Author: News Staff

FREE Nature Activities at Cochituate State Park for Month of July 2014

There’s lots to do at Cochituate State Park!

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Between the towns of Natick, Wayland and Framingham, 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/kayak rental shop are in Cochituate State Park, (which is operated by the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation).

Below is a list of fun, educational FREE summer activities for kids and families available at the park during the month of July 2014, (Tuesdays-Saturdays).

Most of the activities have a different theme each week, so frequent visitors can enjoy learning and doing different things — and kids won’t complain “I already did that last week”.

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Tuesday, July 1 12:30 – 1:30pm — It’s Sand, Man! – What is this material called sand? Where does it comes from? What materials make up the substance? The interpreter will help you sift the sand to find the composition of the material that covers our New England fresh water beaches. On-the-beach programs are appropriate for children 5 – 13.

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Tuesday, July 1, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Wednesday, July 2 10:00-11:00 am — Kidleidoscope Kids – Meet at the Nature Center for fun nature-based activities for Children ages 3-5. Kidleidoscope program is designed to introduce young children to the natural world in a fun, engaging way. The program revolves around three different activities (activity, game, story, craft, exploration, etc) each lasting ~15–20 minutes long. Each of these activities is centered on a theme. This format helps keep young children interested and attentive. Each week a different topic/theme is explored to encourage repeat visits by interested children. No preregistration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 2, 1:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Thursday, July 3, 1:00-3:00 pm — Water Comes to Boston! – Turn the tap and out it comes, right? Not for people that lived over 100 hundred years ago. Learn the exciting history that Lake Cochituate shares with Boston – it was the first fresh water supply! Help build a cool aqueduct system on the beach to model how water was taken to Boston. Appropriate for children age 6 and up.

Saturday, July 5, 12:30 pm — Sandy Art – Join this fun-filled program with the interpreter and learn about one animal – then make it in the sand! Materials provided for this group activity that is both fun and educational. Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children may participate with an adult.

Saturday, June 5, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Tuesday, July 8 12:30 – 1:30pm — It’s Sand, Man! – What is this material called sand? Where does it comes from? What materials make up the substance? The interpreter will help you sift the sand to find the composition of the material that covers our New England fresh water beaches. On-the-beach programs are appropriate for children 5 – 13.

Tuesday, July 8, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Wednesday, July 9, 10:00-11:00 am — Kidleidoscope Kids – Meet at the Nature Center for fun nature-based activities for Children ages 3-5. Kidleidoscope program is designed to introduce young children to the natural world in a fun, engaging way. The program revolves around three different activities (activity, game, story, craft, exploration, etc) each lasting ~15–20 minutes long. Each of these activities is centered on a theme. This format helps keep young children interested and attentive. Each week a different topic/theme is explored to encourage repeat visits by interested children. No preregistration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 9, 1:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Thursday, July 10, 1:00-3:00 pm — Water Comes to Boston! – Turn the tap and out it comes, right? Not for people that lived over 100 hundred years ago. Learn the exciting history that Lake Cochituate shares with Boston – it was the first fresh water supply! Help build a cool aqueduct system on the beach to model how water was taken to Boston. Appropriate for children age 6 and up.

Friday, July 11, 1:30- 3:00pm — Critter of the Day – Join the Park Interpreter on the beach for a fun program on the wildlife that live in and around Cochituate State Park. Discover signs of living things all around you! Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children can participate with an adult.

Saturday, July 12, 12:30 pm — Sandy Art – Join this fun-filled program with the interpreter and learn about one animal – then make it in the sand! Materials provided for this group activity that is both fun and educational. Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children may participate with an adult.

Saturday, July 12, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Tuesday, July 15 12:30 – 1:30pm — It’s Sand, Man! – What is this material called sand? Where does it comes from? What materials make up the substance? The interpreter will help you sift the sand to find the composition of the material that covers our New England fresh water beaches. On-the-beach programs are appropriate for children 5 – 13.

Tuesday, July 15, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Wednesday, July 16, 10:00-11:00 am — Kidleidoscope Kids – Meet at the Nature Center for fun nature-based activities for Children ages 3-5. Kidleidoscope program is designed to introduce young children to the natural world in a fun, engaging way. The program revolves around three different activities (activity, game, story, craft, exploration, etc) each lasting ~15–20 minutes long. Each of these activities is centered on a theme. This format helps keep young children interested and attentive. Each week a different topic/theme is explored to encourage repeat visits by interested children. No preregistration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 16, 1:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Friday, July 18, 1:30- 3:00pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Join the Park Interpreter on the beach for a fun program on the wildlife that live in and around Cochituate State Park. Discover signs of living things all around you! Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children can participate with an adult.

Saturday, July 19, 12:30 pm — Sandy Art – Join this fun-filled program with the interpreter and learn about one animal – then make it in the sand! Materials provided for this group activity that is both fun and educational. Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children may participate with an adult.

Saturday, July 19, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Tuesday, July 22 12:30 – 1:30pm — It’s Sand, Man! – What is this material called sand? Where does it comes from? What materials make up the substance? The interpreter will help you sift the sand to find the composition of the material that covers our New England fresh water beaches. On-the-beach programs are appropriate for children 5 – 13.

Tuesday, July 22, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Wednesday, July 23, 10:00-11:00 am — Kidleidoscope Kids – Meet at the Nature Center for fun nature-based activities for Children ages 3-5. Kidleidoscope program is designed to introduce young children to the natural world in a fun, engaging way. The program revolves around three different activities (activity, game, story, craft, exploration, etc) each lasting ~15–20 minutes long. Each of these activities is centered on a theme. This format helps keep young children interested and attentive. Each week a different topic/theme is explored to encourage repeat visits by interested children. No preregistration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 23, 1:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Thursday, July 24, 1:00-3:00 pm — Water Comes to Boston! – Turn the tap and out it comes, right? Not for people that lived over 100 hundred years ago. Learn the exciting history that Lake Cochituate shares with Boston – it was the first fresh water supply! Help build a cool aqueduct system on the beach to model how water was taken to Boston. Appropriate for children age 6 and up.

Friday, July 25, 1:30- 3:00pm — Critter of the Day – Join the Park Interpreter on the beach for a fun program on the wildlife that live in and around Cochituate State Park. Discover signs of living things all around you! Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children can participate with an adult.

Saturday, July 26, 12:30 pm — Sandy Art – Join this fun-filled program with the interpreter and learn about one animal – then make it in the sand! Materials provided for this group activity that is both fun and educational. Appropriate for children age 6 and up. Younger children may participate with an adult.

Saturday, July 26, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Tuesday, July 29 12:30 – 1:30pm — It’s Sand, Man! – What is this material called sand? Where does it comes from? What materials make up the substance? The interpreter will help you sift the sand to find the composition of the material that covers our New England fresh water beaches. On-the-beach programs are appropriate for children 5 – 13.

Tuesday, July 29, 2:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Wednesday, July 30, 10:00-11:00 am — Kidleidoscope Kids – Meet at the Nature Center for fun nature-based activities for Children ages 3-5. Kidleidoscope program is designed to introduce young children to the natural world in a fun, engaging way. The program revolves around three different activities (activity, game, story, craft, exploration, etc) each lasting ~15–20 minutes long. Each of these activities is centered on a theme. This format helps keep young children interested and attentive. Each week a different topic/theme is explored to encourage repeat visits by interested children. No preregistration required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Wednesday, July 30, 1:00 – 4:00 pm — Nature Center open at Cochituate! – Cochituate nature Center has all kinds of fun things to do. Start a craft or check out a Discovery Pack. Explore the park and its nature. Appropriate for children age 6 and up with an adult.

Thursday, July 31, 1:00-3:00 pm — Water Comes to Boston! – Turn the tap and out it comes, right? Not for people that lived over 100 hundred years ago. Learn the exciting history that Lake Cochituate shares with Boston – it was the first fresh water supply! Help build a cool aqueduct system on the beach to model how water was taken to Boston. Appropriate for children age 6 and up.

Map to Cochituate State Park Entrance (on Rt. 30)

Click for larger Google Map or to get driving direction from outside local area.

Directions to Cochituate State Park: follow Cochituate Rd., (Rt. 30) east, when you pass the intersection of Speen St. and Rt. 30, (near Home Depot) the road will become Commonwealth Rd., (at Natick town line), park entrance is on your right approximately 1/4 mile at 43 Commonwealth Rd., Natick, MA.

Additional information is available on the Cochituate State Park page of the MA Dept. of Conservation and Recreation website, or by contacting Cochituate State Park Headquarters / Business Office located at 93 Commonwealth Rd. Wayland, MA, or by phone at: (508) 653-9641.

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All programs are free and open to the public. Most programs take place at the beach. There is a $5.00 parking fee. Bring water, wear sunscreen/bug spray, dress in layers, and wear good footwear. An adult must accompany children. Rain cancels. For more information call 508-653-9641. Cochituate State Park is located on 43 Commonwealth Rd. Natick, MA, (Rt. 30, just over the Framingham town line near the Speen St. / Cochituate Rd. intersection).

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The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), an agency of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, oversees 450,000 acres of parks and forests, beaches, bike trails, watersheds, dams, and parkways. Led by Commissioner Jack Murray, the agency’s mission is to protect, promote, and enhance our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr.

Familiar Places, Hidden Treasures…what will you find?

Celebrate Preservation Month 2014 with DCR programs and events. Learn more @ http://www.mass.gov/dcr/presmonth

June 23, 2014
Chicken Bone Closes for Summer

“The Bone” is Closed until after Labor Day.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Chicken Bone Saloon sent out a notice to customers on their email list informing them they would be closing for the entire summer, beginning June 17th, 2014 and not reopening until “the week after Labor Day”.

The notice read —

Dear Friends of The Chicken Bone:

Summertime has always been a very slow time of year for us here at The Chicken Bone. Many people are away on vacation and/or enjoying outdoor activities. This, combined with recent changes in the economy and rising cost of living expenses, means we all have less money to spend on eating out and entertainment.

Up until last year, The Chicken Bone had always been open 7 days a week. Last summer, in an effort to minimize the impact of the slow season, we reduced our operating hours and decided to be closed on Mondays. We have made the difficult decision to suspend our operations for the entire summer this year, and then re-open after Labor Day.

We want to thank all of our staff and all of our customers for your friendship and support over the years. We know that The Chicken Bone would not be the special place that it is without all of you. We hope that you enjoy the summer and come back to see us in the fall for the great food and live music that The Chicken Bone is known for.

Sincerely,
Bill & John
The Chicken Bone will be closed from Tuesday June 17th until the week after Labor Day.

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June 17, 2014
13th Annual RiverFest, June 20th through 22nd, 2014
13th Annual RiverFest, June 20th – 22nd, 2014

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Celebrate our Wild and Scenic Rivers at the 13th Annual RiverFest, June 20th through the 22nd, 2014 — a rare opportunity to enjoy a full weekend of activities free of charge! RiverFest, which celebrates the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Wild and Scenic Rivers, includes 45 events in nine communities and is open to all who want to experience the beautiful rivers flowing through our communities.

RiverFest Events on Saturday, June 21, 2014 in Framingham:
- Discovery Walk: 10 a.m. — Join the Framingham Conservation Commission on a discovery walk on the Carol Getchell Trail. We’ll “go there and back again” and look for tracks and emerging plants along the banks of the Sudbury River as spring turns toward summer. Meet at the end of Little Farms Road. Please call 508-532-5460 or e-mail mnw@framinghamma.gov to register and for directions and trail conditions.
- Self-Guided History Walk: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Join the Friends of Saxonville for refreshments and a self-guided history walk in Saxonville, the oldest part of Framingham. Meet on the historic Danforth Bridge for your map. For more information, contact Lynne at lynne@damianosphotography.com
- Family Walk Along the River: 1 p.m. — Join the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Rx walk especially for families with young children starting at the Danforth Bridge. For more information, contact Libby at lsdeegear@outdoors.org
In the MetroWest area, from Framingham to Lowell, events will be hosted on and along the rivers highlighting all the things that make these rivers so special. The offerings are diverse, suitable for young and older people, those who are adventuresome and want to be on the water, as well as (more…)
June 13, 2014
Jack’s Abby Brewing Introduces Framingham Lager

Drink Local! — Jacks Abby Brewing, LLC releases “Framingham Lager” in honor of brewery’s 3rd Anniversary of operation in town.

Framingham, MA – Jack’s Abby Brewing, LLC is celebrating its 3rd anniversary by releasing Framingham Lager, a new beer that will give back to the local community. “Framingham Lager” will be released on Wednesday, June 18th, and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to the Downtown Framingham Renaissance organization for their efforts to revitalize downtown Framingham.

“We’ve been honored and humbled by the tremendous support the community has shown us over the past three years. We feel that the best way to give back to the community is to invest in it,” said Jack Hendler, who founded the brewery with his younger brothers Eric and Sam. “We wanted to brew something that everyone could enjoy. Framingham Lager is a traditional American pale lager, but brewed without any of the adjuncts common to the style.”

In the three short years since they opened, Jack’s Abby has garnered several awards in the brewing industry, and made a name for itself locally by focusing entirely on craft brew using traditional German techniques to create new lagers.

Framingham Lager is a traditional American style lager brewed with 100% 2-row malt and 100% real hops, no adjuncts. Draft will only be available in Framingham, 12-packs will be distributed throughout Massachusetts.

Visit Jack’s Abby Brewing Tasting Room (Wed. – Sat., 12– 8pm), at 81 Morton Street, Framingham, MA 01702. For more info, visit www.jacksabbybrewing.com, or phone: (508) 872-0900 or send email to: info@jacksabbybrewing.com

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June 12, 2014

2014 Framingham Concerts on the Green Schedule

FREE Summer Concert Series

JUNE – JULY – AUGUST

Friday Evenings – 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Framingham Village Green

Framingham Centre, Massachusetts

JUNE 2014 – FRAMINGHAM CONCERTS
June 20th	Chris Anders, (country)
June 27th	Three of a Kind, (pop)
JULY 2014 – FRAMINGHAM CONCERTS
July 4th	The Tom Nutile Band, (Big Band / Swing)
July 11th	Hot Acoustics, (Classic Rock)
July 18th	The Reminisants, (Oldies & Rock n’ Roll)
July 25th	JC & Enfusion, (R&B / Soul)
AUGUST 2014 – FRAMINGHAM CONCERTS
August 1st	Metro, (Classic Rock)
August 8th	Playing Dead, (Grateful Dead Tribute Band)

~ Bring a blanket or chair. ~

• Restrooms • Food • Concession Stand •

Directions: The “Village Green”, (also known as the “Framingham Centre Common”), is located just north of Rt. 9 on Edgell Road. From Rt.9 (East or West), take the Framingham State College / Main St., Framingham Centre exit and proceed north on Edgell Rd. – Village Green is located approximately 1/10 mile from exit. From Sudbury, (Rt. 20), take Edgell Road exit (near Friendly’s) and follow south to Framingham Centre. From Downtown Framingham, take Union Ave. / Main Street heading north, cross Rt. 9 and continue approximately 1/10 mile.

Parking: FREE parking is available on-street and off-street, (in church parking lots which surround the Village Green). Please park only where instructed by signs or traffic officers.

Please watch for pedestrians in and around concert and parking areas.

Arrive early for best parking.

For Concert Cancellations & Additional Info

Call: (508)532-5962

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June 2, 2014

Learn About Your Community Media Center

Access Framingham / AF-TV, is Framingham public access television and community media center, MA

Framingham, MA – Access Framingham, the nonprofit public access corporation for the Town of Framingham, is holding an Orientation Session on Thursday, June 5, 2014 at 7:00pm.

Access Framingham is a membership based organization which provides training with video recording and editing equipment as well as access to our cable television channel to show locally recorded programming. Learn to be a citizen journalist, help document the many interesting events in Framingham, or volunteer your talents to help others with their productions. AF-TV’s local production studio is located in the back of the Fuller Middle School, at 31 Flagg Drive.

Membership is open to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Framingham, or who is affiliated with a Framingham-based organization. All are welcome at this upcoming Orientation session. Please call to register at 508-875-5434.

AF-TV can be seen in the Town of Framingham on Comcast Channel 9, RCN Channel 3, and Verizon Channel 43. For more information about Access Framingham programming, training, and services, you can also visit us online at www.accessfram.tv.

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May 28, 2014
Traffic Alerts / Road Construction – May 12th-16th, 2014

“One Lane Alternating Traffic Pattern” means drivers should be prepared to stop and wait while traffic is allowed to pass from the other direction near some roadwork projects in Framingham.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Roadwork on several major projects in town will continue this week.

Construction activities are scheduled to take place daily (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, (North Concord St. work will start after 8:30am to reduce morning rush hour traffic).

Use caution and expect delays while traveling in the area.

The Town of Framingham Department of Public Works / Highway Division / Capital Projects website offers residents and visitors to Framingham helpful information about current and upcoming construction projects.

You can view up to date traffic alerts, maps of project work sites and traffic detours, and sign up to receive email alerts for all or any of the currently listed projects, (see link below for more info).

Email traffics alert for the week of May 12th – 16th, 2014 indicates that:
(more…)

May 9, 2014
Staples to Acquire PNI Digital Media

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

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Staples, Inc. (NASDAQ:SPLS) and PNI Digital Media (TSX:PN) (OTCQB:PNDMF), a leading innovator in digital media solutions for retailers, today announced that they have reached an agreement for Staples to acquire PNI for approximately $67.8 Million USD.

PNI Digital Media’s software platform is used to sell millions of personalized products every year including photo prints, photo books, calendars, business cards, documents, wedding invitations, stationery and much more. More than 30,000 retail locations are connected to the PNI Digital Media Platform.

“For years, our retailer partners have used our online, in-store kiosk software and mobile apps to successfully drive millions of orders and in-store visits,” said Kyle Hall, Chief Executive Officer of PNI Digital Media. “With the support of Staples, we expect (more…)

May 7, 2014
FSU Softball Sweeps Becker in Doubleheader

Framingham State University RAMS

Framingham, MA – The Framingham State University softball team swept a doubleheader with Becker College this afternoon by scores of 10-2 in six innings and 14-4 in five innings in non-conference action at Farley Field.

With the wins, the Rams improve to 15-17 on the year, while the Hawks fall to 12-18 with the two losses.

The Rams grabbed the early lead with a run in the bottom of the first of the opener. Junior Shelby Phillips (Taunton, Mass.) blooped a two out single to center and moved to second on a pass ball. Freshman Danielle Belliveau (Lakeville, Mass.) followed with a base hit to right driving in Phillips for the 1-0 advantage.

Becker tied the game in the top of the fourth as they (more…)

April 24, 2014
Mosquito Control by Helicopter in Framingham

East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project conducting helicopter application of biological larvicide in Framingham April 22-29, 2014.

Framingham, MA – The East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project will be conducting a helicopter application of the biological larvicide, Bti, to control mosquito larvae over wetland areas located in Framingham.

Wetlands currently being evaluated for this application are located by Angelica Dr., Callahan State Park, Fairbanks Rd. and Palmer Rd. The application will take place between April 22nd and April 29th, 2014.

The Bti will be applied in a granular formulation by a helicopter flying low directly over the wetlands.

Residents do not need to take any special precautions for this application.

The material to be applied Bti, (Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis), is a natural bacterium found in soil.

The EPA classifies Bti as a relatively non-toxic pesticide. Bti is considered a target selective and environmentally compatible pesticide that affects mosquito larvae and a few closely related aquatic insects in the fly family.

Once applied Bti stays suspended in water for 24 to 48 hours and then rapidly biodegrades as it settles to the bottom. The Bti product name is VectoBac G, (EPA Reg. #73049-10).

For further information, contact the East Middlesex Mosquito Control Project at (781) 899-5730.

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April 18, 2014