FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/02/2025
For further information, contact:
Susan Scully Petroni
City of Framingham Public Information Officer
spetroni@framinghamma.gov
508-782-8629
Multiple Volunteers Wanted For the Framingham Cushing Chapel Advisory Committee
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is seeking applicants to fill four seats on the Cushing Memorial Chapel Advisory Committee, including one designated for a representative from the Framingham History Center.
Located on Dudley Road in the heart of scenic Cushing Park, the Cushing Memorial Chapel is a nonsectarian Chapel owned by the City of Framingham. Built in 1943–1944 as part of the Cushing General Hospital complex to care for wounded WWII soldiers, it remains one of the few surviving structures from the historic hospital grounds.
Special services are held annually at the Chapel, and the Chapel is available to rent for private and community functions.
The Cushing Memorial Chapel Advisory Committee advises the City on matters related to the maintenance, preservation, and use of the Chapel and surrounding grounds.
The Chapel celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2024.
Members provide historical insight, guidance on programming, and recommendations to ensure the Chapel remains a treasured public resource and site of remembrance.
Committee Goals & Responsibilities:
- Advise the Mayor and City staff on the preservation, restoration, and upkeep of the Cushing Memorial Chapel.
- Recommend policies, uses, and programming that honor the Chapel’s historical significance.
- Support special events such as Veterans ervices and community programs held at the Chapel.
- Encourage broader public appreciation of the Chapel’s history and legacy.
- Collaborate with local historical and Veterans organizations to promote the site’s continued relevance.
Member Requirements:
- Must be a resident of the City of Framingham.
- Serve without compensation.
- Individuals with an interest in history, preservation, veterans’ affairs, or civic engagement are encouraged to apply.
- Incumbent members may reapply for consideration.
- Bilingual candidates and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Current Committee Members (and Term Expiration):
Fred Wallace, City Historian, District 1 - Indefinite
Nick Paganella, Member/Veterans Council, District 4 – June 30, 2027
James Paolini, Facilities Director, District 1 - Indefinite
Debra Freed, Member/Veterans Council, District 8 – June 30, 2026
Maria Figueroa, Member, District 7 – June 30, 2026
Steve Schneider, Member, District 4 – June 30, 2025
Vacant, Member – June 30, 2027
Vacant, Member – June 30, 2028
Framingham History Center Member – Vacant - June 30, 2027
The Committee typically meets several times per year or as needed.
Interested Framingham residents may apply online via the City’s Boards & Commissions application portal at:
https://www.framinghamma.gov/FormCenter/City-Clerk-6/Boards-Committees-Commissions-Officers-Appli-61
No resume or cover letter is required to apply.
The deadline to apply is Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
The Mayor will review applications submitted by the deadline and make nominations to the City Council.
The City Council has 30 days to approve or reject the Mayor’s nominations.
Questions about the nomination process can be directed to Framingham Citizen Participation Officer Nicole Horton-Stimpson at NHS@framinghamma.gov.
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