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Tag: 2006

  • State Rep. Debby Blumer Passes Away

    State Rep. Debby Blumer Passes Away

    Debby Blumer, MA State Rep
    MA State Rep. Debby Blumer, dies of apparent heart attack while driving, Friday, October 13, 2006.

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – On Friday, October 13th, fresh from one meeting and on her way to the next, State Rep. Debby Blumer apparently suffered a heart attack while at the wheel of her car, which rolled into a guard rail on Dudley Road.

    A police officer working a detail nearby ran to the car and administered CPR. A second officer left a nearby funeral procession and used a defibrillator but was unable to revive her. Blumer had had a mild heart attack some years ago and was taking medication and regular stress tests, and was under a doctor’s care.

    On Monday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m. family and friends will gather for services at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham. The Blumer family home will have a memorial observance from Monday after the burial through Wednesday from noon to 9 p.m.

    Massachusetts State Representative Debby Blumer Donations in Blumer’s memory can be made to the Angel Fund at 649 Main St., Wakefield, MA 01880; Danforth Museum of Art at 123 Union Ave., Framingham, MA, 01702-8291; or the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

    Blumer was elected as one of Framingham’s two state representatives in 2000 and was running unopposed for re-election this year. According to Secretary of State William Galvini’s office, it is too late to put a replacement name on the ballot and Blumer’s seat could be won by anyone eligible and willing to serve who gets the most votes on election day through a write-in campaign.

    Blumer was a full-time representative, always available to help her constituents. She was an active, valuable participant in several Framingham organizations and committees and a familiar face at area events. She leaves a big hole in the community and legislature and will be missed for her smiling, positive presence as well as her contributions.

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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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  • Godzilla Returns to Framingham

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Godzilla returns to Framingham July 1st – August 31st.

    After the success of last years “Celebrating 50 Years of Godzilla” Exhibit at the Framingham Public Libary, Godzilla fan and graphic artist Andrew Wong is back to share his passion for Godzilla & Japanese Special Effects series with fellow Fans and the Framingham Community.

    Wong is presenting not only extensive exhibits of his Godzilla collection, but also organizing a film festival and a free event with a costume contest and video game competition.

    This will be the first Ultra G-Con event held in MA. The event is free, non profit and designed to share and expose the Kaiju Eiga (Monster Movie) & Tokusatsu(Special Effects) genre to future generations of fans.

    Wong has created a website dedicated to his collection and exhibition at: http://www.people.umass.edu/awong1/gcon/info.htm.

    Visit his website for information about the exhibit, convention, and other Godzilla related happenings at the Framingham Public Library this summer.

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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/>

  • FHS GIRLS LACROSSE ARE CHAMPS!

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – The Framingham High School Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team won the State Championship on Friday, June 16 in a squeaker overtime game. The final score was 13 – 12 in the MIAA State Final Division 1 Game versus East Longmeadow at Bowditch Field.

    The team’s bus was escorted through Framingham with a siren blasting police and fire truck escort. Concerts on the Green concertgoers on Framingham Centre gave the team waves and cheers.

    Congratulations!

  • 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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  • Callahan Senior Center June Happenings

    FRAMINGHAM,MA — JUNE HAPPENINGS AT CALLAHAN CENTER
    535 Union Avenue, Framingham:

    Support Groups at Callahan Senior Center – Bereavement Support Group: Mondays, June 5, 12, 19 & 26 at 10:00 am. Diabetic Support Group: The Diabetic Support Group will not meet in June. The group will resume on Tuesday, July 11, 2006. Grandparent Support Group: Tuesday, June 13 at 1:00 pm and Tuesday, June 27 at 6:45 pm. Low Vision Group: Friday, June 16 at 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Massage Therapy: Thursday, June 1 by appt. only. Parkinson’s Support Group: Tuesday, June 20 at 1:30 pm. Podiatry: Monday, June 12 from 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm, by appt. only. Stroke Survivors’ Support Group: Monday, June 5 at 1:00 pm.

    BLOOD PRESSURE CLINIC FOR JUNE – Wednesdays, June 7, 14, 21 & 28 from 9:30—11am & 12—1 pm. Note: Clinic hours may be limited for the summer—please speak with nurse regarding dates and hours of this clinic.

    CARDIOVASCULAR CLINIC IN JUNE – The Cardiovascular Clinic will be on Tuesday, June 6th at 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM. A doctor from the MetroWest Medical Center and nurse Kitty Mahoney from the Framingham Board of Health will be at the Senior Center to check your blood pressure, answer any questions and address individual concerns. For further information, please contact Kitty Mahoney at 508-532-5472. No Cardiovascular Clinic in July and August.

    We are hoping to have a ‘Chair Exercise’ presentation in the month of June. However, the speakers for the ‘Cancer Prevention & Awareness’ presentation in April and the ‘Angioplasty’ presentation in May did not show up and did not call to cancel, leaving a number of people very disappointed. Check the lobby reader board at the Center for up-to-date information on presentations. We are working on securing wellness speakers from another organization.

    Brophy/ Callahan Bingo – On Thursday, June 15th, we will again celebrate our friendship with the Brophy Elementary School. Twenty-one students will arrive at 10:45 am for a morning of “Bingo with the Seniors” and a pizza lunch. We welcome seniors who are interested in participating in this inter-generational program—a morning of fun and laughter. Please sign up with the front desk or call Ann Steacie at 508-532-5980, extension 4113 to ensure your reservation for pizza and bingo.

    Veterans’ Benefits Presentation – Thursday, June 8th 10:00 am at Callahan Center – The primary focus of this presentation will be on direct financial and medical reimbursement benefits. There are many more benefits that you may not be aware of, so come and listen to this speaker from the Commonwealth of MA, Executive Office of Health and Human Services, Department of Veterans’ Services.

    The Framingham Board of Health Presents – ‘KEEP MOVING” (A Healthy Habits for Life Program) Special Registration at the Callahan Senior Center from June 5th through June 9th, each day from 10:00 – 11:00 AM – The Board of Health Nurses will be at the Callahan to help you register and take your blood pressure, weight, health history and give you the program information. You will be provided with a pedometer, sunscreen and other goodies! Registration will also be available through the Board of Health office during clinic hours Monday-Friday from 8:30—9:30 AM and 4:00-4:45 PM and Monday evenings from 6:00—8:00 PM. Participants: During the months of June, July and August you will be offered guidance in developing your own “Get Moving” plan. In September, the Public Health Nurses will meet with each participant again to evaluate how the Get Moving Program has improved your health.

    PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM – The Property Tax Relief Program will open registration in the month of August. If you qualify for this program, you may work 74.4 hours and get a credit of $500.00 off your property taxes. Check the August Courier for the dates to come to the Center to see if you qualify for this worthwhile tax relief program for seniors. No appointments will be made until August.

    Friday, June 16th at 10:00 am – ARTHRITIS PRESENTATION: “Non-Prescription Remedies for Pain – What works and what is safe”

    Wednesday, June 28th at 10:00 am – FREE Slide Show of newly announced overnight trips presented by Collette Travel.

    Thursday, June 29th at 10:00 am – MUSICAL CONCERT with Professor Marc Widershien and Ms. Ilse Agte

    Attention all Senior Golfers! Join us for a round golf on Wednesday mornings (weather permitting)
    Time: 10:00 am Where: Stoneybrook Golf Course, Southboro, MA Cost: $11.00 Please call
    Rosalie Cotton at 508-877-0681 for more details or any questions you may have.

    Bocce Starts on May 26th! Bocce will start on Monday, May 26th. If you are interested in playing, please sign your name on the list you will find on the large bulletin board in the Recreation Room of the Callahan Center. You may call Dick Bonvini at 508-877-2824 for more details.

    Lawn Chair Drill Team – If you are interested in being on the Callahan Center Lawn Chair Drill Team and participate in some local parades, please sign your name to the list on the bulletin board in the Recreation Room at the Callahan Center. Please call Dick Bonvini at 508-877-2824 for more information.

    Do you have a key tag for the Callahan Center….you need one! The Callahan Center has finally come onboard with the technology of the 21st Century! This new system will make checking in easier for you, as well as collect data, sort it out and give us the reports we need to get our state funding! However, we need your help to make all of this happen. If you already have your key tag and are checking in with ease—that’s great! For those of you who do not have a key tag, you will be issued one the next time you come into the Center. We suggest you put it on your key chain or somewhere that will make it easy to locate it, when you arrive at the Center. A volunteer will be at a table in the Center lobby and will assist you with checking in. It is a very simple process and will only take seconds, once you have your card. Once you know how to use the system, you may bi-pass the volunteer and check yourself in. You are required to check in every day you come to the Center, and you may register for multiple activities or events that are taking place on that day – so you only have to check in once when you arrive and you are done for that day.

    The way you check in is simple: show your key tag (bar code side) to the small beacon, when it beeps, a screen will come up on the computer monitor, with “Hello Mrs. Smith” (example), a list of boxes with all the days activities and events will be under that and you will tap the boxes of choice with your finger, they will be highlighted in yellow, then you touch the “I’m done” box in the bottom right corner and go off to your activity or event. There will be boxes for services such as Computer Center, SHINE, Social Services, Travel, etc. There is also a “friendly visitor” box, in the event that you are only coming in for a cup of coffee and conversation or to read the newspaper. We hope these instructions are helpful and that you will see the greatness in this new way of checking in, so that we can give a more accurate account of the increased attendance, activities, programs and services we are able to offer seniors in this area. Thank you, in advance, for your patience and cooperation with this new opportunity!

    HERITAGE GALLERY Closes for the Summer – Heritage Gallery will close on Friday, June 30th.
    Don’t forget Father’s Day – Sunday, June 18th! Wishing all a happy and safe summer! See you when Heritage Gallery re-opens on Wednesday, September 6th.

    The next issue of the Callahan Happenings will be August 2006. You’ll want to check out our fall line-up of programs and events!

  • Framingham High School Graduation Postponed

    FRAMINGHAM, MA – Framingham High School graduation has been postponed until Sunday afternoon, June 4th, due to rain. Weather permitting, the ceremony will take place at Bowditch Field at 1 p.m.

    Principal Michael Welch is keeping parents and students updated on when the ceremony will take place via email.

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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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