If you have received this email as a forward and wish to subscribe to the Westborough Connects mailing list, please click HERE. For previous newsletters, click HERE.
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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
I'm writing this as we await our first potential snowfall of the season - autumn is behind us now! The end of the year brings some new (well, continued) uncertainty on COVID-19 and in other areas. Again, I find myself staying in the moment and trying not to get too far ahead in thinking about what could be. We have had brighter days and they will return. For now, I'll look to the beauty and "cozy" nature of the New England winter to wrap around me, and be grateful for my family, friends and partners in the work of Westborough Connects.
As we get ready to close out 2021, we have much work ahead of us and no one person or group can do it alone. There are many topics and issues in our current lives that are showcasing our differences (in a negative light) and promoting division. I am confident from talking to many people that there is a true desire to understand and accept each other. If you look on local Facebook pages (Westborough or any of the surrounding towns), the challenges of being somewhat isolated and lacking opportunities to dig deep into sharing, learning and listening alongside our neighbors have taken a toll. My big question for next year is, how do we build bridges in a way that respects each other's differing viewpoints and lived experiences without tearing each other down? Leaving room to grow, express, make mistakes, etc. It's complex. It won't be a quick fix and it also can't be solved on social media.
As I've said before, Westborough Connects does not have all the answers. Fortunately, there is a lot of this bridging work going on throughout the U.S. and the world. We will learn and bring some of that to our work, to share and work on the skills for inclusion and connection. It will require conversations with each other and we plan to have LOTS of them next year. There are many things we can practice and learn - some simple and others more involved.
In a recent meditation class offered by our Partner in Kindness, Release Well-Being Center, the instructor Carole left us with a small paper postcard printed with a simple reflection that I have used myself when struggling with someone I am disagreeing with. Here it is:
May you be happy.
May you be healthy.
May you be safe.
May you live with ease.
While I haven't said the words out loud to anyone, I have said them in my head when trying to avoid an immediate negative reaction that was surfacing for me. I found it helpful and thought it was worth sharing.
Finally, to those celebrating holidays this month, including Chanukah for Jews, Christmas for Christians and Kwanzaa in celebration of African American culture, I hope you experience the joy of the special traditions you hold dear.
Yours in community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, Westborough Connects
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
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Support for Westborough Connects |
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Now through December 31st, we are in the midst of our Annual Appeal fundraising campaign.
A donation of any size will help us continue our work of building kindness, resilience and connection in Westborough. We can't do it without your support. Thank you!
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THANK YOU
Stephanie Stuchlik
for being a
BRIDGE BUILDER
Sponsor
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Visit Realtor Stephanie Stuchlik on Facebook HERE.
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ONE Worcester is an amazing organization that provides consulting and coaching services to Worcester-area nonprofits. Westborough Connects is grateful to be working with ONE Worcester on its current strategic planning.
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Upcoming Westborough Connects Events |
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Registration for this free, in-person event will open on January 5th. Details to follow. |
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Community Programs and Events |
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PLEASE NOTE: A goal of this newsletter is to highlight free, community-focused events that are open to all and bring us together. We do our best to keep up with all the great things going on around town, but we need your help! Please reach out and let us know about any events that would be important to include! Email us at westboroughconnects@gmail.com. Thank you.
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Happening TONIGHT!
December 9th, 7-8:30pm
Do you feel tired and overwhelmed? Have you continually put off the things you need to do for yourself? This program is designed for parents, caregivers, and educators, who have been pandemic heroes (often at their own expense). Therapist and author Sheryl Ziegler, Psy.D., will offer practical, empowering, and proven solutions to promote self-care and thriving.
Simultaneous Spanish Language and ASL Interpretation will be provided. This virtual program is presented by our network partners, SPARK Kindness. Program begins at 7pm and will be held virtually.
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Do you have a FANTASTIC light display you'd like to share this season? Let us know where you're located in Westborough, and we'll add you to the map! (Please only add your own address.) The deadline is December 10, 2021 and the map will be posted shortly thereafter on local Facebook pages, via Westborough Recreation's mailing list and the Community Advocate newspaper! Click HERE to add your address.
If you have questions or need more information please email Maureen Amyot, Library Director, (mamyot@town.westborough.ma.us).
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Westborough Public Library presents: |
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The Kids' Department at Westborough Public Library hosts: |
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Register for a specific date on the WPL events calendar HERE.
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Opportunities for Connection, Civic Engagement, and Helping Others & the Environment |
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Bridging Buddies
A Westborough Connects initiative for intergenerational connection
Do you, an aging parent or other close family member living in Westborough seek cross-generational connection with another adult community member from Westborough?
Do you want to feel like you are helping ease the loneliness of another community member?
Join Bridging Buddies, a program that pairs community members across generations who are interested in corresponding with someone via letter writing, phone calls or email. To express interest in being a "buddy" or to learn more about how it works, email Janet Hart (hartfamily04@verizon.net).
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The Westborough Civic Club could use some additional volunteer help at their annual tree sale. Opportunities for adults and high school students.
If you're interested in helping, email info@westborocivicclub.com.
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Are you looking to make a difference in our community?
The Senior Center is looking to grow their volunteer base and has an array of volunteer opportunities ranging from office helpers, librarians, drivers to medical appointments and more. If you have an hour or two free in the late morning, how about becoming a substitute driver delivering Meals on Wheels?
Volunteers can help weekly or on an ad hoc basis, so please contact Kristen or Maryellen at 508-366-3000 to discuss how you can be of service.
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The Westborough Town Seal Review Committee Seeks Public Input from YOU! |
The Committee is reaching out via multiple community groups to solicit input relative to the town seal. These questions have been the focus of the information gathering but interested individuals are welcome to share any thoughts they may have on the topic. The Committee seeks responses to these questions:
- Does the imagery on the current town seal reflect the values and ideals of our community?
- When you think of Westborough, what symbols come to mind as representative of our community?
- Based on this committee’s charge, if the recommendation is to change the seal, what are some ideas for the process of designing it, as well as new elements to include?
Here is a link to the slideshow that will give you some context and background. Any resident of Westborough can submit comments by emailing one-page, double-spaced comments to: townsealreview@town.westborough.ma.us or dropping off written comments at the Town Clerk’s Office, 34 West Main Street, Westborough, MA 01581. All comments must include the name and address of the author.
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Town Nomination papers now available for many elected positions in town.
Now is your opportunity to serve and make a difference!
The Town of Westborough has numerous elected boards and committees. It relies on civic engagement from residents to run much of the town. You have an opportunity to be of service to the town and fellow community members. Nomination papers are now available for several positions. For more information, including how to submit your nomination papers for the 2022 Annual Town Election on March 8, 2022, click HERE.
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During Kindness Week, several Partners held "Kindness Champions in Our Community" drawings. Patrons could nominate someone and a drawing was held at the end of the week. The Kindness Champions in Our Community honorees were: Kathleen Dustin, Christy Pino, Avery Gonsalves, Susan de Gruchy, Terry Gavin, and The McKenzie Family. Thank you to each of them for contributing positively to our community in their own ways.
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Every year, the Westborough Civic Club, a volunteer-run nonprofit group, donates tens of thousands of dollars to Westborough community organizations. They are a sponsor of our annual Westborough Unplugs initiative. We are so fortunate to have an organization like this in town. They are in the midst of their annual Christmas tree and wreath sale, located on the front lawn of Hastings Elementary School. This is their ONLY fundraiser. If you are in need of a Christmas tree, roping and wreaths, please consider visiting them to purchase your live winter greenery. Your purchase will support the community!
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Bravo to Shehla Eledroos, Central MA Connections in Faith and Westborough Interfaith Clergy for a beautiful event last month - Faiths in Tune - a showcase of inclusion and connection through music. The program featured choral and music groups across a broad spectrum of ages, faiths and cultures. Of course, Westborough TV was there and you can watch the entire program HERE. To close out the event, all performers joined together on stage for a sweet rendition of the song "We Are the World." Watch that performance HERE.
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The Westborough Winter Stroll and Light Parade events on November 28th were a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the local businesses and stroll through the downtown. Over 45 businesses participated in the stroll, several residents joined in the parade and many more lined the streets to watch the annual winter lights unveiling. It was a full afternoon of activities and community. Great job by Westborough Recreation, Rotary Club of Westborough, Westborough Public Library and the Westborough Economic Development Committee. If you missed it, you can read about it in this Community Advocate article.
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The Frank & Mary Show on Westborough TV recently hosted a special guest, Bob Sylvester. Bob has organized the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner for the past 50 years as part of the Westborough Knights of Columbus, serving Thanksgiving dinners to thousands of Westborough residents over the years. Watch it on Westborough TV HERE.
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Noteworthy Reads and Resources |
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The Humankind podcast (NPR) has many great series, including an episode on Deep Listening as part of a series, "The Power of Nonviolence." Listen for yourself HERE (or through your favorite podcast app) to learn some strategies for communicating across differences or through interpersonal conflict.
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"The Evolution of Religions in Westborough," by church historian Tom Morgan, describes the 13 places of worship in town so new and old residents will better understand and appreciate each other's values and religious traditions. This program traces the growth of religious institutions in Westborough, from the first Puritan Meeting House in the 1700s with Rev. Ebenezer Parkman to the thirteenth place of worship, the Gurudwara Sahib Sikh temple, opened in 2014 on Flanders Road. Click HERE to watch the film and visit the Westborough Historical Society website for programs about events and characters who helped Westborough develop into the town it is today. Viewing this program is a great way to learn about how the 300+year-old Westborough developed after it was home to the Nipmucs for hundreds of years.
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The Westborough Senior Center publishes a monthly newsletter, sharing events, initiatives and resources. Click HERE to read the December edition.
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You can subscribe to e-alerts from the Town of Westborough, including the monthly Westborough Senior Center newsletter, the new Westborough Youth & Family Services newsletter, as well as announcements from various boards and committees. To do so, click HERE and select the alerts you'd like to receive.
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"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears."
-Rumi
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About Westborough Connects
Westborough Connects is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN # 84-1751472) focused on building a more connected and kind community where everybody feels like they belong. Often in partnership with others, Westborough Connects creates opportunities to support and celebrate the diversity, spirit, and character of Westborough through programs and events that are community-based, strengths-based and dedicated to connecting people to resources and each other.
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You can also support Westborough Connects with the purchase of these custom design products (other items also available). Click HERE to view and purchase merchandise.
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2021 Westborough Connects Grant Sponsor |
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westboroughconnects@gmail.com l www.westboroughconnects.org |
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