Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What happens to Natick’s equity work now that its director is gone?

Coming up on the Natick Patch calendar: Medfield Electronics Recycling Event ♻️

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What's up Natick! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What happens to Natick's equity work now that its director is gone?
  • Why are Natick and neighbors backing away from Flock cameras?
  • How Natick helped a 220-mile tribute to 9/11 victims.

Also on today's calendar: Medfield Electronics Recycling Event ♻️ and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the tree say when Spring arrived? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Humid with a thunderstorm, with a high of 81 and low of 58 degrees.
  • Saturday: Partly sunny and less humid, temps: high: 78, low: 56.
  • Sunday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 86 and low of 66 degrees. 🌶 Hot!

📰 News we're reading

1. Natick no longer has a director of equity, inclusion & outreach, but vows to carry on mission (natickreport.com) — Natick's grant-funded director of equity, inclusion and outreach position has ended after ARPA money ran out, but town leaders say they still plan to embed DEI work into existing departments and possibly a new committee. Officials cite budget pressures and a recent override request as reasons not to absorb the role, while exploring models used in other Massachusetts communities. Residents can expect equity efforts to continue, though in a restructured form.
   

2. Bellingham MA is latest to not renew contract with Flock. Here's why (metrowestdailynews.com) — Natick is part of a growing list of Massachusetts communities, including Bellingham and Hopkinton, that have ended contracts with Flock Safety's license plate reader system over privacy and transparency concerns. Bellingham's chief cites undisclosed AI search capabilities and public pushback, underscoring questions Natick residents may still have about how such surveillance tools are used.
   

3. Journey honoring Sept. 11 victims rolls through Natick (naticktownnews.com) — A 220-mile memorial journey honoring the crews and passengers of the Sept. 11 flights rolled through Natick, with local police escorting retired flight attendant Paul Veneto and his symbolic beverage cart. His "Paulie's Push" marks a final, 28-day trek from Boston to Ground Zero for the 25th anniversary. Natick officers helped ensure his safe passage and publicly endorsed his remembrance mission.
   

4. Allegra Commonwealth Singers seek vocalists. When you can try out (metrowestdailynews.com) — A regional chorus that regularly performs at Natick Days is recruiting new soprano and alto singers, with open guest nights every Monday in September in nearby Framingham. Rehearsals start Sept. 7 for a Dec. 5-6 holiday concert, and interested residents can sit in on rehearsals and learn more online before committing.
   

📸 Around Natick

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Natick

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Buying a Home This Fall? What New England Buyers Should Know About Home Inspections —Paula Fleming Read on Patch
  • Macy's, Inc. posted a job opening for Asset Protection Detective, Natick Collection - Part Time in Natick. Apply here.
  • Roche Bros. Supermarkets posted a job opening for Deli Clerk in Natick. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Natick here.

Ok Natick! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: What a re-leaf! (Thank you Flo G. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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