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Author: News Staff

  • Pandemic Flu Public Feedback Session

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC), want input regarding who should receive flu vaccinations first in the event of a pandemic.

    Experts say chances of a deadly worldwide influenza pandemic are increasing. An influenza pandemic could cause widespread disruption of work and millions of deaths.

    An estimated 40 million people died in the 1918 Pandemic, 118 in Framingham where there were about 2000 cases.

    Early in the outbreak, the U.S. will have a shortage of vaccine and will face tough choices about who to vaccinate first. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are conducting pandemic planning, which includes prioritizing the distribution of flu vaccine.

    As part of this planning process, the MDPH is recruiting one hundred diverse members of the general public from across the state to give feedback on which population groups should be vaccinated first at a meeting on September 17, 2005 from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

    The meeting will be held at the Marlborough Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, conveniently located directly off Route 495 and the Mass Pike. Food and a certificate of appreciation from MPDH will be provided.

    Please register to attend today by contacting Jennifer Coyle, the Project Coordinator, at: flu@catalyst-consulting.net or at: (617) 620-9615.

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  • Talk on Selecting the Right College on Oct. 5th

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Youth Commission of Temple Beth Am in Framingham will be hosting a free informational session about helping all parents and their college-bound student select the right college.

    The presentation will be given by Larry Dannenberg of College Solutions, Framingham.

    Among the topics he will address are:

    • How can you identify the “right” college for your child?
    • How can you guide your child to make “smart decisions” in preparation of the college application process?
    • What are the myths about admission, required tests and financial aid

    The event will be held on Monday, October 5th and begin promptly at 7:45 p.m. at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant Street, Framingham. If you need further information, please call the Temple office at 508-872-8300 or visit the temple website at www.Tempbetham.org

    There is no charge for the event but families are asked to bring one non-perishable food item that will be donated to a local food bank. Everyone is welcome.

  • FPAC Going Global with VOD

    (Contributed by Greg Martin, FPAC Production Technician)

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — It has been a busy time lately for FPAC TV programming. We have many new specials, public service announcements (PSAs), and a lot of exciting new series shows. We’re stronger and better than ever before, and as always offering the most unique, fresh, and sometimes controversial programming you’re likely to see in Framingham.

    In related news, FPAC is in the process of purchasing and installing a Video-On-Demand (VOD) server from Tightrope Media. You may ask, “What does this mean for Framingham television?”

    Until now, FPAC’s fine programming was available only to the residents of Framingham. At FPAC, we felt that we were depriving the rest of the planet’s 5 billion inhabitants of the educational, funny, and unique programming that we show here, unavailable anywhere else. With the addition of this server, FPAC shows will be available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.

    The Cablecast SX VOD server makes our content available for viewing on demand over the Internet, to anyone, at any time. When a digital file arrives at FPAC, we will automatically transcode it for viewing and podcasting and then make the file available though the FPAC website.

    FPAC will become global in reach, offering viewers up to 30,000 hours of programming at the click of a mouse. Viewers can receive automatic notifications of new content via RSS feeds, and can download programming to and iPod, iPhone, or similar mobile device for viewing on the go. So get ready, Framingham, for some international exposure!

  • News from the Framingham Farmer’s Market

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Up until this season, I would have been inclined to think that a lot of rain would be good for such a water-heavy fruit as melons. Unfortunately, the converse is true.

    All the early season rain has delayed the growth of melons and we are still watching to see if this will be the melon-prize week. We did have a few melons two weeks ago – that was the first crop’s yield. The second crop, I’m told, will be larger and more satisfying – but when they will be ready for picking depends on the next few days’ weather.

    The farmers won’t pick them if they are substandard – they only want to bring premium produce to the farmers’ market. If a field taste determines more time on the vine is needed, then we will need to wait patiently for another week or so. In addition to melons, keep a lookout for another harvest of prune plums. Those should also be coming soon – hopefully this Thursday or the next.

    Last week several of us panicked when the 12:30 opening holler came and went with no sign of our Hmong farmers. They did finally arrive, about 45 minutes later, bringing with them a fine selection of pea tendrils, watercress, mustard greens, amaranth, taioba, maxixe , thai basil and, my favorite – lemongrass. For those who missed them last week, rest assured that they plan to return with plenty more this week…and they’re not expecting any further traffic delays (of course).

    In addition to copious amounts of tomatoes, peaches, zucchinis, summer squash, beans, greens, eggplants, peppers, ground cherries and tomatillos, we’ll also have our full, varied selection of cheeses, breads , baked goods, flowers and kettle corn. See you this Thursday!

    Ernie Update: Ernie is still in the throws of harvest season but as he completes the harvest of first plantings, he is harrowing the finished fields and planting winter rye. This is a very busy time of year for him as he keeps up with the picking, plucking and pulling while tending to soon-to-be-harvested kohl crops and planting winter enrichment crops.

    (Contributed by: Elizabeth Aurilio, Market Manager)

  • Fountain Street Studios Presents Second Fridays Art Walk Strolls

    Framingham, MA – Fountain Street Studios, 59 Fountain Street, Framingham, announces Art Walk Strolls on second Fridays: September, October, November, December, 2009, from 6 – 9 pm. This Fall collaboration begins with an opening reception on Friday, September 11, from 6 – 9pm.

    Fountain Street Studios is a thriving artists’ community located in the historic Bancroft Building in South Framingham, MA. With over 60 working artists, Fountain Street Studios is diverse and inclusive, and enjoys an excellent rapport with the surrounding community, including other artist groups, as well as both public and private supporters of the arts. A multitude of visual styles and media exist within the group of resident artists whose innate goal is to make art that inspires, excites, breaks boundaries and fosters the creativity in all.

    The strolls feature 16 Resident Artists: Jodie Apeseche, Painting, Mixed Meda; Cheryl Clinton, Painting; Becky Kisabeth Gibbs, Abstract Painting; Bob Grignaffini, Oil Painting; Carol O’Malia, Oil Painting; Joan Sprachman, Painting; Roy Perkinson, Oil, Watercolor;Sorin Bica, Contemporary Painting, Drawing; Priscilla Claus, Painting, Printmaking;Lynne Damianos, Photography; Karen Jacobs, Contemporary Landscapes; Margie Sisitskey, Painting, Pottery; Gesa Lehnert, Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media; Benedito Megidesh, Fine Furniture Design; Will Kerr, Painting; Paul Riedl, Painting, Furniture Restoration and Design.

    Fountain Street Studios artists are thrilled to open their doors for these monthly strolls. This is a special opportunity to see new and exciting works by many artists in their own creative spaces. The stroll is a fun and casual way to see a wide range of contemporary artworks in a relaxed setting. Fountain Street Studios is handicapped accessible except to wheelchairs, as the freight elevator can only be reached by descending two stairs. The strolls are free and open to the public with plenty of free parking available.

    (Visit website for more info: http://www.FountainStreetStudios.com)

  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS FOR SEPTEMBER 2009

    FRAMINGHAM,MA — The Heritage Gallery, after being closed for the month of August, is BACK IN ACTION with a SALE and loads of new, fresh merchandise beginning on Wednesday, September 9th. The Gallery reopens at 10:00 am; the SALE will take place the 9th, 10th and 11th only. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10:00 am—2:00 pm. The Heritage Gallery is a wonderful place to browse for “hidden treasures.” The Gallery accepts consignments and donations. Appointments encouraged. Call (508) 532-5980 for information.

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center:

    Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, September 14 & 21 at 10:00 am. No meetings on Labor Day Holiday or Yom Kippur.

    ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, September 9 at 12:00 noon.

    Caregivers’ Support Group: Please note new date and time- last Wednesday of the month—September 30 at 2:30 pm.

    Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 am.

    Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change.

    Low Vision Group: Friday, September 18, at 1:00 pm.

    Massage Therapy: Thursdays, September 3 & 17 (by appt. only). Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, September 15 at 1:30 pm.

    Podiatry: Wed., September 9 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:00 pm & Wed., September 23, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only).

    Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, September 14 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR SEPTEMBER – Wednesdays, 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 from 9:30—12:30

    Tuesday, September 8th at 11:00 am, Dr. Krishma Nirmel, a local Neuro Surgeon, will be at Callahan Center to conduct a presentation on new treatment for back pain and Spinal Stenosis.

    Monday, September 14th at 9:00 am, the Callahan Bowling league starts up on and bowls every Monday at Fairway Lanes on Rte. 9 in Natick.

    Wednesday, September 16th at 10:00 am, Peter Harvell will conduct a presentation on Veterans’ benefits. Following the presentation Peter will hold an office hour here at the Callahan Center 10:45-12:00.

    Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Callahan Center & ‘Best of Times’ Travel Show: featuring new Multi-day Tours for 2010!

    Thursday, September 17th at 10:30 am, Callahan Center – Discussion: “ Staying physically active.” Activity of the month: Sign up for Walking Club

    Thursday, September 17th from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., a six week course in Acrylic Painting will be offered at the Callahan Center. Class will be held every Thursday for 6 weeks. The cost is $56.00 and is due when you register. Also, a list of acrylic painting supplies needed for the course will be available when you register.

    Friday, September 17th at 11:30 am, Zumba classes will start up again at Callahan Center!

    The Callahan Center offers a number of courses including Introduction to the PC, Intermediate PC, Internet and Email, MS Word, and Photoshop. All are 4-day a month courses and the donation is $20.00.

    Contract Bridge Anyone? Tuesday morning contract bridge group is looking for new players. This is a friendly, fun group that meets year-round. Come alone or bring a friend. All attendees will get to play. Check-in time 8:45 am. Bridge from 9:00—11:30 am.

    SHINE: An Important Time of the Year for Those on Medicare – If you have Medicare, before long you will be getting important information from your Prescription Drug Plan, your Medicare Health Plan, and/or Prescription Advantage (if you are a member). It is very important to read the letters and understand the information they contain. DO NOT IGNORE ANY LETTERS FROM YOUR PLANS! During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment (November 15 – December 31), you will have a chance to CHANGE your coverage for next year. Our state-certified SHINE (Medicare) Counselors can help you understand your plan changes, as well as other options you may have. SAVE THE LETTERS FROM YOUR PLANS! To schedule a FREE appointment with a SHINE Counselor, call your senior center. You can also reach a SHINE Counselor by telephone. Call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636), then press or say 3. Once you get the SHINE answering machine, leave your name and number. A SHINE Counselor will call you back as soon as possible.

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  • News from the Framingham Farmers Market

    Contributed by Elizabeth Aurilio, Market Manager

    FRAMINGHAM, MA –This week at the Farmers Market on the Centre Comon on Edgell Road we’ll finally have CHEESE! I thank you for your patience while we put this picture together, and am excited to finally offer a range of farmstead and artisanal cheeses at the market this coming week – fresh mozzarella, sharp cheddar, buttery triple creme and fresh goat cheeses are just a handful of the selection.

    Jilo, Taioba, Maxixe – our Hmong farmers’ are growing more than just their own ethnic foods – they’re also bringing Brazillian favorites to market. These very unusual vegetables are fun to try and the farmers’ encourage you to ask them about popular ways to prepare these specialties. Recipes are often available for the asking.

    If traditional favorites are more your stride, now is the time to stock up on peaches, white peaches, nectarines, white nectarines, roma tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers and pickling cucumbers – canning season is upon us and now is the time to begin arrangements with your favorite farmers’ for bulk canning and preserving discounts. A little smattering of peach jam, some hot pepper relish, fire roasted red peppers, dill pickles and homemade tomato sauce will be your sources of comfort this winter when the growing season is over and the markets are closed.

    The Ernie Update: Still bumbling about picking corn and peaches – it’s the peak of the season and the best food is fresh picked! That means Ernie has to harvest daily to bring the freshest corn and peaches to market! And there’s a lot to pick out there this time of year!

    The market is every Thursday from 12:30 – 5:30 p.m. through October.

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  • Meadow Magic at Garden in the Woods – August 15 and 16

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – New England Wild Flower Society will celebrate Meadow Magic Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2009, at Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. Garden in the Woods is open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., however, special Meadow Magic events are scheduled noon to 4 p.m. There is free parking on premises both days.

    See peak meadow bloom from ground level and above on the new Observation Deck. This will be the inaugural event for the 12’ X 24’ Observation Deck which will put a whole new perspective on looking at the meadow. Be amazed at the height of the wildflowers in the meadow. This can mean native species in bloom up to 7 or 8 feet tall. Beside these “giant sized” plants are others that are quite small and delicate.

    Look for butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and more as they fly from flower to flower collecting and spreading pollen. Learn about plant pollinators, play games, and more. The Bugmobile brings craft projects and live bugs to the meadow. Enjoy a scavenger hunt in the Garden too. A beekeeper will join us at the Garden to explain how bees work in the web of life. Discover what a bee hive is all about, how bees make honey, and which bees make honey. Meet some fun, costumed characters who explain their roles in our ecosystems.

    Take a special walking tour of the 45-acre botanic museum, scheduled at 2 p.m. both days. Tours, included in the price of general admission, cover the Invasive Plant Jail, Idea Garden, Lily Pond, Lost Pond, and unique New England Garden of Rare and Endangered Plants.

    Visit the Garden Shop and its nursery to find which plants could bring beautiful insects and wildlife to your garden. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in a butterfly garden design, birdhouse selection, or plant combo for a great container garden. Books and eco-friendly gifts complete the Garden Shop experience. Visitors receive a special discount on merchandise at he Garden Shop on August 15 and 16; 100ff the cost of native plants, books, eco-friendly gifts, clothing, and tools.

    Founded in 1900, New England Wild Flower Society, the nation’s oldest native plant conservation organization, promotes the conservation of temperate North American flora through education, research, horticulture, habitat preservation, and advocacy.

    The Society owns and operates Garden in the Woods, a 45-acre public botanic garden in Framingham, MA, and Nasami Farm, a 75-acre native plant nursery in Whately, MA, as well as ten sanctuaries located in New England. The Society’s vision is a future where vigorous native plant populations live in healthy, balanced, natural ecosystems—protected, enjoyed, and beneficial to all life. For more information, visit newenglandwild.org

  • Many Happy Reunions

    This past weekend we went to a class reunion weekend.  Wow.  It was an uplifting experience.  We had conversations with people we only knew slightly in high school, but it didn’t matter.  We shared many common bonds, experiences, and viewpoints.

    Because of our age bracket, we could share not only parenting stories, but also how we have had to deal with our aging or incapacitated parents, and in some cases, the deaths of spouses and parents.

    Many classmates were living in their parents’ houses, and some continued their parents’ local businesses.  Quite a few married classmates or someone a grade or two ahead or behind from our high school.  One married one of our teachers.  Two of our teachers, who got to know each other while they monitored the hallways from adjacent classrooms, married.

    So a good percentage of our class attended.  Some were easy to recognize and remember the name, others we knew the face, but thank goodness for nametags.  Some, well, really thank goodness for nametags.

    We had skipped quite a few reunions due to shyness, and not being sure about some extra pounds and wrinkles.  But, in the end, it didn’t matter, some looked better, others did not.  Hair, and having some, or not, seemed more defining as far as looks go.

    The important thing was being there, sharing old times and talking about then and now.  There was a high level of comfort and everyone was ready to chat with everyone, no icebreakers needed.  It was one of the best times in our lives.  We’re sorry we skipped so many.

    While we went to a school much smaller than Framingham’s, we’d still recommend going to a Framingham reunion, because there are so many places and experiences here to  reminisce about and savor.  Not to mention that many fabulous and solid people call Framingham their hometown and a reunion is a great way to reconnect, if only for a few hours.

    We welcome notices of class reunions.  Organizers are welcome to post them on the community calendar and to email us notices at info@framingham.com.  We’d also love to receive stories about Framingham’s class reunions.

  • AUGUST 2009 CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – What’s Happening at the Callahan Senior Center in August:

    Friday, August 28th at 11:00 am – 2nd Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Luncheon. Seating is limited; tickets will only be given to a Veteran and one guest. Please call the Callahan Center at 508-532-5980 by August 21st to reserve a seat at the luncheon.

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center: Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, August 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 10:00 am. ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, August 12 at 12:00 noon. Caregivers’ Support Group: No meeting in August. Meetings will resume in September. Diabetes Support Group: No meeting in August. Meetings will resume on Tuesday, September 29 at 10:00 am. Grandparent Support Group: Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 pm. Please call the Center to confirm in the event of a change. Low Vision Group: Friday, August 21, at 1:00 pm. Massage Therapy: Thursdays, August 6 & 20 (by appt. only). Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, August 18 at 1:30 pm. Podiatry: Wed., August 12 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:00 pm . Wed., August 26, with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 3:30 pm (by appt. only). Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, August 3 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR AUGUST – Wednesdays, August 5 & 12 from 9:30—12:30 pm. Blood Pressure Clinic reopens Wednesday, September 2nd.

    PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM FY 2010 – The Callahan Center will be taking appointments for the Property Tax Relief Program starting in August. Please call Janice McIntyre at 508-532-5980, extension 4106.

    Interested in Tatting? If you are interested in Tatting, the Callahan Center has received a request to start up a Tatting group. Please call Heather Pippos, Activities Manager at the Callahan Center, at 508-532-5980, extension 4110.

    Thursday, August 13th at 2:30 pm , Instructor, Donna Travers, is offering a free, one-time only, Muscle strengthening Demonstration Class for men only at the Callahan Center.

    Thursday, August 27th at 3:00 pm, Instructor Robin Natanel will offer a complimentary demonstration of her Tai Chi class.

    Wednesday, September 9th at 10:00 am HERITAGE GALLERY will re-open on and has openings for volunteer sales clerks. If you have retail sales experience and would like to apply, please contact Lorraine Fournier, our Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-532-5980, extension 4102. Heritage Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm and volunteer hours would be in 4-hour increments.

    And, coming in September:

    “BACK IN ACTION” SALE

    at The Heritage Gallery

    The Heritage Gallery, after being closed for the month of August, is BACK IN ACTION with a SALE and loads of new, fresh merchandise beginning on Wednesday, September 9th. The Gallery reopens at 10:00 am; the SALE will take place the 9th, 10th and 11th only. There have been some exciting changes in the Gallery as volunteers have come forth to arrange new items, set up displays, polish and scrub every surface. Bring your friends and have fun shopping! Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday & Friday from 10:00 am—2:30 pm.

    Wednesday, September 16, 2009 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm -Callahan Center & ‘Best of Times’ Presents a Travel Show Featuring new Multi-day Tours for 2010!

    Thursday, Sept. 17th – New Painting Class for the Fall 2009 – A six week course in Acrylic Painting will be offered at the Callahan Center starting on. Class will be held every Thursday for 6 weeks from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $56.00 and is due when you register. Also, a list of acrylic painting supplies needed for the course will be available when you register. Please sign up no later than September 10th by calling the reception desk at the Callahan Center.

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