Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

See the Charles River Dam—by canoe or kayak— before it’s gone

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The Charles River Dam in South Natick – an attraction for artists, birders and fishing enthusiasts for generations – is entering its final few months of existence.

Later this summer, the waterfall structure and fish ladder will be removed, according to the town’s webpage on this project. The park near the library and Grove Park (the hill with mature pine trees on the other side of the river) will remain in place.

Some historic features — including a portion of the spillway, the dam’s gate structure and the historic millstones embedded near the viewing area — will be preserved and integrated into the future park layouts.

During the removal phase, Grove Park will be closed from around June 22 through Oct. 31. All other parks in the area, including Old Town Park, the Multipurpose Courts and Hunnewell Fields, will remain open.

A Community Flotilla of canoes and kayaks is planned for Saturday, June 20. Participants are expected to arrive around 8 a.m., with a launch scheduled for 9:30 a.m. All skill levels welcome.

Families welcome. Must have own canoe or kayak and life jackets for all on the boats.

For information and directions, as well as to see whether space is still available, visit this page.

This event is not sponsored by the town.

A pricier paddle, $100 for Mass Audubon members and $120 for non-members, is slated for June 13 (noon-4pm), with featured guide, Waban Webquish, Wampanoag-Nipmuc Culture Keeper and wildlife photographer. This event starts and ends at Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 280 Eliot St. (Rte. 16).

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T Market supermarket opens at Natick Mall, and shoppers were ready

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T Market
Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan

 
It may have been a soft opening, but the first Asian market in MetroWest has already drawn plenty of fans.

T Market, located on the second floor of the Natick Mall in the former Wegmans space, opened early on Saturday, June 6. Within the first half-hour, more than a dozen customers were in line for fresh fish and lobster.

Near the lobster tanks, crews were preparing a range of goods, from pizza to sushi.

T Market

Although some shelves were empty, most were stocked with Asian staples such as dumplings, wontons, miso and pickled ginger. One customer said the selection was “amazing,” and that she would not have to travel to Quincy or Boston.

“We’re all excited it’s open,” said Suzanne Grenier, who works at the nearby Ballard Designs store.

As to why T Market chose this location, manager Theresa Liao said, “We were looking for a perfect space, and we chose Metrowest because there was no Asian supermarket here.”

Liao added that a more formal opening will take place sometime in early July.

The market is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

T Market
 

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‘Chicken plop bingo’ & more make for a fun Natick Farm Fest

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At the annual Farm Fest at Natick Community Organic Farm on May 10, visitors could learn about spinning wool.
Farm Fest visitors could learn about spinning wool (Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

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It may have been postponed a day because of rain, but families still had a great time at Natick Community Organic Farm’s annual Farm Fest on May 10.

The event featured live music, children’s games, a chance to meet the farm’s resident animals, demonstrations with wool and felting, and even a chance to win some maple syrup courtesy of an activity called “chicken plop bingo.”

There were also local vendors and an ice cream truck.

Sponsors included Wegmans, Volante Farms and the Mass. Cultural Council.

Registration for summer programs is now under way.

A chicken “picks” a number during the “chicken plop bingo” at the annual Farm Fest at Natick Community Organic Farm on May 10.
A chicken “picks” a number during the “chicken plop bingo” 

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Live music was one of the highlights at the annual Farm Fest at Natick Community Organic Farm on May 10.
Live music was one of the highlights at Farm Fest 

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A flock of sheep awaits more visitors during the annual Farm Fest at Natick Community Organic Farm on May 10.
A flock of sheep awaits more visitors during the annual Farm Fest 

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The farm stand was full of seedings, maple syrup and other items at the annual Farm Fest at Natick Community Organic Farm on May 10.
The farm stand was full of seedings, maple syrup and other items 

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Walk to End Homelessness raises more than $75,000

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Members of Girl Scout Troop 64073 held signs and cheered on participants at the beginning ofthe annual Walk to End Homelessness on May 3 at Natick High School.
Members of Girl Scout Troop 64073 cheered on participants (Photos by Maureen L. Sullivan)

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Despite cool and cloudy conditions, 275 adults and children took part in the annual Walk to End Homelessness on May 3 at Natick High School. As of May 3, the event has raised more than $75,000 for Family Promise Metrowest (FPM).

Participants included members of several congregations, some of whom have been part of FPM since the beginning.

“It’s an amazing organization,” said Beth Benjamin of the Strollers team from Dover Church.

“Jesus told us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the stranger. We raise money to make this happen,” said Alison Sonderfan, a member of the team from Community United Methodist Church in Wayland, which was among the top team fundraisers.

The event drew volunteers help from local schools, including Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Natick High School, Dover-Sherborn Regional High School and the Rivers School.

In addition to the walking, participants could lunch on burgers, dogs and Kona Ice; have their faces painted; visit the Morse Institute Library’s Bookmobile; and groove to live music from the School of Rock.

Family Promise Metrowest’s annual Walk to End Homelessness drew nearly 300 participants on May 3 at Natick High School.

Participants in Family Promise Metrowest’s annual Walk to End Homelessness on May 3 hadaccess to a pre-walk lunch of burgers and dogs.
Walk to End Homelessness participants had access to a pre-walk lunch. (Photo by Maureen L. Sullivan)

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About Family Promise Metrowest

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Started in 2008, Family Promise Metrowest serves low- and moderate-income families with at least one child under the age of 18 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Families are Massachusetts residents, with priority given to families from MetroWest.

Based in Natick, FPM receives assistance from local businesses, congregations, foundations and organizations.

FPM offers a Shelter Program, which offers safe accommodations, meals, clothing and individualized family coaching; the program helps empower families with the resources and encouragement they need to find affordable housing and develop life skills essential for maintaining stability.

There’s also the SAIL program (Sustaining Achievements for Independent Living), which supports families transitioning from shelter into permanent housing by providing resources that assist them in establishing long-term stability and independence; the Local Initiative for Family
Empowerment (LIFE) Program, a homelessness prevention and shelter diversion program that supports families who are at risk of eviction and/or shelter entry; and Steps to Success, which provides additional support in helping parents build employment skills, access job opportunities, and pursue professional training.

Family Promise Metrowest’s annual Walk to End Homelessness drew nearly 300 participants on May 3 at Natick High School.
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Morse Institute Library plans Craft Swap

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Have any leftover yarn or craft supplies? Are you looking for supplies to start that project?

The Morse Institute Library in Natick Center will be hosting a Craft Swap on March 26-28. Here’s how it works: March 23-26 – drop off your craft supplies at the library and receive an Early Access ticket March 27, 9 to 11 a.m. – Early Access “shopping” for ticket-holders.

March 27, 11 a.m. – Craft Swap opens to the general public, and continues through March 28 at 4 p.m.

Craft supplies must be in good condition and in appropriate containers (yarn in balls or skeins, beads in boxes, etc.).

There is no requirement to donate supplies in order to participate. The Swap is free; there is no charge for craft supplies, but you must bring your own bags.

There is no limit to the amount of supplies that may be taken, but organizers ask to be mindful of your neighbors, and be considerate.

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