Michael Dukakis Keynote Speaker At Stephanie Mercandetti Ceremony

FRAMINGHAM, MA—The public is invited to a dedication memorial ceremony at Cushing Memorial Park Saturday, Sept. 22, to honor former Framingham Planning Board member Stephanie Mercandetti who passed away at the age of 42 on Jan. 14.

Governor Michael Dukakis, a former professor of Mercandetti's at Northeastern University, is the keynote speaker. Dukakis said Mercandetti was “one of his very best students” when he recommended her to Senator David Magnani for an internship, said the announcement. Senator David Magnani went on to hire Stephanie as his local affairs director. Magnani speaks at the ceremony immediately following Dukakis.

Governor Baker has signed a Proclamation naming Sept. 22, 2018, Stephanie Mercandetti Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Mercandetti was first elected to the Framingham Planning Board in 2012 as a write-in candidate. She won re-election and also served as the Board’s Chair. She had worked as the Economic Development and Grants Officer for the Town of Walpole and was The Economic Development Director in the Town of Medway at the time of her death. In each role she was greatly respected for her knowledge, professionalism and the ability to bring people together. She played a significant role in simplifying and expediting the planning and permitting process in Framingham while balancing neighborhood concerns and creating favorable outcomes, continued the announcement.

For 20 years Stephanie volunteered for the Boston Marathon and enjoyed designing jewelry as a hobby. She took frequent walks at Cushing Park. “As part of this ceremony an inscribed bench and beautiful maple tree will be dedicated in her honor. All are invited to attend this public ceremony to celebrate and remember Stephanie Mercandetti. “Stephanie loved Cushing Memorial Park and now her memory will be there for all to share,” said Bob Berman, chairman of the Stephanie Mercandetti Memorial Committee, in a statement. “I am also proud to announce the new Stephanie Mercandetti Scholarship Fund available to high school seniors in Framingham, Walpole and Medway pursuing higher education in public policy, planning and government studies.” A Go Fund Me campaign has been set up to accept donations.

All are invited to attend this public ceremony which includes the dedication of a bench and tree in Cushing Memorial Park. The program is as follows:

2:05 p.m. Bob Berman, Committee Chair

2:10 p.m. Senate President Karen Spilka

2:15 p.m. Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer

2:20 p.m. Barbara St. Andre, Town of Medway

2:25 p.m. State Representative Jack Lewis

2:30 p.m. Governor Michael S. Dukakis

2:40 p.m. Senator David Magnani

2:45 p.m. Joan Rastani, Parks and Recreation

2:50 p.m. The Mercandetti Family

3 p.m. Bob Berman, Committee Chair

3:15-4 p.m. At the close of the dedication ceremony at Cushing Memorial Park, attendees are invited to a reception in the cafeteria at Keefe Tech High School (750 Winter St.). Friends, colleagues and Mercandetti’s family will join together to share memories and celebrate Stephanie. Refreshments prepared by Keefe Tech’s culinary students will be served.

Guests are advised to: Enter Cushing Park through the 750 Winter St. entrance to Keefe Tech. The entry to Cushing Park is on the left. Overflow parking is in the main Keefe Tech lot. Parking here provides easier walking access to the Keefe Tech cafeteria for refreshments after the ceremony.

Photos submitted, Audrey Hall