Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Annual Veterans Walk now on display at Natick Common

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The Veterans Walk is now on display at the Common.
The Veterans Walk is now on display at the Common (photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

 
It’s beginning to look a lot like Veterans Week in town.

The front of the Morse Institute Library is covered with banners promoting the Natick Veterans Oral History Project. Based at the library, the Project records and preserves veterans’ experiences from World War II to the present day. It includes a website, www.natickveterans.com, where these interviews are available.

Speaking of the Project, members of the library staff installed more than 150 signs comprising the Veterans Walk, which features veterans who recorded interviews for the Project. Each sign includes the veteran’s name and image; branch and time of service; and a QR code that connects to the interview.

The Veterans Walk will be on display through Nov. 13, while the banners (and the Legacy of Service inside the library) will be shown through November.

The Morse Institute Library has unfurled the banners for the Natick Veterans Oral History Project, just in time for Veterans Day.

The Morse Institute Library has unfurled banners for the Natick Veterans Oral History
Project, just in time for Veterans Day

 
Reminder – the town’s annual Veterans Day observances will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of Clarendon and East Central streets, and follow the traditional route – East Central to West Central, left onto Forest, left onto Pond, left onto Main Street, right onto East Central to the Morse Institute Library, where ceremonies will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Following the ceremonies, there will be a lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St., sponsored by the Charles River Rotary Club, with the support of the Natick Fire Department.

Registration for lunch is encouraged; sign up via the Veterans Services Office website.
 

 

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Natick’s 45 East Central St. has full house of retailers: Home decor, games, coffee, sushi & more

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45 E. Central St
45 East Central St.

 
All six first-floor retail units at 45 East Central St., the mixed residential and retail building on the former St. Patrick’s School site, are now spoken for.

Better yet, this looks to be no collection of boring businesses along Rte. 135.

As we’ve been documenting along the way, tenants at local developer Stonegate’s building include:

Kidcasso has gotten the jump, and opened first (it has a few other locations, so has this business down).

Other tenants are expected to open in coming months.

And here’s the scoop, briefly on the last pieces of this retail puzzle at 45 East Central:

  • Anyone’s Game, which will offer a place to play and buy games, like chess, mahjong, bridge, and backgammon
  • Forte Wellness Club, which plans to offer hot pilates, sculpt, strength, stretch and yoga, with recovery to boot (cold plunge). Forte means strength in Portuguese, and the business says it is “rooted in Brazilian warmth.”

Some tenants have told us that they have already been collaborating with each other, creating a community amongst themselves before the wider public joins the party.

Oscar Escobar, CEO of Blue Roast Coffee Company, says “Natick has been so welcoming and I have found a great team among the other tenants. They are very cool.”

The brokerage firm handling the leases is naturally excited as well.

“We are thrilled with the tenant mix and the exciting businesses that will be joining downtown Natick,” says Marilyn Santiago, commercial real estate director/brokerage at NAI Parsons Commercial Group. “Our leasing strategy has focused on thoughtfully curating a complementary mix of businesses that will not only enhance the vibrancy of downtown Natick but also create strong synergies among the tenants.”

Another Stonegate mix-use development, at 21 Summer St. across from TCAN, has Epilogue Books and Wine opening soon, and one other space to fill.

What about upstairs in residential units?

Caroline Costello, a property manager at Stonegate, says residential leasing momentum is building, particularly for affordable apartments and one- and three-bedroom market rate units. More than 90% of affordable apartments are leased, with similar occupancy levels across one- and two-bedroom apartment units. Three-bedroom apartments are fully leased, and significantly, Stonegate has completed its first round of lease renewals with 100% retention.
 

 

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Natick residents weigh possible interim uses for former Johnson School

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Six nonprofits and public programs have applied to share space in Natick’s former Johnson Elementary School building, including for what residents said during an Oct. 28 public workshop are much-needed childcare programs. Town officials are seeking community input on the former school building’s interim future.

For Natick resident Pam Koskovich, who previously worked in childcare at the Cole Center, bringing a free after-school program back to a semi-permanent location could make a meaningful difference for Natick families. Previous childcare efforts proved challenging for families who struggled to travel to another location at the Cole Center. 

“Going back to some fixed space would be invaluable,” Koskovich said. 

The meeting at the Morse Institute Library brought residents together to discuss potential tenants at the Johnson building, which closed as an elementary school in 2024.

The meeting drew a moderately large crowd, who wanted to learn more, in the basement of the Morse Institute Library. Photo by Shaun Kenney.
The meeting drew a moderately large crowd to Morse Institute Library. (Photo by Shaun Kenney)

 
Town Communications Director Jay Poropatich outlined the town’s interim-use idea, aiming to still use the space for the community’s benefit while keeping costs low and preserving options for its long-term future. 

Six organizations submitted proposals to use the former elementary school: the Natick Art Association, Natick Pegasus, Natick Public Schools’ ASAP after-school program, Natick Recreation and Parks, MetroWest YMCA’s childcare and summer camp program, and Project ABC, a free family engagement program run by the YMCA.

Together, the proposed uses would occupy 74% of the building’s available space, according to the presentation. The remaining space could provide room to devote time to work on the building, such as addressing ADA accessibility requirements. 

After the presentation, residents participated in live polling of seven questions addressing how the organizations could coexist, particularly whether or not children’s programs could operate alongside publicly accessible arts organizations. 

Live polling allowed the audience members to see how their thoughts related to others about the future of the school. Photo by Shaun Kenney.
Live polling allowed attendees to see how their thoughts related to others’ about the Johnson building’s future. (Photo by Shaun Kenney)

 
“I wonder about whether the art organizations and YMCA can coexist in a building where we need to make sure we know who’s entering and leaving for children’s safety. That would have to be something that would have to be worked out,” said Laura Loftus, a school counselor who previously worked at Johnson.

The YMCA’s proposal to operate a childcare facility in the building also drew support. Robin Pedrelli, a housing equity advocate, said the program could help address demand for after-school care.

“It seems like a no-brainer to offer these kinds of services,” Pedrelli said. 

During the meeting, some residents asked about the three-year interim period, wondering if it was a firm end date even if the proposed uses are successful in the space. In response, Poropatich talked about how they were seeing if the public thought that was a “friction point” and if the board should reconsider based on the data from the live polling. 

Select Board Vice Chair Linda Wollschlager noted that the workshop allowed board members to hear and understand more about the proposals and consider applications of the different uses.

“This is the first time the Select Board is hearing about some of this,” Wollschlager said in the meeting.

The Select Board is expected to decide which of the six proposals will advance to the discovery phase, scheduled for January through March 2027. That phase will look into details such as building conditions, lease terms, operating costs, and accessibility needs before a final vote, anticipated by June 2027.

More: Watch a recording of the Oct. 28 workshop

This story is part of a partnership between the Natick Report and the Boston University Department of Journalism’s Newsroom program.

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Natick town government meetings for week of Nov. 9, 2026

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A sampling of Natick town government meetings and agenda items for the week of Nov. 9, 2026 (Review all meetings &  agendas):
 
Council on Aging Board (Nov. 9, 2pm, Community-Senior Center & online)

Town Staff Report – Donna Tarutz, Director Council on Aging and Human Services; Subcommittee and Workgroup Reports a) Strategic Planning Subcommittee – Paula Panchuck/Jan Sewell (Jim, Scotty) b) Housing Subcommittee – Jim Fitzgerald (Linda, Paula, Laura) c) Health Workgroup – Fonda Mangino (Chris, Jan) d) Safety Workgroup – Jim Fitzgerald (Laura, Mal) e) Speakers Workgroup: Chris Weithman (Fonda) f) Programs Workgroup: Jim Fitzgerald (Scotty) g) Governance Subcommittee: (Connie); Liaison Reports a) Dementia Friendly Communities Update – Paula Panchuck b) Springwell – Debra Shaw c) Friends of Natick Community Senior Center
 
Memorial School Building Committee (Nov. 9, 5:30pm, School Committee meeting room at Town Hall)

Designer Contract Update: Presentation by Matt Gillis. Facilitation by OPM and Designer. Duration – 10 minutes. Expected outcome – Approval; 11/20 Site Tours: Presentation by OPM. Duration- 10 minutes. Expected outcome- Attendees list; Preliminary Design Program (PDP) kick-off: Schedule of meetings, Visioning, Community Forums, Existing Conditions analysis. Presentation by Designer and OPM –45 minutes. Expected outcome – Information sharing/draft schedule of events; Presentation of Current Draft Feasibility Study Budget. Presentation by OPM – 10 minutes. Expected outcome – Information sharing.
 
Recreation & Parks Commission (Nov. 9, 6pm, Community-Senior Center—no streaming or recorded version)

Project Updates ■ Cole Turf Replacement ■ South Natick Parks ■ Murphy Park
 
Commission on Disability (Nov. 12, 6:30pm, online only)

Information on E-mail protocol for NCOD email; Agendas moving forward; Next meeting is in person
 

 

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2026 Veterans Day activities in Natick

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What is Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is observed annually, and always on Nov. 11, regardless of the day of the week on which it falls. The US Department of Veterans Affairs’ website notes that the day “is a time to honor America’s military veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”

Veterans.Day.Natick
Natick. Veterans Day parade

This year’s observance will feature the annual Veterans Day Parade, followed by a ceremony in front of the Morse Institute Library. The events will provide an opportunity for the Natick community to come together in recognition of the contributions by the nation’s veterans.

Veterans wanted for parade

Veterans are wanted to march in this year’s Veterans Day Parade! Organizers would love to have as many veterans as possible participate and represent the community.

NEW THIS YEAR: For veterans who are unable to march, the Natick Veterans Service Office will provide a trolley so all who want to can participate in the parade. If you would like to reserve a seat on the trolley, please call the Veterans Service Officer John Martin at 508-647-6531 or email mbloom@natickma.org

2026 Veterans Day Parade schedule

  • 8:45 a.m. Parade participants arrive ( Public Lot behind Police Department)
  • 9am—trolley pickup for veterans at 117 E Central St.
  • 9:15am—parade staging at 20 E .Central St.
  • 9:30am—parade steps off from Central and Clarendon St.

PARADE ROUTE

Up East Central to West Central; left on Forest; left on Pond; left on Main to East Central to the Morse Institute Library for ceremonies.

  • 10:30am—ceremony begins at Morse Institute Library
  • 11am—ceremony concludes with Taps
  • 11:15am—trolley departs from 20 E. Central St. to 117 E. Central St.
  • 11:30am—Veterans Day Lunch for veterans, friends, and family. Registration is encouraged, sign up here: https://forms.gle/Kof3qYWqiVECA7Yq5
    Lunch is generously sponsored by the Charles River Rotary Club, and supported by the Natick Fire Dept. Special thank you to the Natick Oral History Project, and guest speaker Eric Olsen.

What’s open and closed on Veterans Day in Natick

Natick Town Hall will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Regular business hours will resume on Thursday, November 12 for all town departments. Please check department webpages for specific times.

Natick Public Schools will be closed on Nov. 11.

Morse Institute & Bacon Free libraries will be closed on Nov. 11. See more on librarys’ hours here.

There is no regular residential mail service on Nov. 11.

Find out if your waste and recycling pickup schedule is affected by a holiday.

EVENT: Veterans Story Walk

DATES: Nov. 9-13, 2026, Natick Common
DESCRIPTION:The 3rd Annual Veterans Story Walk will feature more than 155 local veterans’ stories in an installation celebrating the sacrifices and diverse experiences of those who served in the armed forces. This public exhibit pays tribute to the hundreds of veterans from the area who have shared their stories with the Morse Institute Library’s Veterans Oral History Project over the past 29 years.

The Story Walk consists of a series of signs installed along the sidewalks of Natick Common, each linking to the oral history of a veteran from the community. The project highlights the courage, service and personal histories of area veterans, making their lived experiences accessible to all.

The Veterans Oral History Project actively collects stories from veterans, and welcomes new stories to the collection. To share your story, please visit natickveterans.com or email NatickVets@minlib.net.

Thanksgiving Turkeys for Vets program

AMVETS Post 79 in Natick will once again give up to 200 local area veterans and service members a free 15-pound turkey and a $20 supermarket gift card as a token of gratitude for their service.

The program is not need-based, and veterans do not need to be an AMVETS members. All veterans and active service members are eligible.

To sign up, email turkey4vets@gmail.com or call 508-488-9780. Include your full name, address, cell phone number, email address, and branch of service and years served. Pickup day is Nov. 21, 10am-2pm, at Post, 79 Superior Dr., Natick.

The turkeys and gift cards have been donated by local businesses and individuals.

Free dental care for veterans

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine is hosting an event offering free dental care to veterans on Saturday, November 7, at Harvard Dental Center (188 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115),  from 9am-noon. Dental exams, x-rays, oral cancer screenings, and specialty consults will be offered at no cost to veterans and their spouses.

To request an appointment, interested veterans can visit this link: https://forms.gle/k4oaxyxkbh1b4QUJ9

After you enter your information, a staff member will call to set up the appointment.

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