Here is a backlog of recommendations to be posted in a more organized fashion

Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2008 7:28:06 PM Subject: Re: Groomingdales

I've been using Christine Love at Puppy Luv Studio, not too far from that Saxonville plaza. She's been doing my dogs for years. My current pair get so e xcited when I ask them if they want to go get their hair cut! It has to be a good experience for them for them to be so enthusiastic about going. One, a rescue, even quickly learned to not be afraid of crates anymore.

Puppy Luv, 508-877-6395 I've never seen her leave a dog tied alone on a table... whenever people are dropping off or picking up, if she can't finish what she's doing right away, she takes the dog down and puts them back in their crate to take care of other business.

Patricia McQueen

Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 11:02:58 AM Subject: Re: Euros

I second the suggestion on the Capital One credit card. As of my trip to Europe in May they were still not charging an extra transaction fee for foreign currency transactions, unlike most Visa and Mastercards. Plus, they have a card with a 1% cash back reward, so you can end up making out on the deal compared to paying cash if you pay the bill in full and don't carry a balance.

Make sure to apply in plenty of time. I tried to get one before a trip two years ago and it came just after I left.

And before you go, call the service number. There's an automated way to leave info as to where you will be traveling, so your foreign transactions don't flag any security concerns and they don't assume the foreign transactions are fraud. You don't want them shutting off your credit card thinking someone is running up fraudulent charges.

Bank of America has agreements with several overseas banks, including Barclays and Deutsche Bank, allowing you to withdraw cash from their ATMs without an ATM fee. However, make sure you have a debit card and not a regular ATM card. I learned that the hard way when the Deutsche Bank ATMs in Italy wouldn't take my non-debit ATM card.

If you are a member of AAA, you may also want to see what the rate is they charge for foreign currency travelers checks.

Have a great trip!

Sharon Gartenberg

Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:23:20 PM Subject: Re: kids swim lessons

I know you specified a location but we just had an amazing experience with Stephanie at the Y. She gives private lessons and in just TWO lessons was able to take my very swim-phobic kid and get him to do several lengths of the pool under his own steam with flotation devices. I was truly stunned that she was able to make such advances in just two lessons. She is a total sweetheart, has loads of experience (and also with special ed and special needs kids) and most importantly my very picky kid thinks she is great. You would need to contact Bobbie Goldman at the Y to coordinate the lessons. Brenda Crawshaw

Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:46:56 PM Subject: Re: Sources for used kid's bikes?

I am not sure if they still have it but the FPD held an auction once a year to unload unclaimed bikes and evidence that is no longer needed that had been stolen. We had gotten many a treasure from their auction over the years.

I am sure a call to the police station will give you the answer if they still have the auction.

Ginny Marino

From: Brett Serkez Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 11:56:03 AM Subject: Re: Sources for used kid's bikes?

On Thu, Aug 28, 2008 at 9:58 AM, Chris Thurrott

> Frank's Spoke and Wheel - http://www.spoke-n-wheel.com/ > Route 20 in Sudbury > 978-443-6696

I need to respectfully disagree with the recommendation of Frank's Spoke and Wheel. The owner/manager isn't a rider, at least not currently from what I can tell, this makes a big difference. After having purchased a mountain bike, I was sent on my way with little real advise or help properly fitting it. Mechanically, I ended up reworking the cables which were not properly setup and started rubbing, adjusting shifting and the brakes.

I purchased a road bike from Landry's, they are all riders and gave great advise, went above and beyond to make sure not only that bike was adjusted and fit correctly, but helped me properly fit and adjust the aforementioned mountain bike even thought they didn't have to.

Over the years I've purchased three bikes from Landry's in Natick and have been happy with all three. I regret the purchase from Spoke-n-wheel, and hope to save others the same experience. Landry's might not be the least expensive, but I feel confident in recommending them as the best shot at great service and a purchase you'll not regret.

Brett Serkez

From: Chris Thurrott Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 9:58:50 AM Subject: Fwd: Sources for used kid's bikes?

On Wed, Aug 27, 2008 at 10:42 PM, Priscilla and David Remis wrote: > > Not sure if you already got word of this place, but I highly recommend Simple Living Cycles on Rt 135 in Framingham. Very honest, one man operation. Extremely reasonable prices. Although he mostly sells new bikes, I have seen (and purchased) used children's bikes from him and had good luck. -David Remis >

I respectfully disagree with this endorsement. The owner's mechanical skills are questionable - I had a wheel fall off a bike I was test riding there (fortunately it was the rear). I also learned from friends in the industry that he routinely violates the terms of his dealer agreements, undercutting other bike shops in the area because of corners he cuts (no staff, no insurance). While I'm glad David Remis had a good experience there I would encourage folks looking for new bikes to head to Landry's or Frank's Spoke and Wheel. It is important to support shops that are selling quality products and providing quality mechanical service and advice.

Landry's - http://www.landrys.com 790 Worcester Street NATICK, Massachusetts 01760 508.655.1990

Frank's Spoke and Wheel - http://www.spoke-n-wheel.com/ Route 20 in Sudbury 978-443-6696

Chris Thurrott

From: Priscilla and David Remis Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:42:54 PM Subject: Re: Sources for used kid's bikes?

Not sure if you already got word of this place, but I highly recommend Simple Living Cycles on Rt 135 in Framingham. Very honest, one man operation. Extremely reasonable prices. Although he mostly sells new bikes, I have seen (and purchased) used children's bikes from him and had good luck. -David Remis

http://thisisframingham.com/?p=15

Simple Living Cycles Route 135 West 57 Waverly Street, Framingham, MA 01702 (508) 620-6600

From: Sent: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 10:06:23 AM Subject: Re: Old Staion Steakhouse

My daughter Jessica (17), who?LOVES Brazilian food, went to Old Station on Sunday.? She also did not realize it was Brazilian food, but was happy just the same to discover that it was.? What completely soured the experience for her was the lack of parking.? With no available spaces at Old Station, she made the foolish teenager mistake of parking where she should not have, at the Magic Oven across the street, a restaurant she also frequents, and ignored a "don't park here or you'll get?towed" sign.? Guess what - she got towed.? It cost her $120 of her school clothes shopping money to get her car out of tow -?do you think ?at that rate there had to be some sort of kickback to Magic Oven? - S&S Towing moved her car a mile and had it for all of an hour.? The tow also damaged her car - another $70 at the mechanic to have the muffler reattached.

I'm not arguing the tow.? Break rules, pay price.? She, as a teenager, sees things differently (her way) and will just?never go to either place again.? A loss for both restaurants, as she often has a carload?of company, and was at Magic Oven several times a month.?

What confounds me is this... How does a huge restaurant (what is the dining capacity at Old Station, anyhow?)?with 6 (?) parking spaces in a congested downtown area expect to survive??

Charlene Frary

Sent: Tuesday, August 26, 2008 10:50:29 PM Subject: Old Staion Steakhouse

I just returned from a very filling visit to the Old Station Steakhouse, located in the old train station downtown at 417 Waverly Street. Sorry, I don't have their phone number. I mainly went there because of an ad glued to the front of my Metrowest Daily News earlier this week advertising $3.00 off per person, up to four people. The usual price for the buffet and all the Brazilian Barbecue is $9.99, so at $6.99/ per person, I figured I couldn't go wrong. (btw I usually detest these ads, which are a nuisance) I took the family with me: my wife Jennifer, a17 year old, 15 year old, and a 7 year old. It is important to note that this is not a steakhouse per se, so the name is a bit of a misnomer. It is housed in the old train station, and the location and building are impressive. Not very much parking, but adequate for my needs. A gorgeous room. There were hardly any other patrons there, which is a shame. The buffet was about average, but then the barbecue began to flow. Wow. An endless stream of perfectly seasoned meats and sausages. My only complaint was that the meat was a bit overcooked, but the dishes that were more rare were spectacular. The chicken sausage was particularly good. Like other Brazilian barbecue places, they don't stop bringing it until you announce surrender. Watch out for the drink prices: a vodka and tonic runs $5.95. They were nice enough to only charge my 7 year old $5.50 for dinner. In conclusion, its a fun place to eat with a group, particularly if you were anal enough to save the coupon from earlier this week I think their biggest problem is a lack of traffic, which probably would solve the overcooked meat problem. I hope they make it and wish them well; it seems to cost much less than most other Brazilian barbecue places in the area.

Malcolm MacNeill

From: Sue Budge Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 3:27:47 PM Subject: Subs and More - will definitely go back!

I tried Subs and more because of Charlene's recommendation. This is a dream restaurant for vegans and vegetarians. The appetizers are really delicious. I had the "Fuller" panini which is veggie (and cheese), and it was great. I am glad there is a local restaurant that serves great Middle Eastern food. They serve meat dishes as well for those who aren't veg's.... (Subs and More next to Liberty Music and the Saxonville Village Apartments on Concord Street in Saxonville)

While on the subject of good restaurants, I think the pizza at Bronzettis (behind PC health stop on Rt 9 east) is the best in the area.

Sue Budge

From: Susan Massad Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 9:39:03 AM Subject: Fair Trade Coffee

Hi all, If anyone wants great Fair Trade Coffee (organic, regular and decaffeinated) it's available at Annie's Book Swap/Espresso Paulo at Nobscot Plaza. You can drink it there or buy a bag of whole bean or ground and bring it home. Great stuff. Susan Massad

Fair Trade coffee means that more of the profits go to the farmer, so it doesn't only benefit the middlemen and coffee retailers. A better explanation is at: http://globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/coffee/background.html

From: Jake Mohnkern Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 2:41:13 PM Subject: Harbor Freight Tools in Worcester

I just had an opportunity to visit their new store at 50 Mill St. It is nice and clean and they have a great selection.

Don't confuse their tools with Milwaukee, Craftsman or Snap-On, they are much less expensive but perfect for homeowners rather than tradesmen.

So if you want to buy a hammer drill for the price of a 2 day rental, check them out.

Jake Mohnkern

From: Lori Gillen Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 5:08:27 PM Subject: I had a good experience with Affordable Printing Service

I just had a very good experience with Affordable Printing Service. They are located on the eastbound side of Route 9 in the stores next to the Tropic Isle fish store (in the back).

Bruce completed my job well ahead of the date that he quoted, he did some extra work on my marked up copy to make it look better than I had it, he was very easy to work with, and the price was affordable (hence the name of the company).

Affordable Printing Service is located on the eastbound side of Route 9 next to Tropic Isle Aquarium (in the back).

Affordable Printing Service280 Worcester Rd Framingham, MA 01702 (508) 875-2679

- Lori Gillen

From: Peter C.S. Adams Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 10:14:11 AM Subject: Re: Auto glass

Thus spake Steven W. Orr, circa Aug 21, 2008: > It's been years since I needed a windshield replaced, but I do have > some advise: Do *NOT* use a company that comes to your workplace > and replaces that glass in the parking lot.

Another good reason not to do this is that the glue that holds the windshield in place must be properly cured, and this is frequently not possible outside.

Like David and Scott, I had a good experience with J.N. Phillips several years ago.

-- Peter C.S. Adams Town Meeting Member, Precinct 11

All my comments are my own opinions, do not represent those of my employer or my dog, and are not designed to glorify myself via my august position as Town Meeting Member.

From: Scott Desatnick Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 9:16:31 AM Subject: Re: Auto glass

I also recommend J.N. Phillips Auto Glass. I had the windshield on one of my cars replaced a couple months ago. JN Phillips came to my office, removed the old windshield and adhesive, primed the frame around the opening, and installed the new windshield. They were quick, neat, and efficient and I highly recommend calling them for an appointment at 1-877-AUTOGLASS (877-288-0452)

Scott Desatnick

From: David Weitzler Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 8:52:41 AM Subject: Re: Auto glass

I had a leak (moon roof or windshield) that no one could find until I found:

J.N.PHILLIPS AUTO GLASS FRAMINGHAM STORE 1080 WORCESTER ROAD FRAMINGHAM, MA (508) 875-5026

David Weitzler

Silton Glass 612 Waverly St Framingham, MA 01702 (508) 879-4455

They make custom glass for anything and everything, from mirrors and table protectors to replacement window glass. I know they do windshields because they were located next to the former Long Pontiac and Cadillac.

Gail DeMoura

From: Steven W. Orr Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 5:03:49 PM Subject: Re: Auto glass

On Thursday, Aug 21st 2008 at 16:37 -0000, quoth Harvey Gendreau:

=>need to replace front windshield on my car (I know it is covered 100% by =>insurance) => =>anybody have good/bad dealings with local glass replacement companies?

It's been years since I needed a windshield replaced, but I do have some advise: Do *NOT* use a company that comes to your workplace and replaces that glass in the parking lot. You really want to bring your car to them. The reason is that when they take the old glass out, they use a knife to cut through the rubber seal. When they cut, they will score the paint. If they do not reseal the scored paint sealer, then your car will leak around the windshield when it rains a couple years later. A proper shop (with a good rep will cut the glass out and reprime the scored metal to prevent this from happening.

From: Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 9:09:48 PM Subject: Re: looking for buyer for lovely old linens

Try:

(508) 529-4439, info@vintageclothing.com, www.vintageclothing.com

When I used to deal in vintage clothing and run vintage clothing trade shows, she was one of my favorite people. If she is interested, she will give you a fair price.

Good luck!

Deb Cleveland

From: Jini Foster Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 7:23:48 PM Subject: review re Subs and more

Charlene reviewed this place recently-this is my review for Subs and More-I had lunch there with a friend today-she liked it much better than I did. The decor was cheery and the two men, owner/chef? and server?? were both pleasant. I thought that the food was overpriced-esp. what my friend got on her appetizer sampler. I had tahini and falafel-wanted it in a pita, got it in a wrap-tasteless and dry, so dry that I didn't even finish it. Perhaps one more chance??? Jini Foster

From: Steve Crawshaw Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 9:32:07 PM Subject: Re: Experience with Progressive Auto Insurance and Claims?

I haven't made a claim (and hope I never need to), but I have had them for Auto and Home for a few months and their customer service has been great. My policies were kind of complicated and there were several things on my claims record that were wrong and had to be corrected. They were very helpfull and were available anytime day or night. The website is great too. The prices were outstanding. Especially for Auto. At least $500 less than anybody else for 2 newish 25-30k cars. The Home insurance was at least $150 less than anyone else.

Steve Crawshaw

From: Lisa Shapiro Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2008 5:32:36 PM Subject: Re: Restaurant Review (Poor) of Minerva Indian Cuisine

Dear Framcomers,

The below is the response that one of the restaurant's partners sent in regard to my recent described experience. He sounds earnest, and we will likely try the restaurant again. However, it may not be for about 2 mos. or so.

After we try it again, we'll let you know what happened and write a post to Framcom.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

LISA SHAPIRO

Original Message

From: Prakash Reddy Subject: RE: Re: Restaurant Review (Poor) of Minerva Indian Cuisine Importance: High

HI Lisa,

Minerva Restaurant Group. I am very sorry for the unfortunate experience at my restaurant. Last night I had meeting with all my staff at the Natick location to make sure that this type of service is never repeated. There is excuse for such bad service towards any customers.

visit this restaurant again, and I don't blame you. As a token of appreciation I insist that you and your family should come to the restaurant and have dinner on us. I would really appreciate your attendance. I would like to meet you in person to make sure your experience is the best it can be. Once again I am extremely sorry for your bad meal at my restaurant. Please feel free to email me with any thoughts or questions.

I also want to thank you for informing us. This really helps us to know what my staff is doing and not doing right and correct it before it becomes a major issue.

Hope to see you soon.

Sincerely, Prakash Reddy (781) 929-0032

From: Gail DeMoura Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2008 12:44:36 PM Subject: Re: cheapest place and type of gravel??

On Aug 9, 2008, at 10:22 AM, Jan Slocum wrote:

> I have some gravel which was supplied by a landscaper at a high > price. I would like to have some gravel delivered which I will > spreat myself. Any ideas about which type I should ask for? Don't > care about aesthetics!

A few years ago we purchased stone gravel from Ashland Sand & Stone-- (508-881-5626). I remember it being much cheaper than getting it from a landscaper or store but there was a hitch. We had to haul it ourselves. At the time, my husband had a small truck. They have a wide selection. After you pay for your gravel, you drive over to the gravel or stone-specific pit and a huge crane literally drops the gravel into the back of the truck. It was fun---we almost flipped over!:)

I don't know if they've changed their policies about delivery but doesn't hurt to check. Might be worth the rental of a truck. I know we saved a couple hundred dollars doing so.

Gail DeMoura

From: Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2008 12:02:20 PM Subject: Re: cheapest place and type of gravel??

Try Cavicchio's in Sudbury. It's primarily a wholesale flower grower, but they also have mulch, compost and crushed stone that they sell to us "regular people". You can either pick up or they'll deliver.

They're on Codjer Road, right off Union Ave in Sudbury. Their phone number is 978-443-7177. The yard manager is Darren. He's very helpful and can help you make sure you get the right stuff for you. They also have a website ... _www.cavicchio.com_ (http://www.cavicchio.com) .

Susie Santone

From: Mattie Schadt Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2008 11:32:32 AM Subject: Lifeline and similar systems...try Connect America

Hi Vanessa,

My mother uses Connect America...I think it is $30.00 per month. Her friend uses it too and recommended it to us. I am convinced it saved her life in April. It is easy to set up and easy to use. They give you a small wrist band and necklace type device.

If you call them, they like to keep track of where the referrals come from so please say Dolores Parker, their northern NJ customer. As far as I know I don't think they offer any referral bonuses to their customers. Would be nice if they did, but the most important thing is that it works!

<http://www.connectamerica.com/> http://www.connectamerica.com/

Good luck!

Mattie Schadt

From: Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2008 9:17:40 AM Subject: Re: Lifeline and similar systems

I have several family members with a Lifeline and have worked for them for almost 9 years. I am a bit biased in my opinions but I think the service is great. Any time that they need help the subscriber just has to press their button, the one they wear, and we get them the help they need. It is not just for medical situations. Many times I have answered calls where the subs home is on fire or someone is breaking into their home. It is a great way for someone to keep their independence a bit longer. If you have any questions you can email me directly. Even if I did not work for Lifeline I think the service is great. Before I even worked there my grandfather had one and it kept him in his own home longer than he would have been able to without it.

Karen Fintonis

From: Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2008 2:13:27 AM Subject: : Lifeline and similar systems (fwd)

I was a volunteer Lifeline Installer. The system works well as advertised. Jewish Family Services (JFS) did the administered and, of course, the 24x7x365 staff of Lifeline handled the calls. The administration and installation is now done directly by Lifeline.

When I and my volunteer associates did installations, we recognized that besides installing the unit we had to be provide some hand holding and encouragement for the recipient. We had to describe how it worked and make them feel comfortable.

Joel Winett

WikiBacklog (last edited 2008-11-14 23:50:11 by StevenOrr)