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July 2026

NOTE: DUE TO THE LENGTH OF THIS NEWSLETTER, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CLICK "VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE" AT THE BOTTOM OF YOUR SCREEN IN ORDER TO READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER OR CLICK HERE to View as Webpage .

Hello Neighbors and Friends -


WOW, that was a great Block Party and fireworks show (see beautiful photos from wrightpix photo gifts)! Community spirit was palpable and we enjoyed talking to so many people that night. We are settling into our new space and also busy planning some upcoming programs for this summer and fall. There is A LOT to share, as usual.


We look forward to sharing opportunities to visit the new space, which will give you a chance to learn about upcoming community programs, important resources and opportunities to engage and serve locally.


As a fun reminder, July is National Ice Cream Month and National Picnic Month. Shop local and enjoy!


Yours in Community,


Kelley Petralia

Executive Director, Westborough Connects

kelleyconnects1@gmail.com

 

Support Westborough Connects

(just by eating yummy food!)

NOTE: You must show a physical flyer or digital copy for it to apply toward the fundraiser.


Click HERE for a printable and downloadable version of the flyer.

 

COMING UP: Film Screening & Discussion

 

Registration Opening Soon!

A FEW SPONSOR SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. Interested? For more information, reach out to Kelley Petralia (kelleyconnects1@gmail.com)

 

Now Recruiting for Our Next Cohort!

 

SAVE THE DATE

Interested in exhibitor opportunities or being a Partial Program Sponsor to help make it possible? Reach out to Program Manager Laura Cerniglia (lauraconnects3@gmail.com).

 

Noteworthy

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A curated selection of articles, videos, audio and resources that we find worthy of sharing each month (no matter where you live).


  • You might not have heard of the term "collective effervescence," but you may have experienced it. It's special and only able to happen when others are around, experiencing something energetic and powerful alongside you. Read this Subtack post from Catherine Price to learn more about it and what makes it more likely (and less likely) to experience it.
  • It's difficult to find someone or a group in Westborough who has not been touched by Karen Henderson, General Manager of Westborough TV and longtime community volunteer. Westborough Connects certainly has. So, we were thrilled to learn that Karen was recognized at the MA State House as a 2026 Community Heroine, nominated by local state reps Hannah Kane and Kate Donaghue. Read all about it HERE.

Locally focused items centered on resources and announcements in Westborough.


  • Lake Chauncy beach is open! One day and season passes for residents of Westborough, Northborough and Southborough are available through Westborough Recreation (for a fee).
  • The Westborough Community Center Project Team is seeking input and ideas from residents about the project. The team will be at some upcoming Westborough Farmers' Markets (7/9; 8/6) and hosting sessions at the Westborough Senior Center (8/24) and Forbes (9/14; 9/21). Learn more HERE.
  • Nelson Ball Pickleball Courts will be closed for repairs through July 12th. Alternatively, 2 indoor courts are available at the Westborough Recreation Center (1500 Union Street). Find the calendar on their website.
  • Curious About Local Government? Applications are now open for the Town of Westborough's Fall 2026 Civic Leadership Academy, a 9-week program which gives residents an inside look at local government, connects participants with Town leaders and departments, and provides opportunities to learn how decisions are made in our community. Weekly classes from September 15 – November 10, 2026. Learn more and apply HERE.
 

Thank you!

Thank you to the following sponsors for renewing their support of Westborough Connects:


Grossman Development Group


Ball Financial Services

We are grateful for a grant to support our Belonging Bus initiative from Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

Our new location would not be possible without the generous support of the following "Hub Sponsors" and supporters:

 

Where can you find us this month?

July 23rd, 4-5:30pm


Location: The Belonging Bus @ Westborough Farmers' Market, Bay State Green.

The Belonging Bus is back! We will be making regular "stops" at the Park Village West apartment community. Park Village residents can find the schedule in their resident newsletter and at the clubhouse.


The Bus will also be at the Westborough Farmers' Market every week.

You'll find us at the Westborough Farmers' Market every Thursday from 2:30 to 6:30pm (Bay State Green, 10 Union Street). Stop by and say hello! See flyer further down in the newsletter for all the market details.

As we get settled in our new space, The Hub, we will be doing pop up open door hours throughout the summer while working on a more regular schedule for the fall. Stay tuned...

 

Get Involved!

Local Opportunities for Volunteering, Connection, Civic Engagement, Learning, and Helping the Environment

 

Help needed with flag removal

Every year, volunteers led by Westborough veterans place flags at the rotary for Memorial Day, July 4th and Veterans Day. It's a beautiful tradition.


Your help is needed to remove them from the rotary on the morning of July 12th. Learn more and sign up to help HERE.

 

Help needed for set up and breakdown

Join Westborough Connects adult and youth volunteers in setting up (45 minutes) and/or breaking down (30 minutes) the Westborough Farmers' Market each week. Choose one shift or many.


Find out more and sign up to help HERE.

 

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Check out these opportunities to help make sure no one in our community goes hungry


  • Little Free Pantry donation suggestions
  • Westborough Food Pantry requests
  • Host a Neighborhood Food Drive this summer. We make it easy for you with instructions, tips and flyer templates PLUS we will connect you directly with the Westborough Food Pantry. Find out more and sign up HERE.
 

PPAL is offering this 6 Week Course on Fridays, July 24th - August 28th from

11AM - 1PM. Register HERE

 

Community Programs and Events in Westborough

In addition to the events mentioned above, WPL will host many great programs in July:


  • Job Search Help (Wednesdays)
  • Wellness Programs (Tuesdays, virtual)
  • American Mah Jongg Open Play (multiple dates)
  • Family Fun Stories & Crafts (Wednesdays)
  • Teens Bloom & Build (7/16)


...and MUCH more!


Check out their full July calendar and event registration links HERE.

July programs and events include:


  • Summer Tuesday Nights!
  • Sunshine Cafe (7/15)
  • Alzheimer's & Dementia Peer Support Group (2nd and 4th Thursday)


...Nurses appointments (Tuesdays), Cribbage (Tuesdays), Dull Men's Club (2nd and 4th Thursdays), and MUCH more!


Check out the July Senior Scene newsletter HERE.

There are many opportunities to have fun at the Community Center (1500 Union Street), including many free activities. Check out the calendar HERE.


  • Open Play Times
  • Adult Table Tennis schedules
  • Gym Court schedules


Check out the Spring/Summer 2026 Brochure HERE

 

Square One Corner

Note: this newsletter section features resources and programs focused on mental and behavioral health, including some items shared through the Westborough Public Schools' Wellness Team's "Wellness Bites" bulletin.

FREE "Quit Kits"



Looking for some distractions and inspiration to help you quit vaping or smoking? OR, are you trying to support someone else who is?


The CMSAPC team put together these Quit Kits. We will have them available for anyone who wants them (FREE), along with a sheet of tips and resources. Visit us at the Westborough Farmers' Market or email westboroughconnects@gmail.com, if you'd like one.

 

Local Impact Fundraisers

To submit a local fundraising event or initiative for consideration in this section, please email westboroughconnects@gmail.com

  • Rotary Club of Westborough recently installed a Peace Pole at Bay State Green. To help raise money for the completed installation, the club is offering a limited number of personalized bricks for purchase. Learn more HERE.
  • Town Takeover at the WooSox is July 22nd at Polar Park. $5 from every ticket sold using the special purchase link HERE will go to Westborough Food Pantry.
 

Mark Your Calendars for This NEW Fall Event

 

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.

Community Sponsors

Community Grant Sponsors

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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