FORMER HONOREES
Kathy Hauck (2019)
Whether on the athletic fields of Framingham or in the halls of the schools that her four children attended, Kathy Hauck has been a champion for Framingham’s youth for many years.
In 2002 when district budget cuts threatened to reduce the number and scope of extracurricular activities at Framingham High School, Kathy was among a dedicated group of parents who came together to form the Framingham High School Foundation, whose mission is to be able to financially supplement athletics, arts and activities for all students at FHS.
Kathy served as president of FHSF until 2014. Under her leadership, FHSF worked with parents, alumni, district administrators and local corporations/business on several corporate and alumni funded initiatives. However, the most enduring example of Kathy’s dedication to serving the city’s youth is the Salute to Framingham, which moved under the umbrella of FHSF in 2003. Under Kathy’s stewardship, the Salute grew to an event that annually draws more than 500 attendees. The funds raised through the years for FHSF under Kathy’s leadership have supported activities for thousands of FHS students with a varied range of interests and strengths from athletics to the arts, from poetry to robotics and everything in between.
Additionally, although her children are grown and out of the Framingham schools, Kathy continues to give of her time whether called upon as a committee member for the FHS Athletics Hall of Fame dinner or as a parent member of the selection committee for a new FHS football coach.
Kathy also currently serves as a commissioner on the board of the Framingham Parks and Rec. department where she lends her guidance to such topics as, skate parks and fields throughout the city.
David and Cathy Miles (2019)
For many years, David and Cathy Miles have demonstrated their commitment both individually, and together, as advocates for Framingham’s young people.
As the current co-chair of the Framingham School Building Committee, David has been instrumental in the development of, and planning for, the construction of a new Fuller Middle School. He served for 12 years on the Framingham School Committee, including being named as Chair several times, where he tackled challenging issues facing our district and students. He served as a Town Meeting member for 6 years where he chaired the standing committee on education. He was appointed to the town finance committee. David has coached hundreds of Framingham kids in a number of sports. Whether they played YMCA soccer or basketball, Framingham Little League, Framingham United Soccer, youth skating at Loring Arena or TBA basketball, David could be found on the sidelines providing reassurance and using humor as motivation.
Cathy can be found giving her time wherever help is needed. Turning personal experience into a positive force for good, Cathy recently co-founded Framingham FORCE (Fostering Opioid Recovery, Compassion & Education), an organization which serves to raise awareness of and de-stigmatize opioid misuse. As an advocate for the underserved, Cathy served as a steering committee member for the Framingham Services Coalition aiding those affected by homelessness.
Cathy was also on Hoops and Homework Board of Directors and currently serves on the Committee to Break the Silence for Voices Against Violence. She was an integral part of the annual Framingham Education Foundation’s adult spelling bee which raised monies for curriculum based initiative in the Framingham schools. She was an active member of PTO’s at all levels when her two children were going through the Framingham Public Schools. She served on the FHS 20th Merger Committee, working tirelessly to help gather information to celebrate the merger of Framingham North and South high schools.
Cathy volunteered countless hours as the parent volunteer coordinator for the Framingham Recreational Swim Team. Cathy has served as the volunteer coordinator for Metro Fest for the past 4 years, recruiting David as one of her star volunteers.
Additionally, David and Cathy are selfless volunteers for many other causes including the Boston Marathon. Cathy (class of 2012) and David (class of 2011) are proud graduates of Leadership MetroWest which has fueled their volunteer spirit. Their individual and combined contributions have touched the lives of thousands of Framingham’s young people.
Michael Bower (2018)
Michael J. (Mike) Bower has been quietly supporting the youth of Framingham for more than 12 years. Mike moved to Framingham in 1992. In 2006 he became a Town Meeting member and quickly became Chair for the Standing Committee on Education. Shortly thereafter, he was elected to the Framingham School Committee where he served 5 years, one as Chair and two as Clerk, before his election to the Board of Selectmen in 2013. Prior to moving to Framingham, Mike served for 9 years on the Randolph School Committee from 1982 to 1991. Mike's frequent elections and re-elections were due to his experience, collaborative style, thoughtful approach, consensus building and open mindedness. Mike's community service for the benefit of students on both school committees is of particular note, as he has no children. Many witnessed firsthand his effort and dedication to ensure the best possible job was done for the benefit of our district's students. Mike retired from his selectman seat in 2016 to focus on working with the Greater Framingham Running Club on behalf of residents of all ages. Mike volunteers weekly during the summer at the GFRC kids' summer track program.
While serving as selectman in 2013, Mike was instrumental in establishing "Team Framingham", which each year gives 22 FPS employees and Framingham residents the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon and raise funds for local charities. An avid runner himself, he helped shape the vision of Team Framingham and has lent his leadership and support in creating and updating the guiding principles for Team Framingham over the last four years. He has worked tirelessly to establish and develop the fundraising arm of Team Framingham, which since its inception in 2013 has raised close to $270,000 for local charities. A generous portion of this fundraising has gone to charities that benefit hundreds of Framingham youth, including FHS Resiliency for Life, Framingham High School Foundation, Hoops and Homework, The Boys and Girls Club, and the Framingham Youth Initiative (FYI) for the Arts. In addition, Mike has personally raised more than $30,000 since 2010 for the Boys and Girls Club and the Ron Burton Training Village, two great charities benefiting young people, as a charity runner for the Boston Marathon through his employer John Hancock.
No matter what level of his involvement in a project or team, Mike's role is never a self-serving one. Those who work closely with him say, "It's never about Mike. It is clear that he is thinking about you, or the person next to you, or the greater community. He is always making sure that whoever he is trying to help feels supported. Mike has searched and developed ways to bring hope and equality to those who need it." In November 2016, Mike was presented a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. MASC President Jake Oliveira upon presenting Mike with the award noted that it was "In recognition of (his) many years of service as a strong advocate for children and (his) unselfish contributions to the community of Framingham".
Ron Vallely (2018)
Ron Vallely has been involved in Framingham youth athletic programs for more than 20 years. He is described as a generous, dynamic, innovative & creative man who is also a great team leader, team player, mentor, coach and friend. As with many parents, he started coaching when his children were participants, but Ron continued coaching long after his children aged out of the programs. Through the years, he has taken on the roles of softball coach, baseball coach, and TBA basketball coach.
For the last 16 years, Ron has been predominantly involved with the Framingham Youth Football and Cheer (FYFC) program, taking on almost every job role possible -- including master hotdog wrapper and making chili for home games. His contributions to FYFC started with announcing games from the back of a pickup truck with a microphone and small radio. Ron worked for years within the program, always coming up with unique and innovative ways for the program to expand, succeed and be financially sound. He was always looking for activities to give back to others within our community, teaching the youth of the program the importance of respect for themselves and others, and always encouraging the kids to do their best on and off the field. To ensure that the kids had positive examples to look up to, Ron started the "Heroes Among Us" Award, designed to recognize local citizens that have made a difference in the community.
Ron has also been a great source of influence for many parents, coaches and other town programs. Over the last 7 years, Ron has held the role of President for Framingham Youth Football and Cheer, President of the Bay State Youth Football and Cheer Conference and is currently the Executive Director of the Conference. He works tirelessly to ensure safe and competitive environments, outstanding commitment and service for the youth of each of these individual town programs. His efforts and contributions go above and beyond teaching the fundamentals of football and cheer. With more than 12 communities currently in the Bay State Conference, with more than 300 youth in each community, it is safe to say that Ron's influence and dedication which began with the youth of Framingham has now spread far beyond our cities' boundaries.
Chuck Greenslit (2017)
Chuck Greenslit has been a dedicated soccer and basketball coach in the Framingham youth leagues for over 29 years. As a soccer coach for the Framingham United Soccer Club (FUSC), Chuck has been involved in more than 75 seasons and coached hundreds of youth at all ages and talents. Chuck has been instrumental in the growth of FUSC, embracing the diversity of kids from all sections of Framingham and encouraging them to come together on the soccer field.
Chuck has shown an ability to connect with kids on the basics of soccer and his passion for the game gets passed to his players. Other soccer coaches also benefit from Chuck’s extensive coaching knowledge, learning tips and techniques in the art of coaching. His teams have been very successful, including many championships at soccer tournaments throughout New England.
As a basketball coach, Chuck has been leading teams at the MetroWest YMCA for the past 28 seasons. There are many kids in town who have learned the correct way to shoot, dribble and pass from Coach Chuck. He brings the same passion he has for soccer to the game of basketball. Chuck started the girls’ basketball travel program at the YMCA and this program still thrives today.
Chuck has mentored and coached many kids who have gone on to play soccer or basketball at the high school level. Many of these kids still keep in contact with Chuck, a true testament to a great coach. When Chuck is not coaching, he keeps himself busy as the treasurer of his church and is a regular volunteer at Leonard Morse Hospital, working with patients who have recently gone through knee and hip replacements. In addition, he has been a soccer referee for many years and he still competes regularly in various men’s leagues for tennis, soccer and basketball.
Bennie Ottaviani (2017)
Many people know Bennie Ottaviani from his 18 years as the School Resource Officer at Framingham High School. What they may not know is how his commitment to the youth of Framingham started long before and continues into his retirement. Bennie began helping the community in 1979 as a member of the Framingham Police Department. He served for a number of years as a coach for CYO basketball, eventually becoming a co-director of the program. He was a coach in the Temple Beth Am basketball league, coaching hundreds of kids. He was also a coach as well as a member of the Board of Directors for Framingham Little/Big League and also coached for the Framingham United Soccer League.
He has spent many years volunteering for the Police Athletic League (PAL) and has delivered dinners to the elderly on Christmas morning with his sons and other members of the Framingham Police Association. As an FHS parent, Bennie helped run the FHS Boosters, served as a co-president, and was instrumental in making the Booster Room a success that continues today, even continuing to do the shopping and stocking long after his sons had graduated.
In 1997, Bennie was named FHS School Resource Officer. Among many students and families, Bennie came to be known as a friend and mentor. Bennie built relationships with kids who needed advice and guidance making good choices. Students were drawn to him because he was always honest and genuine in his desire to support them and treat them as young adults. For all he done, each year, FHS awards a scholarship in his name which is given to a deserving graduating senior.
In his retirement, Bennie has only broadened his volunteer role. He is the Assistant Coach for the FHS Golf team, and on Thanksgiving morning, he can still be found preparing a Thanksgiving breakfast for the FHS football team, cheerleaders and band, a long time tradition. He is also a valued member of the Framingham Elks (named Elk of the Year twice) organizing community service projects with many of the FHS teams and plans fundraising dinners which benefit a variety of FHS teams. In addition, he serves on the Board of Directors for both the Marlborough Country Club and the MetroWest Community Federal Credit Union.
Maria Rosado (2017)
Maria Rosado has worked for community youth programs for more than 20 years. Before taking on her current role as Resident Services Manager at the Pelham Apartments in Framingham, Maria worked for Girls, Inc., the Camp Fire Boys and Girls as well as the Girl Scout Council. As Resident Services Manager, Maria has been the driving force behind strengthening and nurturing partnerships to bring opportunities to the apartments’ youth including the Delta GEMS of the Middlesex Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, which focuses on leadership development, academic excellence, and college and career planning, while also placing emphasis on community involvement. Delta GEMS provides a framework for girls to excel academically and enter into college.
On behalf of the residents, Maria has also been instrumental in developing key relationships with Framingham State University, Daniel’s Table and Boys and Girls Scout troops. She successfully applied for, and received, grants to bring flower and vegetable gardens to foster community and reduce fresh food challenges for the residents; she has provided academic supports through the HOPE program and she has provided mentoring and social support & programs to the youth and residents. Her generous spirit attracts everyone who meets her and her straight-forward open attitude makes her an incredible role model for the children and teens of the Pelham complex.
Maria goes well above and beyond for the children, teens and other residents at Pelham Apartments. For the teens at Pelham Apartments, Maria has provided guidance and advice when it comes to issues like positive self-esteem, good decision-making, teen pregnancy, healthy relationships and drugs. When that critical need is lacking at Pelham, Maria Rosado is the one the teens seek out for guidance.
Maria works in a very high needs environment which has many economic, social, academic and health challenges for the residents she serves. She always has an upbeat attitude, sees possibilities where others don’t, and provides sound guidance and advice to children, teens and their parents. Maria is often their advocate, the sole champion for a child or teen who desperately needs one. She works in what should be a high burnout position with perpetual enthusiasm and is always looking for better ways to serve the children and residents of Pelham.
Alicia & David Blais (2016)
When Alicia & David Blais opened the Foodie Café in Framingham, their initial goal was to help bring a sense of community with affordable “home-cooked” food. Through the people they met, however, they quickly became interested in the daunting task of ending hunger in the largest town in American. They wanted to determine how to feed Framingham’s needy and under-served, especially the children. Thus the focus of the Foodie Café changed and Daniel’s Table was born.
Initially, they put their profits towards hosting a monthly free dinner for anyone who wanted to come. When they realized those who needed the meals most could not get to the café, they purchased a small food trailer to bring to low-income neighborhoods in Framingham, where they began with serving 200 free hot meals per month. Through their tireless efforts and continued community support, they have been able to provide over 2000 free hot meals per month – making them one of the largest free hot meal providers in Framingham. Their goal is eradicate hunger in Framingham, providing a free hot meal to anyone in need. David tells us, "Hunger is just the first giant we can slay. As individuals and as a community, we have the power to overcome any challenges that stand in the way of making Framingham a great and blessed town." Alicia echoes David’s belief, saying, “Ending hunger is not rocket science. It's difficult but hardly impossible."
Alicia has been involved in nonprofit work most of her adult life. As one of the founders of Daniel’s Table, she brings a unique level of awareness and “motherly love” to their clients. Her commitment to ending hunger in Framingham is unwavering, as is her desire to insure they provide their services with dignity and compassion. For the past 22 years, David has been involved in community awareness programs and social issues. As the “visionary” of Daniel’s Table, he brings his creativity and resolve to solving hunger in Framingham while keeping a watchful eye on future challenges and opportunities.
Kathy Davies O'Leary (2016)
Kathy Davies O’Leary has been an active volunteer in Framingham for over 15 years. She is described by those who work with her as being knowledgeable, insightful and energetic; someone who brings charm and humor to each discussion while remaining focused on the goal at hand. Kathy has volunteered in the schools for over 15 years, even after returning to work. Her volunteer efforts have included being an elementary school math tutor, a kindergarten assistant, a member of the Creative Arts Council and a PTO officer, including Vice-President at Walsh and President at Dunning. At Framingham High School, Kathy has volunteered in the Booster Room, for the Drama Company and was an inaugural member of the Flyer Marching Band Parent Pit Crew.
For the last decade, Kathy’s focus has been philanthropic work that benefits the whole community. Kathy has been the president of the Framingham Education Foundation (FEF) for nine years. FEF provides grant funding to Framingham Public School teachers and staff, pre-school through high school, who are developing dynamic and relevant approaches to delivering curriculum. In her role as president, Kathy takes an active part in the grants program, the annual Town-Wide Spelling Bee, the Smith Poetry Contest and the Robotics Expo. This position is directly tied to the needs of the student and teachers in the Framingham Public Schools and she has devoted countless hours towards this endeavor. Many teachers and hundreds of students have benefitted from her efforts to provide resources for enriching educational opportunities across the district.
Kathy is a 2010 graduate of the MetroWest Leadership Academy and is also on the board of directors of three other community organizations: Impact Framingham, Framingham Community Theater and the Framingham Public Access Corporation, operator of Access Framingham TV and the Framingham Education Channel. All three organizations provide resources and opportunities to strengthen the Framingham community and none would exist without the significant contributions of volunteers.
What makes Kathy unique in any volunteer work she undertakes is her inclusive manner -- always making sure that anyone new is made to feel a part of the group and ensuring everyone is involved in some way. Kathy is always the “go to” person for any organization in Framingham looking to support youth in the community. She is always willing to help and is a wonderful role model for giving back to organizations that support the youth of Framingham. Kathy believes in strong and vibrant schools and a strong and vibrant town, and that you cannot have one without the other.
Lee Mencoboni (2015)
Lee Mencoboni, a lifelong Framingham resident and owner of La Cantina Italiana Restaurant, has been helping the youth of Framingham by addressing the problem of childhood hunger. In Framingham, there are many families who fall outside the free and reduced lunch program limits, yet still face financial difficulties. Working with school administrators, Lee established the La Cantina Italiana Restaurant Scholarship which provides financial aid in the form of reimbursements to the Framingham School Food Services Department to cover the cost of elementary school lunches for deserving families. Now in its fourth year, Lee has helped countless families be able to provide school meals for their elementary youth through the La Cantina Italiana Restaurant Scholarship.
Because FPS Food Services will never deny a child a meal, there is often a significant budget deficit created by unpaid student meals. Recognizing that the needs of many families were not being met, in 2012, Lee met with school administrators to brainstorm ideas on how to provide meals for these families, while helping reduce the deficit. Out of this brainstorming came the 50/50 Program, whichwas designed for families who could contribute something toward their breakfast or lunch, but afford the entire full meal. The 50/50 Program, funded by Lee, matches dollar for dollar whatever the student can pay for breakfast or lunch, thus giving the students of Framingham access to school meals, and reducing the deficit for the Food Services department.
Bob Merusi (2015)
Bob Merusi is the former Director of the Framingham Parks and Recreation Department. Bob’s vision, passion, and perseverance have vastly improved the quality of life for the youth of Framingham. Bob always felt that his job was to provide the people of Framingham with the highest quality of parks and recreational activities that the department was capable of providing. Born and raised in Framingham, Bob spent his entire career working to deliver that to every resident of Framingham. Major accomplishments include transforming a former State Hospital to the Town’s “central park” known to all as Cushing Memorial Park and renovating the old Bowditch Football Stadium to a state of the art Athletic and Cultural Complex.
Bob not only focused on park management but also the acquisition and construction of a new Senior Center, acquisition of the land from the state for the development of Victory Field, as well as many renovations to Loring Skating Arena. Bob has been a member of numerous town committees, both appointed or as an elected official, including Town Meeting Member, school committee member for the public school district and the local vocational school, and a member of the Framingham Housing Authority Board. Bob’s accomplishments have been achieved by developing public confidence and building relationships within the community.
Dennis Giombetti (2014)
Dennis Giombetti is currently the Chairman of Board of Selectman for Framingham. A Framingham native, Dennis has been a long time supporter of programs and initiatives tailored to Framingham Youth. Dennis helped establish a partnership with the Boys and Girls Club, helped drive funding for important youth programs through Parks and Recreation, was on the Bowditch Field Grand Opening Committee, served on the FHS Resiliency for Life board, the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Task Force, and on various community educational boards. Most recently, Dennis spearheaded the drive to create a Children's Grove at Cushing Memorial Park (which will become a reality in the next year).
Over the years, Dennis has served on State Boards as well as in the Office for Children and Dept of Social Services, working tirelessly to improve youth development. In addition, Dennis has also been actively involved with several MetroWest Regional organizations including the Finance Committee and Community Block Grant Committee, was the Former Chairman of the MetroWest Regional Transportation Authority Advisory Board, the Former Chairman of the 495 MetroWest Partnership, the Former Chairman of the Cable Advisory Committee and was a Community Block Grant Committee member.
Christine Tibor (2014)
Christine Tibor is the Director at Framingham Adult ESL Plus. Christine, a Framingham native and Framingham South graduate, and a former Charlotte Dunning teacher, was the driving force in growing a single adult education class in 1984 to the current Framingham Adult ESL Plus program. Framingham Adult ESL Plus serves over 700 students in 36 classes, including AM and PM ESL, GED and Citizenship preparation classes¸ with a waiting list of over 400 students. Christine believes that Adult ESL is the critical link to help immigrant parents help their children: families benefit when parents become proficient in English, enabling them to participate in their children's education and social lives. The family benefits when children are not required to act as interpreters for their parents, thereby preserving the family structure and parental roles.
Christine exhibits courageous, inclusive leadership. Christine’s compassion and foresight have made Framingham Adult ESL one of the most respected adult education programs in the state. As a leader, she guides her program with a keen intellect and a sharp eye for upcoming change. As an administrator, she cares deeply for her staff, doing all that she can to help in any way possible. As an educator, she is always available: despite having over 700 students, and a staff of teachers and counselors, her door is always open to each and every student who needs to talk. Her ability to steer this program and its students towards success draw on her professional experience, and on lessons learned from her father, Edward Convery, who was also a brilliant leader and compassionate educator here in Framingham.
Sharon Gilbert (2013)
Sharon Gilbert is the owner and founder of Timothy’s Toy Box, a Framingham based non-profit corporation established in 2007 to help local children in need during the holiday season. Sharon, a Framingham native and Framingham North graduate, works tirelessly throughout the year to fundraise, collect donations, and wrap and distribute the toys. Each year since the inception of Timothy’s Toy Box in 2007, requests for help have grown. In 2012, Timothy’s Toy Box provided more than 1600 toys for more than 240 local children, including those in shelters. Sharon’s efforts go beyond that of a typical toy drive: she works closely with the local shelters to gather wish lists for the children to ensure they receive gifts they have requested. Sharon enlists the help of friends, neighbors and local organizations and businesses to make sure that holiday wishes are filled. Timothy’s Toy Box also provides everything families need to wrap the presents themselves (wrapping paper, tape, tags, scissors, batteries etc.) so they can share in the joy, while respecting each family’s anonymity and dignity. They also bring stuffed animals, toys and books to the Pediatric Unit at MetroWest Hospital and the Children’s Hospital Cancer Center. Sharon credits her 9 year old son Timothy for being her faithful partner at Timothy’s Toy Box.
Tony Tolson (2013)
Tony Tolson, a Framingham native, has been active in the Town of Framingham youth sports for the past 10 years. As part of the Framingham Youth Football League, he has served as a coach and as a member on the Board of Directors. In 2011, his team won the State Championship (the first in Framingham history) and went on to compete in the National Championship in Florida. Tony also coaches youth basketball, including CYO Basketball, TBA Basketball and YMCA Basketball. His coaching style is to focus on fundamentals and theory. Tony strongly believes in education first, sports second, and encourages each of his players to pursue a college education. When he is not coaching sports, Tony is involved in fundraising for the homeless, food pantries and shelters, as well as Breast Cancer awareness initiatives.
Mark and Karen Curtis (2012)
Since 1989, Mark and Karen Curtis have been sponsoring a free Thanksgiving Day dinner for those in need. With the help of volunteers, Mark and Karen Curtis have prepared and served traditional Thanksgiving meals to thousands of needy families for more than two decades. Last year, at the “Curtis Family Feed”, nearly 1,700 people had a free, hot Thanksgiving dinner either delivered to their door or served to them at Eagles Hall in Framingham. The annual Curtis Family Thanksgiving dinner brings together more than 400 members of the community including local business owners, Framingham Girl Scouts, students from Fuller Middle School and Framingham High School and members of Framingham Youth Hockey who donate supplies, money or their time to follow the example that Mark and Karen Curtis have set for the last 23 years. As owners/operators of the Eagles All-American Grill, the Curtis’ service to the Framingham community continues year round with service to senior residents of Memorial House and the Callahan Senior Center. Through the years, Mark & Karen Curtis have been also a part of community family events ranging from Concerts on the Common to the groundbreaking at Bowditch Field.
Dave Gudejko (2012)
Dave Gudejko has been involved in the town of Framingham since moving here in 1978. For almost three decades, Dave has been active in Framingham Baseball in many capacities including serving as president of both Little League and Framingham Babe Ruth. He has coached, chaired many fundraising activities and answered the call whenever he was asked. In addition, Dave worked closely with Framingham Parks and Recreation Department as field liaison where he scheduled fields for more than 1,000 players. For many years, Dave volunteered to get up before sunrise on cold Sunday mornings to make sure that the kids got safely onto buses to enjoy the Framingham Parks and Recreation department’s ski and snowboard program. That same attitude and spirit was brought to the Marian Boosters when as past president he helped shape that organization. Additionally, Dave has coached CYO basketball and administered many youth programs through St. Bridget’s CYO including community outreach programs, ski trips and bowling.
Michael Grilli (2011)
A self-described “Framingham-ite,” Michael Grilli moved here from Worcester in 1969, and it didn’t take long before his impact was felt in making the town a better place to live. By the late 1970s, Michael was named to the Permanent Building Committee, where his expertise as a civil engineer was tapped and he helped oversee several major projects, such as the design and construction of the main library located in the downtown area. It wasn’t long before Michael was named Chair of the committee, where he spearheaded numerous improvements – from schools, to police stations, and Loring Arena, among others. Those who nominated him as a Salute honoree point out that, “In addition to volunteering time, Michael often used the donated resources of his own company, Beta Engineering, and would regularly spend out-of-pocket money to keep Framingham’s capital projects moving forward.” Over the last 40-plus years, Michael, who enjoys golfing in his spare time, has come to appreciate all the town has to offer. “I’m definitely vested in the community,” he said. “I’m very impressed with the level of services provided to the community and I believe they continue undiminished.”
Joey Sementelli (2011)
At a young age, Joey Sementelli has already made a huge splash. His work as a swimming coach and mentor has positively affected the lives of many in town. One recent example came when he took over the Framingham recreation summer swim team – the same team in which he was a member for many years – and grew its membership from 80 to more than 200. Asked about his role in that growth, Joey said, “The goal all along, and it’s not just my goal, is to get kids involved because it’s fun and healthy. It’s just a great activity to be part of.” Those who nominated him as a Salute honoree cite his passion for swimming and “unique ability to develop meaningful, positive, and productive relationships with children, parents, volunteers and members of the community.” Joey was a standout swimmer at Framingham High who graduated from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2008. He is now working toward a master’s degree in sports administration from Nichols College, and said he feels fortunate to have grown up in Framingham. “I had a lot of people who were good role models and mentors,” he said. “They taught me about the importance of being involved in the community.” Now he’s passing that on to others.
Richard Chesmore (2010)
Rich Chesmore was in the grocery store one day when a youngster pointed in his direction and said, “Look, there is the ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ man.” It was a snapshot of the decades-long difference that Rich has made through his volunteerism with Wednesday night summer track meets, where he is usually at the starting line as the “Go Man”, saying “Ready, Set, Go!”while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. “You do it for the kids,” Rich says. Running has been a big part of his life for years, as he ran the Boston Marathon for decades and now has an official water spot on the course. A lifelong resident of Framingham, Rich graduated from Framingham South and has retired after a 35-year career with the department of defense. He and his wife Christine have been married for 40 years, and their daughter Richelle came through the Framingham public school system. Rich and Christine are the proud grandparents of Andrew and Kirsten, both whom attend Framingham schools.
George Hulme (2010)
George Hulme graduated from Framingham South in 1973 and his three children, Nathaniel, Colin and Alexandra, all thrived in the town’s school
system. George and his wife Pam naturally have strong feelings about the value of a Framingham education. “I think public education is very
important, and it’s very important to support kids in tough economic times,”he says. A senior vice president of Fitts Insurance, where he’s worked
alongside his cousins for 32 years, George has helped raised significant funds for the Framingham High Foundation through participation in the Chubb Charity Challenge, an annual national golf tournament. He’s also a
champion of the local YMCA, serving on its board of directors and leading the capital campaign for the 2008 renovation and expansion of the Old
Connecticut Path facility. Of being chosen as a Salute to Framingham honoree, George says, “It’s great to be honored, and it’s something I share
with my cousins and the agency.”
Arthur DelPrete (2010)
In his 39-year career as part of the Framingham school system, Arthur DelPrete says he enjoyed every day. He knew he wanted to be a teacher as early as the seventh grade. “I always wanted to be in education. To be able to do it in my hometown was even better,” he says. Yet he was more than a teacher, ultimately working his way up the ladder to become Director of Educational Operations. During his tenure in that director’s role, he oversaw the merger of Framingham South and Framingham North in 1991, which was a monumental task that reorganized the school system. “I see a direct connection to the merger and the Salute to Framingham, one begat the other,” he says. “It’s great to see the unity that has developed.”Arthur and his wife Lorraine, who live in Florida, have six children –Chip, Beth, Paula, Donna, John and David – all of whom are graduates of the Framingham public schools.
Lou Merloni (2009)
Since breaking into Major League Baseball with the Boston Red Sox and becoming an instant fan favorite, and now in his media career, Lou Merloni has often been referred to as “Framingham Lou”. The nickname fits because Lou has always been proud of his Framingham roots, and has been a generous donor to the Framingham High School Foundation. Born at Framingham Union Hospital on April 6, 1971, he has fond memories of growing up on the South side of town, and the close-knit bonds created with family and friends there. Traditions, such as eating Framingham Bakery pizza and spending time at Columbus Hall, became a part of daily life. “One of the biggest things that stands out to me about Framingham is the amount of support I’ve had, which started well before I got to the big leagues,” he said.
Lou first learned how to play baseball on the diamonds of Framingham, where local coaches Henry Brandolini and the late Sully Tusoni had him on their C’s teams, which were a local dynasty. Lou and his wife, Steffanie, are currently in the process of moving to the Boston area. Lou’s stepdaughter, Kayla, is a freshman at Arizona State.
Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd (2009)
Rev. Dr. J Anthony Lloyd vividly remembers his first day in Framingham. It was Palm Sunday, April 12, 1992, and he was now officially the pastor of the Greater Framingham Community Church. “I remember the excitement in the air,” he recalled. At the time, the GFCC had been without a pastor for two years, and was moving from the Nobscot area to the South side on Hartford Street, with police escorts aiding the move.
Since that time, in which the church has moved to a new location on Franklin Street, Rev. Lloyd has become an integral part of the Framingham community – both at the GFCC and through his involvement with other charitable endeavors, such as serving on the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs, working on initiatives for employment and for youth, and fighting homelessness. “I think there is a real sense of identity on people’s part on being from Framingham, and making Framingham what they believe it ought to be,” he said. “There is a healthy spirit of civic engagement. I’ve been impressed by the folks of Framingham to recognize a commitment to give to others.”
Joe Shields, Esq. (2009)
Joe Shields moved to Framingham in 1985 with his wife Peggy, and they’ve been here since. A defense attorney with an office in town who has represented youngsters in court for 20 years, and longtime coach in youth soccer, basketball and baseball, Joe quickly immersed himself into Framingham both professionally and personally.
A native of Long Island, he’s come to appreciate living in Framingham. “It’s amazingly diverse, ethically, socially and economically,”he said. “All the different people in the area really make life interesting. In coaching, I see kids from all different backgrounds; it’s fun to interact with them.” Joe, a longtime sports fan who enjoys barbecuing, also teaches a Confirmation class at St. George’s. Joe’s wife, Peggy, has been a registered nurse at Newton-Wellesley Hospital for 25 years. His son, Dan, graduated from Marian and attends the Rochester Institute of Technology.