More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.
The big Natick Organic Farm harvest dinner & auction can’t be held in person this fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the organization has reworked it as a to-go affair.
The annual fundraiser, which supports the farm’s teen work crew and apprenticeship programs, takes place Sept. 25 and offers vegetarian and omnivore meal options (vegan also available). The meal costs $96 for non-members $80 for members.
You have to give credit to Boston Marathoners who trained twice this time around for the race, which eventually took place over the past week in a virtual format in which runners choose their own course. Some were running for causes close to their hearts, others qualified for the marathon and willed themselves to stay in great shape during the pandemic. Many worked in at least a portion of their route on the official marathon course.
More than 40 Natick residents are listed on the current Boston Athletic Association results board for the 2020 Boston Marathon, led by Jack Fleming with a sub 3:17 time and Leah Santo at a perfect 3:33.
Natick Community Organic Farm and the Strivers Running Club for Girls were among Natick organizations whose runners got the job done in this unusual marathon year.
CONGRATULATIONS to Mark Goldschmidt on the 2020 Boston Marathon! Talk about determination and HEART! The STRIVERS community is so proud of you and always so GRATEFUL to you! Go rest!
Posted by Strivers Running Club for Girls on Saturday, September 12, 2020
Today was Ilyse’s first Boston Marathon. While it was not what she originally trained for, her heart and hard work got…
Posted by Strivers Running Club for Girls on Sunday, September 13, 2020
The Boston Marathon course that runs through Natick will be sprinkled this week with those running a virtual version of the marathon in light of the official group race being scraped due to COVID-19. Many have naturally woven pieces of the official race course into the route of their choosing under the new rules, though likely will pass on some of the tougher sections, such as Heartbreak Hill in Newton.
On Labor Day, we saw a smattering of runners with Boston Athletic Association numbers running through Natick Center, some with supporters riding along on bikes, some with fans sitting in the shade at Morse Institute Library or near Town Hall.
Meanwhile, adding to the scene was a stream of fancy old cars heading west on Rte. 135.
The pandemic has forced Natick Service Council to skip its usual Fall for Natick Dinner & Auction and hold a virtual 5K Run/1 Mile Walk instead. Participants should plan to run between Oct. 11-24.
The Council makes a pretty compelling argument for the virtues of such an event, including the lack of crowds, the ability to sleep in and not worry about hitting the starting line first thing in the AM, avoiding hills if you want, and more.
Natick Service Council
Funds raised through the event will help the Council help neighbors in need, including those affected by the pandemic.
For sponsorship opportunities contact Sonia Shah, sshah@natickservicecouncil.org
More: Natick Service Council taps tech industry veteran as executive director
Natick Service Council, a non-profit organization that helps Natick neighbors in need, has named Dan Shea as its executive director.
Dan Shea (photo via Natick Service Council)
He is a familiar face in these parts, having been part of the Natick community for 20-plus years, as he, his wife and two children moved to Natick from Charlotte in 1999. His contributions to the town have included involvement in Natick Rotary Club activities such as Tour de Natick and Natick Days.
Shea comes to Natick Service Council after nearly 40 years in sales, management and other roles at technology companies such as IBM and Arrow Electronics. He looks forward to working with a board and staff he describes as an integrated team.
Shea succeeds Greg Tutuny, who stepped down as executive director after nine years. Board President Carol Gloff has been serving as interim Executive Director.
More: Natick charitable and community action groups