Natick Mall’s COVID-19 vaccine site has opened for business—and “Epic Fun”

February 22, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

The sign above the entrance to the Natick Mall’s new COVID-19 vaccination site that opened Monday says it all: “Epic Fun.”

The sign, which actually promotes the Dave & Buster’s restaurant above, is true in a sense for vaccine recipients in that for many it’s been a tough challenge getting an appointment for a limited supply of vaccine given to the state. Hey, you’re just going to feel a little pinch.

The site at Natick Mall plans to administer 500 doses per day to start out. Vaccines will be administered by appointment only. Now eligible to receive the vaccine are Phase 1 and some Phase 2 groups, which includes people aged 65 and older; people with certain medical conditions; those in long-term care or congregate care settings; and several other groups.

Going forward, the plan is for the Natick Mall site to give out up to 3,000 doses per day, seven days a week.

We stopped by to check out the scene. All was very calm and civilized as a trickle of people walked over from the lower level of Parking Garage C, past LabCorp reps, and into the old Sears building. Those who had arrived early for their appointments waited in their cars until their time was nigh.

If you’ve received your vaccine at the mall or are working at the vaccine site and would like to share your experience, please let us know: natickreport@gmail.com

Natick Mall, C0VID vaccine site — Epic Fun: Natick Mall, COVID vaccine site.

Natick Mall garage, C0VID vaccine site parking — We stopped by at around 10am to check out the scene. Plenty of parking was available on the lower level of Parking Garage C. Competition for spaces is likely to increase once the mall stores open for business for the day. Most of them get going at 11am.

LabCorp is the vaccine provider, and can be contacted at 888-990-6066 for general event questions and if you need to cancel an appointment you have already set up. Representatives at that number will not be able to schedule appointments. That can be done online here. Or phone appointments may be made on the state’s 211 hotline.

The Natick vaccination site is is accessible, and wheelchairs will be provided on site to those who want one. There is accessible parking, an accessible drop-off and pick-up location, and staff are available to assist as needed. Masks are mandatory.

A Natick Report reader asked how to volunteer to work at the site. We believe the place to start is the state’s MA Responds site.

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Bald eagle spied in South Natick

February 19, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Bald eagles have been making their presence increasingly felt in Natick in recent months and years, and now it could be that one has chosen the South Natick area as a good spot to raise a family. Hey, why not? The neighborhood has everything they need for a happy home—the Charles River is right there and full of fish, and there are ample massive old pine trees to choose from to build the perfect aerie.

Eagle-eyed reader Patty Campbell sent along some great shots of a bald eagle apparently picking up some building supplies from a tree in her South Natick yard. After pausing on a sturdy branch, she says the eagle then flew off with a twig toward a nearby well-wooded area. All photos by Patty Campbell.

Natick bald eagle — A bald eagle surveys the South Natick scene.

We love getting Natick wildlife photos, so don’t be shy about sending them: natickreport@gmail.com

More on eagles in the area

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Eagle spotted at Morses Pond, Wellesley

Where to eat in Natick, Mass.

February 12, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Natick offers a variety of eateries, from fancy to homey to chains. A slew of Asian restaurants dot the town from sushi-and-more to Chinese to Thai. Or you can try out Italian eateries, a classic Jewish delicatessen, authentic Mexican cuisine, or an old-timey dining car that’s been in operation for over 120 years. And don’t forget those necessities — pizza, ice cream, donuts, and coffee. Natick’s got you covered there.

Natick, Pizza By Rocco — Pizza by Rocco is located at 3 Union Street in Natick.

Our most recent Natick restaurant visit was to Pizza by Rocco on Union Street, a place that offers big flavors in a small building. They’re known for their pizza, of course, but Rocco also offers up calzones, subs, salads, and more. We enjoyed the marinated chicken kabob dinner with grilled onions, peppers and tomatoes, served over fries.

You can read more about over 75 of Natick’s restaurants on our specialty page: Where to eat in Natick, Massachusetts.

Bon Appétit.

Interested in advertising on Natick Report’s regular restaurant listings post? Contact us at natickreport@gmail.com

Where to eat in Wellesley, Mass.

Natick MathWorks scholarship deadline approaching, along with others

February 11, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Natick students interested in pursuing a degree in mathematics, engineering, science or related program at an accredited four-year college or university are invited to apply for the MathWorks Scholarships. Two $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors who live in Natick and have strong academic records in mathematics and science.

Each Scholarship is structured as a four-year award, with the first year being $1,000, the second year $2,000, the third year $3,000 and the fourth year $4,000. Ongoing eligibility requirements must be met to receive the award in the second through fourth years. Students attending public, private, non-profit and parochial schools are eligible to apply. This scholarship program is open to all high school seniors living in Natick.

Applications for the Natick MathWorks Scholarships are available now or may be obtained at the Office of the Select Board in Natick Town Hall, 13 East Central Street, Natick MA 01760, by appointment only.

All applications are due to the Select Board’s Office no later than 5pm on Monday March 22, 2021. Mailed applications will also be accepted and must be postmarked by the same due date. Questions should be directed to: Gregg Cohen, Scholarship Chair, at (508) 667-6470 or gregglcohen@gmail.com

More scholarships information

Natick High School seniors should check out the lengthy list of local scholarship opportunities to see if they might be eligible for one or more.

Whether a graduating student’s future points toward drama, the military, sports, or they can write a great essay expressing gratitude for a teacher, they could be the right candidate for a local scholarship. Most scholarship due dates are Feb. 26 or March 1. But check each application carefully—apps will not be accepted after the deadline.

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Natick business visit: we stop by the new PGA Tour Superstore

February 4, 2021 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

In a crafty move, the PGA Tour Superstore in Natick welcomed those who golf or are golf-curious to its grand opening at 1398 Worcester St. (Rte. 9 east), in the former Michaels art supply store. We dropped by to visit the 34,000 sq. ft. retailer to see what they’ve done with the place after a gut remodel achieved in a sub-part time of about four months. Hey, it’s not their first swing at this kind of thing. The Natick location marks PGA Tour Superstore’s third Boston-area location (Braintree and Peabody are its other area outposts), and 45th store overall.

PGA Tour Superstore, Natick, located on Rt. 9 eastbound in the former Michaels craft store.

“We’re definitely rolling and so excited to be here. It’s been a lot of effort to get everything together to get to this point, and a lot of fun,” assistant general manager Tyler Clerverdon said.

The PGA store, short for Professional Golfers’ Association, offers what you would expect in a store of its massive size—all the golf gear and apparel you could ever want, on a grand scale. An entire wall of just golf balls. An entire wall of just shoes. Aisles of just clubs. You get the idea. The store’s emphasis is on golf, but it also offers tennis equipment and apparel.

When we stopped by, a bunch of families were having fun puttering about the 1,500 sq. ft. putting green area, while the virtual golf center’s bays were filled with those trying to find the perfect club or improve their swings. There are four bays for club fitting, and four practice bays, with practice bay rentals available at a rate of $10 by the half-hour. You can bring your own clubs, but not your own bag. And if you’re wondering why you must wait a few minutes when there’s an empty bay right over there, that would be due to physical distancing requirements. The virtual golf center offers lessons in two additional bays, and is staffed with certified instructors.

The 10 bays have different purposes but use the same technology. Data-driven improvement metrics are very big here. To make every swing count, each practice bay is outfitted with ball flight launch monitor technology, as well as video swing capture and playback capabilities. The idea is to give golfers concrete feedback about how to improve their overall game.

With winter looming long, golf courses frozen solid, and a dearth of things to do that seem safe during a time of pandemic, it’s likely that PGA Superstore will see a steady stream of the activity-starved. If those improved or newfound golf skills transfer over to the outdoor links come spring, so much the better for Natick’s newest addition to the route 9 retail landscape.

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More on eagles in the area

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More scholarships information