Monday Manual: Folk Hero, Restaurant Week, Police Exam

NATICK, MA — Welcome to the Aug. 2 edition of Monday Manual, where we highlight important events coming up during the week (plus a fun local fact) in seven Patch communities between Framingham and Worcester.

This week we're starting in Natick, which was once part of Dedham. Natick founder John Eliot, responsible for indoctrinating native people into Christianity, was given 2,000 acres in 1650 by Dedham's leaders for his "praying Indians" settlement. In 2021, Natick is actually larger than Dedham by about 7,000 residents.

1) Natick

On Friday, singer-songwriter Tom Rush will begin a two-night stand at The Center for Arts in Natick. Rush began performing during the folk revival of the early 1960s, influencing artists from James Taylor to Garth Brooks.

2) Marlborough

Tickets are now on sale for the city's second Oktoberfest celebration. The first one was held in 2019, and the event returns in September featuring Marlborough's big three: Lost Shoe, Flying Dreams and Tackle Box.

3) Worcester

Worcester Restaurant Week begins on Monday featuring three-course meals for $25. Dozens of restaurants in Worcester, Sutton, Auburn, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Spencer, Boylston and West Boylston are participating.

4) Wayland

At an event on Saturday, Wayland will debut the new C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award, which will go to a town resident who has served in local government. The first honoree will be announced in 2022.

5) Framingham

Over the past year, Framingham has moved away from using the civil service exam to hire police. The department is conducting its own hiring program, and the deadline to apply to take a test for the next recruit class is coming up on Aug. 10.

6) Milford

On Monday, the Select Board will vote on whether to reduce the quorum for a special Town Meeting coming up in August. The meeting is being convened over Milford's pending purchase of the Milford Water Company for $79 million.

7) Sudbury

Aug. 2 is tax day in Sudbury. Real estate and personal property taxes are due by the end of the day, and can be paid either online or in person at Town Hall.

If you have an event or activity you want included in Monday Manual, email neal.mcnamara@patch.com.