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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
In case you missed it, our 8th annual Kindness Week in Westborough begins on Sunday! We'll send out another bulletin detailing Sunday's Kickoff to Kindness Week event. You'll also hear from us each day next week, with a short bulletin each day to highlight the theme and community initiatives happening.
For now, we bring you our November Notes on Connection newsletter with all the events, resources and inspiration we typically share each month. Enjoy....
Yours in Community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, Westborough Connects
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
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Every November, our Board of Directors takes a moment to reach out with gratitude and hope during our annual appeal, inviting our community to support the work of Westborough Connects. We do so this year with deep awareness that the ongoing government shutdown and pause on SNAP benefits have placed added strain on families and neighbors who are already working hard to make ends meet.
At Westborough Connects, our mission - to build a kind, connected, and resilient community for everyone - feels more important than ever. Every one of our programs is free and open to all, made possible by the generosity of people like you who believe in the power of connection.
If you are in a position to give this year, your donation, no matter the size, will be put right back into our community, helping us offer programs and events that bring people together, support well-being, and strengthen the bonds that make Westborough such a caring place to live.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support, your compassion, and your belief in a more connected community for all.
| | Donations can be made through our PayPal Campaign (tinyurl.com/WC2025AA), via Venmo (@westboroughconnects) or by mailing a check to Westborough Connects, P.O. Box 1476, Westborough, MA 01581. | We are thrilled to partner with a local business, BORO Sugar Shack, to thank donors who make a contribution of $150 or more OR set up recurring monthly donations of $12.50 or more. | | |
A curated selection of articles, videos, audio and resources that we find worthy of sharing each month (no matter where you live).
- Wishing meaningful celebrations to all that mark holiday this November, including:
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Dia de los Muertos (November 1-2)
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All Saints Day (November 1st)
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Veterans Day (November 11th)
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Thanksgiving (November 27th)
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November is National Family Caregivers Month. The American Heart Association compiled some helpful resources geared towards caregivers - healthy eating, communicating as a caregiver, physical and mental health.
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Locally focused items centered on resources and announcements in Westborough.
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Westborough Public Schools and the Town of Westborough published a letter with helpful resources to assist community members who are impacted by the federal government shutdown. Find it HERE.
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The South Middlesex Opportunity Council’s (SMOC) Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) is offering several upcoming workshops around financial literacy and home buying. Many are free. Find out more HERE.
| | | For full details on the kickoff event and entire week, click HERE. | | | Special Kindness Week Connect Over Coffee | | |
Thursday, November 13th
9-10:30am
Westborough Recreation Department
1500 Union Street, 2nd floor, Westborough
Our Connect Over Coffee initiative provides an opportunity for informal meet ups 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! Thanks 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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Scouting for Food benefits Westborough Food Pantry. It's an easy way to make a difference!
If you have your bags at the top of your driveway or by your door by 9am, the scouts will pick them up. If you get missed, please drop your bags off at the Westborough Food Pantry (9 E. Main Street) and the scouts will get them out of your car.
Food items requested: Hamburger Helper, rice, rice pilaf, dry beans - black dry beans - any kind, canned corn, canned potatoes, canned beets, ketchup, mayo, cake/brownie mixes, microwave popcorn, pump hand soap.
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Come together with the community to honor those who served. Westborough VFW Post 9013 is providing refreshments and a light lunch in celebration of our community.
Coffee & refreshments: 10:00 AM
Ceremony: 10:30AM
Light brunch: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM
All are welcome — veterans, their families and friends, and community members.
| | | | Westborough Kindness Week features 13 donation drives happening next week around the community. These two begin at our Kickoff to Kindness Week on Sunday... | |
All are welcome to attend the luminary lighting event for free and view this beautiful expression of support and awareness for teens' mental health. Learn more HERE. | | | | Community Programs and Events in Westborough | |
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Film Screening
Watch a local premiere of this new documentary film shining a light on math as the foundation of democracy & economic opportunity. Hosted by Westborough Public Schools.
Watch the trailer HERE.
Register to attend HERE.
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Annual Westborough Turkey Trot
The Westborough Education Foundation's annual Westborough Turkey Trot will take place on Saturday, November 22nd, at 9 am. The Kids' Fun Run and the Senior Stroll will begin at 10 am.
Even if you don't plan to run or walk, consider coming out to cheer on your neighbors as they make their way around town to help raise money for the Westborough Education Foundation.
Click HERE to learn more and/or register as a runner or walker!
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MA GIRL Boxing Club
Saturday, November 22nd
10:45-11:45am
Westborough Community Center, 1500 Union St, Westborough
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GIRL Boxing Club is a FREE, non-contact boxing class for girls ages 3-16 - no prior experience or equipment required!
GIRL Boxing Club is a nonprofit that strives to empower young girls by building their confidence, strength, and sense of pride while creating friendships and a supportive community through boxing.
Learn more HERE.
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Westborough's Annual Tradition | |
Register for the Fun Run HERE.
Register for the Light Parade HERE.
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In addition to several events during Kindness Week and those shared above, WPL has some great programs this month :
- Candy Scavenger Hunt (11/8)
- Tween Creations (11/12)
- Adulting 101 (11/13)
- Tech Help (11/15)
- Fiber Art: Make a Mini Quilt (11/29)
and MUCH more!
Check out their full November calendar and event registration links HERE.
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November programs and events include:
- Veterans Breakfast (11/10)
- Annual Holiday Fair (11/15)
- Game Night Fun (Tuesdays)
- Donuts with the Director (11/17)
- Bagels with the Board (11/18)
- Hong Kong Mahjong (11/17)
and MUCH more!
Check out the November 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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Find Open Play Time and Table Tennis schedule HERE.
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Find the Gym Court Schedule HERE.
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. | | Westborough Connects is a member of CMSAPC. The Collaborative recently launched its Talk Early. Talk Often. campaign to encourage and equip adults to discuss cannabis use with the youth in their lives. Check out the helpful resources on their recently launched website HERE. | | |
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November 13th, noon-2pm, via Zoom
Register HERE
Does your child resist going to school, avoid doing schoolwork, or frequently ask to come home early? If your child is struggling with school avoidance, join PPAL’s discussion of how to face this challenge while maintaining the number one priority: your relationship with your child!
Located in Westborough, PPAL Central MA offers an extensive lineup of FREE virtual and in-person support groups, community programs and workshops (and so much more) for parents and caregivers of children with emotional, behavioral and mental health needs.
| | | | Upcoming Spark Kindness Program | |
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Parents and caregivers want to raise “good people”—children who are kind to themselves, others, and their communities. But how can we nurture kindness, empathy, and resilience while facing issues like mental health challenges, bullying, and stress?
Join for a powerful evening with Dr. Richard Weissbourd, Senior Lecturer at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and Director of the Making Caring Common Project, as he discusses what young people need most from adults in today’s complex world.
Learn more and register 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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