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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
This month, the 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration takes place and we've added a potluck dinner to this event! We hope you will join us for this opportunity to "break bread" and build community connection and belonging for all. Keep reading for details and a link to RSVP. Please help spread the word!
When preparing this newsletter each month, I often look back at the newsletter for the same month during the previous year to make sure I don't accidentally miss annual town traditions, etc. In the spirit of not "recreating the wheel," I am resharing the suggestions I included for starting off 2025 as I believe they are as true as they have ever been- see below). We need local community and social connection as much as we ever have-maybe more than ever. To that end, the Westborough Connects team has been busy pulling together our 2026 program calendar and we will be sharing it soon.
Yours in Community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, Westborough Connects
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
| Suggestions for the New Year, (from January 2025 Notes on Connection): | | |
A curated selection of articles, videos, audio and resources that we find worthy of sharing each month (no matter where you live).
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"Micro-moments" can lead to increased feelings of connection and belonging. Learn a little more in this short video news story HERE. (The neuroscience of connection is fascinating!).
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Locally focused items centered on resources and announcements in Westborough.
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Nomination Papers for the 2026 Annual Town Election in Westborough are available at the Town Clerk’s Office in Town Hall, 34 West Main Street, Westborough. Several positions are up for election. The last day to take out papers is Thursday, Jan. 15. They are due back to the clerk for certification by 5 pm on Tuesday, January 20, 2026. For more information and a list of open seats, click HERE or call the Town Clerk's office: 508 366-3020.
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Upcoming Program
All Are Welcome!
| | Upcoming Connect Over Coffee Meet Up | | |
Wednesday, January 21st
10-11:30am
Location: Red Barn Cafe, 17 South Street
Never been to a Connect Over Coffee before? Please don't worry about that! We welcome you to drop by and say hello. These informal meet ups are opportunities to connect with Westborough Connects staff, board members, new and existing Volunteers as well as anyone who is interested in connecting with fellow community members. Drop in for a free cup of coffee or stay for the whole time! Come by yourself or bring a friend! Thank you to Red Barn Coffee Roasters for providing coffee and pastries.
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Get Involved!
Local Opportunities for Volunteering, Connection, Civic Engagement, Learning, and Helping the Environment
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Westborough Connects is continuing the Westborough Neighborhood Food Drives initiative, which began as part of Kindness Week 2024.
This is an opportunity for any Westborough resident to host a week-long food drive in their own neighborhood or community.
Never done this before? We will make it simple for you - we have sample flyers and tips and tricks to make it easy! Plus, the pantry management will reach out directly to you to coordinate what to collect, when to bring it, etc.
View and sign up for 2026 slots HERE.
| | | ALL are welcome to volunteer to make this annual tradition a success! You do not need to be a parent of a current WPS student (or even a parent at all!). If you are unsure, feel free to reach out to publicity@projectgraduationwestborough.org with any questions. | | |
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Serve on a town committee!
Westborough residents who are interested in sitting on a town board or committee may submit an application for a vacant seat. Applications are available online through the Town's Boards and Committees module HERE. Interested residents may also submit printed versions of these applications to the Town Manager's office in Town Hall (34 West Main Street). Applications may only be submitted for boards and committees with a current vacancy; applications will not be accepted for elected positions. Vacancies can be found HERE.
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Westborough Food Pantry Wish List | | | | Community Programs and Events in Westborough | |
Tree ID in Winter
Hosted by Westborough Community Land Trust
Sunday, January 25th, 1-3pm
Location: Libbey-Wile Forest
Many of us can identify common trees by their leaves, but what about when the leaves fall off for the winter? On this WCLT walk, learn what other clues you can look for to tell our native trees apart, such as the tree’s shape, the color and texture of the bark, and the appearance of the buds that are forming for next spring. A walk in the wintry woods becomes more interesting when you can recognize the trees you see around you! Our walk leader will be Kyle Grendell, Westborough’s Tree Warden.
About 1-2 miles on uneven woodland terrain. Traction devices attached to boots are highly recommended. The walk is free, open to the public, no reservation needed. Park at the end of Carroll Drive in Westborough, on one side of the street only. Before leaving check WestboroughLandTrust.org for cancellations. Contact: events@westboroughlandtrust.org with questions.
Trail Map HERE.
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In addition to the events mentioned above, WPL will host many great programs this month:
- Adulting 101 Life Skills Series - Financial Literacy with Central One Federal Credit Union (1/15)
- Children's Room: Move, Groove and Learn featuring musician Sarah Gardner (1/12)
- Teens: Literary Latte (1/27)
- Author talks
- Wellness events
- Teen Drop-in Events
and MUCH more!
Check out their full January calendar and event registration links HERE.
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January programs and events include:
- American Mahjong (Wednesdays, 12:30pm)
- Cribbage (Tuesdays, 9:30am)
- Dull Men's Club (2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10am)
- Come Learn AI with Ev (1/20, 2pm)
and MUCH more!
Check out the January Senior Scene newsletter HERE. (note: calendar includes free and fee-based activities). Questions? Feel free to call the friendly staff at 508-366-3000.
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There are many opportunities to have fun at the Community Center (1500 Union Street), including many free activities:
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Open Play Time and Adult Table Tennis schedule HERE.
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Find the Gym Court Schedule HERE.
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GIRL Boxing on January 17th HERE.
PLEASE NOTE: The basketball courts are currently unavailable while they repair a hoop. Check the website for updates on repair and schedule.
For more details, including winter programs (free and fee-based), visit Westborough Recreation's website HERE.
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Square One Corner
Community Events and Resources to Support Mental and Behavioral Health
| | Note: this new newsletter section will feature resources and programs focused on mental and behavioral health, including some items shared through the Westborough Public Schools' Wellness Team's "Wellness Bites" bulletin. | | |
As a member of CMSAPC, we are pleased to share the video recording of this fall webinar launching the Talk Early. Talk Often campaign to educate adults on today's cannabis and how to talk to teens. The webinar featured UMass Pediatrician (and Westborough Connects board member) Dr. Safdar Medina and a young adult, Shea Finnegan.
Please note, the Square One Collaboration will host an event with Dr. Medina and Shea in March. Stay tuned for more information...
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Register HERE.
PPAL offers many virtual and in-person events each month. View their full calendar HERE.
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Westborough Connects, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (EIN # 84-1751472), is a community connector with a mission to help build a thriving, kind, and connected community where everybody belongs. By listening and responding to the needs of the community, we connect people to resources and to each other. We foster meaningful relationships through events, collaborative partnerships and communications. Westborough Connects is the proud winner of the Civic Pride Award as part of the Westborough Economic Development Committee's 2022 Year in Review Awards.
| | Westborough Connects is proud to be a member of: | | Interested in becoming a sponsor of Westborough Connects? We'd love to talk to you. Please email us at westboroughconnects@gmail.com | |
westboroughconnects@gmail.com
www.westboroughconnects.org
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