Volume 74 | February 3, 2023
WHAT'S NEW AND ONGOING AT THE CSC
STAY SAFE AND WARM!
The National Weather Service is predicting a period of dangerously cold and windy weather to impact the region today and tomorrow, Saturday, February 4. The Town of Natick would like to make you aware of locations that can be used for warming if needed:
The Community Senior Center will be open:
Friday - 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Saturday - 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
The Morse Institute Library will be open:
Friday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
We ask that you please take the time to check in on your neighbors to ensure their health and wellbeing. If you need assistance, please contact the Natick Emergency Communications Center at 508-647-9500.

GENTLE FLOW YOGA WITH ATHENA CANCELED ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Due to popularity of the Gentle Flow Yoga class with Athena on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:00 am, we have moved the class to meet in the Great Room. Please note that there will be no class on Monday, February 6, and the first Monday of each month going forward. We will post an updated schedule in the upcoming March/April newsletter.
In-Person Classes and Programs
Pre-registration is required unless noted below. Call the CSC at 508-647-6540 to register or go to register.communitypass.net/Natick to sign up online.
MEET UP AT SPELLMAN STAMP MUSEUM
Thursday, February 9, 10:30 am-noon; $5 guided tour
Meet at 241 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493
Special exhibits include a celebration of Valentine’s Day through stamps and in all the ways this holiday has been portrayed through the postal service. Another exhibit includes the Hindenburg disaster and the mail that got through anyway. Register now and pay on the event page.
VALENTINE'S MUSIC WITH THE SANDI BEDROSIAN TRIO
Monday, February 13, 1:30-2:30 pm
Join Sandi Bedrosian, vocals and trio for a LIVE music program celebrating Valentine’s Day with classic songs about love from the Great American Songbook. Sandi has been performing professionally for the past 30 years as lead vocalist singing Jazz, Swing, Rhythm & Blues, Classical, and more. Sandi has also starred in many musical productions, theater and opera, including Carousel, Die Fledermaus and has directed South Pacific, Godspell, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat. Thank you to Anthology of Natick for sponsoring this program! Register now on the event page.
A PERSONAL CONVERSATION IN MRS. WASHINGTON'S BEDCHAMBER
Wednesday, February 15, 1:30-2:30 pm
Spend time with Mrs. Washington in the year 1784, as she completes dressing for her day in this interactive and informative program. Mrs. Washington will share news of her family, and how the current events that her husband is so deeply involved in impacts her family and her developing nation. She will give narrative details on her clothing as well! Sandy Spector portrays Martha Washington and has presented for the past 8 years including through the National Park Service. Thank you to Riverbend for sponsoring this program! Register now on the event page.
KNOCK ON WOOD - MUSIC WITH HOWIE NEWMAN
Monday, February 27, 1:30-2:30 pm
Knock on Wood is a high-energy acoustic folk-rock duo, featuring singer-songwriter Howie Newman on guitar, lead vocals and harmonica. Howie is joined by a local fiddler. The duo performs Classic Rock covers and funny original songs. It's a very lively show with great musicianship, nice vocal harmonies and a little humor here and there. Made possible by a Grant from the MASS Cultural Council! Register now on the event page.
Upcoming Zoom Programs
Pre-registration is required for all Zoom classes. Call the CSC at 508-647-6540 to register or go to register.communitypass.net/Natick to sign up online.
CULTURALLY CURIOUS: SECRET STORIES BEHIND THE WORLD'S MOST ICONIC PAINTINGS (PART 2)
Tuesday, February 21, 1:30-2:30 pm
From Starry Night to The Nighthawks, there are some images that are so ubiquitous in our culture that we have stopped looking at them closely. This program delves into these iconic works and shares the secret stories behind their creation and reception. Part II of this program focuses on Gods & Heroes and Imagined Spaces and features famous works from artists including Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Norman Rockwell. Thanks to Whitney Place, Natick for sponsoring this program! Register now on the event page.
Human Services
HEATING BILLS ARE SOARING. HERE'S WHAT YOU CAN DO...
If you are having difficulty affording your heating costs, contact our Information & Referral Line at 508-647-6519 to find out if you are eligible for heating assistance through either the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the Good Neighbor Energy Fund.

You may also consider:
  • Contacting Mass Save at 866-527-SAVE (7283) for an energy audit to identify areas where you can reduce your overall energy usage, resulting in lower monthly utility bills over time.
  • Enroll in budget billing with Eversource or your oil company
  • Adjust your heat setting when not at home
  • Install a programmable thermostat
  • During the winter months, keep the curtains and shades on south-facing windows open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter and warm the home, and close them at night to reduce the chill.

If you are behind paying your gas or electric bills, contact Eversource to ask about their payment plans or arrearage management program. 
TAX ASSISTANCE AND TAX DEFERRAL PROGRAMS
The Board of Assessors administers tax assistance programs for eligible taxpayers including:
  • Veterans
  • Blind Persons
  • Older Citizens
  • Older Citizens Property Tax Deferral
  • Elderly, Surviving Spouse, Minor Child
  • Elderly & Disabled Taxation Fund

Applications for each of these programs is due to the Assessor’s Office by April 1 each year. Please contact our Information & Referral Line at 508-647-6519 if you would like information regarding eligibility. 
Natick Community Events
NATICK TOWN SEAL DESIGN OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, February 5, 1:30-3:30 pm at Morse Institute Library (Lower Level)
Please join us any time during the open house to view the three designs being considered for Natick's new town seal and give your feedback. Our designer and committee members will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the images, and take your comments. Designs can be viewed online at www.natickseal.org (where there’s a brief video that provides more background on this project) and in person at the open house; if you prefer to offer feedback online, you may do so through the committee's web site
A backup date in case of severe weather is scheduled for February 12, 1:30-3:30 pm at Kennedy Middle School.
NATICK ENERGY ASSISTANCE FAIR RESCHEDULED TO MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Worried about paying your energy bills? Attend the Energy Assistance Fair at Morse Institute Library Downstairs Meeting Hall on Monday, February 6 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Connect with representatives from the Town, Eversource and local nonprofits who can help you:
  • Sign up for discounted rates and payment plans
  • Explore fuel assistance
  • Schedule free home energy assessments
  • Enroll in the Town's electricity aggregation program
  • Learn about rebates and incentives on insulation and appliances, and more!
SUBURBAN FARMER WORKSHOP SERIES AT THE FARM
The Natick Community Organic Farm is holding a series of workshops aimed at adults who are looking to produce more of their own food and flowers at home. Check out the workshops flyer for more information!
NATICK 180 TRAININGS
Natick 180 is our community resource for addiction education, prevention, and recovery. Natick 180 offers several trainings for FREE to the community. Explore training offerings in the Trainings Flyer.
Other Events and Updates
VOLUNTEER AS A HOME DELIVERED MEALS DRIVER IN NATICK
Springwell continues to need volunteers to fill the vital role of a home delivered meals driver in Natick. If you are:
  • interested in receiving training on site and support to help us reach vulnerable seniors with critical in-home meals;
  • have a reliable car, a current driver’s license, and a clean driving record;
  • are able to provide these services, consistent with guidance we receive from the CDC, WHO and other governmental agencies, recognizing you may come into contact with high-risk members of our community and others;
  • are able to lift up to 25 pounds; and
  • and are successfully able to meet the regulatory pre-requisites for the position,
 
Please contact us! Email volunteer@springwell.com to start the process; or go online and apply to volunteer at www.springwell.com/volunteer
Read the newsletter for additional programs and services offered in the new year.


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