The Downtown
Franklin Association
applies the Main
Street four-point
approach developed by
the National Trust for
Historic Preservation:
1. Design
2. Promotion
3. Economic
Restructuring
4. Organization
120 South Main Street
P. O. Box 355
Franklin, Virginia 23851
Downtown Franklin Association, Inc.
Phone: 757-562-6900
Fax: 757-562-5566
Email:
[email protected]
The Downtowner is distributed free to Downtown businesses. If
you have information you
would like to include in The Downtowner, please contact Nancy
Parrish at 562-1958, or fax information to 562-0486.
Look for us
on the web at
www.downtownfranklinva.org
Mark your calendars for these exciting upcoming events:
August 9, 10, and 11—Franklin—Southampton County Fair
Friday, October 5 — Franklin’s Fall Festival at Barrett’s
Landing
Saturday, October 6 — The Street Scene in Downtown Franklin
Page 4
We couldn’t have said it any better...
usinesses in downtown Franklin are trying to get the message
across to local residents: IT IS IMPORTANT TO SHOP LOCAL!
Not only is it important to the revitalization and success of
our down-town district, but it is also important to our citizens
who are offering
products and services to area residents, while at the same time
trying to carve out a living for themselves. Did you know that a
dollar spent
with a local business turns over 15-18 times within our
community, while money spent with most “BIG BOX” stores leaves the
area almost
immediately? Those stores are important too as they offer
much-needed jobs, products, and services; but, they do not have the
same
impact as money spent with our own local businesses. As you are
shopping for your family’s needs, please be mindful of what is
offered
right here at home… and, support our merchants when you can. If
they don’t have what you need, ask them if they are able to get it
for you.
It is a win-win for us all! DF
Four 4 businesses (continued from page 1) The Downtown Clearance
Center, located at 115 E. Second Avenue, is open Thursdays and
Fridays from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Saturdays from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Their phone number is 562-3232. Owner Donald Sullivan states that
he, his wife Deborah, and their daughter Heather have been very
pleased with their reception to Franklin since the store opened its
doors in mid June. Head-quartered in North Carolina, this is the
first store that the family has opened in Virginia, though they
have searched diligently for a while to deter-mine a good location
for such a venture. After looking in many downtown areas such as
Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Emporia, to name a few, Sullivan
says the family decided on Franklin, mainly because it was one of
the nicest and cleanest downtown areas that they have seen. They
are pleased to be here, and we are pleased to have them!
Simply Distributing, located at 115 N. Main Street, is open
Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Abdul Parker owns the
NC based business and is happy to be in Franklin, VA. To date,
Parker has hired 10 sales people, and he has immediate plans to
hire at least two more, according to Jessica Wilson, his office
manager. While the business specializes in Kirby products, they are
able to do repair work on any brand of vacuum cleaner. Abdul is
proud to claim that they have “the best repairman in the business!”
They also sell vacuum cleaner bags and are an authorized dealer for
all brands, including Dyson, Rainbow, Electrolux, and Hoover, to
name a few.
Debbie Crowder is the owner of The Cat’s Meow which is located
at 109 N. Main Street. She is in the process of moving in and is
planning to open around the 13th of July. (That’s a Friday… and, a
black cat statue sirs in her window, but Debbie is not at all
superstitious; she is just a savvy business woman!) Debbie’s gift
shop and boutique will feature ladies’ jacket apparel from such
lines as Erin London, Keren Hart, Focus, and Parsley & Sage.
She will carry the Bella fabric handbags and, of course, an
exciting array of costume jewelry sure to please all tastes and
budgets. The Cat’s Meow will also be a source for darling
children’s apparel by lines such as Mudpie, Bailey Boys, and
Funtasia. Customers will be able to monogram any of their purchases
for that one-of-a-kind unique look! In the back portion of her
store will be a gift shop carrying many items made by The Dog’s
Bark, including signs and coozies. As always, she will continue to
carry the slate products that have become so popular since she
first introduced them with her home business. A telephone number
for this business is not available at this time.
Texas Nails and Spa is located at 121 S. Main Street. Their
hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM until
5:30 PM. They strongly encourage appointments, but will service
walk-ins as time permits. Their phone number is 757-516-8555.
Husband and wife owners Tina Lieu and Vincent Nguyen are excited
about being in downtown Franklin. They say that business has been
great for them since they opened at the end of May. They were
former owners of a nail salon in Franklin and said that they have
enjoyed having some of their old customers return, while at the
same time they have also enjoyed getting to meet so many new
ones.
B
Summer 2012 Dan P. Howe
Main Street Manager
2012 DFA Officers
President
Pam Ellis,
Pam’s Tea Room
Vice-President
Victor Story,
Vic’s Signs & Engraving
Treasurer
Beverly Myers,
City Paint and Supply
Secretary
Kathy Worrell, Manry Rawls Insurance
Board of Directors
Jackie Bryant
Jim Councill
Pam Ellis
Karry Harrell
Sara Johnson
Beverly Myers
Jack Norvell
Nancy Parrish
Patti Rabil
Stan Rich
Juanita Richards
Victor Story
Scott Seddon
Anne Williams
Kathy Worrell
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR
NEIGHBOR…..
At City Council meeting on Monday, July 25, Mayor Jim Councill
was recognized for his 16 years of service to the City of Franklin
by City Attorney Taylor Williams as City Council members, City
Manager Randy Martin, and attendees looked on. The proclamation
cited Councill’s contributions to the city, including leadership
through two floods (1999 and 2006); the closure of the IP mill in
2010; his participation in the regional team for the economic
recovery of this area; and, among other things, his vision in
helping to create Smart Beginnings Western Tidewater and the Boys
and Girls Club. Thank you, Mayor Councill, for your tireless
efforts in serving us!
The Downtowner
Volume V Issue 2
The Downtowner newsletter is produced by the Downtown
Franklin Association whose goals are bus iness recru itment,
v o l u n t e e r o u t r e ac h , an d p r o m o t i o n an
d
involvement of all d o w n t o w n
businesses. DFA is a 501(c)3 tax-
exempt, nonprofit
organization.
Four New Businesses Open in Downtown Franklin!
Jessica Wilson, Office Manager, at Simply Distributing stands in
front of a display of vacuum cleaner bags.
Donald Sullivan, co-owner of Down-town Clearance Center, stands
in front of the rug display in his newly opened store.
Do you remember the lyrics
from the Eagles’ popular tune,
“There’s a New Kid in Town”? It
goes something like this:
There's talk on the street; i t s o u n d s s o f a m i l i a r
; Great expectat ions ,
everybody 's watch ing you . P e o p l e y o u m e e t ,
they all seem to know you. Even your old friends treat
you like you're something new!
And, you are! Now Downtown
Franklin can put that song to
shame because we’ve got four
new businesses in downtown!
And, we’re happy to have each
and every one of them. We
would like to extend a warm
and friendly welcome to each of
the following: Abdul Parker,
Owner, Simply Distributing,
located at 115 N. Main Street;
Tina Lieu and Vincent Nguyen,
Owners, Texas Nails and Spa,
located at 121 S. Main Street;
Debbie Crowder, Owner, The
Cat’s Meow, located at 109 N.
Main Street; and, Donald and
Deborah Sullivan, Owners, The
Downtown Clearance Center,
located at 115 E. Second
Avenue. Please get out and
welcome these businesses and
show them your support!
Debbie Crowder, owner of The Cat’s Meow, is excited about the
lines of clothing she will be offering for little boys and
girls.
Tina Lieu and Vincent Nguyen, along with their son Kevin, stand
at the counter of their nail salon and spa which opened in late
May.
For more information on each new business, and their store
hours, please see page 4.
Ribbon cuttings for Texas Nails and Spa, as well as Simply
Distributing, took place on June 27. Others TBA.
The Downtown Franklin Association
helped to host the annual Patriotism in the Park on Sunday, June
24, at 6 PM. Proudly presented by The United States Fleet Forces
Band, with Lieutenant Commander Bruce A. McDonald, USN, as
conductor, the 44-piece band presented over 14 musical numbers.
Their repertoire included a variety of music genre including big
band tunes, festival overtures and, of course, several very popular
patriotic songs. The opening and closing numbers were by the
“American March King” John Philip Sousa. His University of Illinois
March composition opened the event, while his lively composition
The Stars and Stripes was the closing number. The sweltering
temperatures did not melt the enthusiasm for the crowd of
approximately 200 faithful patriots who gathered to pay tribute not
only to this great country in which we live, but also to those
brave men and woman who take up the mantle and serve sacrificeously
so that we might continue to enjoy the freedoms that we as
Americans have today.
The DFA was assisted in hosting this program by the American
Legion. This event is scheduled annually the Sunday prior to the
weekend before the 4th of July. Mark your calendars for next year
now and make plans to attend. DF
Page 2
DFA helps to host annual Patriotism in the Park
WE STILL BE JAMMIN’
2012 SCHEDULE
Clip & Save
July 5 - Rhythm Express
July 12 - Wild Heart
July 19 - Island Boy
July 26 - Overtime Band
August 2 - Rotations
August 9 - No WBJ; See you
at the FAIR!
August 16 - Hotcakes
August 23 - TFC Band
August 30 - Michael Clark Band
October 5—Fall Festival—
The Results and
Steve Bassett &
The Mystic Soul Brothers
All We Be Jammin’ concerts are held on
Thursday evenings at
Barrett’s Landing on Main
Street in Franklin. In the
event of bad weather, we
will try to make a call as
to whether or not to
cancel by 2:00 PM. Hours
are 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Food and beverages are
a v a i l a b l e o n s i t e .
All ABC laws are observed!
FRANKLIN HISTORICAL COOKBOOKS
STILL AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!
Sales for our DFA cookbook — Celebrating 50 Years! — continue
and we
have just received a new shipment for those of you who have not
yet
purchased your copy. At only $20, these make great gifts for all
types of
celebrations! There are over 800 tantalizing recipes included.
Twice since
its publication, our cookbook has been referenced in the Food
Section of
The Virginian-Pilot. This has helped to spur sales to a wider
market.
In the picture below, MU3 Emily Charleton, vocalist, (far right)
sings “Don’t Rain on My Parade” arranged by Wyckoff. This was
Charleton’s sixth visit to Franklin. She looks forward to this
event each year.
In the picture above, the crowd is mesmerized by the beautiful
day… and, the beautiful music. Flags from each of the branches of
service—Army, Navy, Air Force,
Marines, and Coast Guard— line the sidewalk in front of the
crowd.
The picture below shows the traditional finale to the program…
and, one that is really quite touching. As the band plays Sousa’s
rousing rendition of Stars and Stripes,
the veterans who are present come and take their place in front
of the flag representing their branch of service when that portion
of the song is being played. These fine men and women deserve the
standing ovation they are given.
Page 3
On June 19, 2012, one of Franklin’s
downtown business owners, as well as one
of the area’s most supportive advocates
for tourism, was called to that eternal mecca
of peace. Barry Nolf fought hard for his life
until the bitter end when he died while a
patient in the Heart Pavilion at the Sentara
N o r fo l k G en e r a l Hospital. It’s a bitter
twist of irony that a man with such a BIG heart was actually
waiting for a heart transplant when he died.
Barry never met a stranger, be it critter or man. He was a good
steward of the earth in so many ways. And
although Barry was not on his earthly journey for nearly as long
as he should have been, he lived more LIFE in
his 53 years than many folks live in longer lifetimes. In
addition to the fact that Barry sought and found God
while in solitude amidst the natural beauty of Earth and this
universe, he was also quite successful in the
business world as well. Barry was educated at East Carolina
University and graduated from Old Dominion
University with a degree in Medical Technology. He
worked at DePaul and Norfolk General before spending 18 years at
LifeNet where he worked in all aspects of
organ and tissue transplant. His work at LifeNet was
concentrated in the Cardiovascular Production Depart-
ment, where he retired as manager in 2006.
Barry Nolf… Gone, but never forgotten...
Raystine Johnson inducted as new City Mayor
Come and enjoy the
bounty of the
harvest for
Summer 2012!
When the least expected, you’re elected… you’re the today!
SMILE, you’re on candid camera……
Be sure to follow the Downtown Franklin Association’s website to
bring you all the latest in events in historic Downtown Franklin,
VA. We are grateful to Tim Bradshaw and Nancy DeLeonardo with
Insercorp for keeping our website up-to-date and lively. Check it
out… the face you see may belong to YOU!
Barry, along with his co-workers, held several US patents for
the decellularization of human tissue.
From 2006-2011, Barry was the Vice President of B. T. Nolf &
Son, Inc. where he was a Class A
contractor and custom builder.
In the last year of his life, Barry took great pride and
pleasure in owning Blackwater Outfitters. He
always dreamed of kayaking and fishing for a living. He lived
this dream in Franklin, VA, where he made
a tremendous impact on the community.
A memorial of celebration of Barry’s life will be held on the
evening of Saturday, July 28, at
Barrett’s Landing in downtown Franklin. We honor Barry for a
life well-lived and well-loved by many.
Those of us who came to know him came to love him in a very
special way. We join with his wife Toni
Dellinger Nolf and his son Jacob Nolf in mourning
the loss of a friend to many. And, we will join them
in celebrating the life of one who left far too soon.
Yes, Barry Nolf may
be gone… but, he will never be forgotten!
He will live on in the hearts of those whom
he came to know, love, and call his
friends.
BARRY T. NOLF
12-3-58 —- 6-19-12
Tony lived a great life
in “the dash.” RIP
DF
Hours of Operation:
RAIN OR SHINE
Monday—Saturday
8AM—1 PM
from the
third Saturday in May
through the
last Saturday in October.
(OFF-SEASON is the
second Saturday in November through the last
Saturday in February.)
The market will also be
open for vendor sales from 8 AM—1 PM
Monday through Friday
during the same
business seasons.
Come out and support
your local vendors while
enjoying some great
home-grown products!
.
“Downtown Dan” Howe, Director of the Downtown
Franklin Associa-tion, along with Board members Nancy Parrish
and Kathy Worrell, will
attend the VA Main Street Summer Toolkit program in Warrenton,
VA, July 17-19, 2012. This year’s event will
focus on What is a Healthy Community?
In a called meeting of the Franklin City Council on Wednesday,
June 27, 2012, at 6:30 PM, Ms. Raystine
Johnson was sworn in as Franklin’s new mayor. Ms. Johnson, as
then vice mayor, called the meeting to
order in the absence of Mayor Jim Councill. Reverend Henry
Blunt, retired pastor of First Baptist Church on
Hall Street in Franklin, gave the invocation. Jennifer Maynard,
Voter Registrar for the City of Franklin, was
on hand to certify the May 1, 2012 election results. The
Honorable J. Westbrook Parker, Circuit Court
Judge (retired) presided over the biennial organization meeting
per the request of Ms. Johnson. At that time,
Parker swore in Ward 1 Councilman, Barry Cheatham; Ward 2
Councilman, Benny Burgess; Ward 4 Council-
woman, Mona Murphy; and, finally, Mayor-Elect Raystine Johnson.
Mayor Johnson’s two-year term
officially began on Sunday, July 1, 2012.
In the photo
to the left,
from L to R,
J o h n s o n ’ s
fiancé, Mr.
C h a r l i e
Ashburn, Jr.,
looks on as
Mayor-Elect
Johnson is
sworn in by
We st b rook
Parker, in
the special
c e r e m o n y
held at City
Hall on June
27. A
r e c e p t i o n
followed the
ceremony.
