Natick Service Council annual meeting on May 18

May 1, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

All are invited to attend the Natick Service Council‘s annual meeting, May 18, at Morse Institute Library’s Lebowitz Meeting Hall at 7pm.

Council leadership will share its latest successes and look ahead. It will also announce recipients of its Founders Award, Good Neighbor Award, Corporate Partner Award.

Natick Service Council describes itself as “an independent, non-profit organization that connects, engages and collaborates with the community to support Natick neighbors who are experiencing hardship or economic uncertainty by promoting self-sufficiency.”

Save the date: Natick Holi Festival on May 21

April 30, 2022 by Admin Leave a Comment

Natick Center Cultural District’s Holi Festival

Hosted by the Natick Center Cultural District and sponsored through a Massachusetts Cultural Council grant.

When: May 21 from 2-4 pm with a rain date of May 22 from 2-4 pm.

Where: Middlesex Savings Bank Parking Lot along Rt. 135 & Washington St.

Annual Family Promise Walk to End Homelessness will be May 13-15

April 28, 2022 by Admin Leave a Comment

Join Family Promise Metrowest during The Walk to End Homelessness, the non-profit organization’s largest fundraiser of the year. All funds raised go toward transforming the lives of families with children facing homelessness across the Metrowest region. Choose your own walk route between May 13 and May 15 and raise awareness and funds for families facing homelessness.

The 13th annual walk will feature independent walks throughout surrounding towns with participants’ friends, families, or organizations. Walkers choose their own route and raise awareness and funds for families in need. Walk 10 minutes or 10 miles, it’s up to you!

Unable to participate in a walk? Donations are gratefully accepted.

Natick mourns loss of police officer Michael Mabardy; fundraiser set up to support family

April 21, 2022 by Bob Brown Leave a Comment

The Natick Police Department this week announced the sudden passing of active duty Natick Police Officer Michael Mabardy, an 11-year veteran of the department who previously worked for the Nantucket police force.

(Updated 4/23/22, with funeral and visiting hours information below)

“Mike will be greatly missed by his friends and colleagues here as we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones at this tremendously sad and difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts,” the Natick Police Department wrote in a statement published on social media.

Natick Police Chief James Hicks spoke about Mabardy during this week’s Select Board meeting, calling him “committed and dedicated” to the town. A moment of silence at the meeting was done in honor of Mabardy and other public servants.

A fundraiser has been set up to support Mabardy’s family, including four young girls.

The Nantucket Police Department echoed sentiments from the Natick Police Department, and provided background on Mabardy’s early career in a social media post. “Mike began his policing career as a summer special in May of 2004. He went on to become a full-time police officer graduating from the police academy in June of 2007. While working for our department, he received several [commendations], including the Life Saving Award. Mike also served as a Field Training Officer as well as a member of the S.W.A.T team. He left our department to continue on his career in Natick in November 2011, a town in where he grew up. Mike made an impact while part of our Nantucket community by not only serving as a police officer but also as a hockey coach for the Nantucket High School. Mike was a great police officer and a great addition to the community, he was also a loving father and amazing friend. Mike will be truly missed.”

Mabardy, 39, collapsed while playing hockey in Marlborough on Tuesday, April 19, and could not be revived. The tragic situation generated an outpouring of condolences and tributes by those who were there or knew Mabardy as part of the hockey community.

Mabardy, known as “Mikey Mabs” online, was an active participant in online discussions locally, and known for offering help when needed.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick Church, 44 East Central Street (Rt. 135), Natick on Monday, April 25 at 10am. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Interment Private. Visiting hours on Sunday, April 24 from 3-7pm in the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park St., Natick Common. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Children’s Education Fund, C/O Michael G. Mabardy, PO Box 6254 Natick, MA 01760.

We share our condolences with friends, family, and coworkers of Officer Mabardy.

Enjoy a Saturday morning of art, architecture, history, and food in Natick Center

April 6, 2022 by Deborah Brown Leave a Comment

Have you ever been curious about what’s on the upper floors of the iconic 11 S. Main St. building in Natick Center? You know the one, the four-story brick structure that Bagel Table calls home. Well, your chance to venture to the third floor happens on Saturday, April 9am-11am at an Arts Open House. (The space is not accessible and can be reached only via stairs.)

First, enjoy musical and dance performances and visual art displays featuring artists from the Natick Public Schools and various programs in town. While you’re appreciating the young artists, take time to ooh and ahh over the 135-year-old building’s interiors with its high ceilings, beautiful tin tiles, and arched windows. It’s a morning of the arts, architecture, and history, all without leaving town.

From there, stop by the Natick Farmers Market, with food and gifts vendors upstairs and downstairs in the Common Street Spiritual Center, and farmer and meats & fish purveyors in the back parking lot. The Market takes place every Saturday, 9am-11am.

The whole shebang that is the Farmers Market will move entirely outside onto the Natick Common in early May.