🔨 Your Guide to September
A list of the events, meetings, and volunteer opportunities in Framingham
Happy Labor Day, Framingham!
Reminder tomorrow is Primary Election Day. Polls open at 7am and close at 8pm. Visit the City Clerk’s website for a list of polling locations to find yours.
If you live in the 7th Middlesex District, you have a competitive race for State Representative. You can read my interviews with those candidates here.
All of Framingham has a competitive race for Governor’s Council. To learn more about the candidates and what exactly is the Governor’s Council, check out last week’s issue.
Want to get involved in Framingham? This is the issue for you.
Share this issue with your friends, neighbors, and family. Let’s support these organizations, have our voices heard about issues, and help grow our community.
Events & Programs
Register for Fall Park & Rec Programs: Have you registered for Fall Programs yet? Visit www.FraminghamRec.com to see all of our program opportunities. There are some new and exciting programs coming up!
MetroWest YMCA Fall Programs: The MetroWest YMCA is the place where your family can play, learn, and give back together this fall.
Our fall programs (e.g., youth sports, perpetual swim lessons, wellness, enrichment, and adventure) start on 9/9. To help people incorporate fitness into their fall routine, we invite them to try our new adult fitness programs at the Framingham Branch with a day pass between 9/3 and 9/8.
We are also running a special membership promotion. Join as a full-access Framingham member (young adult, adult, family, senior) now through Sept 15, and we'll waive the joining fee and give you a $50 credit for fall programs. Some restrictions apply; see the website for details: https://www.metrowestymca.org/thrive
Framingham State hosts Americans and the Holocaust: Tuesday, Sept. 3, through Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2024. The Henry Whittemore Library at FSU is one of 50 U.S. libraries – and the first in Massachusetts – selected to host this traveling exhibition from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association (ALA) that examines the motives, pressures and fears that shaped Americans’ responses to Nazism, war and genocide in Europe during the 1930s and 1940s. Click here to learn more about this and other programming.
Brazilian Independence Day at the State House: Friday, September 6 at 2:30pm in the Great Hall. State Rep. Priscila Sousa invites you to join her at Brazilian Independence Day at the State House for an afternoon of celebration.
Spooktastic Book Fair: Saturday, September 7 at 11:00am - 5:00pm at the Main Library. The second annual Spooktastic Book Fair will be haunting the Framingham Public Library! We'll be hosting 40+ authors ranging from creepy kidlit to adult horror, four publishers, several vendors of interesting and mysterious items, and a brewery!
Framingham Business Trade Show: Saturday, September 7 from noon to 4:00pm at the Downtown Common (2 Park Street) and on Union Avenue from Concord Street to Proctor Street. In partnership with Downtown Framingham Inc., small businesses and the City, this trade show brings local businesses together to showcase their amazing products and services. Experience the energy of Capoeira, Jiu-Jitsu, and live music, and connect with the community.
A live fashion show starts at 3pm in Memorial Plaza.
Celebrate Brazilian Independence Day at the Library: Sunday, September 8 from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the Framingham Public Library (49 Lexington Street). Celebrate Brazilian culture, history and heritage with dance, music and storytelling.
JFS Memory Cafés: Wednesday, September 11 at 1:00 - 2:30pm at Temple Beth Am. Memory Cafés are a comfortable, social gathering that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one/caregiver to engage in an activity, connect, socialize, and build new support networks. Cafés are free to attend and welcome to all! To learn more or RSVP, please visit their website.
Creating Zine Comics w/ Jonathan Todd: Cartoon Drawing & Inking: Tuesday, September 10, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Costin Room in the Main Library. Join us for the first of four Creating Zine Comics programs with cartoonist and zine creator Jonathan Todd (creator of the new Scholastic graphic novel Timid)! Learn the basics on how to draw cartoon figures, and get practice using a brush, ink and felt-tip pens to create finished comic art. Grades 6+ Space is limited, please register here: https://bit.ly/sept-zine-comics
Click on the graphics above to view. September 11 Remembrance Ceremony: The City of Framingham will host a ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of September 11, 2001. 17 people with ties to Framingham tragically lost their lives that day. The ceremony will be held at the September 11th Living Memorial located within Cushing Memorial Park at 5:30 p.m
Voices of Reentry Film Screening: Wednesday, September 18 at 7:00pm at Temple Beth Am. Each year, over 600,000 people return from jail or prison to our communities. The film explores the challenges of reentry and the role communities can play in reducing these barriers. Join us for a free screening of the film, followed by a conversation with community members who have experienced incarceration. RSVP shalom@tempbetham.org
Native Plant Sale Pop Up: Thursday, September 19 at 3:00pm - 6:45pm at the Framingham Farmers Market on the Center Common. Plan your Fall Garden with native plants from the Framingham Garden Club and shop at our Secret Garden Boutique. A lovely selection of plants available plus Talk to A Gardener and learn about the club.
Introduction to Square Dancing: Thursday, September 19 at 7:30 pm at Scott Hall at First Parish in Framingham Unitarian Universalist, 24 Vernon Street. Square dancing is a fun way to make new friends, get exercise, and it is easy to learn. Singles, couples, and families are welcome. Casual dress. Learn more here.
Celebrate Framingham’s entertainment past!: Join the Framingham History Center for Big Band Music Weekend on September 20 - 21. We are hosting the 18-piece orchestra Dan Gabel and the Vaughn Monroe Orchestra to provide a tribute to Vaughn Monroe and the Meadows.
Friday night is a 1940s-style Swing Dance open to the public at 8 p.m. (with a swing dance lesson at 7 p.m.!); tickets are $35. Saturday night is our Annual Patron's Party featuring a 20-person floor show dedicated to Vaughn Monroe, and will feature special guests -- Vaughn Monroe's daughters!. Tickets are available at https://framinghamhistory.org/events/2024-swing-dance/
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Saxonville Mills: Friday, September 20 at 6:00pm - 9:00pm. Join us in celebrating the Saxonville Mills 200th Anniversary! Tickets include beer, wine, cocktails and light bites. All proceeds from the event and the silent auction will go to the Saxonville Mills Charitable Fund which supports local organizations. Purchase your tickets online.
200th Anniversary Open Studios Fair: Saturday, September 21 at 11:00am in the Saxonville Mills. Explore what is happening in the Mills.
Jack’s Abby United Way 5K: Saturday, September 21 at 10:00 am. This race begins and ends at Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers 100 Clinton Street. Jack’s Abby will host our post-race party in their Beer Hall and Beer Garden. 10% of food sales during the post race party will be donated back to the United Way of Tri-County. Click here to register.
MetroWest Humane Society 17th Annual Craft Fair: Saturday, September 21 from 10:00am - 4:00pm at the Framingham Centre Common. Fair features over 100 vendors with handmade items by local artists and crafters. For more information, visit www.metrowesthumanesociety.org.
Second Annual Hobbit Garden Party: Saturday, September 21 from 10:00 am-4:00pm at the McAuliffe Branch Library. Open to All Ages, Everyone is Welcome* Celebrate The Hobbit’s 87th anniversary and Bilbo and Frodo’s Birthdays with lawn games, LOTR themed crafts and snacks, and general merriment. Middle-earth attire is encouraged but not required! Join a trivia game in the Community Room game at 1:00pm. *Sackville-Bagginses need not attend
13th Annual Purple Passion 5K Walk/Run: Saturday, September 28. Packet pick-up and same day registration starts at 7am. Event starts at 7:30 AM. The race starts at 8 am sharp, followed by medals and raffle drawing at 9:00. The Purple Passion 5k raises the necessary funds to support survivors of domestic violence in the MetroWest community with free, confidential services. Click here to register.
Plymouth Church Fall Fair: Saturday, September 28 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at 87 Edgell Road. This annual event has everything. A giant gently used Home Goods Sale including Kitchen gadgets, Kids’ toys, Holiday decor, Books, Jewelry, and Costumes. Find great homemade food including Baked Goods, Pie, Chowder, Fudge, a Cookie Walk, Luncheon, and Popcorn.
City of Framingham's Find Your People Fair: Saturday, September 28 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Nevins Hall of the Memorial Building. Learn about the different clubs, organizations, and activities in Framingham. Organizations wishing to participate should email spetroni@framinghamma.gov or mmchugh@framinghamma.gov
Community Meetings
Framingham Business Association Monthly Meeting: All business owners are welcome to join the FBA. Our next meeting is Wednesday, September 11 at noon at Jack’s Abby. Our monthly luncheons are a great opportunity to network, hear from special guests, and be a part of the Framingham business community. Email framinghambusinessassociation@gmail.com for more information.
Coburnville Tripoli Neighborhood Association Monthly Meeting: September 16, Barbieri Elementary School from 6:30- 8pm. Special guest is Sarkis Sarkisian, Director of Planning and Community Development for a discussion about housing and the rezoning of Route 135.
Framingham Public Access Corporation (FPAC) Annual Meeting: Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 6:00pm - 7:00pm at the Access Framingham Studios at 4 Vernon Street. Join us to connect with members old and new, have some food, celebrate our past year, watch our highlight video, and hear what's in store for Access Framingham in 2025.
AFTV members will elect Board Members (Directors) at the Annual Meeting. There will be 3 seats with 3-year terms open. Nominations will be taken from the floor.
Please email info@accessfram.tv if you have any questions or give us a call at 508-875-5434.
Get Involved
Friends of Framingham Trails NYE Celebration: Planning is underway for the next New Year’s Eve Celebration on the Cochituate Rail Trail.
Volunteers are needed to help plan and set up the event, including organizing entertainment, logistics and lighting, recruitment of fire pit hosts, and marketing.
We’re also seeking fire pit hosts and sponsors for the event.
Contact Denise at dazadina@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering, hosting a fire pit or sponsoring the event.
Join the Framingham League of Women Voters: Have a passion for voting and civic engagement? Join the local chapter of the League of Women Voters! Help register new voters, and organize candidate and informational forums. It is a great way to get involved in the political process. All are welcome to join. Sign up here.
Blood Donors Needed: The Red Cross is opening a new blood donation center on Sunday, September 8 at 150 Worcester Road, Suite #4. Hours of operation are Monday 7:30-3:45pm, Tuesday & Wednesday 11am-7:15pm, and Sunday 7am-3pm. Please sign up here.
Volunteer at the Y!: The Y is actively recruiting volunteers to support their food program, help table at upcoming community events, and support their participation in the Rodman Ride for Kids. Learn more here.
KFB Trash Bash 250: Our biggest challenge yet! World Cleanup Day is Friday 9/20 & National Cleanup Day is Saturday 9/21. Keep Framingham Beautiful will extend these dates from Thursday 9/19 through Monday 9/23 and celebrate with our Trash Bash 250 event.
Here’s how you can help:
Do your own cleanup
Organize a small cleanup with family or employees
Join our weekend group cleanups 9.21 or 9/22
For our trash tally, please email your results or share to our Facebook group
Our 9/21 cleanup kicks off at St. Stephen Parish 221 Concord St, and 9/22 starts at Republic Plumbing Route 135. Please fill out this google form if you can be part of this incredible community effort. If you have any questions, send us an email at KeepFraminghamBeautiful@gmail.com.
City Boards and Commissions Openings:
Traffic Commission: Four resident seats are open on the Commission. Represent your neighbors on decisions regarding traffic, parking, and road safety. The open seats are:
2 At-Large seats
Business community seat
Downtown resident seat (Downtown area is defined as a “one-mile radius of the intersection of Routes 126 and 135.”)
The deadline to apply is Monday, September 30, 2024.
Police Advisory Committee: The Police Advisory Committee acts in an advisory capacity to the Police Department by bringing to their attention feedback from the community concerning public safety issues. There are two seats open.
Keefe Tech School Committee: 3 seats are open for Framingham residents. This committee is responsible for setting the direction and policies that shape the educational experiences and achievements of students in our vocational school system.
The deadline to apply for these openings is Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Human Relations Commission: Four seats are open. The HRC seeks to tackle issues involving in eliminating bias, discrimination, and prejudice against minority populations and implementing affirmative action initiatives to guarantee that the law is applied equally and protects all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.
To apply for any of these city board positions, please fill out the following form: https://www.framinghamma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=3066
Volunteer at the Callahan Center: Help seniors by assisting them at home or at the Callahan Center with a variety of tasks like attending programs, resident outreach, assistance using electronics, guidance on local resources available, help with yard work, sewing, crocheting, light gardening, minor home repair projects, transportation, translating documents or information and more. Please contact Roberta Ho for more information: rho@framinghamma.gov
Heritage Chorale Open Rehearsals: Tuesday, September 3 & 10. Sing with us and audition if you are interested in Chorale membership. Rehearsals occur at Scott Hall, 24 Vernon St., on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 to 10. For more information about rehearsals, auditions, and membership, please visit our website.
Framingham Cultural Council Accepting Grant Applications: Applications for grant are now being accepted until October 16. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities. Click here to learn more.
Help Expand The Frame: The Frame: Framingham News in Focus seeks to assemble an Advisory Board to help it achieve its goal of an independent, non-partisan, sustainable news program with editorial integrity.
Do you have:
A passion to see local news thrive in Framingham?
Editorial experience within a (growing) newsroom?
Background in the field of journalism or community media?
An understanding of funding models for public media?
A civic-minded entrepreneurial spirit?
Click HERE to apply to the Advisory Board.
AFTV: Senior Citizen Internship Program: A Bridge to Community Engagement: Access Framingham is launching a new program for seniors to contribute their skills to the community. This program aims to foster intergenerational connections, enhance seniors' lives, and support local organizations.
Program Goals:
Community Engagement: Promote active participation and bridge generations.
Skills Development: Provide opportunities to utilize and develop skills.
Mentorship: Create a supportive environment for sharing wisdom and experiences.
Social Connection: Foster friendships and interactions.
Program Structure:
Flexible Placement: Internships in various organizations.
Mentorship: Pairing with mentors for guidance and support.
Skill-Building Workshops: Regular workshops to enhance skills.
Social Events: Gatherings and outings to promote camaraderie and networking.
Benefits for Seniors:
Purpose and fulfillment: Contribute and make a positive impact.
Skill development: Enhance existing skills and learn new ones.
Social connection: Meet new people and build lasting relationships.
Active lifestyle: Stay engaged and active in the community.
Benefits for Organizations:
Diverse perspectives: Benefit from the wisdom and experience of senior volunteers.
Skill enhancement: Access valuable skills and expertise.
Community engagement: Strengthen ties with the local community.
Application Process: Interested seniors can apply by emailing info@accessfram.tv Join us in creating a more vibrant and inclusive community!
The Civic Week Ahead
Tuesday, September 3
Wednesday, September 4
Thursday, September 5
In Closing…
If you are new here, welcome to The Ham’er! Don’t forget to subscribe to never miss the latest going on in Framingham.
Have a great week,
Mary Kate
Where is Memorial Plaza? (3 PM fashion show on Saturday 9/7/24.) I’m guessing that it may be in the downtown common.
Also, where in Cushing Memorial Park is the September 11th Living Memorial?
I tried to locate both of them in google maps with no luck.
Great newsletter with tons of information! Thank you Mary Kate!