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Road and Sewer Work Resumes in Framingham

Framingham Sewer and Road Construction resumes

FRAMINGHAM, MA – With warmer weather, and ground thawed, work crews have resumed many of the capital improvement projects in Framingham.

Delays due to traffic and detours around some of the work sites can add to driving times, so motorists should plan accordingly.

The Town of Framingham’s 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.

Some of the projects include:

Auburn Street – Auburn Street has been re-opened to through traffic. Minor construction activities will take place, reducing traffic patterns to a one lane alternating traffic pattern, please use caution while traveling in this area. Construction activities are scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Edgell Road – Construction crews will mobilize on Edgell Road between Warren Place and Central Street to perform deep gravity sewer installation. Construction activities may restrict normal traffic patterns to a one lane alternating traffic pattern, please use caution while travelling in this area. Construction activities are scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Concord Street (Rt. 126) – Fiber Optic Communication Line installation and Sewer manhole work will occur on Concord Street north of Worcester Road (Route 9) and south of School Street. Construction activities may restrict normal traffic patterns to one lane alternating, please use caution while travelling in this area. Construction activities are scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Sewer main construction activities on Concord Street between Hardy Street and A Street may restrict traffic flow through the construction zone to a one lane alternating traffic pattern between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Sewer manhole work will occur on Concord Street (Rt. 126), south of Worcester Road (Route 9) and north of Gorman Road. Construction activities will not restrict normal traffic patterns, please use caution while travelling in this area. Construction activities are scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Anzio Road – On Monday, April 9th construction crews will mobilize on Anzio Road to begin water main and sewer main construction. While construction activities are in progress, Anzio Road will be closed to through traffic. Construction activities are scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Cypress Street and Mellen Street– Beginning Monday, April 9th construction crews will mobilize on Cypress Street to begin water main and sewer main construction. While construction activities are in progress, Cypress Street will be restricted to local traffic only. Once the work is complete on Cypress Street, construction crews will mobilize to Mellen Street. While construction activities are in progress on Mellen Street, Mellen Street will be restricted to local traffic only between Winthrop Street and Clifford Street. Construction activities are scheduled to take place between 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m

Police detail officers will be present to ensure safe vehicular and pedestrian travel. If you encounter any problems due to this work, contact the Capital Construction Hotline at (508) 532-6040.

Additional info can be found at the Town of Framingham Dept. of Public Works/Capital Projects website www.BuildingFramingham.com or for state highway projects, bridge replacement work, etc, at the MassDOT website www.massdot.state.ma.us

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April 9, 2012
Spilka Named to Head-Up Finance Reform Committee
Sen. Karen Spilka Named to Head-Up Conference Committee on State Finance Reform, Modernizing and Improving Efficiency, Transparency, and Accountability of State Government

Senator Karen Spilka

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Today, Senator Karen Spilka announced that she was named to serve as the Senate Chair of the six member conference committee tasked with resolving the differences between the Senate and House versions of the state financial and administrative reform legislation.

“This legislation improves efficiency and accountability by updating the Commonwealth’s finance laws and requiring our agencies and programs to start measuring performance and outcomes,” said Spilka. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues on the conference committee on a final bill that will increase oversight and require smart and effective management of the state’s finances.”

The provisions of the Senate bill include:
- Requiring regular reviews and analysis of state agencies through (more…)
March 26, 2012
March 2012 Filmmaking and Video Editing Classes at AF-TV

Access Framingham offers members classes in video production, video editing and more!

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Interested in video production? This month, (March 2012), Access Framingham will be offering two classes, one in Film-making and another on using Final Cut Pro editing software.

Film-making will be led by Access Framingham Operations Manager Melanie Hardy, who will draw on her experience in both film and single-camera video production to teach the best techniques in fictional storytelling and making entertaining and intriguing movies.

The Film-making Class will be held on three consecutive Thursday evenings: March 8th, 15th and 22nd, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Seats are still available!

Final Cut Pro. This popular class on how to use Apple’s software package to produce and edit great video. AF-TV will be holding a special afternoon workshop (more…)

March 4, 2012
Access Framingham Airs Trivia Shows In Remembrance of Ed Convery

Ed Convery

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Ed Convery passed away last week at the age of 83. Ed was a former teacher and principal in the Framingham Schools, served as president of the Framingham History Center and vice-chair of the Framingham Housing Authority, and he touched the lives of many folks in the Framingham community.

In remembrance of Ed, Access Framingham is honored to replay two episodes of Framingham Tales & Trivia, which Ed taped for our local channel. These are shows he helped produce as part of his own commitment to the Framingham History Center. The programs reflect Ed’s wit and wisdom, and his love for Framingham.

Each edition of Tales and Trivia is one hour in length. These two (more…)

February 17, 2012
Callahan Senior Center Happenings – February 2012

Located at 535 Union Avenue, the Callahan Center is open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mon – Fri

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The following information is about activities and services at the Callahan Senior Center for the month of February 2012.

NOTICE: Most of the activities, special programs and events listed below require signing up or advance reservation, (unless otherwise noted). Please do so in advance so activities can be scheduled effectively and in the appropriate space.

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Town of Framingham & Callahan Center Snowstorm Policy Notice – If the schools close due to snowstorms or other inclement weather days, there will be no activities at the Center. On these days, the Town of Framingham Staff will be available to you at the Center, unless the Town of Framingham declares an emergency closing.

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New Member Orientation Meetings are held (more…)

February 1, 2012
Framingham Library Trustees Seek Applicants for Vacant Board Position

Framingham Library, 49 Lexington Street, Framingham, MA 01702

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Anyone interested in filling a one-year vacancy on the Board of Trustees of the Framingham Public Library should send a letter of application to the Library by or before noon Thursday, February 9, 2012.

The application should include the applicant’s qualifications and reasons for wishing to become an FPL Trustee.

Application should be sent attention of Ruth Winett, Library Chair, to:

Framingham Library

49 Lexington Street

Framingham, MA 01702

(Applications may also be submitted by email (more…)

February 1, 2012
20th Annual Salute To Framingham Honorees Named
The 20th Annual Framingham High School Foundation ''Salute to Framingham'' will be held on Thursday, March 22nd, 2012 at the Sheraton Framingham.

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham High School Foundation has announced the 20th Annual Salute to Framingham honorees.

In 1992, the Salute to Framingham was created to honor individuals for their outstanding commitment and service to Framingham’s youth. These honorees join a select group of people who have made a real difference in the lives of the children of Framingham.

On Thursday, March 22nd 2012, Salute to Framingham will honor Mark & Karen Curtis and Dave Gudejko.

Since 1989, Mark and Karen Curtis have been sponsoring a free Thanksgiving Day dinner for those in need. With the help of volunteers, Mark and Karen Curtis have prepared and served traditional Thanksgiving meals to thousands of needy families for more than two decades. Last year, at the “Curtis Family Thanksgiving“, nearly 1,700 people had a free, hot Thanksgiving dinner either delivered to their door or served to them at Eagles Hall in Framingham.

The annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving dinner brings together more than 400 members of the community including local business owners, Framingham Girl Scouts, students from Fuller Middle School and Framingham High School and members of Framingham Youth Hockey who donate supplies, money or their time to follow the example that Mark and Karen Curtis have set for the last 23 years.

As owners/operators of the Eagles All-American Grill, the Curtis’ service to the Framingham community continues year round with service to senior residents of Memorial House and the Callahan Senior Center. Through the years, Mark & Karen Curtis have been also a part of community family events ranging from Concerts on the Common to the groundbreaking at Bowditch Field.

Dave Gudejko has been involved in the town of Framingham since moving here in 1978. For almost three decades, Dave has been active in Framingham Baseball in many capacities including serving as president of both Little League and Framingham Babe Ruth. He has coached, chaired many fundraising activities and answered the call whenever he was asked. In addition, Dave worked closely with Framingham Parks and Recreation Department as field liaison where he scheduled fields for more than 1,000 players.

For many years, Dave volunteered to get up before sunrise on cold Sunday mornings to make sure that the kids got safely onto buses to enjoy the Framingham Parks and Recreation department’s ski and snowboard program. That same attitude and spirit was brought to the Marian Boosters when as past president he helped shape that organization. Additionally, Dave has coached CYO basketball and administered many youth programs through St. Bridget’s CYO including community outreach programs, ski trips and bowling.

This year, the Salute to Framingham will present the Jim O’Connor Community Service Award to the Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation. Named for former FHS Athletic Director and founder of the Salute to Framingham, this award honors an organization whose work benefits the youth of Framingham. The Framingham Co-operative Bank Charitable Foundation was established by Framingham Co-operative Bank in 1998 as a reflection of its long-standing commitment to the local community.

In addition to these honorees, the Salute program also recognizes Framingham teachers and staff who make each day “special” in our public schools, and also acknowledges graduating FHS students who positively impact the school community.

The 2012 “You Are Special” recipients are:
- Rebecca Morrison, Barbieri Elementary
- Sharon Silverman, Brophy Elementary
- Deb Hobin, Brophy Elementary
- Elizabeth Jeffery, Dunning Elementary
- Heather Degnan, McCarthy Elementary
- Miriam Lapa Silva, Potter Road Elementary
- Jill Coates, Potter Road Elementary
- Kerri O’Brien, Stapleton Elementary
- Deb Phillips, Cameron Middle School
- Lisa Columbo, Fuller Middle School
- Vanda Figueiredo, Fuller Middle School
- Otto Johnson, Walsh Middle School
- Nancy Hulme, Walsh Middle School
- Susan DeSimone, FHS
- Janice Laakko, FHS
- Jayne Carney, Special Education Department
- Literacy Program, Woodrow Wilson Elementary – honoring the entire team at Woodrow Wilson for their work with the school-wide vocabulary intiative.
The Salute to Framingham will take place on Thursday, March 22nd at 6:00pm at the Sheraton Framingham Ballroom.

Complete details and ticket information are available at www.salute-to-framingham.com

Proceeds from the Salute to Framingham benefit the Framingham High School Foundation. All proceeds from the event are used to benefit FHS students by supporting activities, the arts, and athletics at the school.

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January 25, 2012
MA DOR Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit Info
The MA Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit can be worth up to $980 to eleigible seniors!

FRAMINGHAM, MA – Representatives of the MA Department of Revenue, (DOR), will be giving presentations at area senior centers to educate taxpayers 65 and older about the benefits of the MA Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, (real estate tax credit).

For tax year 2011, the credit is worth as much as $980.00, (nine hundred and eighty dollars), to eligible taxpayers 65 and older who either own or rent their home.

While the rules for the credit are not overly complicated, the informational sessions will help seniors understand the requirements to be eligible for the credit.

Some of the basic rules are: non-head of household single filers must have total income under $52k, or under $65k for a head of household, or under $78k for those who file joint returns. The credit is available to owners of homes with an assessed value of $729k or less, (after exemptions and any abatement).

If your tax liability is less than $980.00, to offset the credit, the State of Massachusetts will send you a check!

The closest locations to Framingham where the presentations will be held are:
- On January 25th, 2012 at 1:00 p.m at the Wayland Council on Aging, 4 Cochituate Rd., Wayland, MA. Phone: 508-358-2990.
- On February 22nd, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at the Natick Council on Aging, 90 Oak St., Natick, MA, phone: (508) 647-6540.
Additional information and schedule of other locations where the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit presentation will be held can be found on the MA DOR website at: www.mass.gov/dor

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January 23, 2012
Staples To Give Small Businesses a Push with Free Advertising

Framingham, MA based Staples Inc. to award (5) small businesses with $50k each in free t.v. advertising, (or they can take $40k in advertising and $10k in cash!)

FRAMINGHAM, MA – The 6th annual Staples National Small Business Survey (NASDAQ: SPLS) found that seven out of 10 small business owners are optimistic about the future. Further, 52 percent of small business owners revealed they would grow their business through advertising and direct marketing if they had a larger marketing budget. To help address this need, Staples today launched the Staples “Give Your Small Business the Push It Needs” contest to make it easy for five small businesses to win up to $50,000 each in free television advertising in their home market.

“With more than 25 years of experience working with our core small business customers, we know that investing in marketing to grow a small business is essential, yet many do not have the money to do so,” said John Giusti, vice president of small business marketing at Staples. “Staples wanted to do something unique to (more…)

January 20, 2012
Christmas Tree Curbside Collection (Jan. 23rd – 27th, 2012)

Framingham DPW to pickup Christmas Trees weeks of January 23rd-27th, 2012.

FRAMINGHAM, MA– It’s been nearly a month since Christmas, and if you still have a Christmas tree in your home, it’s most likely very dried out — and could be a fire hazard at this point in time.

Dried out trees should be removed from your home or business and placed outdoors, away from any [cigarette] smoking areas or other possible sources of ignition until the tree can be properly disposed of.

The Town of Framingham Department of Public Works will be collecting Christmas Trees during the week of January 23rd through 27th, 2012. You should put your tree on the curb on your normal trash collection day.

The DPW will only pickup trees if all decorations, strands of lights, tinsel/garland, etc, have been removed — and the tree can not be in a plastic bag, (or it will not be picked up).

For additional information about Christmas Tree Curbside Collection contact the Framingham Department of Public Works, Solid Waste Division at: (508) 532-6001.

January 19, 2012