Bob Brown, Author at Natick Report

Down goes the Natick Chuck E. Cheese’s sign

May 23, 2020 by Bob Brown

My timing wasn’t perfect, but I happened to be passing by Chuck E. Cheese and noticed guys on a ladder dismantling the remains of the one-time overstimulation capital of Natick on Rte. 9.

Chuck E. Cheese is one of those businesses that doesn’t make it easy to know when it closes specific locations, but it has been posting a seemingly endless series of financial statements to update the government and investors about its worsening financials in light of the COVID-19 crisis.

In March the restaurant chain (also including Peter Piper eateries) announced it was temporarily closing all of its 500-plus facilities for eat-in dining and has reported permanently closing 12 locations this year. Chuck E. Cheese has been offering take-out in some locations, even under different names, according to news reports, as well as virtual entertainment options to try to keep its relevance.

When Chuck E. Cheeses do re-open they, like other restaurants, will have a different look. It will be particularly challenging for this chain, as gamers will need to be spaced apart, hand stamps will be out, and the overall germiness that parents embraced to get their kids immunized to just about everything will be a thing of the past.

Meanwhile, Cognex looks only too happy to expand its presence. Not quite Chuck E. Cheese, but a sign on the Cognex lawn does boast about them working and playing hard, so maybe a few of the Chuck E. Cheese arcade games won’t have far to go.

Taps all around Natick for Memorial Day

May 23, 2020 by Bob Brown

Wellesley school band members won’t have an opportunity to march in annual Natick Memorial Day parade Monday since it isn’t happening in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. But they have been encouraged by band teacher directors in town to help honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military.

At 11am on Monday, band members are being asked to step outside to the front of their homes, face toward a cemetery if possible, and play “Taps” in the key of Concert G Major. Percussionists may use a bell kit or keyboard, according to Wilson Middle School’s Scott Morrill.

Natick scholastic runners recognized by Boston Athletic Association

May 21, 2020 by Bob Brown

Eight Natick runners, four high school students and four middle school students, have been recognized as part of the Boston Athletic Association Scholastic Mile Class of 2020 and Middle School 1K Honor Roll. Typically, eight runners from each of the cities and towns along the Boston Marathon route are selected by their coaches to represent their communities on marathon weekend.

The 1-mile and 1K races usually take place the Saturday before the marathon at the end of that course, but this year they’ve been canceled due to COVID-19. While that’s hugely disappointing, the runners will still get some sweet swag.

Natick’s high schoolers are Caroline Fleming, Genna Girard, Matthew George and Conor McDonough. The middle schoolers are Kira Henderson, Angelina Wing, Steven D’Alessandro and Sean Fleming.

Congrats to them all.

Natick businesses prep for re-opening

May 18, 2020 by Bob Brown

Gov. Charlie Baker on Monday revealed the state’s re-opening plan, which includes a rough timeline along which organizations in various sectors might re-open. Up first are places of worship (up to 40% occupancy), beginning May 18, and next up (May 25) are hair salons and barber shops, pet grooming shops, and car washes.

Retailers beyond restaurants will be able to start curbside pick-up on the 25th, too, if they adhere to a bunch of safety rules set by the state and town, and offices will be able to open at up to 25% capacity. Nail salons, summer camps, restaurants and other businesses will be addressed in later re-opening phases, which could roll out every few weeks. Gyms, museums and other businesses are in line to open in Phase 3, likely a few weeks later.

Organizations will largely be counted on to self-comply, and local authorities will be counted on to field questions and complaints. A fine system will run from $100 to $300, though Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito stressed that the focus will be on encouraging organizations to do the right thing rather than taking a punitive approach. Verbal consultations and written warnings will precede fines.

Natick businesses that fall into categories addressed in phase 1 of the re-opening plan are ready to go, and the state is giving organizations that would fall into sectors addressed in later phases tools to ready themselves, too.

Among the Natick businesses raring to open is Jesamondo. The salon and spa has announced it will open on May 26 and is booking now. Things will be different, as you’ll need to wear a mask with ear loops (to make it easier to get at your hair), you’ll need to get your temperature taken and you’ll need to wait in your car before getting called in.

Bruno’s Barber Shop also is working to open next week and invites you to get on the opening day list. While plans haven’t been finalized, you’ll need to wear a mask and make an appointment, and it’s possible you’ll need to get your temperature checked. The Barber Suite on Rte. 9 is among other shops also planning to re-open next week.

The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce is offering a free webinar on May 20 at 10am about re-opening your business in the new coronavirus.

Although houses of worship are free to open now, it remains to be seen how they will play this. The Eliot Church of Natick, for one, is holding off.

“As many of you are aware, the state has just given permission to congregations to use their best judgement around returning to in-person worship starting this month. However, we wanted to let you know that as of right now, the Eliot Parish Committee has decided to continue with virtual worship services at least until September. The reasons are many, but they boil down to the fact that we feel there are still too many questions about the coronavirus and its spread to take the risk of having us together before then,” according to a note to parishioners.

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Enough with the ‘Peace,’ ‘Love’ & ‘Understanding’ rocks in South Natick

May 14, 2020 by Bob Brown

I’d been thinking recently that it might be fun to start seeding the neighborhood with more artsy rocks bearing subversive or at least more interesting messages than the standard “Love” & “Hope” ones typically found on these painted gems. But a certain adviser suggested that might be taken as affront by those spreading cheerful and uplifting sentiments, so I held off.

I’m happy to report, however, that someone in South Natick has taken up the cause.