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Category: General Interest

  • LIFT 9 LAUNCH EVENT THURSDAY

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Come celebrate the launch of LIFT 9 at 11:00 a.m. at May Hall on the campus of Framingham State College. The celebration will include refreshments, live music, and remarks from some of the prominent local officials who made LIFT 9 a reality.

    What’s the celebration about?

    Beginning August 28, 2006 the Lift Public Transit System will begin providing direct service to the West Natick commuter rail station and the retail, residential and employment hubs along Route 9 in Framingham. LIFT 9 will offer bus service to places like the Natick Mall, Shoppers World, Framingham State College and the 9/90 Corporate Center. There are also changes to the current Lift routes. For more information, please call the LIFT office at (508) 532-5459 and visit: http://www.framinghamma.gov/LIFT

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  • Rail Trail Ale Debuts at John Harvard’s

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – John Harvard’s Brew House Announces the “Rail Trail Ale.”

    John Harvard Brewery has been a dedicated supporter of the Cochituate Rail Trail. As a show of this support the managers and brew master of John Harvard’s Brew House has created its “Rail Trail Ale.”

    Please join us to celebrate the first draw of “Rail Trail Ale” this Thursday night Aug 31st at 6:30pm at John Harvars’ Brew House in Shoppers World.

    Ale sales will help Rail Trail

    A portion of the profits from every pint, pitcher and growler sold will be given to the CRT as a donation to support the development of the trail.

    Framingham Cochituate Rail Trail Committee looks forward to raising a glass with many of you in a toast to the Cochituate Rail Trail.

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  • Foster Parents Needed

    Help kids in your community…for a week, a month, a year…a lifetime.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Dare Family Services is looking for loving people with room in their homes and in their hearts to help a child in need. Become a foster parent!

    Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a nurturing home with a loving family. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many children. Thousands of children are abused or neglected by the people who are supposed to care for them the most: their parents. These children are left broken and vulnerable, stripped of their ability to trust. They have damaged self images and never believe they are truly safe and secure.

    Dare Family Services is a private, nonprofit social services agency which provides a highly specialized type of foster care called Mentor. Dare provides Mentor homes for children who have been removed from their biological families due to abuse or neglect.

    Every day, compassionate individuals open their homes and their hearts to give these children a second chance. These specialized foster parents, or Mentors, provide care, support, and help guide children into adulthood.

    Dare Family Services currently looking for homes in MetroWest for local foster kids. If you have a desire to help a child in need of a family, please call Marilyn, (mdavidson@darefamily.org) or Janelle (Jmoore@darefamily.org)at (617) 628-3696. Please visit our website at www.darefamily.org

    “Being a Mentor gives you a satisfaction not found in a typical 9-5 job. It’s a unique way to make a difference and give a young person a new chance in life.” – Janet R (Mentor).

    Related Link: <http://www.darefamily.org>

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  • United Way of Tri-County Backpack Donation Drive

    FRAMINGHAM,MA — Kids Helping Kids!!! Many children want to go back to school each fall with the latest and greatest notebooks, pens, backpacks and other supplies. However, for some parents buying even the basic necessities is difficult. The United Way of Tri-County is asking for your help in making sure that every kid in the community has the tools they need to be ready to learn.

    Donate a backpack & supplies to a child in need

    It’s a great opportunity for children to feel good about helping others.

    How can you and/or your child help?  Purchase a backpack and all the supplies to go with it. (See the list below of supplies needed)  In order for the children to receive the backpacks before school starts please have the complete backpack to the United Way of Tri-County by August 4th.

    The backpacks can be dropped off at The United Way of Tri County office at 46 Park Street, Framingham MA, Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm or at the MetroWest Daily News office.

    Please call 1.888.811.3291 ext. 57 for more information.

    You can also help local schools out while shopping for backpacks and supplies when you shop for them at Office Depot in Shoppers World, which has some great buys this week and backpacks starting at $ 9.99. Just mention a local school at checkout and Office Depot will donate 5 percent of your purchase to the school of your choice. See store for details and restrictions.

    Supply list: Grades K-2
    Qty./ Component/ Description
    6 Folder, 2 pocket, Assorted Colors
    3 Spiral Notebooks, 70 Ct., Wide Rule
    2 Glue, School, Washable, 4 oz,
    White 2 Glue Sticks, Dries Clear, .28 oz
    1 Filler Paper, Wide Rule, 10.5 X 8, 150/Pack
    2 Eraser, Pink, Large
    1 Crayola Crayons, Tuck Box, 24/Box
    1 Pencils, #2, All Wood, dozen
    1 Facial Tissue, 2 Ply, 100 count
    1 Scissors, 5 1/4″, Blunt Tip
    1 Ruler, Plastic, 12″, Inches & Metric
    1 Markers, 8 count, Washable, Wide
    1 Sharpener, Pencil, Double Barrel, Canister
    1 Pencil Case, Heavy-Duty, with zipper
    2 Pencil Cap Erasers, 12 Pack
    2 Pen, Medium Point, Red
    1 Paint Set, Watercolor, 8 Colors with Brush
    1 Backpack

    Grades 3-5
    Qty./ Component/ Description
    4 Folders, 2 Pocket, Assorted Colors
    3 Spiral Notebooks, 70 Count, Wide Rule
    1 Glue, School, Washable, 4 oz, White
    2 Glue Stick, Dries Clear, .28 oz
    3 Pen, Medium Point, BLUE
    3 Pen, Medium Point, RED
    1 Filler Paper, Wide Rule, 10.5 X 8, 150/Pack
    2 Eraser, Pink, Large
    1 Crayola Crayons, Tuck Box, 24/Box
    1 Pencils, #2, All Wood, dozen
    1 Facial Tissue, 2 Ply, 100 count
    1 Scissors, 5 1/4″, Pointed Tip
    1 Ruler, Plastic, 12″, Inches & Metric
    1 Markers, 8 count, Washable, Wide
    1 Colored Pencils, 12 count, 7″
    1 Sharpener, Pencil, Double Barrel, Canister
    1 Pencil Case, Heavy-Duty, with zipper
    1 Paint Set, Watercolor, 8 Colors with Brush
    1 Backpack

    Grades 6-12:

    Qty./ Component/ Description
    3 Folders, 2 Pocket, Assorted Colors
    3 Spiral Notebooks, 70 Count, Wide Rule
    1 Glue, School, Washable, 4 oz, White
    1 Glue Stick, Dries Clear, .28 oz
    4 Pen, Medium Point, BLUE
    2 Pen, Medium Point, RED
    1 Filler Paper, Wide Rule, 10.5 X 8, 150/Pack
    2 Eraser, Pink, Large
    1 Pencils, #2, All Wood, dozen
    1 Facial Tissue, 2 Ply, 100 count
    1 Scissors, 5 1/4″, Pointed Tip
    1 Ruler, Plastic, 12″, Inches & Metric, Asst.
    1 Colored Pencils, 12 count, 7″
    1 Sharpener, Pencil, Double Barrel, Canister
    1 Highlighter, Student Size, Yellow 1 Highlighter, Student Size, Pink
    1 Pocket Dictionary
    1 Calculator, Solar Power, Large Display
    1 Pencil Case, Heavy-Duty, with zipper
    1 Protractor, Plastic, Transparent, 6″, 1 80û
    1 Backpack

    See www.unitedwaytri-county.org for more info.

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  • NE Rain Barrel Offer for Framingham Residents

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Interested in conserving water? Keep your garden green all summer long with a New England Rain barrel. Special offer: Framingham residents can get the barrel for only $ 62, instead of the regular price of $ 85.

    Save money and reduce use of town facilities

    To order, call: (877) 977-3135 toll free, or order online at www.nerainbarrel.com.

    This is a limited offer. All orders must be received by New England Rain Barrel prior to or on August 17, 2006.

    Pickup will be at the DPW Operations Center, 100 Western Avenue
    in Framingham on Saturday August 19, 2006 from 9 a.m. until noon.

    All area residents are invited to participate in this conservation program!

    The program is subsidized by DEP but Framingham doesn’t have a grant to provide the rain barrels. This is a one time event in Framingham for 2006. The DPW and Conservation Commission do no work other than promoting the event and then supplying some support staff on the delivery date, August 19, 2006.

    Why a rain barrel? Residential irrigation can account for 400f domestic water consumption in a given municipality. Rain barrels not only store water, they help decrease demand during the sweltering summer months.

    Only ¼ inch of rainfall runoff from the average roof will completely fill the typical barrel.

    Collection of water from rooftop runoff can provide an ample supply of this free “soft water” containing no chlorine, lime or calcium. Because it tends to have fewer sediments and dissolved salts than municipal water, rain water is ideal for planter beds for a multitude of applications, including biodynamic and organic vegetable gardens, planter beds for botanicals, indoor tropicals like ferns and orchids, automobile washing and cleaning household windows. Saving water in this manner will reduce your demand of treated tap water and save money by lowering your monthly bill.

    Rain water diversion also helps decrease the burden on water treatment facilities and municipal drainage systems during storms. The storage of rain water is also recommended for general emergency preparedness, or for areas prone to disasters or drought.

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  • MetroWest 4th of July Concerts, Parades, & Fireworks 2006

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – MetroWest has a number of Fourth of July parades, fireworks, and concerts within a easy driving distance. Some are part of a weekend or daylong series of activities. Note the day as not all are on July 4th.  Below are events by category:

    Fireworks:

    • Milford – Pino Field, off Rt. 16, Sunday, July 2nd
    • Franklin – part of Celebration Days on the Town Common, Monday, July 3rd
    • Needham – Memorial Park, part of an evening of family entertainment, Monday, July 3rd
    • Lexington – Worthen Field, Monday, July 3rd
    • Walpole – Behind Town Hall, Monday, July 3rd
    • Acton – Nara Park, Tuesday, July 4th
    • Bellingham – High School Football Field, Tuesday, July 4th
    • Lincoln – Codman Field, part of all day family activities in Lincoln, Tuesday July 4th
    • Newton – Abelmarle Field, part of all day family activities, Tuesday, July 4th
    • Waltham – Leary Field, also a day of family fun at Prospect Field, Tuesday, July 4th

    Parades:

    • Natick – along Rt. 27 to Rt. 135, 9 a.m. July 4th
    • Needham – 9 a.m., Tuesday, July 4th
    • Sudbury – Union Ave to Rt. 20 to Concord Rd. to Town Hall, 1 p.m., July 4th
    • Franklin – Chestnut & East Central Sts. to Church Sq., 2 p.m., July 4th

    Concerts:

    July 3rd:

    • Grafton Common, 6 p.m.
    • Franklin Common: Freddy and the Mabellines 7 p.m.
    • Natick Common: Gary Bernath Band, 7 p.m.
    • Needham, Memorial Park: Metropolitan Wind Symphony, 7 p.m., then fireworks
    • Waltham, behind Town Hall: First Class, 6:30 p.m., then fireworks

    July 4th:

    • Acton, Nara Park: Lois Greco Band, 6 p.m., then fireworks
    • Bellingham, High School football field: Souled Out, 7 pm., then fireworks
    • Concord, Emerson Field: The Concord Band, 3 p.m.
    • Newton, Abelmarle Field: Zaitchik Bros. Big Band Sound, 6 p.m. then fireworks
    • Waltham, Leary Field: Holtie Productions, 7:30 p.m., then fireworks

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  • No Fireworks, but other Fun Available for the 4th

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — Due to the ongoing construction at the Natick Mall, there will be no fireworks this year. Unfortunately, there is not another suitable location for fireworks.

    The Natick Friends of the 4th organize the fireworks every year, along with a July 4th parade, flea market, and other activities around the holiday.

    Although they have had struggles with continuing the parade, just as Framingham had with its Flag Day parade, new volunteers on the Natick committee and donations have made the parade possible this year.

    Natick has many activities leading up to the 4th, beginning with a family night on the Common on Tuesday, June 27th.

    See the schedule by clicking on the link below.

    In Framingham: This week Framingham will have concerts on Thursday and Friday nights, weather permitting. The town beaches are now open and you can find beach reading and videos and DVD’s to borrow and rent for only $ 1 a week at the Framingham libraries. Stock up on fresh produce for your cookouts at the Farmers Market on the Centre Common on Thursday, and the Natick Common on Saturday.

    Related Link: <http://natick4th.org/>

  • Flag Day Festival Invitation

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham Celebration Committee, organizers of the successful Framingham Flag Day Festival last weekend, is holding its annual meeting on Monday, June 26th at 7PM in the Ablondi Room at the Memorial Building. Light refreshments will be served. They will be electing Board members and officers at that time.

    They are extending an open invitation to the public to participate in the meeting and provide feedback on the Festival. Many people have expressed ideas on how the Festival might be organized in the coming years. This meeting is your opportunity to give them your thoughts, even if you don’t want to participate as a Board member.

    Please join them at 7PM on Monday June 26th in the Ablondi room at the Memorial Building. Enjoy refreshments and conversations about the Flag Day Festival of today and dreams about the Flag Day festival of tomorrow.

    For information, contact: Doug Freeman, Chair of the Framingham Celebration Committee, 508-879-6394 or freeman_doug@yahoo.com

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  • FLAG DAY FESTIVAL AT TERCENTENNIAL PARK

    FRAMINGHAM, MA — The Flag Day Festival is on Sunday June 11th at Tercentennial Park on Dudley Road from 10AM-5PM.

    The Flea Market hours are 10AM-5PM. the entertainment tent will have music and live performances starting at 12 Noon, the Flag Procession will be at 2PM and the Flag Retirement Ceremony will be the Closing Ceremony for the event on the grounds of Cushing Chapel at 5PM.

    The festival will feature games for the kids, balloons, magicians, clowns, a moon jump, a classic car show, live music, live performances and a patriotic procession. At the end of the day we will be hosting the Flag Retirement Ceremony performed by the Framingham Veteran’s Council.

    The large field near the park & rec day care building is where we will have the classic car show. The food area, music tent and flea market areas are near the main walkway next to the main entrance, near the chapel.

    A good number of commercial vendors already signed up for the Flea Market “Market Street” vendors area. Vendors interested in a booth can still reserve a 10×10 spot for the $25 booth fee. Non-profits wishing to set up information tables will be accommodated as space allows at no charge.

    More information is available by contacting Doug Freeman, Flag Day Chairman at freeman_doug@yahoo.com or 508-879-6394.

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  • Discover Saxonville on June 10th & 11th

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Discover Saxonville on the weekend of June 10th and 11th. This year the Friends of Saxonville are inviting you to re-discover the restored Danforth St. Bridge, the Sudbury River, and historic Saxonville as part of National Parks Service’s Regional Riverfest!

    On Sunday, June 11, Friends of Saxonville joins in the Celebration with its annual Discover Saxonville event. The day begins with a 7:00 am. Bird Walk along the Carol Getchell Nature Trail hosted by Michele Grzenda of the Framingham Conservation Commission. At 9:00 a canoe and kayak trip leaves Kellogg Street and travels the Sudbury River to Centennial Place. At 10:30 inside the historic Athenaeum, guests may see the presentation “Stormwater Matters”,then at 11 a.m. take a guided walking tour through Saxonville’s Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

    The walking tour finishes with a lunch party, complete with balloons, hot dogs, chips and drinks…plus free ice cream social, raffle, student art exhibit and storm drain activities from 12-2 upon the newly restored Old Danforth Street Bridge.

    At 2:00 pm, there will be an official dedication of a newly installed kiosk, designed by Framingham landscape architect Julie Ferrari and built by Keefe Tech, displaying interpretive panels and offering a water/storage resource for the Nature Trail and planned park surrounding the bridge and trail area.

    A twilight fundraiser, “A Sunset Celebration in Saxonville”, featuring music by Late Night Radio, wine, hors d’oevres, student art exhibit and desserts, will take place from 6-8 pm upon the Old Danforth Street Bridge, a unique location where preserved history meets with a nationally recognized “Wild and Scenic” river environment.

    Schedule of Events:

    Saturday June 10:

    • 1-3 p.m. River Kayak Scavenger Hunt

    Sunday June 11:

    • 7:00 a.m. Bird Watch – Carol Getchell Nature Trail
    • 9:00 a.m. Canoe Kayak Trip from Central Street at Kellogg Street
    • 10:30 a.m. “Stormwater Matters” presentation at the Athenaeum
    • 11:00 a.m. Historic Walking Tour – departs from Athenaeum
    • 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Lunch Party on the Old Danforth Street Bridge, including an Ice Cream Social, Raffle, and Storm Drain Activities
    • 2:00 p.m. Dedication of the new Information Kiosk at the bridge
    • 6-8 p.m.Twilight Wine & Cheese Fundraiser – Old Danforth Street Bridge

    All event proceeds benefit Friends of Saxonville.

    For more information and/or for fundraiser tickets ($25/evening) phone Charlene at 508-330-3252 or visit www.saxonville.org

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