Category: Around Town

  • WBZ-TV Channel 4 I-Team Investigates Framingham Official

    WBZ-TV Channel 4 I-Team Investigates Framingham Official

    Joe Shortsleeve, WBZ-TV Channel 4 ''I-Team'' Reporter
    Joe Shortsleeve, WBZ-TV Channel 4 ''I-Team''

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Following an investigation over the past two months, WBZ-TV “I-Team” reporter Joe Shortsleeve has produced a segment regarding certain Framingham municipal government related personnel and financial issues.

    This afternoon Joe confirmed that the segment which was originally scheduled to air tonight, (Monday October 31, 2011), has been preempted due to the volume of storm related news from this weekend’s snow and will be broadcast during the CBS/WBZ-TV Channel 4 News at 11:00pm on Tuesday November 1st, 2011.

    Follow up rebroadcasts are also tentatively scheduled and video of the segment will appear on the I-Team’s webpage after the on-air broadcast.
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  • ‘Impact Framingham’ Grant Funds Availability

    ‘Impact Framingham’ Grant Funds Availability

    Impact Framingham
    ''Impact Framingham'' group plans to use proceeds of sale of Civic League building to fund worthwhile community projects.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Impact Framingham, a new foundation dedicated to benefitting the town and the people of Framingham, is announcing the availability of grant funds for the 2012 year.

    Impact Framingham was formed from the funds received from the sale of 214 Concord Street, formerly known as the Framingham Civic League. The League owned the building for nearly 100 years before they sold it to a religious organization in 2010.

    The proceeds from the sale of the building have been set aside as a charitable fund that will be distributed as grants within the community.

    The organization is now known as Impact Framingham, with the goal of “investing in our community.” Betsy Fishman, President of Impact Framingham, commented on the new name of the organization. With “IF” being the acronym for Impact Framingham, “We wanted to pose the question, ‘What if?’ to the people of (more…)

  • Pies On The Common Adds a Bit of Cheescake

    Pies On The Common Adds a Bit of Cheescake

    Judy Jackson gets copy of the ''CELEBRATION 2012'' calendar autographed by Mr. February at the First Parish in Framingham's annual ''Pies On The Common'' fair October 15, 2011
    Judy Jackson gets her copy of the ''CELEBRATION 2012'' calendar autographed by Mr. February at the First Parish in Framingham's annual ''Pies On The Common'' fair on Saturday, October 15, 2011

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – It was a perfect fall afternoon to wander down to Framingham Centre for the 21st Annual Pies the Common craft show and pie sale — a fundraising event sponsored by First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist Church.

    Along with the pies, this year’s event featured a bit of cheesecake — the naked old guys from the First Parish in Framingham were there, (with their clothes on), autographing their now world-famous “CELEBRATION 2012” photo calendar.

    Twelve gentleman from the First Parish, all between the ages of 64 and 87, posed au natural, (yup — that means “naked”), for a fund raising calendar which, “boldly proclaims the joys of being an older man whether 64 or 87 with whimsy and humor“.

    News of the calendar has spread literally around the world, making headlines from (more…)

  • Newswomen Host Framingham Breast Cancer Fundraiser

    Newswomen Host Framingham Breast Cancer Fundraiser

    Ellie Fund (logo)
    ''Circle of Five'' fundraiser to benefit the Ellie Fund to be held in Framingham Oct. 26, 2011.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Circle Furniture in Framingham is celebrating National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with “Circle of Five” – their fifth annual event to benefit the Needham-based Ellie Fund.

    In honor of the fifth anniversary of Channel 5 Reporter Kelley Tuthill’s breast cancer diagnosis, five newswomen from WCVB-TV5 are starring in this year’s exclusive event on October 26, 2011 at Circle Furniture on Route 9 in Framingham.

    Starting at 6:30 p.m., guests will have and an exclusive opportunity to mix and mingle with their favorite Channel 5 newswomen: Susan Wornick, Bianca de la Garza, Kelley Tuthill, Rhondella Richardson and JC Monahan while enjoying (more…)

  • Dinner Dance to Benefit Curtis Family Thanksgiving

    Dinner Dance to Benefit Curtis Family Thanksgiving

    2011 Dinner / Dance to benefit the Curtis Family Thanksgiving, Framingham, MA
    November 5th, 2011 – Dinner / Dance to benefit the Curtis Family Thanksgiving at The Eagles

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – For the past 22 years, Mark and Karen Curtis who run The Eagles Grill on Park Street in Downtown Framingham have provided a free Thanksgiving meal to all who need or want one.

    After several local churches, the Salvation Army and other civic organizations canceled their free Thanksgiving dinners for the needy the number of people depending on the Curtis Family Thanksgiving grew considerably.

    Last year well over 1200 free dinners were served at The Eagles — and  hundreds more meals were delivered to local elderly, disabled and shut-ins.

    Until 2010, Mark and Karen never solicited donations, but faced with a growing number of people to feed, when the word went out that needs were growing, several individuals and organizations stepped up to support their efforts.

    One way they raise money to feed so many people is by (more…)

  • Bruins Honor Oldest Fan at St. Patricks Manor

    Bruins Honor Oldest Fan at St. Patricks Manor

    Bruce and Desire "Dave" Caissie with Stanley Cup at St. Partick's Manor (September 2, 2011)
    Bruce Caissie and his grandfather, Desire "Dave" Caissie (age 104) with The Stanley Cup at St. Partick's Manor (September 2, 2011)

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – True Boston Bruins fans and trivia nuts might know the name Charlie Jacobs, but chances are many fans don’t.

    Charlie is a total sports guy — a Board Member of the New England Sports Network, (NESN), and a Board Member and Past President & CEO of Total Media Group, but Charlie’s favorite job is being the Founder and Chairman of the Boston Bruins Foundation, the charitable community involvement arm of his family’s business — you see, Charlie’s dad is Jeremy Jacobs, Chairman & CEO of Delaware North Corporation and owner of the Boston Bruins.

    When Charlie heard about Desire “Dave” Caissie, a 104 year old resident at St. Patrick’s Manor in Framingham, he snuck in a little side-trip to St. Pat’s on (more…)

  • Traffic Alerts, Road Construction Detours (Sept. 12-16, 2011)

    Traffic Alerts, Road Construction Detours (Sept. 12-16, 2011)

    Rough Road Ahead (traffic sign, Framingham, MA)
    Traffic sign in Framingham Center warns motorists of ROUGH ROAD AHEAD and alternates to CAUTION MOTORCYCLES of the road surface conditions.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA– Roadwork on several major capital improvement projects in town will continue this week, (Monday through Friday, September 12th through September 16th, 2011).

    Delays due to traffic and detours around some of the work sites can add to driving times, so motorists should plan accordingly.

    The Town of Framingham’s Department of Public Works / Highway Division / Capital Projects website offers residents and visitors to Framingham helpful information about current and upcoming construction projects.

    You can view up to date traffic alerts, maps of project work sites and traffic detours, and sign up to receive email alerts for all or any of the currently listed projects.

    The email traffic alert for the week of September 12th – 16th, 2011 indicates that: (more…)

  • September 11th Tenth Anniversary in Framingham

    September 11th Tenth Anniversary in Framingham

    Sign at entrance to the September 11th Memorial located in Cushing Memorial Park in Framingham, MA
    Sign at entrance to September 11th Living Memorial located in Cushing Memorial Park, Dudley Rd., Framingham, MA (USA)

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – On September 11th, 2011 the Town of Framingham held a Remembrance Ceremony and Vigil marking the tenth anniversary of the horrific events which took place on a day that is now known to all simply as “9/11”.

    While nearly anyone of a conscious age on that day in 2001 will have a clear and distinct memory of where they were, who they were with, how they felt, and what they did upon hearing the news that not one, but two airplanes had crashed into the World Trade Towers in New York.

    Shortly after news that the twin towers had been the target of a group of suicidal hijacker’s attacks, reports came in that yet another hijacked plane was crashed into the Pentagon, and a fourth in a field in Pennsylvania — — and that our country was under attack.

    Seventeen people with ties to Framingham — people who either resided in town, had grown up here, or worked here perished in the plane crashes and building collapses of 9/11.

    Paul Harding and family at 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Framingham, MA, September 11, 2011
    Paul Harding, a Framingham Fire Fighter for the past 16 years was working his regular shift at the Concord Street Fire Station where he's a member of "Rescue 1" Company and arrived for the Remembrance Ceremony in full gear and was met by his son Griffin, (seen here in Dad's fire helmet), daughter Shaylin and wife Nicole.

    The events of the day for the Tenth Anniversary included a silent vigil beginning at 8:00a.m., followed by a series of events which were carefully coordinated to occur “to the minute” of the events which unfolded ten years earlier.

    A special tribute was made at the exact times each plane crashed in 2001.

    • At 8:46a.m. a tribute to those who lost their lives when Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. A wreath was placed within the living memorial, and flame was lit atop one of two granite posts which represent the towers.
    •  At 9:03a.m., to honor those who lost their lives when Flight 175 crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center a second wreath was placed, and a flame was lit atop the second granite post.
    • At 9:37a.m., a wreath was placed to honor those who were killed when Flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon.
    • At 10:03a.m. a fourth and final wreath was placed to honor those aboard Flight 93, who valiantly attempted to fight off the terrorists who were hijacking the plane, yet lost their lives when it crashed 80 Miles Southeast of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

    Two granite posts were symbolically positioned within the Framingham’s September 11th Memorial. Each represents one of the two “twin towers” of the World Trade Center.  During the remembrance ceremony, a small lantern was placed atop each of the granite posts, and at the precise times planes struck each towers, a lantern was lit.  Each lantern’s flame was then extinguished 10-years to the minute that each tower fell.

    The September 11th Memorial at Cushing Memorial Park, Framingham, MA U.S.A.

    At 10:30 a.m., Jason Smith, Chairman of the Framingham Board of Selectman began the speaking part of the ceremony.  Charlie Sisitsky, also a Selectman in Framingham then spoke, reflecting on the events of September 11th, 2001.

    Dennis Giombetti, and Ginger Esty, (both also Selectmen), then read the names aloud of each of the 17 people who had ties to Framingham and died in the 9/11 tragedy.

    Following the reading of the name, Reverend Richard Hurst of the Framingham Lutheran church spoke and offered prayers for those who perished.

    Wearing traditional Scottish Kilts and dress, Framingham Police Sergeant Kathy Esposito and Framingham Fire Fighter Joe Mazzolla then played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes.

    Monsignor Francis Straham of St. Patrick’s Parish then led a community singing of “God Bless America”.

    The Framingham Fire Department and Framingham Police Department Color Guards and Honor Guards which had performed several services throughout the ceremony then formed up and marched away from the memorial as Framingham Police Officer Peter Tessicini, standing alone among the field of nearly 3000 flags played “Taps” on a silver bugle.

    Framingham Police Officer Peter Tessicini
    Framingham Police Officer Peter Tessicini

     

    See more photos in our special Framingham 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Photo Section.

    These images are ©RMH, framingham.com — but are Free for non-commercial use.  We also have many other photos and video clips from that day, and larger hi-resolution files. Please contact us if you need hi-res images.  For commercial use, please contact us for permissions.

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  • Join Cub Scout Pack 78 in North Framingham

    Join Cub Scout Pack 78 in North Framingham

    Scout Pack 78, North Framingham, MA
    Scout Pack 78, North Framingham meets at First United Methodist Church, 360 Water Street

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Scouting is alive, well and continues the same traditions founded over 100 years ago.

    In North Framingham, Pack 78 is comprised of boys who attend the Hemingway, Dunning, Potter Road and Stapleton schools — and they’d like to see even more boys join!

    While the focus is on the boys — moms, dads and the whole family can be involved in scouting activities and spend quality time with their sons.

    Could over 100 years of having fun be a good reason to join?

    Last year family events included; a day-trip and sleep-over on the U.S.S. Massachusetts, an overnight sleep-over at (more…)

  • Saturday at CJ’s Northside Grille

    Saturday at CJ’s Northside Grille

    Patrons at CJ's Northside Grille take in some of the hot rods that show up most Saturday afternoons for the Class Car Cruise-in.
    Patrons at CJ's Northside Grille take in some of the hot rods that show up most Saturday afternoons for the Classic Car Cruise-in.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Bob Bradway probably never imagined that nearly 60 years after he opened the “Nobscot Drive-In” that many of the same types of cars would still be cruisin’ to the same parking lot on Saturday afternoons.

    Never heard of the Nobscot Drive-In? Don’t feel left out, it hasn’t been called that for five decades — most locals remember it as Riley’s Roast Beef, or McCarthy’s or Leon’s or Lobster in the Red — or most recently as CJ’s Northside Grille — same place, different era.

    This weekend, in addition to the Classic Car Cruise-in, the owners of CJ’s opened up the parking lot to the Framingham High School Flyers Cheerleaders who (more…)