Ed Fund Adviser 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.
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Bethany Hill Place 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
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Rebecca Maynard & Rain Barrels 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.     |
Painted Rain Barrels Drawing |
Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra 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.
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Repair Cafe February 9, 2025 |
Daniel's Table 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 |
Holiday Craft Fair 2024 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.
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MassBay Community Collage Visit 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.  |
Rotary Foundation Dinner 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.
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2024 Pancake Breakfast 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. |
The Learning Center Visit 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. |
Current Project: Rotary Corn Hole Fund Raiser |
Advocates Living RoomOur 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. 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”. |
Children's AuthorOur 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.
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Rotary Furnishes Life Rings Mayor Charlie Sisitshy accepting the gift of life rings to be placed at each Framingham public beach, from the Rotary Club of Framingham.
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Rotary District Governor Visit  Great combined Framingham / Natick Rotary Club meeting with District Governor Joyce Graff as the guest speaker!
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Framingham Ambulance Response 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. |
GFCC Annual Scholarship Gulf Classic 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. |
Sudbury Valley Trustees 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. |
Navy Week 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.
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MassBay Community Collage 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.
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2024 Spring Repair Cafe 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.
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2024 Scholarship Awards 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.
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Rotary Day of Service 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.
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Financial Author and
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Framingham History Center 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
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2024 Spring Craft Fair    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.
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Speaker: Cardiac Surgeon 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.
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Rotary Spring Craft Fair |
Gary & Judy SiegelGary & 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 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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Danforth Art Museum 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. |
Author of "Summer of 2009" 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
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New Senior Housing Program 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!!
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Joint Rotary Club Holiday Party We had a wonderful holiday party, hosted by the Rotary Club of Charles River at Morse Tavern
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What is PACE?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.
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Santa Visiting the Children Santa brings gifts to SMOC children  Standa's helpers
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Holiday Market Place 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. |
Framingham State University Innovation Center 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.
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2023 Holiday Craft Fair Friday night Taping Crew Entry Table Crew 1,000+ customers buying from 121 vendors |
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Ronda Yeomans, a volunteer from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, gave an enlightening talk on this critical topic.
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Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner  Rotary members join other service volunteers in preparing the annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner.
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Yolanda Greaves, Speaker Yolanda Greaves, member of the Ashland, MA Select Board, gave an interesting update on initiatives and cooperative efforts between Ashland and neighboring towns.
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Reyad Shah, Executive Director, Downtown 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.
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Veterans Appreciation Dinner Above Rotary members served an appreciation dinner to veterans on Sunday, November 12 at the Plymouth Church. Great job!
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Rotary Holiday Craft Fair |
Rotary 2023 Pancake Breakfast  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.
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Jesse Edwards, Chief DEI Officer Framingham 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.
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Representative Jack Lewis of Framingham,
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Rotary Annual Pancake Breakfast |
Repair Cafe Saturday 10-7 |
Suicide Prevention 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
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Habitat for HumanityOur 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.
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Speaker on Finance Frank Lemieux MBA of John Hancock gave an interesting talk about finances .
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Suitcase : A True and Inspiring American Dream Story. 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!!!!
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Club Awarded Rotary Citation 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!
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New District Governor Visit 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.
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Rotary & Concert on the Green Rotary Club members man the Rotry booth at Concert on the Green in July
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MetroWest Visitors Bureau. 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).
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Maize Program 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.
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WooSox Outing  Thank You Nelson for making this happen.
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2023 InstallationOn 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) |
2023 Citizen of the Year 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.
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2023 Organization of the Year 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.
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2023 Rotarian of the Year 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.
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Concert on the Green Rotarians stage a booth on Friday night Concert on the Green
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Repair Cafe - June 2023 |
New Member Marcia Sharpe 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!
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YMCA Award Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Framingham for being selected for the 2023 Metrowest YMCA Community Partner Award. Award was accepted by Nelson Zide and Patti McCarthy, who is our Club President-Elect.
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International Day of Service A few of the Rotarians and KFB cleaning up Butterworth Park.
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2023 Rotary Scholarship Awards Student recipients of our 2023 Education Fund Scholarships. $5,500 scholarship given to each selected high school senior based on their submitted application. Great job students!
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New Member Steve Schneider New Rotarain Steve Schneider being inducted by member sponsor Tania Blanco, Secerary Teri Banerjee and Club President Jack Colamaria. Welcome Steve!
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Mohammed Siddiqui, Speaker Our speaker today was Mohammed Siddiqui who has written a book: “Footprints in Stone” promoting the importance of finding that middle ground between assimilation and preserving heritage. He noted the importance of hanging on to things that are core to you.
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Member Bob Worth received District Service Award  Congradulation Bob.
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Club Service Award Club President Jack Colamaria accepting Club Service Award from District Governor Victor Tom. |
District Conference Framingham Rotary members attended the Paul Harris Luncheon at the 2023 Rotary District Conference.
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Serving at Pearl Street Cafe Another great Thursday night of volunteering and serving meals at Pearl St Cafe.
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Carmelite Sisters Sister Mark of the Carmelite Sisters gave a most interesting presentation of the origins of Carmel Terrace and its founder Sister Mary Angeline Teresa McCrory. It was started in 1929. The founder was originally from Northern Ireland and Scotland and worked with the elderly in Brooklyn, Pittsburgh, and the Bronx. With the encouragement of Cardinal Hayes of New York, she took a vow of hospitality and started a special home for the elderly. This effort has now spread to about 6 states and Dublin. The Order recognizes the need for kindness and understanding for the elderly who give up their homes, familiar environments, and friends to live in an elderly facility. The facility is organized to put meaning into the later years of residents; recognize the dignity and worth of the individual. Facilities are available for short-term, those with dementia, those needing rehab, and assisted living…..in a home environment.
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State Representative Margarethe Shephard Our speaker was former City Counselor and current State Representative, Margarethe Shephard. She spoke of her journey with challenges of loss of hearing, immigration, transition, language, etc. She became a City Councilor and worked with new businesses formed by members of the Brazilian community. “I’m an immigrant, I’m a single mother, I’m deaf — if I can do it, and be successful, they can do it,” she said. “It’s just a matter of if you want to, have the desire to, (and) have the dream of doing something bigger than yourself." Thank you State Representative Shephard.
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Massachusetts Health Connector Chaitra Sanders spoke on the Massachusetts Health Connector. Mass Health Connector is the insurance marketplace for affordable insurance options. Small businesses or nonprofits can use this service. They offer HSA plans, HMO, PPO and Dental Plans. They follow the employer choice model which allows the employer to control the costs.
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Spring Craft Fair |
Daniels Table Our speaker today was Sandra Montesino, Executive Director for Daniels Table. In existence since 2016, Daniels Table mission is simple: providing food security to our most vulnerable neighbors. Sandra’s presentation was interesting and informative. Daniel’s Table has grown in significantly since our first introduction to it several years ago. Currently serving approximately 600 people per week and there are 357 households registered to either receive pre-cooked meals or shop at a grocery-like market. They also have an ongoing partnership with local schools to assist children who need nutritional input. Tours of the facilities are available. Thursdays and Fridays are good days for volunteer opportunities.
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Annual Fellowship Dinners   Pictures from our annual Fellowship dinners where small groups of members with partners gather together at a member's home or a local restaurant to enjoy each other company.
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AFTV Jason Daniels, the new Executive Director at Access Framingham, spoke to us regarding Access Framingham, AFTV. The Mission of Access Framingham is to present technology; assist individuals in using media technology. Currently, AFTV is working with Downtown Framingham (and others) to promote local businesses via programming; initiating broadcast s from remote locations, and training co-op students from Keefe Techand Framingham State. One exciting long-range project is to bring a film festival to Framingham…easily possible through an online platform that can gather films from throughout the world….and they have already engaged in an exchange of short films generated by individuals in foreign countries.
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Director of Equity Compliance at Mass Bay Community College Our speaker today was Lisa McDonald – Director of Equity Compliance at Mass Bay Community College. Lisa is focused on Federal Chapter 9 compliance at Mass Bay– which means any type of discrimination is prohibited if the school receives any form of federal financial aid for education. This applies to sex, gender, harassment, violence, women who are pregnant, etc……any form of non-consensual discrimination……….including dissemination of photos or information. Lisa also gets involved with ADA matters if brought to her attention. |
MetroWest Mediation Services Seth Izen – Executive Director of MetroWest Mediation Services was our speaker today….he has been in mediation since 2009; has a BA from Brown and a Masters in Conflict Resolution from UMass – Lowell. MetroWest Mediation started in 1979 and has significantly expanded its services. Mediation does NOT: favor either side and does NOT give advice. Mediators facilitate a solution created by the parties themselves. MW Mediation is involved in housing, probate matters, small claims, juvenile Cases, and business matters. The services are risk-free and at no cost. About half of the possible cases will accept a mediation attempt and about 2/3 of these will reach an agreement.
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City Planning Director Our speaker today was Sarkis Sarkisan, Planning and Community Development Director, City of Framingham. He has a broad community planning background having served as the city planner in Natick and Wayland. Sarkis spoke about the many projects being planned in Framingham including the Bruce Freeman Trail, the possible 188 Concord Steet 4-story regional dispatch center, Dennison Park renovation, and a possible regional mega-court system at the Dennison location.
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Happy Holidays Happy Holidays from the Rotary Club of Framingham, which is pleased to serve our community and invite all to join us!! Special thanks to Access Framingham for this holiday message! |
Talk on Youth's Mental Health Thank you to this weeks speaker Rebecca Donham Senior Program Officer at MetroWest Health Foundation. Her talk about the state of our youth’s mental health was very informative .
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Popup Food Pantry for Families Very busy week giving back and today’s Service Above Self was at the Pelham LifeLong Learning Center. Thanks to Towma Rastad for organizing a popup Food Pantry for families. We had a blast volunteering.
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Helping Out at Pearl St. Cafe Another great volunteer effort by The Framingham Rotary Club this week serving meals at Pearl St. Cafe in Framingham.
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Santa Visit  The kids were happy to see Santa and his Rotarian helpers
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Polar Plunge to Fight Polio. Framingham Rotary Club President (in blue shirt) joins forces with Marlborough Rotary for a Polar Plunge to fight Polio.
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New Member Patience Noah New member Patience Noah was inducted today. She is a former Rotary scholarship recipient, graduated UMass-Dartmouth and now owns her own insurance business!! Welcome aboard Patience!
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Vision Aid Our speaker today was Lalit Sudan, President of Vision Aid, a non-profit endeavor focusing on financially needy individuals with vision impairment. Concentration is on training in addition to just education so that, once educated, the individual is employable. The newest project is Smart Glasses where a student can use the glasses to “read” a text….the glasses do the reading and the text is converted to spoken words. The glasses can even be programmed to recognize individuals and even detect their moods.
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Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner Prep Several members gather to pull the meat off many baked turkeys in preparation for the annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving Dinner. Last year over 1,500 turkey dinners were delivered to families in Framingham
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Cyber Security Expert, Our speaker, Paul Netopski, an Ashland resident and cyber security expert, spent his professional career in the Navy working on system security. He holds numerous certifications and about four years ago, started his own business……..working with small businesses and their security issues. An estimated $8 trillion lost last year due to cyber piracy; most hackers are out of Russia and there are no extradition laws between our two countries
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Keefe Regional Technical High School Jon Evans, Superintendant of Keefe Tech High School. Keefe’s Mission: to challenge students to demonstrate the academic, technical and interpersonal skills necessary for successful lifelong learning. There are 16 Career and Technical Professions plus academic programs (incl college & advance placement) provided to complement career and technical curriculum. 60% of the Class of 2022 went on to college. Beyond the school day, there are activities such as drama, athletics (18 teams), national honor society and student government. As of October1, 2022 837 students (a 13% increase since 2018) putting the school at capacity,,,,with a waiting list! Our club has a long history with Keefe….our scholarship award luncheon isheld there as is our Craft Fair and Pancake Breakfast |
Uganda Rotary Member Visit We were lucky to have Rotary member Gladys Nantume from the Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda visit us.
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Veterans Dinner Club members and friends help serve a wonderful meal prepared by Bella Costa’s of Framingham to Veterans organized by Debbie Clark from Edwards Church at The Plymouth Church.
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New Mwmbers Club President Jack Colamaria (left) inducting new members Thomas Bringle and Wayne Schuberth (right). Welcome aboard.
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Pancake Breakfast Great day at Keefe Tech for our Pancake Breakfast raising funds for our Rotary Scholarship Fund. Thanks to our Sponsors, Volunteers, and Patrons. |
ATAC Framingham Janelle Codianni, Executive Director of ATAC Framingham,spoke to us about the latest happenings at ATAC reminding us that it’s important to remember how necessary the arts are to our community!
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Joe Abely, 100 Club Our speaker today was Joe Abely of the 100 Club. This non-profit supports the families of first responders who have lost their lives in the line of duty. This includes Covid related deaths. The local organization started in 1959 and has processed millions of dollars for surviving families. In addition to financial support, the organization sponsors activities…..tickets to sporting events, holiday parties, etc. They are currently is working with over 100 families……following them, if necessary, their entire life….some having been involved over 50 years. There are funds for counseling as well as personal enrichment programs for children. Gifts are given at special events such as birthdays or graduation. Benefits include a one-time initial check for $10,000 plus a check for $2000 for each minor child. The organization is all volunteers with one full-time employee. Funding is from a club endowment of $4 Million and the Crocket Fund Endowment of $3.4 Million. Benefit expenses total $610,000 with overhead at 10% or $61,000. There are currently 1000 members and they hope to grow this to 2000 in 5 years; membership is $1500 per year.
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Priscilla Sousa - State Representative Priscilla Sousa spoke about being the Democratic nominee for the State Representative
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2022 Innovation Challenge |
New Member Leslie White Harvey Club President Elect Patti McCarthy inducts newest member Leslie White Harvey into Framingham Rotary |
Andrea Burton Project Manager for Eversource. Andrea Burton, project director with Eversource spoke about the 350 Irving Street Remediation Project. The problem goes back over 100 years when oil & coal were used to produce gas for streetlights & cooking. Tar was a waste product and while it could be used, much of it was simply buried. The problem extends for several acres and goes to a depth of 35 feet!!! Clean-up is a $100 Million effort with side issues of air monitoring, duct control and vibrations (and impact on underground utilities in the area…not to mention noise impact and traffic control.
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Mike Cassidy, Fire Chief Holliston, MA Mike Cassidy, Fire Chief in Holliston was our speaker on Monday. Mike is a crusader for Emergency Preparedness! This means individuals as well as communities. Local and state government units can get into full operation within 48-72 hours in the event of an emergency….often weather-related but could be other causes. Mike challenged us with the query: “What would you grab if you have to vacate your home for a few days due to an evacuation? What do you need to be self-reliant? Phone charger/ medications? A blanket? Water? Spare glasses? Do you have the ability to “grab and go”? www.ready.gov is the site to visit for ideas and lists
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Speaker Elyse Hyman of Jeff's Place Elyse Hyman, Executive Director of Jeff’s Place. Jeff’s Place offers hope and healing in a supportive community for grieving children, teens, families, and individuals. One out of 15 children will suffer the loss of a parent or sibling prior to reaching age 18!! This puts them at risk for anxiety, depression, drug abuse and numerous unhealthy decisions. In the past, grief was dealt with by not speaking of it and keeping the name of the deceased out of conversations. Based upon the shared experience of the loss of a family member, individuals can join together at Jeff's Place. Special groups exist for parent loss or sibling loss….even a grandparent support group. Virtual meetings are held with persons from around the country. Elyse has worked with social agencies for 30 years and this position with Jeff’s Place has been the most dynamic and rewarding.
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New Member Towma Rastad New member Towma Rastad, flanked by Club Secretary Teri Banerjee and Club President Jack Colamaria, was inducted into the Framingham Rotary Club today. Towma works for the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and transferred from the Westborough Rotary Club. Wellcome abroad Towma! |
Nelson Zide, Rotarian of the Year
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2022 Golf Tournament |
City Mayor Charlie Sisitsky We were honored to have our newly minted Mayor Charlie Sisitsky speak to our club at our last meeting. He spoke to us about his future plans for our city including local development as well as Covid protocols. Thank you Mayor!
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