Monthly Newsletter
April 30, 2022 | In This Issue
Meet the New Director of Planning and Community Development: Sarkis M. Sarkisian
As of May 2nd, Mr. Sarkis M. Sarkisian, a Natick resident, becomes the new director of Framingham’s Department of Planning and Community Development (P&CD). Mayor Charlie Sisitsky appointed Sarkisian, who was unanimously confirmed by the City Council on April 26th.

Sarkisian has 13 years of experience as Town Planner for the Town of Wayland with 17 years of experience as the Community Development Director for the Town of Natick.
“I have fostered the ability to cultivate great working relationships, which will allow me to begin working very quickly to accomplish Framingham’s goals and objectives,” said Mr. Sarkisian in a press release.

Sarkisian has successfully managed major projects in adjacent communities, including the $160-million Wayland Town Center, the Mass Central Rail Trail, and the Natick Downtown Revitalization Project on East Central Street, which included new buildings for the Departments of Police and Fire, the Morse Institute Library, and Town Hall.
Save the Date for this Year’s MetroFest!
Save the date for a day of fun on June 11th at the MetroFest happening from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Bowditch Field Athletic and Cultural Complex. The festival will have two stages with live entertainment, more than 165 booths with local crafts, games and food, an antique cars exhibition, food trucks and the ever-popular Beer, Wine & Hard Cider Tasting Tent. 

There will also be activities for the kids! They can enjoy of Kid's Town with an expanded Touch-A-Truck, a slot car racing track, curling, rock wall climbing, summer camp games and more!

Admission will be free for this event thanks to the MetroWest Visitors Bureau and sponsors.
If you would like to have a vendor table or become a sponsor, please email bsell@advisorcomm.net
Restaurants to Check Out in Saxonville
Meet Keziah Franca, Framingham’s New Citizen Participation Officer 
Choose Framingham had the opportunity to check in with Keziah Franca, the new Citizen Participation Officer (CPO) of the City of Framingham, to hear more about her new role, and her priorities and hopes for the community. Franca is the second CPO in the city of Framingham and was confirmed by the Framingham City Council in mid-February.

1.    What is the role of the CPO in Framingham?
I like to think of the Citizen Participation Officer as the bridge between the community and the Mayor’s Office. The Citizen Participation Officer works with City departments, boards, and commissions to engage the public using communication and outreach strategies to enhance public engagement.

2.     What drew you to work with the City of Framingham?
I have worked for the City of Framingham for a few years now. Prior to working in the Mayor’s Office, I worked as a Wrap Around Coordinator at Framingham Public Schools. I grew up in this community and I love to give back to the community that helped shape who I am today.

3.     What are your current priorities for this role?
Currently, I am focused on filling vacant positions within our various Boards, Committees, and Commissions. In doing so, I am focused on making sure that I outreach to diverse group of residents. Also, I have prioritized making myself available to attend community meetings, meet with a variety of community organizations, and connecting with residents.

4.     How do you plan to support the work of the Mayor?
The Mayor has made constituent services a priority. I am always readily available to assist in any way I can, whether it is answering a question, listening to a concern or connecting a resident with appropriate community organization that can support their needs.

5.     What new duties or opportunities would you like to explore in your role in your first months on the job?
 In this new role, I want to make sure that ALL residents in our community know of the resources they have available to them. I would love to see some sort of resource fair take place, where we can bring all community partners together and connect with those that may not know that those organizations existed.

6.     Is there anything else about this role you would like to share with the citizens of Framingham?
I would love residents to just know that I am here. Whether they want to serve on a committee, have any engagement ideas, or just want to introduce themselves. I am here to serve this vibrant, diverse community. 
 
Open Studios at the Saxonville Mills
Curious to know what goes on behind the walls of the Saxonville Mills? On May 13 and 14 the studios at the Saxonville Mills will have an open house for visitors to explore the businesses and artists. During these two days, people have the opportunity to browse the gallery, view demonstrations, participate in classes, shop from local artist and vendors or simply network with other businesses.

Established in the 1800s as a woolen mill, Saxonville houses over 70 small businesses in a beautiful open space with large windows lending spectacular views of the Sudbury River. Located at at 2 Watson Place, there is parking available in the main lot at the end of Watson Place.

The open house will be May 13th from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and May 14th from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.