Natick December 2015

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TCAN Makes a Play for More Space

Making the World a Better Place: 5 Ways to Give Locally in 2015

By Leslea Linebarger, Contributing Writer

By Renee Plant, Contributing Writer The Center for Arts in Natick (TCAN) is campaigning for funds to renovate its second level in an effort to offer another aspect of entertainment to its patrons.

The historic (c.1875) Summer Street firehouse building was carefully restored about 12 years ago as a theatre, art gallery and community center with space to accommodate art exhibits and administrative offices. (Photo/submitted)

“We are currently in a capital campaign to renovate the space and have a small movie theater,” Executive Director David Laval-

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ley said. “We want to feature art-

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Giving is on everyone’s minds this month, and not just within our own families, either. This season, many are looking for ways to give back to the community, especially to those less fortunate. Whether you would like to donate food items, gently used furnishings or clothes or help financially to feed a family in crisis, there are a number of local nonprofits that welcome and appreciate your end-of-year giving. Wherever you choose to give, your generosity makes the world a better place for all of us. Here are a few suggestions.

Give a Christmas gift to a child or senior in need. Every

Christmas, 85 children are provided with gifts given to the Marsha Kelly Memorial Gift Tree, a joint community service of the Natick Service

Council and the Natick Police Department. This holiday program continues its tradition of providing gifts and gift cards to children, teens and eligible senior citizens. Volunteer Coordinator Patty Shaffer said, “We are looking for sponsors for each of these groups, so please call our office at 508-655-1791 if you’d like to help. Or select a Wish List ornament at the Police Department, then return the gift you’ve purchased to the station. All donations will be due the week of December 14.”

“It’s a beautiful thing to see the community come together each year to help make Christmas special for these kids,” Senior Executive Assistant to the Chief of Police in Natick Marylee Watkins said. You may reach Watkins at 508-647-9510 ext 2625 with any questions.

5 WAYS TO GIVE

continued on page 3

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house-type films to the general public.”

The goal is to raise $1.5 million for the project and, according to Lavalley, TCAN is two-thirds of tahe way there. Despite its growing size, Lavalley says the emphasis is to keep performances intimate despite the expansion.

“It would seat about 100 people,” Lavalley said. “It’ll be intimate but a great experience.”

Published Monthly Mailed FREE to the Community of Natick Circulation: 15,000 households Publisher Chuck Tashjian Editor Cynthia Whitty Sales Todd Cote Advertising Sales Manager Lori Koller Advertising Sales Assistant Kyle Koller Production & Layout Susan Dunne Michael McDaniel Michelle McSherry Dawna Shackley Advertising Department

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The organization, which opened in 1997 in a small storefront on Main Street, has grown exponentially since its conception. Initially, open mic and jazz performances were commonplace for TCAN, with its 60-seat capacity contributing to what Lavalley describes as “a coffee house-style vibe.” However, Lavalley says growing interest led to an almost instantaneous need to expand into a larger space. That’s when an unlikely venue went up for sale.

“They were looking and finally

“We are pretty much the only theater in the Boston area with this seating capacity,” Lavalley said. “It’s just the right size. We have a small space but deliver a big experience.”

Another aspect that differentiates TCAN from other theaters in the area is range of performances.

TCAN delivers more than 300 performances each year, varying from concerts, to plays and even comedy shows.

“It is a wide variety of programming, but we think that’s

An architect’s rendering shows the space as a digital screening room for film. TCAN will launch the final phase of its fundraising efforts to complete the space in January 2016 through a Kickstarter campaign.

(Photo/submitted)

this firehouse became available,” he said.

The former Central Fire Station, an historic building in Natick, was then renovated into the 290-seat performance space that is now the home of TCAN. After a $2.5 million renovation, TCAN opened its new doors in late 2003.

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December 2015

a strength for us,” Lavalley said.

“Presenting a variety calls for different audiences, and the result is we get a lot more support.”

Lavalley says TCAN, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, relies on that support in order to carry out its programming.

“We develop an operating budget of $1.5 million per year, and

The second floor space was never renovated in the first phase of construction in 2003 because the organization did not have the funds.

(Photo/submitted)

utilize about 200 volunteers to deliver the programming each year,” he said. “We depend on donations for about one-third of that. So, we are very lucky to have the support of the Metrowest region.”

Part of the revenue comes from memberships, and presently TCAN has approximately 1,900 members regionally. Lavalley anticipates an expansion will bring in an even greater number of patrons, adding to the estimated 24,000 who visit annually

to catch a performance.

“All nonprofits are based on a mission,” he said. “Our mission is to carry out the belief that arts are essential to complete the human experience. We work to make these programs available and affordable so that everyone in the community can participate.”

For more information on the campaign to renovate the second floor space, visit www. natickarts.org/generations-capital-campaign.

Local Company Collects Items for Dogs and Cats Waiting for Adoption The in-home tutoring company, Y3K Tutor In Your Home of Natick, is collecting items for their 13th annual collection drive for dogs and cats waiting for adoption at Buddy Dog Humane Society of Sudbury. The company is looking for donated blankets, towels, office supplies and toys. Interested donors may drop off items at specified locations or have them

picked up at their home between now and January 10. For more information or to schedule a drop-off or pick up, visit www.Y3KTutorInYourHome.com or www.

NatickTutor.com. Y3K Tutor In Your Home educates special education and regular education students from pre-kindergarten to adult throughout the local area, including Natick.

December 2015

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 3

5 WAYS TO GIVE continued from page 1

Donate used furniture and home goods. Wondering what to

do with that table and the chairs you have outgrown? There are a number of local places you can donate tax-deductible contributions of reusable furniture and household items. Some even offer scheduled pickup if you call them.

This is a list of local and national nonprofits that accept items for donation, with contact information provided: www.hgrm.org/ other_organizations.htm.

Donate to a food pantry. The

Natick Service Council sponsors an ongoing food pantry that serves 60 local families weekly. The Vi Tutuny Food Pantry accepts nonperishable, non-expired food items at 2 Webster St. or in the marked bins located at Roche Bros., Stop ‘n Shop or the Natick Community-Senior Center, 117 East Central St. See the web site for a list of needed food items and donation hours, or if you would like to make a tax deductible contribution online, visit www.natickservicecouncil.org/nutrition-programs/.

A Place to Turn, a resource for emergency clothing and food, is

Volunteers help move contents of the food pantry new location on 2 Webster St. (Photo/submitted)

Every Christmas 85 children are provided with gifts through the Marsha Kelly Memorial Gift Tree at the Natick Police Station. (Photo/ submitted)

also in need of donated food items.

You may find needed items on their website, www.aplacetoturnnatick.org/donation-request-list/.

bags of clothing per drop off. www.natickservicecouncil.org/ harriets-closet Donate an hour of your time.

Donate new or gently used clothing. Contact Big Brother,

Big Sister, www.bbbsfoundation. org, the Salvation Army, https:// satruck.org, or drop gently used clothing at Charitable Heart, 181 Worcester Rd. Also Harriet’s Closet (Natick Service Council) will accept 2-3

Whatever your interest, there is likely a place for you to volunteer in your own community. Patty Shaffer of the Natick Service Council, said, “I’m always looking for adult volunteers to help with food distribution in our Food Pantry. We distribute food every Tuesday and Saturday morning from

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. All who receive food from our Pantry are Natick Service Council clients and Natick residents.”

“I’m also looking for help with local food rescues,” Shaffer added.

“We have food donated from local restaurants and stores throughout the week, and we need volunteers who can pick it up and deliver it to the Natick Service Council. The schedule is variable, but we always appreciate having help with this effort.” If you are interested, email Shaffer at pshaffer@natickservicecouncil.org.

Other nonprofit organizations in the Natick area that have posted needs for volunteer help are: • A Place to Turn, www. aplacetoturn-natick.org • Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, www.jfsmw. org/JFS_volunteers.html • Natick Council on Aging, www.natickma.gov/Faq. aspx?QID=178 • SPIN – Stray Pets in Need, straydogsandcats.com/ volunteers/

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December 2015

Alpaca Ranch Annual Holiday Open House & Boutique Dec. 5 & 6 Features Lots of Alpacas & Alpaca Products – Acorn Alpaca Ranch, Millis, MA Acorn Alpaca Ranch at 99 Acorn St., Millis, will host its annual Holiday Open House On December 5th & 6th. Visitors are welcome between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to interact with the friendly alpacas in the Ranch Barn and browse the fine Alpaca Products in the Holiday Boutique.

The Ranch, in addition to breeding and selling the alpacas, offers yarn made from the fiber of their own alpacas as well as luxurious, warm, non-allergenic garments made from alpaca fiber. These items make great gifts to jump start your holiday shopping and warm up someone’s holiday and winter.

Among the soft alpaca clothing available will be alpaca socks, scarves, mittens, hats and other warm products. For knitting and crocheting there is a wide variety of both natural and

dyed colored yarns.

If you have ever thought of owning alpacas, you can talk directly to Bob and Louise Hebeler about alpaca care, husbandry and how to get started.

You will be surprised at how affordable it can be to start your own small herd of alpacas.

With 17 years of experience to guide you, and a wide choice of Alpacas for sale, this is the place to begin.

For the second year, Acorn Alpaca Ranch’s Holiday Boutique, also we will be joined by held December 5 & 6, will feature an array of our good friend Sue items made from alpaca wool.

Robinson from Buzz10 Honey with plenty of Local lis. Directions can be found on Honey to sweeten your holiday. our website at www.AcornAlAcorn Alpaca Ranch is lo- pacaRanch.com or call us at 508cated at 99 Acorn Street in Mil- 294-7085.

Who can resist these faces? Acorn Alpaca Ranch’s Holiday Open House will give you a chance to meet some very cuddly friends.

Get up close and personal with alpacas, at Acorn Alpaca Ranch in Millis on December 5 & 6!

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Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

December 2015

Page 5

TEDx to Bring Excitement About New Ideas to Natick Volunteers plan “a full TEDx experience” Jan. 23 at the Natick High School.

By Cynthia Whitty A group of enthusiastic volunteers is bringing a “totally live” TEDx event to the Natick High School in January. According to organizers, the event will have compelling speakers, live music, complimentary lunch, live demonstrations, and opportunities to network with fellow attendees—a full TED experience.

The theme of this inaugural TEDxNatick, held at the Natick High School, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, is “Stories that Inspire.” The group is selecting 15 high-quality speakers who can deliver compelling content and tell an engaging story about

their passion, accomplishment or world-changing idea. Speakers from the Natick/Boston area will have a variety of backgrounds, such as science and technology, medical and healthcare, psychology, the arts, education, community engagement, and the environment.

Founded in 1984, TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a global set of conferences run by the private nonprofit Sapling Foundation, which uses the slogan “Ideas Worth Spreading.” The talks are usually short, powerful 18 minutes or less. Independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.

“We had a TED viewing party last spring,” Rosemary Driscoll, Natick Education Foundation president and one of the TEDxNatick organizers, said. “Steve Gullans, who has spoken widely at TED and TEDx, is driving this event.”

“We are a community-based, all volunteer group and hope it will be ongoing, every year or every other year. The event will bring learning and excitement about new ideas. It’s a great opportunity to be in one place, to learn more and do further reading.” Driscoll said. “We are so thankful to the Town of Natick and the Natick Public Schools

for allowing us to use the high school.”

Other members of the TEDxNatick team include Nandini Bajpai, Karen Leese, Jan Phlegar, Jill Kovatsis and Kyla P’an.

The Natick Education Foundation, which is hosting the event, is seeking volunteers to help promote and join in to organize it. Tickets will be on sale after Thanksgiving. For more information, visit www.TEDxNatick.org or www.facebook. com/TEDxNatick.

TEDxNatick speakers Kenneth W. Rendell, founder

and director of the Museum of World War II, has amassed a private collection of memorabilia and documents related to the origins of WWII through its conclusion that is unrivaled in the world. Rendell has made it his mission to preserve the reality of WWII through the display of artifacts and documents that not only document the momentous decisions of political leaders, but also the impact upon the every-

day lives of people around the world. (Based in Natick) Geraldine A. Hamilton, Ph.D., president and chief scientific officer at Emulate, is focused on the development of humanlike organs on microfluidic chips.

Using human cells, these chips mimic human liver, lung, bone, brain and other organs for advanced drug discovery. Featured in popular media outlets, this work was co-developed by Dr. Hamilton at Harvard University’s Wyss Institute and then spun-out to form Emulate, Inc., where she continues to develop the technology. (Based in Boston) Regie Gibson, former National Poetry Slam Champion, is a poet, songwriter, author, workshop facilitator and educator. He and his work have been featured in the film, love jones, on NPR and on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. (Based in Arlington) Matthew Dicks, is an 18-time MOTH StorySLAM champion and three-time GrandSLAM champion, who somehow finds time to also be an elementary school teacher, author, storyteller, blogger, wedding DJ, minister, life coach and Lord of Sealand. His earliest claim to fame was dying twice before turning 18. (Based in Hartford, CT)

Carly Hugo is a founding partner of Loveless, an Independent Film Production Company in NYC that has collectively produced over 25 films, including Mother of George (Best Cinematog-

raphy, Sundance, 2013) and the soon-to-be-released HBO Nora Ephron documentary, Everything is Copy. (Raised in Framingham; based in NYC)

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December 2015

‘Reasonable regulations’ Being Developed for Plastic Bag Usage in Natick

By Renee Plant, Contributing Writer Natick town meeting members passed an article on Nov. 3 to permit the Board of Health to go forward with developing “reasonable regulations” for plastic bag usage in town. This comes after the proposal had been sent back twice or modifications over the past year.

“The two previous articles originated from a citizen warrant,” Public Health Director Jim White said. “While [the proposal] was agreed upon in principle, it wasn’t being presented in a form that was acceptable. What has changed is that we have become the designated agency to enforce the bylaw.”

The original warrant was presented at the biannual town meeting last fall, and was sent back at that time then again this spring, at which time Town Meeting members instructed the proponent to partner with the Board of Health.

“It was an issue that was chosen for us,” White said.

Having the issue regulated through the Board of Health can make it a more expedited

process, White explained, as the organization can establish regulations without having to go wait to go through another meeting process.

“We have the authority under state law to approve the regulations,” White said. “However, if it were to exhaust our resources or starts to affect our daily operations, we would go back to Town Meeting and adopt more resources.”

Thirteen cities and towns in Massachusetts have bag laws in effect, and nine others are pending legislation, including Natick.

White said the implementation process would not be instantaneous and will involve both outreach as well as feedback.

“We have to look at the big picture and see exactly what the problem is,” he said. “I’ve talked with several communities that have [implemented regulations].

It takes a lot of work, and they are still getting pushback from establishments.”

Businesses that would be affected by plastic bag regulations would include any store with single-use plastic bags at the checkout counter, including grocery stores, as well as retail stores. The

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goal is to encourage consumers to bring their own bags, and some retailers charge customers a small amount to purchase a bag in-store if they do not bring one in with them. This, White said, is another issue that will be considered because “vendors are not thrilled about charging their customers for bags.”

Ultimately, White said the regulations will be carefully consid-

ered before going into effect, and that there will be opportunity for public feedback after which time regulations are drafted. Additionally, White noted the importance of educating retailers on alternatives to allow vendors ample time and resources to comply with any new regulations.

“Every community that has adopted regulations has given retailers time before it has gone

Project Just Because to Give to 15,000+ Children this Year Holiday Effort Relies on Donations Project Just Because is hard at work assembling Holiday packets to give out to over 15,000 children this year. This is never possible without your generous support. There are many ways to help this Holiday Season: 1.) Visit one of the many Holiday trees that have been put up in surrounding business’ and choose a child to sponsor.

The trees are located at: • Hopkinton High School, 90 Hayden Rowe St., Hopkinton • Indigo Insurance Services, 401 Park Drive, Boston • EMC, 80 South St., Hopkinton • Hopkinton Town Hall, 18 Main St, Hopkinton.

(beginning 11/16) • Unibank, 87 W. Main St., Hopkinton • The Residence at Valley Farm, 369 Pond St., Ashland • The Dentist at Hopkinton, 77 Main St., Hopkinton • Project Just Because, 86 South St., Hopkinton 2.) Have a drive for us at your office or in your moms group, neighborhood or other social event. In addition to the children that get sponsored we will provide for thousands of children ourselves. As the elves are packing on South Street we are noticing we are very much in need of these items: • Monetary Donation to buy items by clicking by going to

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into effect,” he said. “We would like to do the same, to tell vendors what we are looking for. It’s a courtesy to allow them time to look into different options.”

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our website, www.projectjustbecause.org and clicking the Paypal button.

• Gift Cards for Warm Clothing.

• New Board Games for ages 10 and up.

• New Warm hats and gloves for all ages.

• New Twin Blankets.

If you can have a drive for us contact us and we can supply you with a flyer and bins if needed.

3.) Finally, many of you will shop at Amazon.com this Holiday Season. Did you know that amazon will give us .5% of your purchase ? You need to begin your shopping by going to smile.amazon.com. You shop as usual and at check out choose Project Just Because from the list of charities.

Our Ad & Editorial Deadline is the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.

December 2015

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 7

Christmas in Nicaragua

By Howard Axelrod, Contributing Writer One Christmas my wife and I stayed at the Selva Negra EcoLodge and Nature Reserve near Matagalpa, Nicaragua. At 3,600 feet above sea level and deep in the misty cloud forest, it is an easy place from which to leave the world behind. Wildlife, flora, local coffee plantations and spectacular views are the attractions here. It was wonderful. But we are the adventurous type, and needed more contact with the local people.

At our request, our naturalist guide Byron Walsh took us to a small, nearby village inhabited mostly by the lodge employees and their families. This is a place of no interest to those staying at the lodge, and as a result few visitors ever come here.

A Place Where Struggling is not Suffering In the village poverty abounds. Their small and simple huts do not have indoor plumbing, running water or electricity.

Despite this, the children were beautifully groomed and dressed in clean clothing. The village, too, was clean. I saw no trash or signs of mal-nutrition. Mothers hand-wash and sun-dry (no machines here) each child’s few clothing items every day, using water carried one bucket at a time from the nearby stream.

Every day would be considered a struggle here by our standards, yet everyone seemed happy, with family, elders and community, being the priorities. Approximately 70 families reside here, giving the village a total population of about 275 persons.

Many work at the nearby lodge, while others farm the land and tend to the few animals.

about the simple gifts we had brought. To the older men in the village we gave away eight decks of playing cards. They were very thankful. Teenage girls and adult women received lipstick and nail polish. They loved it!

A young man looks through the camera’s viewfinder. (Photos/Axelrod)

oring books and crayons. We took many photos, and everyone seemed delighted to participate.

We played on the swing set with the children, and they loved the attention. Families invited us into their small huts for a tour.

A Few Small Gifts Provide Great Joy Since it was Christmas time, we brought about $40-worth of gifts from the U.S. to distribute.

We handed out our presents to the enjoyment of young and old alike. The people were absolutely delighted with our interest in their way of life and ecstatic

Howie’s wife Nancy gives kids colorful rubber bugs.

We instantly became Pied Pipers, with children following us about. To the girls we presented stuffed animals, and dolls.

The boys got colorful rubber

snakes, frogs, and bugs. They were jumping up and down with excitement. Everyone got colored felt-tipped pens and to the mothers we presented col-

The NFL (Nicaraguan Football League) A special moment came

NICARAGUA

continued on page 10

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Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

December 2015

Spend a Winter’s Day Indoors at the Natick Farmers’ Market

By Terri Sorensen, Contributing Writer This past year marked the beginning of the 20th season for the Natick Farmers’ Market. While most town residents are familiar with the market’s offerings on the Natick Common every Saturday during the spring and summer, many may not know that it is open year-round. During the fall and winter months, it moves indoors onto two floors of the Common Street Spiritual Center, located at 13 Common St. Market Manager Debra Sayre, who has been around since its inception, said that the farmers’ market started out small with just six vendors and has expanded over the years, primarily through word-of-mouth. “As the customer base grew, so did the vendor base,” Sayre said. Then she unintentionally quipped, “It’s grown organically.”

Sayre encourages people to do their weekly grocery shopping at the farmers market where they can purchase produce grown in local greenhouses, organic meats and poultry, phenomenal fresh fish and shrimp, cheeses, jam, honey, salsa, olive oil, teas and coffee, chocolate, and pies, as well as a healthy pancake mix from Nu3Kids, made from 100 percent organic whole grains, organic vegetables and organic quinoa. Not only is the food found

Open year-round, the Natick Farmers’ Market moves from the Natick common to the Common Street Church across the street. (Photo/ submitted)

at the market healthier and less-processed than from major supermarkets, but it is all for helping the local economy. It is also a friendly meeting place for long-time residents and a great way to introduce newcomers to the community.

In addition to six farms and 50 local food vendors, Natick Farmers Market now boasts nearly 100 artisans who rotate weekly, selling such items as jewelry, purses, candles, pot holders and tea cozies. Perusing the market on a Saturday in December is a pleasant way to spend an hour or so listening to a local guitarist or singers, grabbing a hot coffee and a bagel and picking up holiday gifts or stocking stuffers. The market plans to host a children’s craft table; for

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the exact date and more information, visit the website, natickfarmersmarket.com.

Another feature of the winter farmers’ market is its frequent shopper card. Patrons who come in at least 20 of the 25 weeks between October and April and get their card stamped are eligible for entry into a special $200 raffle. There is also a regular raffle drawing every 4 to 6 weeks for a $70 to $80 prize.

Market hours are 9 a.m. to 1

Part of the mission of the Natick Farmers’ Market is to provide the community with a broad range of information about food and its sources, and the opportunity to speak directly with those producers involved with bringing the food to market. (Photo/submitted)

p.m. every Saturday, except for the day after Christmas and the

day after New Year’s when it is closed

Foundation for MetroWest Receives $500,000 Endowment Gift from Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation The Foundation for MetroWest recently announced receipt of a lead gift of $500,000 from Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation to endow its Center for Philanthropy Education. The Center for Philanthropy Education provides free educational programming to more than 600 nonprofits throughout MetroWest in the areas of fundraising, board governance, communications, and executive director leadership training. These programs provide nonprofits with opportunities to increase their visibility, improve their connections and expertise necessary to advance their missions and successfully address the critical unmet needs throughout MetroWest.

The $500,000 gift has a dual purpose. Half will seed the Center for Philanthropy Education endowment fund, and the remaining $250,000 will leverage a matching gifts campaign engaging community members to provide support. The total cost to endow the Center is $1,000,000. The full endowment of the Center for Philanthropy Education will ensure that the community continues to grow strong for years to come.

“Middlesex Savings Bank has been an invaluable supporter of the Foundation for MetroWest over the last 10 years as we have grown to expand our impact beyond grantmaking with educational programming,” Garry Holmes, chair of the Foundation

for MetroWest Board of Trustees, said. “Creating an endowment for the Center for Philanthropy Education will guarantee continued growth and strengthening of the nonprofits throughout MetroWest in perpetuity.”

“Since its founding, the Foundation for MetroWest has regarded Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation as a key community partner, and together the two institutions have a long history of collaboration with the singular purpose of strengthening MetroWest communities.

We have learned the most effective way for nonprofits to meet

ENDOWMENT

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December 2015

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 9

Sue Salamoff Announces Candidacy for Town of Natick’s Board of Selectmen Salamoff seeks to enhance Natick’s economic development, offer protection for taxpayers and safeguard the community’s most vulnerable citizens.

Susan (Sue) Salamoff of 15 Morgan Drive, #109, Natick, recently announced that she is a candidate for the Natick Board of Selectman. Salamoff is currently a town meeting member (Precinct 10), the vice chair for Natick’s Council on Aging, and has been a member of Natick’s Personnel Board since 2004.

On Business Development/ Taxes: Salamoff believes that by working to bring quality business development to Natick, increasing parking with garage facilities in Natick Center combined with continuing to challenge ourselves to provide cost efficient services, we can contain the tax rate.

On Long-Term Planning: Sue believes that we are at a unique and advantageous time in Natick’s history. The community is about to create a Master Plan for the Town of Natick. Last done in 1970, the Master Plan process will provide Natick’s citizens the opportunity to contribute their ideas and thoughts about how Natick will develop and what it should be like in the next 10-20 years.

Salamoff is committed to ensuring community input is integral to Natick’s Master Plan by advocating that related meetings occur in all parts of town, during both daytime and evening hours. Also, she will call for written, Internet and phone call input to assure access for all residents. The Master Plan

process will create guidelines for the immediate future as common values emerge from community input.

On Education: Salamoff supports quality education and believes that Natick’s “Striving for Excellence” is part of the fabric of our community. As a Selectman, she voted for the citizen created extended day care program.

She further recognizes that Natick needs to renovate or build a new Kennedy Middle School.

Salamoff is a lifelong resident of Massachusetts and received her B.A. in Education from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst. She and her husband, Dr. Edward M. Salamoff settled in Natick in 1972. Together, they raised two sons, Adam and Paul, who were educated in Natick’s public school system. Both Ed and Sue served the town in volunteer, civic capacities. Dr. Salamoff passed away in 2014.

Key Accomplishments In 1978 Salamoff led the citizen’s petition drive “to frame a charter for the Town of Natick” and served as chair of the elected nine-member Charter Commission. The new charter adopted by the voters in 1980 defines Natick’s government today. She served for five years (2 terms) on the new three-member board of selectmen, two years as chair. Since that

time she continued her participation in Natick’s town government serving on numerous boards and committees, and an elected town meeting member since 1987.

Salamoff was a founding selectman of the MetroWest Growth Management Committee, chair 1985-86, a committee of one Selectman and one Planning Board Member from area towns created to build relationships with Natick’s neighboring communities and to achieve common goals.

Today, it continues to be a significant regional committee.

Salamoff is proud to have helped bring to fruition the building of the Natick CommunitySenior Center, serving as chair of the Community-Senior Study Committee and a member of the Community-Senior Center Building Committee. The center serves the whole community and it also the home of senior center programs, services and activities.

She has been an advocate for seniors throughout her community service. Relating to this Sue ex-

Natick’s annual town election is set for Tuesday, March 29, 2016.

Polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For town election information, visit the web site, www.natickma.gov/478/ Voting-Election-Information or call the town clerk’s office, 508-647-6430 Ext. 4.

P L E A S E R E C YC L E ENDOWMENT continued from page 8

their daily challenges is to have high-functioning, skilled staff and boards who are able to effectively engage the community in their mission.”

“Middlesex Savings Bank is committed to investing in its community. The impact of the workshops, seminars, and leadership series offered by the Foundation for MetroWest’s Center

for Philanthropy Education to the nonprofits operating in our region has an undeniable ripple effect,” Dana Neshe, president of Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, said. “They are strengthening the nonprofits that in turn strengthen the communities that we call home.”

Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. The Foundation promotes

philanthropy in the region, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofits and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Since its inception, the Foundation has granted $10 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $15 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact.

To learn more, visit www.foundationformetrowest.org or call 508647-2260.

plained, “Natick needs to recognize that we have a growing older population, many of whom wish to remain in their own homes or downsize to a smaller more ac-

commodating setting.”

For more information, visit Salamoff ’s Facebook page, www. facebook.com/SueForSelectmen.

THE DOCTOR IS IN

FALL AND WINTER = VIRAL ILLNESSES Fall has arrived and the crisp air is nipping at our heels. Color abounds and many of us are willing to let go of the lazy, hazy days of summer. Fall can also welcome us with some common Fall illnesses that seem to prevail as the season changes. Focusing on your health and taking smart precautions can make or break your Fall.

Fall and winter are peak times for viral illnesses, particularly, the flu. Viruses are transmitted by contact and can be particularly dangerous for the elderly and those with lowered immune systems.

Getting the flu vaccine is imperative in limiting the chances of getting the flu. Focusing on hand washing can also limit the transmission of the viruses. It may also be smart to avoid those who have recently been sick or public places that may be riddled with sick children or adults.

The common cold also can set in. The changes in the environment also require changes from your body.

Temperature change and humidity levels require that your body change as well. The air can be drier and chillier. Prepare for being outdoors and dress appropriately for weather.

Preventative measures are the steps you should take throughout the entire year. Wash your hands frequently, drink plenty of fluids, eat well and be active. Make these steps a part of your everyday life and you will increase your ability to fend off these viruses and feel better while doing so.

Article Provided by

Dr. Roxanne Latimer,

Medical Director and Lead Physician

AFC Doctors Express Marlborough and Natick

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 10

December 2015

Weight Loss is a Family Affair A little sibling rivalry can be a good thing; at least it was for this Lunenburg family. It started when 26 year-old Andrew Pelletier joined New England Fat Loss in the spring, 2015. As his mother, Andrea Pelletier, watched her son drop an impressive 41.2 pounds, she was sold on the program and joined in the fall. Andrea Pelletier’s sister Justine Morgan was equally enthused by her sister’s success and a month later, their friendly sister challenge began.

“Deep down I am a competitor,” 56-year-old Justine said. “I saw how good my sister was doing and I thought, ok, if she and my nephew can do it, I can too.”

Once Justine joined, the game was on. In 60 days, Andrea lost 36.2 pounds and dropped four clothing sizes and Justine lost 18.6 pounds in only 26 days. Of course, the competition is all in good fun.

The pair work cooperatively and share their daily experiences, especially on Sunday mornings when they get together to prepare their menus for the week.

“We weigh everything, put them in food savers and throw the meals in the freezer to take out each day,” Andrea said. “It makes it so easy. We also swap recipes!”

“I think it is fun to have someone to do it with,” Justine said.

“We take turns buying the food and I have someone to talk to and cook with.”

The advantage of purchasing and preparing their own meals while following NEFL was a big appeal for this motivated duo.

While their portions and combinations may differ based on their individual analysis and activity levels, they prefer having full control over their personal food choices and grocery budget.

“It is totally opposite of what you usually do,” Andrea said.

“With other diets, you have to buy their food and do this or that, but here, you follow guidelines and pick what you like and that is what you eat.”

In addition to the program’s proven principles, Justine also credits the support from Dr. Johns and the entire NEFL staff as an important factor in her weight loss success.

“They give you their cell phone numbers and you can call any time, 24/7,” Justine said. “You are encouraged to call any time you need a question answered.”

Weight loss, however, was not Andrea and Justine’s only motivator for turning to NEFL. Both were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes and Justine with high blood pressure, but once on the pro-

gram, their blood sugar numbers quickly dropped and maintained healthy levels.

“I have wanted to control my diabetes for a long time,” 55 yearold Andrea said. “I haven’t taken a pill since the first week I went on the diet. I knew weight loss would help stabilize my blood sugar, but I had no idea my body would react so quickly and the diet would be so effective.”

“After my second day, I stopped two of my diabetes medications,” Justine said. “I still take pills for my blood pressure, but that dosage has been lowered also.”

All three family members visited the New England Fat Loss Hopkinton location, and while not necessarily convenient from their homes in Lunenburg, they felt the commute was a worthy investment for their good health.

Isn’t your wellbeing worth it? Take control of your weight and health today at one of New England Fat Loss’ two convenient locations: 22 South Street, Suite 204, Hopkinton and 188 Needham Street, Suite 255, Newton. To learn more, visit their website at www.newenglandfatloss.com, or call 844-437-8446.

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when I brought out a small football for the older boys. They passed it around and looked at it with puzzlement and curiosity. I then realized that they had never seen a football! I stepped into action, and gave a short lesson on holding, throwing and catching the ball. Soon a game of pitch and catch was under-

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way, which included six teenage boys and me. We all had a great time, especially me! One of the boys was exceptionally adept at throwing. They were having a blast, but the real beneficiaries were my wife and me! As we left, the game continued with the younger boys and several girls now involved.

A Small Deed and a Box from America When we were about to leave, one of the boys politely asked our guide in Spanish if he could look through the camera. I obliged. Soon everyone wanted a peek. Two of the older teenagers quickly wrote us notes in Spanish and handed them to me which our guide translated.

The boys asked if there was any way that we could get them a camera, they would be most appreciative. I decided at that instant that I would make this happen as my first good deed of the New-Year. This encounter with these wonderful people was a phenomenal experience, and will never be forgotten.

Upon returning to the U.S., we mailed a set of prints of the photos we took to the village via our guide Byron, as the village has no mailing address. Three weeks later we shipped a camera with plenty of batteries and the associated customs declaration and fees. Byron had indicated that print processing is not expensive in Matagalpa and the people at the Lodge will all kick in a few Cordoba to get prints made.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to our Nicaraguan Friends!

Howard Axelrod is an Ashland resident, travel photographer, sometimes writer and former high technology executive. He has photographed in 73 countries on six continents and has travelled to 38 of the U.S. states. Axelrod is primarily interested in native and tribal cultures, architecture and wildlife, which he feels are all disappearing at an alarming rate. His goal is to document through photographs as much of this as possible, while it still exists.

He can be reached at highwind@verizon.net.

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

December 2015

Page 11

Living Healthy

Dear Natick Business Friends,

Our names are Sean McWhinnie and Shane Kelly and we live in Natick. We have been selected, along with sixteen other players from the Greater Boston area to represent the Greater Boston Junior Bruins PeeWee hockey program. We will be traveling this February to Quebec a good first impression; effective City, Canada, to play in the Annual Certified trainer teaches social interaction and communication; how to navigate International Peewee Hockey Tourtheir independence; living with nament. The Jr. Bruins were the first team from the US

communication skills. gratitude; and dining skills. to participate inthis International Tournament and have

Finally, the socialteenz essential been traveling there each year for over 55 years. It is a real Century Health Systems, par- cence and adulthood. If they are

workshop is geared to teens (aged honor to be selected and we are very excited to spend 11 ent company of Natick Visiting carefully taught and practiced Dear Natick Business Friends, 13 to 17) and will teach attendees Days in Quebec, living with a french speaking families.

Nurse Association and Distin- just like any other skill set, they the skills they need to succeed Our team will be competing for the International Cup

guished Care Options, recently will undoubtedly make your chilin school, college and beyond. with teams from all over the world. Over 200,000 people announced that Juanita Allen dren’s lives more rewarding and Our names are Sean McWhinnie and Shane Kelly and we live in Natick. We have been selected, along with These skills, which include social will see these games which will be televised throughout Kingsley, Director of Business fulfilling.” sixteen other players from the Greater Boston area to represent the Greater Boston Junior Bruins PeeWee and emotional intelligence, are Canada. In order to go, our team must raise over $45,000.

Development, has become a cerKingsley agrees that strong key to academic, professional and hockey program. We will be traveling this February to Quebec City, Canada, to play in the Annual It takes a lot of hard work and determination to get to tified socialsklz:-) instructor. King- social skills bring confidence and Canada.

It will also take a lot of support from our famsley is the only instructor certified make children stand out among personal success. Teens will learn International Peewee Hockey Tournament. The Jr. Bruins were the first team from the US to participate in ily, friends and local businesses. We are writing to you to to teach socialsklz:-) workshops their peers. “As a diplomatic fam- how to make the first impression this International Tournament and have been traveling there each year for over 55 years. It is a real honor ask for your support in our team fundraising. It would be throughout New England. ily, we lived in North America, they’d like to; execute introductions; initiate, maintain and close very helpful and greatly appreciated if you would consider to be selected and we are very excited to spend 11 Days in Quebec, living with a french speaking families.

Founded by Faye de Europe, and Africa during my MOTHERS dine properly; excontributing a donation to our team. All donations large Muyshondt, socialsklz:-) serves to childhood, constantly meeting conversations;

AND press gratitude; and more. and small will bring us closer to our goal. This is quite a equip children and young adults new people and attending new OTHERS Our team will be competing for the International Cup with teams from all over the world. Over 200,000 A health educator, Kingsley job for 18 players but with supporters and friends like you, with the vital tools needed to suc- schools. Many years later, I am trains more than 2,000 people in we hopefully will reach our team goal. ceed on the playground, in the still grateful for my parents’ ongopeople will see these games which will be televised throughout Canada. In order to go, our team must raise the Boston and Metrowest region Your support will be greatly appreciated. If you are classroom and ultimately at the ing emphasis on graciousness and WORK AT HOME over $45,000. It takes a lot of hard work and determination to get to Canada. It will also take a lot of interested, please make checks payable to the Greater Bosworkplace. Through a series of strong communication skills,” she annually through her First Aid, AND Wilderness First Aid, CPR and support from our family, friends and local businesses. We are writing to you to ask for your support in our ton Junior Bruins, we we would love to come and pick up fun, interactive workshops, so- said. in addition to the BE YOUR OWN your donation and meet you personally at your business cialsklz:-) teaches lessons, includ“My goal is for our socialsklz:-) AED classes team fundraising. It would be very helpful and greatly appreciated if you would consider contributing a GET HEALTHY variety of health and safety proing greetings and introductions; programs to create a partnership BOSS donation to our team. All donations large and small will bring us closer to our goal. This is quite a job for 18 Thank you for your consideration helping in our fundraising efforts. grams she teaches.

AND making a good first impression; between the children we teach Sean McWhinnie Kingsley has successfully creplayers but with supporters and friends like you, we hopefully will reach our team goal. startingNOW, conversations; patience and their parents so parents can LOSE WEIGHT Shane Kelly EARN ated and facilitated programs thoughtfulness; self-control; reinforce at home what their chilASK MEand HOW!

aimed at providing individuals $500-$1,000+ respect and consideration; dining dren learn in our workshops,” 4 Stagg Drive / Kennedy Middle SchoolFREE or Your support will be greatly appreciated. If you are interested, please make checks payable to the Greater of varying and phone skills; and safe internet Kingsley added.

SAMPLES PT / FT ages and backgrounds Fay School / Natick interaction for the older age set.

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Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 12

December 2015

Sports Doner Takes Red Hawks Reins New Natick Hoop Coach Has Proper Perspective

By Ken Hamwey, Staff Sports Writer Natick High’s new boys basketball coach has had his share of ups and downs, both on the court and in real life.

Sam Doner, who arrived in Newton from Israel at the age of 11, is a cancer survivor. Stricken with the disease at 17 in his last two years at Newton North High, he eventually beat lymphoma,

went to college earning degrees in education and math, and played basketball in a reserve role at Westfield State.

As a coach, he dealt with more highs and lows. An assistant at Mount Ida for the men’s team, he moved on to an assistant’s role at Weymouth High before becoming girls junior-varsity coach at Medway. After a half-year with the jayvees, he took the headcoaching reins at Medway but struggled for two years, winning only seven games in two seasons.

“Medway was a great learning experience,’’ Doner said. “I talked a lot and just didn’t con-

nect with the kids. While I was there, I learned how to deal with players and parents. I now look back at that time and realize how valuable it was.’’

When Doner left Medway for Newton South, his career blossomed. During his seven years coaching the girls, the school won two Dual County League championships, advanced to the South Sectional finals four times and averaged 14 victories for seven campaigns.

“I was happy there,’’ he said.

“We made adjustments and the kids bought into the system. We had four 1,000 point scorers, four league MVPs, three McDonald’s All-Americans and six girls who played Division 1 college ball.’’

Doner, who’s taught at Newton, Weymouth, and Medway, now is in his ninth year teaching math at the Walsh Middle School in Framingham. His degrees are from Westfield State and Cambridge College.

Doner was acutely aware that coaching basketball was in his future while at Westfield. He motivated teammates in his reserve role and became a student of the sport, reading many books on the game, going to clinics and seminars and later drawing on the knowledge of others coaches — like Dean College’s Rico Cabral, whom he assisted at Mount Ida. The goals Doner wants to achieve at Natick, which has missed qualifying for tourney play for the last two years, are admirable. He isn’t predicting a number of wins or even a tourney berth in his maiden voyage with the Red Hawks. He just wants his players “to have a blast.’’

“The players must have fun and view the sport with excitement,’’ Doner emphasized. “It’s

my job to ensure a positive experience. I want them to be winners off the court and that will lead to winning on the court. I don’t want them to be afraid of trying new things or taking a key shot.

If there’s excitement on the first day of tryouts, then we’ll have turned the corner and our program will gain respect quickly.’’

The boys won back to back Bay State Conference Herget titles in 2011-12 and 2012-13.

They appeared in the MIAA tourney both years and lost in the opening rounds to Madison Park and North Quincy.

If he’s got the talent, Doner will stress an offensive game that’s up-tempo and predicated on quick reactions. And, if he’s got the personnel on defense, expect a solid half-court, manto-man alignment with lots of pressure.

Appointed in July, Doner met several of his prospective players during the summer. He set up a formal meeting with his team on Nov. 17 and greeted them on opening day of tryouts on Nov. 30. His theme on both occasions was inspiring.

“I stressed the need for energy, teamwork, trust and sacrifice,’’ Doner said. “I mentioned that people will turn out to watch them if they embrace the sport and have fun.’’

The 40-year-old Doner, who has had success coaching AAU basketball for 11 years with the Bay State Jaguars, is a firm believer that his players will be successful if they treat teammates respectfully and set good examples off the court.

“My philosophy is for players to have fun, reach their potential and win,’’ he emphasized. They also will learn good life lessons — like overcoming adversity, setting goals and working together. I never recruited players as an AAU coach.

I stressed development and reaching potential.’’

Doner indicated he left a successful program at Newton South because he was eager for

the challenge to coach at Natick and to return to coaching boys.

He also liked the idea of working in the Bay State League and being closer to work. As for Natick returning to post-season playoffs, he says he’ll “focus on today and tomorrow and that each day is a new day.’’

The transition to a new coach rarely is easy but Doner might have the right formula. “Communication is the key,’’ he noted.

“I’ll build relationships. They’ll get to know me and I’ll get to know them. There’ll be rules and discipline will matter. I won’t be their friend; I’ll be their coach who’ll listen and watch their back.’’

Run Your Inserts and Advertisements With Us! Call Todd Cote at (508) 395-2533

December 2015

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 13

Sports Where Are They Now? Natick’s Haddad Coaching Bellingham High Grid Team

By Ken Hamwey, Staff Sports Writer Natick and Bellingham play football in different leagues and different divisions but the two schools became linked when former Natick High lineman Dan Haddad was selected as the Blackhawks head coach this year.

The 52-year-old Haddad, a 1981 graduate of Natick High, played offensive tackle and defensive end during his two varsity seasons. And he’s proud to associate himself with two of Natick’s high-profile competitors — Doug Flutie and Tom Lamb.

“I blocked for a quarterback who later won the Heisman Trophy and played pro football, and I played for a coach who not only won Super Bowls, but also was respected by everyone who played for him,’’ Haddad said.

“I have great memories of my days at Natick, especially when Doug was scrambling and Tom was coaching.’’

Haddad, who is Bellingham’s 12th head football coach, has been a resident of the town for 32 years. He’s been a fixture in the youth football program and as a sub-varsity coach (four years). He’s also been an assistant jayvee baseball coach for the last seven years and he’s coached Pop Warner football for 25 campaigns. He’s also been a member of the Pop Warner board of directors for 18 years, serving as the organization’s vice president.

Haddad’s 2004 Pop Warner squad (10-13 year-olds) qualified for the nationals in Florida and finished third in the country.

Haddad took control of a football program that hasn’t had a winning season since 2007, when

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his son Chris quarterbacked Bellingham to a 9-2 campaign. The Blackhawks, however, won four Super Bowls — two in the 1990s and two in the next decade.

“There’s no doubt that I’ve try to emulate many of the principles I learned from coach Lamb,’’ Haddad said. “Tom taught us to be disciplined, to be accountable and to take a no-nonsense approach to football. He instilled a strong work ethic and he taught you the importance of dedication. He was a tremendous motivator who was demanding but fair. I respected him and wanted to please him.’’

Haddad, who was an on-andoff starter, enjoyed the challenge of blocking for Flutie. “Doug scrambled so much it was hard to block for him,’’ Haddad said.

“He did things on a football field that made you say ‘wow.’ He was an amazing player who defied the odds and went on to a great career at Boston College and won the Heisman Trophy.’’

Haddad also admired the way Flutie never scolded his line for a missed assignment or a poor block. “He tried to make us better,’’ Haddad said. “Doug never got in anyone’s face. He always stressed to forget the last play and move on to the next. He was a good teammate.’’

During Haddad’s two varsity seasons, Natick posted 8-3 and 7-4 records. A 5-foot-8, 175-pounder as a player, he recalls Natick’s Thanksgiving Day game against Framingham as a junior in 1979 as one of his better efforts. “I had two sacks and forced two fumbles,’’ he said.

“We won and beating Framingham was always a thrill.’’

At Bellingham, Haddad knows lots of hard work lies ahead if the Blackhawks are to again be a force in the Tri Valley League. Last year’s 4-7 record was the school’s best in the last seven seasons. This year, in Haddad’s maiden voyage as head coach, the Blackhawks were 3-7 with one game remaining on Thanksgiving.

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“We’ve got to forget the past and build the future,’’ he said.

“The key is to bring in the right players and the right coaches who believe in commitment.

That’s what will change the culture. It’s all about relying on the commitment of the kids. If we get players who buy into an all-in commitment, anything can happen.’’

In addition to molding a squad that’s committed to the

program, Haddad understands the need to develop players with mental toughness. “To acquire mental toughness, you need to build confidence,’’ he emphasized. “Players must be put into situations that challenge their mental toughness, and coaches need to show the kids how to become mentally tough.’’

Haddad’s short-term goals include restoring pride in the program and becoming competitive. “My first objective is to bring pride back,’’ Haddad said.

“Another goal is for our opponents to know they’re in a battle.

We’ll win our share of games if we compete hard. My long-range goals are to focus on winning the Tri Valley League Small Division title and qualify for the playoffs.’’

A native of Natick, Haddad isn’t shy about letting his players know where he stands on rules and regulations. “There is structure,’’ Haddad emphasized.

“We’ve laid out the do’s and don’ts, and if rules are broken there will be consequences. I’ll stress discipline.’’

Haddad understood discipline playing for Lamb and he quickly learned what it meant to wear a red jersey when he played in Natick’s Pop Warner system.

“When you put that jersey on, you knew you had to compete or someone else would take your place,’’ he said. “Football at all levels teaches real-life lessons.’’

Haddad obviously has learned many lessons from football. He now has been entrusted with his first varsity team and there’s little doubt that his Natick pedigree will play a major role in how he directs Bellingham High’s football squad in the years ahead.

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 14

Natick Community -Senior Center Highlights 117 East Central St. (Rt. 135) 508-647-6540 www.natickma.org The Natick CommunitySenior Center (CSC) is home to the Natick Human Services & Council on Aging and the Veterans’ Office. The Center offers a variety of social, educational and wellness programs, as well as supportive services for town residents of any age. Business hours are Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For a complete list of events, visit “Sentinel Newsletter & Natick Common Guide” on the website, www. natickma.org. To register for programs, call 508-647-6540; pay by cash or check, payable to “Town of Natick.”

Vermeer, featuring masterpieces never before seen in the United States. Lunch options at the Museum include four eateries. Bus will depart from the MFA at 2:30 p.m. and return to at approximately at 3:30 p.m. This is a nonrefundable purchase. Thank you to Whitney Place Assisted Living Residences and Eliot Center for Health & Rehabilitation, Natick for their generosity in providing the transportation. $18 per person.

Programs and Events Mindfulness Meditation

2 to 3 pm, Thursday, Dec. 3: Finding some space for quiet in the busy holiday times can be difficult. Join us for this quiet hour of guided meditation. Free.

Holiday Dinner

Day Trips Boston Ballet’s The Nutcracker, Opera House, Boston

Friday, Dec. 4: Bus will depart from Natick CommunitySenior Center at 6 p.m. Join us for this fun holiday excursion to see the classic, beautiful ballet production with live orchestra, amazing sets and spectacular dancing with reserved orchestra seats at the Opera House for a magical holiday experience. After the Nutcracker performance, the bus will drive around the Boston Common to see the magnificent Christmas lights display. Return to Natick at approximately at 10:30 p.m.

All ages welcome. Payment due at time of registration with cash or check payable to Town of Natick. $79 per person.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Wednesday, Jan. 6: Bus will depart from Natick Community Senior Center, at 10 a.m.

Join us for this day excursion to explore the museum and special exhibition, Class Distinctions: Dutch Painting in the Age of Rembrandt and

12 to 1 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 15: Come celebrate the holiday season with a classic turkey dinner-stuffing, cranberry jelly, mashed potatoes, squash, green beans and dessert catered by TJ’s Ashland and hosted by the Friends of Natick Council on Aging.

Space is limited. Call 508647-6540 to sign up. Free.

Winter Concert with Rivers Middle School Ensembles

2 pm, Tuesday, Dec. 15: Get into the holiday spirit with music performances by the Rivers Middle School chamber ensemble and chorus.

Selections include Vivaldi’s “Winter” and other seasonal favorites. Free.

modify your environment for greater security. Refreshments. Free.

Robert’s Intermediate Bridge-Continues

3 to 5 pm, Tuesday, Jan. 5 to Feb. 23: If you are comfortable with the basics and want to improve your game, Intermediate Bridge is for you. A fun and friendly group learns and practices the next level of the game, including negative doubles, new minor forcing, defensive carding, opening leads and more. Eight Sessions include instruction and discussion followed by play where questions are encouraged. If you enjoy the challenge of bridge and want to get better, join us. $80 per person.

Depression in Older Adults

1:30 pm, Thursday, Jan. 14: Join Jaunita Kingsley, from Century Health Systems/ Natick VNA for tips on beating the winter blues.

Sometimes the holidays or the season after the holidays with its cold and darkness can also be a time for sadness. It can be tough to stay healthy, we may miss loved ones, or may have concerns about our finances. We’ll discuss a few tips that may help, such as getting out and about—the Natick Senior-Community Center is a wonderful resource! We’ll talk about the warning signs of depression, how can we get help, how can we help a friend who might be depressed.

Mark Your Calendar for the Housing Fair, Wednesday, March 30, 2:30 to 5 p.m.

Balance and Falls Prevention

1 pm, Wednesday, Dec. 16: Balance and falls can be a concern for older adults whether you are noticing issues due to medications or because of other factors, including the winter conditions. Join professionals from Eliot Center for Health and Rehabilitation as they discuss balance and falls issues, share balance exercises and how to increase your strength and

Our Ad & Editorial Deadline is the 15th of each month, for the following month’s issue.

December 2015

Community Calendar Every Saturday 9 am to 1 pm: Natick Farmers’ Market, indoors at Common Street Church, 13 Common St. www.natickfarmersmarket.com, www.facebook.com/natickfarmersmarket Tuesday, December 1 7:30 pm: Special Town Meeting at the Natick High School Saturday, December 5 3 pm: Winter Serenade with the Broadmoor Chamber Singers, a sparkling afternoon of seasonal vocal music from classical, jazz, folk, spirituals, gospel, and popular music, at Morse Institute Library. http://morseinstitute. org/events 7 pm: “An Evening of Sweets, Song and Celebration” honoring Cantor Ken Richmond at Temple Israel of Natick, 1245 Hartford St. Songs and tributes from Rabbi Laureate Harold Kushner, Hankus Netsky, founder of the Klezmer Conservatory Band, and others. 508-650-3521, director@tiofnatick.org, https:// tiofnatick.org Friday, December 6 6 pm: Bus departs from the Natick Community-Senior Center for the Boston Opera House.

After the performance, the bus will drive around the Boston Common to see the magnificent Christmas lights display. Return to Natick at approximately at 10:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Payment due at time of registration with cash or check payable to Town of Natick. $79 per person.

Sunday, December 13 2:30 pm: Join Natick’s own Rabbi Harold Kushner as he discusses his latest work, Nine Essential Things I’ve Learned About Life. In it, the Rabbi shares wisdom distilled from his long and insight-filled life.

Here you will find spiritual food, pragmatic advice, strength, and inspiration. Natick Morse Institute Library. http://morseinstitute. org/events

Tuesday, December 15 7 to 8 pm: Teen MakerLAB, a fun group for ages 11-18 that allows teens to explore technology under the guidance of tech mentors. Free, but space is limited.

Registration is required. To sign up, contact Robin, 508.647.6400 x1546 or email teens@morseinstitute.org. Waiver signed by a parent/guardian is required to attend. Natick Morse Institute Library. http://morseinstitute. org/events Wednesday, December 16 7 to 8:30 pm: Get Funding! A Workshop for Nonprofits. Learn to use the Foundation Directory Online Professional database to identify potential funding resources, such as grants from private foundations, corporations, and public charities. The workshop will cover basic strategies for searching the database, as well as hands-on practice using this great tool for nonprofits. Free, but registration is required. To sign up ,contact the Reference Desk, 508647-6521 or email reference@ morseinstitute.org. Natick Morse Institute Library. http://morseinstitute.org/events Sunday, December 20 3 pm: Metrowest Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concert, Peter Cokkinias, Music Director, and John Masko, Assistant Conductor, with Berklee College vocalists directed by Rene Pfister, and also featuring 9-year-old Keila Wakao, violin. Keefe Technical High School, 750 Winter St., Framingham. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door. www.metrowestsymphony.org, mso.orchestra@ gmail.com, 508-686-3100.

Saturday, January 23 9:30 am to 4 pm: TEDxNatick, “Stories that Inspire,” with 8-10 speakers at the Natick High School, hosted by The Natick Education Foundation. www.TEDxNatick.org, www.facebook.com/ TEDxNatick Email your event, with “CALENDAR” in the subject line, by the 15th of every month to editor@ ashlandtownnews.com. Events will be included as space permits.

December 2015

Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com

Page 15

Home Energy Efficiency Means Cost Savings

By Deborah Burke Henderson, Contributing Writer With today’s focus on climate change and global warming, you might consider ways you can reduce energy waste in your home.

My husband, Bill, and I have taken several steps to reduce our carbon footprint by retrofitting our three-level Metrowest townhouse over the past 15 years. Here is what we have learned in the process and how you might optimize your home’s energy efficiency and reap annual cost savings.

An easy first step was to install a programmable thermostat. This allows us to customize our heating system schedule for each day of the week. During the heating season, we set the indoor temperature to the recommended 68 degrees for daytime hours and 63 degrees at night. If there’s an unusually warm day in the fall and we want to open our slider door and enjoy the air, we simply adjust the thermostat by switching the heat to “off ” and reactivate the schedule with another touch of a button. It’s especially easy to schedule lower temperatures for long periods of time, if you’re away from home.

Programmable, and new wireless thermostat technologies, can help you to save energy in your home as well. Through the Mass Save® program, Natick residents are able to take advantage of rebates for both programmable and wireless thermostats. Right now, Mass Save is offering rebates of up to $100 per thermostat purchased at retail. Eligible customers residing in 1-4 unit homes can also purchase select discounted wireless thermostats and have them installed at no cost. With these rebates, it is easy to start saving energy and money in your home.

One year we took advantage of a tax incentive by having energy efficient triple-pane slider windows installed throughout our townhouse. This provided better insulation, and we immediately noticed a reduction in outside noise. These

$2,000, the final cost to us was only $396.80, and it is estimated that we will see an annual cost savings of $150 in our heating bill.

Now that the weather is getting colder, we have felt a marked difference in the inside temperature which stays more consistent throughout. The second floorbedroom area is typically a degree or so warmer than the first floor; our walk-in closet is even warmer!

windows do save some money but maybe not enough to justify their extra cost, unless you know you’ll be staying in your home over the long haul.

As we have replaced wornout appliances, we’ve invested in those products with an ENERGY STAR® or other high-energy efficiency rating as another proven way of saving money and energy.

No-Cost Home Energy Assessment At our condo association’s annual meeting last May, residents were encouraged to seek out a Home Energy Assessment through the Mass Save® Home Energy Services Program (serving 1-4 unit residences), sponsored by Eversource. We were interested.

We contacted Mass Save and an Energy Specialist was assigned to conduct a no-cost Home Energy Assessment which we scheduled for June. It was suggested that we allow at least 2 to 3 hours for the initial Home Energy Assessment.

The energy specialist conducted a comprehensive evaluation of our townhouse. This evaluation included a review of our unit’s physical structure, the heating and cooling systems, our windows and skylight, all of our appliances, the lighting throughout our home (track, recessed, chandelier, and traditional), and an inspection of the attic space and ductwork.

At the conclusion of her review, the specialist provided us with a computer-generated report summarizing the assessment’s findings along with an “Energy Action Plan” with recommendations to help improve our home’s energy efficiency. The specialist informed us of monetary and product incentives Mass Save offered at the time which further encouraged us to implement the suggested recommendations.

After reviewing the assessment report with us, the specialist replaced all of our light fixtures with new, LED light bulbs and installed energy efficient shower heads and

Other Energy Conservation Ideas

Homeowner Bill Henderson installs an energy efficient chandelier bulb.

(Photo/Deborah Burke Henderson)

faucet aerators. She also gave us two six-outlet advanced power strips and would have provided us with a programmable thermostat, if we didn’t already use one. Just these product incentives alone, valued at $414.55, were estimated to provide us with approximately $200 worth of annual savings.

“Energy efficiency is the single most important thing residents can do to take control of their energy use,” Bill Stack, energy efficiency spokesman at Eversource, said. “We recommend everyone consider a no-cost Mass Save energy assessment so they’ll know exactly what improvements they can make in their own homes.”

The testing of our original 30-year-old heating system showed that the furnace now only functioned at 40-percent efficiency.

According to the Mass Save website, older types of furnaces and boilers can allow more than 25 percent of the heat from combustion to exit through the flue exhaust stack or chimney. New high efficiency furnaces and boilers are designed to allow less of the heat to escape, which means that more of the heat is used to warm your home. The advanced features of these new heating systems reduce energy waste and save the homeowner money.

We requested bid estimates on a new high energy performance furnace and, after selecting our preferred vendor, we purchased an appropriate heating system. Once it was installed, we were eligible for additional incentives on air sealing and insulation work. Although we did not take advantage of it, the Mass Save® HEAT Loan Program offers customers the opportunity to apply for a zero percent loan for the installation of qualified energy efficient improvements in the home.

In September, we engaged a Mass Save-Participating Contractor to complete the approved weatherization work. Six hours of labor and materials were valued at $2,093. After the EversourceMass Save instant weatherization incentive of 75 percent off, up to

Other energy conservation steps we took included setting our water heater temperature to 120° F; using cold water to launder clothes (about 16 percent of an average home’s energy usage goes toward heating water); always turning off lights, computer, printer, and our TV when not in use; and replacing and weatherstripping our front door after ice dam damage in 2013.

Explore ways you can invest in home improvements that will start paying off immediately and the savings will add up year after year. Plus, by improving your home’s energy efficiency, you will make your home safer and more comfortable and help reduce your carbon footprintimproving the environment and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

For more information about a no-cost Home Energy Assessment, available incentives, rebates on heating equipment, and other energy conservation tips, visit www.MassSave.com or call 866-527-7283 to schedule your assessment.

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December 2015

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Preparing for Emergencies: Programs for Natick Residents The town of Natick is encouraging anyone who lives alone, has a medical condition that limits mobility, or has someone in the home who relies on medical equipment that requires electricity to participate in a new program, Care and Prepare.

The town is offering this new telephone calling and notification service prior to and during significant weather events to be sure that everyone stays safe during a weather emergency.

To participate, fill out the Care and Prepare form on the web site, www.natickma. gov/1251/Care-and-Prepare, or complete the PDF form and return it to the Community Services Department. For

more information or to have a form mailed to you, contact the Natick Senior Center, 508-647-6540. There is no fee to participate.

Another emergency preparedness program for the town of Natick is CodeRED, an emergency notification service where town officials notify Natick residents and businesses by phone, text message, or electronic mail about time-sensitive emergency situations or important community alerts. The system is capable of sending messages only to specific neighborhoods or the entire town. To participate, complete the CodeRED registration form on the town web site. www.natickma.gov.