Natick marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 attacks

September 11, 2026 by Maureen L. Sullivan

John Martin, left, the town’s Veterans Services officer, takes part in the flag ceremony in frontof the fire station during observances marking the 25 th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. — John Martin, left, the town’s Veterans Services officer, takes part in flag ceremony in front of fire station during observances marking the 25 th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. (Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

With somberness and dignity, Natick joined the rest of the nation in observing the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.

(Watch Natick Pegasus recording of the event.)

Dozens gathered at the 9/11 memorial in front of the police station, including members of the town’s police and fire departments, the Soldier Systems Center and town officials.

Speakers reflected on 9/11 not only as a day of tragedy, but a day of resolve and unity.

“It’s a day that began an incredible moment of American spirit,” said state Rep. David Linsky. “We respected each other, we helped our neighbors.”

Brigadier General George Hackler, the systems center’s senior commander, said the terrorists who struck in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania “failed to understand the strength of the American people.”

Ashley Alberini, a member of the town’s fire department, was in high school when the attacks took place. She joined the Army at the age of 17, and served in Iraq from 2007 to 2008. She has been with the department for the past 13 years.

“It changed the trajectory of my life,” said Alberini. “It’s the reason I work here.”

In addition to speeches, there was a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. (the time of the first attack on the World Trade Center); the ringing of the fire bell at 3-3-3 (signifying a major loss); and renditions of the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.” At the end of the ceremony,
attendees were handed flowers – donated by TJX, who lost seven employees in the attack – to place at the memorial.

Personnel from the Soldier Systems Center salute during observances marking the 25 thanniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. — Personnel from the Soldier Systems Center salute during observances.

At the conclusion of the town’s observance of the 25 th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, attendees placed flowers – donated by TJX, which lost seven employees in the attacks – at the 9/11 memorial. It features a piece of steel from “ground zero” in New York City. — At the conclusion of the town’s observance of the 2 th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001,
attendees placed flowers – donated by TJX, which lost seven employees in the attacks – at the 9/11 memorial.

Jacob Opela, a member of the Natick Fire Department, rings the bell in honor of those whoperished during the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. — Jacob Opela, a member of the Natick Fire Department, rings the bell in honor of those
who perished during the terrorist attacks

Brigadier General George Hackler, senior commander at the Soldier Systems Center, speaks during the town’s observances marking the 25 th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. — Brigadier General George Hackler, senior
commander at the Soldier Systems Center, speaks during the town’s observances

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Natick celebrates its diversity at annual Multicultural Day

August 23, 2026 by Maureen L. Sullivan

Members of the Sutherland Pipe Band perform Scottish and Irish tunes for the annualMulticultural Day at Natick Common on Aug. 22. — Members of the Sutherland Pipe Band perform Scottish & Irish tunes
(Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

On Saturday, Aug. 22, old and young alike celebrated the town’s diversity with the annual Multicultural Day on the Common, sponsored by the Natick Center Cultural District.

Several vendors offered food and gift items, including Mexican, Indian and Romanian fare. Entertainment ranged from the Sutherland Pipe Band to a saree fashion show and Bollywood dances. Other participants included Mindfulness Connections Services, Natick 180, Natick for Black Lives Matter Metrowest, Natick Is United, No Stones Thrown Counseling Services, SPARK Kindness, “Storm Family” from Jamaica and the Walnut Hill School for the Arts.

After showing their sarees for a fashion show, these women showed their salsa dance moves during the annual Multicultural Day at Natick Common on Aug. 22. — After showing their sarees for a fashion show, these women showed their dance moves

Visitors to the annual Multicultural Day at Natick Common on Aug. 22 could get a taste of Romania, courtesy of Anokh, the Association for Romanians in New England. — Multicultural Day attendees could get a taste of Romania, courtesy of
Anokh, the Association for Romanians in New England.

Families were encouraged to pick up passports at the NCCD’s booth; they could then visit each booth to get the passports stamped.

The town’s Fire Department (with Louie the comfort/therapy dog, of course) was also on hand to give away decals and plastic helmets.

Members of the town’s Fire Department, including Louie the comfort/therapy dog, offered fire education, plastic helmets and other goodies during the annual Multicultural Day at Natick Common on Aug. 22. — Members of the town’s Fire Department

Members of the Massachusett Natick Ponakpoag and Nashoba Praying Indians began the celebration with singing in the Massachusett Natick language.

Multicultural Day “was near and dear to my mother’s heart,” said Carmen Fortes (White Dove), the daughter of the late Caring Hands, who served as the group’s grand squaw, sachem silva and clan mother.

Carmen Fortes (White Dove), left, leads a performance of songs in the language of the Massachusett Natick language during the annual Multicultural Day at Natick Common on Aug. 22. — Carmen Fortes (White Dove), left, leads a performance of songs in the language of the
Massachusett Natick language

The group is celebrating the 375 th anniversary of the establishment of Natick as the first Praying Indian community. They will host their annual Powwow on Sept. 26 at Cochituate State Park. The park gates will open at 10 a.m., followed by the Grand Entry at noon. The event will feature
drumming, singing, dancing, storytelling, vendors and more.

“It’s a big year for us,” said White Dove.

Admission is free. For information, go to www.NatickPowwow.org, or www.MassachusettNatickPrayingIndians.org.

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Natick police host National Night Out

August 5, 2026 by Maureen L. Sullivan

Police Chief James Hicks, right, checks out some puppies from Shultz’s Guest House ready foradoption during the annual National Night Out at Memorial Field on Aug. 4. — Police Chief James Hicks & friends check out puppies (photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

Dozens of families came to the grassy part of Memorial Field on Aug. 4 for the annual National Night Out sponsored by Natick’s Police Department.

A perfect summer’s evening provided the backdrop for plenty of activities, from bounce houses to children’s contests, from catching water balloons (courtesy of two Natick firefighters on top of a ladder truck) to playing with adoptable puppies.

There was also a chance to learn a few things – for example, the differences between e-bikes and scooters. Travis Moran and other Natick Police officers presented a display on which requires a license, and which are allowed on recreational paths. Visitors could also ride the bikes, and if they wanted to learn about impaired driving, they could wear a special pair of “drunk goggles.”

“It’s a great night to bring awareness to what the town has to offer,” said Moran. “It’s also a great family night.”

Natick Rotary served up hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza, while Chick Fil-A handed out chicken sandwiches, and Starbucks distributed ice-cold drinks. Kona Ice, Not Your Average Popcorn and Roche Bros. also provided refreshments.

The Natick Service Council conducted a food drive during the event. According to Kelsey Hampton, the director of community engagement, donations tend to drop off during the summer; they could use snack foods, tuna, cereal, jars of pasta sauce and personal care items. The Service Council is also putting together a team for the 15th annual Ride & Stride for Food, which will take place on Sept. 27 in Dedham. Go to the summer newsletter to learn more.

Visitors to National Night Out could also check out police and fire vehicles, as well as the town’s newest GIS drone, named “Felix.” The drone recently swept along the Charles River in South Natick, providing a birds-eye view of the dam project.

Other participants included Advocates, SMOC, Natick 180, SOAR Natick, Anchored in Recovery, Natick Community Organic Farm, Veterans Services, Natick Service Council, Needham Bank, AT&T FirstNet, Soldier Systems Development Center, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and the Morse Institute Library’s Bookmobile.

Personnel from the Soldier Systems Development Center (aka the Labs) show the latest in Armygear during the during the annual National Night Out at Memorial Field on Aug. 4. — Soldier Systems Development Center (aka the Labs) personnel

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Friends of the 4th’s Family Picnic a reason to celebrate

July 5, 2026 by Maureen L. Sullivan

The children’s parade gets going on the Common during July 4th event — The children’s parade gets going on the Common (Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

For the first time since 2019, a 4th of July celebration was held in Natick Center. Instead of the parade coming down Main Street, the Friends of the 4th hosted a Family Picnic on the Common, complete with games, face painting and – in a very good call because of the heat – a cooling
station.

Uncle Sam stopped by to wish everyone a happy 4th of July, and led the children’s parade around the Common. Craig Sutton Entertainment provided a prop patriotic cake for visitors to take selfies with.

Uncle Sam, left, joins Craig Sutton at a special 250 th anniversary celebration prop cake duringthe Friends of the Fourth’s Picnic on July 4. — Uncle Sam joins Craig Sutton at special 250th anniversary celebration prop cake

The Friends are working to bring back the parade for 2027.

“Everybody wants the parade back. The parade is exciting,” said Nancy Kelly, owner of the dance studio on Pond Street. For more than four decades, Kelly and her students have taken part.

Nancy Kelly, who took part in Natick’s 4 th of July parade for years, is helping to bring back theparade for 2027. — Nancy Kelly, who took part in Natick’s 4th of July parade for years, is helping to bring back the parade for 2027

“It would be memories coming back to me,” said Carol Hendricks, a former Natick resident whose family watched the parade for years. “It would be nice to see that again.”

The Friends of the Fourth are seeking volunteers and donations. For information, visit https://www.natick4th.org/ or go to its Facebook page.

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Rotary stages annual Tour de Natick family bike ride

June 21, 2026 by Maureen L. Sullivan

Hundreds of cyclists celebrated Father’s Day–and the summer solstice–by taking part in the 23 rd annual Tour de Natick Ride for Scholars on June 21.

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Natick, the event featured a variety of activities on the Common, along with live music, food and a chance to win an electric bike.

“The weather cooperated, and it’s a great event,” said Eileen Fitz, club president.

As in previous years, the ride took cyclists along a 6-mile route through local neighborhoods and along Dug and Fisk ponds, before heading back to the Common.

Nearly 250 cyclists, young and old, participated, including 69 teams distinguished by colorful pennants that flanked the registration table.

Proceeds from the Tour de Natick will go toward the club’s scholarship fund, as well as personalized dictionaries to the town’s third-graders.