Natick now & then via new photographic mapping tool

June 17, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Massachusetts Bureau of Geographic Information (MassGIS) has released a tool dubbed Massachusetts Before & After that lets you view from above how the landscape looked in the 1990s vs. in 2019.

Check out locations in Natick to view dramatic before-and-after scenarios based on aerial photography that is geographically referenced to the town (orthophotography).

I found it easiest to orient myself by typing Natick Common into the search bar. That part of town is easily recognized with its grass and gazebo, and I found it pretty easy to navigate from there. You can see the stark difference, for example, on the South Main Street stretch across from the Common where the condos now stand. The online tool features a slider that lets you roll over the before or after images to see what was there after or before.

natick common aerial view — Natick Common via Massachusetts Before & After (MassGIS)

Natick Business Buzz: Natick.Business website launches; Five Crows reopening; Uni-T on the way

June 17, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Our round-up of the latest Natick, Mass., business news:

Natick.Business website launches

A new website called Natick.Business has launched through a joint effort by Natick merchants through the Natick Center Cultural District and Natick Center Associates, and Natick’s Community & Economic Development Department.

The site, which is still being fleshed out, features information from Natick and the Commonwealth that’s helpful to businesses looking to reopen safely, and provides resources, such as access to free signage covered by the town. Volunteers in specific industry sectors will help businesses get up to speed on best practices for reopening, too.

Five Crows reopening

Five Crows, the gallery and handcrafted gifts shop at 41 Main St., in Natick Center, will be back in action as of this Thursday, June 18. Just in time for this weekend’s Father’s Day.

You’ll need to wear a mask (spares available) and must use hand sanitizer upon entering. Gloves will be available, too. The store will be limited to 7 customers at a time, contact-free transactions will be offered, as will gift wrap. No cash transactions.

Uni-T making move from mall to Natick Center

Uni-T, which describes itself as a combined art gallery, T-shirt and gift shop, has closed the Natick shop it started in 2012 and is planning to open soon on Court Street in Natick Center. Multitalented owner Eujin Kim Neilan features her own illustrated children’s books, hand-printed T-shirts and other creations, plus those of other local artists. Dance, music and book readings are among the sorts of events Uni-T has held in the past.

The business has humble roots, with Eujin starting in a home studio, branching out to farmers’ markets, and going from there. Sounds like a perfect fit for Natick’s artsy center.

Got Natick business news? natickreport@gmail.com

Natick’s Eli’s & Dolphin Seafood ready to serve you outside

June 16, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

Workers set up the outdoor dining area in the parking lot outside Eli’s & Dolphin Seafood in Natick Center on Tuesday morning to get ready for serving meals and drinks later on Tuesday.

Eli’s will be open 8am-2pm Tuesday-Friday, and 7:30am-2pm Saturday and Sunday. Text 413-221-7498 for reservation requests. Masks must be worn until seated at your table, and no parties larger than 6.

The Dolphin starts serving today from 4-8pm. Call for reservations. Masks must be worn to enter. Curbside and take-out service continue.

The town is working with restaurants to allow them to serve outdoors even if they previously have not been licensed to do so given that there’s no indoor sit-down dining for now under state rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where to eat in Natick

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Natick’s colorful new mosaic: ‘We the People’

June 16, 2020 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The timing of artist Carol Krentzman’s new “We the People” mosaic on Court Street in Natick Center couldn’t have been much better considering the social unrest sweeping the country.

The 41-inch wide, 12-foot high rainbow-colored work consisting of glass tiles made from recycled glass, was installed on June 11.

Krenztman explains on her website: “The saying arching over the mosaic in blended skin tones is: ‘We the People Have a Dream of Life Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness with Kindness Equality Respect Tolerance Education Freedom and Justice for All’. The words in the center interspersed in the colors of the rainbow are: courage, trust, cooperation, family, patience, acceptance, care, equity, community, honor, love, unity, peace, truth and hope.”

You can learn more about how the mosaic came together in this video featuring the artist.