Latest Posts

Promotional graphic for Valentine's Day event at The Mill Contemporary Art 6 to 9 pm Friday.

Valentine’s Day at ProjectB Gallery and The Mill Contemporary Art

Events
Saxonville
There will be a special show as well as open studios this month from 6 to 8 pm
Feb 13, 2025
ProjectB Gallery

Screenshot of app titled 'Experiment: Ask questions about Framingham government meetings using generative AI' with tabs for Query the Minutes, Settings, FAQ, and All Available Minutes

Local government + generative AI

Government & Politics
Tech
I’m working on an experimental project to create a ChatGPT-like interface that answers questions about Framingham government meeting minutes
Feb 12, 2025
Sharon Machlis

Screenshot of Mayor Sisitsky speaking from the live Government Channel Broadcast

State of the City 2025

Government & Politics
Mayor
Mayor Sisitsky called the state of the city ‘strong’ tonight in his annual address tonight at Nevins Hall. I worked with Claude.ai to do a quick writeup.
Jan 27, 2025
Claude.ai and Sharon Machlis

Repair Cafe: Toss it? No way! The fix is free at the Repair Cafe

Framingham Repair Cafe on Sunday, Feb. 9

Events
Free repairs from 2 to 5 pm at Scott Hall, 24 Vernon St.
Jan 14, 2025

Close-up of a traffic light. Image created by Adobe Photoshop generative AI.

Edgell Road/Central St Traffic Light May Switch On Friday

Traffic
Weather permitting, the target activation date is now Friday, Jan. 17
Jan 12, 2025
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Lifelong Learning Lecture

Lecture: AI is My Partner in Creativity

Events
Part of the Lifelong Learning series, January 9, 7 pm on Zoom
Jan 9, 2025
Sharon Machlis

District 2 Conversation Re; MBTA Communities Act with Councilor Brandon Ward

District 2 MBTA Communities Act Meeting Jan 7

Brandon Ward
MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
Saxonville
The meeting starts at 6:30 pm and is co-hosted by Friends of Saxonville and District 2 City Councilor Brandon Ward. Mayor Sisitsky is also having a District 1 meeting on Dec. 30
Dec 29, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Close-up of a fire pit

Kick off New Year’s Eve on the Cochituate Rail Trail

Events
Holidays
Trails
The second annual celebration runs from 4:30 to 7:30 pm in Framingham and features fire pits, treats, and more. Natick will also have activities along its portion of the trail.
Dec 23, 2024

Sketch-type image of Santa skating in an indoor rink with holiday lights around. Image created by Google Labs FX generative AI.

Skate with Santa Tuesday; Menorah Lighting Wednesday

Events
Holidays
Holiday events this week in Framingham
Dec 22, 2024

Photo of tree trunks in snow

Local Winter Solstice Events Saturday

Events
Holidays
McAuliffe Library
Open Spirit and McAuliffe Library have events planned
Dec 19, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Colorful geometric patterns

Open Studios and Holiday Bazaar 12/13 and 12/14

Events
Holidays
Saxonville
The event at Saxonville Mills is Fri 6 to 9 pm and Sat 11 to 4.
Dec 12, 2024
Project B

Sign with details about the Framingham High School Holiday Marketplace

Holiday Marketplace Sat. Dec. 7 at Framingham High School

Events
Holidays
Plus: Sudbury Holiday Village, and WinterFest 12/8 at First Parish Church
Dec 1, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Screen shot of the first part of the document proposing the development

J&Co Unveils Nobscot Plan for Townhouses, Apartments & Condos

MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
The proposal also includes senior living and a pledge for neighborhood meetings before any submissions to the Framingham Planning Board.
Nov 25, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Table showing impact in north Framingham of various plans to comply with the MBTA Communities Law

MBTA Communities Law Zoning on City Council Agenda Monday

City Council
Government & Politics
MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
Saxonville
Traffic
Along with a continued public hearing, the Council may vote on new parcels and plans.
Nov 24, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Framingham Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Gratitude Together Sunday, November 24, 2024 5:00 pm Edwards Church, UCC 39 Edwards Street Framingham, MA 01701

Framingham Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Sunday in Saxonville

Events
Holidays
Saxonville
This annual event will be hosted at Edwards Church for 2024 and feature readings from multiple religious traditions
Nov 21, 2024

Images of 2 sculptures plus info about the opening reception

‘Longer Nights’ Opening Reception at Project B Gallery Friday

Events
Saxonville
The reception for an exhibit of sculptures by Pam Bonaguide and Molly Dee is Nov. 8 from 6 to 9 pm
Nov 7, 2024
Sharon Machlis

Image shows various districts and how much multi-family zoning would be allowed

City Council’s 2nd MBTA Communities Law Hearing this Monday Nov. 4

City Council
Government & Politics
MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
Saxonville
Traffic
The Council also expects a discussion and vote on the contentious issue in the wake of the Planning Board unexpectedly adding Nobscot and Saxonville parcels to its plan.
Nov 2, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Photo of 'I voted' stickers, by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Early Voting Underway

Elections
Government & Politics
In-person early voting taking place at McAuliffe Library and the Memorial Building
Oct 24, 2024
Sharon Machlis

A yard sign advertising 'A Nightmare Off Elm Street' backyard walk-through haunted attraction, featuring dates: Friday-Saturday October 25-26 and Thursday-Saturday October 31-November 2, open 6-9 PM

Halloween: Nightmare Off Elm Street

Events
Holidays
A neighborhood backyard walk-through opens this Friday, Oct. 25. Plus: Halloween activities at McAuliffe Library include a free outdoor movie.
Oct 22, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Several pumpkins

Halloween-themed events this weekend

Events
Holidays
Upcoming seasonal events in and near the neighborhood
Oct 17, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Map of Framingham showing few areas with density of 30 housing units per acre or higher

What 30 units of housing per acre means

Government & Politics
MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
Traffic
The Framingham Planning Board’s initial proposal for MBTA Communities law compliance would zone an area of Nobscot for the equivalent of five Buckley apartments or six Hamilton Villages - at a higher density than most of Framingham.
Oct 17, 2024
Sharon Machlis

Map of Framingham showing few areas with density of 30 housing units per acre or higher

What 30 units of housing per acre means

Government & Politics
MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
Traffic
The Framingham Planning Board’s initial proposal for MBTA Communities law compliance would zone an area of Nobscot for the equivalent of five Buckley apartments or six Hamilton Villages - at a higher density than most of Framingham.
Oct 17, 2024
Sharon Machlis

Map of Nobscot parcel

City Proposes Zoning to Add 1,104 Housing Units in Nobscot, 162 in Saxonville

City Council
Government & Politics
MBTA Communities Law
Nobscot
Planning & Development
Saxonville
Traffic
A Planning Board proposal on how Framingham can comply with the state’s MBTA Communities Law faces widespread opposition. There’s a public hearing this Thursday.
Oct 15, 2024
Sharon Machlis Gartenberg

Front of Robinsons Hardware store in the Pinefield shopping center

Robinsons Hardware to Close in Pinefield, Hudson

Business
Saxonville
‘Warm weather, Lowe’s, and the economy’ did the company in, a spokesperson said
Oct 15, 2024
Sharon Machlis

Photo of Plymouth Church. Credit: Plymouth Church website

Plymouth Church Fall Fair Sept. 28

Events
The fair runs from 10 am to 2 pm and features a White Elephant sale, jewelry shop, Cookie Walk, handmade crafts, and more.
Sep 27, 2024
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