Author: Deb Cleveland

  • George King Resigns

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham’s Town Manager, George King resigned from his position to accept a job as Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Nashoba Regional School District, which provides K-12 education for the Towns of Lancaster, Bolton and Stow. Below is his letter of resignation that he posted online:

    From: George P. King, Jr.

    Sent: Friday, October 07, 2005 10:08 AM

    To: ALL

    Subject:

    Last evening I accepted the position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools for the Nashoba Regional School District, which provides K-12 education for the Towns of Lancaster, Bolton and Stow. Consequently, pending the successful resolution of contract issues with Nashoba and

    Framingham, I will be leaving my position of Town Manager after nearly seven years.

    Clearly this is a bittersweet moment for me. The new opportunity represents a significant career track shift that allows me to pursue a path that has always interested me. The Nashoba District is a progressive and dynamic school system, one that I am fortune to join.

    Leaving Framingham, the Town that I was born and educated in, is of course very difficult. The people who work for this community and the services they provide so capably and professionally to the residents are second to none and I will greatly miss that interaction. I offer my sincere thanks to each and every one of you for your efforts on behalf of the Town.

    I am proud of the successes achieved during the last six and one half years. Our financial foundation has been stabilized despite the economic hardships that have been faced. We continue to provide first rate services despite budget constraints. I will miss the collaboration on continuing those efforts but I am very confident they will continue and prosper.

    As the details of this transition emerge I will keep you informed.

    Again thank you for your ongoing support.

    George

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  • Take a bow!

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Kudos to Mr. Robin Welch, Massachusetts Elementary School Teacher of the Year, attending a national conference of similarly honored principals in Washington, D.C. this week. His trip includes a meeting with President Bush.

    Welch is the popular “singing” principal at Woodrow Wilson School on Leland St. He was once featured with his motorcycle on a “Cool Teacher” Calendar and sings in local musical theater productions.

    Uma Paixao, who is this year’s recipient of the Center for Reflective Community Practice fellowship, an honor that goes to only one or two people a year, according to Caesar L. McDowell, associate professor of the practice of community development at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Paixao, president of BRAMAS, also runs the Handeria Project, a cooperative among Brazilian village lace-makers.

    Paixao imports and sells their clothing and linens. She is a familiar site at local craft fairs.

    Michael Mahon, who has received the state’s Distinguished Service Award for attending 1000 cross-country meets in the last 20 years, putting on team banquets with his own money, buying awards, and compiling top-runner rankings that are published in the newpaper. Mahon, AKA The Can Man, is a familiar figure around town, riding his bike as he carries a large bag of cans on his back.

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  • Going, going…

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham Selectmen hosted a farewell reception for Town Historian Steve Herring on Tues., Sept. 27th, 2005 in the Memorial Building. Herring is moving to Florida near the end of October and leaves a legacy of two books and much research and guidance about the town’s history.

    Tom Gilchrist, Director of the Framingham Libraries, is also leaving. He notified his staff that he will be leaving in January to pursue new horizons.

    The search is on for a replacement for Dr. Helen Heineman, first woman president of Framingham State College, who will also leave in January.

    And for those who have been looking for Hammett’s, the store for teacher’s supplies, it is going into the Cloverleaf Mall, next to Michaels.

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  • Local Musical Benefit for Hurricane Katrina Victims

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham churches and businesses are sponsoring a “HURRICANE KATRINA” Musical Benefit on Sunday, September 25, 2005 from 12:00 – 8:00 pm at BOWDITCH FIELD, 475 Union Avenue, Framingham, MA. There will be; Worship, Food, Games, Music, Liturgical Dance, Entertainment ,Bands and a Candlelight Vigil.

    Admission is free, but monetary donations will be accepted.

    Event Sponsors include:

    • Antonio Ricardo’s (Black Top)

    • Greater Framingham Community Church

    • New Jerusalem Baptist Church

    • South Middlesex Branch NAACP

    • BRAMAS

    • Downtown Framingham Business

    • Framingham Interfaith Clergy Association

    • MetroWest Chamber of Commerce

    • MetroWest Medical Center

    • Framingham’s Brazilian American Association

    All proceeds will go towards supporting the victims of Hurricane Katrina. If you can’t make the event, you can send a check to: Framingham Hurricane Katrina Musical Benefit, c/o Framingham Cooperative Bank, 828 Concord St., Framingham, MA 01701.

    For more information about the event, call Tony Nixon at 508-875-1978.

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  • Church Ladies Go Buff

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The First Parish Church of Framingham is launching a fundraising calendar featuring some of their stellar senior ladies minus clothing.

    While other calendars have featured ladies of a certain age artfully posed in the buff, this one’s twist is that it features ladies in their glowing 70’s and 80’s. And the ladies are well-known in the community, from Rita Blum and Pat Greeley to former selectwoman Esther Hopkins. It even includes two librarians.

    Twelve First Parish women, ages 66 to 85, are showcased in individual color photographs to create the “Celebration” wall calendar.

    Each month highlights a color photo of one woman from First Parish in Framingham engaged in an activity significant to her life, her biographical sketch, and an inspirational quote. The calendar is more than a fund-raiser. It is a monthly celebration of women’s beauty at all ages and a tribute to life, to work, to play, and to senior women everywhere.

    Proceeds will be used to defray church operating costs, including heat and repairs. The official launch is Sunday, Sept. 25th.

    You can meet the Calendar Girls at the kick-off party during Church Social Hours, (10:15 a.m. and noon), at Scott Hall, next to First Parish Church. Purchase calendars for only $15 and get them autographed! The calendar makes a great gift and is a collector’s item.

    Two thousand calendars were printed and they are on sale for $ 15 at First Parish Church, Total Body Solutions on Rt. 9, The Paper Store in Shoppers World, Annie’s Book Stop in Nobscot Shopping Center, Barber Bros. in Natick, Russell’s Garden Center in Wayland.

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  • WWII Wives, Mothers, Veterans Honored

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham Veterans Council presents Remembrance/ Commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Formal Surrender Ending WW II and Gold Star Wives /Mothers Day on Sunday September 25, 2005 at 2p.m. at The Restored WW II / Korea Cushing Memorial Chapel, 60 Dudley Rd., Framingham.

    All WW II Veterans and Gold Star Wives/ Mothers are honored as special guests. Brief interviews with them will be the main focus from their benches in the one hour ceremony. A collation will follow at nearby Keefe Technical School. The Framingham Veterans Council takes pride in their reputation of presenting a well planned event and your presence would be welcomed!

    Mal Schulze, President: (508) 788-5125

    Tom Davitt, Framingham Veterans Agent: (508) 620-4842

    Nick Paganella, Chairman: (508) 872- 5895

    email antrim@rcn.com for directions

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  • Senior Center Ribbon Cutting

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The eagerly anticipated new Callahan Senior Center on 535 Union Ave. will be officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 10th.

    An Open House is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 17th with tours of phase one of the new facility. Heritage Gallery, the popular consignment shop, is busy unpacking and will soon be open in time for fall gift giving. Look for a grand opening.

    Volunteers are needed to help as tour guides, waiting room attendant, hostessing, and afternoon phone coverage. Call 508-620-4819 or stop by and see Barbara Marsh or Kay Leeland.

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  • 10th Annual George Wheeler Soccer Cup This Weekend

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – 10th Annual George Wheeler Cup – Soccer Night in Framingham is set for Saturday Sept. 10th at Bowditch Field. The first game kicks off a little after 4 p.m. Tickets are only $3.00 per person, kids under 12 are free. Proceeds benefit the George Wheeler Memorial Scholarships for Framingham and Natick high school students.

    Current Natick High Boys Varsity Coach Lou Papadellis, Framingham High teacher Denise Gallagher and Steve Spector have been running this event at Bowditch Field since Coach Wheeler passed away in 1994, and it has evolved into probably the biggest regular season high school soccer event in Metrowest – a triple header featuring 3 games between Framingham and Natick. Over 1000 people have attended each of the past 3 Wheeler Cups, and a huge turnout is expected this year as they celebrate the 10th year of the event.

    Youth soccer players who attend are encouraged to come as a team and wear their team shirts.

    New this year – Framingham Cooperative Bank has stepped up this year to be the main sponsor, providing 200 free T-shirts to be given out by mascot “Rocky The Racoon”, the mascot that has been at the Renegades games this past season at Bowditch. Mass Premier Soccer will have Renegades players handing out soccer posters and other soccer stuff, signing autographs, etc. Raffle items will include premium Celtics tickets, Patriots tickets, and gift certificates from local businesses and restaurants.

    George’s children will be attending the event this weekend, all traveling from afar. George’s son Buddy will be coming up from Carolina for the event (he will be playing in the alumni game), as well as both of George’s daughters – Cassandra (from Atlanta) and Cathy Jo (from Western Mass).

    Alumni players like Tore Mascioli (Colorado) and Keith Brown (3 hour drive from Conn.) will be playing in the Alumni game, which starts at 4:15pm. Mascioli has come from Colorado every year since the event started (except 2001 when travel was shut down September 11th that year).

    Over the years, Alumni players have donated thousands of dollars which has helped to fund 4 annual prestigious George Wheeler Memorial Scholarships given to male and female graduating student/athletes at both Framingham High and Natick High. In addition, proceeds from past Wheeler Cups helped pay for the George Wheeler Memorial Scoreboard at the Framingham High soccer field, helping to keep Coach Wheeler’s memory alive. Other proceeds from the event have helped the Friends Of Framingham and other local worthy causes.

    The committee would like to thank Bob Merusi and the entire staff at Bowditch Field who have been incredibly helpful over the years, graciously hosting the event year after year.

    If you would like to make a private donation to the George Wheeler Memorial Scholarship Fund, please email Steve Spector at slspector@comcast.net, and he will send you the proper contact at Framingham High School.

    GEORGE WHEELER CUP Schedule:

    DATE:

    SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH, 2005 at Bowditch Field on Union Ave, Framingham.

    TIMES:

    • 4:15 p.m. – ALUMNI GAME STARTS BETWEEN FRAM V NATICK
    • 6:00 p.m. – VARSITY GIRLS GAME BETWEEN FRAM V NATICK
    • 8:00 p.m. – VARSITY BOYS GAME BETWEEN FRAM V NATICK

    RAFFLES! Tickets are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00! Prizes include great sports tickets, restaurant gift certificates and lots more! (Still time to donate raffle prizes if you want to. The announcers will credit donors all through event). Raffle prize drawing will take place at 1/2 time at Boys Varsity game.

    Come to framingham.com booth for balloons and giveaways!

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  • Total Body Solutions introduces Footwear Technology Concept Shops

    FRAMINGHAM, MATotal Body Solutions, located on Rt. 9 E at Temple St., is focusing on a complete concept department aimed at helping people feel better through advanced foot products which help your total body’s wellness.

    Total Body Solutions is a “destination” retailer. Consumers in need of help or specific category assistance expect sensible answers and realistic products to satisfy their questions and accommodate their needs at competitive prices.

    Carolyn and Ken Fischer, owners of Total Body Solutions, pride themselves on growing their knowledge of advanced products intended to make you feel better, look better, and live better. They don’t just sell a product; they explain it and make you comfortable with it so that you will get the most benefit out of it. A large part of their business is through referral, because satisfied customers continually recommend their store and services to others.

    Their unique home therapy retail store offers products to enhance all lifestyles of young and old alike and help people feel better and work on healing themselves of aches and pains, pressures, stress, compression and degeneration.

    Total Body Solutions new Footwear Technology Shops feature MBT footwear and state of the art equipment developed by AETREX. They can analyze how you stand and what corrections can be made to help you stand, walk, exercise, and run in a comfortable and healthy manner.

    By using the highly sophisticated 1110 sensor I-Step Footplate, you will be able to view (on the spot) on a full size screen, a four color printout reflecting every pressure point of the body as it transmits to your stance. This is a thorough and inexpensive process to make sure weight transference is properly read. You will receive a copy of this printout detailing pronation or suppination tendencies and be able to immediately identify the proper shoe insert or orthotic – not for hundreds of dollars, but in the $ 45 to $ 65 range.

    To improve posture, strengthen core muscles, reduce joint load and address plantar fasciitis and heel spurs, satisfied customers recommend MBT Footwear. Not a shoe, but biomechanical walking equipment, MBT’s feature a multi-layer beveled sole that forces the knee to flex, aligning the ankle, knee, and hip. There is no more heel or metatarsal pressure and heel spur. Plantar fasciitis and back pain are reduced and in most cases, eliminated. Customers have happily found that MBT’s are the solution that they have been looking for to relieve their foot and joint pain.

    What’s a shoe without a sock? Total Body Solutions carries the most scientific line of padded athletic footwear – THOR-LO. Whether you are a walker, a golfer, a hiker, a skier, or an ordinary “him or her,” this unique line offers three specific material blends to go along with their perfected pressure point knitting techniques to make the optimum covering for your feet.

    If you want to discuss hip replacement, knee surgery, or back compression problems, while being properly exposed to products or referred to medical people who are helpful and concerned…Come on it!

    If you want to understand the “magic” of Q-Ray Ionic Bracelets and experience the difference between ionic and magnetic therapy…Come on in! The best recommendation is to ask the person who owns one and our bracelets are best sellers. The stimulation of additional blood flow into areas of inflammation providing more oxygen to dissipate the pain is the phenomenon of QRAY.

    If you may require traction (using your own body weight) to decompress or distract spinal irregularities due to vertebrae pinching the nerves in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar areas, and want to learn about inversion and distraction equipment…Come on in! By inverting on the Hang Ups and Stamina Inversion Tables, one allows body weight traction to subtly stretch the spine, reversing gravity compression. Inversion helps avoid nerve pinch and resolve back problems by allowing spinal fluids to move and lubricate the discs and soft tissue in your back.

    Carolyn and Ken Fischer do not pretend to be “experts” in everything they do. They don’t wear white coats and don’t charge $ 50 if they can live with $ 40. They don’t sit behind the counter waiting for you to make a selection. They assist you in finding out what products can help you reduce or eliminate your pain and promote healing and health.

    They speak from experience, having five major knee operations, a hip replacement, bunion surgery and having worked, trained, and rehabilitated with Dr. Leroy Perry, Dr. Igor Burdenko, Drs. Frank and Victor Katch, Dr Terry Flanagan and Gold’s Gym Corporate in Venice, CA.

    The Fischers are proficient in securing the best health and wellness products at affordable prices. They do rely on medical professionals to supplement their efforts when they don’t have the answers. They can relate to many symptoms and provide practical suggestions. They assemble and deliver all products and offer same day service whenever possible. Above all, they care about the people they serve.

    That’s the message from the Health & Wellness – Total Body Solutions Outlet at 1292 Worcester Road, (Rt. 9 East), Framingham, at the junction of Temple Street. (By CVS and former location of Finally Michael’s restaurant.) They are open 7 days a week to serve you: Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 to 5 p.m. Stop by and see how their products and service can help you feel better, look better, and live better.

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  • Godzilla a Hit in Framingham

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The McAuliffe Branch Library in Saxonville has a hit display: Godzilla.

    People from around MetroWest are calling and visiting the state’s busiest branch library to enjoy an extensive display of Godzilla memorabilia.

    From the 10 year old collection of Andrew Wong comes some unique collectibles which will bring back monster memories of the past and for future generations! Be sure to check out this unique display and let you imagination take you beyond limits!

    Items included in the exhibition range from various candy toys, Bandai/Banpresto Figures, autographed miniposters, large posters, movie programs, Resin Chess Pieces, SD figures, and even Andrew Wong’s own artwork. Unfortunately the X-Plus King Ghidorah Statue would not fit in the display case but is represented by his smaller microman sibling.

    Andrew Wong is a student at UMass Amherst and a long-time page at McAuliffe Library.

    Hurry into McAuliffe by Friday, Sept. 2nd to experience the wonderful Godzilla collection.

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