Bob Brown, Author at Natick Report

Natick formally dedicates Connor Heffler Park

September 21, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Natick this weekend formally dedicated the reimagined playground at the old East School at Rte. 9 and Oak Street as Connor Heffler Park to honor a spirited young resident who died four years ago at the age of 11 from cancer.

Connor and his family frequented the park, which has undergone a $2M-plus renovation that features tennis and pickleball courts, a baseball field, and a variety of colorful and modern playground equipment.

Connor’s mom Beth, a member of the Natick Police Department, shared words at the ceremony, including her son’s wisdom that you have to believe in something good to go after it.

The town launched a soft reopening of the park last fall.

Natick Porchfest scrapped due to COVID-19 concerns

September 21, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Even as other area public events, from Natick Days to various parades have been nixed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed like maybe, just maybe Natick Porchfest could be held on Sept. 26. The event would have allowed music fans to listen to bands and singers who would perform at a social distance from their porches or other venues.

But alas, organizers this weekend announced the event scheduled for next weekend would not be happening.

“We knew it was risky to try to plan an event and unfortunately with the rising numbers of COVID around us we feel that it is our responsibility to help flatten the coronavirus curve and keep you safe. In order to do this, we have decided to cancel Porchfest. Thank you for your understanding and we hope we can try again next year!”

The May edition of Natick Center PorchFest turned into a virtual at-home event in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One consolation this time around: A live performance on Sept. 26th at 5:00 pm on the Natick Center Cultural Districts Facebook page with Chris Wagner from the Modern Day Idols.

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Bacon Free Library, Natick History Museum now open by appointment only

September 21, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The slow crawl back to normalcy continues at Bacon Free Library and the Natick Historical Society, which are now adding in-person visits to the building by appointment only on Tuesdays from 10am-1:30pm.

You can book the library, Natick History Museum, or both for a total of 30 minutes.

Curbside pickups will be suspended during appointments, but will continue Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-4pm and Tuesday 2-4pm.