May is mental health awareness month. The United Way of Tri-County- which provides critical mental health services like Call 2 Talk- a 24 hour, 365 days a week crisis line- recently hosted a Hope Blooms event at their community garden downtown. Hope Blooms brought together mental health organizations and services from all over the community to inform and support residents- including a little help from our four legged friends! The Pets and People Foundation- a nonprofit which specializes in animal therapy- was there to melt away anxiety and other stressors with lots of love and cuddles! The Frame’s Mackenzie Wright spoke to Pet’s and People’s Event Coordinator Serena Keating, to learn more about how pets can help us navigate our mental health. Pets and People has about 100 teams, but they are in desperate need for more to accommodate the many event requests they receive daily. If you’re interested in getting involved you can visit their website at petsandpeoplefoundation.org
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This week on The Frame: Framingham voters reelect Charlie Sisitsky as mayor, local food providers and nonprofits deal with increased demand amid SNAP uncertainty, and a preview of the second annual Access Film Festival.
Local school leaders are progressing through a feasibility study to develop a plan for a new elementary school along Bethany Road, which would replace Hemenway Elementary. The company brought on board for the process estimates that construction could begin in September 2028.
About 23% of registered Framingham voters cast a ballot in 2025. Charlie Sisitsky defeated Geoff Epstein to win another term as mayor, while John Stefanini and Mary Kate Feeney won in their respective City Council races. Brandon Ward and Michael Cannon were reelected to the local legislative board, while Lorena Tovar and Brent Lewis were victorious in their School Committee bids. Changes to the city's Home Rule Charter received overwhelming support as well.
