By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

A Framingham man has been found guilty for the 2009 murder of Geoffrey McKinnon also of Framingham, Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan announced Friday.

Daniel Gonzalez, 23, was found guilty by a Middlesex Superior Court jury on charges of second-degree murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon following a 12-day trial in Woburn Superior Court, according to Ryan.

Middlesex Superior Court Judge Kathe Tuttman sentenced Gonzalez to life in prison for the murder of McKinnon. However, Gonzalez is eligible for parole once he has served 15 years, to be followed by 10 years probation on a charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

“This defendant was found guilty of brutally stabbing a man to death in his own home,” Ryan said in a statement. “This was a senseless, horrific crime and the defendant has now been held accountable for his actions. I commend the Framingham Police and State Police assigned to the District Attorney’s Office for their work in bringing justice to the victim’s family.”

According to Ryan, on June 14, 2009 at about 4:15 a.m., Framingham Police responded to a 911 call reporting a stabbing and requesting an ambulance at 307 Grant Street in Framingham. When police arrived, they found McKinnon suffering from multiple stab wounds to the face and abdomen. He was transported to the MetroWest Medical Center where he later died in surgery. He was 22.

Upon investigation, Framingham and State police learned that the defendant and the victim were at a small party at the victim’s residence on Grant Street, where Gonzalez stabbed the victim multiple times.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Globe Correspondent

After some heated debate, Framingham Town Meeting members on Wednesday voted to request that selectmen verify the legal immigration status of participants of the town's adult English as a Second Language program.

The non-binding resolution passed by a narrow margin, 51-49, with three abstentions.

Framingham's Ways and Means Committee Chair Audrey Hall made the motion for the resolution. She said her committee was concerned that illegal immigrants may be crowding the waiting list for ESL classes, and forcing delays upon legal immigrants.

Hall said the committee was also concerned about the ESL sign-up process, which inquires whether a potential participant has legal status, but does not require that participant to furnish proof.

According to Town Attorney Christopher J. Petrini, the resolution is a legal gray area. The ESL program uses federal funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, but there is no requirement under the terms of the grant to make participants furnish proof of their immigration status.

Town Meeting member William LaBarge said Framingham should have the right to declare what the law ought to be. "I think the resolution is appropriate," he said.

Town Meeting member Robert Snider strongly approved of the resolution, stating the ESL courses are a taxpayer-funded program, not a charity.

However, Town Meeting Member Yaakov Z. Cohn decried the resolution as one that was attempting to squeeze out illegal immigrants who may be using the ESL program to help become citizens.

Lloyd Kaye, who is a member of the ways and means committee, also opposed the resolution. "I thought that we had learned our lessons from the Civil Rights movement, but we haven't," he said.

According to the Framingham ESL Plus website, the program takes in more than 750 students each semester. It operates as a department of the public school system.

The resolution was made as part of an article that allows selectmen to accept and expend funds through a Community Development Block Grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. That article passed unamended.

"There was concern there was a limited number of slots in the program," said Hall, after Town Meeting had adjourned for the night. "It was in such high demand, and we had heard concerns over whether the program was for people with legal alien status versus illegal alien status."

She continued: "There's only a limited number of slots, so let's find out what the rule is. It's really not a matter of anyone's opinion. We're not trying to express an opinion as to who's entitled to more education to better themselves. We're just saying, here's a program that's funded with federal dollars, and we need to know whether we're supposed to be giving priority to people have legal status or not. That's it."

The move comes as Congress considers a far-reaching overhaul that would legalize immigrants who are here illegally.

Selectmen on Thursday – the second night of Town Meeting – said they will tackle any resolutions passed at Town Meeting once the warrant is closed. With only four of 43 articles passed on Wednesday, that might be a while.

Selectmen Chairman Dennis Giombetti said selectmen will be cautious in its approach to the resolution.

"We'll take a look and see what options we'll have," he said.

Selectman Michael Bower likewise sounded a note of caution, and stressed that the board will likely get legal advice from town counsel before deciding whether or not to enact the resolution.

"No one wants to get the town sued," said Bower.

The narrow margin by which the resolution passed meant it was unclear whether the "will of the town" was heard, he added.

"Town Meeting was pretty split," Bower said.

John Swinconeck can be reached at JohnSwinc@gmail.com

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

Framingham Town Meeting members voted overwhelmingly Wednesday night to approve funds for a new $8.6 million Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Branch Library.
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The article required a two-thirds majority in order to pass. No one spoke in opposition of the article, which passed by a vote of 149 to 1

The town appropriated $710,000 for land in 2011. The library foundation has pledged $600,000 to the project. According to Library Board Treasurer Sam Klaidman, $400,000 has already been raised.

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners will reimburse Framingham for 53 percent of the cost. The town will be responsible for a $3.8 million capital expense bond to pay for the rest of the cost.

This was not the first time a request for a new library had come before Town Meeting. In 2005, Town Meeting members shot down a proposal to replace the McAuliffe Library.

Capital Budget Committee Chairman William G. McCarthy explained why his board unanimously endorsed this article.

"Some of us on the committee voted differently a few years ago," McCarthy said.

McCarty cited the state's grant and Library Director Mark Contois's previous experience with similar projects.

"We need to do whatever it takes to improve the image of Framingham," McCarthy said.

The building opened in 1963, and was later renamed in honor of astronaut and Framingham native Crista McAuliffe, who perished in the 1986 Challenger disaster.

According to the Framingham Library Foundation website, the McAuliffe branch has 11,250 visitors a month. The McAuliffe building needs $422,000 in repairs and enhancements to complete HVAC upgrades and become ADA compliant, the foundation says.

Currently, there are only four internet-connected computers available for the public at the branch library, and no private study space.

Klaidman praised the design of the new building – 17,000 square feet to be built on Water Street in Nobscot – as a "21st Century library," with more computers, a 50-seat multipurpose room separate sections for children and young adults -- aspects the current library lacks.

"It's designed to be functional, flexible, attractive, easy to maintain and affordable," Klaidman said.

Klaidman said the new building could open by Christmas 2015.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

A Framingham police officer was expected to be released Wednesday evening from Massachusetts General Hospital after being struck by a vehicle the previous day, according to Framingham Police.

Lieutenant Mike Siaba was working a detail Tuesday for Lewis Tree Services near the intersection of Maple Street and Maple Lane when he was struck by a vehicle driven by an 85-year-old woman who lives in the area, said Framingham police spokesman Lieutenant Ron Brandolini.

"She didn't see him. She drove into him at about 15 miles per hour," Brandolini said.

Brandolini said Siaba was knocked unconscious and was airlifted to Mass. General. According to Brandolini, Siaba experienced "a sore hip and a concussion, but he's going to be fine."

The driver's name has not been released. The incident is under investigation by State and Framingham police.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

A Framingham police officer was expected to be released Wednesday evening from Massachusetts General Hospital after being struck by a vehicle the previous day, according to Framingham Police.

Lieutenant Mike Siaba was working a detail Tuesday for Lewis Tree Services near the intersection of Maple Street and Maple Lane when he was struck by a vehicle driven by an 85-year-old woman who lives in the area, said Framingham police spokesman Lieutenant Ron Brandolini.

"She didn't see him. She drove into him at about 15 miles per hour," Brandolini said.

Brandolini said Siaba was knocked unconscious and was airlifted to Mass. General. According to Brandolini, Siaba experienced "a sore hip and a concussion, but he's going to be fine."

The driver's name has not been released. The incident is under investigation by State and Framingham police.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

A Framingham police officer was expected to be released Wednesday evening from Massachusetts General Hospital after being struck by a vehicle the previous day, according to Framingham Police.

Lieutenant Mike Siaba was working a detail Tuesday for Lewis Tree Services near the intersection of Maple Street and Maple Lane when he was struck by a vehicle driven by an 85-year-old woman who lives in the area, said Framingham police spokesman Lieutenant Ron Brandolini.

"She didn't see him. She drove into him at about 15 miles per hour," Brandolini said.

Brandolini said Siaba was knocked unconscious and was airlifted to Mass. General. According to Brandolini, Siaba experienced "a sore hip and a concussion, but he's going to be fine."

The driver's name has not been released. The incident is under investigation by State and Framingham police.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

Local residents can celebrate the first of May Saturday with two events that celebrate Natick's agricultural heritage. The Natick Farmer's Market reopens for the summer season with an opening day celebration Saturday, and Belkin Family Lookout Farm is hosting a free open house as well.

About 40 food vendors, plus artists and crafters will be on hand for the farmer's market, which will be located at the corner of South Main and Common streets. Rise and Shine yoga will kick off the day at the Common Street Community Church at 8 a.m. Other events include live music by Pharmacy, a martial arts demonstration, and Flamenco dancing.

"I enjoy the community of vendors ad the liveliness of the market," said India Young, manager of Natick Center Associates. "There's a great variety of items to choose from."

The farmer's market will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday until Nov. 16. For more information, go to natickfarmersmarket.com.

Belkin Family Lookout Farm is opening its gates for an open house with free admission Saturday and Sunday. Activities and events include rides through the orchards, a burlap maze a children's play area, face painting and kids' rides.

Established in 1651, the 180-acre farm features a variety farm animals and more than 60,000 fruit trees.

Hours for both days are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The farm is located on 89 Pleasant St. South. Go to www.lookoutfarm.com for more information.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

Mirroring Tuesday's statewide primary results, Rep. Edward J. Markey and Gabriel E. Gomez easily won over Framingham voters on their road to secure their party's nominations in the race for U.S. Senate.

According to official results from the Framingham Town Clerk's office, Democrat Markey, who represents Framingham in the Massachusetts 5th District in the U.S. House, bested rival Stephen Lynch in all 18 precincts 3,737-1,438.

Likewise, Republican Gabriel Gomez swept all districts with 749 total votes, compared to Michael J. Sullivan with 460, and Daniel B. Winslow at 187.

Voter turnout was at 18 percent, or 6,593 of 37,296 registered voters. Democrat turnout was 5,189, compared to 1,401 Republican voters.

The special election to fill the seat of former Sen. John Kerry will be held June 25.

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Town Correspondent

Framingham Town Meeting members will decide the fate Wednesday of a proposal to build a new Christa Corrigan McAuliffe Branch Library.

Framingham's annual Town Meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building., and kicks off with a question that could pave the way for the $8.6 million library project that would replace the building in Saxonville.

The article requires a two-thirds majority in order to pass.

The article is requesting $7.9 million, which would be funded as a capital expense bond over 20 years. However, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners is offering to reimburse Framingham for half the cost, if the article is approved at Town Meeting, bringing the total cost to the town down to $3.8 million.

The town appropriated $710,000 for land in 2011. The library foundation has pledged $600,000 to the project.

According to Assistant Library Director and former branch librarian Jane Peck, Framingham's main branch on Lexington Street is 50,000 square feet. In comparison, the current McAuliffe Branch is only 5,400 square feet. Despite its relative size, Peck said McAuliffe is the second-busiest library by circulation in Massachusetts.

The building opened in 1963, and was later renamed in honor of astronaut and Framingham native Crista McAuliffe, who perished in the 1986 Challenger disaster.

According to the Framingham Library Foundation website, the McAuliffe branch has 11,250 visitors a month. The McAuliffe building needs $422,000 in repairs and enhancements to complete HVAC upgrades and become ADA compliant, the foundation says.

"There's a huge demand for library services," Peck said, in part, due to the branch library's proximity of eight schools and four housing complexes. "You need community space. Libraries are a place where people get together and meet, greet, and learn new things. That's a big part of what's missing at the branch. There's no space for anything like that."

Currently, there are only four internet-connected computers available for the public at the branch library, and no private study space.

The proposed new building – 17,000 square feet in Nobscot – would house 14 internet-connected computers, additional study space and a dedicated are for young adults.

There would be no need for additional staff to run the new library, Peck said.

Framingham Selectwoman Laurie Lee said she supports the warrant article. Lee said she had supported a 2005 Town Meeting effort to secure funds for a new branch library, which was defeated.

"I think the (McAuliffe) library is not sufficient and it needs a lot of work. The people need a library that's high quality," Lee said, "It's a great return on investment – the 50 percent reimbursement -- and it'll bring economic development to Nobscot, which needs it tremendously."

John Swinconeck can be reached at johnswinc@gmail.com.

By John Swinconeck, Globe Correspondent

NATICK — Barbara Singer knew since the age of nine that she wanted to be a nurse, a career she's pursued for the last 27 years. Now, her dedication to her profession is being recognized.

Singer, who has been a nurse at the Bennett-Hemenway Elementary School in Natick, been honored with the 2013 William P. Doran Foundation's Excellence in Nursing Award.

Recipients of the award are Massachusetts school nurses who make significant contributions to the health of children, while maintaing high standards of professional and personal integrity, according to the foundation.

"I'm one of the lucky ones," Singer said. "I've known since I was 9-years-old that I've wanted to be a nurse."

Singer said that was when a sibling suffered a serious injury, and was bedridden for months.

"I saw all the work that the nurses did, and I knew that's what I wanted to do," she said.

Singer, who had previously worked as a critical care nurse at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, said she has worked in Natick schools for the last 10 years.

School nursing, she said, goes far beyond just giving out bandages. Singer said it's become a field that addresses a wide array of health and wellness needs of children.

"It's really evolved into a specialized area of nursing," she said. "I love it. I love working with children, with kids with special needs. I work in an elementary program where the kids are at the school for five years. It's so rewarding to see them develop and grow."

Singer said she was grateful to be nominated and honored to have won the award.

"There is an incredible group of school nurses in Natick," Singer said. "I want people to know that they (the nurses) are an important part of the school district."

The Doran Award includes a paid trip to the annual meeting of the National Association of School Nurses, or $2,000 for tuition of an educational program of Singer's choice.

The award was presented at the spring meeting of the Massachusetts School Nurse Organization April 6 in Marlborough. The Natick School Committee recognized Singer's accomplishment at their April 22 meeting.