We had three students visit us today. They participated in our
2026 RYLA program last June. Each student spoke briefly
about their experience at RYLA and what they took away
from the 3-day leadership experience. We really appreciated their visit
Serving Dinner at Pearl St. Cafe
Student Scholarship Winners
Play House for Veteran Family
Join Rotary to Defeat Polio
Gift of Life Recipient
Our speaker today was our new District Governor
Penny Hamel. Her theme for the District this year is
“Peace”.
“Peace”.
Peace is more than the absence of war; it encompasses
all aspects of life. A people who are economically
secure, have adequate food and shelter, etc. will have
no stomach for conflict. To this end, Penny began her
term by being installed Governor by an old friend of hers
(and mine), Mark Skolnic, a former member of the
Westford Club who since has moved to Florida where
he served as a Rotary District Governor. Mark is Jewish
and Penny is an Arab. This friendship pairing is not unique
to either Rotary or our District.
Our speaker was Teri Shea the Callahan Senior Center Program Director. She has been there for only three years but the increase in senior citizen involvement has been impressive. About 1000 seniors per month are serviced in some way. There are 60 active volunteers. There is a “Friends of Callahan” that functions like a school PTO. Transportation is available to seniors who either can’t or don’t want to drive…just schedule a ride….. even for
medical appointment that may be outside of Framingham. Medical items can be borrowed (canes, walkers, shower chairs, etc.). There is a diabetes support group and a bereavement support group.
medical appointment that may be outside of Framingham. Medical items can be borrowed (canes, walkers, shower chairs, etc.). There is a diabetes support group and a bereavement support group.
Chair volleyball is one of the most popular activities; there have been presentations on health & wellness by dermatologists & cardiologists; educational programs on technology, car insurance, AI, etc. The Center is
in partnership with the city’s History Center, with schools, and with FSU.
Every month there are at least musical or theater programs; a play group that reads the scripts or plays; holiday events to increase social activities for seniors.
Check things out on the Callahan website or review its monthly newsletter….you’ll be inpressed……….guaranteed!!!!!!
in partnership with the city’s History Center, with schools, and with FSU.
Every month there are at least musical or theater programs; a play group that reads the scripts or plays; holiday events to increase social activities for seniors.
Check things out on the Callahan website or review its monthly newsletter….you’ll be inpressed……….guaranteed!!!!!!
At Ashland High School for another fantastic Reality Fair with Rotarians Patti Sargent Mccarthy, Chris Swain, Phil Reimann, Sherrie Whittemore, Teri Siegel Banerjee and Ken Erdelt.
At the YMCA Annual Meeting, the Y presented the Community Partner award to the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and Framingham Rotary Club. For decades, our organizations have supported each other’s commitment to community. It is this shared history and shared commitment to making MetroWest a great place to live and work that makes our partnership so strong. Thank you to the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Framingham for your partnership.
The Community Partner Award is presented to honor the valuable partnerships that exist between the MetroWest YMCA and its neighbors, and to celebrate collaborative efforts that successfully tackle the ever-evolving needs of our community and advance the public good.
Congratulations to all the awardees that received scholarship funding from Rotary Club of Framingham.
Our speakers were John Marchiony (right) and Joe Walsh (President) who gave us an
informative and enjoyable look at Adaptive Sports, New England!! The
organization helps people with vision or mobility issues to play and enjoy
sports……..sports are adaptive for the needs of the players…..wheelchair
football & basketball are primary.
informative and enjoyable look at Adaptive Sports, New England!! The
organization helps people with vision or mobility issues to play and enjoy
sports……..sports are adaptive for the needs of the players…..wheelchair
football & basketball are primary.
The primary benefit the participants receive is not just the pleasure of the
competition but the realization that they are not alone….the program
benefits them socially and psychologically.
competition but the realization that they are not alone….the program
benefits them socially and psychologically.
The program involves teams and sports for men and women; adults
and children of all ages!!!
and children of all ages!!!
Stephanie Cabral, Community Engagement Coordinator, of the Better Business Burear (BBB) spoke today. The BBB helps businesses and individuals resolve complaints, provides profiles for individual access.
Her advice re: unwanted/spam calls: Don’t answer; hang up; and register with Do Not Call Registry. Disregard all “Directions”.
Most common scam: you get a call allegedly on behalf of a grandchild in need of bail money. Don’t trust unsolicited messages; Watch out for suspicious links. Know that a personalized message doesn’t make the sender trustworthy; Do NOT click on any links or attachments; Be wary of URGENT instructions; Shred all documents with personal information; Use credit cards over debit cards; Monitor accounts and. on an annual basis, request a copy of your credit report Be wary of solicitations with “sob stories”
Good advice.
Our speaker today was Amy Pessoa, Administration &
Marketing Director for Carmel Terrace, (a long time
association with Rotary, specifically the Westford and
Lowell clubs) discussed the variety of senior living
options available:
(a) In-home Care: non-skilled companionship or skilled care
for bathing, dressing, taking meds – generally an LPN or
RN
(b) Independent Assisted Living: amenities; no daily care needs,
carefree living
(c) Assisted Living (carefree); help with activities of daily life
(d) Assisted Living with Care: managing chronic conditions like
diabetes & dementia; visiting NP, podiatrist & other
providers; visiting skilled nursing; special programs
(e) Skilled Care: governed by state regs; hospital-like;
furnishings provided
Often, a facility has all of the above, and a resident moves
from one to the other as he/she ages and has increased
needs.
Marketing Director for Carmel Terrace, (a long time
association with Rotary, specifically the Westford and
Lowell clubs) discussed the variety of senior living
options available:
(a) In-home Care: non-skilled companionship or skilled care
for bathing, dressing, taking meds – generally an LPN or
RN
(b) Independent Assisted Living: amenities; no daily care needs,
carefree living
(c) Assisted Living (carefree); help with activities of daily life
(d) Assisted Living with Care: managing chronic conditions like
diabetes & dementia; visiting NP, podiatrist & other
providers; visiting skilled nursing; special programs
(e) Skilled Care: governed by state regs; hospital-like;
furnishings provided
Often, a facility has all of the above, and a resident moves
from one to the other as he/she ages and has increased
needs.
Great afternoon, even if a little chilly, with 20 teams, both professional and social, competing. Thank you Betsy for bringing this together,
Yucchi Cote is the Food Resource Coordinator for the Ashland Food Pantry in Ashland, MA.
The Ashland Food Pantry serves 100 householdseach month; a total of 336 individuals.
The situation is more acute in the summer whenchildren are at home and not receiving
meals at school.
They are supported by individual donations, food drives, the Ashland Emergency Fund
and the Greater Boston Food Bank.
They have over 30 volunteers who stack shelves, load and unload trucks, etc.
They have over 30 volunteers who stack shelves, load and unload trucks, etc.
Our speaker was Brandon Armstrong, President of
Framingham United Soccer, established in 1975. Alumni
include Bob Thompson, an All-American at BC, and Sarah
Darcy, an All-American at North Carolina.
Framingham United Soccer, established in 1975. Alumni
include Bob Thompson, an All-American at BC, and Sarah
Darcy, an All-American at North Carolina.
United Soccer has over 1200 players ages 4 to 18; 89 teams;
200 volunteers; fees are $375 per year with financial aid available.
No one is turned away, and everyone gets to play 50% of game time!!
The season involves 20 games and 40 practices; one team
won the state championship for its age bracket; Coaches are
educated through workshops; Rotarian Chris S. led the goalie training.
NOTE: Chris was a professional soccer player and even
played a game in Iran!
The season involves 20 games and 40 practices; one team
won the state championship for its age bracket; Coaches are
educated through workshops; Rotarian Chris S. led the goalie training.
NOTE: Chris was a professional soccer player and even
played a game in Iran!
Our speaker today was Cece Doucette, Director of Wireless Risks & Safer Tech Solutions, who outlined the biological effects from wireless technology, man-made radiation, and the medical seriousness of the impact. Evidence and studies have shown the significant impact of DNA, autism, and fertility. We are seeing an increase in brain tumors, neurological abnormalities, and cancers.Children, still in developmental stages through their teenage years, are most vulnerable. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a reduction in cell phone and wireless radiation; do not raise cell phones to your head…..use speaker mode. Avoid carrying your phone against the body; make only short or nonessential calls; switch often to airplane mode; avoid making calls in cars, elevators, trains, and buses……the cell phone must work harder and emit more radiation. Keep wireless devices away from reproductive organs, especially a pregnant woman’s abdomen, and power them off at night and out of the bedroom.
Our speaker was Framingham Deputy Police Chief Ruiz, who gave a most interesting presentation on crowds and crowd control. He has been on the force 26 years and provided much practical advice regarding the upcoming Spring Craft Fair:
*Always be aware of closest exit; keep passageways clear; never argue with a troublemaker
*Be aware of potential issues: mental health, erratic behavior, arguments, intoxication, and lost children
*Suspicious person – keep under observation and know where he/she is at all times
* For emergencies at Keefe, when calling, tell of the closest door and have someone there
* If calling 911 from a cell phone, GIVE ADDRESS!! and describe the issue
* If calling 911 from a cell phone, GIVE ADDRESS!! and describe the issue
*Program into the cell phone the numbers of key people involved in the event….as well as police….especially that of the officer at the event.
Tatiana Vasconcellos, from Downtown Framingham, gave a most interesting review of her organization’s efforts at supporting and strengthening our downtown area. They are dedicated to enhancing the economic and cultural vitality of the area by advocating for small businesses and promoting cultural activities. On a daily basis, they provide tech support and keep all informed on various downtown issues.
Bill Murphy, Director, Framingham Public Health Department, and Roberta Ho, affiliated with the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) gave a very interesting talk on our local MRC.
The MRC is a national network of dedicated volunteers to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC recruits, trains, and activates volunteers to respond to community health and safety needs during emergencies. As an example, they were instrumental in providing vaccinations during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The MRC is a national network of dedicated volunteers to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC recruits, trains, and activates volunteers to respond to community health and safety needs during emergencies. As an example, they were instrumental in providing vaccinations during the COVID 19 pandemic.
The Middlefolk MRC contains 10 communities, including our four service areas of Ashland, Framingham, Holliston and Hopkinton.
The MRC is looking for medical and nonmedical volunteers.
The MRC is looking for medical and nonmedical volunteers.
Leora Mallach, Framingham City Councilor (since 2021), spoke to us regarding how she became interested in public service. She became involved in politics to meet neighbors and learn about the needs of the City. There weren’t any candidates in her district, so she ran for City Council and is now in her third 2-year term. She is focused on bringing people into and being involved in government.
Rotarian Dave Podell introduced Greg McFaeland, the new (6 months) CEO of the MetroWest Medical Center. In his 6-months Greg has had a tremendous effect on staff and workers. $15 M has been spent on upgrading the technology and infrastructure. Greg noted that virtually all patients enter via the Emergency Room (ER), and he has been able to shorten the average patient length of stay in the ER from 4 hours to 3 hours….one of the best in the state. He is working to get patients out in a timely manner, reducing their stay in the hospital. Greg plans to expand the psychiatric treatment capability and capacity at the Leonard Morse Campus in Narick.
Welcome to Framingham, Greg.
Long-time Rotarian Ronald G. “Ron” Isaacson, of Framingham, entered into rest on Sunday, January 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Ron loved skiing, hiking, and visiting the national parks. A dedicated member of his community, he served on the boards of The 200 Foundation and Programs for People, Inc. He also worked for Combined Jewish Philanthropies and owned the former sportswear store which would later become The Fabric Place. A proud Rotarian for fifty years and a Mason for many years, Ron also engaged with his local Jewish community through his longtime membership in Temple Beth Am. His dedication, active involvement, and memorable jokes will long be remembered by everyone who knew him.
Larry Stoodt, a member of Framingham’s Sustainability Committee, brought us up on the latest updates.
Framingham has taken environmental action by participating in;
>Eversource Geothermal Pilot Program, a clean heating and cooling project in a Framingham neighborhood.
>Community Aggregation project providing a stable and less expensive renewable energy for two years
>Climate Leader Community Program, which is close to completion, giving the City additional funding, resources, and tools that will benefit our community.
And, Framingham has been recognized as a 2025 Climate leader for our commitment to continue investing in energy-efficient technologies.
Thank You Larry.
>Eversource Geothermal Pilot Program, a clean heating and cooling project in a Framingham neighborhood.
>Community Aggregation project providing a stable and less expensive renewable energy for two years
>Climate Leader Community Program, which is close to completion, giving the City additional funding, resources, and tools that will benefit our community.
And, Framingham has been recognized as a 2025 Climate leader for our commitment to continue investing in energy-efficient technologies.
Thank You Larry.
Ten of our Club members attended the Rotary Foundation Dinner to network and hear about Rotary worldwide projects funded by our Foundation. The Dinner was well attended by Rotarians from all over our district.
Our speaker today was Beth Reynolds, Assistant Town Manager Askland. Beth is responsible for building the Ashland business community, enhancing communications, and enriching relationships. Beth updated us on the various activities happening in Ashland.
One of the activities Beth is most proud of is the Corner Spot, a place in downtown Ashland where businesses can test-drive their market, and residents can come together.
One of the activities Beth is most proud of is the Corner Spot, a place in downtown Ashland where businesses can test-drive their market, and residents can come together.
Eric Gustafson, VP for Development & Alumni Relations at FSU, brought us current on our local state university:
- The FSU Rams made it to Division 3 playoffs and will host the round one game on this Saturday!!!
- $6.6 million is being raised to renovate Lindsey Hall to be used for housing for married students and staff - available in Spring 2027.
- The school is trying to identify students who are at risk for dropping out and is focusing on what is necessary for student retention. Eric noted that a majority of graduates tend to remain in MetroWest.
- This year's student statistics:85% receive some form of financial aid; 58% are Pell Grant eligible; 56% are the first in their family to attend college; 55% are girls - 45% are boys.
- The Danforth Museum is a part of the school and is open to the public. Galleries change every quarter.
- The Challenger Center gets visitors from 7th graders throughout the state and schedules many events to which the public is invited - at least one planetary show each month!!! (Check the website for the schedule).
Our speaker today was Laila Vehvialinen from Jewish Family Service of Metrowest (JFS), speaking about JFS’s Memory Café program, to which we have contributed. The Memory Café, of which there are over 900 in the US, is open to all persons with memory loss and their care partners. Each Cafe will feature entertainment, a creative endeavor program, along with socialization and snacks.
Memory Cafes began in the Netherlands in 1997 and have since spread around the world, largely due to a passionate grassroots effort. Cafés meet in varied locations, such as libraries, community centers, museums, restaurants, and houses of worship. Cafés should fit the interests, needs, language, and culture of their local community, so each Café is unique. Their main purpose is to provide a welcoming, stigma-free social setting where people living with dementia and their care partners can meet others and enjoy time together. Cafés can also reduce stigma by showing that joy, self-expression, and purpose can continue to be part of life with dementia.
Our speaker today was Bill Sell, speaking about his experience with the RAM (Remote Area Medical), a cooperative program tied in with the Public Health Dept, the Medical Reserve Corp, and Tufts Dental to provide free health care services …no ID or insurance needed. 374 patients were seen over 2 days; Many children hadn’t seen a medical professional in years.
Allie O’Hare, Director of Development, spoke about Jeff’s Place (a Framingham Rotary Grant Recipient), a place for children to process grief at the loss of a loved one…..with others who are similarly suffering. 1 in 13 children in Massachusetts will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18!!
Jeff’s Place offers hope & healing in a supportive community setting for grieving children, teens, families & individuals. They utilize art, music, movement, writing, and play to explore, express, and empower.
Our speaker today was our District Governor, Johnny Ahern, who spoke of the district structure and his role as a Governor…..the district organization mirrors that of the clubs, and its sole function is to assist the clubs.
He strongly recommended collaboration with other organizations as a way of finding new members….that new members should be those who will contribute, not just those seeking to belong.
There is a district-wide, multi-club food packaging project with a goal of 100,000 meals!!! If this goal is reached, Johnny will do a polar plunge!!!
He noted that members tend to be more active with service projects; they want to “do” not just “attend”.
Johnny stressed the importance of getting new members involved in established club projects so that they can “take over” and perpetuate the legacy of the club.
He strongly recommended collaboration with other organizations as a way of finding new members….that new members should be those who will contribute, not just those seeking to belong.
There is a district-wide, multi-club food packaging project with a goal of 100,000 meals!!! If this goal is reached, Johnny will do a polar plunge!!!
He noted that members tend to be more active with service projects; they want to “do” not just “attend”.
Johnny stressed the importance of getting new members involved in established club projects so that they can “take over” and perpetuate the legacy of the club.
Our speaker today is Larry Stoodt, a long-time community service participant and working member of Framingham’s Sustainability Committee, which strives to make Framingham a more sustainable community. Larry mentioned that Framingham has done a decent job implementing solar energy with over 25 square miles of solar installed. However, Natick and Wayland is doing better. And, with climate change driving over 35 extreme weather disasters costing over $10 billion, we need to do more
Today was a most enjoyable outing in lieu of the regular meeting. We went to Sherborn to visit Horse Sensibility!! A very well-run place where horses are used for therapy for children with physical or mental disabilities. There are about a dozen horses, a huge indoor riding area, horse corrals, and a dedicated staff. Polly Kornblith, Founder and Executive Director, hosted us and provided the tour. We provided a grant that provides scholarships for the children. What was impressive was the extensive costs involved in maintaining this facility…….the vet expenses are just the tip of the iceberg. We had a surprisingly good club membership turnout and all went to John Stone’s Inn in Ashland for lunch.
The 60' by 200' indoor riding rink at Horse SenseAbility
Marisa Lutz, Director of Resource Development, gave a most impressive presentation about the Boys and Girls Club; we have justifiably supported them over the years. Their mission is to provide social, educational, physical, and cultural social programming for Boys & Girls in MetroWest. $25 is the annual membership fee. In Framingham, 40% are foreign-born and 65% qualify for free or subsidized lunch.
They have 4 buses for bringing the students to their facility ($325 pr bus per day). The club remains open when there is no school, as parents may still need to work. Academic programs for kids to hone their skills. Opportunities for kids to donate time to the community, sports and cooking classes; digital arts room; music studio; STEM education promoted early; career path presentations.
This is one of those “sorta under the radar” organizations doing great things in our community
They have 4 buses for bringing the students to their facility ($325 pr bus per day). The club remains open when there is no school, as parents may still need to work. Academic programs for kids to hone their skills. Opportunities for kids to donate time to the community, sports and cooking classes; digital arts room; music studio; STEM education promoted early; career path presentations.
This is one of those “sorta under the radar” organizations doing great things in our community
Pictured are the Rotary Club members who participated in Ashland's 2025 Reality Fair, where Ashland High seniors learn the basics of managing a budget. The Rotarians are pictured in front of the Wheel of Fortune/Misfortune that injects life events into each student's carefully planned budget. The event is put on by the Ashland Student Council and its advisors. They do a great job year after year.
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.
Framingham, MA 01701
United States of America