BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Natick Center Cultural District - ECPv6.16.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Natick Center Cultural District X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://natickcenter.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Natick Center Cultural District REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260416T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260317T180326Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T180408Z UID:10007572-1776366000-1776369600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Laughter Yoga with Robert Rivest DESCRIPTION:Free your laughter with Robert Rivest! Laughter yoga is a fun\, effective way to exercise and socialize while receiving the mind-body health benefits of laughing. Laughter yoga was created in 1995\, when a medical doctor\, Dr. Madan Kataria\, first combined breathing exercises from yoga with improvised laughter exercises. Laughter Yoga has turned into an international health movement that has quickly traveled around the world. \nRobert Rivest is the creator and founder of Wellbeing Laughter and The Rivest Method of Joyful Living. He is an internationally admired performer\, teacher\, and public speaker. Robert is a talented mindfulness & stress relief educator\, an engaging corporate wellness presenter\, a comic mime artist and a gifted laughter yoga master trainer. Since 1990 Robert Rivest has given over 8\,000 presentations in Europe\, Asia\, Africa\, and across the United States. His mission is to use mindfulness\, laughter\, and the performing arts to bring greater health\, happiness\, and joy to individuals and organizations around the world. \nThis program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bfllaughyoga426/ CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/laughteryoga.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260413T170000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260317T172038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T172038Z UID:10007571-1776076200-1776099600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Karin Rosenthal Photography: Reflections on the Human Journey DESCRIPTION:Photographer Karin Rosenthal’s exhibit Reflections on the Human Journey will be on display at the Bacon Free Library from March 19 to April 29. This exhibit draws from two of her series: In Reflection and Tide Pool.  You can also enjoy this exhibit (with even more of Karin’s photographs) at The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) in May. \nKarin’s abstract photographs of nudes in nature have been exhibited internationally\, collected widely\, and reside in 17 museum collections\, including Boston’s MFA\, the Brooklyn Museum\, the International Center of Photography (ICP)\, and the Yale University Art Gallery (YUAG). These photos have won numerous international awards and have been shown and sold at the prestigious Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) exposition in NYC. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflartkr326/2026-04-13/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Art,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRosenthal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260330T211812Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T211812Z UID:10007576-1775732400-1775736000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:History Book Club DESCRIPTION:If you enjoy reading and talking about history\, check out the history book club hosted by the Bacon Free Library and the Natick Historical Society.   Each discussion\, led by the director of the Natick Historical Society\, is held over Zoom\, so you can join from the comfort of your home. \nCopies of each book (regular print\, large print\, & audio) are available to check out from the Bacon Free Library.   Or you may order your own copy if you prefer to pick up at another library. \n  \nThis month\, join us for a virtual discussion of A land so strange: the epic journey of Cabeza de Vaca: the extraordinary tale of a shipwrecked Spaniard who walked across America in the sixteenth century by Andrés Reséndez. \n  \n  \nFor details on how to attend this virtual meeting via Zoom\, please contact  director@natickhistoricalsociety.org \nThe Zoom link to the discussion will be sent at a later date. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflhistorybc426/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/historyApril26.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260401T201500 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260316T201558Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T201558Z UID:10007568-1775070000-1775074500@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Behind the Judicial Curtain — Secrets of a Trial Judge DESCRIPTION:Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Dennis Curran will discuss the behind-the-scenes process by which judges make their decisions: how bail is set\, how sentencing decisions are made\, how a criminal trial works\, whether Massachusetts juries are “giving away the store\,” how judges are selected\, the difference between appointed versus elected judges\, how jurors are chosen\, specialty courts (such as drug and gun courts)\, and the challenges of being fair while also adhering to the law. \nDennis J. Curran served as a Massachusetts judge for 16 years\, including in the Superior Court from 2006 to 2018. Prior to his time on the bench\, Curran worked as an Assistant District Attorney and First Assistant Legal Counsel to the Governor\, in addition to work in private practice. A graduate of Boston Latin School\, the University of Pennsylvania\, and the University of Virginia School of Law\, Curran has taught law at Tufts University\, Roger Williams University School of Law\, and Brown University. \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \n  \nRegister here for the Zoom link. \n  \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflcurran426/ CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/TrialJudge.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260316T195648Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T195801Z UID:10007566-1774551600-1774555200@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Paintings of the American Revolution DESCRIPTION:In celebration of America’s Semiquincentennial\, Mallory Mortillaro presents Paintings of the American Revolution. \nWe all know the story of the Revolutionary War\, but how much of our understanding is colored by the way the war was depicted by artists? Paintings of the American Revolution have been essential in the way that the war was understood\, both at the time of the conflict and for generations after. This lecture will explore well-known paintings such as Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware\, John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence\, and Asher Durand’s The Capture of Major André. \nMallory Mortillaro is an art historian and educator. She has ten years of teaching experience and has worked on various art research projects for museums and organizations in the New York metropolitan area. She studied at Drew University. \nThis program is presented by the Bacon Free Library and will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflarpaint326/ CATEGORIES:Art,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/PaintAmerRevMM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260316T191451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T191628Z UID:10007565-1774465200-1774468800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Johann Sebastian Bach — A Genius Revived DESCRIPTION:Johann Sebastian Bach is on the Mount Rushmore of the greatest composers who have ever lived. However\, he was not always seen as the musical giant that he is today. Follow the timeline of Bach’s misunderstood life and learn how future composer Felix Mendelssohn revived his reputation and reestablished the legacy of this extraordinary composer. \nIn this incredible music education program\, musician Dan Lupo will chronicle the life and achievements of one of music history’s greatest composers. You’ll be treated to live piano performances along with the discussion. \nDan Lupo is the creator of FiveMinuteMozart.com\, a music education platform with over 2 million views and 20k+ subscribers. \n  \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister here to receive the Zoom link. \n  \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflbach326/ CATEGORIES:Library,Music ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Bach.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260323T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260323T173000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260317T172038Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T172038Z UID:10007569-1774261800-1774287000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Karin Rosenthal Photography: Reflections on the Human Journey DESCRIPTION:Photographer Karin Rosenthal’s exhibit Reflections on the Human Journey will be on display at the Bacon Free Library from March 19 to April 29. This exhibit draws from two of her series: In Reflection and Tide Pool.  You can also enjoy this exhibit (with even more of Karin’s photographs) at The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) in May. \nKarin’s abstract photographs of nudes in nature have been exhibited internationally\, collected widely\, and reside in 17 museum collections\, including Boston’s MFA\, the Brooklyn Museum\, the International Center of Photography (ICP)\, and the Yale University Art Gallery (YUAG). These photos have won numerous international awards and have been shown and sold at the prestigious Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) exposition in NYC. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflartkr326/2026-03-23/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Art,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/KRosenthal.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260316T184342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260316T185746Z UID:10007563-1773860400-1773864000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Amalia Kussner’s Paintings & The Characters Of The HBO Series "The Gilded Age" DESCRIPTION:Amalia Kussner was one of the preferred artists of Gilded Age New York\, especially in the 1890s when she painted miniature portraits of the elites. Fans of the critically acclaimed HBO series\, The Gilded Age\, will appreciate Kussner’s portraits of several key characters\, including Mrs. Astor\, the reigning matriarch of the social scene and her two daughters; famed actress Lillian Russell; English soprano Marie Tempest; and wealthy socialite Consuelo Vanderbilt.  Kussner even met Ward McAllister\, the arbiter of Gilded Age society. He advised her not to pursue her career as an artist and\, thankfully\, she ignored him. \nIn this program\, author and historical researcher Kathleen Langone will reveal how Kussner’s portraits and interactions with these famous people can provide more insights into their extravagant lives. \nKathleen Langone is the host of the podcast People Hidden In History and the author of the book Miniature Painter Revealed: Amalia Kussner’s Gilded Age Pursuit of Fame and Fortune. \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \n  \nPlease register to receive the Zoom link. \n  \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/akussner326/ CATEGORIES:Art,History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/AKussner.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260312T120000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260209T175823Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T181748Z UID:10007547-1773313200-1773316800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:History Book Club DESCRIPTION:If you enjoy reading and talking about history\, check out the history book club hosted by the Bacon Free Library and the Natick Historical Society.   Each discussion\, led by the director of the Natick Historical Society\, is held over Zoom\, so you can join from the comfort of your home. \nCopies of each book (regular print\, large print\, & audio) are available to check out from the Bacon Free Library.   Or you may order your own copy if you prefer to pick up at another library. \n  \nThis month\, join us for a virtual discussion of The Boston Massacre: a family history by Serena Zabin. \nAccording to Library Journal\, this book is “A compelling history of the Boston Massacre\, weaving personal stories together to present a comprehensive view of this turning point incident.“ \n  \nFor details on how to attend this virtual meeting via Zoom\, please contact  director@natickhistoricalsociety.org \nThe Zoom link to the discussion will be sent at a later date. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflhistbcmar26/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/HistoryBCMarch26.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260305T173000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260209T181607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T183545Z UID:10007548-1772703000-1772731800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Art Display: Walnut Hill School for the Arts DESCRIPTION:The Bacon Free Library is honored to host a variety of works from Walnut Hill’s students from January 29th through March 18th.  The students who have contributed art to this show are Ace Ellis\, Anisia Hanlin Cui\, Audrey Kriz\, Ava Thieme\, Cindy Chen\, Ella (YuFan) Zhou\, Elle Stanley\, Elliot Ellie Bible\, Emma Feng\, HuaYi Winnie Wei\, Iris Hamilton\, Jiaman Chloe Sun\, Katelina Viana\, Tsz Mang Lemon Ye\, Winter Aiyue Qiu\, and Yuan Jeong. \nWalnut Hill School for the Arts is an independent boarding and day high school in Natick offering an immersive and intensive educational experience designed for student artists in Grades 9–12\, with a postgraduate gap year also available. \nFor more information on this show\, including bios of the artists\, visit the BFL website. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflartwh/2026-03-05/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Art,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WalnutHill-Art.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251230T190717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T190717Z UID:10007507-1772046000-1772049600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Burglary at the Louvre – How Can Writers Top This? DESCRIPTION:The world is fascinated by the recent jewel robbery at the Louvre\, and so are the Curators of Crime\, mystery authors Connie Berry\, Lane Stone\, Nina Wachsman\, and M.A. Monnin. In this program\, the Curators of Crime will examine the public’s fascination with the recent burglary of Napoleonic jewels at the Louvre and discuss how\, as authors\, they have used the same elements in their books. They cover the crime itself\, the police investigation and their procedures for nailing the thieves\, the psychology and motives that prompt such a bold theft\, and how the intrinsic and historical value of the jewels make them targets and add to the public’s fear of their loss. \n  \nRegister here for the Zoom link. \n  \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \n  \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bfllouvre226/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Louvre.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T120000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260105T211138Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T211138Z UID:10007510-1770894000-1770897600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:History Book Club DESCRIPTION:If you enjoy reading and talking about history\, check out the history book club hosted by the Bacon Free Library and the Natick Historical Society.   Each discussion\, led by the director of the Natick Historical Society\, is held over Zoom\, so you can join from the comfort of your home. \nCopies of each book (regular print\, large print\, & audio) are available to check out from the Bacon Free Library.   Or you may order your own copy if you prefer to pick up at another library. \n  \nThis month\, join us for a virtual discussion of Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People by Tiya Miles. \n“Though broad strokes of Tubman’s story are widely known\, Miles probes deeper\, examining her inner life\, faith and relationships with other enslaved Black women to paint a deeper\, more vibrant portrait of a historical figure whose mythic status can sometimes overshadow her humanity.” –The New York Times \n  \nFor details on how to attend this virtual meeting via Zoom\, please contact  director@natickhistoricalsociety.org \nThe Zoom link to the discussion will be sent at a later date. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflhbc226/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/FebHistBookClub.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T093000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260212T173000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20260209T181607Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260209T183545Z UID:10007549-1770888600-1770917400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Art Display: Walnut Hill School for the Arts DESCRIPTION:The Bacon Free Library is honored to host a variety of works from Walnut Hill’s students from January 29th through March 18th.  The students who have contributed art to this show are Ace Ellis\, Anisia Hanlin Cui\, Audrey Kriz\, Ava Thieme\, Cindy Chen\, Ella (YuFan) Zhou\, Elle Stanley\, Elliot Ellie Bible\, Emma Feng\, HuaYi Winnie Wei\, Iris Hamilton\, Jiaman Chloe Sun\, Katelina Viana\, Tsz Mang Lemon Ye\, Winter Aiyue Qiu\, and Yuan Jeong. \nWalnut Hill School for the Arts is an independent boarding and day high school in Natick offering an immersive and intensive educational experience designed for student artists in Grades 9–12\, with a postgraduate gap year also available. \nFor more information on this show\, including bios of the artists\, visit the BFL website. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflartwh/2026-02-12/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Art,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WalnutHill-Art.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251230T193121Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T193121Z UID:10007509-1770836400-1770840000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: The Art Spy - The Extraordinary\, Untold Story of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland DESCRIPTION:Listen in as award-winning journalist and author Michelle Young discusses her new book.  A riveting and stylish saga set in Paris during World War II\, The Art Spy: The Extraordinary\, Untold Story of WWII Resistance Hero Rose Valland uncovers the true story of how an unlikely heroine infiltrated the Nazi leadership to save the world’s most treasured masterpieces. \nRegister for the Zoom link \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflvalland226/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/ArtSpy.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260204T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251230T192306Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T192306Z UID:10007508-1770231600-1770235200@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: An Evening for People who Love Animals DESCRIPTION:In this virtual program\, we’ll hear from Melanie Kaplan\, author of Lab Dog: A Beagle and His Human Investigate the Surprising World of Animal Research\, as well as E.B. Bartels\, author of Good Grief: On Loving Pets\, Here and Hereafter. \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister for the Zoom link. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflpets226/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/goodgrief.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251229T194328Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T194328Z UID:10007506-1769626800-1769630400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Agents of Change: the Women Who Transformed the CIA DESCRIPTION:Author Christina Hillsberg will discuss her new bestselling book Agents of Change: the Women Who Transformed the CIA. Explore the pioneering women who changed the insulated world of international espionage — from the barrier-crashing challenges of the 1960s to the present-day reckoning — told through the eyes of a former intelligence operative herself. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister to receive the Zoom link URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflagents126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/AgentsofChange.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260128T190000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251229T193116Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251229T193209Z UID:10007505-1769623200-1769626800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Armchair Tour of the Faroe Islands with Joanne Pearson DESCRIPTION:Landscape photographer Joanne Pearson will be our guide through this armchair tour of the Faroe Islands\, hosted by the Bacon Free Library. \nThe rugged and remote Faroe Islands–an archipelago of 18 islands located in the North Atlantic between Iceland\, Norway\, and the Hebrides–have a long and rich history. Settled by Irish monks around 600 AD\, colonized by Vikings in the ninth century\, and Christianized around 1000\, the Faroe Islands are now an autonomous territory of the kingdom of Denmark. Formed by volcanic activity and reshaped by ice age glaciers\, mountains rise steeply and sharply from the sea. Small villages in the rounded valleys of the coastline appear below you as you round a bend on a narrow road or emerge from one of the numerous tunnels that now connect almost all of the islands and some of the harder to reach villages. Cascading waterfalls\, flocks of sheep\, and dramatic scenery abound. \nRegister to receive the Zoom link URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflfaroeisl126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/FaroeIslands.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260126T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251125T175024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T175024Z UID:10007499-1769454000-1769457600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Creating a Modern Homestead with Author Victoria Pruett DESCRIPTION:We’ll be chatting with modern day homesteader\, blogger\, and author Victoria Pruett about her book Creating a Modern Homestead: Traditional Skills for Real\, Everyday Life.  Victoria will walk us through many aspects of homesteading\, such as cooking from scratch\, food preservation\, backyard chickens\, gardening\, natural pest control\, and more.  You’ll gain some understanding of what it takes to get closer to nature and less dependent on large\, commercial corporations. Hopefully\, you’ll find a tidbit or two that you can practice in your daily life. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Ashland Public Library and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. \nRegister to receive the Zoom link. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflpruett126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Homestead.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251209T191919Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T191919Z UID:10007503-1769022000-1769025600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: How Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of WWII DESCRIPTION:Author Elyse Graham will discuss her new book\, Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II\, the true untold story of the academics who became OSS spies\, invented modern spycraft\, and helped turn the tide of the war to defeat the Nazis. At the start of WWII\, the US found itself in desperate need of an intelligence agency. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS)\, a precursor to today’s CIA\, was quickly formed—and\, in an effort to fill its ranks with experts\, the OSS turned to academia for recruits. Suddenly\, literature professors\, librarians\, and historians were training to perform undercover operations and investigative work—and these surprising spies would go on to profoundly shape both the course of the war and our cultural institutions with their efforts. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister to receive the Zoom link URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflgraham126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BookDagger.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260114T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251125T174232Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T174232Z UID:10007498-1768417200-1768420800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Poisoning The Well — How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America DESCRIPTION:Author Sharon Udasin will discuss her new book\, Poisoning the Well: How Forever Chemicals Contaminated America. Learn how PFAS — a set of toxic chemicals most people have never heard of — poisoned the entire country. Based on original\, shoe-leather reporting in four highly contaminated towns and damning documents from the polluters’ own files\, Poisoning the Well traces an ugly history of corporate greed and devastation of human lives. \nAbout the Author\nSharon Udasin is a Boulder-based environmental journalist who has been delving into water contamination and conservation issues for 15 years. She was a Ted Scripps Fellow in Environmental Journalism at the University of Colorado Boulder and has reported for numerous outlets\, most recently covering US West climate issues for The Hill from 2021-2025. She co-authored Poisoning the Well with Rachel Frazin. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister directly on Zoom HERE.  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bfludasin126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/poisonthewell.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260113T184500 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251209T190523Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T190523Z UID:10007502-1768325400-1768329900@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Winter Sowing Workshop DESCRIPTION:Winter sowing is a simple way to start seeds outdoors during the wintertime. All you need is a milk jug\, potting soil\, seeds\, and a sunny\, protected location. Once you’ve sown your seeds\, you can practically forget about them until it is time to transplant the seedlings into your spring garden bed. \nAt this in-person workshop at the Bacon Free Library\, you’ll learn all about this process while creating your own winter sowing jug. \nAll supplies will be provided including locally harvested native seeds. \nRegistration is required. \nThis program will also be presented at the Natick Community Center on  January 6th at 10:00 am which is fully accessible. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflsow126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/wintersowing.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260112T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251125T161202Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251125T161202Z UID:10007497-1768244400-1768248000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: In Conversation with Heather B. Moore\, Author of “Julia” DESCRIPTION:Join us for a conversation with author Heather B. Moore about her recent release\, Julia: a novel inspired by the extraordinary life of Julia Child. We’ll chat with Heather about the book\, her writing and research process\, and if she found any surprises when researching the iconic Julia Child. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Ashland Public Library\, and is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. \nRegistration to receive the Zoom link. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflmoore126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/HMooreJulia.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260108T120000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251028T172720Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T210010Z UID:10007482-1767870000-1767873600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:History Book Club DESCRIPTION:If you enjoy reading and talking about history\, check out the history book club hosted by the Bacon Free Library and the Natick Historical Society.   Each discussion\, led by the director of the Natick Historical Society\, is held over Zoom\, so you can join from the comfort of your home. \nCopies of each book (regular print\, large print\, & audio) are available to check out from the Bacon Free Library.   Or you may order your own copy if you prefer to pick up at another library. \n  \nThis month\, join us for a virtual discussion of Into Siberia: George Kennan’s Epic Journey through the Brutal\, Frozen Heart of Russia by Gregory Wallance. \nAccording to The History Reader\, “Into Siberia… is a thrilling work of history about George Kennan’s harrowing journey into Russia and the light it shone on some of history’s most heinous human rights abuses.” \n  \nFor details on how to attend this virtual meeting via Zoom\, please contact  director@natickhistoricalsociety.org \nThe Zoom link to the discussion will be sent at a later date. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflhistbc126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/HistoryBCJan26.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251209T185318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T185318Z UID:10007501-1767812400-1767816000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage DESCRIPTION:In this program\, author Julie Dobrow will discuss her new book\, Love and Loss After Wounded Knee: A Biography of an Extraordinary Interracial Marriage. Like most star-crossed lovers\, they came from vastly different worlds. Elaine Goodale\, a white woman who grew up on a farm in the remotest part of the Berkshires\, was a poet\, writer and teacher who’d come to the Dakota Territory in 1884 to teach Native American children. Ohíye S’a\, or Charles Alexander Eastman\, was a Santee Sioux\, born in Minnesota and one of the only Native Americans educated at Dartmouth College and Boston University Medical School. He’d come to Pine Ridge as a reservation physician. Elaine and Charles improbably met in December 1890\, and more surprisingly\, fell in love. And then the Wounded Knee Massacre happened\, and changed everything. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister to receive the Zoom link URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflwoundknee126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WoundedKnee.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260107T190000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251209T183112Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251209T183112Z UID:10007500-1767808800-1767812400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Gorgeous Gardens of New England\, part V DESCRIPTION:Among the 10 gardens we’ll visit in this virtual tour are three on Mount Desert Island\, Maine\, each very different from each other\, but all associated with the notable landscape architect Beatrix Farrand. Heading south\, we’ll tour Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and then make a quick stop at a flower-filled field in Brunswick\, Maine. We’ll visit Weir Farm in Connecticut\, a National Historic Site\, and Buttrick Gardens in Concord\, Massachusetts\, which is part of the Minuteman National Historic Park. Adding to the roster of gardens in this presentation is Enders Island in Mystic\, Connecticut. We’ll visit the John Hay Estate in Newbury\, New Hampshire\, and make the 15-minute drive to see the small but beautiful garden at the Tracy Memorial Library in New London. \nA handout with a map and list of the featured gardens will be provided to attendees. \nRegister to receive the Zoom link URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflgg5126/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/GorgGardens5.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251218T170000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251028T173647Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T173647Z UID:10007483-1766044800-1766077200@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Art Exhibit: Tom Doran: Ease Your Eyes DESCRIPTION:Tom Doran creates his unique digital compositions by layering photography and previous artworks. Informed by years of jazz improvisation and the tactile nature of paper collage\, his process embraces spontaneity and a pursuit of balance between order and disorder. \nCome to the BFL to view his exhibit titled Ease Your Eyes\, which will be on display from  November 4th through January 28th.  The same exhibit will be on display at TCAN in the Spring of 2026.  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflarttdoran/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Art,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Tom-Doran-art.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251217T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251115T171644Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T171644Z UID:10007496-1765998000-1766001600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Great American Unsung Heroes — Nikola Tesla DESCRIPTION:Retired Massachusetts Superior Court Justice Dennis Curran is excited to continue his “Great American Unsung Heroes Who Changed The Course Of History” series.\n\nThis month\, learn about Nikola Tesla. Called a genius by some\, a madman by others\, and an enigma by nearly everyone\, Tesla was probably the greatest inventor the world has ever known. He was\, without a doubt\, a trail blazer who created astonishing\, life-transforming devices. But he never received the credit he richly deserved. \nIt was Tesla\, not Edison\, who harnessed the alternating electric current (AC) we rely upon today. It was arguably Tesla – not Marconi – who invented the radio. And it was Tesla who introduced the fundamentals of computers\, robotry\, and missile science\, which helped pave the way for satellites\, microwaves\, and lasers. Tesla remains one of the least recognized scientific pioneers and never earned the household name recognition of an Edison\, Westinghouse\, Marconi\, or Einstein. He will get his proper due in this enlightening talk. \nAbout the Speaker\nDennis J. Curran served as a Massachusetts judge for 16 years\, including in the Superior Court from 2006 to 2018. Prior to his time on the bench\, Curran worked as an Assistant District Attorney and First Assistant Legal Counsel to the Governor\, in addition to private practice. A graduate of Boston Latin School\, the University of Pennsylvania\, and the University of Virginia School of Law\, Curran has taught law at Tufts University\, Roger Williams University School of Law\, and Brown University. \nThis program is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister directly on Zoom HERE.  \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bfltesla1225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Tesla.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251215T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251215T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251115T165746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251115T165746Z UID:10007495-1765825200-1765828800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – “The Man Behind the Music” DESCRIPTION:Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was the reigning god of classical music in Vienna during the mid-to-late 1700s. His life has been analyzed in books and even films\, but little is known of the circumstances surrounding his untimely death. Take a glimpse into the world of one of music’s biggest heroes as we appreciate his genius and attempt to untangle the mystery. \nDan Lupo\, creator of FiveMinuteMozart.com\, a music education platform with over 2 million views and 20k+ subscribers\, will present an incredible music education program chronicling the life and achievement of one of music history’s greatest composers. Dan’s program will consist of a spoken lecture as well as live piano performances. \nThis program is presented in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Tewksbury Public Library. \nRegister directly on Zoom HERE.  \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflmozart1225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/mozart.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251209T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251028T171531Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T171531Z UID:10007481-1765306800-1765310400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: Healthier Holidays with Empty Nest Kitchen DESCRIPTION:Let’s explore delicious holiday dishes with a Mediterranean flair to incorporate into your celebrations. The Mediterranean diet\, which has been linked to a multitude of health benefits\, is rich in plant-based foods and oils\, with a moderate amount of fish\, poultry\, and dairy foods. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library and the Groton Public Library. \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK. \n  \nAbout the Presenter\nChristine Van Bloem of Empty Nest Kitchen has been teaching cooking for a long\, long time\, and she is still excited to cook\, teach\, and share with you. After surviving a heart attack in 2020 and the loss of her brick & mortar cooking school business\, Christine found new purpose cooking for her own empty nest. \nPost heart attack\, Christine has reformed her butter-loving\, heavy cream worshipping ways by making changes to how she cooks–taking things in a healthier direction\, without doing a complete 180 and still keeping things flavorful and delightful. The key here is healthier. Christine is not afraid of butter\, but she now uses a touch instead of stick; a  tablespoon or two of cream or half-and-half\, not a cup; and so on.  And now that her kids are grown and living on their own\, Christine is re-learning how to cook for two and sharing that process along the way. \nChristine is currently training in culinary nutrition with The American College of Culinary Medicine and has researched The Mediterranean Diet & Menopause for her capstone project. \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflhealthy1225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MediterraneanEmpty.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251202T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T135603 CREATED:20251028T153250Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T153250Z UID:10007480-1764702000-1764705600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:VIRTUAL: A Charles Dickens Christmas with Bill Thierfelder DESCRIPTION:Charles Dickens has famously been called “The Man Who Invented Christmas.” Inspired by the writings of Washington Irving earlier in the 19th century\, Dickens wrote five Christmas novellas between 1843 and 1848 and over a dozen short stories between 1852 and 1866. Each of these–including the perennial favorite A Christmas Carrol–helped to shape how the holiday season is celebrated in Britain and America. This program explores these wonderful flights of holiday fantasy and their lasting influence. \nThis program is offered in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library\, the Groton Public Library\, and the Natick Historical Society. \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK. \n  \nAbout the Speaker\nDr. Bill Thierfelder is a retired professor of arts and humanities\, with a PhD in English literature\, an MA in theology\, and a BA in English with additional concentrations in music history and art. After teaching second grade for four years and high school seniors for six months as a replacement substitute\, Bill spent the next 32 years teaching a variety of arts and humanities courses at several New York and Long Island universities and colleges\, including St. John’s University\, Hofstra University\, and Dowling College. \nBill is currently docent emeritus at the American Museum of Natural History where he continues to give both Zoom and in-person presentations\, work on special editing projects\, and give tours. He also lectures regularly for libraries and educational organizations nationwide via Zoom. Bill’s classroom\, library\, and museum vocations have taught him that life is all about “making wings\,” hence\, the name of his website: Making Wings. Indeed\, Bill’s philosophy–rooted in years of practical study and life experience–is simple: “The most important thing you can do is to make wings for yourself and fly to places that fulfill your potential\, that allow you to develop your unique gifts\, and that open you up to a world of possibilities.” \n  \nRECORDING NOTE: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bfldickens1225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library CATEGORIES:Cultural Events,FREE,History,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/CharlesDickens.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR