The Frame

01/11/2024

Nurses at Framingham Union Hospital Vote in Favor of Unionization

Local nurses have voted in favor of joining the Massachusetts Nurses Association.

Read more on our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/nurses-at-framingham-union-hospital-vote-in-favor-of-unionization

01/11/2024

Framingham Union Hospital nurses have exercised their right to unionize, voting overwhelmingly on Wednesday, January 10 to join the Massachusetts Nurses Association. This successful election enables the nurses to work together to improve patient care conditions and advocate for the professional respect they deserve.

“Caring for patients in a hospital has never been more challenging and complex,” said Framingham Union RN Paivi Ratu-Rodriguez. “Our election victory gives us the power to make positive changes that benefit our patients, the working environment of our colleagues, and our entire community.”

“We are thrilled to have our union!” said Framingham Union RN Adam Crawford. “Framingham Union nurses now have a strong and independent voice to address the patient safety issues we face daily. As union nurses, will use our legal rights to improve care conditions and our nursing practice.”

Read more: https://www.massnurses.org/2024/01/11/framingham-union-hospital-nurses-vote-to-join-massachusetts-nurses-association-and-unite-to-improve-conditions-for-patients-clinicians-and-the-community/

01/10/2024

City Officials Solicit Public Feedback on Proposed Parking, Traffic Regulations

The Framingham Traffic Commission held a public meeting on Tuesday related to proposed changes.

Read more on our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/city-officials-solicit-public-feedback-on-proposed-parking-traffic-regulations

01/09/2024

MetroWest Medical Center, Tenet Heads to Attend Jan. 16 City Council Meeting

Following a recent request from the Framingham City Council, leaders of the healthcare organization will be in attendance at the Memorial Building.

Read more on our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/metrowest-medical-center-tenet-heads-to-attend-jan-16-city-council-meeting

01/08/2024

Public is invited to the Zoom meeting on Thursday night

MEDIA RELEASE: https://framinghamma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2899

01/05/2024

Are You Ready for an Emergency?
An emergency can happen anywhere, at any time, and can come in many forms. With the rise of climate hazards such as severe winter storms, in addition to other types of emergencies, there is no better time than now to improve your resilience to emergencies that may arise.

Visit - https://framinghamma.gov/1856/Ready-Framingham

01/05/2024

MWRTA Testing Fare-Free Rides Through State-Funded Program

The program will offer free rides on certain routes through March

Read more on our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/mwrta-testing-fare-free-rides-through-state-funded-program

01/04/2024

Trio of Local Groups Receive Opioid Settlement Funding

Three local organizations have been granted a total of $50,000 from opioid-related legal settlements by Framingham officials.

The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center and MetroWest Care Connection each received $20,000 during the first round of distribution from the city’s opioid settlement fund, while the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) was given $10,000.

In a statement, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said the organizations will use the funding to “improve their harm reduction and recovery services for those impacted by opioid use in our community.”

With the money, the Kennedy Community Health Center will boost their Office Based Addiction Treatment practice, while SMOC will add to their client assistance program. MetroWest Care Connection’s grant will benefit their network between community members and resources across the region.

Following the establishment of the Opioid Task Force in Framingham last year, the city will receive $1.2 million in total opioid settlement money over the next 18 years.

01/03/2024

New Look City Council Holds First Meeting of 2024

Read more on our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/new-look-city-council-holds-first-meeting-of-2024

01/03/2024

01/03/2024

City of Framingham Grants 3 Organizations a Total of $50,000 From Opioid Settlement Fund

READ Media release here: https://framinghamma.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=2894

01/02/2024

Framingham Union Hospital Nurses to Hold Unionization Vote January 10

Nurses will vote on having the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) represent them in collective bargaining.

Read more on our website:
https://www.theframe.news/article/framingham-union-hospital-nurses-to-hold-unionization-vote-jan-10

12/28/2023

COMMUNITY POLL COVERS POTENTIAL CHANGES TO CITY COUNCIL COMPOSITION

The Framingham Charter Review Committee is seeking public feedback on a survey as they explore potential changes to the City Council’s composition.

Prior to making recommendations to the City Council in mid-2024, the committee will draft possible changes to the Framingham Home Rule Charter.

One of those alterations could be adding City Councilors. Some ideas pitched have been adding more at-large councilors or regional councilors—which would represent multiple districts.

The poll will be open until January 8. To find that survey, click here: https://www.framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Charter-36/Poll-on-Size-of-City-Council-135

12/27/2023

FRIENDS OF FRAMINGHAM TRAILS TO HOST NEW YEAR’S EVE EVENT ALONG COCHITUATE RAIL TRAIL

The Friends of Framingham Trails is inviting residents to attend their New Year’s Eve celebration at the Cochituate Rail Trail.

Framingham residents are welcome to attend the event to ring in the new year. Fire pits, food, drinks, music, and other offerings will be provided.

The free event will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. For more information, click here: https://www.facebook.com/events/6950468221696044/?ref=newsfeed

12/21/2023

LORING ARENA OFFERING SKATING FOR 60 CENTS

Framingham Residents can head over to Loring Arena on Fountain Street after Christmas and skate for just 60 cents per person.

The arena is commemorating its 60th anniversary, as it opened in 1963 as one of the first municipal rinks built in Massachusetts. In honor of the milestone, public skating prices for residents will be brought down from $5 to 60 cents from December 26 to December 30.

“This is a great way to celebrate Loring Arena, where so many in MetroWest learn to skate,” Mayor Charlie Sisitsky said in a statement. “Dropping the price to 60 cents allows families to enjoy this gem in the City.”

Public skating will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon from Tuesday, December 26 through Friday, December 29, as well as from 2:30 to 3:50 p.m. on Saturday, December 30.

12/21/2023

12/21/2023

City Council Calls On Tenet to Allow Union Hospital Vote, Appear in Framingham

Read more on our website here: https://www.theframe.news/article/city-council-calls-on-tenet-to-allow-union-hospital-vote-appear-in-framingham

12/20/2023

MWRTA RELEASES DETAILS ON CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR’S CLOSURES

The MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) is reminding residents that services will be limited on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Fixed route, shuttle, and Catch Connect services will not be offered on those two holidays, while Demand Response trips will also be limited.

Regular services from the MWRTA will resume on December 26 and January 2 following the respective holidays.

12/20/2023

Framingham Charter Commission Explores Potential Changes to City Council, School Committee

READ MORE ON OUR WEBSITE: https://www.theframe.news/article/charter-commission-explores-potential-changes-to-city-council-school-committee

12/19/2023

FRAMINGHAM RECEIVES STATE MONEY FOR TRANSPORTATION

Framingham will benefit from roughly $803,000 in state funding for improvements to transportation infrastructure.

(Photo credit John Phelan)

With the money, Framingham will be able to preserve local roads and bridges, improve regional transit options, expand multi-use paths across the city, and more.

Governor Maura Healey made money available to all of the cities and towns in Massachusetts through the Fair Share Amendment, the mandate approved by voters last year that added a 4% surtax to incomes over $1 million a year. $100 million in total was released across the state.

12/18/2023

City of Framingham Mayor & First Lady issue statement on the menorah knocked over on the Framingham Centre Common over the weekend.

"We are saddened that the menorah was knocked over on Saturday evening. The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah on the Framingham Center Common has been a long standing tradition in our community and this is the first instance in my memory that it has ever been targeted. We won't know if it was an act of vandalism or the result of a hate crime until the police conclude their investigation. We urge everyone to respect the sanctity of all religious symbols and hope that during this holiday season we make an extra effort to appreciate everyone's religious beliefs."

12/18/2023

Framingham has officially been invited to partake in the Massachusetts School Building Authority, bringing the city one step closer towards funding a school building project on the south side.

More details can be found on our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/framingham-approved-to-join-states-school-building-authority

12/18/2023

Holiday Service Announcement - on Christmas & New Years Day, December 25 & January 1, there will be NO Fixed Route, Shuttle, or Catch Connect service, and limited Demand Response.

All regular service will resume December 26 and January 2 - happy holidays!!😄❄️

12/15/2023

BREAKING: CFO and Director of Administration and Finance for Framingham Louise Miller has resigned.

Mayor Charlie Sisitsky confirmed today that Miller's resignation will be effective on December 31.

For more details, visit our website: https://www.theframe.news/article/louise-miller-framingham-cfo-resigns

12/15/2023

STATE PROVIDES $123K FOR FRAMINGHAM POLICE, FIRE STAFFING

The Framingham Police Department and Framingham Fire Department are set to benefit from just over $123,000 of state funding for staffing matters.

The money was made available by Governor Maura Healey, as 10 communities across Massachusetts received close to $4.8 million combined through the Massachusetts Municipal Public Safety Staffing Program.

With the funding, the local police and fire departments gain assistance in maintaining proper first responder staffing.

“Through this investment, cities are able to maintain vital public safety services and provide mutual aid to neighboring towns,” Healey said in a statement.

Both the Framingham Police Department and Framingham Fire Department were granted $61,887 by the state.

12/15/2023

UPDATE: We will meet at 11:45AM at Sichuan Gourmet if you would like to volunteer to deliver Christmas meals!

This year the Framingham Police Association will partner with Sichuan Gourmet to again deliver Christmas Meals. To place an order call 1-800-937-5708. Telephone lines open 12-8-23 until 4pm on 12-19-23, and are open 24 hours a day.

Any questions please contact Officer Andrew Lewis at [email protected]

***If you would like to volunteer to help deliver meals please meet at Sichuan Gourmet, 271 Worcester Rd in Framingham at 11:45AM on Christmas morning. Thank you in advance for your help!

12/14/2023

FRAMINGHAM PARKING METERS TO BE FREE ON SATURDAYS FOR REST OF DECEMBER

Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky has mandated that parking meters across the city will be free of charge on Saturdays for the remainder of December.

The decision comes amid the holiday season, as Sisitsky cited support for local commerce and economic development as reasonings behind the waiver of metered parking fees.

“The goal of free parking meters is to make it easier for the public to visit and shop at the numerous small businesses in downtown Framingham,” Sisitsky said in a statement.

12/13/2023

FRAMINGHAM CONSERVATION COMMISSION IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS

City officials are seeking multiple volunteers to join the Framingham Conservation Commission.

The group aims to manage the city’s open space as well as ensure that local areas are compliant with local, state, and federal laws.

Members of the seven-member commission also help educate the public on conservation matters while managing conservation land in Framingham. They are responsible for over 400 acres, including the Carol Getchell Trail and the Cochituate Brook Reservation.

The Framingham Conservation Commission meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. The deadline to apply for a spot is Saturday, December 30. To learn more, click here: https://www.framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/Office-of-the-Mayor-12/Boards-Committees-Commission-Officers-Ap-46