Rotary Club of Framingham
Celebrating our 102nd Anniversary - 1922-2024
Serving the Communities of Framingham, Ashland, Hopkinton, and Holliston
www.FraminghamRotary.org
Welcome To Our Club!

 

"Service Above Self"

      We meet every Monday at 12:15 PM 
      Plymouth Church
     Parish Hall
      87 Edgell Rd.
      Framingham, MA  01701
      United States
 
      COVID-19:  Come ZOOM with us!
 
 
 
Current Stories
Gary & Judy Siegel were our speakers; Gary is Teri’s Banertjee'sbrother and a long-time active Rotarian….their father was a founder of the Liberty Rotary Club in New York. Among other activities, the club has set up a system for disaster preparedness in Puerto Rico.
They spoke of the Siegel Trust Enriching Arts and Music (STEAM) set up to honor their parents. It was set up to foster music and appreciation of the arts among students – bringing workshops into schools for thousands of students.
They established the John Lennon project in numerous schools (including in Ayer High School – here in our District) called the “Real Love” project and highlighted The Man, His Music His Legacy. And, have created a visionary songwriting project for elementary and middle schools.
Rev. Dr. Anthony Lloyd serves as the pastor of the Greater Framingham Community Church in Framingham.  It was obvious from Rev. Lloyd presentation that the word “community” is taken seriously. Their service to the community is varied, well thought out and very impressive.  Four vaccine clinics with health screenings; mental health assessment surveys; line dance classes; culinary nutritious cooking classes; Access to vaccines; distribution of food and toiletries; distribution of bikes, helmets and locks to 100 children; promotion of healthy lifestyles; tablets to families with five years of free internet; restorative justice program; distribution of clothes, blankets & toiletries to travelers; English as a second language program, assistance in Mass Health enrollment; and efforts to improve community diversity.  What is almost equally impressive is the fact that for each of these efforts the Community Church partners with appropriate community offices, various organizations and local businesses, bringing them into the effort and making them aware of the need.
Jessica Roscia, Director and Curator of the Danforth Art Museum.was our speaker today.  The Museum has over 3700 objects in its permanent collection covering a wide media range….much from the late 1800s. They have a wide focus on American Art with several events during the year. They can only show 50 at a time so items are rotated. The museum involves students in the selection and display decisions that are regularly made.
One room is devoted to Meta Vaux Warwick Fuller an internationally known sculptress from Framingham. Much of the display includes items donated by her family. The Fuller School is named for her.
The museum has art classes for both children and adults…….and is looking for interested persons to be volunteers and members.
 
Andrew Coville, an ex-marine who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan speaks about his recently published book "Summer 2009". At age 19, he and his best friend, Nick, joined the Marines. Andrew’s book is a snapshot of a portion of his life……specifically 2009 when he and his friend served in Afghanistan where Nick was killed. The book is based upon his personal journal; it is not a war story but the war experience as viewed through the eyes of a 20-year-old maturing rapidly. The book is titled: Summer 2009
Lisa Ushkurnis,Supervisor of social services at Callahan Senior Center, spoke abour a new concept about cooperative living alternatives for our seniors. Seniors who are strapped for cash due to rising prices and need housing, food and other necessities. This new project will merge seniors with other seniors who have housing but need someone to share expenses. A compatibility review team reviews both seniors habits, likes/dislikes, specific needs, etc. There are negotiations as to amount of space, sharing of household duties (cooking, cleaning, trash removal, etc.). Great concept!!
 
Our speaker today was Sharon Nolli, with PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. This program is geared to help those who cannot perform routine daily chores such as taking medication, dressing, making medical appointments, etc. The service depends upon the need and can include medical supplies, help in the home and transportation to medical appointments. PACE works with assisted living facilities such as Carmel Terrace in Framingham with a goal of allowing patients to maintain a quality of life outside of a nursing home. Services include: prescription drug coverage, medication management, 24-hour phone access, transportation, physical, occupational and recreational therapy, behavioral health services, specialized dementia care, nutrition evaluations and education, dental and vision care and availability of related resources. The closest PACE is with Summit ElderCare in Worcester, MA (508) 852-2026.
Our speaker today was Christy Garcia (right).  She coordinates the Entrepreneur and Innovation Center at Framingham State University. This function was first established in 2013. Its function is to cultivate innovation by promoting social interaction.; they stimulate students to look at problems as opportunities and support students who show entrepreneurial inclinations. Programs are available that focus on the needs that must be addressed in cultivating entrepreneurial activity. The Center supports and encourages local entrepreneurs.
Friday night Taping Crew
Entry Table Crew
1,000+ customers buying from 121 vendors
 
The first Holiday Market at Jeff’s Place was made possible by a donation from the Rotary Club of Framingham! This allowed grieving children to pick out a gift for their caregiver. This was a holiday hit!
Rotarian wrapping the gift.
Ronda Yeomans, a volunteer from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, gave an enlightening talk on this critical topic.
Rotary members join other service volunteers in preparing the annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner.
Yolanda Greaves, member of the Ashland, MA Select Board, gave an interesting update on initiatives and cooperative efforts between Ashland and neighboring towns.
Above Rotary members served an appreciation dinner to veterans on Sunday, November 12 at the Plymouth Church.  Great job!
Reyad Shah is a dynamic and creative individual who has already made a difference in our city. His focus is on the economic vitality downtown….to make it a destination, not just a pass-through. He coordinates activities between businesses, works with various city departments, and conveys planning and topics of concern to local businesses.  With strong people skills, experience in grant writing and fundraising as well as proficiency in Spanish, Reyad is looking forward to meeting with small business owners, downtown residents and community leaders. 
Another successful Pancake Breakfast was held on October 28 at Keefe Technical High School Cafe.  This is a fundraiser for our High School Scholarship Fund.
 
Jesse Edwards started as the Chief DEI Offer in Framingham.  Previously he served as the Associate Director of Equal Opportunity, and the Title IX Coordinator, at Framingham State University.  He has also worked for the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Medical Center.
Framingham is a very diverse city.   All city communications now go out in three languages, a very important issue for a city as diverse as Framingham, where the school reports speakers of over 70 languages. 41% of Framingham residents are not native English speakers. Among other events, the city celebrated Juneteenth, Indigenous Peoples Day, raised the Pride flag, and received a grant to conduct an equity audit.
State Representative Jack Lewis brought us up to date regarding the current activity at the Capital. He noted that the state representative level is from a practical standpoint the highest level of government service where the average citizen can directly contact and access the elected official. Jack often has to serve as a liaison between individuals and local officials.  
Interesting note: After being presented with our Rotary Four-Way Test Mug, Jack remarked that he once did a multipage paper on making ethical decisions in business. After reading the mug, he said that his whole paper could have been summarized in those Four Sentences
Rhonda Yeomans spoke briefly about local efforts at suicide prevention (1 every 11 minutes in US) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – research & education & advocacy. T
Our speaker today was Joe Townsend, Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity – MetroWest & Greater Worcester. The mission for “Habitat” is to Build Homes, Communities and Hope.
Habitat affiliates exist in 70 countries and all 50 states. Each affiliate raises its own money determines its spending priorities….there are 16 affiliates in Massachusetts and “our” MetroWest Greater Worcester covers 42 cities and towns.
Joe noted that, if housing costs are greater than 30% of household income, that is NOT affordable housing and are termed “burdened? 35% of Massachusetts households fall in that category. The result is that there is less household money to be spent on food and health needs. People in unburdened housing are generally healthier.
Frank Lemieux MBA of John Hancock gave an interesting talk about finances .
Our speaker today was Dwarka Chadha: author: “Suitcase”. He told the story of his life from birth in what is now Pakistan through his arrival in the US with just a suitcase and $600. Through his hard work he became successful and an active participant in our political system.
His bottom line: The American Dream is still alive!!!!
Our immediate PDG Victor Tom presented our immediate Past President, Jack Colamaria with the Rotary Citation…..we are one of only five clubs in the District to receive this award!
District Governor Elliott Rittonberg spoke to our Club regarding the five areas of focus he would like the 7910 District to focus on for the coming Rotary year. The areas of focus include; Training, Education on what Rotary is about, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Environmental Efforts, and Mental Health.  He would also like to see Rotarians gathering again in friendship at social events. Let’s have fun again! He said. Let’s do all the hands-on work we can but let’s gather and have fun together while we’re doing it.
Our speaker today was Erin Lynch, Executive Director of the MetroWest Visitors Bureau.; which includes 19 core communities with a goal of stimulating the economy and promoting the area.  Object is the connect with newcomers and visitors and have them stay in the area and enjoy the many attractions and facilities available. There is a special website with various itineraries highlighting the variety of interests and activities (both indoor and outdoor).
Our speaker today was Anastasia Gumatay, Pragram Manager of the Maize Program which is a part of Big Brother-Big Sister of MetroWest. The Mazie Mentoring Program matches high school students with volunteer mentors with the objective of helping students achieve their goals and succeed. The Mazie Mentoring Program is currently operating in Framingham, Waltham, and Marlborough High Schools.
 
Thank You Nelson for making this happen.
On Monday 23 June, the new Club President and Board of Directors was installed for the Rotary year 2023-2024.  The installation and award event luncheon was held at the Warren Conference Center.
Patti McCarthy, Club President of the Rotary Club of  Framingham.
The new Board of Directors for Rotary Year 2023-2024.  Patience Noah (2024), Sushil Bhatia (2024), Susan Raynor (2025), Tania Blanco (2025), Vance Williams (2026), Phil Reimann (2026)
 
The Organization of the Year is Team Framingham.  Team Framingham was founded nine years ago when Mick Bower convinced the City of Framingham to form an organization chartered with awarding the marathon runner numbers given to each town on the marathon route. Each year runners are drawn from a lottery.  Each runner pledges to obtain a minimum of $5,000 in donations to be given to one of 5 selected not-for-profit organizations.  To date over $900,000 has been given. Accepting the award is Mike Bower, Stuart Hurowitz,  and Lisa Burgess.
Our Citizen of the Year is Bill Sell.  Bill has demonstrated the ability to get events up and moving, and Framingham benefits.  He was instrumental in getting the MetroFest/TruckFest going.  When the Mayor of Framingham needed someone put new life into the Farmer's Market, Bill took the challenge.  He increased the time the Market was open so customers could shop after work.   He increased the number of vendors from a hand full to over 72.  When the Farmer's Market opened on June 22, over 1,300 customers showed up.  He initiated an online active map of when and where vendors will be participating.  And soon, SNAP cards will be accepted at the Market.  The Framingham Farmer's Market is blossoming under Bill Sell.
David Whittemore,  a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Framingham, was awarded Rotarian of the Year.  Dave has been Club President, Clerk of the Education Fund, started the annual Fireside Dinners where Rotarians and partners dine in small groups enjoying each other's fellowship, and significantly contributed to the Club's recent 100 Year Celebration. Past Club President Jack Colamaria gave the award.
Rotarians stage a booth on Friday night Concert on the Green
We welcomed our newest member Marcia Sharpe at this weeks Club Assembly.  Marcia is being inducted by sponsor Nelson Zide, Securary Teri Banerjee and Club President Jack Calamaria.  Welcome Marcia!
Club Leaders
President
President 2023-2024 (PE)
President 2024-2025 (VP)
Immediate Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Director 2024
Director 2025
Director 2025
Director 2026
Director 2026
Foundation Chair
Membership Chair
Youth Chair
Public Relations Chair
Education Fund Pres.
Webmaster
Facebook
Speaker Chair
Pothole Repair Manager
COG Editor
Carnival
Craft Fair
Pancake Breakfast
RYLA Chair
Foundation - Grants Contact 1
Foundation - Grants Contact 2
SERVICE Projects Chair
Club Sponsors
 
Current News
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Rotary honors a tireless advocate for women and girls

The 2024 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award recipient promotes women’s health and empowerment

New film tells story of Sir Nicholas Winton, World War II hero and humanitarian

Rotarian saved hundreds of children at risk of being killed by the Nazis in the lead up to World War II

Rotary projects around the globe March 2024

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Canada, Hungary, South Africa, and India.

Customize your Rotary convention with tours

The Host Organization Committee has organized tours that Rotary members can experience before and after the Rotary International Convention.