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May 28, 2020
Hello Neighbors and Friends -

We are a week and a half into the "Safer at Home" phase for Massachusetts. In talking to many people - family, friends and community members - it is clear that stepping into this first phase is not just a consideration of where/what we can (or should) do physically. It's also about what we need and are prepared for from a mental and emotional standpoint, as well. These considerations are unique to every individual and family. So, while we have some guidelines and watch as society moves forward, we are all figuring out what pace works for us personally.

For the past several months, we rallied together to support the steps needed to "flatten the curve" during this COVID-19 pandemic. We felt a tighter connection - a we're-all-in-this-together spirit. At times, it was palpable. We're still in this together - but our experiences have and will continue to be our own. Loss of life, financial insecurity and heightened mental health challenges like anxiety are realities for many....So are moments of unexpected joy, beauty in nature and community strength. We are working through our own experiences and we simply don't know what others are going through.

My hope for this Phase 1 (and beyond) is that we continue to seek out ways to support each other by forgoing judgement and seeking understanding while we adapt to all that is around and ahead of us. Talking to each other, with sincere interest and open minds, can go a long way. Eye contact and a smile so large that it escapes a face covering can turn around someone else's day (and yours) and let them know you see them.


Yours in community,

Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, on behalf of the Westborough Connects team
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
JUNE 10th DEADLINE : Submit your photos and reflections by email to kathy5connects@gmail.com
Together. Apart. Always. Stories of Connection and Resilience in Westborough is an inspired project of Westborough Connects to preserve the individual and collective experiences during the COVID-19 epidemic and quarantine.

For more details on this project, visit our web site HERE. Like and Follow our project Facebook page Westborough Connects Together Apart Always . For translated materials (Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic), click HERE .
Opportunities to Assist Others
We will continue to share updates about opportunities and efforts to serve those in need in our community. PLEASE NOTE: Some of the information in this section was included in previous newsletters but is worth repeating. To differentiate between new and previously shared information, we have included new information in GREEN.
The Westborough Senior Center is seeking donations of reusable, cloth face masks.

If you would like to donate them to the Town of Westborough for distribution to the general public, they can be dropped off at the Westborough Senior Center, 4 Rogers Road. There is a covered bin by the front door that the masks can be left in if there is no one at the Senior Center to accept them. Thank you!
The Westborough Food Pantry is preparing to resume distribution of food in early June. In addition to a food drive this Saturday hosted by In Your Shoes, the food pantry continues to accept grocery card donations and monetary donations. They may be dropped off in the black box in front of the Town Hall, at the Fire Station just inside the first set of doors or sent via US Mail to: Westborough Food Pantry, PO Box 502, Westborough, MA 01581. Please note: the food pantry can obtain gift cards at a discounted rate, so monetary donations go further than gift card donations.
  • The Westborough COVID-19 Community Fund was established to assist those in Westborough who are disproportionately affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. Donations are welcome and needed. Click HERE for more information.
Opportunities for Connection
Tomorrow, 10am-noon!
The Westborough Veteran's Advisory Board is gathering contact information for the families of Westborough military personnel. The Board wants to be ready to provide assistance, in any form needed, if and when the need arises. They are seeking families of all Active Duty members serving at a distance from the town, all Reserve/National Guard service members activated during the current crisis, and any veteran living in Westborough. Any information gathered this way will be kept confidential. Click HERE for more information or contact Westborough Veterans Service Officer, John Gallinagh (508-366-3085 or jgallinagh@centralmassvets.org). 
Free Community Programming
National Parks Virtual Trip

Come be an armchair traveler on a FREE virtual trip to the U.S. National Parks in the Colorado Plateau on June 2nd at 7 pm and the U.S. National Parks of the Pacific Northwest on June 9th at 7 pm .

Join Stephen Farrar on a virtual tour of Zion, Bryce Canyon, Arches, Grand Canyon and several more U.S. National Parks on June 2nd. Click here to register for the June 2nd program. On June 9th, Farrar will also host a virtual tour of Mount Rainier, Olympic, Redwood, Crater Lake and others.

Stephen has explored 59 of the 61 U.S. National Parks, including hiking to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, camping among the wolves of Isle Royale, scaling rock faces in Yosemite, and climbing to the summits of Mount Rainier and Denali. Come explore some great national treasures from the comfort of your home! Registration is required for each program and you will be sent the zoom link on the day of the event. Registration links for each program can be found HERE .
Community Spirit and Strength
Local funeral homes are a community's "last responders" in the COVID-19 crisis, offering comfort and guidance to family members as they grieve their lost loved ones.

Last week, the Westborough Women's Club brought some love to Pickering Funeral Home in Westborough - brightening their sidewalks with messages and drawings of support.

Thank you!
A Few Worthy Reads
  • One of our go-to favorite sources for positive, meaningful and thought-provoking reads is Greater Good Magazine. Here's a recent article on "What Happens When You Give People the Benefit of the Doubt."
  • Businesses, small and large, have provided so many examples of reaching out in community to be of service to others. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read this Good News Network story about a German IKEA store lending its parking lot to local Muslims to celebrate Eid al-Fitr together.
Several Helpful Resources & Quick Reference Links
PLEASE NOTE: Some of the information in this section was included in previous newsletters but is worth repeating. To differentiate between new and previously shared information, we have included new information in GREEN
  • **If you or someone you know is in need of food, please contact the Westborough Food Pantry at 508-366-3007. Please reach out -no one should go hungry. Language interpretation services are available by calling the COVID-19 info line at 508-871-5111.
  • Westborough residents have free access to INTERFACE, a mental health resource and referral helpline to help children, adults and families become connected with mental health and wellness resources. Call 1-888-244-6843 Monday-Friday between 9 am and 5 pm to consult with a mental health professional about resources and/or receive personalized, matched referrals. For more information about INTERFACE, click HERE. 
  • Our network partners, SPARK Kindness, have pulled together a comprehensive resource site full of mental health tips and resources, including self-care podcasts, apps, etc. You can find it HERE.
  • Libraries continue to be a critical community resource. The MA state library system has expanded its offerings for free online educational and literary resources. Click HERE to view and learn more. You can also view resources and events through Westborough Public Library HERE. Westborough Public Library is slated to resume curbside services in early June - stay tuned!
  • Westborough Youth & Family Services continues to update its COVID-19 Resource List. You can find information about how to obtain assistance with food and other important services, including mental health. This resource list will soon be available in multiple languages. Links will be shared soon.
  • Westborough TV continues to broadcast and make available the videos from meetings of the Board of Selectman, Board of Health, School Committee and other town committees. Click HERE to visit the Westborough TV homepage and click on Meetings on Demand. They are also replayed on Westborough TV broadcast channels (Verizon channel 28 and Charter channel 192).
  • For the most direct way to get accurate information for the Town of Westborough during this time, view official town updates HERE.
  • If you find yourself in need of emergency services but are unable to speak, you can Text to 911.
  • In addition to the Reverse 911 calling system, we also have a CodeRED alert system that you may enroll in by texting "WESTBOROUGHFIRE" to 99411. You may also want to sign up for the town's email alert system HERE. Chief Pat Purcell provides very useful town updates each Sunday via this alert system (Thank you, Chief Purcell!).
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. Westborough Connects always welcomes new members and is dedicated to connecting people to resources and each other.