Natick Report

Since 2020: More than you really want to know about Natick, Mass.

Take the Morse Institute Library Community Survey

by Leave a Comment

Morse Institute Library, NatickMorse Institute Library invites community members to share their feedback through November 15 as the Library develops its next five-year Strategic Plan. The survey responses help the Library better understand the community’s needs, priorities, and experiences, while informing future programs, services, and initiatives.

To take the online survey, community members can visit bit.ly/milsurvey26. Print versions of the survey are also available at the Library in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. There’s also a QR code on the library’s website.

The online survey is designed to take about 10 minutes to complete and asks about everything from online services to library spaces to bookmobile services. Survey participants do not need to be library users.

Lest you think this isn’t important, keep in mind that the Morse Institute runs largely on Town of Natick tax dollars. Your opinion matters. We took the survey, and beyond the nuts-and-bolts questions—How often do you visit the library? Do you find what you’re looking for? What additional features would you like to see?—the survey is looking to gauge interest specifically in the following:

  • the need for ESL and language programs
  • tech support classes, more public computers
  • increased outreach programs such as the Bookmobile

“This is an opportunity to connect with the public, “ said Library Director Miki Wolfe. “We want your help to guide our plan for the future, and to hear what the library could do for you.”

All responses are confidential, however, respondents can provide an optional email address for a chance to win a $20 gift card to a Natick business. Email addresses will not be shared or included in analyses of survey responses.

So take the survey. Your future library patronage experience might depend on it.

Support Natick Report, the only dedicated daily news source covering the town, by:

Advertisement

 
 

Ben-Hem recognized by state as school of recognition

by Leave a Comment

Ben-Hem summerBennett-Hemenway Elementary School has been singled out by the Commonwealth’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as one of just 50-plus schools of recognition. It is the only Natick school on the list this year, and its accomplishments were highlighted during the School Committee meeting on Sept. 28 about 27 minutes into the recording.

Supt. Dr. Melissa Spash described the recognition as “a huge honor” for progress on annual accountability targets, with an emphasis on arts and math.

The state recently released MCAS results, which were a mixed bag across districts. But Ben-Hem students fared well. While MCAS test results are no longer a graduation requirement, results are still used by the state to evaluate schools.

benhem
Data shared by Natick Public Schools at School Committee meeting

 
Ben-Hem met all of the state’s accountability targets, up from 30% a year ago.

Spash was buoyed by that, as well as the fact that the lowest performing students and those with high needs saw significant improvement. She credited Ben-Hem leaders for turning to data and the school team’s voice in bringing about improvements

The School Committee will get a broader MCAS briefing at an upcoming meeting.

Members of the Ben-Hem team will be honored later on at a State House ceremony.

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

Advertisements

 
 

Expected stormy weekend weather starting to mess with Natick activities

by

The expected stormy weather this weekend has started to interfere with Natick’s fun.

For the second weekend in a row, there will be no Natick Farmers Market on the Common. Last Saturday, Natick Days ruled. This Saturday, Mother Nature is expected to pay a visit.

Deb Sayre wrote on social media: “For the second week in a row you will have to miss your fresh foods and produce at the market because…I don’t want you dodging tents on Saturday! The weather will be challenging and for the first time in 25 years, I am cancelling the market. We are all disappointed but safety always comes first. The good news is that the following week is October 3rd and we are on Common Street. We will be there every Saturday until October 31st. For all of you who love the European feel of the street fair/market…we are glad to bring you joy. Take care to stay dry and safe this weekend and we will see you in October.”

Porchfest, the annual event featuring performers making music on area porches, driveways, etc., has also been canceled. The rain date was to be Sunday, but the weather doesn’t look great for then either, so the event’s not happening.

Separately, the Powwow that had been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26 at Cochituate State Park has been postponed by the Massachusett Natick Praying Indian Tribe. Check back for information on a rescheduled event.

Indoor events, including the bake, book, and music sale at Morse Institute Library, should carry on as planned.

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

Advertisement

Natick Days pro tips

by

Natick Days, the town’s biggest community gathering of the year along with Marathon Monday, is slated to take place on the Common and surrounding area on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10am-3pm (rain date is Sunday, Sept. 20). It’s a great opportunity for community members to connect with local non-profits and youth groups, as well as with one another. About 135 vendors will be on hand, with proceeds from the event supporting all sorts of good causes.
As a veteran of the event, I can share these pro tips:
  • One day event: While Natick Days is called Natick Days, plural, it’s actually a one-day event. We’ve been told it got to be called “Days” because it used to be paired with a Friday night football game, and that “Days” just sounded better.
  • Early birds: The event regularly attracts thousands of people, though can take a little bit to ramp up, so early comers get easier access to the big rigs at the fire and police stations, etc.
  • Swag: Early birds also get first dibs on swag that groups may be doling out. You can’t have too many tote bags or frisbees…
  • Tickets: While Natick Days is free to attend, bring cash or credit cards to buy tickets for certain activities and offerings. Venmo works, too. Tickets are just $1 apiece. Note that some booths may accept cash directly.
  • Getting there: Be aware that free shuttle buses will run loops between Wilson Middle School and the Pond Street parking lot across from the Common. Shuttle riders get 2 free tickets. Attendees are also encouraged to walk or bike (including via the rail trail) if they are able.
  • Feast wildly: Save room for food at the event, including subs from Natick Sons & Daughters of Italy. There’s typically cotton candy to be had as well, among other delicacies.
  • Meet elected officials: Elected local officials are always on hand. These are volunteers and neighbors. Natick Days is an opportunity to chat with them—and thank them for giving their time to the town.
  • Calm room: While Natick Days can get a bit wild with kids bouncing in inflatables and racing through obstacle courses, water balloons bursting over volunteers’ heads, and more, a sensory calming area will be available from 10am-2pm at the Lebowitz Room of Morse Institute Library. This resource is supported by SPARK Kindness and the Commission on Disability.
  • No dogs allowed: A reminder on this rule. We have seen a pet snake there.

Got other tips? Feel free to comment on this post to share your info…

More: Natick Days 2025 coverage

Natick Days 2025

Natick Report will be roaming the grounds of Natick Days, talking to attendees, and taking photos and videos. We won’t have a booth but you can still support our work with a tax-deductible donation via our nonprofit fiscal sponsor, Tiny News Collective. After all, we’re a primary source of getting the word out about Natick’s nonprofits.

Advertisements

State denies initial funding bid for 5 Auburn St. affordable housing complex in Natick

by

Metro West Collaborative Development, which seeks to build a 32-unit affordable housing complex on a dead-end street in South Natick off Rte. 16, failed to score state funding for the project on its first attempt. The developer will try again later this year for a Community One Stop for Growth Award from the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

“It typically takes two rounds of applications to get funding, so this wasn’t entirely unexpected,” said Natick Select Board Chair Kathryn Coughlin at the start of that elected body’s Sept. 16 meeting. Another funding round is due in December, she added, with results revealed in the spring.

5 Auburn St., former Eliot School, Natick

The Select Board unanimously voted to issue a letter of support for Metro West earlier this year as the nonprofit developer sought state funding with hopes of starting construction on the former school site as soon as next year.

Metro West Collaborative earlier this year made it through Natick’s permitting process, which included thorough Zoning Board of Appeals proceedings and eking out approval by the Conservation Commission for a project that abuts the Charles River just downstream of the former spillway.

While Metro West’s initial bid for state funding fizzled out, it has had great success at the local level. The town agreed to sell the nearly 3-acre property to Metro West for $1oo, as the Select Board in 2023 voted 3-2 in favor of the 40B project to help address the town’s affordable housing shortage. Last year, Fall Annual Town Meeting approved awarding Metro West $750k in Community Preservation Act funds, which come from a property tax surcharge and matching state monies. The Natick Affordable Housing Trust has committed $600k toward the project.

The project cost, which has risen steadily over the years, is now estimated at more than $25m, according to a recent legal notice for environmental review for a federally-funded project.

Privacy policy