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We meet every Monday at 12:15 PM
Plymouth Church Parish Hall
87 Edgell Rd.
Framingham, MA 01701
United States
Come ZOOM with us!
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Serving Dinner at Pearl St. Cafe
Student Scholarship Winners
Play House for Veteran Family
Join Rotary to Defeat Polio
Gift of Life Recipient
On Monday 19th May, 12 high school seniors from Framingham, Ashland, and Hopkinton were given scholarships from our Club. They also received citations from Karen Spilka, President of Mass. Senate and from Jack Lewis, Mass. State Representative.
Our first Cornhole Tournament was a great success. It was a great day with 22 teams playing in the sun and in a little rain. Everyone expressed how much fun they had.
Eight contests set up and ready to play.
Registration and raffle are ready to go.
Winners of the non-competitive division shown with their prize.
Our speaker was Deputy Police Chief Sean Riley, accompanied by Chief Lester Baker, who spoke about the Framingham Police Department. Current staffing totals 136 with 22-24 police out in the community working in one of the three 8 hour shifts. There are 5 police in the nine month training program.
Sean then spoke about the District Dispatch Center which will cover the 911 calls for Framingham, Wayland and Natick starting in Summer 2026. In the future, as part of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, Dispatch will have access to public, business and private (upon request) cameras to assist in crime prevention and detection.
Currently, Framingham police wear personal cameras when on duty (which were not on during Sean’s talk). License plate cameras are currently being used in police cars to facilitate identification.
Sean then spoke about the District Dispatch Center which will cover the 911 calls for Framingham, Wayland and Natick starting in Summer 2026. In the future, as part of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System, Dispatch will have access to public, business and private (upon request) cameras to assist in crime prevention and detection.
Currently, Framingham police wear personal cameras when on duty (which were not on during Sean’s talk). License plate cameras are currently being used in police cars to facilitate identification.
Amy Miller, from Family Promise, was our speaker today. Family Promise is a private non-profit that provides shelter, education, comfort, and support, primarily as regarding existing and potential homelessness for families. Massachusetts currently has the highest percentage of child homelessness in the country. Family Promise works to mobilize a diverse community to provide shelter and establish comprehensive support for families in need. Their shelters can hold up to three families at a time.
Our speaker was Rick MacPhearson, President and CEO of the MetroWest YMCA.Rick spoke about the recent Community Breakfast with over 300 in attendance with many telling of what the “Y” means to them.
Starting in COVID-19 the “Y” serves over 1000 meals per day for MetroWest needy.
Rick discussed the proposed new “Y” in Hopkinton, "The Team Hoyt Regional Y", named after a father who ran each Boston Marathon pushing his son in a wheelchair. The new Y will be located on 121/2 acres of donated land on Rte 135. It is being designed for wheelchair convenience – including the swimming pool. Trails in the back of the property will connect with the rail trail system in MetroWest. The target is to break ground later this year and complete the project by the end of 2027. $11 million has been raised towards a goal of $20 million with a total cost of nearly $50 million.
Today, our speaker was Zach Bourke from Minot DeBois Advisors, the investment advisor for our Education Fund. We have had 2 years in a row of over 20% gain; the past 5-10 years have been very good for the US market and for our high school senior scholarships fund.
Club President Patti McCarthy giving our Club mug to speaker James Tresner.Our speaker today was James Tresner, Executive Director at Bethany Hill Place, who spoke about Bethany Hill Place providing a dual focus on housing and education goals to more than 150 individuals and families every year.
Bethany Hill Place serves households that have experienced homelessness, addiction, poverty, violence, and loss by providing for basic needs in the form of safe, independent housing along with educational opportunities.
Bethany Hill Place offers their residents parenting seminars, adult learning workshops, 1/1 education and job training counseling, access to technology and the internet, and more so that they can fully engage in and transform their lives.
Bethany Hill Place is a 30-year-old 501c3 nonprofit sponsored by the Sisters of St Joseph of Boston
Rwbecca Maynard Spoke at our Club recently. Rebecca teaches honors biology and AP Environmental Science at Framingham High School and is a Co-Advisor of the school's environmental awareness club. She recently received the prestigious Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship made possible by National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.
As Co-Advisor of the Environmental Awareness Club, Rebecca worked with the Framingham Rotary Club in acquiring 20 rain barrels which were painted by the environmental club members and will be given away to registered participants. Please see the following page to register.
Paul Surapine is the founding director and the artistic director of the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra in Milford; he is a Past President of the Milford Rotary Club and remains active in Rotary activities.
Paul started playing the clarinet at age 9 (1968), studied in New York and moved to Milford in 1992. Milford has a great history in music, having an Opera House that hosted Caruso and the Vienna Boys Choir. I
Historically, there was a Framingham-Milford Concert Band which became the Milford Concert Band in 1993. Paul joined and became Concert Manager in 1996. This has evolved into the Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra now celebrating its 25th year!! They now play to virtually full houses for each performance. Claflin is an opportunity to perpetuate great music to successive generations.
Sandra Montesino from Daniel’s Table
Fighting Hunger a bit differently!! Simply put: Daniel’s Table is concerned with food security….defined as ensuring that all family members enjoy nutritious meals, seven days a week, WITHOUT creating debt or ignoring other essentials!!!
They partner with farms, markets schools, churches, senior centers and other community organizations to identify the need and satisfy that need. The needs of all family members are considered with the goal of nutritious food, education on purchasing and preparation. Through an interview process, age, gender and specific health needs are all considered.
Daniel’s Table offers a variety of foods dense in nutrition, low in salt and sugar, high in protein AND labeled in three languages!!!
During their intake process, the financial contribution that a family can afford is discussed and then Daniel’s Table bridges the gap to ensure great quality and ample quantity.
Recipes are provided each week. 150 households per week are served; 547 average number of meals per month and 307,000 since inception
They partner with farms, markets schools, churches, senior centers and other community organizations to identify the need and satisfy that need. The needs of all family members are considered with the goal of nutritious food, education on purchasing and preparation. Through an interview process, age, gender and specific health needs are all considered.
Daniel’s Table offers a variety of foods dense in nutrition, low in salt and sugar, high in protein AND labeled in three languages!!!
During their intake process, the financial contribution that a family can afford is discussed and then Daniel’s Table bridges the gap to ensure great quality and ample quantity.
Recipes are provided each week. 150 households per week are served; 547 average number of meals per month and 307,000 since inception
On Friday evening members and guests put blue tape down to mark out 118 craft fair booth spaces.
Members and high school students manning an entrance table to the Holiday Craft Fair.
Over 1,000 customers attended our Holiday Craft Fir.
Thank You to many of our members who participated in our Holiday Craft Fair and made it the best event ever.
Dave Podell, President of Mass Bay Community College, welcomed the Club to MassBay Community Colleg and introduced Roxana Marerra the Director of the Community Education Workforce. Roxana explained a most interesting program at the school that combines corporate partnerships for practical community education. The program provides specialized courses that individuals need to succeed in their respective workplaces.
Courses in Healthcare Training cover care for Hospice patients, medical interpretation, home health aide training, care for Alzheimer's and memory loss patients as well as training for those seeking certification. 35% of the students in this program are unemployed and 44% earn less than $25K per year.
Courses in Healthcare Training cover care for Hospice patients, medical interpretation, home health aide training, care for Alzheimer's and memory loss patients as well as training for those seeking certification. 35% of the students in this program are unemployed and 44% earn less than $25K per year.
The Foundation Dinner was a fun event with good Framingham representation. It was noted that worldwide polio cases are now well under 100…..when the polio effort started 35 years ago there were 350,000 cases annually. We were well-represented by Bob Worth – District Foundation Chairman.
Our annual Pancake Breakfast was a success, with real pancakes, real sausage, and real maple syrup serving the public and friends of Rotary.
Our Club enjoyed the fellowship of serving in the kitchen and at the tables.
We had a great tour of The Learning Center. This world-class school has had a remarkable growth curve over the past fifty-four years. Starting in 1970 on the second floor of a building owned by St. Stephen's Church with around 22 students; they held a fundraising auction in December 1972, bought a three-building complex on Central Street (one of the buildings was a barn), and have grown steadily.
The school was a pioneer in utilizing total communication for persons who were deaf: sign language, gestures, and body movements. With a dedicated staff and great leadership, it has grown to serve the entire deaf community and the campus is now the entire triangle between Central Street and Kellogg Street........complete with a full gym, swimming pools, playground, audiology department (that serves the general public as well), and a student body of around 160.
Our speaker was Eric Stout from “The Living Room,” which has been part of Advocates in Framingham since 2018. Eric is a former engineer and math team coach who originally came to Massachusetts to teach economics at Brandise.
For many people in crisis, connecting with another person with shared lived experience can be a vital factor back to mental health. The Living Room (aptly named) is a welcoming space where people can walk in and connect with certified peer support staff on the spot. It provides a 24-hour alternative to emergency department visits and/or hospitalization. No referral necessary.
For many people in crisis, connecting with another person with shared lived experience can be a vital factor back to mental health. The Living Room (aptly named) is a welcoming space where people can walk in and connect with certified peer support staff on the spot. It provides a 24-hour alternative to emergency department visits and/or hospitalization. No referral necessary.
What is significant and “says it all” is that those who come for help are considered “guests” not patients. No records are kept…….those coming for assistance can even use an alias.
It is all about peer support. The Living Room is not set up as an office or a clinic……it is a “living room”.
It is all about peer support. The Living Room is not set up as an office or a clinic……it is a “living room”.
Our speaker today was Farhana Zia, a critically acclaimed author of children’s books. Her stories blend humor and tradition, memories and contemporary moments. Her books have received international recognition: Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji (first book, 2011), The Garden of my Imaan, Child of Spring, Lali’s Feather, and Lali’s Flip Flops.
Farhana says that her writing journey documents experiences of a life lived in a multicultural, multi-religious, ethnic linguistically diverse society. Her writings are based upon nostalgia of people, places, aromas, experiences, etc…..put simply: who she is and where she came from.
Mayor Charlie Sisitshy accepting the gift of life rings to be placed at each Framingham public beach, from the Rotary Club of Framingham.
Great combined Framingham / Natick Rotary Club meeting with District Governor Joyce Graff as the guest speaker!
Our speaker was T. J. Hutton a paramedic with the 911 ambulance response team for Framingham. He is in a supervisory position and discussed the procedure after a 911 call. The providers are under contract with the city and work with the police and fire departments.
There are 4 ambulances at the main fire station and one at the Main Street location (route 9 overpass area). EMTs work 24 hour shifts.
If you dial 9-1-1, the call is answered by the Framingham Police and then, if appropriate, the information is fed to the Weymouth headquarters of the responder to dispatch the ambulance.
Our Fire Department is a part of a mutual aid group of local communities.
There are 4 ambulances at the main fire station and one at the Main Street location (route 9 overpass area). EMTs work 24 hour shifts.
If you dial 9-1-1, the call is answered by the Framingham Police and then, if appropriate, the information is fed to the Weymouth headquarters of the responder to dispatch the ambulance.
Our Fire Department is a part of a mutual aid group of local communities.
Our speaker today is Bob Evelyn, a Framingham resident, who for 20 years, has run the Annual Scholarship Golf Classic for the Greater Framingham Community Church. Every August, it raises money for scholarships to enable students to attend college. The purpose and intent of the scholarship program is to provide students with easier access to higher education. Academic excellence, community service, and student involvement in extracurricular activities are given strong consideration. Awards are historically set at between $1500 and $5000. The Scholarship Committee determines the number of awards provided based on the funds available.
Our speaker today was Laura Mattei (shown with Patti McCarthy, Club President), the Director of Conservation for the Sudbury Valley Trustees (SVT). We’ve probably all heard of the SVT but few of us were aware of the scope of its activities. For over 70 years the SVT has worked to protect natural areas and wildlife. In 36 communities they monitor and protect the Sudbury, Concord, and Assabet Rivers.
Their goal is to protect nature and connect people to nature…..with the 5700 acres they oversee and 3000 more under supervision.
Their goal is to protect nature and connect people to nature…..with the 5700 acres they oversee and 3000 more under supervision.
Rear Admiral Derek Trinque spoke to us during Navy Week when Navy personnel speak to various communities regarding the Navy. He is originally from Holliston and has spent 34 years in the Navy joining when he was 18.
Jenny Cavallerano and Marybeth Fletcher from The Office of Student Development spoke to us regarding addressing non-scholastic issues that students had that prevented them for getting an education. The office connects students with resources that address their basic needs: food nutrition, financial, family issues, etc. Partnerships with government and nongovernment resources have enabled students to continue their education.
One-time financial emergencies are being addressed thanks to the Mass Bay Foundation. Support is in place for single mothers. Technology support is available for the repair of laptops, etc. Four scholarships are available for students who are homeless – encluding a meal program & housing. Textbooks and transportation issues are addressed. Period and hygiene products are readily available.
Hats Off to MassBay for recognizing that a student’s educational needs often extend beyond academics.
Spring Repair Cafe, open to the public, where repairs are made at no cost to various items including jewelry, bikes, lamps, small appliances, etc. This event is run several times a year by Transition Framingham and sponsored by Rotary Club of Framingham.
Great turnout on a rainy day to assist Keep Framingham Beautiful at Butterworth Park and a 10-block radius with many many many bags of trash.
Wonderful celebration today at Keefe Regional Technical School for our Rotary Club of Framingham Scholarship Luncheon. 12 High school graduates, selected from our four area municipalities, were granted a $4,500 scholarship for post High School education.
Matthew Paradise, financial Author and Speaker, spoke to us regarding his latest book Financially Capable. He noted that the wealth gaps in the US lead to education gaps; financial inclusion builds goodwill & better friendships; and financially healthy employees are 10 times more productive. Matthew also noted that we all have challenges in our lives – the key is to get up and be ready to make a difference in other people’s lives. Matthew tied in his presentation nicely with Rotary’s 4-Way Test and this year's Rotary motto of Bring Hope to the World.
Anna Tucker, Director of the Framingham History Center informed us that our Town/City was 136 years old; the Center runs three buildings: (1) Village Hall, built in 1834 and renovated 2018-2019 is one of the most beautiful venues in MetroWest for an event… we held our 100th Anniversary Dinner there. (2) The Academy (on the West side of the Village Green) built in 1830, houses our artifacts and is a place for research and storage.…make a reservation to view it. (3) The original Framingham Library built in 1872 has the civil war soldier in front. The Center holds various programsincluding the city’s 3rd grade students tour (been done for 49 years!!). They have periodic displays looking at Framingham’s history and its diversity; one program focused on “food” and recipes that have been handed down for generations! Stay tuned for Summer Dance Party—the Big Band Era returns to Framingham: September 20-21!!! L
Our 2024 Spring Craft Fair with 118 Crafters and Artists, attended by over 800 customers was a success. The picture above depicts members laying down blue tape marking off vendor booths and getting ready for the next day's event. We had a fun and profitable day.
Our speaker is Thais Faggion Vinhalo, a cardiac surgeon at Brigham Hospital, and a former Rotary Exchange Student. She grew up in a small city in Brazil (10,000) and was an exchange student for her senior year of high school in Matthews, North Carolina. She bonded with around 100 other Rotary exchange students and traveled to the Midwest. From 2006-2010 she attended Queens University in North Carolina, majoring in biology and doing medical projects in China and Guatemala. She has also done global mission work in El Salvador, Brazil, and Dominican Republic. She obtained a Master’s Degree in neuro-engineering and her medical degree from Yale!! In addition to her cardiac surgery, she is studying the differences in treatment often given to minority groups; minority groups tend to have a greater need for replacement surgery as opposed to repair surgery. One reason she speculates, is that minorities seek treatment (or are unable to get it) until the medical need has become more acute. Thais’ message was simply to demonstrate the ripple factor of a simple Rotary exchange! Rotary set her on her career and life path. She is still in touch with her original host family and they attended her wedding to another cardiac surgeon.
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.
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.
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