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Author: News Staff

  • Ballot Question Night sponsored by Framingham League of Women Voters

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham League of Women Voters will present Ballot Questions 2008 on Monday, October 20, 2008. The forum will be in The Blumer Room of The Memorial Building, 150 Concord Street, Framingham and will begin at 7:00 p.m.

    Both proponents and opponents of Ballot Questions 1, 2 and 3 will present information on each Ballot Question and there will be opportunity for questions and comments from the audience.

    The forum is part of the League’s mission of citizen education and all residents are welcome and encouraged to attend and learn about these important issues upon which we will be voting on November 4.

    Directions can be found at the LWV of Framingham website: http://www.framingham.ma.lwvnet.org

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  • Last Days for Big Bugs at Garden in the Woods

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods presents BIG BUGS Sculpture Exhibit and Web-of-Life Extravaganza through October 31, 2008. David Rogers’ dino-sized sculptures on 45 acres with 1,500 varieties of native plants. Special events each weekend.

    Visit the BUGMOBILE for crafts and live bugs. Stamp your Big Bugs Map two weekends to win a BUGOLOGIST Pin. Create a sculpture at the Build-a-Bug Interactive Park. Take a Grasshopper jump. Borrow a Bug Activity Bag and a Bug-Venture Guide from the Visitor Center. Submit digital images to the BIG BUGS online gallery at bigbugsart@newenglandWILD.org.

    Admission $8 for adults; $6 seniors 65+ /students with ID; $4 youths 3-18. Free for members and children under 3. Open 9-5 through Oct 31. Rain or shine. Tours weekdays at 10, weekends at 2 included with admission. Shop the native plant nursery. 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, MA. (508) 877-7630, www.newenglandwild.org.

    Special Weekends in October:

    October 18-19 SPIDER WEEKEND: Special events from 12-3 p.m., Sat and Sun. Get ready for Halloween. Learn spider skills for weaving webs. Make your own spider and web to take home.

    October 25-26 BYE BYE BUGS: Final weekend to see them before they leave the Garden. Wear a bug costume, vote for your favorite bug. Design a good-bye card.

    October 31 FINAL BIG BUGS DAY: Last chance to see the 13 giant BUG sculptures at the Garden. Enjoy the fall foliage, hike the Garden, learn about predators and pollinators, and build your own giant sculpture.

    Classes:

    Please contact the Registrar at 508-877-7630, ext. 3301 to register for programs, and visit www.newenglandWILD.org for full descriptions of programs

    Thursday, Oct 16, 3:30-5:30 p.m THE GROUND WE WALK ON Children in Grades 2-5,: CHP5950, with Steven Scholom, $12M/$14NM per child (includes materials). Get down & dirty to identify healthy soils and discover helpful insects.

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  • Voter Registration Deadline for Presidential Election

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Presidential/State Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008. The polls are open from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

    Voter Registration Deadline for the election is Wednesday, October 15, 2008. The Framingham Town Clerk’s Office in the Memorial Building, 150 Concord St., Framingham, will be open on Wednesday from 8:30am – 8:00pm.

    Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 51,26, to be eligible to vote in the Presidential/State Election, your mail-in voter registration form MUST be POSTMARKED on or before October 15, 2008.

    To confirm your voter registration and polling location, please call the office at (508) 532-5521.

    For a voter registration form, go here: http://www.eac.gov/files/voter/nvra_update.pdf

    For an absentee ballot application, go here: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/ele/eleifv/howabs.htm

    To view a sample of your Presidential/State Election ballot (including questions), go here: http://wheredoivotema.com/bal/myelectioninfo.php

    Note: You can view your ballot as soon as the Secretary of the Commonwealth posts it on this site.

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  • GIRL SCOUT REGISTRATION THIS MONTH

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham Girl Scouts will have 2 Town-wide Girl Scout Registration Days in October:

    • Tuesday, October 14 from 7-9 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Hall
    • Saturday, October 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Costin Room at the Framingham Public Library downtown.

    Framingham Girl Scouts is open to girls ages 5-17 (Kindergarten through grade 12).  The registration year is from October 1 through September 30.  A parent or guardian signature is required on each girl’s registration form.  The annual membership fee is $10 person (financial aid is available on request). Each individual troop may require an additional fee per meeting or per year.  Checks should be made payable to Eastern Massachusetts Girl Scout Council.

    Girls are divided into Daisy-Brownie-Junior-Cadet-Senior troops based on age/grade level.  Girls may join an existing troop, if space is available.  New troops may form throughout the year, and every effort will be made to place each girl in a troop.  If no troop is available for a girl, she may register as a “Juliet” Girl Scout. This enables her to attend Framingham-wide events (like roller skating or bowling activities) as well as council events (including camps).

    Adults/parents who wish to attend a meeting or an event must register as a volunteer with Girl Scouts, including paying the $10 membership fee. NEW Leaders are also needed. a leader information session will be held on Oct. 25 at the library.

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  • 2008 FRAMINGHAM FLU CLINICS

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — 2008 Flu Clinics are available for Framingham residents at the following dates and times:

    Wednesday October 8th from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm: The Framingham Emergency Response Corps will conduct a flu clinic at the Keefe Vocational Technical School as part of a drill exercise. Flu shots will be available for Framingham residents ages 2 and up. The FERC is conducting this dispensing drill for the public.

    Wednesday November 19th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Callahan Senior Center on Union Avenue: The Board of Health will provide flu (and pneumonia and/or tetanus if indicated).

    Saturday November 22nd from 10am to 2 pm there will be TWO FLU CLINIC sites:
    1. Framingham High School, 115 A Street. Ages 2 and up.
    2. McCarthy School, 8 Flagg Drive. Ages 2 and up.
    Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    There is no charge for the flu shot, however if you have one of the following insurance companies, please bring your card with you:

    · Medicare

    · Tufts Health Plan Medicare Preferred

    · First Seniority ( Harvard Pilgrim Health Care)

    · Fallon Senior Plan (Fallon Community Health Plan)

    · Medicare PPO Blue (Blue cross Blue Shield of MA)

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  • October is Massachusetts Archeology Month

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Come join the excitement during Massachusetts Archaeology Month, October 2008! This is the 18th annual celebration of archaeology in Massachusetts.

    Archaeology Month features more than 60 events that promote awareness of the Commonwealth’s rich archaeological past through fun and engaging programs.

    This year’s theme is “Pointing to the Past.”

    Archaeology Month offers a variety of programs for adults, children, parents, and teachers. Programs highlight local history as well as archaeology around the world.

    Events include lectures, tours, storytelling, exhibits, walks, canoe tours, and demonstrations.

    Archaeology Month is sponsored by Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin, Chairman of the Massachusetts Historical Commission, (MHC).

    The Calendar of Events and Poster for Massachusetts Archaeology Month are available for download on the MHC website, <www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc>.

    Printed posters and calendars are also available. Call the MHC at 617-727-8470 to receive a copy or to be added to our mailing list.

    In addition to the event listings, the calendar includes information about Massachusetts museums with archaeology programs and archaeological websites, for use as a year-round resource on archaeology.

    Related Link: http://www.sec.state.ma.us/mhc/mhcarch/arch08/arch08idx.htm

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  • 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony 2008

    FRAMINGHAM,MA –– The Town of Framingham will host a remembrance ceremony for the seventh anniversary of those who lost their lives in the tragic events of September 11, 2001, including the seventeen people with ties to Framingham.

    The event will include solemn remarks, a reading of the names on the memorial, prayer offerings, and a presentation of the colors by the Framingham Fire and Police Department Color Guards.

    The ceremony will be held at the September 11th Living Memorial located at Cushing Memorial Park, Dudley Road, on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 5:30 P.M and is expected to last for about a half-hour.

    All are invited to attend this memorial event. For more information please contact the Framingham Selectmen’s Office at 508-532-5400.

  • School Choice Survey Needs Input, Deadline is Oct. 3rd

    FRAMINGHAM,MA — The District Planning Task Force has compiled a survey to evaluate the School Choice assignment program.

    More than 6,000 families have enrolled students through School Choice over the past 10 years. Please help the Task Force reach as many as possible by distributing links to the electronic survey through your email lists. All responses will remain anonymous, but will provide valuable information to the Task Force as it prepares recommendations to the School Committee.

    The links to the survey can be accessed at www.framingham.k12.ma.us.

    Only one response is accepted from each computer address. Respondents can choose English, Spanish or Portuguese language surveys. A paper version in English, Spanish or Portuguese, will also be available in the main office, for families that do not have access to the Internet or who prefer to complete on paper. If you need additional copies please contact the Parent Information Center. Families should fill out only ONE SURVEY PER FAMILY, EITHER the Internet survey OR the paper survey but not both.

    The Task Force will collect responses September 18 – October 3, 2008, then review and analyze the data, which will be made public in November.

    Thank you for distributing the Task Force survey on School Choice, and for promoting it with flyers, in your newsletter and at parent meetings.

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  • Snackin’ in Saxonville this Saturday Afternoon

    FRAMINGHAM,MA — Bid farewell to summer with your Saxonville friends and neighbors. The Friends of Saxonville invite you to Snackin’ in Saxonville, a family event at on Saturday afternoon, September 20th, (Rain Date Sun, Sept 21) from 3 – 6 p.m. at the corner of Concord and School Streets in Saxonville. (the former State Lumber property)

    Drop in for a sampling of tasty treats from local eateries, purchase unique Saxonville merchandise, see a mini-exhibit and antique firetruck (with music!), take part in children’s activities and raffle, and reconnect with friends and neighbors following summer break! Treats include donations from: Georgio’s, Makari’s,Gerards, Liberty Pizza, Panera, Breyers, Subs and More, and Legal Seafood and Robinsons Ace Hardware.

    At 4:30, join the guided Historic Walking Tour and get your personal copy of the new full-color Saxonville Brochure and Tour Map!

    Admission is $10/adult – $3/child (under 8 years old) All proceeds benefit Friends of Saxonville projects, including restoration of the Athenaeum Hall and Carol Getchell Nature Trail. For further information about the event and the Friends of Saxonville, visit www.saxonville.org.

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  • CALLAHAN HAPPENINGS OCTOBER 2008

    FRAMINGHAM,MA –In the spirit of getting better-acquainted, members and newcomers are welcome to come and meet the Director, Mary Parcher, and one of her staff each month.

    We will meet in the Friends Café at Callahan Center on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 10:00 am. We hope to continue this new offering monthly, as time allows. Join us for a cup of coffee or just to chat!

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center: Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, October 6, 20 & 27 at 10:00 am. (The Center is closed on Columbus Day, October 13.) ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: Wednesday, October 8 at 12:00 noon. (See more information on page 3 Caregivers’ Support Group: Tuesday, October 14 at 10:30 am. Diabetes Support Group: Tuesday, October 28 at 10:00 am.

    Grandparent Support Group: Please call Center for date and time. Low Vision Group: Friday, October 17 at 1:00 pm. Massage Therapy: Thursday, October 2, by appt. only. Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, October 21 at 1:30 pm. Podiatry: Wed., October 8 with Dr. John 12:30 – 4:30 pm and Wed., October 22 with Dr. Lukoff from 1:00 – 4:30 pm, by appt. only. Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, October 6 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR OCTOBER: Wednesdays, October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 from 9:00—11:00 am and from 11:30 am—12:30 pm

    ‘Walk and Talk’ Health Program: Join us for ‘Walk and Talk’ every Monday at 1:00 pm at Bowditch Field, next to the Callahan Center. Please call the Center at to sign up at 508-532-5980.

    Muscle Building Class Is Back! We have a Muscle Building Class has started on Mondays at 10:00 am to 11:15 am. Please bring a set of 3 pound weights to participate in this class. Cost is $3.00 per class. The instructor is Donna Travers. She has over 15 years of experience, is a N.E.S.T.A. Certified Personal Trainer, CPR/AED Certified and is the owner of ‘Hit the Floor Fitness’ in Framingham. Donna was previously the Health Club Director at Yolanda’s of Waltham and her objective is to improve the overall mental and physical wellness of her clients.

    ‘Better Breathers’ Support Group: The American Lung Association’s Better Breathers Club is coming to the Callahan. This support group will meet the second Wednesday of the month at 12:00 noon. The purpose of this group is to learn about tips and techniques to better manage your disease. Talk to others who might have the same questions, share stories of support and help, and connect with those in your community with chronic lung disease. This group will be lead by Cheryl Burgess, she can be contacted by calling 508-481-6123 , extension 427.

    ZUMBA GOLD STARTS IN OCTOBER: Zumba Gold classes will take place at the Callahan Center on Wednesdays at 9:00 am and will start on October 1st. Cost is $3.00 per class. Arlene Beals is the class instructor.

    CHORAL GROUP STARTS UP AGAIN! If you are interested in joining the Choral Group, they will start practice on Thursday, October 2, 2008. Practice will be every Thursday from 2:00—3:00 pm.

    FRIENDS OF CALLAHAN UPDATE: The next general meeting of the Friends of Callahan will be on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 1:30 pm at the Callahan Center. Entertainment will be with Jean Lovering, singer, accompanied by Harry Fix on the piano. Refreshments will be served. Please come and bring a friend!

    Friday, October 31 at 1:00 pm here at the Callahan Center – Spooktacular Halloween party. Costumes are required! There will be prizes, music, and snacks! Please sign-up sheet at the front desk no later than Friday, October 24th. There is a $2.00 admissions fee to be paid at the time of sign up.

    METROWEST RADIO READING DAY HONORING RON BERSANI FOR THIRTY YEARS OF RADIO READING IN MASSACHUSETTS! Friday, October 17, 2008 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Callahan Center . Refreshments and recognition ceremony. R.S.V.P. by Friday October 3, 2008
    at (508) 626-4627. If you need directions to the Callahan Center, please call 508-532-5980.

    Callahan Center in Partnership with Framingham State College Lifelong Learners Presents:
    October 8, 2008 at 10:00 am at Callahan Center: “The Electoral College” with Professor Gary Hylander – Cost: $7.00 Donation required. Join us as we examine why the framers of the Constitution