Sourdough Starter Workshop
2024-01-09 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Join us at the Bacon Free Library for a presentation by Sourdough Brandon on how to make, maintain, and store a sourdough starter! Each participant will leave with a piece of Brandon’s sourdough starter.

Please register in advance at the BFL website.

Calling all artists!
2024-01-12 12:00 - 17:00
The Town of Natick and Natick Center Cultural District (NCCD) announce a CALL FOR ARTISTS seeking proposals for Traffic Calming and Stormwater Education Public Art (TCSEPA) projects at several intersections in the NCCD, along with designs for decals on sidewalks for a total stipend of $5,000. Details of the Project – Traffic Calming Stormwater Education Public Art List and MAP of the project – TCSEPA Map
Submissions must be in by February 13th, 2024.
Do you still have questions? Applicants are encouraged to connect with Claire Rundelli, Natick’s Conservation Agent, who is responsible for overseeing the Town’s stormwater permits, to ask questions about stormwater and its impact on Natick.
You can schedule 15 minutes on Zoom with Ms. Rundelli at https://shorturl.at/ilyU5.
An on-site meeting will occur during the Open Call for Artists on Tuesday, January 16th from 11am to 12 pm. Please RSVP for this event no later than January 11th at 5 pm. RSVP here: https://shorturl.at/ktEK1
Please submit any questions to info.natickcenter@gmail.com
This project is made possible by the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program and the Town of Natick.

Martin Luther King Jr., Community Celebration
2024-01-15 10:00 - 23:00 | Natick High School
Natick’s 19th Annual MLK Day Community Celebration
Monday, January 15th from 10am-12pm at Natick High School, 15 West Street, Natick
For community members of all ages! In person, with options to view the program virtually! Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy that inspires and empowers us all. Our program will feature performances from student groups, Middle and High School MLK Day Creative Contest winners, community leaders and partners, Interfaith Clergy representatives, a moving keynote, and more! We hope you will join us immediately following the program (at 11:00am) for a Community Connection Event, including special MLK Day activities for all ages, and time to meet student groups, community organizations, neighbors and friends.
You can live stream the program through Natick Pegasus – www.natickpegasus.org/ or watch through Natick Community Television channels: RCN 3, Comcast 99, and Verizon 29. Visit www.tinyurl.com/NatickMLKDay2024 for more information about this special community event.
Help us Fill the Van! Donate a non-perishable pantry item to the Natick Service Council on MLK Day. We encourage community members and event attendees to bring donations to help Fill the Van! Items can be dropped off on Monday, Jan. 15th from 9:30am-Noon at Natick High School.
Alt text: The top half is a light grey rectangle with black outline style portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. on the left third of the frame. On the right is the text: Natick’s 19th Annual, Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration. Under is a white rectangle with black text: Natick High School 10am, Livestream via Natick Pegasus. To the right is a blue box containing black text: January 15, 2024 The middle is a light blue rectangle background with the black text: Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his legacy that inspires and empowers us all in this program featuring student performances, community leaders, and more! Visit tinyurl.com/NatickMLKDay2024 for updates and details! Below that on a white background is: Special Thanks to Our Event Partners! and logos for the Greater Natick Interfaith Leaders Association, SPARK Kindness, METCO, Natick for Black Lives Matter, the Natick Board of Health, Natick Pegasus, Natick 180, the Natick Center Cultural District, the Natick Public Schools, Natick Is United, the Town of Natick, and the Walnut Hill School for the Arts.

Mass Audubon’s The Nature of Winter with Doug Lowry (Virtual)
2024-01-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The nature of Massachusetts is filled with seasonal mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Have you ever wondered which animal left tracks in the snow? What happens to pond animals under a layer of ice? Or what trees are lining the trails on your winter walks? This online program hosted by the Bacon Free Library will introduce the seasonal dynamics of nature in winter, and provide ideas and resources for observing, appreciating, and supporting wildlife near home this winter.
Doug Lowry is the Senior Teacher/Naturalist for Mass Audubon’s South East Region, Senior Field Instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School, and a Master Educator for the Leave No Trace program. He has spent over 3,000 days on wilderness expeditions and is a grateful student of life-long bird study.

This program will be held over Zoom. Please register on the Bacon Free Library website to receive the program link.
Image by Jörg Vieli from Pixabay

Brack Career Center Walk In Hours
2024-01-18 11:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-29 11:00 - 15:00 | Natick Service Council, 2 Webster St., Natick, MA, 01760
The Brack Career Center is open to all Natick residents, free of charge, for job search support. Drop in during our monthly Walk In hours to meet with a mentor to talk about your resume and job search. Whether you’re just starting to think about a change or you’ve been searching for some time we have professionals to help you discuss your employment goals. If you have a resume make sure to bring that along.

Intro to AI for Job Search - Virtual
2024-01-24 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Are you curious about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT for job exploration? During this session, you will see how this cutting edge technology can “partner” with you on your journey. From identifying possible career paths to crafting a standout resume and preparing for interviews, AI tools can be a career companion.
Use this link to register for the virtual seminar: bit.ly/aibracksearch

Two-day Winter Book, Bake, and Music Sale
2024-01-27 08:30 - 16:30, 2024-01-28 12:00 - 15:00 | Morse Institute Library
It’s cold outside! Want to curl up with a good book?
The Friends of the Morse Institute Library is hosting its winter two-day book and music sale on Saturday, January 27 (8:30-4:30) and Sunday, January 28 (12:00-3:00). You’ll find a wide range of well-sorted good condition used books on the lower level, our legendary bake sale in the main lobby, and CDs and vinyl on sale on the first floor in the Morse Room. Adult books are $1, and books for children, tweens, and teens are $0.50,
Sale tables are restocked throughout the weekend and credit cards are accepted for purchases of $5 or more. Proceeds from all sales go to support the Morse Institute Library. Visit us at www.morsefriends.org.
Can’t make the January sale? Shop the selection at the Book Nook, the Friends’ little book store in the library lobby whenever the library is open.

Art Across the Globe
2024-01-27 10:00 - 11:00
The first in a 5-Part Series is a Kalighat Patachitra Workshop. Sign up HERE!
Watch Avijit Majumder, an artist in India, create artwork – LIVE!!

Meet the Artist
Q&A session with the Artist
Access the workshop video for 3-weeks and complete your artwork
Share your artwork with fellow participants and the organizers

Sign up for the EVENT here.

Additional Workshops!

Odisha Patachitra – Feb. 24, 10 am EST, 8:30 pm IST
Tikuli Art, Mar. 23, 10 am EST, 7:30 pm IST
Midnapur Patachitra – April 20, 10 am EST, 7:30 pm IST
Gond art, May 11, 10 am EST, 7:30 pm IST

Sponsored by NCCD and facilitated by Artsy Way Of Life

Walnut Hill Theater Presents: Dear Edwina
2024-01-27 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-27 14:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-28 11:00 - 12:00, 2024-01-28 14:00 - 15:00 | Walnut Hill School for the Arts, Delbridge Center
Walnut Hill School for the Arts is proud to present this year’s Children’s Theater Show, Dear Edwina! This musical is perfect for your littlest theater-goers. Bring the whole family! Get your tickets at www.eventbrite.com/cc/dear-edwina-2913629.
Dear Edwina is a heartwarming musical about the joys of growing up, from the creators of Junie B. Jones, The Musical. The show’s heroine is an advice-giver extraordinaire, like a spunky, singing version of Dear Abby. Thirteen-year-old problem solver, Edwina, dishes out advice with the help of her friends and a little song and dance.
She is assisted by her older siblings, and quirky neighbors. Together, they set out to tackle problems of kids from around the world, celebrating their similarities and differences. You will enjoy number after hysterical number about everything from birthday party etiquette to proper table settings.
Book & Lyrics by Marcy Heisler Music by Zina Goldrich
Performance Schedule:
Saturday, January 27 @ 11:00am
Saturday, January 27 @ 2:00pm
Sunday, January 28 @ 11:00am
Sunday, January 28 @ 2:00pm
Location:
Walnut Hill School for the Arts
Delbridge Family Center for the Arts
Parking is available in the main parking lot on Highland Street. Enter 12 Highland Street in your GPS.

The A Cappella Singers Open Rehersal
2024-01-29 19:00 - 21:00 | Fisk Church, 106 Walnut Street, Natick
The A Cappella Singers are an accompanied choir of adult treble voices singing a mix of secular, sacred, classical, folk, and Broadway pieces. We will celebrate our Diamond Jubilee on April 27, 2024, if you want to participate.
Got Questions? Call or text us at 774-231-1963.
www.TheACappellaSingers.org

Art Opening Reception: Carol Keefe and Bobby Reeve
2024-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Join us for an art opening reception for artists Carol Keefe and Bobby Reeve, whose art will be featured at the Bacon Free Library from February 8 – March 27. Meet the artists and enjoy their art.
Carol Keefe’s Artist Statement
I am inspired by the ever changing light and color at the horizon. My medium of choice is oil on board or canvas. My paintings are often large, horizontal pieces emphasizing the meeting of sky and sea on Nantucket Island. My goal is to capture the feelings of summer on our coast.
www.carolkeefe.com
Bobby Reeve’s Artist Statement
I always wanted to fly, and I don’t mean a plane! Somehow this explains my love of birds, their flight, colors, shapes, songs, and behaviors. I love the idea of a ‘bird’s eye view’ and carving and sculpting almost get me there. The gallery on my webpage is filled with examples of my work.
www.robertreeve.com

Real Self-Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Taking Good Care of Yourself with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin
2024-02-14 12:00 - 13:00
Real Self-Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Taking Good Care of Yourself with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin
Wednesday 2/14/24 from 12-1pm on Zoom

For adult community members

In this Q&A “fireside” chat, author and psychiatrist Pooja Lakshmin, MD, offers an inclusive and affirming approach to prioritizing your own well-being. Her approach shifts self-care from a task on your “to do” list (that you feel guilty about not achieving) to a values-based practice of setting priorities and taking action. Dr. Lakshmin will share accessible, science-based strategies to help you shift your relationships, nurture yourself, and find ownership over your life. Participant questions will be welcomed before the program. Live ASL Interpretation will be provided. You can learn more and register at SPARKKindness.org/programs.

Alt text: Top is SPARK logo and black text on a white background: SPARK Kindness presents a FREE virtual program Wednesday, February 14 at 12PM ET. Below is a light tan background, the left side includes a head shot of Dr. Pooja Lakshmin (a woman with long dark brown hair wearing a black top and smiling with her chin resting on her hand) and the black text: Real Self Care, A Revolutionary Approach to Taking Good Care of Yourself, How to shift self-care from a task on your “to do” list to a values-based practice of setting priorities. with Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, MD. Register and learn more at SPARKKindness.org. Live ASL Interpretation will be provided.

Instrument Petting Zoo
2024-02-17 11:00 - 12:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
The Bacon Free Library is partnering with Bach to Rock (B2R) in Wellesley to bring you this instrument petting zoo. B2R will be bringing a variety of musical instruments to the Bacon for 60 minutes of instrument exploration to give people of all ages a chance to learn about instruments and experience playing them.
Please stop by to try out an instrument, or two, that you’re curious about. No registration required.

Buildwave Workshop
2024-02-20 13:00 - 14:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Build and have fun at the Bacon Free Library in this creative, hands-on workshop that encourages play and collaboration. Participants will be given wave after wave of kits filled with different building materials to explore. Watch this video to learn more!
This program is geared toward kids in grades K to 6. Registration is required.

Winter Sowing with Milk Jugs (virtual program)
2024-02-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Do you want to get your seeds started earlier this year? Winter sowing might be the answer for you.
The Bacon Free Library has recruited the Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens for a workshop on using milk jugs as mini-greenhouses. Join us for a Zoom presentation about this easy, effective method of planting seedlings without indoor lighting or a greenhouse.
This program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.

Citizen's Bank Grand Re-Opening
2024-02-28 17:00 - 19:00
🎉 **Save the Date: Citizen Bank’s Natick Center Grand Re-opening Celebration! 🎉**
You’re Invited to Join Us at 34 Main Street for an Unforgettable Event!
Come meet our team, indulge in delicious food, and receive exciting gifts and more as we celebrate the grand re-opening of Citizen Bank’s Natick Center location!
🎁 **Event Highlights:**
– Meet and greet with our friendly team members
– Enjoy mouthwatering refreshments and snacks
– Receive special gifts and giveaways
– Explore our newly renovated space and enhanced services
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with your community and celebrate alongside us. Whether you’re a long-time customer or a curious passerby, we welcome you to join the festivities!
Spread the word and mark your calendars – we can’t wait to see you there!
*For more information, please contact us at 508-653-5100

Mini Golf at the Library After Dark
2024-03-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Morse Institute Library
Putt away those winter blues with Mini Golf at the Library!
The Morse Institute Library is excited to offer indoor Mini Golf at the Library event again in 2024! We will transform the entire library into an 18-hole mini golf course with greens and holes winding through the stacks and down the stairs. Join us for two days of fun!
March 1st at 7pm: Mini Golf After Dark
A 21+ event
On Friday, March 1st come to the library’s After Dark Mini Golf Fundraiser. This is a 21+ only event with the cost of $45 a person. Empanadas from Bocadillos and non-alcoholic beverages from Dion’s are included in the price of your ticket. Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company will be on site selling selections from their taproom. And local favorite The Max Klau Band will keep the night lively!
Purchase your After Dark tickets here!

Maple Magic Pancake Breakfast
2024-03-02 08:00 - 11:00 | Memorial School, 107 Eliot Street, MA
Join the community and the Natick Community Organic Farm for their annual family-friendly event!
Pricing
Nonmembers: $12/adult, $6/child
Members: $10/adult, $5/child
Sugaring Tours: $10/person
(Tickets are available at the door.)
Maple tours from 9 am – 12:30 pm Vegan and Gluten Free Options
Live Music and Fabulous Raffle Prizes!
Memorial School Cafeteria at 107 Eliot St. Natick

Mini Golf at the Library FREE Family Fun Day
2024-03-02 09:00 - 16:30 | Morse Institute Library
Putt away those winter blues with Mini Golf at the Library!
The Morse Institute Library is excited to offer indoor Mini Golf at the Library event again in 2024! We will transform the entire library into an 18-hole mini golf course with greens and holes winding through the stacks and down the stairs.
March 2nd 9am-4:30pm: FREE Family Fun Day
Open to all ages! No registry required. Last tee time is 3:30pm.

Read to a Dog
2024-03-02 10:00 - 11:15 | Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 United States
Kids can build confidence and practice their reading skills by reading out loud to a registered therapy dog at the Bacon Free Library. Children ages 5 and up can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with Sophie, a gentle golden retriever who loves belly rubs, stories, and cuddles.
Please register on the Bacon Free Library website.

FOCUS on Children's Mental Health
2024-03-02 11:00 - 12:30
Please join us for a presentation on Sat., Mar. 2nd, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm for a presentation by Kevin Simon, MD, LLC, who will discuss the importance of de-stigmatizing mental health concerns among children & youth, identifying warning signs for children & youth at risk for mental health concerns, and how parents can support the mental health of their children.

This is a FREE event, but seats are limited, so please RSVP via this link by 2/21/24: https://www.eventcreate.com/e/focus-on-children-s-mental.
Light refreshments will be served.

Here is a link to the FOCUS website! www.metrowestfocus.org.

ScrubaDub Car Wash Coupon Fundraiser
2024-03-03, 2024-03-07, 2024-03-09 | Morse Institute Library
You know it’s time to wash winter off your car. Give your car a little TLC, patronize a local business, and support the Friends of the Morse Institute Library at the same time.
From March 3 to March 30, the Friends are partnering with Natick’s own ScrubaDub to sell discounted tickets for ScrubaDub’s Express Wash. Tickets will be on sale at the Friends’ table in the lobby or the Circulation Desk.
When you buy a ScrubADub Express Wash coupon for $10 (regularly $11) at the Morse Institute Library, $4.50 of the price will go to the Friends. Proceeds of the sale will help the Friends meet their commitment to raise $80,000 toward the cost of the new bookmobile.
Coupons do not expire and can be used at all ScrubaDub locations. Did we mention that they make great presents for the car lover in your life?

W.E. Love Natick! (Women Entrepreneurs)
2024-03-08 08:00 - 09:30
Join us on International Women’s Day, March 8, for a special event celebrating and supporting women!
Kristen Pope, Natick’s First Black Select Board member, will share a special message for all women. W.E.❤️ Natick! W.E. stands for (W)omen (E)entrepreneurs, but all are welcome for this special event.
Register for this FREE time of connection and conversation!
The schedule for the morning will be as follows:
