

 Photos used courtesy of Vicario Studio, www.vicariostudio.com