framingham.com (*** TEST SITE ***)

Author: Deb Cleveland

  • Peace Vigil on Cable TV

    FRAMINGHAM,MA – A raw tape of the candlelight peace vigil held Wednesday evening, August 17th on the Framingham Centre Common will be shown on Framingham’s local cable station.

    “Framingham Vigil 8-17-05” will be airing on Comcast Channel 9:

    • Saturday, August 27 at 7pm
    • Sunday, August 28 at 4am, 1pm & 7:30pm
    • Monday, August 29 at 1:30am & 10 am
    • Tuesday, August 30 at 8pm
    • Wednesday, August 31 at 2am, 10am & 6:30pm
    • Thursday, September 1 at 4am, Noon & 8pm
    • Friday, September 2 at 5:30am, 11:30am & 10:30pm

    The program is unedited, and 30 minutes long.

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  • Raffle to Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Robinsons Ace Hardware in Pinefield Shopping Center, Framingham is sponsoring a raffle to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

    Tickets are now available in the store until Wednesday at 5 p.m. Tickets are $ 1 each or 6 for $5.

    Prizes include: A pair of passes to Six Flags over New England courtesy of framingham.com, A pair of passes to Davis’ Megamaze in Sterling, Mass. courtesy of framingham.com, and an Ace barrel of Ace products courtesy of Robinsons Ace Hardware.

    In addition to the raffle, Robinsons Ace Hardware is also collecting donations for MDA.

    Robinsons Manager Jeff Underwood has agreed to be part of the area MDA “Jail and Bail” fundraiser.

    Store hours are: Mon – Wed, 8 – 6, Thurs – Fri 8 – 7, Sat. 8 – 5.

    Help Jeff get out of “jail” with your donation.

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  • Framingham Goes Back to School

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The 2005 2006 school year will begin on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 for all Framingham public school students in Grades 1 – 12. Tuesday, August 30 will be a half-day orientation from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for students entering Grade 9 and from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for students entering Grade 6, (Middle School pick-up will start at 11:30 a.m. on this day only).

    Morning and afternoon kindergarten sessions will begin on Thursday, September 1, 2005. Pre-school sessions begin on Tuesday, September 6, 2005.

    Bus transportation is available for K-12 public school students. Kindergartners are picked up and dropped off at or near their home.

    Students in grades 1 – 5 must meant distance requirements to be bussed and students in grades 7 – 12 must meet eligibility requirements and pay a $ 180 bus fee to receive a bus pass. Walkers who live less than the eligible distance from school may apply for bussing on a seat available basis and also pay the bussing fee.

    Framingham 2005-2006 bus routes can be found at:

    http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/busroutes.htm.

    Further back to school information and the bus routes can be found at:

    http://www.framingham.k12.ma.us/2005/default.htm

    Further information and applications are available at the Parent Information Center, 454 Water St., Rm 115 in the King Building or call 508-424-3420.

    Parents who want their children bussed are advised to submit their applications and pay the fee immediately.

    Students attending Keefe Tech, the charter school, and private schools in Framingham must make arrangements through their school and pay their school directly.

    Bus stop times and bus route numbers published in the newspaper and on the web are subject to change prior to school opening. Parents can check with their child’s school before school starts to see if there are any changes in times and route numbers. However, no changes in bus stop location will be made prior to October 3, 2005 unless required by documented and verified safety problems, or changes in kindergarten routes.

    Those students who do not know their bus assignments can go to the school attended to see their bus routes or receive the information at the principal’s office when they arrive in school on their first day of school.

    School Cancellations: for “No School” announcements call 508-626-9118, (on snow days, hurricane, adverse weather, emergencys, etc).

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  • Office Depot Treats Teachers to Extra Savings on Saturday

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Office Depot in Shoppers World is celebrating teachers with a special Teacher Appreciation Day on Saturday, August 20th. Teachers will be treated to breakfast provided by Bella Costa of Rt. 30, Framingham, (which serves Sunday Brunch as well as Italian cuisine), as well as 10% off their purchases.

    On Saturday every teacher who signs up for the Office Depot Star Teacher program will receive a gift bag and giveaways as well as extra savings.

    The program entitles teachers to a 5% savings on many items throughout the store. Teachers can also help their school with the 5% Back to Schools program by which Office Depot credits schools with 5 percent of their purchases. The credits can be used to buy school supplies for the school.

    Visit or call Office Depot in Shoppers World (508)620-5570 for full details.

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  • Jail and Bail at Friday’s Concert on the Green

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Robinsons Ace Hardware, Pinefield Shopping Center, Saxonville, is planning a “Jail and Bail” fundraiser to benefit Muscular Dystrophy the weekend of August 19th-21st.

    Jeff Underwood, manager, will be jailed, as well as State Senator Karen Spilka and others, at the Friday night Concert on the Green, August 19th. Concert attendees will be invited to “Jail and Bail” their friends and family members during the concert. Jail a member of your family for $ 5 for 5 minutes, $ 10 for 10 minutes, etc. Or help them get back out by matching the amount donated to put them in.

    A raffle with great prizes is also in the works. Prizes include a barrel full of Ace products and a pair of passes to Six Flags over New England, courtesy of framingham.com

    Details will be available at Robinsons Ace Hardware in the Pinefield Shopping Center on Water St. the week of August 15th and at the concert.

    Please plan to bring cash or a check to the concert to help support this fundraiser. Every $ 5 donor will receive a free gift bag and a $5 coupon good at Robinsons Ace Hardware in Framingham. You may also donate at the store throughout this week and receive the coupon.

    For further information, call Jeff Underwood at 508-877-1888.

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  • Framingham Suffragettes to be Honored

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Two Framingham women who were jailed during their fight for women’s suffrage will be honored by having a small parcel of land in front of the Edgell Memorial Library dedicated to them at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 27th.

    Louise Mayo, a farmer’s wife and mother of seven,who lived on Nixon Road in the early 1900’s, was jailed in Washington, D.c. during a suffrage protest. She was pardoned by President Woodrow Wilson.

    Josephine Collins was in business in Framingham Centre and was involved in a suffrage demonstration in Boston. She was arrested and spent time in jail until an anonymous donor paid her fine.

    The Framingham Historical Society has organized a dedication program at 4 p.m. featuring Mary Beth Cahill, Senator Kerry’s former campaign manager and a Marian High Graduate as keynote speaker.

    Due to their efforts and arrests, Collins and Mayo received pins in the shape of jail doors given to them by Alice Paul of the National Women’s Party. The original pins will be on display and replicas will be for sale at the event.

    For further information, call the Framingham Historical Society at 508-872-3780.

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  • School Receives Education Grant

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The MetroWest Jewish Day School, (MWJDS), has been chosen as one of several area Jewish day schools to share a $2 million Special Education grant from the Peerless Excellence Project. “Our board of directors has expressed its commitment to being a school for the entire Jewish community”, says Head of School Carolyn Keller. “We serve students from a variety of religious and socioeconomic backgrounds and are committed to a philosophy of inclusion”.

    The school plans to hire a half-time Special Education Coordinator to provide services for students with special needs. MWJDS opens for its third year of operation in September 2005 and will have students from Framingham, Ashland, Natick, Sudbury, Maynard, Holliston, Hopkinton, Stow, Marlborough, and N. Chelmsford. Conveniently located for families in the 20 Metrowest cities and towns, our transdenominational environment provides an integrated Judaic, Hebrew, and general studies curriculum.

    MWJDS is a pluralistic community day school educating children in grades K-3, adding one grade annually through grade 8. Limited openings exist.

    For information contact Joyce Bohnen, Admissions / Recruitment Director, at (508) 620-5554 or joyce.bohnen@mwjds.org. Information is also available at the school’s website at www.mwjds.org

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  • Labor Day Weekend Fun

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Fun things to do over Labor Day Weekend in the Framingham area.

    First, head over the libraries before 5 p.m. on Friday to stock up on videos and DVDs for the long weekend. Classic films are still only 50 cents a week to rent and feature films are only $ 1 a week. Series such as “24”, “Monk,” “The Sopranos,” and “Sex in the City” are no charge.

    Enjoy a great outdoor adventure at Hanson’s Farm on Nixon Rd. all weekend long. Try your skill at Tom and Matt’s Excellent Adventure, a four acre corn maze designed by Tom and Matt Hanson. Admission to the maze is only $6 and children under 5 are free. Bring a picnic to enjoy in their giant picnic tent after trying the maze, visiting the animals and picking your own raspberries and pumpkins. Yes, the pumpkins are ready! Other fresh produce is available at the Hanson Farm Stand. Hayrides may be available this weekend. Hours are: Daily 9 – 6, Sunday 9 -5:30. The corn maze will be open through Halloween.

    Saturday morning take a break from cooking breakfast and head over to the Mason’s Lodge at 404 Concord St., for their charity breakfast from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage are cooked to order, plus there is cereal, milk, coffee, and juice for only $ 3 per person. Proceeds go to Children’s Charities. All are welcome. Parking and entrance are in the back.

    On Saturday afternoon, September 3rd, Amazing Things Arts Center presents the Tanglewood Marionettes: An Arabian Adventure at 2 pm at the Framingham Civic League, 214 Concord St. A Persian prince is thrown into a dungeon because he loves a beautiful princess. Enjoyable entertainment for the entire family, featuring a dozen lavishly costumed marionettes. Tickets $8. Call 508-405-ARTS (2787) or e-mail info@amazingthings.org

    Later in the day, ride on over to Riley’s Roast Beef to check out their Saturday evening Cruise-In of classic and antique autos and enjoy an ice cream or dinner at Riley’s while you are there. Cars begin to roll-in in the afternoon so there is plenty of daylight to see and enjoy the cars.

    Saturday night at 8 p.m. Brazilian-American vocalist Anita Coelho and her Brazilian Jazz Ensemble present Jazz, Bossa, and Choro at Amazing Things Arts Center, Pinefield Shopping Center, Water St. & Nicholas Rd., Saxonville. Call 508-405-ARTS (2787) or visit www.amazingthings.org for information

    Other suggestions: boating and picnicking at Cochituate State Park or Ashland or Hopkinton State Parks, hiking to Tippling Rock via the trail at Nobscot Scout Reservation, walking the Carol Getchell Nature Trail along the Sudbury River (access via Danforth St. or Little Farms Road) walking in Callahan State Park.

    Also the Labor Day Festival runs through Monday, Sept. 5th at Navin Skating Arena, Rt. 85, Marlborough. Rides, games, food, attractions, free admission and free parking.

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  • Interlibrary Loan Demand Overwhelms Minuteman Library Delivery System

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Due to the heavy demand for interlibrary loans among member libraries of the Minuteman Library network, the delivery service has been temporarily overwhelmed by the quantities of materials to be moved from library to library.

    Citing a backlog of about 600 boxes to be sorted and rerouted among the more than two dozen member libraries, the Minuteman Library system has temporarily called a moritorium on requests for audio-visual materials. The popularity of borrowing videos, audio books, and DVD’s has grown geometrically in the past few years, challenging the library staffs and the delivery system to keep up.

    Suspending audio-visual requests will enable the delivery service to have time and space to process the materials currently in transit and waiting to be sorted and delivered.

    Library patrons may still request print materials and go to member libraries in person to check out audio visual materials.

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  • Amazing Things Open House Welcome & Thank You Party

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Members and the general public are invited to attend the Amazing Things Arts Center’s Open House Welcome and Thank You Party on July 31 from 3 – 5 PM.

    The formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and recognition of the Founding Benefactors will take place at 3:30. This event will celebrate what can be accomplished when many dedicated people work together. According to Amazing Things Board President Lee Mendenhall of Framingham, “We want to showcase our new Center and express our appreciation to the hundreds of people who have supported us in establishing something special in the Metro West/Framingham area.“ Executive Director Michael Moran added, “Amazing Things was founded on a vision of the arts as ‘a rich form of communication that allows us to meet, understand, and accept each other.’ The success of our new venture after only a year of operation tells us how much the community values our vision.”

    The Amazing Things Arts Center is located at 55 Nicholas Road in Framingham (in the Pinefield Shopping Center in Saxonville).

    Everyone who has contributed will be honored on July 31. The following major founding benefactors will be especially recognized:

    · Jon and Jill Baker

    · Jerry Burke

    · Caroline and Hugh Cockrill

    · Creative Tile

    · Joan and Russell Doucette

    · Frank and Kelly DuMar

    · David and Aaron Greenblatt

    · Leslie M. Holmes

    · David Lang

    · Barbara and Corbit Larson

    · Lindalee Lawrence and Richard Lucash

    · Cheryl Litster

    · The Lost and Foundation

    · Yuri Machkasov

    · The Maxwell Hurston Family Foundation

    · Lee and Mary Anne Mendenhall

    · Liza and Michael Moran

    · The Portland Group

    · Cynthia Rosso

    · William and Kathleen Rousseau

    · Chris Walsh

    · Peter Whistler

    · Thomas Chipman Co.

    Upcoming Amazing events include:

    · Folk/world artist Tony Bird on Saturday, July 23 (8:00PM)

    · Folk/pop/jazz artist Celia Slattery on Friday, July 29 (8:00PM)

    · Folk artist/satirist Tom Neilson on Saturday, July 30 (8:00PM)

    · Weepin’ Willie and the All Star Blues Band on Friday, August 5 (8:00PM)

    · Folk/funnyman Don White on Saturday, August 6 (8:00PM)

    Amazing Things sponsors a weekly Jazz Jam on Tuesday nights, Outspoken Word Open Mike on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday nights of each month, and Cabaret Open Mike on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday nights. For full listings, check out www.amazingthings.org

    You can also visit the Amazing Things Gallery any Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 PM. This month, they are featuring “Art in the Neighborhood” by Saxonville Studios.

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