Sullivan's Travels: Ways to shop local during the holidays
Maureen SullivanSoon will come “the holidays.”
We’ve seen signs already, as in “Christmas trees” and “Black Friday deals.”
In Natick Center, the Cultural District is scheduling several events although Holiday Lighting on the Common is likely on the shelf this season (I know, Santa’s disappointed, too, but he does plan to wave from the sleigh as he flies past … social distancing, you know).
Support local businesses while doing your holiday shopping during “Small Business Saturday” on Nov. 28 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Some shops will offer outdoor shopping, and most will offer special holiday deals.
The annual Holiday Window Contest will take place from Dec. 1-15; the winner business will get a 2021 membership, a trophy and bragging rights.
On Dec. 12, the district will offer a December Holiday Market from noon-7 p.m.
For updates, visit https://www.natickcenter.org/
And don’t forget – free parking in the town lots on weekends.
Notes:
… The Natick Cultural Council has set a Nov. 16 postmark deadline for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities (virtual or in person) in Natick, including public art, exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. All applications will be considered, but preference will be given to artists and organizations that provide benefit to the Natick community. Preference will be given to projects that are well-planned and meet council priorities (For details, refer to the Natick Cultural Council website.).
The projects, performances and activities may be conducted virtually (online) or in-person, if and only if, they are following the state guidelines for COVID-19.
Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at http://www.mass-culture.org/lcc_public.aspx
… Boy Scout Troop 1775’s annual Holiday Fundraiser is under way. The troop’s regular fundraisers, such as the bottle and can drives, had to be suspended due to the pandemic. The troop is now accepting orders on fresh-made balsam pine wreaths with a red velvet bow ($13) and Hanukkah candles (45) lead-free wicks sized (9mm) to fit most menorahs ($10). Orders will be taken until Nov. 16, with delivery on Nov. 22. Information: DM or email me: markfromnatick@gmail.com
… AMVETS Post 79 and the American Veterans Recreation Association (Camp Arrowhead) will again sponsor the annual Turkeys for Vets program. Free turkeys and dressings will be provided to local veterans for Thanksgiving as a way to say “thank you for your service.”
To reserve a turkey or gift card, veterans should contact John Clancy at turkey4vets@gmail.com or 617-505-7494. Reservation of your choice is required.
Veterans should respond before noon on Nov. 19, indicating whether they want a frozen turkey and/or a $20 gift card to Roche Bros., Stop & Shop or Wegman’s.
Any Metrowest area veteran who would like to receive a turkey and a gift card must come to the post off Superior Drive on Nov. 21 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Any current veteran member of the post may request that a gift card be mailed to them.
This offer is NOT based on economic needs, so veterans should not hesitate to respond to this offer.
People who would like to make a financial donation to support this event should send a check, made out to the Natick AMVETS Post 79, to Natick AMVETS, P.O. Box 291,Natick MA 01760, or make a tax-deductible donation online at https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/turkeys-for-vets2
… Cochituate Rail Trail news – You can now own your own piece of the CRT. The Friends of Natick Trails are offering 8-inch square laser-etched red bricks that will be placed at the entrance to the new Whitney Field at Navy Yard, and at the entrance to the trail near the State Park at the end of Chrysler Road. The price per brick is $225, with net proceeds going to the town to maintain and benefit the CRT. Bricks will be installed when they have batches of 25 or more. They have about 400 to sell in total. See FriendsOfNatickTrails.org/bricks for all the details.
The Friends are also offering other sponsorships, such as plaques on the benches to be installed along the trail. The website has more information.
It looks tempting, but the trail will not be open to the public until spring of 2021 (tentative).
… The weekly Pasta Night at the Sons and Daughters of Italy on Washington Avenue will be taking some time off after Nov. 18. The dinners (Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m.) will be offered via takeout and curbside service; orders and payment may be placed by phone (508-653-5619); there will also be a “Grab and Go” option. $10 covers the entrée, salad, bread and dessert. For information, visit naticksonsofitaly.com.
… Miss visiting the Bacon Free Library and Natick Historical Society? Book a 30-minute reservation via https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-your-visit-to-the-bacon-free-library-andor-natick-history-museum-tickets-115150753002
… Casey’s Diner on South Avenue has reopened for breakfast Thursdays through Mondays from 8-10:45 a.m. for breakfast takeout or outside dining. Check the updated menu at caseysdiner.com.
… Now that the Morse Institute Library has opened to the public again (albeit with limited hours and access), visitors can now check out the Book Nook.
The Nook, operated by the Friends of the Morse Institute Library, has been expanded, and now offers DVDs and puzzles in addition to its collection of fiction, nonfiction, children’s, tween and high school books.
The Nook is open during library hours (currently weekdays from 9-10 a.m. for seniors and at-risk, then 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays). Payment will go into a cash box, and not at the circulation desk.
The Friends will also accept donations of good quality books, DVDs and puzzles during library hours. All donations will be quarantined 72 hours before they are sorted and boxed for the safety of Friends volunteers. Please limit donations to two boxes or four grocery bags per day.
… Leather boots need repair? Leather purse need a new strap? Need a new key? Cobbler Shop West on Pond Street is open; call 508-653-1064.
… Optica at 23 Main St. is open by appointment for eyeglass sales and repairs, as well as eye exams. Call 508-655-2594 for an appointment.
… Join the Natick Lodge of Elks and be part of a spirited, friendly and charitable organization. They support veterans, local charities, drug awareness programs and many more community related charities and activities. For more information on the lodge, including programs and events, contact Club Manager Paul Sanford at 508-653-9792, ext. 215, or manager.natickelks@comcast.net, or visit natickelks.org
… Family Promise Metrowest is planning a “Keeping the Promise – a Virtual Holiday Concert” on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. The agency is seeking themed gift baskets as part of an online auction. For details,email fpmvolunteer@gmail.com.
… The Natick Catholic Community invites you to Pause for Prayer, a 10-minute prayer service via Zoom on Tuesdays at 7 a.m. Whether you need a moment of peace or are looking to build your prayer practice, come pray with us. Our prayer time will be short and sweet but impactful. You’ll submit your special intentions via the Chat function, hear a Scripture reading, a reflection based on the reading, and enjoy a minute of silence. You can join with your camera on or just listen in! Log in using this same Zoom link every week.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89883406326?pwd=YkdLU0t4dTVhdVBqRXIzdjU5YWFXdz09
Meeting ID: 898 8340 6326
Passcode: 251205
The link can also be found on the NCC website at https://www.natickcatholic.org/140
For the weekend:
… A by-appointment-only walk-thru flu shot clinic for ages 18 and over will be held on Nov. 13 from 1-3 p.m. All COVID-19 precautions will be followed. Shots are free regardless of health insurance status. To make an appointment and get the details, please go to the Natick Health Department web page: https://www.natickma.gov/807/Flu-Information
Call 508-647-6460 or email health@natickma.org if you need assistance or more information.
… The Farmers Market is open Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. across the street from the Common; some vendors will be outside the Spiritual Center, some inside. Social distancing guidelines will be observed, and everyone is required to wear a face mask. Pre-orders and “grab-and-go” options are available and encouraged. For information, visit www.natickfarmersmarket.org, or https://www.facebook.com/natickfarmersmarket/
… The 2021 Oldtown calendars are now available at the Morse Institute Library, Natick Service Council, Natick Historical Society, Bacon Free Library and through the Eliot Church via www.oldtowncalendar.org. Calendars are also available at the Charles River Coffee House and Wellesley Books.
And just beyond:
…Come to “Coffee with a Purpose” on Mondays from 9-11 a.m. at the Common Street Spiritual Center. Have coffee, get social and discuss local issues. For details, email Pat Conaway at bpconaway@gmail.com. For the time being, meetings are being conducted via Zoom.
… The Natick Service Council and A Place to Turn have already started their holiday drives to help the less fortunate.
Usually, there would be volunteers to help gather and deliver the Thanksgiving meals and holiday presents. Because of the pandemic, the Service Council felt there was no safe way for these volunteers to gather.
So … the Service Council is requesting financial donations in order to provide gift cards for families so they may purchase their own meals and gifts this year.
Here is what the Service Council is requesting:
Thanksgiving:
· $100 will buy a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 1-2 people
· $125 will buy a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 3-4 people
· $150 will buy a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of 5 or more people
Holiday Gifts:
· $50 will purchase gifts for a senior (65+)
· $100 will purchase gifts for one teen (13 to 19)
· $200 will purchase gifts for one child (under the age of 13)
For information, visit https://natickservicecouncil.org/ or call 508-655-1791.
Meanwhile, over at A Place to Turn on Hartford Street, Director Joanne Barry said she’s still waiting on word about the annual Scouting for Food drives, a major source of food and other items during the holiday season.
She said that the best way to help A Place to Turn during the holidays would be to call 508-655-8868 and ask what is needed, and then shop for those items and deliver the items to the agency.
Financial contributions may also be made via www.aplacetoturn-natick.org.
Have something for the column? Email me at msullivan@wickedlocal.com, or call 781-433-8226.