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

Author: Deb Cleveland

  • Farmers’ Market to Feature Cooking Demo

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Chef Vittorio Ettore of the highly acclaimed restaurant, Bistro 5, will perform a cooking demonstration on Thursday, August 11th, using the produce available fresh that day from Framingham’s own Farmers’ Market. Watch as Vittorio selects fresh produce directly from our farmers’ stands and prepares delectable dishes on the spot – right here on the Framingham Village Green! Vittorio will show you how to explore the versatility of our fresh, in-season produce and explain why he shops at Farmers’ Markets all season long. Leave the market ready to bring the best of our farmland to your own kitchen table.

    FARMERS’ MARKET TASTING MENU, at BISTRO 5 – NIGHTLY – JULY – OCTOBER

    Come celebrate our farmlands at Bistro 5 where every night throughout the season Chef Ettore and his team present a Farmers’ Market Tasting Menu. Bistro 5 is located at 5 Playstead Road, Medford, Massachusetts.

    For more information about BISTRO 5, please call the restaurant at 781-395-7464.

    For more information about MA Farmer’s Markets, visit: www.massfarmersmarkets.org

  • Town of Framingham Now Accepts Online Tax Payments

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Town of Framingham is pleased to offer taxpayers the ability to pay Real Estate and Personal Property tax bills on-line, selecting MCC eBill, one of the fastest growing municipal bill payment services in Massachusetts, to process payments. This new customer service is effective immediately providing an additional option for the payment of outstanding real estate and personal property taxes. Other bill paying offerings will be phased in over time.

    eBill accepts verified tax information from the Town and posts it on the eBill website (www.mcc.net) so residents can view and pay their bill. Access to their website is via a link from the Town’s website www.FraminghamMA.gov.

    To make payments online, Tax Payers must first register on eBill. Once the online registration page is completed and the account is activated, residents can authorize electronic transfers from their bank account or by using an American Express credit card. The only information needed to complete a payment on eBill is your current bill and valid bank account or American Express credit card information.

    The convenience fee for paying your bill online via ACH (electronic check, payments made using a checking or savings bank account) at 25 cents, is cheaper than a stamp.

    Registering is easy and requires minimal information from you.

    Please contact the Treasurer/Collector’s Office with any questions: Tel: (508)628-1311, Treasurer@framinghamma.org.

  • HARRY POTTER MIDNIGHT MAGIC PARTY AT BORDERS

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The latest Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, is set to be released at midnight tonight. To ease the wait for eager fans, Borders Bookshop & Café on Rt. 9, Framingham, is celebrating the release of the book with a free party starting at 9 p.m., Friday, July 15th.

    While waiting for the book to go on sale, enjoy face painting, trivia, and crafts, including birthday cards, dragon masks, wizard hats, and decorating party bags. Also, get your picture taken with Harry and Heromine! Just before midnight, sing “Happy Birthday”, and cut a birthday cake for the star of the show. Be one of the first 50 people to get your book, and receive a special door prize!

    Come dressed as your favorite character this weekend, and enter into the costume contest. The contest runs both Friday and Saturday, and everyone who enters will receive a prize, with grand prizes going to the best of each category! The categories include Scariest, Funniest, Most Original, Most Beastly, and Other (for those who don’t fall into any of the other categories)!

    But the fun doesn’t stop there. More events are planned for Saturday, July 16th! Calling all performers! Think you have what it takes to steal the show? Saturday, July 16th, starting at noon, come show off your skills and enjoy 15 minutes of fame as you perform for fans from all over the area. Prizes for the best acts!

    Besides the Talent Show, Elevenses, and High Teas, there’s face painting, trivia, drawings, and prizes, including door prizes for the first 50 people to pick up their books. There will be a Guess the Beans contest (enter all weekend, closest guess will be contacted) and a free book drawing (enter all weekend, name will be drawn Sunday night).

    Don’t miss out on the magic during this magical weekend! Saturday, July 16th, at 2pm, the wizard for the day, “Frankie D. Magic”, will put on a magic show, aided by his protégé, “Mr. Magic Christopher”.

    If you can’t make the party, you can still enter to the Guess the Beans and the Free Harry Potter Book drawing by visiting the framingham.com table at tonight’s (July 15th) Concert on the Green, Framingham Centre Common, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.. framingham.com will also have a table and giveaways at the Borders Midnight Magic Party.

    For more information, call or visit Borders Books, 85 Worcester Rd (Rt. 9), Framingham, MA 01701, (508) 875-2321.

  • Networking Group Expanding

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The “Taking Care of Business” Chapter of Business Networking International,(BNI) that meets at the Plymouth Church on Edgell Road every Thursday morning from 7-8:30am, is expanding its membership.

    Recently inducted are David Porter, president of Suburban Athletic Club, Tom Banks of Metro West Business Machines, Skip Bensley of Brilliant Video, Charlie Wade of Impact Expressions, Jan Slocum, The Pet Nanny, Val Thompson, The Diaper Queen, and Nancy Cantor, Principal, Cantor Consulting and CDO,Dream Factory Community.

    With over 30 members, each of a different profession, “Taking Care of Business” qualifies as a bronze chapter and is quickly moving toward the silver classification of 40+ members. This means more qualified referrals and greater revenue for their members.

    Debbie Chase, a realtor for Coldwell Banker, who is part of the Membership Committee and a 10-year participant, says, ” I am thrilled we are growing, but more importantly we are inducting very high quality members.”

    BNI is a tried and true system for independent business owners to generate qualified referrals and new business; a cure for cold calling.

    If you are interested in attending a free introductory meeting, please contact: Sandy Gonsalves-at 978-779-5109, or gonsalvess@aol.com. Two professions that the chapter is looking for are hairdresser and bookkeeper, but other slots are available as well.

    ###

  • MetroWest Radio Reading Day Celebration

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The MetroWest Radio Reading Service is celebrating ten years of service on Monday, July 11th from noon to 4 p.m. in the Public Hearing Room, Lower Nevins Hall, in the Memorial Building.

    Lunch will be followed by a recognition ceremony at 1 p.m. for 31 volunteers who have participated in the service. Three volunteers will receive five year pins and six will receive ten year pins. Commissioner David Govostes, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission for The Blind will be present.

    Three books by local authors that the Radio Reading Service has recorded and broadcast will be donated to the Framingham Public Library’s and Christa McAuliffe Branch’s audio collections. The books are: “A Journal for Christa” by Grace Corrigan, “Just Let the Kids Play,” by Tom Moroney, and “A Woman’s Ways and Means: 24 Wild Years in the Massachusetts House” by Barbara E. Gray and Debra Regan Cleveland.

    “Just Let the Kids Play” and “A Woman’s Ways and Means” were recorded by Doctor Chet Roskey with the appendices, including a history of M.C.I. Framingham recorded by Christine Goodreau. “A Journal for Christa” was recorded by Carolyn Pailler.

    It is particularly fitting that Barbara Gray’s book was recorded by the service as a hallmark of her career in the Massachusetts House was the championship of the disabled.

    The Metro West Radio Reading Service was inaugurated on June 20th, 1995 and began its first broadcast on July 10th, 1995. The Reading Service is an affiliate of the Talking Information Center Massachusetts Reading Network which was established on June 19, 1978, and is primarily funded by the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.

    Listeners need a special radio to receive uninterrupted radio reading service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also hear the service over WDJM, 91.3 FM, Framingham State College. The service broadcasts Daily Newspapers such as The Boston Globe, The Boston Herald, The Metro West Daily News, Natick Bulletin and Framingham Tab, to mention a few local newspapers.

    The Service also broadcasts via the network such magazines as Time Magazine, Newsweek, U.S. News and World Report, Sports Illustrated, Atlantic Monthly, National Geographic to mention a few. In addition, best seller books are broadcast both locally and over the network. The service also provides special informational talk shows on disability issues including issues of independent living, job listings, etc. and supermarket and retail store sales.

    ###

  • Area Fireworks & Parades Celebrating July 4th

    *** NOTE: This article is outdated and saved for archive purposes only, PLEASE CHECK FOR NEWER INFO ***

    FIREWORKS ON JULY 3RD & 4TH —

    FRANKLIN: Sunday, July 3, 10 p.m., high school field, Oak Street

    NATICK: Sunday, July 3, approx. 9:30 p.m., over Natick Mall

    NEEDHAM: Sunday, July 3, dusk, Memorial Park

    ACTON: Monday, July 4, 9 p.m., NARA Park (rain date July 9)

    BOSTON: Monday, July 4, dusk, Esplanade (after Pops concert)

    BELLINGHAM: Monday, July 4, 9:30 p.m., football field

    LINCOLN: Monday, July 4, 9 p.m., school complex

    NEWTON: Monday, July 4, 9 p.m., Albemarle Field

    MILFORD: Sunday, July 3rd, dusk, Plains Park, Rt. 85 (rain date July 5th)

    WALTHAM: Monday, July 4, 9 p.m., Leary Field (after concert by Waltham Philharmonic; rain date July 5)

    PARADES ON JULY 4TH:

    NATICK: 9 a.m., Rt. 9/27 Mall and South on Rt. 27 to Natick Center, then East on Rt. 135/E. Central Street. (plus Flea Market on the Natick Common)

    NEEDHAM: 9 a.m. Memorial Park (plus crafts fair & flea market, kids games, family activities.)

    HARVARD: 11 a.m. Starts at Depot & Ayer Roads. ( plus field events, entertainment, food vendors at Old Bromfield.)

    HOPKINTON: Horribles Parade, Noon, Town Common, Hayden Rowe, Grove St., Pleasant St., Main St.

    SUDBURY: 1 p.m. Union St. – Sudbury Center – Rt. 27 (Also Yankee Doodle Flea Market at Heritage Park, art show at Hosmer House.)

    SHERBORN: 2 p.m. Laurel Field (Also field events starting at 9 a.m..)

    We recommend calling the town police department for information about parade routes and detours during the parades    .

  • Enjoy Special Concert of the Green Tonight

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Tonight, Saturday July 2, 2005, enjoy a special added Concert on the Green: “Rust Never Sleeps” with a Neil Young impersonator. Concert time is 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

    Bring your blankets and chairs and a picnic supper as the concession stand may not be available tonight.

    ###

  • “Forever Plaid” Auditions

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The TCAN Players are auditioning for their fall musical comedy “Forever Plaid“.

    Directed by Sal Jones, Musical Direction by Bob Cook.

    Auditions:

    • Sunday – July 24th 6:00 – 8:00 pm
    • Tuesday – July 26th 7:00 – 9:00 pm
    • Call Backs, (if necessary), Wednesday July 27th 7:00 pm.
    Show Synopsis: Sparky, Jinx, Smudge and Frankie are The Plaids, a 1950s “guy” group (ala the Four Freshman) looking for their big break. Driving to their first big gig, the Plaids are hit by a bus and killed. Due to divine intervention, they are able to return to Earth for one final show that allows them to tell the stories of their lives and perform some of the greatest hits from the 1950s.

    Four men needed, all voice ranges. Be prepared to sing at least 16-bars from the song of your choice and read from the script. Those cast will need to learn some choreography.

    Show dates are Sept 23, 24, 25, 29, 30, Oct 1, 2, 2005.

    The Center for Arts in Natick
    14 Summer Street, Natick
    www.natickarts.org

    If you have questions, contact Producer, Faye Harrington by email at harringf@bsci.com

    ###

  • Fun on 4th of July Weekend

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham area has several free and nearly free events and activities during Fourth of July weekend.

    July 4th 2005

    Concerts, Parades, Fireworks, Markets, and more!

    The three beaches will be open 10 – 7 daily with life guards on duty. Stock up on videos of your favorite films and TV series, such as The Sopranos, at the public libraries before they close for the long weekend (They will be closed Sat. – Mon.) DVD’s and videos of TV series and shows from the History Channel, HBO, and PBS are free. Rental of feature films supplied by the Friends of the Library are only $ 1 a week. During the summer months enjoy pre-1980 classics and favorites for 2 for $ 1. Reserve a museum pass at the Main Library (508-879-3570) or pick up discount coupons for Massachusetts museums and attractions at both libraries.

    Thursday, June 30th, stock up on fresh produce and bakery goods for weekend gatherings at the Farmers Market, Framingham Centre Common on Edgell Rd., from 1 – 5:30 p.m. Enjoy the lyrical music of The Belfast Cowboys on the Downtown Common on Concord St., from 6 – 7:30 p.m. plus refreshments, balloons, and free raffles.

    Friday, July 1st, The Glamour Gals will put on a great show as part of the Concerts on the Green, Framingham Centre Common, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Bring your chairs and blankets and bring a picnic supper or enjoy inexpensive refreshments. Pick up flags, patriotic beach balls, and more at the Framingham Celebration Committee tent and check out the free raffle, goodie bags, and balloons at the framingham.com/Friends of Saxonville table.

    Saturday, July 2nd, enjoy an added Concert on the Green, Rust Never Sleeps (Neil Young Impersonator) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

    Sunday, July 3rd, Fireworks at the Natick Mall, at dusk. (about 9:30)

    Monday, July 4th, Natick 4th of July Parade, 9 a.m. Parade route runs from Building 19 1/5 parking lot to W. Central St., Downtown Natick. There is also a Flea Market on the Natick Common from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Natick Center, from 7 – noon.

    Monday, July 4th, 1 p.m. Sudbury 4th of July Parade, 1 p.m., Union Ave. – Sudbury Center – Rt. 27. Yankee Doodle Flea Market 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Heritage Park, Rt. 27 & Concord Rd. Art Show at the Hosmer House, Rt. 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

    Boston Fireworks/Boston Pops Concerts at the Hatch Shell: July 3rd: The Boston Pops Orchestra concert will begin at 8:30PM. The concert and entertainment is typically the same as on the 4th with the exception of the 1812 Overture and cannons and the fireworks display. The Oval in front of the Hatch Shell will be opened to the public at 4:00 PM.

    July 4th: The Boston fireworks are held on July 4th starting at 10:30 PM. The Oval is opened to the public at 9 a.m. The locally broadcast portion of the concert will conclude with the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers Chorus joining Mr. Lockhart and the orchestra for Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, and the concert will climax with the orchestra’s signature performance of Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever!” kicking off a 23-minute fireworks spectacular over the Charles River. Live coverage of the event and the entire Pops concert is shown on CBS4 Boston from 8 PM to 11 PM.

    ###

  • Framingham Beaches Now Open

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham beaches are open as of Thursday, June 23rd.

    • Saxonville Beach, Lake Rd. off Old Conn Path
    • Learned’s Pond, Lower Shawmut Terrace
    • Lake Waushkum, Nipmuc Road

    All three beaches are scheduled to remain open from June 23rd through August 18th, 7 days a week, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

    Life guards are on duty and beach tags are required or daily beach passes may be purchased from the life guards. Tags are available at the Park and Rec Office on Union Ave. Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Season tags are still only $ 10 a year with a maximum of $ 30 per family/household.

    Swimming lessons are available at the beaches. Classes range from Toddler (Age 3) to Basic Rescue and Water Safety. Register June 29th, 9:30 to 11:00 A.M. at the Recreation Office. 8 lessons – $25.00, 1st session begins July 5th Second session begins July 25th. Register for second session July 20th, 9:30 – 11:00 A.M. at the Rec. Office.

    ###