Since its incorporation in 1700, Framingham has grown from a small farming community into the state’s most population town. On New Year’s Day, it officially becomes a city.
A crowd of 1,500 is expected Monday when Yvonne Spicer is sworn in as the new city’s first mayor. The inauguration will take place at noon in Nevins Hall of the Memorial Building, with Secretary of State William F. Galvin, US Senator Elizabeth Warren, and US Representative Katherine Clark scheduled to participate.
Framingham residents voted in April to switch to a city form of government. Spicer, a longtime educator, defeated former state representative John A. Stefanini in the November election.
Other new mayors are taking the reins this week. On Monday, Ruthanne Fuller will be sworn in as mayor of Newton, replacing Setti Warren, who is leaving after two terms to pursue a run for governor. And on Tuesday, Thomas McGee will be sworn in as mayor of Lynn, after the popular state senator defeated incumbent Judith Flanagan Kennedy.
Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will take the oath of office for the second time on Monday with Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. presiding. The inauguration takes place at 10 a.m. at the Cutler Majestic Theatre.
Here are some ways to kick off the new year ... and stay warm at the same time.
On Friday, Jabberwocky Bookshop in Newburyport will host best-selling author Cheryl Richardson to share insights from her latest book, “Waking Up in Winter: In Search of What Really Matters at Midlife.’’ The event takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Old South Presbyterian Church, 29 Federal St., Newburyport. For details, visit www.jabberwockybookshop.com.
Verrill Farm in Concord is hosting a post-holiday pancake breakfast on Saturdayfrom 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $8.50 for adults and $4.50 for kids under 10. No reservations are necessary. Verrill Farm is located at 11 Wheeler Rd., Concord. For more information, call 978-369-4494 or go to www.verrillfarm.com.
And New England folk singer and songwriter Ian Fitzgerald will be performing at 8 p.m. Saturday at the South Shore Folk Music Club, Beal House, 222 Main St., Kingston. Tickets are $22, $20 members. For details, go to www.southshorefolkmusicclub.org.
Leslie Anderson can be reached at leslie.anderson@globe.com.
