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Author: News Staff

  • New Sharps and Prescription Drug Disposal Kiosks in Framingham

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Through a grant received from the Office of Local and Regional Health, the Framingham Health Department will provide residents with a free disposal site for their needles, syringes and lancets and their unused or expired medications.

    Safe disposal of sharps and prescription drugs is essential in ensuring the health and safety of the community and environment. In 2012 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts banned the disposal of medical sharps in local trash and recycling program leaving residents to find new methods for disposing of these items. The addition of sharps kiosks in Framingham will address this gap.

    Sharps should be placed in a sealed container that is puncture and leak proof, such as a coffee can or soda bottle. They should not be placed in glass containers, paper, or plastic bags. Residents can bring their sharps to the Town of Framingham Health Department located at 150 Concord Street, Room 221 or to Framingham Police Headquarters located at 1 William Welch Way.

    Unused or expired medications, pills, creams or patches can also be disposed of and can be deposited in a medication kiosk located in the lobby of Framingham Police Headquarters. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. The rate of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs. Studies have shown that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends.

    These are a free service, anonymous with no questions asked.

    Drop off hours:
    Town of Framingham Health Department: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
    Framingham Police Headquarters: 24 hours a day, seven days a week

    For more information visit www.framinghamma.gov/290/Health-Department or email the Town of Framingham Health Department at health@framinghamma.gov

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  • Senator Spilka Named Chair of Senate Ways and Means Committee

    Senator Spilka Named Chair of Senate Ways and Means Committee

    Karen Spilka
    Karen Spilka, named Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Senate President Stan Rosenberg today announced his leadership team and Committee chairmanship assignments. Senator Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) has been named the new Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, which oversees the budget and finances of the Commonwealth.

    “I would first like to thank Senate President Stan Rosenberg for this honor,” said Senator Spilka. “I am grateful and humbled that he would place his confidence, faith and trust in me. This is a responsibility that I do not take lightly. I will work hard every day to help President Rosenberg achieve his ambitious, bold agenda to empower all members, increase transparency and reduce public skepticism about government. I will work hard every day with my colleagues to assist our communities and help raise up all of the residents of Massachusetts. Now, we have a lot of work to do.”

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  • Former Middlesex Assistant DA Charged with Trading Drugs for Confidential Info

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – A former Middlesex Assistant District Attorney allegedly violated conflict of interest laws and has been indicted in connection with misuse of his position, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today. He allegedly traded information in exchange for oxycodone pills.

    Stephen Gilpatric, age 35, of Somerville, was indicted by a Statewide Grand Jury on charges of Unlawful Gratuity, Unlawfully Communicating Criminal Offender Record Information, and Receiving Unlawful Compensation. He will be arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court on Friday, January 9th, 2015 at 9:00a.m.

    Gilpatric served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office (MDAO) from November 2007 until October 2014, when the AG’s Office began an investigation. He most recently worked within the MDAO’s Public Protection, Anti-terrorism, Corruption and Technology (PACT) Unit, where he handled a variety of specialized prosecutions, including public corruption, white collar crime and major narcotics cases. The AG’s Office received the full cooperation of the MDAO throughout the investigation.

    The investigation revealed that in October 2011, Gilpatric allegedly provided his drug supplier with information that he obtained through his position as an Assistant District Attorney in exchange for drugs. He allegedly gave this drug supplier sensitive information about another man, including a Board of Probation record, a police report, a photograph, and other personal identifying information, in exchange for oxycodone pills.

    Authorities further allege that Gilpatric also provided additional confidential law enforcement information—a criminal record and an organizational chart of a drug ring—to this same drug supplier and his brother, hoping to receive pills in exchange.

    At this time, the AG’s investigation has no evidence to suggest Gilpatric provided information related to any criminal cases he was personally investigating or prosecuting.

    Additionally, in August 2011, Gilpatric allegedly made an agreement with a woman to help get her son’s commercial driver’s license back, which was revoked following a guilty plea in a criminal case, in exchange for $1,500.

    Authorities allege that Gilpatric was spending hundreds of dollars a week to feed his addiction to Oxycontin.

    This case is being handled by Assistant Attorney General James O’Brien, Chief of Attorney General Coakley’s Public Integrity Division, and Assistant Attorney General Dean Mazzone, Deputy Chief of the AG’s Criminal Bureau, with assistance from Sallyann Nelligan, Chief of the AG’s Financial Investigations Division, State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office, and the AG’s Digital Evidence Lab.

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  • Nine New MA Status of Women Commissioners Appointed, Two From Framingham

    Nine New MA Status of Women Commissioners Appointed, Two From Framingham

    [logo] Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women
    Logo of the newly established Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, (Oct. 2, 2014)
    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is pleased to announce the appointments of nine commissioners to the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women. The Commissioners are as follows: Cathy Ashton of Wayland, Leonor Filipe of Framingham, Patricia Hohl of Framingham, Kelly Love of Norwood, Jennifer Maseda of Natick, Suzanne Reynolds-Alpert of Norfolk, Nancy Rosenblum of Ashland, Denise Schultz of Franklin, and Heather Wightman of Hopkinton.

    The Commissioners will be sworn-in at the Inauguration of the MetroWest Commission on the Status of Women at the D. Justin McCarthy Center at Framingham State University in Framingham, MA on (more…)

  • UPDATED – Central Street Bridge in Saxonville Being Rebuilt

    UPDATED – Central Street Bridge in Saxonville Being Rebuilt

    2014 - Framingham, MA - Central Street Bridge Project Map
    Central Street Bridge Project Map – Click to Enlarge.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Central Street Bridge which spans the Sudbury River over the “Great Falls at Saxonville” is being removed and replaced, check for detours and construction delays.

    UPDATES:

    12/27/14 – According to a large flashing construction sign by the School Street /  Concord Street intersection; the Central Street bridge will close on January 5th, 2015.

    12/26/14 – traffic island at intersection of Central St. and Water St. removed, traffic signals and wiring being cleared for demolition.

    Project Background:

    The bridge replacement project is being performed by contractor under the direction of  The Massachusetts Department of Transportation, (MassDOT).  Construction schedules call for contractors to performed deconstruction and removal of the bridge starting in late December or early January and continuing through the winter months so that reconstruction may begin in the Spring of 2015.  MassDOT has established a deadline of August, 2015 for completion of the new bridge.

    The current bridge is named for Anthony M. “Tony” Colonna, a former public servant and lifetime Framingham resident who served as a MA State Representative, (many tribute Tony with bringing two MassPike exits to Framingham), then as Head of the Public Works Department and a Magistrate, and eventually the Clerk of the Framingham District Court for many years.

    The Central Street Bridge project was planned in coordination with the recently completed Wickford Street Bridge replacement so that traffic which would usually come into or leave  Saxonville via Central Street can be detoured over the Sudbury River using the Wickford Street Bridge.

    For more info about the project, visit the Town of Framingham web page, or MassDOT, visit: www.massdot.state.us

  • 2014 NORAD Santa Tracker

    2014 NORAD Santa Tracker

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Months become weeks, weeks become days, and as December 25th approaches, children’s questions like; “How long until Christmas?“, and “Are you sure Santa knows where our house is?“, come with increasing frequency.

    Thanks to NORAD, (the North American Aerospace Defense Command), kids of all ages can track Santa’s travels on Christmas Eve with radar accuracy — and spend time on the NORAD Santa Tracker Website playing games and enjoying other activities while they wait for the jolliest elf to arrive.

     

    History of the NORAD Santa Tracker:

    1955 Sears Christmas Ad mistakenly publishes Air Force hotline number
    1955 Sears Christmas Ad mistakenly publishes Air Force / CONAD hotline number.

    In 1955, a U.S. Air Force agency called “CONAD”, (the Continental Air Command), had it’s phone number, (ME2-6681), mistakenly published in Christmas ad for the Sears Roebuck store in Colorado Springs, CO.

    The ad encouraged kids to call the number to talk to Santa.

    In the spirit of Christmas, CONAD Operations Director, Col. Harry Shoup had staff give children updates on Santa’s location.

    Three years later, the United States and Canada formed NORAD, and the agency decided to follow Col. Shoup’s lead, and made the “Santa Hotline” a favorite annual event for the agency.

    From 1955 to 1996, the “Santa Tracker” was a call-in telephone hotline and newspapers, radio and television programs promoted it to children across the country.

    In 1997, Santa went high-tech, and the agency created the NORAD Santa Tracker website — which has been updated over the past 15 years to include “live satellite tracking” and fun, interactive activities for kids.

    Click link below to visit –

    www.NORADSANTA.org

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  • Framingham Recreation Department to Offer Yoga & Zumba Gold Classes

    Framingham Recreation Department to Offer Yoga & Zumba Gold Classes

    Zumba Gold Classes from the Framingham Park & Rec. Dept
    Start the New Year with Zumba Gold Classes from the Framingham Park & Rec. Dept!

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Avoid cabin fever this winter! The Framingham Park and Recreation Dept. will be offering a class in gentle, Kripalu style Yoga Class along with a low impact Zumba Gold Class for Adults.

    In Yoga, students will learn basic postures, gentle stretching, and breathing and relaxation techniques to increase flexibility and strength, reduce stress and create peace of mind. The Zumba Gold Class will offer students, of any dance or fitness level, a fun, yet effective workout!

    Both classes will be held at the Brophy School Gym, 575 Pleasant Street, Framingham, MA, on Monday evenings from January 5th through March 9th,  2015, (no class will be held on 1/19 or 2/16).

    Kripalu Style Yoga Classes from Framingham Park and Rec
    Kripalu Style Yoga Classes from Framingham Park & Rec!

    Yoga runs from 6:00pm – 7:00pm and costs $55 per Framingham resident.

    Zumba Gold runs from 7:00 – 8:00pm and costs $48 per Framingham resident.

    Please register at the Recreation Office from 9:00am-5:00pm, or reserve your spot on line at www.framinghamparks.com or call (508) 532-5960 for more information.

    The Framingham Parks & Recreation Department office is located at Bowditch Field Athletic and Cultural Complex, 475 Union Ave., Framingham, MA 01702.

    The Town of Framingham intends to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you need a reasonable modification of policies or practices, auxiliary aides, or services, please contact us at least two weeks before this event or as soon as possible.

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  • Christmas Services in Framingham (2014)

    Christmas Services in Framingham (2014)

    Original photo-illustration by Randy M. Harris, 20-DEC-2010
    Merry Christmas to all from Framingham, Massachusetts, U.S.A.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Below is a list of Christmas services, masses and other events held at Framingham churches and houses of worship during the week of December 22nd through 26th, 2014.

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    Armenian Church of the Holy Translators – American Christmas Eve Carole and Prayer Service, (in English), Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, Christmas Eve, 4:00pm. — 38 Franklin Street, Framingham, MA, 01702 — www.armenianchurchofmetrowest.org

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    Edwards Church (UCC) – Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, Christmas Eve—5:00pm Pageant for all ages  (come at 4:30 to choose a costume), 9:00pm  Candlelight service of lessons, carols, and poetry — 39 Edwards Street,  Framingham MA 01701 — www.edwardschurch.org

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     First Baptist Church of Framingham – Christmas Eve Service – Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Rev. Jason Rutherford Preaching “What if God was One of Us”, Special Music, Candlelight. — 1013 Worcester Road, Framingham, MA 01701 — www.firstbaptistframingham.org

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    First Parish Framingham – Christmas Eve, December 24th, 2014 at 5:00pm, Traditional Candlellight Service and Children’s Christmas Pageant, 8:00 pm Candlelight Service. — (Note: 5:00pm service is more ‘small-child’ friendly!) — A Unitarian Universalist Congregation — 24 Vernon Street, Framingham, MA 01701 — www.uuframingham.org/

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    First United Methodist Church – Christmas Eve Service, Wednesday, December 24th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, see church calendar at www.firstumcframingham.org for more info.

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    Grace Congregational Church – Christmas Eve Service with Candles, Carols and Communion, Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, 7:00PM. — 76 Salem End Road, Framingham, MA 01702 — www.gracechurchucc.org

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    Lutheran Church of Framingham -Christmas Eve, Friday, December 24, 2010, 1:45PM Service at Heritage, 7:00PM Candlelight Service with Lessons, Carols. — 720 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA, 01701 — www.lcfworships.org

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    Plymouth Church of Framingham (UCC) – Christmas Eve Worship, Wednesday, December 24th, 2014, 5:00pm and 10:00pm service. Time to sing favorite Christmas hymns and share the beloved story of Jesus’ birth. — 7 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA 01701 — www.plymouthchurchframingham.org

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    St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church – Christmas Eve Services, Wednesday, December 24th, 2014 — 4:00 PM Family Holy Eucharist — 10:00 PM Festival Holy Eucharist with Special Music — Thursday, December 25th, 11:00 AM Morning Prayer and Carols — www.standrewsframma.org

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    St. Bridgets Church -Christmas Mass Schedule: Wednesday, December 24th, 2014 “The Vigil of Christmas”, 4:00 pm Upper & Lower Church —  6:00 pm Family Mass —   Beginning at 11:30 pm: Christmas Music!  St. Bridget’s Adult Choir will give a half-hour concert of Christmas Carols and Choir Motets before the Midnight Mass at 12:00 am — 830 Worcester Road (Rt. 9),
    Framingham, MA 01702 — www.stbridgetparish.org

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    St. George’s Church – CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE / HOLY DAY MASS SCHEDULE – Wednesday, December 24, 2014,  Christmas Eve: 9:00AM Mass of the Day, 4:00PM Upper Church, 5:30PM Upper Church —  Thursday, December 25, 2014, Christmas Day: 8:00AM Upper Church, 10:30AM Upper Church– Saint George Catholic Church, 74 School Street, Framingham, MA 01701 — www.churchofstgeorge.org

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    Please contact us to have your house of worship’s Christmas 2014 services or other holiday events added to this page.

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  • Hackers Steal Over Million Customer’s Data from Staples Stores

    Hackers Steal Over Million Customer’s Data from Staples Stores

    (photo) Headquarters of Staples, Inc.
    Headquarters of Staples, Inc. located at 500 Staples Drive, Framingham, MA 01702 (USA)

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham Massachusetts based office supply retailer Staples, Inc. has released updated info on the recent data breach involving 1.16 Million customer’s info from its retail point-of-sale systems.

    In mid-September 2014, Staples’ data security staff detected criminals had deployed malware to point-of-sale systems at 115 of Staples U.S. retail stores.

    Customer data at Staples’ Framingham MA retail store was not involved.

    The malware allowed transaction data at affected stores, including cardholder names, payment card numbers, expiration dates, and card verification codes to be stolen by the hackers.

    The malware allowed access to this data from (more…)

  • Framingham Resident Wins Mass. Audubon Photo Contest

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Now in its fifth year, Mass Audubon’s annual photography contest, Picture This: Your Great Outdoors, has evolved into a “must” for hundreds of photographers eager to express a love of nature through their images. And with more than 2,000 photos submitted since the contest began April 1, judging so many top-quality entries was especially challenging.

    But after reviewing each photo, judges chose Arindam Ghosh of Framingham as the 2014 Grand Prize Winner for his picture of a male mallard duck, wings spread and seemingly standing on water.

    A 30-year-old software engineer from Framingham, Ghosh got his championship image while observing ducks in the aptly named Waterfowl Pond at Mass Audubon’s Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in Topsfield. He’s been taking pictures as a pastime for five years, but the Mass Audubon contest was the first he has ever entered.

    Photographers could enter a total of five images among (more…)