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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
We've been looking for ways to connect, when there seems to be many barriers standing in the way these days. For Westborough Connects, it is our work and our mission as an organization.
We were thrilled to host two recent Connect Over Coffee events, providing an opportunity to sit down with people - live and in person - on a smaller scale in order to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. We have begun to talk about the Turquoise Table, an initiative that brings people together to talk and get to know each other, without a specific agenda or goal other than, well, to talk and get to know each other. This is increasingly important in this moment when we all have more limited opportunities to meet new people or see those we know around town or at community events. We will continue to host these and look for other opportunities to bring people together in meaningful ways.
We are also excited about our upcoming programs (see below) - which help connect us in building a stronger community TOGETHER, by increasing our resilience and offering valuable resources with the help of partner organizations and individual community members.
During an unsettling time where so much seems different and uncertain, we hope that this newsletter, our programs and initiatives serve as a resource for you. We welcome your input and feedback and would love to spotlight examples of community spirit and support from your corner of the community. Your stories can serve as inspiration for our organization or for another person who is looking for familiarity and comfort in knowing that, even while physically distancing, we are seeking to be close to each other.
Yours in community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, on behalf of the Westborough Connects team
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
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Upcoming Westborough Connects Programs |
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**Note: Registrants will receive a link to the program via the email they use to register |
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SAVE THE DATE!
NOW What? How to Manage Emotions During Uncertain Times
November 10th, 7pm
Lynn Lyons, LICSW, returns to Westborough for a virtual presentation offering positive, action-based strategies to help people of all ages and stages of life manage the worry, disappointment and uncertainty of our current pandemic-dominated environment. Using creativity, connection and energy, Lynn will describe how to increase flexibility, support the tolerance of uncertainty, and emotionally equip ourselves and those we love as we move through this unique and challenging time.
This free Square One program is co-hosted by Westborough Youth & Family Services, Westborough Public Schools, Rotary Club of Westborough and Westborough Connects. Additional details and program registration information will be announced soon.
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Upcoming
SPARK Kindness program
A FREE online program for parents, grandparents, and caregivers (all ages).
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What can parents/caregivers do to promote emotional health in their children, while keeping pandemic pressure from reaching toxic levels? Join psychologist and bestselling author Lisa Damour, PhD, as she explains how stress and anxiety operate, and takes audience questions.
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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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Westborough Connects' Nuray Wallace will bring her interactive storytelling from the 2020 MLK Day event to the book swap on Monday, October 12th at 11am. Nuray will read "The Day You Begin" by Jacqueline Woodson. This powerful story of a very courageous immigrant girl longing to connect, to fit in and be accepted as who she is will come alive through various props while prompting us to open our heart and nourish our soul. |
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Westborough Recreation organized a community scarecrow contest. Find them around town and vote for the winner! See below: |
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Sunday, October 18, 1:30 - 3:30 PM
Community trail walk hosted by Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT). The Boroughs Loop Trail is a recently opened 33-mile walking route connecting the trail networks of Marlborough, Northborough, Southborough, and Westborough. The BLT links wooded walking trails, bike paths, aqueduct trails, and sidewalks.
This hike is the first of two this fall intended to showcase the Westborough portion of the trail. We will walk from Sawink Farm to the top of Cedar Hill in Northborough to enjoy the view, then loop back to our cars via other trails, totaling about 4 ½ miles on woodland trails with one moderate hill.
Park at the Sawink Farm parking lot at the end of Walker Street (off East Main). If lot is full, park along one side of Walker Street; do not block the road. The grassy and unpaved portions at the end of Walker Street may be used. No reservation needed.
Covid-19 Update: Masks covering the nose and mouth are required for all WCLT events, and social distancing will be practiced.
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Opportunities for Connection |
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Do you have free time on your hands? Are you looking to help others in the community?
The Westborough Senior Center is looking for volunteers. Needs include: delivering Meals on Wheels, grocery shopping for homebound older adults in town, and more. If you have some time, please call Betty Rainville, Volunteer Coordinator, at 508-366-3000 to discuss current volunteer needs. You can help as often as you are able. The senior center follows all COVID-19 safety protocols.
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The Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the town of Westborough has established an email address for any and all community members who wish to reach out to the committee: diversity@town.westborough.ma.us. What is the D&I Committee? It is, "made up of 11 members, appointed by the Town Manager, and currently includes six Town employees, one member of the Board of Selectmen and four community members. The purpose of the Committee is to review Town services to ensure services are provided equally and are accessible to all residents, and further, to identify ways to promote increased diversity and inclusiveness in Town services, employment and volunteer opportunities."
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Members of the Westborough High School senior class of 2021 continued a long-beloved tradition of parading around the school grounds and nearby neighborhood, dressed up in fun clothes and having lots of fun. Westborough TV put together this great video montage from the event. Yay, Rangers!
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Noteworthy Reads and Resources |
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Read this Community Advocate story about a pretty amazing Westborough student who has created "Worry Boxes" to help kids who live with anxiety.
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Regardless of your political beliefs or affiliations, connecting with others with different perspectives is important. This Greater Good video on bridging differences (less than 5 minutes) shows the power of moving past our differences to see our similarities and, ultimately, our common humanity. (P.S. This applies beyond just political differences).
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Westborough Youth & Family Services, the Westborough Public Schools' Director of Wellness and the Westborough Public Schools' Clinical Coordinator & Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator have partnered to create a monthly publication called Community Wellness Guide: Emotional Wellness-Race- Equity, which is designed to empower users to take a closer look at issues of mental health, racism/anti-racism and the intersections between them. This easy-to-read guide offers helpful articles and resources. Read the first edition from September HERE.
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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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