Framingham, Marlborough, Hudson To Combat Obesity With MetroWest Moves Program

Framingham is joining with Marlborough and Hudson in a five-year program to foster health and wellness in the region.

The program, named “MetroWest Moves,” is an effort among the boards of health in the three communities to counter overweight and obesity issues throughout the region. 

MetroWest Moves will receive $60,000 in grants money each year from the Centers for Disease Control. The grants will be administered by the state Department of Public Health. Three general initiatives are planned:

1. Healthier drinks offered in vending machines both in public buildings and businesses.
2. Restaurants in the communities will be encouraged to offer more healthy dining options.
3. An effort to make roads more accessible to walkers and bicyclists.

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In other news from this week's Selectmen's meeting:

2) Chief Financial officer Mary Ellen Kelley reported that the town received affirmation of its current Aa2 credit rating from Moody’s. Kelley said Moody’s was able to give Framingham such favorable ratings because a stable financial position, sizable and diverse tax base; manageable debt profile; satisfactory long term credit profile and proven access to capital markets. Moody’s also gave Framingham two ways to bring up the ratings: 1. Maintain structurally balanced operations and reserve levels and 2. Significant tax base growth.

3) Selectmen accepted a construction easement at 199 Hemenway Rd. to continue with work on the abandoned Chalis pump station, which is tied to a neighborhood pumping station replacement project.

4) Selectmen approved a change of manager request from l, in the center. The new manager will be Patrick Lyons.

5) Armando Oliva was accepted as the new manager of Acapulco’s Mexican Restaurant, Worcester Road.

6) A transfer of all licenses was granted to a new owner of Super Wine Vault, Fairbanks Street.

Selectmen's next meeting is Tuesday, June 19.