More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.
Natick’s Health Department is running flu vaccine clinics on 3 upcoming Thursdays for those ages 6 months and up at Town Hall (13 Central St). The clinics, open to residents and town employees, will take place Dec. 22, Dec. 29, and Jan5 from 4-6:30pm.
You do not need to register in advance. Those under 18 need a parent or guardian with them.
You can make an appointment online or call 508 647 6560 if you need assistance. High doses vaccine will be available while supplies last.
Natick has dissolved its Medical Reserve Corps, a volunteer outfit that has complemented the town’s public health efforts since 2006. During its early years the Corps grew to more than 100 volunteers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical and non-medical volunteers assisted the town in doling out vaccines and providing other support. Among other roles they played: Victims during mock terrorist attack training.
When recruiting members, the Medical Reserve Corps sought not just those with medical expertise, but also clergy, those who could provide transportation, and more.
Natick Public Health Director Michael Boudreau said during a recent Board of Health meeting that as of mid-year, the Reserve Corps’ work had been transferred to a regional group called the MetroWest MRC. It also includes volunteers from Hudson, Marlborough, Sudbury, Waltham, Wayland, and Weston. The regional group is within Massachusetts Public Health Emergency Preparedness Region 4A.
Caeli Tegan, Natick Health Department sanitarian, had been serving as the town’s representative to the MetroWest MRC, but recently left her job with the town.
An advisory board with a representative from each participating town’s health department will oversee the regional unit.
(If you have been a member of the Corps. or have anything you’d like to share about your experiences with it, feel free to let us know: natickreport@gmail.com)
The Natick Health Department is offering flu and bivalent COVID-19 vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer), while supplies last, at a clinic scheduled for Nov. 22 from 10:30am-1:30pm at Town Hall.
You can register for 1 or both vaccines on the same day. Eligibility for the COVID-19 booster: Anyone age 5 or older who completed a primary COVID-19 vaccination series OR whose last COVID-19 booster shot was at least 2 months ago.
Preregistration is required online.
Call 508-647-6460 for more information.
All shots are free of charge regardless of insurance status
The latest Natick, Mass., business news:
South Natick recently welcomed physical therapy and private training business PT Progression to 10 Eliot St., where couple Shawn and Rachael Sprague have set up their home and business. Lawyers previously occupied the building.
PT Progression features both a brand new physical therapy facility and gym, allowing clients to not only rehab, but train. “You need flexibility and strength,” says Shawn, a practicing physical therapist for the past 8 years. “You can’t just focus on one without the other.”
Before opening PT Progression, Shawn had rented space in Needham, where he embraced the pairing of physical therapy and personal training. His experience also includes teaching physical therapy at Simmons University.
The outfit boasts a variety of equipment for stretching and strength, including a SledMill for a good overall workout, a newfangled bike, a rowing machine, and lots and lots of bands and straps (I banged out, uh, 2 pushups using straps suspended from the beam over my head). Gear is ideal for those training for golf and other sports, Shawn says.
PT Progression does not work directly with insurance companies.
The business has largely grown through word-of-mouth, and PT Progression is looking to build its team. Email Shawn if interested.
You have to get up pretty early to catch Natick Economic Development Committee meetings. Its next gathering is online from 8:30-10am on Thursday, Nov. 9.
On the agenda:
Since taking over as President and CEO in September 2019, Giammarinaro has led programming and member interaction efforts.
Giammarinaro will continue his service by working part-time for the MetroWest Visitor’s Bureau as its economic development director.
Stephanie Hirshon and Towma Rastad have been named interim co-directors of the Chamber heading into 2023.
The MetroWest Chamber is a regional, not-for-profit business association serving more than 500 member organizations large and small.
The latest Natick, Mass., charity news:
The Morse Institute Library will soon be offering free period supplies via vending machines in all public and staff bathrooms. The supplies are funded for the first year with a Metrowest Health Foundation grant.
Part of Natick Service Council’s 60th anniversary celebration is an online auction to support its community programs. More items will be added as the auction goes along.
ScrubaDub is giving away an Express Wash to those who make a $30 “Pie for a Community Servings Client” donation at www.pieinthesky.org. Each donation supports a week’s worth of meals for the very ill. Donors also have a chance to win a a year of unlimited car washes.
