framingham.com (*** TEST SITE ***)

Author: News Staff

Access Framingham Announces New Studio; Members Elect 3 to Board of Directors

Framingham, MA – At Access Framingham’s Annual Meeting on Monday evening, (September 22, 2014), attendees heard about the successes of the past year, including a record number of new local productions spotlighting the community, challenges to come for Framingham public access television station and training center, and a very exciting bit of news.

4 Vernon Street in Framingham Centre to house new Community Media Center. (Click image for Google Maps/ StreetView of area).

President Bill Rabkin announced that Access Framingham will move to a new location near Framingham Centre Common, thanks to a new agreement with Gordon Real Estate, owners of the property at 4 Vernon Street which will house this new Community Media Center for Framingham. Design work is now underway for the new studio facility, and construction will take place in the coming weeks.

Since 2006, when Framingham Public Access Corporation was formed, the Town’s public access studio has been housed in “temporary” facilities at the rear of the Fuller Middle School.

Bill McColgan, Executive Director of Access Framingham, says the organization has greatly appreciated the partnership with the Framingham Public Schools over the years. “We look forward to more ways to collaborate in the future, but we did need to find a permanent home where a state-of-the-art studio could be created. Working with Jim and Peter Gordon, Access Framingham has now found that home.”

Upon completion of the new facility, Access Framingham will (more…)

September 23, 2014
Jack’s Abby Brewing Announces Fall Specialty and Seasonal Lager Lineup
Brothers Eric, Jack and Sam Hendler of Jack’s Abby Brewing, (File Photo)

Framingham, MA – Jack’s Abby Brewing, the family-owned craft brewery with the mission of creating truly distinctive lagers, is pleased to announce this fall’s lineup of seasonal and specialty brews. The brewery will also induct Leisure Time Lager as core brand this fall; due to this wheat lager’s popularity as the summer seasonal, Leisure Time will now be featured year-round.

“We always look forward to this time of year because of the wide variety of lagers we feature—from extra hoppy to intensely maltty brews,” says Jack Hendler, co-founder and Head Brewer. “Not only are we able to include more locally sourced ingredients from New England in the Fall, but we are able to harvest local hops and pumpkins, involving us in each step of the brewing process.” Each of the seasonal and specialty lagers continue the Jack’s Abby traditions of featuring locally-grown ingredients, traditional German brewing standards and American innovation.

The 2014 Fall Specialty and Seasonal Lager Line-up includes:
- Leisure Time Lager: Now available year-round, this lager is brewed with wheat and a blend of spices including lemongrass, coriander, orange peel and chamomile. A subtle spiciness balances the citrusy and floral hops added to the whirl and hopback. Year-round release. ABV 4.8%, IBUs 15.
- Copper Legend – This Octoberfest-style lager is malty, smooth and exceedingly drinkable — perfect to celebrate the change in seasons. This beer features locally grown wheat from MA, Munich malt and noble hops. September release. ABV 5.7%, IBUs 22.
(more…)
September 8, 2014
FSU RAMS Football Opens Season with 20-17 Victory over Endicott

Framingham State University RAMS

Framingham, MA – The Framingham State University football team had four interceptions including one returned for a touchdown by senior Matt Mangano (Winchester, MA) as the Rams defeated Endicott College 20-17 in non-conference action this afternoon at Bowditch Field.

Framingham State forced five turnovers in the game, four interceptions and one fumble, which they converted into a pair of scores. Mangano had a pair of interceptions and three tackles, while junior Tyllor McDonald (Springfield, MA) and sophomore Jaquan Harris (Randolph, MA) each had picks in the waning minutes of the game to help secure the victory.

The Rams (1-0) turned the ball over on downs near midfield on the first possession of the game and Endicott (0-1) would need just one play, a 47-yard touchdown toss from senior Drew Frenette (New Bedford, MA) to junior Alec Matys (Woburn, MA), to take the game’s first lead. After Kyle Regan (Nashua, NH) converted the extra point, the Gulls led 7-0 with 11:37 on the clock.

Junior Tyler Calitri (West Hartford, Conn.) intercepted Matt Silva (Dracut, MA) on the Rams ensuing possession. The Gulls drove deep into Ram territory on the strength of Frenette’s arm, but senior Kevin Donahue (Norfolk, MA) was able to deflect a Frenette pass. Mangano was right there to make the pick and raced 71 yards to the end zone for the touchdown. After a penalty on the extra point led to (more…)

September 6, 2014
Edible Plants Walk at Stearns Farm

Author of “Wild Plants I’ve Known …and Eaten” to host Edible Plant Walk at Stearns Farm,

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Sudbury Valley Trustees is hosting an edible wild plants walk from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, Tuesday, September 9th, 2014 at Stearns Farm in Framingham.

Russ Cohen, of the MA Department of Fish & Game Riverways Program, will lead the walk to look for edible plants.

Cohen is a foraging expert and author of “Wild Plants I Have Known… and Eaten,” according to an announcement from the trustees.

Stearns Farm and its adjacent woodlands are home to more than 30 species of edible wild plants, many of which are more nutritious and/or flavorful than their cultivated counterparts.

Join Russ on a late afternoon/evening ramble through the farm (and, if time permits, the adjoining woods) to learn about at least 18 species of edible wild plants. Depending on weather conditions, several edible mushroom species may be encountered as well!

Keys to the identification of each species will be provided, along with information on edible portions, seasons of availability, and preparation methods, as well as guidelines for safe and environmentally responsible foraging.

This is a free event for Stearns Farm CSA members, in addition to SVT members, (Stearns Farm members, please check the SVT member box when registering for this program). Non-Member Fee: $10

Pre-registration is required.

For more information, visit the SVT website at: www.svtweb.org or call 978-443-5588.

###

September 3, 2014
FSU Ram’s Field Hockey Opens Season with 3-1 Win Over Regis

Framingham State University RAMS

Framingham, MA – The Framingham State University field hockey team opened the 2014 season with an impressive 3-1 victory over Regis College this afternoon in non-conference action at Maple Street Field.

Framingham State is now 1-0 on the young season, while Regis, who opened the year this past weekend, evens their record at 1-1.

Framingham State grabbed control in the first half with a pair of goals. Senior Emma Littlefield (Rockport, MA) stuck first when she converted off a feed from classmate Hannah Wilkins (Merrimac, MA) in front of the net.

Wilkins had a hand in the Rams second goal as well when she sent a cross to junior Cady Kelly (Canton, MA) in the circle. Kelly connected for her first of the season with just under 19 minutes remaining in the half giving the Rams a 2-0 lead that they would take into the half.

The game would remain 2-0 in favor of the Rams until the final ten minutes. The Pride cut the Rams lead in half with 7:59 showing on the clock. Junior Lauren DeMars (Maynard, MA) sent a long pass across the circle to freshman Hailee Forest (Amherst, NH). Forest snapped a shot off into the back of the cage pulling the Pride within one.

That was as close as they would get as the Rams tacked on an insurance goal with just over a minute remaining in the game. Kelly found the back of the net for the second time in the contest off a feed from freshman Amie Souza (Taunton, MA).

The Rams outshot the Pride 17-9 in the game and held a 10-1 edge in penalty corners. Junior Rosemary Talbot (Whitinsville, MA) picked up the victory in net making five saves, while junior Raegan Heck (Phillipston, MA) made nine stops for the Pride.

The Rams are back in action on Saturday when they host UMaine Farmington in a non-conference match-up at 4 p.m.

Thanks to Kathy Lynch, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information at Framingham State University for contributing this story. For more FSU RAMS sports info, box scores, calendar of upcoming games and sporting events, visit their website at: www.fsurams.com

###

September 3, 2014
Alumni Group Awards Sixty-nine Scholarships

Visit the IAFSA website for additional information about scholarships at www.AlumniHouse.org

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA) is pleased to announce its 2014-2015 scholarship winners.

IAFSA, a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1874, offers approximately 30 scholarships and awards to Framingham State University students as well as interest-free loans. Some scholarships have multiple recipients. Scholarships and loan funding are provided by donations and bequests.

This year IAFSA is granting awards to a record 68 Framingham State University students. Scholarships range from $250 to $2,500. Recipients were chosen based upon their area of study, academic achievement, financial need, hometown, and campus involvement.

Two Framingham residents received awards. John McNeil was selected to receive the Cannes Internship Scholarship which makes it possible for qualified students to participate in the Cannes International Film Festival program through an associated one credit course. It was established in 2013 by an anonymous donor. Rebecca Wilson received The Murtaugh Scholarship which was established in honor of her parents by Joan E. Murtaugh, ’61 who taught for 36 years in the Framingham Public Schools. Graduates of any high school in Framingham may apply, with preference given to the offspring of police, fire, or military personnel.

Juliana Marra from Natick received the Paul T. Murphy Memorial Scholarship which was established by (more…)

August 5, 2014
Wickford Road Bridge Opens

FRAMINGHAM, MA – As part of a multi-site road and bridge repair contract, MassDOT and Framingham celebrated the opening of the Wickford Road Bridge today.

Wickford Road Bridge Opening ceremony, July 28, 2014, Framingham, MA, (Image courtesy MassDOT)

The next step towards completion of the contract is the closing of the Central Street Bridge.

###

Source: MassDOT

July 28, 2014
FREE Kids Nature Activities at Cochituate State Park (July 2014)

There’s lots to do at Cochituate State Park!

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Between the towns of Framingham, Wayland and Natick, MA, Lake Cochituate offer many recreational summer activities including swimming, boating and fishing.

Many locals may not realize that just a few hundred yards east of the Framingham/Natick town line, (on Rt. 30), the beach, picnic area, boat launch, snack bar and canoe rental shop are in “Cochituate State Park”, which is part of the Massachusetts State Park system and operated by the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation.

Throughout the months of July and August, (Tuesdays-Saturdays), the park provides fun, educational, and FREE summer activities for kids and families!

Most of the activities have a different theme each week, so (more…)

July 7, 2014
Summer Stuff To Do (for Bored Kids)
FRAMINGHAM, MA – During summer vacation many parents may be hearing the all too familiar “I’m bored” from their school age progeny.

In these “difficult economic times” things to do that are are free or only cost a few dollars — and don’t require excessive driving can help stretch the family budget between trips to Six Flags, Canobie Lake Park or other New England area day trips.

For activities in the list that require traveling in town — consider having kids go places on MWRTA routes. Older kids can walk to a neighborhood bus stop, and go by themselves — relieving their parents of driving duty — and helping reduce local daytime traffic.

Things to do in Framingham in the Summer:
- Make some Sidewalk Chalk and color on the driveway, a concrete deck or the sidewalk with colored chalk. If you find a big enough area, you can use the chalk to make a bike riding course or (more…)
July 6, 2014
Retiring Framingham Elementary School Teacher Receives Educator’s Award

Retiring Framingham Elementary School Teacher Pat Towle and Deb Cleveland, Executive Director, Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni, (IAFSA)

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Retiring McCarthy Elementary School teacher Patricia Towle of Framingham was honored with this year’s Touch the Future Award from the Independent Association of Framingham State Alumni (IAFSA), Adams Road, Framingham. The award’s name is inspired by Framingham State alum Christa McAuliffe’s oft quoted, “I touch the future, I teach.” as well as Christa’s innovation and enthusiasm in teaching.

Towle, a 1964 Framingham State graduate, joined the Peace Corps before beginning her teaching career, most of which has been at the Miriam McCarthy Elementary School in Framingham. She opened her classroom to student teachers and maintained a collaborative and creative classroom environment. She inspired students to reach beyond the classroom door and become involved in the community. They witnessed her work on faculty committees to improve curriculum, school climate, and teacher morale. They saw her organize school fundraisers such as fashion or talent shows.

Towle lives and works in Framingham and participated in the Newcomers Club and the Framingham History Center. For several years she served as an enthusiastic IAFSA Board member. She showed her students that a teacher’s impact can go far beyond an individual classroom.

She is retiring this June and hopes to spend more time in Maine.

The purpose of this award is to honor and acknowledge teachers who teach teachers; especially those who have contributed to advancing knowledge in a (more…)

June 24, 2014