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Category: Arts & Culture

  • Enduring Tributes Campaign Launched

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Over the past few months the concept of a major fundraising project to benefit Fine Arts Education in the Framingham Public Schools has taken shape and the process of communicating and informing the various constituencies in town has begun.

    Since early December, a small planning group has met with School Superintendent Dr. Martes, the Framingham School Committee and most recently with the PTO Presidents Council. The Enduring Tributes Campaign has received widespread and enthusiastic support from everyone. One school committee member even asked, “Can I give you a check tonight!”

    The Enduring Tributes Campaign will benefit all public school students K-12 in Framingham in the area of Fine Arts education. The campaign is designed to raise funds for capital investments and programming resources that will truly add value above and beyond current fine arts department funding levels. As the campaign is introduced, the organizers will be sharing some of the possible ways in which our students and thus our town will benefit. At the heart of the project is the sale of naming rights for each of the seats in the soon to be renovated FHS auditorium and similar facilities at Walsh, Fuller and Cameron Middle Schools. Other naming opportunities will be considered for other Fine Arts related spaces.

    The Town of Hull Massachusetts, one fifth the size of Framingham, recently raised $50,000 for Fine Arts Education through a similar campaign….we can do much more!

    Today the invitation goes out for active support for the Enduring Tributes Campaign organizing committee. In particular, the committee appeals to parents of current and former students in all schools with interest in theater, music and the visual arts, and anyone else with a strong interest in the benefits of Fine Arts education to the creation of a truly outstanding public school system.

    This initial information piece is specifically intended to inform Framingham residents of the Enduring Tributes Campaign project and to invite interested parties to a planning and organizing meeting on Monday February 6 at 7:00PM in the new Studio 100 Theater Room at FHS.

    If you have any questions in advance, please contact either David & Penny Hurwitz (508-877-6424) or Michael & Nancy O’Connell (508-875-3203)

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  • TWO VENERABLE FRAMINGHAM ORGANIZATIONS MERGE

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – On Wednesday evening, January 11, the Framingham Historical Society & Museum (FHSM) and the Framingham Improvement Association (FIA) made history when members unanimously voted to merge the two organizations.

    The intent is to combine operations and resources to enhance the ability to create a restored, historic campus around Framingham Centre Common.

    Both organizations are involved with town-owned historic buildings. Currently the FHSM occupies and leases the Old Academy Building on Vernon St. facing the Centre Common and the Edgell Memorial Library Building on Oak St., also facing the Common. The FIA leases the Village Hall, the stately building with pillars on the south side of the Centre Common.

    The Old Academy once housed an esteemed school, where General George H. Gordon, who served with honor in the Mexican-American War and trained Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, who commanded the 54th Massachusetts Black Regiment of “Glory” fame, was a student. Now the building houses three centuries of Framingham’s history, from Native American artifacts to Civil War items through Christa McAuliffe memorabilia.

    The Edgell Memorial Library was built of local materials as the town’s first public library and a living memorial to the Framingham men who served in the Civil War. It now showcased FHSM exhibits and gift shop.

    The Village Hall was built in 1834 to serve as Framingham’s Town Hall. When the town outgrew it, it fell into disrepair, until the Framingham Improvement Association was formed around the Turn of the last Century and raised funds to renovate it and add the lovely portico facing the Common. Periodically it has fallen onto hard times and citizens have rallied to restore it. It has seen historic debates and events through the years and is currently rented out for weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

    As the Town-Owned Building Task Force recommended that the town entrust the buildings to the FHSM and FIA via long-term leases, the two organizations decided to join forces to come from a position of strength when negotiating with the town and with applying for funding via grants and donations.

    Prior to the vote, discussion touched on concerns about the current condition of the buildings, how much the town would put into the buildings before the organizations would take them on, how much utilities would be for the three buildings, how the upkeep would be funded, how to increase revenue from rentals of the Village Hall and Edgell Library, and engaging the membership and the public in supporting the buildings, whether by private donations and by encouraging town meeting to vote funding towards long overdue repairs.

    Members of the public interested in the preservation of the buildings are urged to join the FHSM and encourage town meeting to vote funding towards the immediate pressing repairs to the buildings before the FHSM can shoulder the responsibility for them. Donations are needed and welcome, as well as help with securing grant dollars.

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  • Framingham Bracelet Available for Gift Giving

    Framingham Bracelet Available for Gift Giving

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Janice Kiley, of the Framingham Cultural Council, announces that the sterling silver limited edition handcrafted Framingham Bracelet is still available for last minute gift giving.

    The Framingham Bracelet
    The Framingham Bracelet

    The tulip design incorporated into the bracelet is patterned after the wrought iron railing around Framingham’s downtown common.

    The bracelet was designed and is made by Vera Jeweler’s in downtown Framingham.

    The bracelet is a fundraiser for the Framingham Cultural Council, which supports many Framingham organizations and activities, including the Framingham Historical Society, and the summer concerts series.

    Bracelets are $ 100, and $ 50 is considered a donation to the Framingham Cultural Council.

    If you have a friend or family member, or special employee or associate who likes jewelry and has ties to Framingham, this makes a great and unusual gift, plus you are giving a gift to the town at the same time.

    For more information call 508-628-1382, or send email to: culturalcouncil@framinghamma.org

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  • Historical Society Gala

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham Historical Society & Museum presents “HATS OFF TO FRAMINGHAM”, December4, 2005, Natick Crowne Plaze, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.

    Share with us – A social evening beginning with a cocktail reception hour, music provided by The Bourbon Street Paraders, dinner, an informative program about the work of the FHS & M featuring the awards ceremony, a short film documentary about the Village Hall, Hats & Bonnets Exhibition & remarks by Charles Murphy, President of the FHS & M. 2005. Honorees, Attorney Victor Galvani and The Framingham Improvement Association.

    TICKET AND SPONSORSHIP INFORMATION

    New for 2005 – Supporters who purchase a full or 1/2 page ad will receive a one-year business membership to the FHS&M. Benefits include acknowledgement in the FHSM quarterly newsletter and museum program discounts for employees. The business membership alone is a $200 value!

    WHAT: Funds generated from our ad book & fundraiser will help provide on-going programs & exhibitions, safely house our collections, continue the work of documenting Framingham’s history, allow us to employ a director, a curator and staff.

    Your support will keep the museum open. The Museum is located at 16 Vernon Street on the Framingham Center Common.

    WHY: To honor our honorees and to support Framingham Historical Society & Museum. The Society is a privately funded, non-profit (501c3) cultural organization devoted to preserving and interpreting the history of Framingham for the public benefit. Membership is open to all.

    HOW: Here are support levels for your program booklet advertising:

    ______$1000 Ad book – Full page ad (4.5″w x 7″ h)

    ______$ 500 Ad book – ½ page ad ( 4″w x 3.5″ h)

    ______$ 250 Ad book – ¼ page ad (4″w x 2″h) or business card

    ______$ 100 Ad book – business listing – 3 or 4 lines

    ______ or purchase a table (10 seats ) for $1,000 & a ½ page ad is included.

    Your check, payable to FHSM (note 2005 GALA AD in the memo line) and this form may be mailed to the address below. The ad copy may be emailed to ma@ipsre.com.

    Tickets may be purchased in advance by sending $75/person to the address below or tables of 10 for $1,000 and a ½ page ad is included.

    WHEN: Your tax-deductible contribution must be received by November 29, 2005. An early commitment is appreciated.

    Please provide artwork in PDF or jpg format.

    CONTACT:

    Framingham Historical Society & Museum
    16 Vernon Street, PO BOX 2032, Framingham, MA 01703
    www.framinghamhistory.org

  • Concord Violinist to Perform at MWICA

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – MetroWest International Concerts Association will hold its 2nd of four concerts on Sunday November 20, at 4:00 pm at Nevins Hall in downtown Framingham. Stephen Shey, a native of Concord has performed in the Philippines, Sweden, and the US. He was the sole performing artist at the WWII memorial Dedication of the Philippine Pillar. While a student at Lexington Christian Academy Stephen initiated and performed in a fundraising concert to benefit the Academy held at the Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington.

    Tickets for this concert are $20. at the door. Students accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.

    For more information about the MWICA and this concert please call Ruth August 508 879-1612 or Lou Schorr 781-642-8825.

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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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  • 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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  • 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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  • 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.

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  • “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

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