Commonwealth Care Enrollment Opens Today

MASSACHUSETTS - Starting today, (October 2, 2006), low income and otherwise uninsured Massachusetts residents who formerly used uncompensated care are now eligible to apply to the state's new low cost health care insurance program called "Commonwealth Care".

The program, available to residents who's income is below 100 percent of the federal poverty level ($9,800 for an individual) will provide participants with; inpatient hospital and outpatient services, prescription drugs, mental health, substance abuse, vision and dental services, including preventive and restorative procedures.

Enrollees may receive Commonwealth Care with no premiums or deductibles, but will pay ("very modest") co-payments.

Applicants will be notified by the end of January (2007) if they have been approved for coverage, and will then have 14 days to select from plans offered by; Boston Medical Center HealthNet Plan, Fallon Community Health Plan, Neighborhood Health Plan or Network Health.

Beginning January 1, 2007, a premium assistance program will open enrollment for residents with incomes above $9,800 and below $29,400.

Individuals who believe they are eligible can call a Commonwealth Care customer service representative toll-free Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765), (or by TTY at 1-877-623-7773).

Applications are also available through hospitals and community health centers where staff has been trained to help people file applications online.

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Related Link: <http://www.mass.gov/>

MA State Rep. Debby Blumer, dies of apparent heart attack while driving, Friday, October 13, 2006.

FRAMINGHAM, MA - On Friday, October 13th, fresh from one meeting and on her way to the next, State Rep. Debby Blumer apparently suffered a heart attack while at the wheel of her car, which rolled into a guard rail on Dudley Road.

A police officer working a detail nearby ran to the car and administered CPR. A second officer left a nearby funeral procession and used a defibrillator but was unable to revive her. Blumer had had a mild heart attack some years ago and was taking medication and regular stress tests, and was under a doctor's care.

On Monday, October 16 at 10:30 a.m. family and friends will gather for services at Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St., Framingham. The Blumer family home will have a memorial observance from Monday after the burial through Wednesday from noon to 9 p.m.

Massachusetts State Representative Debby Blumer Donations in Blumer's memory can be made to the Angel Fund at 649 Main St., Wakefield, MA 01880; Danforth Museum of Art at 123 Union Ave., Framingham, MA, 01702-8291; or the American Heart Association, 20 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.

Blumer was elected as one of Framingham's two state representatives in 2000 and was running unopposed for re-election this year. According to Secretary of State William Galvini's office, it is too late to put a replacement name on the ballot and Blumer's seat could be won by anyone eligible and willing to serve who gets the most votes on election day through a write-in campaign.

Blumer was a full-time representative, always available to help her constituents. She was an active, valuable participant in several Framingham organizations and committees and a familiar face at area events. She leaves a big hole in the community and legislature and will be missed for her smiling, positive presence as well as her contributions.

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Reminder Message from Town Manager

FRAMINGHAM, MA -- This is the fourth year of formal winter parking regulations in Framingham. There are two tiers to this program: one is a standing parking prohibition and the other comes into play only when a snow emergency is declared and announced through the media.

The permanent part of the program bans parking for 24 hours a day on the even numbered side of all streets from November 1, 2006 to April 1, 2007. The side of the street prohibited alternates each year to make the program equitable. Parking meter spaces are exempt, as are streets where parking is permanently prohibited on one side of the street for the entire length of the street.

The purpose of these restrictions is to keep all streets passable for the entire winter. It is the responsibility of the building owner to provide off street parking for their own cars and those of their tenants.

The second portion of the ban prohibits all parking on posted arterial routes during a snow emergency. Vehicles parked on these posted routes will be towed during a declared snow emergency. The Boston television stations will provide information regarding the declaration of snow emergencies, as will the Town’s Government Access Channel (Comcast channel 10, RCN channel 13), which is also available via streaming video on our website at www.framinghamma.gov.

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FRAMINGHAM,MA - The Framingham Board of Selectmen has extended the public comment period on the final draft of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan and Recommendations, as prepared by consultant David Lieb of Liebstudios.

The public may inspect copies of this plan during normal business hours at the following locations: 1) The Selectmen's Office in the Memorial Building (150 Concord Street), 2) The main branch of the library (49 Lexington Street), and 3) The McAuliffe branch of the library (10 Nicholas Road).

The recommendations are also available on the town's website at www.framinghamma.gov. The recommendations are also available on audio cassette.

Please contact Ron Rego, ADA Coordinator, at 508-532-5518 for more information on how to access these audio cassettes. Members of the public should submit their input to the Selectmen's Office no later than Friday, October 27, 2006 at 5 PM. These comments and suggestions should be addressed to: Board of Selectmen, 150 Concord Street, Framingham, MA 01702 or via email to: selectmen@framinghamma.gov.

The Disability Commission will also hold a public hearing on the transition plan and recommendations on Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 7:00 PM in the Public Hearing Room. A full copy of the plan and recommendations with attachments is available for viewing in the Selectmen's Office.

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Framingham, MA – New England Wild Flower Society’s ROCK ON! sculpture exhibition goes out in a blaze of fall foliage on a FREE FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL day 12-4 on Sunday, October 15th.

On view since July 15th, this compelling sculpture exhibition at Garden in the Woods was attended by tens of thousands of visitors. Enjoy 37 sculptural and environmental works by New England artists surrounded by 1,500 wildflower species in their fall glory on 45 acres of garden trails at the living museum, New England Wild Flower Society’s Garden in the Woods, 180 Hemenway Road, Framingham, Massachusetts, on view 9-5.

Final Day will be a Festival on Oct. 15th.

Guided tours are included with admission daily at 10 except on Sundays when they are at 2 p.m., no reservations required. Blooming plants include the late gentians, bugbane, obedient plant, goldenrods, asters, snakeroot, and remarkable native plant foliage in every color. Adult admission $7.

Don’t miss the last opportunity to see the sculptures at Garden in the Woods. Many pieces are still available for purchase.

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FRAMINGHAM, MA - Framingham will celebrate Town Meeting Day on Sunday, October 22nd through the efforts of Town Moderator Joel Winett, who spearheaded the idea.

Massachusetts General Law Chapter 6: Section 15PP. Town Meeting Day states:

"The governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting a Town Meeting Day in commemoration of the holding of the first town meeting, recommending that said day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people."

Framingham Town Meeting Members, elected officials, and all town residents are invited to an event in appreciation of Town Meeting Members' public service.

Town Meeting Day will be observed on Sunday, October 22, 2006 in the Costin room of the main library at 3:00 pm.

This event is co-sponsored by the Library Trustees, who will provide some light refreshments.

Fred Wallace, of the Framingham Historical Society and Museum will present a brief talk on the history of Framingham and Town Meeting.

Afterwards, Town Meeting Members can socialize with other Town Meeting Members, elected officials, and residents.