Wind Phone Natick: welcoming remarks by Amy Adams, July 27, 2025 (video)

Amy Adams and a small group officially welcomed the new "wind phone" to Natick on Sunday. The video of her remarks is here. She sent an email after the event to add a few items she forget to mention:

"Of course with all of the nerves about today and me hoping I didn’t forget anything- I likely talked too much…. and yet still forgot to mention to you (my home team), that there was more. 

So if you make it back over- and it’s daytime, you might see the string art installation, murals and string art piece hanging in the foyer just behind the entry.  

The string art works were part of their common threads initiative. They needed a way to connect the community space, so I created a workshop around “thread”, leading them to weave a macrame quilt together. It was meant to hang so people could add to it freely. 

Also a couple of murals I collaborated with another artist onto reflect the diversity and culture in that space."

Video link -> https://youtu.be/SXkf_qo7Tiw

Additional photos of the wind phone ->   https://photos.app.goo.gl/uAtNTP1YWMJ1kt6H7

Her conversation on the development of the wind phone ->   https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/amy-adams-talks-about-wind-phone.html

Amy Adams talks about the Wind Phone & healing with heART (audio)

FM #1483 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1483 in the series. 

constructing the Wind Phone*

This session shares my conversation with Franklin artist extraordinaire Amy Adams. We had our discussion in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Monday, July 21, 2025.

 

Our conversation covers some of Amy’s work and approach

• The Wind Phone comes to Natick

• Dealing with grief

• Healing with HeART

• Mural and other projects

The recording runs about 51 minutes, so let’s listen in. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1483-amy-adams-on-the-wind-phone-healing-with-heart-07-21-25/

--------------

* image of the wind phone construction edited from Amy's reel

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1295208835547147

Painting Venus - Amy’s art portfolio page -> https://www.paintingvenus.art/ 

Andrea Gibson quote we opened with:  

“I have never met a heavy heart that wasn’t a phone booth with a red cape inside

Some people will never understand the kind of superpower it takes for some people to just walk outside

Some days I know my smile looks like the gutter of a killing house

But my hands are always holding tight to the ripchord of believing”

Shared from Instagram ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DMK1OK8ofa2/

The Wind Phone is located to the right of the entrance for the Common Street Spiritual Center. You do not have to enter the center. The Wind Phone is combined with art through Project Healing with HeART. It is dedicated to the community, for all that have been lost.  13 Common St, Natick, MA 01760, USA

• US Wind phone website  -> https://www.mywindphone.com/united-states-windphones 

• Food Pantry storage project -> https://photos.app.goo.gl/NjvmBZKtsqLpDPvF6 

While traditionally we think of 5 senses, the 6th sense came to my mind during my conversation and it turns out there are many more  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sense  

-------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

"the current report provides a potential new target for preventing or treating heart disease"

"A new study led by researchers from Tufts University and the Cleveland Clinic sounds a familiar warning, saying the more red meat you eat the higher your risk of cardiovascular disease will be.

The observational study, published Monday in the American Heart Association’s peer-reviewed journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, also used statistical methods to try to discern how meat might be having that effect and found several different possible mechanisms.

One, researchers said, was meat’s effect on the gut microbiome. Recent research has suggested that gut bacteria digesting red meat and other animal-source foods produce metabolites in the blood that can cause cardiovascular disease."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/04/metro/new-study-delves-into-link-between-red-meat-heart-disease/

The research article as mentioned above ->  https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/ATVBAHA.121.316533

 

A steak on the grill of a barbecue restaurant in Buenos Aires, Argentina. A new study says red meat is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and the reason may be your gut bacteria. MIGUEL MENDEZ/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES

Hockomock Area YMCA to Raise Awareness Of Heart Health in February

Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Program classes begin in March

The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to announce it will be supporting Heart Health in February with blood pressure education and awareness.

These efforts will kick off on National Wear Red Day, February 7th. Launched by the American Heart Association in 2003 to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke in women, National Wear Red Day is celebrated on the first Friday of February. Members, staff, volunteers are encouraged to wear red.

Many forms of heart disease, including hypertension, are highly preventable. Under new Blood Pressure Guidelines, it was announced in 2017 that that roughly 30 million more Americans than previously thought are now considered to have high blood pressure (hypertension), a leading risk factor for stroke, heart attack, kidney disease and dementia. This includes 4 out of 5 people ages 65 and older.

The Hockomock Area YMCA encourages the community to learn their risk for heart disease by getting a blood pressure reading and take action to reduce your risk throughout the month. Visit https://www.hockymca.org/heart-health-month to learn more about free blood pressure screenings as well as strategies and education about blood pressure management.

The YMCA is a provider of the Blood Pressure Self Monitoring program which supports individuals with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education and personalized support. Classes will begin at the North Attleboro and Foxboro YMCAs in March.

“The Hockomock Area YMCA is proud to continue to offer the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program,” Caitlin Gibbs, Senior Director of Health Innovation. “The Y is committed to improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities by delivering new programs and initiatives.”

The North Attleboro Branch will offer the program March 3-April 28 on Tuesdays at 11:30am-12:30pm. The Foxboro Branch will run the program about both 12:00pm-1:30pm and 6:00pm-7:30pm on Thursdays, March 5 – April 30.

People who enroll in February for the March program will receive 50% off the program, a blood pressure monitor (valued at $40), heart healthy recipes and education. This special February offer is $80 for YMCA members and $125 for non-members.

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure using correct techniques and tips, a minimum of eight times, record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool and meet weekly in a small group setting. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet.

The program is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure cuff, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Hockomock Area YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure to take part in this program. For a small investment of time and minimal fee, participants receive:

• A simple, evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure
• Personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador
• Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health
• Easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool
• Heart healthy nutrition education seminars
• Blood pressure monitoring cuff if participant does not own one

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program:

• Must be at least 18 years old
• Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure
• Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event
• Must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
• Must not be at risk for lymphedema

For more information or to enroll in the program, visit https://www.hockymca.org/heart-health-month, email kellyd@hockymca.org or call 508-772-1310.

Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program

About Hockomock Area YMCA:

Where Cause Meets Community. At the Hockomock Area YMCA, strengthening community is our cause. The Hockomock Area YMCA is an organization of men, women, and children sharing a commitment to nurture the potential of kids, promote healthy living, and foster a sense of social responsibility.

Our YMCA is committed to partnering and collaborating with others to create and deliver lasting personal and social change in the 15 communities we are privileged to serve. The Hockomock Area YMCA is a not-for-profit charitable cause-driven organization with facilities in North Attleboro, Foxboro, Franklin, and Mansfield. For more information visit hockymca.org.

Employees of Tegra Medical-Franklin raise $2100 for American Heart Assoc.

Employees of Tegra Medical-Franklin held a February event benefitting The American Heart Association through a Valentine's fundraiser. 

Employees purchased valentines and candy for fellow co-workers to be delivered by Tegra's own "cupid" on Friday, February 12th. 

The fundraiser was a success and raised $2,100 for the cause.

Valentine's being prepared

Valentine delivered by Tegra Medical's own 'Cupid"

Photos submitted by Tegra Medical, Franklin

Help the Baby Beats - Boston Heart Walk - Sep 15

From the Amante Family:

Welcome to the fundraising page for team Baby Beats. We have been raising money for the Heart Association since 2002! Just two weeks after Damian's third open heart surgery we attended our first Heart Walk in New York. 

Funds donated to the Heart Association go toward life saving research, techniques and equipment.

Damian has directly benefited from projects that were funded by the Heart Association.

We celebrate Damian and the victory over his struggles by raising money to support this important organization.

Please support our team by donating to the Heart Association! Thank you!

You can find the fund raising page here

Help the Baby Beats - Sep 15 - Boston Heart walk

From the Amante Family:

Welcome to the fundraising page for team Baby Beats. We have been raising money for the Heart Association since 2002! Just two weeks after Damian's third open heart surgery we attended our first Heart Walk in New York. 

Funds donated to the Heart Association go toward life saving research, techniques and equipment.

Damian has directly benefited from projects that were funded by the Heart Association.

We celebrate Damian and the victory over his struggles by raising money to support this important organization.

Please support our team by donating to the Heart Association! Thank you!

You can find the fund raising page here

Boston Heart Walk - Sep 15 - help the Baby Beats!

From the Amante Family:

Welcome to the fundraising page for team Baby Beats. We have been raising money for the Heart Association since 2002! Just two weeks after Damian's third open heart surgery we attended our first Heart Walk in New York. 

Funds donated to the Heart Association go toward life saving research, techniques and equipment.

Damian has directly benefited from projects that were funded by the Heart Association.

We celebrate Damian and the victory over his struggles by raising money to support this important organization.

Please support our team by donating to the Heart Association! Thank you!

You can find the fund raising page here

"find a way to balance clinical work with research"

Kalutkiewicz, who will be a senior biology major at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in the fall, has been working on a 10-week summer research fellowship at the university. Supported by the heart association, her full-time project is on cell division. 

"Cells have to establish a plane of division," Kalutkiewicz said. "We’re looking at how they divide." 

This is not the first time the UMass Amherst senior has been a part of scientific research. She also participated in studies at Tufts, where the focus of the projects was similar to hers: cells and genetics.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x1602168073/Franklin-woman-has-passion-for-life-sciences#ixzz22l7Uweso