Natick Report

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

Natick community news: SPARK Kindness founder recognized for suicide prevention leadership; Natick Mall confirms you’re beautiful; Crossing aisle to help the hungry

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The latest Natick, Mass., community news:

SPARK Kindness founder recognized for suicide prevention leadership

Christine Fortune Guthery, founder and executive director of Natick’s SPARK Kindness organization, has received the
Leadership in Suicide Prevention Award from the Massachusetts Coalition for Suicide Prevention.

The award, recognizing extraordinary efforts to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention, was presented at the State House.

“There is no greater challenge to address than suicide prevention for our youth and our whole community,” Guthery said in a statement.

Guthery, an attorney, founded SPARK Kindness in 2010. The nonprofit now serves nearly 9,000 members in MetroWest Boston and beyond through free programming, resources, and events that promote resilience, kindness, and belonging for all.

guthery

 

Natick Mall confirms you’re beautiful

The Natick Mall has a new feel-good, interactive art installation set up through April 9.

The “You are Beautiful” exhibit, inspired by artist Matthew Hoffman, invites you to grab a tag and fill in the blank “I am ____,” then hang it on the wall with tens of thousands of others.

The Moments of Motivation Seats and Self-Reflection Mirror are also part of the site.

 

Crossing the aisle to help Natick Service Council

The Natick Democratic and Republican Town Committees are joining forces on a food drive to support the Natick Service Council.

Mark your calendar: The event takes place at the Stop & Shop 9/27 Plaza in Natick on Saturday, April 29, 9am-2pm.

Among items requested are cereal, coffee & tea, pasta sauce, sugar, flour, solid white canned tuna, and canned soup.

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Mini-golfers find perfect snowy weekend activity inside Natick library

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Even before I saw the dozens of families playing mini golf among the stacks at Morse Institute Library on Saturday, I could tell this event was a success. The racks at the entrance overflowed with a rainbow of winter jackets and gear.

Further in were the golfers, weaving up or down stairs and between those who mistakenly thought they might get some studying in at the library this day.

morse institute library mini golf

It was clear that some of these kids were much more familiar with hockey than golf by the way they handled the golf balls like pucks as they cruised through the course, decorated with everything from stuffed wild animals to food pantry items, depending on the hole sponsor.

morse institute library mini golf

morse institute library mini golf

Moms, dads, and grandparents got into the act, too, with a least a couple of dads taking a bit more time to measure up their shots than they probably needed to. Though 1 fired his ball off the course and between my legs—he probably shouldn’t have rushed that shot, or at least called “Fore!”

morse institute library mini golf

Prizes awaited those who made it through, or who didn’t.

 

mini golf morse institute library

mini golf morse institute library

Saturday’s free-for-all followed Mini Golf After Dark on Friday night, a 21+ fundraiser.

Mini golf sponsors: Looking for another opportunity? Learn about advertising on Natick Report.

Post Super Bowl, Natick Boy Scouts score thousands of bottles & cans

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A mountain of Mountain Dew boxes. Strong kids hauling trash bags full of empty bottles and cans. Eagle Scouts returning to roost—and help.

These were among the images from this Saturday’s Troop 1775’s bottle and can drive under a sunny blue sky in the VFW parking lot in Natick. Adults and kids efficiently worked together to unload donations from those who were ridding their homes of empty bottles and cans, no doubt some of which came in the aftermath of Super Bowl parties.

“Breaking news!,” shouted one contributor when he recognized me. “Hopefully not broken bottles, though.”

boy scout troop 1775 bottle & can drive

The troop holds 3 such drives per year, raising in the $1,200-$1,400 range per event to help defray costs of camping and other activities, said Wade Huber, scoutmaster of Troop 1775, which has been going strong for more than 50 years. The troop currently has some 30 scouts, and the more experienced ones play a big role in organizing the bottle and can drive.

The bottles and cans collected are transported to a redemption center in Framingham, where those thousands of them at 5 cents apiece add up to real funds for the scouts. Among the activities they’re looking forward to this year is participation at the annual Camporee at U.S. military academy West Point.

boy scout troop 1775 bottle & can drive

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Make way for Lambos, Ferraris & Porsches at May exotic car show

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Update (3/20/23): Due to high demand, the event has been moved from Natick to Bolton, Mass (41 Main St., the Paragon Complex). Tickets are now required.

The founder of a Natick business this May is bringing an exotic car show to town that will raise funds for a good cause.

Brad Singh, founder and CEO of workforce management solutions firm  TalentBurst, said he originally planned a small gathering with buddies to hang out with their luxury vehicles. That plan has now morphed into the Supercar Show, slated for May 20, 10am-2pm, at 15 Wethersfield Rd., in Natick, where TalentBurst is located.

For those Natick long-timers, this will not necessarily remind you of Nick’s, the one-time eatery where owners of old cars convened on Saturday cruise nights. (Regulars were not impressed the time I parked my Dodge Colt there and propped open the hood.)

Among vehicles slated to appear will be 1 of just 2 Ferrari Enzos in the state, a McLaren 720, and some high-end Porsches, such as the Carrera GT, Singh says. Several dozen car owners have already signed on to display their prides and joys, and more are welcome to sign up. Food trucks and music will be part of the mix as well. “Expect a general carnival vibe,” Singh says.

Singh, a Wellesley resident, himself owns a couple of Lamborghinis: One with the “legendary” license plate “SPICY” and the other bearing a “SWEET” plate.

spicy car

The show will raise money for a national nonprofit called Jumpstart that serves to advance equitable learning outcomes for pre-K children by recruiting and supporting caring adults to deliver high-quality programming through teaching, advocacy, and leadership. So there’s no formal cover charge for attendees, but donations will be encouraged on site to support this organization.

The show has already attracted some high-end sponsors and is on track to easily surpass its initial fundraising goal of $10K.

Natick’s 2023 Boston Marathon charity runners

Many Natick residents are registered to take part in the 2023 Boston Marathon on April 18. Some have qualified by posting fast times in previous races, while others are participating to raise funds for charities in Natick and beyond.

Here’s a form you can fill out if you’d like us to include your Boston Marathon profile (including a link to your fundraising site) on this page. Please, only those who either live in Natick, or who are taking part in the race for a Natick charity, should fill this out. We’ll try to get entries added to this page within a day or two of receiving them.

Runner: Michele Grieves

Michael Grieves

Charity & fundraising page: Spark Kindness

Why you’re running for this cause: From the moment I first talked with Michele Marotta I knew this would be an opportunity to be part of something positive. Her passion and enthusiasm for the programs Spark Kindness provide were evident in every sincere & heartfelt word. It’s a privilege to be fundraising for this exceptional nonprofit and making a difference to the community.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 14 consecutive

Fun fact about your running: Oh my! I’m not sure. Maybe that I got this crazy idea in my head that I want 60 marathons by age 60. I’m currently at #56 and have until November to reach my goal. Fingers crossed! Lol

Runner: Cait Siebenmorgen

Caitlyn-Siebenmorgen

Charity & fundraising page: Natick Redhawk Foundation

Why you’re running for this cause: I want to give back to the community that has brought my family so much joy these past 10 years!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my 2nd Boston Marathon. First time was virtual do I can’t wait to run through Natick Center with the crowd!!

Fun fact about your running: I have an amazing tribe by my side in Natick. Gianna and Jeff at Rebound for injury prevention, Cynthia Frongillo at D’Arcy Wellness for monthly recovery massages, Eli’s for a weekly Little Eli post long run, and my family and friends who have cheered me on along the route each week!

Runner: Brian Bushard

Brian Bushard

Charity & fundraising page: Natick Community Organic Farm

Why you’re running for this cause: The Natick Community Organic Farm has been a landmark in the community for decades, teaching kids about the importance of sustainable agriculture and providing delicious locally-grown produce to the town. I learned about sustainability at the farm, and it’s their commitment to local farming that’s helped spread the message about why local food, from local farmers, is so important.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? First timer

Fun fact about your running: I also ran on the Natick High cross country team and grew up watching the marathon, but I’m not a runner, exactly.

Runner: Judy Dixon

Boston Finish 2018 - Judith Dixon

Charity & fundraising page: PATH for Inclusion

Why you’re running for this cause: PATH for Inclusion (Parents’ Association for the Handicapped) supports recreational programs for children and adults with disabilities in the Natick area. PATH helps to fund training, staffing, and equipment needs at Camp Arrowhead, the oldest camp of its kind for people with special needs in the United States. It also supports Big Res, a week of residential camp provided in Durham, New Hampshire, as well as Skyline, a year round menu of activities designed to keep clients active and engaged with their peers and our community. PATH provides financial assistance to campers and clients to remove obstacles to participation for families whose budgets may already be stretched by the costs for child/adult care, transportation, therapies, medications, and devices. I believe that people, regardless of their needs and strengths, have a right to engaging and appropriate recreation. Recreation provides us with growth, connection, adventure, and FUN. My path to recreation is as simple as lacing up my sneakers and hitting the roads. I run for PATH to pave the way for continued access to recreation for people with special needs and wondrous abilities. Fun is not just for some. Fun is for everyone.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? One (2018)

Fun fact about your running: I listen to music or murder podcasts while I train. Music makes me dance at the stoplights. Murder podcasts tend to make me run faster.

Runner: Michelle Barbin

3A083BF0-9E73-4C5A-9BB8-B8139D23ECD7 - Michelle Barbin

Charity & fundraising page: Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge

Why you’re running for this cause: This is my second time with the Dana-Farber team and I applied when my mom was being treated by Dana-Farber for brain cancer in 2021. Being on the team for the 2022 marathon gave me a focus of something I could do that was positive during some really hard times. We had lost my father-in-law to throat cancer in 2019 and I wanted to help fund vital research. My mom passed away not even a year from her diagnosis so I’m running again to fund even more research. The Claudia Adams Barr program receives the funds and that program has made advancements in brain cancer treatments.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? This will be my third. My first was the fall 2021 marathon for Natick Service Council

Fun fact about your running: I always feel like garbage the first two miles, but then I get warmed up and into a groove enjoying music or chatting with friends. I always wonder if people who say they hate running stay with it past those first few miles because they might be missing out if they stop too soon.

Runner: Tara Bharadwaj

Tara Bharadwaj

Charity & fundraising page: Family Promise Metrowest

Why you’re running for this cause: To afford an apartment in Natick- it requires working weekly 120 hours at a minimum wage job. This is simply unrealistic (time-wise). I value Family Promise Metrowest’s commitment to support nuclear families with at least one child under 18. This program has 100% success rate and gives parents the tools and resources to be permanently stable.

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 1 in 2022. This will be my 2nd. I also ran for this same organization, Family Promise Metrowest, last year.

Fun fact about your running: I ran Natick Girls XC from 2013-2017. I was a Junior Coach at Strivers Running Club for Girls throughout high school. I have completed 5 official half marathons – more unofficially.

Runner: Lexi Fahey

lexi fahey

Charity & fundraising page: Natick Education Foundation

Why you’re running for this cause: I am a Natick Teacher

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 1

Runner: Courtney Harris

Courtney Harris

Charity & fundraising page: Kids Connect

Why you’re running for this cause: I moved to Natick in 2021 and witnessed two marathons in the town within 6 months (Oct 2021 and April 2022) and felt the magic of it. Having been a runner most of my life, I knew I wanted to run it for a town charity. I am running the 2023 Boston Marathon to support local Natick charity Kids Connect. I would be so grateful if you would support my fundraising. Kids Connect is a non-profit tutoring project supporting students in Natick. Services are provided on a sliding scale basis and are available in a range of subjects for kids in grades 1 through 12. Since it was founded in 1999, the program has supported thousands of schoolchildren in Natick and aims to turn no student away. I’m proud to be running this year to support Kids Connect and Natick, my hometown!

How many Boston Marathons have you run? 0! This is my first one.

Fun fact about your running: I’m going to end up having done my training in 5 different countries over the course of the build up to this marathon!