Natick Report

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

West Nile Virus detected in Natick mosquitoes

by Leave a Comment

The West Nile virus has been detected in mosquito samples in Natick, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

The virus can be spread to humans and animals via the bite of an infected mosquito, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, about 1 in 5 people infected develop a fever. Far fewer get a serious illness.

The risk of infection is still considered low in Natick, according to the state. Last year, Natick had no positive West Nile virus samples.

Residents are encouraged to take common sense precautions, including using spray if outdoors between dusk and dawn.

Natick coordinated with the Central Massachusetts Mosquito Control Project to spray a designated area after sunset on Wednesday, Aug. 24. Residents can opt out of future spraying at their properties.

Natick spray area

Advertisements

Volunteers sought for 2022 Natick purple flag display to recall lives lost to opioids

by Leave a Comment

SOAR Natick seeks volunteers on Monday, Aug. 29 at 5pm to install purple flags at First Congregational Church at 2 East Central St., in Natick Center to recall the many lives lost over the past year to opioids. In Massachusetts, that number totaled 2,290.

The flags are slated to be displayed initially in Natick, then beginning Sept. 12 in Newton, and beginning Oct. 2 in Boston. The display ends Oct. 8.

opioid purple flags first congregational church

Subscribe to our Natick Report daily email

 

Flutie 5K for Autism registration is open

by Leave a Comment

You’ve got plenty of time to train for the Flutie 5K for Autism, slated for Saturday, Oct. 16 at Lookout Farm in Natick, and registration is now open. If you’re unable to take part in-person on Oct. 16, a virtual option is available for runners and walkers Oct. 16-23.

The action on Oct. 16 starts at 8:30am.

The annual event raises funds to support families affected by autism.

Here’s how to volunteer at the event.

The Doug Flutie Jr., Foundation for Autism has also expanded its Flutie 5K for Autism to include more locations across the United States and the globe.

Doug Flutie Foundation, Natick

Please send tips, photos, ideas to natickreport@gmail.com

Blood drive coming up soon at Natick’s Temple Israel

by Leave a Comment

Temple Israel in Natick (145 Hartford St.) is hosting a Red Cross blood drive on Sunday, Aug. 21 from 9am-2pm.

The Red Cross is experiencing a serious shortage, so your donation would be greatly appreciated.

Schedule an appointment, but just be careful to pick Temple Israel in Natick and not Omaha, Neb., which appeared on the same screen when we visited the registration site. More than 30 appointment slots remained as of the time we posted this.

Questions: Email Dave Fishman

 

How Natick residents can get free COVID-19 tests

by Leave a Comment

The Natick Health Department has free COVID-19 rapid tests available for Natick residents. There’s a limit of four boxes per family.

Where to go in-person to pick up free COVID-19 tests

Natick Health Department, Town Hall, 2nd floor, 13 E. Central Street

Natick Town Hall

Hours of Natick Health Department

8am-5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
8am-7pm, Thursday
8am-12:30pm, Friday
Closed Saturday and Sunday

How to get free COVID-19 tests by mail

In addition, every home in the United States is eligible to order a 3rd round of free at-home tests. Fill out the form, and the tests will be delivered to your home via USPS.

Each order includes eight rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. The FDA has more details about at-home tests, including extended shelf life and updated expiration dates.

Your order  will come in two separate packages (four tests in each package), each with its own tracking number. Packages will ship free.

For assistance placing an order for your at-⁠home tests, call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).