Marist Hearing, Curbside Brush Collection, Chowder Cookoff and 80's Rockers

It's Monday, and that means Framingham Patch has put together this list of things going on in Framingham to help make your week a little easier and more fun.

1. The Framingham Zoning Board of Appeals will continue its public hearing on the proposed Walden Behavioral Center at the former Marist property at 7 p.m. in the Blumer Room inside the Memorial Building. Walden is seeking a special permit. The decision deadline is Halloween.

2. Curbside brush collection is this week in Framingham. Collection is the same day as your trash collection day. Brush includes branches, sticks, and other natural wood waste less than 4 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length. Brush must be bundled with string or placed in a container marked “Yard Waste." All bundles and containers must not exceed 40 pounds and 35 gallons.

Next week begins curbside leaf collection. Again leaf collection is on the same day as your trash. Bags, containers and bundles must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m., according to Framingham DPW. Do NOT use plastic bags for any yard waste (if you do, the bags won’t be collected). Use paper bags or reusable containers marked “Yard Waste” only for leaves and grass.

3. Today is the deadline to register for Framingham Parks & Recreation's Annual Pumpkins in the Park program. The event takes place Saturday at Cushing Memorial Park from 1 to 3 p.m. The cost is $5 per child. Event, held rain or shine, features a costume parade, pumpkin decorating, hayrides and more.

4. The Masonic Lodge in Framingham will host its 4th Annual Chowder Festival on Saturday, Oct. 26 from noon to 2 p.m. at Gallagher Park. $5 admission. Proceeds will be donated to Masonic Charities including the Framingham Masonic Angel Fund. Awards will be given for best New England Traditional (white Chowder), Most Original Chowder and best Corn Chowder.

5.  80’s rockers  John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band, featured in the movies Eddie & the Cruiser and Street of Fire will perform at the Halloween party at the Violet Thorn in The Verve in Natick on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tickets are $20 per person.

Wear your favorite '80s clothes or participate in The Verve's costume contest. Party-goers’ costumes will be judged based on creativity and the person awarded “best costume” wins an overnight stay at The VERVE - Crowne Plaza Hotel in Natick and complimentary brunch at their signature restaurant, Pantry to use at their convenience. Second and third place will each receive a $25 gift card to use at the hotel’s chic lounge, Violet Thorn, in-house Emack & Bolio’s, or Pantry restaurant.