🔨 4 Things to Know this Week
Happy New Year!
Happy last week of December, Framingham!
I have intentionally taken the last two weeks off from appearing in your inbox to enjoy Christmas with family and friends.
But there are four events you should know about this week.
Next Monday I will return with news. We have plenty to talk about. Remember, Framingham is never boring.
NEWS & UPDATES
1.| Joint Budget Meeting on Tuesday
Weeks after $3 million was discovered to be missing and the Council having to re-vote on the tax rate, a joint budget meeting with the Sisitsky Administration, Council, School Committee and the Strategic Initiatives and Financial Oversight Committee is scheduled for Tuesday, December 30.
The meeting takes place at 7:00pm in the Blumer Room in the Memorial Building.
What can we expect: The purpose is discussing the fiscal health and outlook of the city marking the beginning of the budget process. The Mayor and his team will present their FY27 budget outlook, including projected revenues. The School Department will give an overview of their budget ahead of their February vote and submission to the city.
What are your thoughts? You have the chance to share your thoughts on potential budget priorities in this meeting. What would you like to see in the city budget? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Why is the meeting happening?: The updated Home Rule Charter voters approved back in November contained an updated budget process, which included a requirement for a joint meeting at least 180 days before the start of the new fiscal year (July 1).
How to participate and watch: You can come in person to the Blumer Room or attend via Zoom. You must register for Zoom.
2.| Ring in 2026 on the Cochituate Rail Trail
Kick off your New Year’s Eve with fresh air, warm fires, and community spirit! The Friends of Framingham Trails invites you to our third annual New Year’s Eve Celebration on Wednesday, December 31st, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a festive start to your evening plans, the rail trail is the place to be.
What to Expect:
22 Fire Pit Hosts: Warm up along the trail with neighbors and friends.
Festive Atmosphere: Enjoy live entertainment, fun giveaways, and delicious food offerings at various stations.
Enhanced Experience: We’ve added even more lighting, more entertainment, and more community spirit to make this our best year yet!
Parking information:
500 Old Connecticut Path
TJX Parking Lot on Speen Street
2 School Street (limited parking)
Bundle up and join us for this unique Framingham tradition. It’s the perfect way to celebrate our trails and our community before the clock strikes midnight!
To learn more, please visit the Friends of Framingham Trails website.
3.| Inauguration Day is this Thursday
Thursday marks the beginning of a new session of Framingham’s government. Mayor Charlie Sisitsky will be sworn in for his second term. Additionally, nine District City Councilors, nine School Committee members, six Library Trustees, and three Cemetery Trustees will also be sworn in.
The ceremony starts at 10:00am in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building.
Details about the ceremony:
Governor Maura Healey is attending.
Judge Adam Sisitsky, appointed by Governor Healey, will administer the oath of office to his father, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.
City Clerk Lisa Ferguson will administer the oath to the other elected officials.
State Representative Danielle Gregoire will serve as Master of Ceremonies.
The program will include the presentation of colors by the Framingham Police Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance by Framingham State University sophomore Deyanira Cruz, with the National Anthem sung by Emily Ruiz, the daughter of Framingham Deputy Police Chief Jorge Ruiz.
Temple Beth Am Rabbi Sam Blumberg with give the invocation and Framingham firefighter Oscar Alvarez with give the benediction.
The ceremony will also feature a special performance by the Heritage Chorale celebrating its 89th season.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to last 60–75 minutes.
City Councilors Scheduled to be Sworn In
District 1: Christine Long
District 2: Brandon Ward
District 3: Mary Kate Feeney
District 4: Michael Cannon
District 5: Noval Alexander
District 6: Phil Ottaviani Jr.
District 7: Leora Mallach
District 8: John Stefanini
District 9: Tracey Bryant
District councilors serve two-year terms. At-large councilors Janet Leombruno and George P. King Jr., who serve four-year terms, are up for re-election in 2027.
School Committee Members Scheduled to be Sworn In
District 1: Rich Robles
District 2: Lorena Tovar
District 3: Jennifer Moshe
District 4: Adam Freudberg
District 5: Judith Styer
District 6: Brent Lewis
District 7: Kyle James Shepherd
District 8: Jessica Barnhill
District 9: William LaBarge
School Committee members serve two-year terms.
Library Trustees Scheduled to be Sworn In
Isabella Petroni
Jennifer DeArcangelis
Ruth Winett
Steven Malchman
Matthew Corcoran
Ronda Andrews
Trustees serve four-year terms.
Cemetery Trustees Scheduled to be Sworn In
Julie Ferrari
Dennis Cardiff
Steven Schneider
All Cemetery Trustees are for a 4-year term.
After the ceremony: At 11:45 a.m., the Council will hold its first meeting of the new session in the Blumer Room. On the agenda is the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair for the Council’s two-year session, and setting the meeting calendar for the year.
4.| Calling All Artists!
The Cultural Council invites artists to submit artwork for A.R.T. on the C.R.T. (Art on the Cochituate Rail Trail) — an outdoor exhibition exploring the theme “Moving.”
“Moving” can mean transition, relocation, physical motion, emotional impact, or the ways people connect with nature and with each other along the Cochituate Rail Trail. Artists are encouraged to interpret this theme through their own unique lens — walking, biking, connecting, reflecting, or simply being moved by the natural world.
Exhibit Dates: May 1 – September 1, 2026
Who Can Apply: Artists may submit up to 3 works or proposals under one application and fee. Priority consideration is given to artists who live or work in Framingham. A maximum of 10 artists will be selected, and each accepted artist receives a $500 stipend.
Submission Requirements Include:
Artist information (name, contact, Framingham residency/work status)
Artwork details (title, dimensions, materials, existing or new proposal)
Description of how each piece represents “Moving”
Images, drawings, renderings, or photos
Artists install their own work on May 1, 2026 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
Artwork must be safe for outdoor display and appropriate for all audiences
Application Fee: $25 (non-refundable)
How to apply: Apply Online or by mail to Framingham Cultural Council, Memorial Building, 150 Concord St, Framingham, MA 01702 Deadline is December 31, 2025
This project is funded by the Framingham Cultural Council, Friends of the Framingham Trails, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
In Closing…
Not only is Wednesday NYE (and my Dad’s birthday), but it is Fred Wallace Day in the city. Dr. Wallace served as Framingham’s historian for nearly two decades. His last day of holding that position is Wednesday. The Mayor and the Council dedicated this day to him in recognition of all his work keeping Framingham’s history alive.
Thanks, Fred, for telling Framingham’s story.
Believe in Framingham,
