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:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD 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 END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T183000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250415T181638Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250508T173140Z UID:10007224-1747762200-1747765800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:How to Create a Homegrown National Park DESCRIPTION:Join us for a fun and informative stroll around the lovely grounds of the Bacon Free Library.  Our gardening guru Monica Foley will point out and discuss the native plants in our gardens.  She will offer many practical ideas to help you encourage birds and other pollinators to your yard and to increase the biodiversity in your property.  You will learn how the BFL became a Certified Wildlife Habitat\, as well as the requirements to acquire a Homegrown National Park sign for your yard.  There will be time for questions. \nNo registration necessary. \nIn case of rain\, this event will be rescheduled to Tuesday\, May 27th at 5:30pm. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflnatlpark/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Homegrown-National-Park.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250319T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250319T190000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250211T184616Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T184616Z UID:10007158-1742407200-1742410800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: W.F.K. Travers’ Lincoln Portrait DESCRIPTION:At nine feet tall\, Travers’ Lincoln portrait is impressive. This portrait of the 16th president has been praised by those who knew him as more lifelike than any other. Exhibited at the US Capitol\, the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia\, and the Union League Club in New York\, among other important places\, this portrait eventually found a home in the Hartley Dodge Memorial in Madison\, NJ. Mallory Mortillaro will share her first-hand account of researching this painting and the stories she uncovered as she leads the audience through this painting’s fascinating provenance. The portrait is currently on loan to the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. \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. Mallory resides in New Jersey with her husband and daughter. \nThis program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bfllincoln25/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250317T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250317T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250211T184317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T184408Z UID:10007157-1742238000-1742241600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Irish Whiskey – History & Recommendations with Travis Ireland of the Friskey Whiskey Podcast DESCRIPTION:How perfect is this for St. Paddy’s Day? Travis IRELAND of The Friskey Whiskey Podcast will join us to discuss the history of Irish whiskeys and the best he’s encountered! \nThis program is presented by the Bacon Free Library and Ashland Public Library in partnership with a multitude of MA & NH libraries.  The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. \n  \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK. \n  \nAbout Travis:\nTravis Ireland\, co-host of The Friskey Whiskey Podcast\, is an IT professional by day and a whiskey aficionado by passion. He brings his knowledge and expertise to the podcast\, discussing various distilleries\, tasting notes\, and industry trends. Through The Friskey Whiskey\, Travis aims to educate\, entertain\, and share his profound appreciation for whiskey. \n\n\n\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/bflwhiskey25/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250310T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250310T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250211T183900Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T183900Z UID:10007156-1741633200-1741636800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Virtual: Boston Light: Three Centuries of History with Author Jeremy D’Entremont DESCRIPTION:Based on Jeremy’s book\, Boston Light: Three Centuries of History\, this virtual talk focuses on Boston Light Station\, the site of the first lighthouse on the North American continent. Jeremy will trace its history through three centuries of tragedy\, rescues\, and colorful human interest stories of keepers and their families. \n  \nThis program is presented by the Bacon Free Library in partnership with the Ashland Public Library and a multitude of MA & NH libraries; it is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. \n\n\nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK. \n\nAbout the Author:\n\nJeremy D’Entremont is the president and historian of the American Lighthouse Foundation\, historian for the U.S. Lighthouse Society\, and the author of more than 20 books and hundreds of articles on lighthouses and maritime history. He’s the producer and host of the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s podcast\, Light Hearted. He has appeared on the popular Ghost Hunters TV show\, as well as Haunted Lighthouses of America on the Travel Channel. He has also appeared on the History Channel\, Public Television\, and National Public Radio speaking about lighthouses. \n\n\n\n\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/bflbostonlight/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:History,Library END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250227T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250227T170000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250211T185040Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250211T185119Z UID:10007159-1740643200-1740675600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Bruno Wernli Art DESCRIPTION:Visit the Bacon Free Library through March 26th to appreciate the works of local artist Bruno Wernli.\n\n \n\n\nBruno Wernli\, born in Zürich\, Switzerland\, is an abstract expressionist artist currently based in Natick\, MA. Specializing in acrylics on canvas\, Bruno is renowned for his large-scale abstractions characterized by luminous\, intense colors\, crafted through a multi-layer technique. He is best known for his adept manipulation of color and form\, which results in captivating works that engage viewers with their visual depth and textural complexity. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/bflwernli/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250225T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250225T190000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250113T220322Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T220322Z UID:10007152-1740506400-1740510000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Indoor Seed Starting (virtual) DESCRIPTION:The Bacon Free Library invites you to learn about indoor seed starting. There are so many more varieties of vegetables than what the garden centers offer. Eric Bromberg from Blackstone Valley Veggie Gardens will show you everything you need to know. \n  \nThis program will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/indoorseed225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/saveseeds.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250221T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250221T111500 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250113T215918Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T215918Z UID:10007151-1740133800-1740136500@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Puppet Story Time DESCRIPTION:Through Me To You Puppetry invites you to join Newton and the gang for some story time fun at the Bacon Free Library! Newton and his puppet friends take turns reading stories and singing songs with the kids. At the end of the show\, the kids are invited to say hi to Newton and even play with some of the puppets during a hands-on free play session. \nAll ages welcome. Registration is required. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/puppetbfl225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Puppetry_Newton.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250214T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250214T120000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250113T215155Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T221302Z UID:10007150-1739527200-1739534400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Drop-in Valentine Making DESCRIPTION:Stop by the Bacon Free Library anytime between 10:00 and 12:00 to make some Valentine’s Day cards for your friends and family! We’ll provide an assortment of craft materials. All ages are welcome. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/valentinecraft25/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/valentinespenguin.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250213T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250213T190000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250113T214455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250114T181002Z UID:10007149-1739469600-1739473200@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Gardens of the Pacific Northwest (virtual) DESCRIPTION:Landscape photographer Joanne Pearson will be our guide through this armchair tour of gardens in the Pacific Northwest. \nJoanne Pearson has been a professional photographer for more than 25 years. Prior to her career in photography\, she was a registered landscape architect in the state of Massachusetts where she practiced for 12 years. Her photographs of gardens and landscapes have been featured in magazines and calendars that have included Yankee\, Northshore Magazine\, Vermont Life\, Offshore\, BrownTrout Publishers Inc. and Willow Creek Press. She is the solo photographer for four calendars produced by Mahoney Publishing including Flowers and Gardens of New England.  In addition to her garden photography\, Joanne photographs architecture\, landscapes\, lifestyle\, and food for the hospitality industry\, architects and builders throughout the northeast. \nThis program is hosted by the Bacon Free Library and will be held over Zoom. Please register to receive the meeting link.  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/gardenpnw/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Garden_9058-e1736878194439.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250208T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250208T110000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T173952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T195303Z UID:10007148-1739008800-1739012400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Français à la bibliothèque DESCRIPTION:BONJOUR !\n\nVous parlez français ? \nun peu\, beaucoup\, pas de problèmes. \nVenez nous rejoindre pour parler ou pour écouter. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/french125/2025-02-08/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Cultural Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/French.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250204T183000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250107T195006Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T195006Z UID:10007147-1738688400-1738693800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Felted Koala Craft for Adults DESCRIPTION:Learn how to needle felt a koala holding a heart using wool roving and a barbed needle. Pop up Art School is coming to the Bacon Free Library to teach the basics of needle felting. You’ll leave the class with the knowledge and basic supplies you need to continue felting on your own! Ages 13+ only please.\nRegistration required. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/koalabfl225/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/koala.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250201T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250201T113000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250107T194655Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T194655Z UID:10007146-1738404000-1738409400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Read to a Dog DESCRIPTION: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. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/read-to-a-dog-2/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SophieRTAD.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T120000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20250113T221114Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250113T221114Z UID:10007153-1738317600-1738324800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Drop-in Penguin Craft DESCRIPTION:Stop by the Bacon Free Library anytime between 10:00 and 12:00 to make a fun penguin craft. \nNo registration required. All ages are welcome. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/penguincraft125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/penguincraft.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250127T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250127T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T183110Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250104T163239Z UID:10007143-1738004400-1738008000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Encounters with Killers\, with True Crime Author & Professor of Forensic Psychology Katherine Ramsland (virtual) DESCRIPTION:In this virtual program\, Dr. Katherine Ramsland will recount her most memorable interactions with serial killers\, and describe how these experiences have shaped her career in forensic psychology.  Notorious criminals A Pied Piper\, two Coed Killers\, a Candy Man’s handyman\, and BTK\, among others\, have left their marks on her research and writing\, both fiction and nonfiction. \nThis program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and is in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library\, Chelmsford\, Groton\, and Tewksbury Libraries and is in partnership with a multitude of MA & NH libraries. \nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK \n\n\nAbout the Author:\nDr. Katherine Ramsland taught forensic psychology and criminology at DeSales University in Pennsylvania\, where she was the Assistant Provost.  She has appeared as an expert in criminal psychology on more than 250 crime documentaries and magazine shows\, is an executive producer of Murder House Flip\, and has consulted for CSI\, Bones\, and The Alienist.  Katherine has written more than 1\,800 articles and 73 books\, including The Forensic Science of CSI\, The Forensic Psychology of Criminal Minds\, How to Catch a Killer\, The Psychology of Death Investigations\, The Serial Killer’s Apprentice\, and Confession of a Serial Killer: The Untold Story of Dennis Rader\, The BTK Killer.  She was also co-executive producer for the Wolf Entertainment/A&E four-part documentary based on the years she spent talking with Rader.  Katherine consults on death investigations\, pens a blog for Psychology Today\, and is currently writing a fiction series based on a female forensic psychologist who manages a private investigation agency.  Dead-handed is book #3. \nAbout Dead-Handed:\nForensic psychologist Annie Hunter runs the Nut Crackers investigation agency. They accept unique\, twisted\, and complex cases\, including those with paranormal aspects. As an expert\, she performs psychological autopsies and court assessments\, but she can also evaluate a psychic\, exhume a body\, and connect with any forensic expert she might need for her cases. \n\nIf you’d like to purchase a signed copy of Katherine’s book\, you can do so through Aesop’s Fable.  In the comment section of checkout\, note that you would like your book to come with a signed bookplate. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/ramsland125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250124T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250124T111500 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T181554Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T181554Z UID:10007142-1737714600-1737717300@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Puppet Story Time DESCRIPTION:Through Me To You Puppetry invites you to join Newton and the gang for some story time fun at the Bacon Free Library! Newton and his puppet friends take turns reading stories and singing songs with the kids. At the end of the show\, the kids are invited to say hi to Newton and even play with some of the puppets during a hands-on free play session. \nAll ages welcome. Registration is required. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/puppetst125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Puppetry_Newton.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250122T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250122T150000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T181226Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250104T162059Z UID:10007141-1737554400-1737558000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:In Conversation with Author and Historian Philippa Langley: Finding King Richard III and “The Princes in the Tower” (virtual) DESCRIPTION: We are looking forward to chatting with author and historical sleuth\, Philippa Langley\, about her book The Princes in the Tower: Solving History’s Greatest Cold Case and her discovery of the grave of King Richard III in 2012. Join us as she discusses her research methods\, her team\, her findings\, and how solving this cold case affects our understanding of the royal monarchy (in the 1500s\, of course). \nThis program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library  and is held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library\, the Ashland Public Library\, and a multitude of MA Libraries. \n\nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK \n  \n\n\nAbout the Author:\nPhilippa Langley\, MBE is an historian and award-winning producer\, best known for her discovery of Richard III in 2012. She is co-author of the bestselling The Lost King with Michael Jones (first published as The King’s Grave\, John Murray 2013)\, and Finding Richard III\, the official account of her Looking For Richard Project. On the ten-year anniversary of discovering Richard III\, her extraordinary story was released as the internationally acclaimed major feature film\, The Lost King\, directed by Sir Stephen Frears and starring Sally Hawkins. \nIn November 2023\, Philippa once again rewrote the history books in her new work The Princes in the Tower: Solving History’s Greatest Cold Case (The History Press\, UK; Pegasus\, USA). Based on her remarkable new research initiative\, The Missing Princes Project\, its now seven-year investigation revealed the Princes survived to challenge Henry VII\, the first Tudor monarch\, for the throne of England. It has been made into a feature-length Factual Special TV documentary by Channel 4\, PBS in America and SBS in Australia. \n  \nAbout The Missing Princes Project:\nFollowing years of intensive research by Langley and her international team\, she reveals the findings of The Missing Princes Project. Using investigative methodology\, it places the most enduring of mysteries about what happened to the Princes in the Tower under a forensic microscope\, unearthing an astonishing untold story of survival and uncovering remarkable new archival discoveries of proof of life. It is the first time that police cold case investigation analysis has been applied to a centuries-old historical mystery\, leaving no stone unturned\, and the results are extraordinary. \n\n  \nIf you’d like to purchase a signed copy of Philippa’s book\, you can do so through Aesop’s Fable.  In the comment section of checkout\, note that you would like your book to come with a signed bookplate. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/langley125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:History,Library END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250117T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250117T110000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T175731Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T175813Z UID:10007140-1737109800-1737111600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Jammin with You DESCRIPTION:Be prepared to laugh\, dance\, sing\, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun at the Bacon Free Library! This performance is geared toward kids ages 1 – 7\, but fun for the whole family. With modern takes on children’s classics and classic original tunes\, you’ll be humming and bopping all the way home. \n  \nRegistration is required due to space limitations. \n  \n \nSponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/jammin11725/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/JamminWithYou.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250113T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T175254Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T195811Z UID:10007139-1736794800-1736798400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:How Birds Created the World and other stories from “The Complete Language of Birds” with Author Randi Minetor (virtual) DESCRIPTION:We’re very excited to chat with author and journalist Randi Minetor who\, with her photographer husband Nic\, has visited 354 (out of 429) National Parks! All of their travels have inspired one of Randi’s books\, The Complete Language Of Birds. In this program\, Randi will discuss her latest book\, birds and their evolution\, and (hopefully) some of her travels.\n\n\n\n\nThis program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and held in collaboration with the Bacon Free Library\, the Ashland Public Library\, and several NH and MA libraries. \n\nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK. \n\n\n\n  \nAbout the Author:\n\nBorn and raised in Rochester\, NY\, Randi Minetor discovered the backcountry wonders of America’s national parks in 1992 with her husband\, photographer/lighting designer Nic Minetor. That first trip changed her life\, and by 2000\, the Minetors had pledged to see all 391 (now 429) national parks in their lifetimes. They found a way to subsidize this passion in 2006\, when they began writing and photographing books on the parks for The Globe Pequot Press (now Rowman & Littlefield). Today Randi has written more than 90 books\, including seven books in the nonfiction Death in the National Parks series\, ten hiking guides in New York State\, several bird-finding guides\, and even reference books on health topics. To date\, they have visited 354 national parks. In addition\, Nic’s photography appears in eight Quick Reference Guides to the Birds\, Trees\, and Wildflowers of New York City and New York State\, and The Trees and Wildflowers of the Mid-Atlantic States. The Minetors live in Rochester\, NY. \n  \nAbout The Complete Language of Birds:\n\nIf you’re a nature lover who thrives on bird videos and photography\, go beyond the scope of standard field guides with this comprehensive reference. Each entry of The Complete Language of Birds provides not only the bird’s name and physical qualities\, but also its history\, symbolic meanings\, and hidden properties from mythology\, legends\, and folklore. \n\n\nIf you’d like to purchase a signed copy of Randi’s book\, you can do so through Aesop’s Fable.  In the comment section of checkout\, note that you would like your book to come with a signed bookplate. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/minetor125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250111T113000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250111T123000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T174342Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T174342Z UID:10007138-1736595000-1736598600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Winter Sowing 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 workshop\, hosted by the Bacon Free Library\, you’ll learn all about this process while creating your own winter sowing jug. \nAll supplies will be provided in the workshop.  Registration is required. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/winter-sowing125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/wintersowing.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250111T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250111T110000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T173952Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T195303Z UID:10007137-1736589600-1736593200@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Français à la bibliothèque DESCRIPTION:BONJOUR !\n\nVous parlez français ? \nun peu\, beaucoup\, pas de problèmes. \nVenez nous rejoindre pour parler ou pour écouter. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/french125/2025-01-11/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Cultural Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/French.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250110T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250110T111500 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T172906Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T172906Z UID:10007136-1736505000-1736507700@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Music & Movement with Walnut Hill DESCRIPTION:The Bacon Free Library is happy to welcome Miss Katie from the Community Theater Academy at Walnut Hill School for the Arts for some music and movement.  This program emphasizes the bond between children and their caregivers\, while enriching their musical\, cognitive\, and physical development.  Participants will enjoy simple rhythmic patterns\, dances\, and activities. Instruments like rhythm sticks\, bells\, shakers\, and drums are used\, as well as scarves\, balls\, bubbles\, and more. \nThis program is geared toward children ages 6 months to 4 years. Registration is required. \nSponsored by the Community Theater Academy at Walnut Hill School for the Arts URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/musicwh125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/walnuthill.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250108T200000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T163222Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T194636Z UID:10007135-1736362800-1736366400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Q&A with Author Erica Cirino: Healthy Plastic-Free Pregnancy and Parenting (virtual) DESCRIPTION:Erica Cirino\, author of Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis\, joins us to help new parents (and all concerned!) with reducing plastic in their lives as they also welcome new life into their homes.  Plastic pollution is particularly harmful to unborn babies\, infants\, and children due to their rapidly growing bodies. Unfortunately\, plastic is almost everywhere and can feel particularly unavoidable when pregnant and parenting. Yet there are many simple steps you can take to minimize your family’s exposure to plastics.\n\nBy providing evidence-based solutions\, practical tips\, and resources to make change\, Erica will show us how to eliminate plastics from pregnancy and parenting.\n\n\n\n  \nThis program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library and in partnership with the Bacon Free Library and a multitude of MA & NH libraries. \n\nPLEASE REGISTER HERE FOR THE ZOOM LINK. \nThis program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program. \n  \nAbout the Author:\nErica Cirino is a science writer and artist exploring the intersection of the human and nonhuman worlds. Her widely published photojournalistic works depict the numerous ways people connect to nature—wild creatures in particular—and shape planet earth. \n\n\n  \n\n\nAbout Thicker Than Water (according to Island Press):\nMuch of what you’ve heard about plastic pollution may be wrong. Instead of a great island of trash\, the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch is made up of manmade debris spread over hundreds of miles of sea—more like a soup than a floating garbage dump. Recycling is more complicated than we were taught: less than nine percent of the plastic we create is reused\, and the majority ends up in the ocean. And plastic pollution isn’t confined to the open ocean: it’s in much of the air we breathe and the food we eat. \nIn Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis\, journalist Erica Cirino brings readers on a globe-hopping journey to meet the scientists and activists telling the real story of the plastic crisis. From the deck of a plastic-hunting sailboat with a disabled engine\, to the labs doing cutting-edge research on microplastics and the chemicals we ingest\, Cirino paints a full picture of how plastic pollution is threatening wildlife and human health. Thicker Than Water reveals that the plastic crisis is also a tale of environmental injustice\, as poorer nations take in a larger share of the world’s trash\, and manufacturing chemicals threaten predominantly Black and low-income communities. \nThere is some hope on the horizon\, with new laws banning single-use items and technological innovations to replace plastic in our lives. But Cirino shows that we can only fix the problem if we face its full scope and begin to repair our throwaway culture. Thicker Than Water is an eloquent call to reexamine the systems churning out waves of plastic waste. \n  \nIf you’d like to purchase a signed copy of Erica’s book\, you can do so through Aesop’s Fable. In the comment section of checkout\, note that you would like your book to come with a signed bookplate. \n\n\n\n\n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/cirino125/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250104T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250104T111500 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T162229Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T173117Z UID:10007133-1735984800-1735989300@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Read to a Dog DESCRIPTION:Kids can build confidence and practice their reading skills by reading out loud to a registered therapy dog at the Bacon Free Library. \nChildren 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. \nRegistration is required for each child attending. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/read-to-a-dog/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SophieRTAD.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250103T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250103T110000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241217T161949Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241217T161949Z UID:10007132-1735900200-1735902000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Jammin With You DESCRIPTION:Be prepared to laugh\, dance\, sing\, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun! This performance is geared toward kids ages 1 – 7\, but fun for the whole family. With modern takes on children’s classics and classic original tunes\, you’ll be humming and bopping all the way home. \nRegistration is required due to space limitations. \n  \n \nSponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/jammin1325/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/BFL-Jammin-With-You-Event.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241230T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241230T153000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241105T180318Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241105T180318Z UID:10007126-1735567200-1735572600@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Clay Melted Snowman Craft DESCRIPTION:Embrace the fun of winter with this class at the Bacon Free Library led by Pop Up Art School! Create a whimsical melted snowman using air-dry clay\, and bring your piece to life with vibrant acrylic paints—all in one session. You’ll leave the class with a completed\, playful winter decoration that’s ready to display. \nThis program is designed for kids and teens ages 8 and up. Registration is required for each participant. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/meltcraft1224/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/meltedsnowman.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241228T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241228T130000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241105T175751Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241105T175855Z UID:10007125-1735387200-1735390800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Instrument Petting Zoo DESCRIPTION:The Bacon Free Library is partnering with Bach to Rock (B2R) in Wellesley to bring you this instrument petting zoo. B2R will bring a variety of musical instruments to the BfL for 60 minutes of instrument exploration to give people of all ages a chance to learn about instruments and experience playing them. \nPlease stop by to try out an instrument\, or two\, that you’re curious about. \nNo registration required. URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/ipz1224/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Family Friendly,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/instrument.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241227T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241227T113000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241105T175542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241105T175542Z UID:10007124-1735295400-1735299000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Playful Engineers -- Chain Reactions & Creative Contraptions DESCRIPTION:Bring your kiddo to the Bacon Free Library for hands-on\, play-based\, STEAM-powered learning with Playful Engineers! \nIn this program\, kids will design\, build\, test\, and play with chain reactions and creative contraptions\, like Rube Goldberg machines\, paper constructions\, domino towers\, and more. \nThis program is designed for kids ages 5 and up. Registration is required for each child attending. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/pe1224/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library,STEM ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/playful-engineers.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241220T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241220T110000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241007T183409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241105T174544Z UID:10007122-1734690600-1734692400@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Jammin with You DESCRIPTION:Be prepared to laugh\, dance\, sing\, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun at the Bacon Free Library! This performance is geared toward kids ages 1 – 7\, but fun for the whole family. With modern takes on children’s classics and classic original tunes\, you’ll be humming and bopping all the way home. \nWith the cooler weather\, we have moved this program indoors. Registration is required due to space limitations. \n  \n \nSponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/jamnov1524/2024-12-20/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/JamminWithYou.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241210T170000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241105T174956Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241205T185729Z UID:10007123-1733846400-1733850000@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Food Explorers -- Spring Rolls DESCRIPTION:Join Food Explorers for a delicious cooking program at the Bacon Free Library! \nYou’ll be making spring rolls with a Registered Dietitian. Learn how to soak and wrap your spring rolls and fill with an assortment of fresh veggies\, rice noodles\, and soy sauce. The recipe is nut free but will contain soy. \nThis in-person cooking class is for ages 16 and older. Registration is required. \n  URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/foodexp1224/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/foodexplorer-e1730829058462.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241206T110000 DTSTAMP:20260517T095535 CREATED:20241007T183409Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241105T174544Z UID:10007121-1733481000-1733482800@natickcenter.org SUMMARY:Jammin with You DESCRIPTION:Be prepared to laugh\, dance\, sing\, and jam your way through 30 minutes of non-stop family fun at the Bacon Free Library! This performance is geared toward kids ages 1 – 7\, but fun for the whole family. With modern takes on children’s classics and classic original tunes\, you’ll be humming and bopping all the way home. \nWith the cooler weather\, we have moved this program indoors. Registration is required due to space limitations. \n  \n \nSponsored by Middlesex Savings Bank URL:https://natickcenter.org/event/jamnov1524/2024-12-06/ LOCATION:Bacon Free Library – 58 Eliot Street Natick\, MA 01760 United States CATEGORIES:Children's Events,Library ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://natickcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/JamminWithYou.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR