Natick June 2016

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Vol. 1 No. 8 Free to Every Home and Business Every Month June 2016 

Fundraiser to Highlight 

Organic Gardens, June 12 

The Friends of the Bacon Free Library (BFL) will hold 

their biannual garden tour fundraiser on Sunday, June 

12, 2 to 6p.m., rain or shine. Proceeds will benefit the BFL. 

This year’s theme is “Organic 

& Sustainable Gardening,” 

and this popular tour will 

showcase 10 beautiful gardens 

across Natick, Wellesley and 

Sherborn. These gardens represent 

a spectrum of organic 

approaches – some are fully 

organic, others are partially 

organic and some are beginning 

a transition to a pesticidefree 

program. They also range 

from small and cozy pocket 

gardens to expansive front 

gardens with impressive views. 

The tour will even feature a 

butterfly garden, a completely 

edible garden and a garden 

that measures the impacts of 

climate change. 

Notable locations on this 

year’s tour include: 

• The organic botanical 

gardens at Wellesley College, 

which represent over 

1,500 different taxa from 

more than 150 different 

plant families, a remarkably 

diverse collection for a college 

or university. 

• Three public spaces in 

Natick – the John J. Lane 

Park, Memorial Elementary 

Soccer Field, and 

grounds of the BFL. These 

spaces adopted an organic 

land management plan in 

fall 2015, and are part of a 

pilot program the Town of 

Natick is exploring for all 

properties. 

• The private garden of 

Sweetgum Horticulture, a 

local garden designer who 

recently made the BFL’s 

gardens shine. 

A full list of garden addresses 

and descriptions will be 

provided in a program guide 

on the day of the event, and 

participants are encouraged to 

explore each garden’s unique 

features, whether self-guided or 

with the aid of a docent. 

Tickets are on sale now for 

$30 and $35 on the day of the 

tour and can be purchased at 

the BFL or online at http:// 

baconfreelibrary.org/event/ 

friends-of-the-bfl-garden-tour/. 

Patrons are also invited to 

join the Friends of the BFL for 

an exclusive wine and cheese 

reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. 

at the end of the tour. The 

reception will feature local 

artists at work, scrumptious 

snacks, and hard cider from 

the library’s neighbor, Lookout 

Farm. 

For more information, 

visit: http://baconfreelibrary. 

org/event/friends-of-the-bflgarden-tour/ 

or call 508-653- 

6730. 

Natick Center 

Cultural District Kicks 

Off “Natick Nights” 

Every Thursday 

The Natick Center Cultural 

District has launched a new event 

in May called “Natick Nights,” 

to be held every Thursday night 

from 5 to 8 p.m. in Natick Center 

through September. 

Natick Nights will showcase the 

entertainment and artistry that’s 

unique to Natick Center. Each 

Thursday night, there may be 

street performers, a walking history 

tour, a performance at TCAN 

(The Center for the Arts in Natick), 

a gallery opening, Walnut Hill 

School students performing, artist 

demonstrations, maybe a beer 

or wine tasting, restaurant specials 

and a featured merchant. No two 

Thursday night’s will be the same; 

each one will feature a different 

line up of artists and events. 

On Thursday nights, visitors 

NATICK NIGHTS 

continued on page 2 

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Page 2 Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com June 2016 

NATICK NIGHTS 

continued from page 1 

will also find the library open until 

9 p.m. and the town hall open 

until 8 p.m. 

The Natick Center Cultural 

District wants to boost business 

and create a space where people 

will want to visit by bringing new 

exciting entertainment and specials 

to the downtown area. 

Listings for the night’s events 

will be on the Natick Center Cultural 

District website, natickcenter. 

org, Twitter @natickcenter and 

the Facebook page for the Natick 

Center Cultural District. 

Participating merchants and individuals 

include Five Crows Gallery 

and Handcrafted Gifts, The 

Frame Shop & Gallery, The Dolphin 

Seafood Restaurant, TCAN, 

Maureen Sullivan, The Studios @ 

3 Adams & Dion’s. 

Funding for the event is provided 

by the Massachusetts Cultural 

Council. 

Visitors may find street performers 

among the many other 

events on Thursday nights in 

Natick Center. 

Natick Celebrates Earth Day 

Natick Earth Day Festival 

on the Natick Common, May 

1, was successful despite the 

cool, damp weather. Many 

vendors, performers and singers 

gathered to discuss conservation, 

sustainability, land 

stewardship and volunteer action. 

There was good food and 

a steady “family-heavy” crowd 

throughout the day with well 

over 1,000 people. The event 

was organized by the Natick 

Earth Day Group in partnership 

with Natick Community 

Organic Farm. For information 

on how to get involved, contact 

Pat Conaway, bpconaway@ 

gmail.com, 508-740-9949. 

Photos/ Buz Bragdon. 

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Circulation: 15,000 households 

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June 2016 Local Town Pages www.naticktownnews.com Page 3 

Local Stories Shared Through Natick Historical Society 

By Via Perkins, 

Contributing Writer 

Any Natick resident with a 

penchant for history can appreciate 

the extensive collections of the 

Natick Historical Society (NHS). 

The NHS, developed from a “cabinet 

of curiosities” into the authority 

on Natick history, features 

a comprehensive set of archives. 

Today, the organization is finding 

new mediums through which to 

share its knowledge. 

The interior of the Natick Historical Society museum. (Photo/NHS Staff) 

Preserving Natick 

The town of Natick, established 

as the primary community 

of the Praying Indians, has always 

played a special role in the 

Commonwealth. The town took 

the spotlight as the inspiration for 

author Harriet Beecher Stowe’s 

1869 novel Oldtown Folks, which 

resulted in drawing many tourists. 

The NHS was established one 

This combination desk and 

pulpit, made by Natick 

Indians in about 1678, was 

used by Reverend Daniel 

Takawambpait, the only 

Puritan minister who was 

an American Indian. (Photo/ 

Giovanna Vitelli)t 

year later. 

“The Historical Society was 

created in 1870 by people who 

were enthusiastic about local history, 

and is carried on by people 

who still feel this way,” Jane 

Hennedy, executive director of the 

NHS, said. “All of our museum 

objects, books and archival collections 

have ties to this town.” 

The staff carefully curates exhibitions 

for display in their South 

Natick space at 58 Eliot St., which 

houses the Bacon Free Library 

(BFL) on the upper levels, and 

in other Natick facilities. NHS 

has around 12,000 photographs 

and early images, 500 volumes 

of books, and large collections of 

furniture, ceramics, jewelry and 

other items. 

In addition to the museum 

space, NHS shares local stories 

through their programs, newsletter 

and publications for the enjoyment 

and education of residents, 

or “Natickites,” as Hennedy 

fondly calls residents. 

Museum and Beyond 

The written introductions 

to the NHS and the BFL, a collection 

of North American bird 

specimens and the “Natick and 

the New England Character” exhibit, 

featuring local authors and 

thinkers, have all been recently refurbished, 

and NHS is excited to 

share the results. “Our permanent 

displays tell just about every important 

story related to the history 

of this town,” Hennedy said. 

Outside the museum, an NHS 

exhibit, titled “From Everywhere 

to Nowhere: The Story of the Passenger 

Pigeon,” is on display at the 

Morse Institute Library in downtown 

Natick until the end of June. 

“People can see a rare example of 

this extinct species which sparked 

early conservation efforts, and gain 

some food for thought about wildlife 

conservation today,” Hennedy 

explained. 

Starting in July, the exhibit will 

change to “The Education of 

Henry Wilson,” a Massachusetts 

senator and the 18 th United States 

vice president to President Ulysses 

S. Grant. Wilson moved to Natick 

from New Hampshire in 1833 at 

age 21, and found work as a shoemaker 

before entering politics. 

Natick Books 

The NHS has also found success 

in sharing Natick history 

through publishing. In 2015, the 

society published an illustrated 

book, Have You Ever Wondered . . .? 

Natick Explained, which detailed the 

stories behind a number of local 

landmarks. A second NHS book is 

now in the works. 

The new book will include facts 

about the Morse Institute Library, 

Route 9 and Natick in the Revolutionary 

War, among other subjects. 

“The Publications Committee 

and their cadre of volunteers are 

hard at work covering more topics 

that interest Natickites the most,” 

Hennedy reported. “We expect it 

will be released in November.” 

For more information about 

the Natick Historical Society, visit 

www.natickhistoricalsociety.org. 

Natick Girl Scouts Enjoy 

State House Visit 

A troop of 5th grade girl 

scouts from Kennedy, Wilson and 

Charles River schools visited the 

State House in April. Troop coleader 

Jean Borgman reported: 

“The troop went on a brief tour, 

saw all the cool flags, statues and 

state emblems and learned who is 

allowed to enter through the main 

front doors. We met with Representative 

David Linsky in the 

House Chamber where he talked 

with us and fielded our questions 

about the state government and 

public service. We then went into 

the Senate Chamber—while they 

were debating the important issue 

of education reform—and were 

formally introduced, in a very 

welcoming and gracious way, by 

Senators Karen Spilka and Richard 

Ross. The three legislators 

gave us another short tour, telling 

us about the big round table 

that may have been built by Paul 

Revere. The official State House 

photographer took our picture 

with the elected officials! It was an 

amazing learning experience, and 

we felt so welcomed there.” 

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TEDxNatick 

Planning for 2017 

TEDxNatick 2016 exceeded 

our expectations! We’re already 

planning for 2017. Whether you 

enjoyed participating as an attendee, 

volunteer, sponsor, or interested 

observer, I’m asking for 

your help for our 2017 event to be 

held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at 

the Natick High School. 

The TEDxNatick Leadership 

Team is looking for a few new 

members. We need: 

1. Marketing Communications 

Lead (manage volunteers on website, 

social media, PR/community 

engagement, advertising) 

2. Website Lead (create a more 

robust site/platform review) 

3. Advisory Council (work with 

the Leadership Team to attract 

corporate sponsors, individual 

donors, high-visibility speakers/ 

entertainers; as well as consulting 

in other substantive ways) 

The roles above start immediately 

and will continue through 

the year. We will still need many, 

many volunteers to help on the 

day of the event. We will be looking 

for that help much later in 

the fall. 

“I’m biased, but getting involved 

in TEDxNatick might be 

the most fun, exciting, and stimulating 

volunteer gigs around,” 

Rosemary Driscoll, a TEDx- 

Natick team member, said. Contact 

her directly to volunteer, 

rosemary@driscollresearch.com. 

“Looking forward to hearing 

from you. Also, I hope you have 

checked out all the talks online 

atwww.tedxnatick.org!” Driscoll 

said. 

Letter to the Editor 

Broken Spirits, Broken Hearts 

This morning [May 13] I 

picked up litter along Winter 

St. in north Natick after being 

alerted by a volunteer who lives 

in the neighborhood. She reported 

a persistently “trashed 

area” extending roughly from 

the intersection of Frost St 

about 100 yards west. Undefined 

curbing on both sides 

of the road, meaning wooded 

and no private homes. The 

photos tell the story. Lots of 

alcohol and spit bottles (from 

chew tobacco, widely documented 

as carcinogenic), lots 

of single-use plastic, cigarette 

packs and butts. 

Before we unleash the 

blame and anger, let’s pause. 

What’s broken here? The environment 

and our communities 

take a beating from these folks; 

but what about them? 

They are not getting the 

education and support from 

our schools, families, government, 

churches and business 

community. I see broken spirits: 

disconnection, anger, ignorance, 

self-destruction. We 

need a whole new strategy of 

healing and support; and it’s 

got to be a TEAM effort— 

families, neighbors, schools, 

churches, business and government. 

Join us in the Natick’s “Our 

Home; Let’s Make It Beautiful 

Initiative.” It’s about a lot 

more than litter and the environment. 

It’s about broken 

spirits and hearts. 

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when you got your first job? Likely the name of the bank you chose back then is not the name of 

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Bacon Free Library Plans Busy Summer 



One of the most historic and 

scenic libraries in Metrowest, 

The Bacon Free Library (BFL), 

was established by longtime 

Natick resident Oliver Bacon in 

1880, well over a century ago. 

Set on a hillside by the Charles 

River at 58 Eliot St., the library 

offers extensive services and activities 

for residents. 

Past Meets Present 

Director Meena Jain knows 

the appeal of the BFL comes 

from the fact that it offers a bit 

of everything. “It has a charming 

blend of today’s best-sellers, 

old-fashioned friendliness and 

modern technology in a historic 

neighborhood setting,” she said. 

The BFL has a time-honored atmosphere 

and picturesque surroundings, 

beloved by longtime 

patrons. 

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the library may feel vast and 

overwhelming at first. Jain encourages 

residents to ask a BFL 

staff member for help, as there 

are many avenues through 

which to gain information and 

resources. 

“Through the BFL, patrons 

have access to over five million 

items from more than 40 

public and academic libraries 

from the Minuteman Library 

Network,” she explained. “The 

library also provides access to 

regional electronic databases 

and the Internet.” 

The library has benefited 

from the support of the community, 

allowing the BFL to 

maintain its services and facility, 

which also houses the Natick 

Historical Society Museum. 

“Many of our programs and 

collections are made possible 

by the generous support of the 

Friends of the Bacon Free Library,” 

Jain said. 

A Full Schedule 

This summer, the BFL will 

host numerous activities for the 

public. “Our smaller programs 

have 10 to 12 people, but some 

of our concerts bring in over 

100,” Jain said. “We try to do 

the larger programs outside on 

our beautiful grounds.” 

There are several special 

programs planned during the 

month of June. Check the BFL 

website for details. 

A woods walk with Tom 

Wessels, ecologist and author 

of Reading the Forested Landscape: 

A Natural History of New England, 

will take place at Broadmoor 

Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday, 

June 4, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Wessels 

will guide participants on an educational 

hiking session, teaching 

ways to find clues that can 

identify the history of the land 

underfoot. 

On Thursday, June 9, 10 

a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be a 

concert with husband-and-wife 

team, Two of a Kind. Their 

Natick Goes Solar 

Solarize Mass Natick invites residents 

and business owners to go solar. 

Illustrators contribute to the Board of Trustees Children’s Illustrators 

Auction. (Photo/Meena Jain) 

Solarize Mass Natick is a 

state-funded, volunteer-led program 

that works to make solar 

simple and affordable for Natick 

property owners. The program 

is based on a proven community 

solar purchasing model that has 

worked successfully in over 100 

communities in Massachusetts, 

Vermont, Connecticut and New 

York. It is designed to reduce the 

cost of solar, simplify the installation 

process, and make it a beneficial 

financial decision and smart 

investment for homeowners and 

businesses. 

Solarize Mass Natick relies 

on four key components to reduce 

installation costs: 1) a competitively 

selected installer; 2) a 

tiered pricing system which reduces 

costs for all participants as 

more people sign contracts; 3) a 

community-based marketing approach 

which includes education 

and access to uniform solar pricing; 

and 4) a limited sign-up window 

to encourage participation. 

“This is a really good time to 

go solar,” Jay Turner, Natick’s 

Solar Coach, said. “Solarize 

Mass Natick will deliver prices 

that are 25 percent less than the 

average cost of a 2015 Natick 

solar install. The state has just 

expanded incentives for solar, 

including a new subsidized loan 

program. Solarize Mass Natick 

offers purchase and lease options, 

which means residents can start 

saving money on their monthly 

award-winning music features 

multi-faceted storytelling with a 

focus on audience participation, 

and is perfect for younger children. 

The concert will be held 

outdoors, weather-permitting. 

The Friends Garden Tour 

will showcase 10 organic gardens 

with opportunities to speak 

to the gardeners and ask questions, 

demonstrations from local 

artists, as well as a selection of 

fine wine, cheeses and cider. The 

event date is Saturday, June 12, 2 

p.m. to 6 p.m. 


the BFL, including a complete 

event list, visit www.baconfreelibrary.org. 

electric bill from day one.” 

Jillian Wilson Martin, the 

Town of Natick’s sustainability 

coordinator, added, “The 

discounted pricing available 

through Solarize Mass Natick 

means homes that were previously 

not a good fit for solar may 

now be viable. We encourage all 

residents to have their roof assessed 

and to learn about their 

solar options.” 

Solarize Mass Natick’s outreach 

effort and sign-up period 

will continue throughout the 

summer. This is a limited-time 

program and, to take advantage 

of the discounts, site assessments 

must take place by August 1. Install 

commitments must then be 

made by October 1. To sign up 

for a free, no obligation visit from 

Boston Solar, visit: www.solarizemassnatick.com. 

General questions 

can be sent to Jay Turner, 

the volunteer community Solar 

Coach, at solarizenatick@gmail. 

com.


Cruising to a Successful Weight Loss 

New England Fat Loss Client Clocks 

Many Miles to Achieve His Goal 

East Wareham resident Jeff 

Monast admits he was initially 

hesitant to commit to the onehour 

drive to join New England 

Weight Loss (NEFL). Once he 

met Dr. John and the NEFL staff 

and learned about the program, 

however, the commute was a 

minimal factor to achieve his 

weight loss goals. 

“When I first heard it was so 

far away, I thought, ‘That really 

stinks,’ but after my experience, it 

is well worth the drive,” Monast 

said. 

According to forty-two yearold 

Monast, the stimulus to walk 

through that door on April 15 

far outweighed inconvenience. 

He was experiencing lack of energy 

and was intrigued with their 

20-to-40-pounds-lost-in-40-days 

guarantee. 

“I don’t know what clicked in 

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recommend it enough,” Monast 

said. “I’ve been fighting my weight 

since I’ve been 10 years old, and I 

honestly did not think it would be 

this easy to lose the weight. 

While being interviewed on 

day 23 of his first stage, Monast 

had dropped 34.9 pounds, already 

within reach of that first 

significant goal. The food combinations, 

daily weight reports 

and office visits guided the way, 

but Monast also found Dr. John’s 

assistance invaluable. 

“I knew I would have no time 

to prepare meals during one 

weekend and we went back and 

forth with ideas,” Monast said. 

He is very accessible.” 

Monast is thrilled with his 

success of the Phase 1 portion of 

the program, but is motivated to 

enter the next stage. Through an 

extensive diagnostic process, the 

NEFL team will identify specific 

foods to work with his individual 

body chemistry and trigger additional 

weight loss. 

a“Once I get through the 40 

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that are good for my body make 

up,” Monast said. “I’m pretty excited 

to see what they are.” 

From the beginning, nothing 

has come in the way of Monast 

reaching his weight loss goals. 

Not miles, time or commitment. 

His true drive, however, comes 

from his family. 

“This is a lifestyle change not 

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Is It Time to See an 

Acne Specialist? 

Lisa Massimiano. 

Licensed Esthetician and 

Certified Acne Specialist 

Owner of Skin Smart Salon 

If you have been diagnosed 

with acne and haven’t 

been satisfied with drug store 

products or the suggested 

treatment from your doctor, 

consider seeing an Acne Specialist. 

What is an 

Acne Specialist? 

An Acne Specialist is a licensed 

skin care professional 

who is specially trained to 

treat acne using a combination 

of clinical treatments, home 

care protocols and regular follow-up 

during the process of 

clearing acne prone skin. 

Most physicians don’t have 

time to spend educating patients 

on the root cause of 

their acne. They often prescribe 

oral antibiotics and 

strong topical retinoids that 

can leave skin dry, red and irritated. 

Patients get frustrated 

with these side effects and stop 

using the products. 

Achieve Clear Skin 

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How an Acne Specialist 

Can Help You. 

An Acne Specialist will assess 

your individual skin type 

and the type of acne you have 

to develop a plan of action 

specifically for you. They will 

take the time to teach you 

about the root cause of acne 

and provide information on 

lifestyle, diet, medications and 

ingredients in makeup and 

skin care products that exacerbate 

acne. They help you to 

get your skin clear and teach 

you how to keep your acne 

under control. 

For people struggling with 

acne, it can be frustrating to 

try and communicate with 

their doctor on a timely basis. 

My clients tell me that the 

best part of working with an 

Acne Specialist is that we are 

there for them to answer their 

questions and provide support 

while they go through the process 

of getting their skin clear. 

Questions about acne? Call me 

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Members of the Natick Democratic 

Town Committee (NDTC) 

recently elected new leaders for 

2016-2018. Under Democratic 

state party rules, each town or 

ward committee must meet after 

the Presidential Primary Election 

to organize for the next two years. 

The March 1 Democratic ballot 

included candidates for local 

committees. The NDTC held an 

organizational meeting on March 

31 and elected the officers. 

The following officers were 

elected: 

Chair: Tara Hopper Zeltner 

Vice Chairs: Ross Cigna, 

Steve Roche 

Treasurer: Carol Gloff 

Secretary: Craig Bystrynski 

Affirmative Action 

Coordinators: Jim Acton, 

Bob Awkward 

“I’m honored to have been 

elected to lead this great group 

of Democratic activists,” Zeltner 

said. “The Natick Democrats are 

Natick High Students Have Tenacity! 

Three teams from Natick High 

School competed in the LA2 Tenacity 

Challenge 2016 on April 2 

at Bedford High School. The LA2 

Tenacity Challenge is an annual 

academic scholarship competition 

for teams of Latino and African- 

American students from urban 

and suburban high schools across 

Massachusetts. 

A recommended team size 

of six students allows for several 

members of each team to “specialize” 

in an area of the challenge 

preparation. Schools may 

send up to four teams. During the 

extended period of preparation, 

students build academic capacity, 

strengthen intellectual risk-taking 

and develop enduring peer and 

faculty relationships. Natick’s 

Natick Democrats Elect 

New Leadership Team 

teams competed against 33 other 

teams statewide. 

This year, the competition 

topic area focused on Immigration 

policy and equity. Natick’s teams, 

named Melting Pot, Narnia and 

Galaxia de Sabio, were well prepared. 

Team Melting Pot’s history 

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well known in the Metrowest and 

statewide for their hard work on 

behalf of our candidates.” 

Twenty-two NDTC members, 

elected as delegates and alternates 

at a caucus in February, will attend 

the Massachusetts Democratic 

State Convention in Lowell on 

June 4. The focus of the Convention 

will be party rules and policies. 

The Committee normally 

meets on the fourth Wednesday 

of the month at the Natick Town 

Hall (3 rd Floor). All Natick Democrats 

are welcome at the meetings. 

For more information on the 

Committee, visit www.natickdemocrats.org. 

presentation placed in the Top 5. 

Each team is thankful for 

the support from their Tenacity 

coaches in each main subject 

area. Ms. Ma and Ms. Conroy 

supported students in math and 

science. Ms. Hale and Ms. Crohan 

supported students in history. 

Ms. Adams supported students 

in English literature. A special 

thanks to METCO Program Director 

Rasheedah Clayton for her 

recruitment of staff and students 

to participate and support this important 

academic experience. 

The competition was a great 

experience for the students representing 

Natick High and their 

coaches. Overall, participants had 

a great time, and everyone is already 

looking forward to competing 

again next year!


Teaching Excellence at Natick High 

Natick High School technology 

teacher, Lori Cullen, was recently 

reaccredited in the Adobe Education 

Leaders (AEL) Program for a 

two-year term, 2016-2018. This 

appointment is in recognition of 

Cullen’s contributions and leadership 

as a K-12 educator who effectively 

and successfully uses Adobe 

tools and applications to promote 

excellence in the classroom. 

Cullen has worked at Natick 

High for seven years, where she 

has taught a number of technology 

courses providing instruction 

and skill development on 

various aspects of web design, 

digital media, and Internet management. 

Her courses are designed 

to allow students the ability 

to build upon their skills working 

towards her intense Advanced 

Web Design II course, where she 

ensures each student becomes certified 

in Adobe Dreamweaver® 

CS5 software. 

In addition to teaching students 

how to use technology in the classroom, 

Cullen has also established 

the Natick High Web Design 

Team. This team is comprised of 

Natick High students with various 

levels of web designing skills 

— ranging from introductory to 

Adobe Certified. Students have 

been able to apply their skills by 

completing work orders for businesses 

in the Greater Boston 

area, to include the Natick Public 

School District, 

Wellesley College, 

Five Bites Cupcakes, 

Vanessa Boutique, 

GPA Plus Solutions, 

and The Seat Swap. 

Beyond working 

with her students, 

Cullen played an instrumental 

role in 2012 by helping 

to prepare her Natick High colleagues 

for the school’s transition 

to the one-to-one environment. 

Cullen is thrilled to represent 

Natick Schools in this role and 

collaborate with technology educators 

from across the country. 

Art in Natick 

Pastels From 

Photographic Material 

The work of John Kirk Smith 

is on display at the Natick Community-Senior 

Center, 117 E. 

Central St., through June. Smith 

was born in Nova Scotia and 

grew up in the rural regions surrounding 

Montreal. He moved 

to Cambridge, Mass., in 1978 

and then to Natick in 1987. He is 

self-taught and has been working 

with pastels for several years. His 

introduction to this medium came 

Institute, the Natick Art Walk, 

and in the Framingham, Dover, 

Sherborn, Bedford, Wayland and 

Winchester libraries. 

Altered State 

of Consciousness 

The exhibit at Bakery on the 

Common, 9 S. Main St., through 

June, features artist Jason Cheeseman-Meyer. 

He mixes the tactile 

and illusionistic natures of paint 

to capture motion and depict 

human existence. 

According to the artist: “Drawing 

and painting quite literally 

require an altered state of consciousness. 

Our brains’ day-today 

visual processing that allows 

us to safely cross the street edits, 

simplifies and abstracts the visual 

world into an efficient system 

of useful data. To draw or 

Jason Cheeseman-Meyer, artist. 

paint ‘realistically’ the mind must 

be taught to take away the preconscious 

informational overlays 

and perceive more of what the 

eye actually sees and less of what 

the brain interprets.” 

Cheeseman-Meyer’s said his 

paintings seek to pick and choose 

from different stages in the brain’s 

visual processing pathways, and 

act as a series of maps that invite 

the viewer to enter that altered 

state of consciousness where the 

brain is no longer tuned to be an 

efficient survival machine but an 

encompassing experiential tool, 

openly connected with the world 

around and the worlds within. 

Riverbend of South Natick 

John Kirk Smith: Rueben Taylor 

(Isotofhuts) Cheyenne. Based 

on a 1927 photograph by 

Edward S. Curtis 

about during trips to Quebec City 

and where he watched the many 

talented street artists at work. 

“At this point I work solely 

from photographic material,” 

Smith said. “The majority of 

my subjects are selected from the 

portfolios of Edward Sheriff Curtis, 

Frank Rinehart and Gertrude 

Kasebier.” 

Smith has exhibited at the Bellingham 

Cultural Council’s open 

art exhibit, receiving two firstplace 

awards and one third-place 

award, and at the Danforth Museum 

in Framingham, the Morse 

 

 

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Work and Well-Being at the 

Natick Community Organic Farm 



Natick is home to a highly 

active and community-engaged 

farm. At the Natick Community 

Organic Farm (NCOF), 114 Eliot 

St., visitors learn where their food 

comes from and how to make 

environmentally friendly choices, 

and benefit from hands-on involvement 

with a variety of plant 

and animal life. 

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NCOF can trace its history 

back centuries. Native American 

women first cultivated the land, 

growing squash, corn, beans and 

other crops using methods that 

worked in tandem with the natural 

ecosystem. In 1650, missionary 

John Eliot created 14 settlements 

for Native Americans in presentday 

South Natick. 

The land was used communally 

by the Native Americans 

until 1719, when it was divided 

into sections owned by a number 

of proprietors. Though some 

of these proprietors were Native 

Americans initially, many were 

unable to pay back debts acquired 

under European rules and regulations, 

and were forced to sell the 

land to the English settlers. 

Over the next two and a half 

centuries, the land had several different 

owners, including Reverend 

Oliver Peabody, John Bacon and 

the Patten family, before the Town 

of Natick took ownership of it in 

1974. The following year, several 

Natick organizations decided to 

use the land to provide summer 

employment for at-risk teenagers. 

NCOF is now a certified organic, 

nonprofit farm on conservation 

land, and is partnered with 

the Town of Natick. Because of 

its long history and commitment 

to conscious living, sustainable agriculture 

and humane treatment, 

the farm has become a model for 

many other farms in the state and 

across the country. 

Summer Activities 

NCOF sells fruits, vegetables 

and other natural foods and 

products from multiple outdoor 

farm stands during the warm 

months. At the Natick Farmer’s 

Market, local vendors are featured 

on the Natick Common 

every Saturday between May 

and November in an effort to 

support small farms and businesses 

throughout Metrowest. 

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Many families take part in 

the summer programs that range 

from early childhood through 

high school. For example, Girl 

and Boy Scouts can benefit from 

NCOF summer programs, where 

staff members help scouts earn 

badges, or teach them about the 

farm. Scouts can also be hosted 

for weekend camping events. 

For teenagers 15 and older, 

the farm hosts community meals 

called Dinners with Deena during 

the month of June. 

Families who take part in the 

farm’s Community Supported 

Agriculture (CSA) shares may 

find it beneficial to learn new recipes 

for the food they bring home 

every week. There are also volunteer 

and work opportunities for 

high school students. 

A Community-Supported 

Mission 

Staff members ensure that 

NCOF functions as sustainably 

New England 

and compassionately as possible, 

honoring their commitment of 

respect towards the planet. This 

shows in their large investments, 

including the solar panels that 

generate around 40 percent of 

their electricity, to small details, 

such as the bicycle rack and walking 

trails that encourage outdoor 

activity. 

NCOF’s animals are raised 

outdoors, with access to organic 

grass or feed, and their manure 

is used for fertilization. Composting 

has been a farm standard for 

over 30 years, making the soil 

rich and the food nutritious. The 

farm buys local timber for any 

construction that takes place on 

the farm whenever possible, and 

energy-efficient wood stoves provide 

heat for the buildings. 

As a nonprofit, NCOF’s 

thoughtfully crafted environment 

has been possible largely because 

of the contributions from Natick 

and other local residents. The 

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Girls plant some spring crops. 

(Photo/Trish Wesley Umbrell) 

farm currently has 410 member 

families, and Farm Administrator 

Trish Wesley Umbrell is grateful 

for their partnership. 

“Your membership dollars 

directly support our efforts to 

keep our land productive, provide 

fresh local food for our 

community, and educate people 

of all ages about where good 

food comes from,” she said. 

“We’re open every day, dawn to 

dusk, and don’t charge an admission 

fee, so financial support 

like memberships are what keep 

us going.” 

Farm Funding 

NCOF’s ability to serve the 

community became uncertain 

earlier this year. FinCom, 

Natick’s Finance Committee, 

recommended that NCOF’s 

$173,337 salary funding be dramatically 

reduced, which would 

have jeopardized the three paid 

positions that make up the farm’s 

senior management team, taking 

effect in July. 

Umbrell and the rest of the 

staff asked Natick residents for 

their continued support. “We’d 

like people in town who love, 

appreciate and benefit from having 

this free public farm in their 

backyards to ask their Town 

Meeting Representatives to vote 

in support of keeping this position 

in the town budget,” she 

said. During a town meeting in 

April, the full farm budget was 

approved with 97 voting for, 12 

voting against, and seven abstaining 

from voting. 

The farm operates throughout 

the year, and visitors are encouraged 

to take advantage of 

the numerous events, programs 

and other opportunities for all 

ages and interests. For more 

information about the Natick 

Community Organic Farm, visit 

www.natickfarm.org.


Poetry and Beyond: Natick’s Third Thursday Open Mic 



In celebration of the written 

word, a Natick gallery hosts 

a free monthly gathering. Third 

Thursday Open Mic Night offers 

a space at Gallery 55, 55 S Main 

St., where both artists and art-lovers 

share camaraderie, and a deep 

respect for each other and their 

creative work. Whether attendees 

choose to share their poetry or 

music with attentive listeners or 

appreciate those who share, every 

evening proves to be inspiring and 

transformative. 

Radio Poetry 

Third Thursday is hosted by 

Natick resident Molly Saccardo. 

The idea for the open mic night 

stemmed from her experience as a 

Roving Poet on the National Public 

Radio show Here & Now in the 

early 2000s. She and her co-poet 

Jim Behrle would introduce styles 

of poetry to the audience, read 

their own poems in those forms, 

and then invite listeners to send in 

their own poems. 

The response was powerful. 

“We got so many wonderful responses 

of people interacting 

with poetry who said they hadn’t 

written poetry since middle 

school, or that they hadn’t been 

able to deal with a particularly 

painful loss until the words tumbled 

out into this poem, or people 

who just had fun writing,” 

Saccardo said. 

The Roving Poet segment 

lasted a year before being cut due 

to budget constraints, but the interactions 

Saccardo had with 

other writers made an impression 

on her. “I missed the camaraderie 

of such a variety of poets, such 

as the voices of beginner poets 

finding their way to expression, 

and the well-practiced lines of 

those who had been playing with 

words for years,” she recalled. 

Artist Collaboration 

In 2008, a partnership with 

Gallery 55 owner John Mottern 

finally brought the feeling of artistic 

community Saccardo desired 

to Natick. After a handful of special 

poetry events, Mottern and 

Saccardo designed a regular series 

that would take place every third 

Thursday of the month from October 

through May. 

“John is generous and skilled 

at building community through 

the gallery, so, it is a collaboration 

that works well,” Saccardo 

Howard DePass Jr., featured 

poet for a Third Thursday event. 

(Photo/Via Perkins) 

Eddie Kane performing. (Photo/Via Perkins) 

said. “I find the talent and host 

the evening, and John takes care 

of the logistics.” 

A dedicated group of regulars 

formed around their vision, one 

in which many know and trust 

each other, and yet remain open 

and welcoming to newcomers. 

This dynamic has created a 

space in which everyone, whether 

a professional or casual artist, or 

simply someone who enjoys art, 

can feel welcome. The crowd 

tends to be diverse, and one of 

the qualities Saccardo is most 

Kiana Harper reading. (Photo/Via 

Perkins) 

proud of is the multi-generational 

aspect of the evenings. 

Event Culture 

When Third Thursday begins at 

around 7:30 p.m., a crowd is mingling 

a large studio room in Gallery 

55. The walls are adorned with visual 

art, which could be paintings, 

photos, metalwork, sculpture, or 

other mediums. A table with hors 

d’oeuvre, including wine, fruits, 

cheeses and crackers is laid out, and 

attendees grab a final bite to eat before 

the featured artist begins. 

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P.J. Karr reading. (Photo/Via Perkins) 

Poets are featured for most of 

the months, but a musical guest 

usually headlines in December 

as well as a month in the spring. 

The feature presents for about 30 

minutes, immersing the audience 

in their body of work. 

After a 10-minute break, the 

open mic commences and lasts 

for at least an hour. Open mic 

presenters are each allowed three 

minutes to read, play, sing or a 

combination of these. Once the 

event ends, many attendees stay 

late to reflect on the night’s readings 

and performances and get to 

know one another. 

“Poets who read at the Gallery 

often comment to me that they 

are impressed, amazed and truly 

enjoy our open mic readers and 

musicians,” Saccardo described. 

“The variety of voices and experiences 

is wide, but often there 

seems to be a collective spirit in the 

room, where poets and musicians, 

in a kind of serendipity, speak to a 

similar theme.” 

United in Art 

There is a deep sense of solidarity 

at Third Thursday events. 

Bonds are woven through the act 

of sharing art that is intimate and 

personal—whether it is joyful, or 

born out of struggle and suffering—and 

reaches to the heart of 

the human experience. 

This is reminiscent of the response 

the Roving Poet segment 

had in the wake of the Sept. 11, 

2001 tragedy. “We received a huge 

outpouring of poems without asking, 

because there was a real connection 

between the show and the 

listeners,” Saccardo remembered. 

“The feeling was that we would 

process this tragedy together.” 

Third Thursday draws people 

together in a similar way, providing 

a safe space for artistic expression 

where all perspectives 

are celebrated. Regulars come 

as much as for the art as for the 

companionship of the individuals 

that share it. Whether a word of 

wisdom, a moving song or a heartfelt 

conversation, Third Thursday 

attendees always leave Gallery 55 

with more than they came in with. 


Third Thursday Open Mic 

Night, visit www.gallery55.com/ 

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Sports 

Net Result—Natick Boys Tennis on an Upswing 

By Ken Hamwey, 

Staff Sports Writer 

The boys’ tennis team at 

Natick High is building tradition. 

Four years ago, when Adam 

Shute took the coaching reins, 

the Redhawks finished 3-12, 

then won one more match the 

following year. Two seasons ago, 

Natick topped .500, ending its 

campaign with a 10-8 record 

and a tournament berth. And, 

the progression continued last 

year — the Redhawks went 13-5 

before losing to powerhouse 

Needham in the first round of 

the playoffs.- 

As the regular season heads 

for the finish line, the Redhawks 

were 9-1, a record that ensures 

another major step forward for 

the program and a record good 

enough for another playoff 

berth. 

“Five of our top seven players 

are seniors with lots of experience,’’ 

Shute, a physical education 

teacher at Wilson Middle 

School, said. “We’ve got talented 

players who are athletic, 

consistent, technically sound 

and mentally tough. One area, 

however, where we’re striving 

for improvement is competing 

with elite teams, like Wellesley, 

Needham, Brookline and Newton 

North. This year, we’re taking 

steps in that direction.’’ 

When the 36-year-old Shute, 

who played tennis at Windham 

High School in Maine, became 

Natick’s coach, there were no 

home courts. The new high 

school was under construction 

and the old courts were demolished 

to make room for the new 

building. All of the Redhawks’ 

matches were on the road. 

“Our records my first two 

years were sub-.500 and not 

having any courts probably led 

to our numbers staying low,’’ 

Shute noted. “But, once new 

courts were built, we compiled 

winning records and drew 

more students. I previously was 

Natick’s jayvee soccer coach for 

four years and some of the kids 

who knew me got the bug and 

came out for tennis.’’ 

Shute’s goals this season, his 

fifth at the helm, were to qualify 

for the tournament again and 

advance past the first round. 

“That’s our primary goal — to 

get past the first round and advance 

as far as possible,’’ he said. 

“We feel the program’s moving 

forward and we’re optimistic 

about the future.’’ 

For Natick, however, the future 

is now and it’s relying on 

a freshman and sophomore in 

singles play, and five seniors — 

one in singles and the other four 

in doubles. The singles lineup 

includes freshman Zak Jakobs 

in the No. 1 slot, senior tri-captain 

Quentin Putnam at second 

singles and soph Phillip Pogrebinski 

at No. 3. At Local Town 

Pages deadline, Jakobs was 7-2, 

Putnam was 9-1 and Pogrebinski 

had a 7-2 record. 

“Zak is a very accomplished 

player,’’ Shute emphasized. “He 

plays tennis year round and he 

competes in private tourneys. 

He’s an intelligent player whose 

forehand and backhand shots 

are consistent. He serves well, 

mixes power with finesse and 

he’s mentally tough. Quentin 

is a four-year veteran who has 

a powerful forehand and good 

slice backhand. He’s mentally 

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tough, too. I’d rate him one of 

the top second singles player in 

the Bay State Conference. Phillip 

is talented, has good technique, 

hits with power and has a 

good forehand and backhand.’’ 

Natick’s first doubles team 

consists of senior tri-captains 

Vijay Yedidi and Chai Vedula, a 

pair of four-year veterans whose 

record was 7-2 at Local Town 

Pages deadline. “Both boys 

played second doubles last year,’’ 

Shute said. “They have excellent 

chemistry and they’re strong net 

players. Neither gets flustered 

and both are calm under pressure. 

They rely on being athletic, 

mentally tough and intense.’’ 

The second doubles tandem 

features seniors Charlie Ide and 

Andrew Dubsky, who were 7-2. 

“This is the first season they 

teamed up but they work well 

together, they’re strong at the 

net and they serve effectively,’’ 

Shute said. “Both worked very 

hard in the off-season.’’ 

Shute is quick to credit the 

Redhawks’ success to his players 

and he’s effusive in his praise for 

his trio of captains. “Quentin, 

Vijay and Chai are terrific role 

models and quality leaders,’’ he 

noted. “And they’re always positive 

and always give a strong effort.’’ 

Yedidi cites Natick’s team 

chemistry as a big plus and a 

prime reason for its success. 

“Our experience and confidence 

are keys but team chemistry is a 

big asset,’’ he said. “Zak is our 

No. 1 player in singles and even 

though he’s a freshman, he’s a 

talented player. We’re all focused 

on doing well in the tourney, and 

advancing farther than previous 

years is our goal.’’ 

Shute, who has his physed 

degree from St. Joseph’s 

of Maine and his master’s in 

athletic administration from 

Springfield College, emphasized 

that the spring season is short, 

making it difficult to conduct 

extensive instruction. “I make 

tweaks but my main focus is on 

getting the kids to love tennis 

and work on their games in the 

off-season,’’ Shute said. 

That strategy seems to be 

working just fine for a program 

that’s rising fast. 

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Natick Softball 

Captains 

Libbin, Mastrianni Key Assets on Young Redhawks Squad 

By Ken Hamwey, 

Staff Sports Writer 

Joyce Libbin and Madi Mastrianni 

are Natick High softball players 

who have a lot in common. 

Both are 17, they’ve been 

neighbors living on the same street 

for the last 15 years, both are National 

Honor society students, 

they play key infield positions and 

they’re junior captains. 

Libbin and Mastrianni also are 

two key assets on a squad that is 

young and inexperienced. The 

Redhawks faced huge odds to 

qualify for the tourney and their 

4-9 record after 13 games left 

them with a very remote chance 

for a playoff berth. But, Libbin, 

who plays second base, and Mastrianni, 

a shortstop, will be the first 

to attest that Natick very likely will 

be a force next season in the Bay 

State League. 

“We lost seven players to 

graduation and two others didn’t 

return,’’ Libbin said. “We knew it 

would be a difficult task to qualify 

for post-season play but we’ve got 

players who are athletic, positive 

and eager to improve. This season 

has turned out to be a great learning 

experience and no doubt has 

prepared us for next year.’’ 

Mastrianni concurs and adds 

that “gaining experience will enable 

the entire team to know what 

to expect, be more comfortable 

and handle pressure situations.’’ 

Alyssa Mabardy, who has 

served as Natick’s interim coach 

this year after Kerryn Perkins took 

a maternity leave, rates her two 

captains as dynamic role models 

and awesome leaders. 

“Joyce is a vocal captain and 

Madi is a leader by example,’’ 

Mabardy said. “They work together 

so well in the infield. Joyce 

covers a lot of ground and Madi 

has good range and isn’t afraid to 

get her uniform dirty. On offense, 

Joyce is a consistent contact hitter 

and Madi gives us power. Both 

have good footwork, speed and 

strong arms.’’ 

Although Libbin and Mastrianni 

listed the playoffs as their 

Sports 

team goal, they both stressed the 

importance of everyone improving 

daily, in games and in practice. 

They know that mission has been 

accomplished and they’re pleased 

their individual objectives have 

been achieved. 

“I wanted to be consistent in 

the field and at the plate,’’ Libbin 

said. “Being as flawless as possible 

at second base was my main goal. 

And, I’m pleased I’ve increased by 

batting average from .320 last year 

to .440.’’ 

Mastrianni achieved the goals 

she had on her to-do list. “I 

wanted to eliminate mental errors,’’ 

she noted. “And be more 

steady at the plate by increasing 

my average from .350 last year to 

.440 and knocking in more runs.’’ 

The captains are optimistic 

2017 will be a year of accomplishment 

and each points to a 

sophomore to help Natick elevate 

its stature in the BSL. Libbin admires 

the play of Julia Adelmann 

and Mastrianni likes Carly Erickson 

as a contributor. “Julia is versatile, 

able to play the outfield or 

the infield,’’ Libbin said. “She’s a 

strong hitter, fast and very consistent.’’ 

Mastrianni labels Erickson 

as “a first baseman who can hit, is 

driven and constantly improving.’’ 

And, both captains see no 

problem re-adjusting when Perkins 

returns next year. “Coach 

Mabardy did a good job motivating 

the players and getting us prepared,’’ 

Libbin and Mastrianni 

said. “She was very supportive. A 

transition back to coach Perkins 

won’t be difficult.’’ 

Both Libbin and Mastrianni 

point to games last year as sophomores 

that remain memorable 

and also strong efforts that boosted 

their confidence. “We missed the 

tourney as sophomores by one 

game,’’ Libbin said. “We had to 

beat Needham in our finale but we 

lost, 2-1. I had a double to drive 

in our only run and later had a 

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pair of singles.’’ Mastrianni went 

3-for-3 against Milton, getting two 

doubles, a single and one RBI in a 

major triumph. 

A softball team needs to be 

strong up the middle, and Libbin 

and Mastrianni are proof 

that tenet is reliable. They both 

relish playing their positions. “At 

second base, I’m involved in a lot 

of plays,’’ Libbin said. “It’s a must 

to not only cover second, but also 

first base.’’ Mastrianni likes shortstop 

because “it’s the center of the 

action and you get to call many 

plays.’’ 

Libbin, who also plays varsity 

volleyball, and Mastrianni have 

another year of softball and when 

their careers end at Natick, they’ll 

be hard at work on the academic 

front in college. Libbin is leaning 

towards engineering at a large Division 

1 school while Mastrianni 

hopes to major in business at a 

small school. 

Both players agree that their 

competitive philosophies focus on 

winning, improving and enjoying 

softball, and both concur that athletic 

venues are truly laboratories 

for learning life lessons. 

“You learn teamwork, how to 

set goals and how to overcome adversity,’’ 

they emphasized. “And, 

athletics enable you to create and 

build relationships.’’ 

Natick may be a long shot for 

the playoffs but with superb, high 

caliber captains like Libbin and 

Mastrianni, the Redhaw ++ks 

could be dominant on the diamond 

next year. 

Strong and capable leaders 

have a way of making things 

happen. 

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Run Your Inserts and 

Advertisements With Us! 

Call Sue Nasca at (508) 498-7074 

Community Events 

Mondays 

7 pm: Concerts on the Natick 

Town Common (July 6, 13, 20, 

27, August 3, 10) 

Wednesdays 

6:30 pm: Family Performances 

on the Natick Town 

Common (July 6-August 10). 

Thursdays 

5 to 8 pm: Natick Nights, 

downtown Natick. Street performers, 

beer and wine tastings, 

music and more. www.natickcenter.org 

6 pm: Family Picnic Supper 

Theater, Morse Institute Library, 

July and August. 

Saturdays 

9 am to 1 pm: Natick Farmers’ 

Market, indoors for the season 

at Common Street Spiritual 

Center, 13 Common St. www. 

natickfarmersmarket.com, www. 

facebook.com/natickfarmersmarket. 

Wednesday, June 1 

3 to 4 pm: Creative Connections: 

Broadway Cavalcade. 

Relax into summer with sparkling 

soprano Ruth Harcovitz 

bringing the history of Broadway 

in song. Lebowitz Meeting 

Hall, Morse Institute Library, 14 

E. Central St., morseinstitute.org. 

Friday, June 3 

6 pm: Courtyard Pops Concert, 

Wilson Middle School. 

Sunday, June 5 

8:30 am: 2nd Annual 5K 

Run/Walk in memory of Johnson 

teacher Katie von der Lieth, 

Johnson School. Register online, 

katiev.racewire.com. 

Thursday, June 9 

7 pm: All Town Fourth Grade 

Band Concert, Natick High 

School Auditorium. 

Saturday, June 11 

5:30 to 7 pm: A free picnic to 

honor the brave and those who 

love them: for veterans, active 

members of the military and 

their families! Fisk Church is 

providing the food and fun. Rain 

or shine. Fisk Memorial United 

Methodist Church, 106 Walnut 

St. RSVP by June 7 to Debi, 

508-653-1674, or fiskoffice@fiskumc.org. 


2 to 6 pm: Friends of the 

Bacon Free Library Garden 

Tour, a self-guided tour of beautiful 

area gardens. Tickets $30 in 

advance, $35 on the day of the 

tour; available for purchase at 

the library or at baconfreelibrary. 

org. Proceeds benefit the historic 

Bacon Free Library. 

Saturday, June 18 

8:30 to 12:30 pm: Father’s Day 

Weekend Canoe and Brunch, 

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary, 

$46, members; $56, nonmembers. 

Registration is required, by 

phone, 508-655-2296 or online, 

www.massaudubon.org. 


Tour de Natick, a bicycle ride 

fundraiser for the Natick Rotary 

Club with the funds raised given 

back to the students of Natick 

Public Schools in the form of 

scholarships, the third grade 

dictionaries and an award to the 

school with the most participants. 

8 am: The 25-mile ride will 

course through the scenic roads 

of the neighboring towns 

11 am: The 6 mile family 

ride will leave. All start and end 

at the Natick Common corner 

of Main and Central Streets. 

A barbecue will follow the 

event. To sponsor or preregister, 

visit www.tourdenatick.org. 

6 to 8 pm: Father’s Day Concert, 

Bacon Free Library, baconfreelibrary.org. 


9:30 am: Mini Triathlon at 

memorial Beach, natickma.org/ 

recreation. 

Thursday, June 30 

2 to 4 pm: Summer Reading 

Kickoff: On Your Mark, Get Set, 

Move, Laugh and Play, Morse Institute 

Library, Morseinstitute.org. 

Email your event, with 

“CALENDAR” in the 

subject line, by the 15 th 

of every month to editor@ 

naticktownnews.com. 

Events will be included as 

space permits.


What Affects Your Home’s Value Most? 

By John Szolomayer, Realtor 

Sellers are looking to get the 

maximum amount for their home, 

and some have an inflated idea of 

what to expect when finding the 

value of their home. Do home 

renovations truly give you a big 

return on the investment? Take 

a look at these important factors 

that impact your home’s value. 

Location is Everything - 

You know what they say, you’ve 

heard it before – “location, location, 

location!” Location includes 

factors such as the price 

of nearby homes, the quality of 

the school district and the sense 

of community. Many people 

seek out communities with walk 

able amenities. For millennials, 

it is important for them to be 

in the center of the action and 

within walking distance of the 

places they need to get to. 

Layout and Size - Homebuyers 

used to compete for homes 

with ample square footage, but 

many have fallen out of love 

with large homes. With large 

homes come more housework 

and more maintenance to keep 

up the home’s grand appearance. 

Layout is a big factor because 

even if you don’t have 

a 3,500 square-foot home, an 

open concept can make your 

2,000 square-foot home look 

just as spacious. The number of 

bedrooms is also a big influence 

on a home’s value, so think hard 

before you put up a wall to separate 

one room into two. Fewer 

but larger bedrooms increase 

the value of homes. 

Age and Condition – Older, 

historic homes and new, modern 

homes are traditionally more 

valuable than homes built in 

the middle of that timeline. As 

homes get older, they generally 

lose value, but there is also that 

point where homes become so 

aged that they have historical 

value. Along with the age of the 

home, the condition of the home 

also matters. Buyers are more 

willing to pay $20,000 more for 

a home that is in excellent condition 

than they are for a house 

that needs $5,000 worth of work. 

Putting in the Right Upgrades 

– Renovations can 

positively affect your home’s 

value – especially in areas like 

the kitchen and bathrooms. Although, 

if your home is over-thetop 

improved compared with 

other homes in the neighborhood, 

it can actually hurt your 

property’s value. Unless you 

live in an upscale neighborhood 

where built-in wine cellars and 

chef ’s kitchens are considered 

normal, you may want to save 

the money on expensive finishes 

Under Agreement: 44 Harvard Street, Natick 

For Sale: 204 Pond Street, Natick 

Let my 17 years experience of selling homes 

help you with your next move. 

PENDING 

33 Beverly Street 

Natick - $600K 

and go for the more basic options. 

You should also be sure to 

keep a record of the repairs and 

upgrades to show potential buyers 

that the home has been wellmaintained 

and taken care of. 

SOLD 

5 Pearl Street, Millis - $660K 

New Contruction 

Beth Byrne 

508.561.0521 

bsbyrne@comcast.net 

bethbyrneisinthehouse.com 

Facebook: bethisinthehouse 

61 Eliot Street Natick, MA 01760 

508.655.4141 

SOLD 

36 Stratford Street 


Information provided by John 

Szolomayer, Realtor from Hallmark 

Sotheby’s International Realty in 

Hopkinton. Each office is independently 

owned and operated. John can 

be reached for more information at 

(508) 259-4788 or at johnszolomayer.com. 

A Natick Resident, A Natick Enthusiast & 

An Expert in Natick Real Estate. 

19+ years of selling residential real estate in Metro West. 

SOLD 

33 Fairway, Medway 


NEW LISTING 

3 Heidi Lane 

Natick $769K 

SOLD 

23 Skyline Drive, Medway $440k 

19 5Th Ave, Watertown $485k 

9 Community Way, Foxboro $240k 

4 Fieldstone Rd, Medfield $590k 

1 Pearly Lane, Franklin $750k 

PENDING 

3 Beverly Street, Natick - $820K 

New Construction 

PENDING 

NEW LISTING 

PENDING 

PENDING 

20 SpringValley, Natick - $799K 

New Construction 

6 Cottage Street 

Medway - $259K 

304 North Street 

Medfield - $599K 

379 Village Street, Medway - $399K 

2 Family 

Serving Needham & 

Surrounding Towns 

Great rates for 

first time buyers! 

Please feel free to call for a free 

market evaluation of your home.


# 

1 NATICK AGENT AT BENOIT MIZNER SIMON 

NATICK IS MY HOME, LET’S MAKE IT YOURS 

SOLD 

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SOLD 

JESSICA ALLAIN 

Top 10 Premier Associate 

617.820.8114 

Jallainre@gmail.com 

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE 

COMPLIMENTARY MARKET ANALYSIS OR BUYER CONSULTATION 

544 BOSTON POST ROAD, WESTON, MA 

Benoit Mizner Simon & Co, LLC. An Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Natick June 2016

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