FRAMINGHAM, MA — Greg Mortenson, author of Three Cups of Tea, the book chosen for the Framingham Reads Together initiative, spoke to a packed crowd of an estimated 1000 people at Nevins Hall on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2009.
Mortenson, a humble and sincere speaker, shared insightful commentary and stunning photography from his extraordinary journeys through a region that is now front and center on the world stage and in the war on terror. He explained how schools and education, especially of girls, can be more effective in fighting the Taliban than weapons. He has succeeded where government programs have failed.
Local schools and the library are collecting donations to his “Pennies for Peace” program. Look for the jars to make a donation.
Mortenson’s program was broadcast through the Government Access Channel and will be re-broadcast several times. For the schedule, see http://framinghamtv.com/schedule.htm
Framingham Reads Programs continue this week. Check the Framingham Public Library web site for more information. www.framinghamlibrary.org
One of this weeks highlights takes place on Tuesday, February 10th at 7 p.m. at the Main Library: The Impact of Location and Landscape on Pakistan’s Short (and Turbulent) History- Panel Discussion with Professor Adil Najam, Director, Pardee Center, Boston University; Moeed Yusuf, Boston University doctoral candidate and Parwez Wahid discussion leader.
Professor Najam was one of the Lead Authors of the Third and Fourth Assessment Reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change which shared the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with Al Gore. He is the winner of teaching awards at MIT and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the author of several books and articles. He also is the founding editor of the blog Pakistaniat: “All Things Pakistan.”
Related Link: <http://www.framinghamlibrary.org>
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — Stony Brook Museum, Inc. will sponsor a series of programs and an impressive collection of artwork depicting the role of the African-American people in our nations military. The collection, belonging to the Buffalo Soldier Heritage, Inc., Southborough, Massachusetts, will be described in detail by knowledgeable “troopers” attired in period Indian Campaign (1866-1890) uniforms.
Supported by a display of many books and other materials, the collection offers a fresh new look into American History. The history, stories, sacrifices and contributions of these soldiers from early colonial and revolutionary days to the present day in the service of protecting America are presented as an educational experience for all to enjoy.
Programs will be hosted by the Southborough Historical Society in the museum located at 25 Common Street, Southborough, Massachusetts. They are to be held on two Saturdays each month, 10 AM – 3 PM. A guest speaker will be at each presentation, a fireside chat format (hourly for 15 to 20 min duration).
Visitors are invited to ask questions of staff and speakers as they view the exhibits in the small museum.
The schedule:
February 14 – Colonial Wars, American Revolution, 1812 and Civil Wars, David Cunningham, Rhode Island 1st & 2nd Regiments
February 28 – Colonial Wars, American Revolution, 1812 and Civil Wars, Benny White, Massachusetts 54th Regiment
March 14 – Indian War Campaign and Spanish American War (Buffalo Soldiers), Pete DePina, Buffalo Soldiers Heritage
March 28 – Indian War Campaign and Spanish American War (Buffalo Soldiers), Brig. Gen. (MA) Leonid Kondratiuk, Director, Historical Services, Office of the Adjutant General
April 4 – WWI and WWII, Pete DePina, Buffalo Soldiers Heritage
April 19 2PM – 6PM – Major General Joseph C. Carter, Adjutant General of Massachusetts, Tuskegee Airmen and other special guests
Weekday showings may be arranged by appointments for groups. Contact: Southborough Historical Society telephone: 508.229.8055, Stony Brook Museum email: stonybrookmuseum@comcast.net
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — Paul Ashton, owner of Annie’s Book Stop announces the exclusive Framingham author signing on Sunday, Dec 14, 2008, 2 – 4 p.m. by Spencer Smith, Author of:
“The Young Jesus Chronicles”.
If you liked “Life of Brian”, you’ll love “The Young Jesus Chronicles” by Spencer Smith and Mark Penta. The book documents in a series of hilarious cartoons of possible events in the life of a young Jesus.
Ashton urges you to be there if you possibly can – this guy is also funny in person. He notes that the Patriots game doesn’t start until late, so you have no excuse!
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Town of Framingham celebrates the holiday season with their annual holiday tree lighting on Friday, December 12th, 2008 starting at 6:15 p.m.
The large donated tree in front of the Memorial Building will be lit following a countdown led by radio personality Scott Gibbons. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive courtesy of the Framingham Fire Department.
Girl Scouts will lead a sing a long of holiday songs as part of the festivities. Following Santa’s arrival, members of the Framingham Fifth Grade Band will perform inside of Nevins Hall. Santa will take a seat in Nevins and photos with Santa will be available for a reasonable price.
Hot cocoa, cookies, and candy canes will be available. During the evening festivities, the downtown merchants will be offering specials and giveaways and will be staying open later. Be sure to tour and sample their treats and wares.
Visit the framingham.com table for a free raffle of school supplies courtesy of Office Depot as well as goodies and giveaways and for information about local organizations.
The 17th annual tree lighting is sponsored by The Town of Framingham, Downtown Solutions, Framingham Co-operative Bank, The MetroWest Daily News,Starbucks, Oldies 103.3, and Dunkin Donuts.
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — The MetroWest Youth Symphony Orchestra along with the PREPARATORY STRING ORCHESTRA,
Music Directors – Paul Surapine and Etleva Hima-Buli present a winter concert on December 7, 2008 at 3:00 PM at Mass Bay Community College, Flagg Dr., Framingham.
Performances include music from Dvorak’s Slavonic Dances, Bach’s Passacaglia and Fugue and Holst’s Saint Paul’s Suite. There will also be performances by our chamber music ensembles.
The concert is free and open to the public. Orchestra in Residence, Massachusetts Bay Community College, 19 Flagg Drive, Framingham.
Related Link: MetroWest Youth Symphony Orchestra, <http://www.metyso.org>
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — Annie’s Book Stop in the Nobscot Shopping Center, is hosting an artist’s reception for the Stella Perlov show “Check Reality” on Sunday Nov. 16, 2008 from 2 – 4 pm.
Paul Ashton, owner of Annie’s always been a fan of the surreal and is particularly pleased to be able to show this set of paintings by Stella who’s fantasy and surreal images have graced the shop’s gallery walls on numerous occasions over the years.
A featured work is “Weather report”, A painted collage centred on a beautiful, almost mask like face, with grass (or seaweed) as hair. Hands grasp at passing objects as the whole sails through a storm tossed sky. Stella’s “No Man’s Land” was inspired by the the first animals in space as part of the USSR’s Sputnik programme. I know that one of the dogs in that programme was named “Lisichka” – which means Little Fox, and the first in orbit was” Laika” (Barker). You can see more of Stella’s work at http://www.artistella.com.
Annie’s is also featuring costume jewelry from three local crafters.
Sandy DeHart: has been exhibiting her hand-made jewelry at the store for nearly 6 years. She uses high quality stones and beads in a multitude of vibrant colors to produce a simple, but exciting range of jewelry. Beautiful necklaces, frequently with matching bracelets and earrings are rotated frequently on the display boards. Sandy is often in the store, and can discuss custom requirements and produce the desired pieces to order.
Robin Kilduff: in addition to a wide selection of hand-crafted jewelry, Robin has a wide range of hand decorated cards for all occasions.
Stacey Kohler: Multi-talented Stacey (she is also a Reiki master and hypnotherapist) delights in making bracelets and necklaces using the most intricate of beading patterns. She also gives lessons.
Annie’s Book Stop/Espresso Paulo is located at 774 Water Street, opposite Anton’s Cleaners. For more information on this and other exhibits, please call (508) 877-1891.
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FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham History Center (formerly the Framingham Historical Society and Museum) presents Storyteller Libby Franck in: Rebuilding Lives: Miriam Van Waters and the Framingham Women’s Reformatory.
During the 30’s & 40’s, the remarkable Dr. Van Waters developed a respected program of reform for the women sentenced to the Framingham Reformatory with mother/baby classes, a poetry club, theatre, music, nature study and preparation for parole. Her work was known by such luminaries as Eleanor Roosevelt who was photographed paying her respect at the Framingham Reformatory. After Dr. Van Waters was fired in 1949, her public hearings were front page news in every Boston paper for three months.
Come see Libby Franck dramatize this story on Sunday, November 23 at 3:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 3 Maple Street, Framingham. (Directions to St. Andrew’s Church are at www.standrewsframma.org)
Program and Refreshments free to members. Non-members $5.00 It always helps to know if you are coming so we can plan accordingly. Please RSVP to Annie Murphy at director@framinghamhistory.org. For more information on the program or joining the FHC visit www.framinghamhistory.org or call 508-872-3780
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham High School is planning a Holiday Marketplace sponsored by the Parent Athletic Committee to benefit the FHS athletic program. The marketplace will take place on Saturday December 6, 2008 from 10 am to 4 pm at Framingham High School.
Dont’ miss this event! Organizers have rounded up 90 exhibitors with high quality, original handmade items,boutique items such as knitting, quilting, pottery, jewelry, toys, home décor, holiday items and gifts.
With the marketplace around the holidays expectations are for a busy marketplace supported by a town of 65,000 people and a student body of FHS of over 2,000 students and 400 faculty/staff.
If you would like to participate as a vendor in the Marketplace or would like more information, please contact Faith Guarino at havefaith23@rcn.com or 508-367-6103.
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FRAMINGHAM, MA — “HERvoices: Framingham, Massachusetts — A Dialogue between Neighbors” to be held on Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at the Framingham Public Library. Free admission and open to the public.
HERvoices’ mission is to help communities become safer and more inclusive by equipping individuals to become more self-aware and open-minded. We accomplish this mission by building cross-cultural understanding through story-sharing presentations. Each presentation is a compilation of personal testimonies from women and girls who have not previously spoken about their lives publicly.
“HERvoices: Framingham, Massachusetts — A Dialogue between Neighbors” is one of HERvoices’ four available multimedia presentations. It features the testimonies of women and girls from the diverse town of Framingham, MA, twenty miles west of Boston. Presentation participants will hear testimonies from women of all ages and backgrounds living in Framingham. Through the testimonies -some of which are read by female audience participants – participants will feel as though they have met the profiled women … as well as others whom the profiled women remind them of, others they have not yet met, and even other parts of themselves.
HERvoices focuses on women because there are still fewer opportunities globally for women to participate in public forums and decision-making processes; and HERvoices focuses on stories because we all have them, they are universalizing, and by hearing each others’, we are all able to connect to one another across other apparent barriers.
Sometimes, just speaking about your life can inform you of your own importance; and, often, hearing about her life can resolve something in you and remind you of your humanity.
For more information: www.hervoices.org, 617-501-9303, info@hervoices.org.
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