If you have received this email as a forward and wish to subscribe to the Westborough Connects mailing list, please click HERE. For previous newsletters, click HERE.
|
|
Hello Neighbors and Friends -
Recently, I read an article about the role casual relationships, also referred to as "weak ties," play in making us feel a sense of belonging and connection. Casual relationships are basically those people you interact with throughout your day but don't necessarily know. It really resonated with me. The people I interact with over the course of any given day - either in person or via social media - often have an impact on me, good or not so good. They can give me energy or take it away from me (or I give/take from them), depending upon the experience. I think that is something worth reflecting on. So, I've included a link to it in the "Notable Reads and Resources" below. It's also interesting to consider as we get ready for Kindness Week next month!
That's right, Kindness Week is back and in its new permanent calendar spot - November! We are really looking forward to the 4th celebration (WOW!) of kindness in our community. Shouldn't we always be kind? YES! We also know there is something special about joining together as a community to turn up the volume on kindness and provide opportunities for all different expressions of kindness - intentional and random; kindness to self and to others; kindness to the environment; etc. Schoolchildren learn and practice this all the time as part of their Social Emotional Learning (SEL). Kindness Week provides an opportunity for some intergenerational SEL - learning and practicing together. We will be sending out details later this month as we line up our Kickoff to Kindness Week and our Partners in Kindness.
Finally, we had a lot of fun at Arts in Common on October 2nd. What a great event with so many people out together! Westborough Connects FINALLY held our Kindness Coin painting party there and we were thrilled to welcome dozens of people into our area to paint this "kind currency" with us. We wish to thank The Ben's Bells Project for this fantastic activity. Thank you, again, to the Westborough Cultural Council for funding Ben's Bells and the Kindness Coins painting party, and for putting on an amazing Arts in Common event for Westborough.
Yours in community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, Westborough Connects
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
*If you ever want to share events that are local, free and open to all, please email me.
|
|
Recent photos from Arts in Common and Reliant Foundation 5K - Thank you to all our volunteers, Reliant Foundation and Westborough Cultural Council.
It was a great way to spend a sunny Saturday!
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Kindness Week is November 13th-19th
|
|
NOTE: This event will take place at Westborough High School from 1-4pm and will feature a keynote presentation and Kindness Stations with activities for people of all ages. Pre-registration will be required and details will be released soon. Those unable to make it to the in-person event will be able to access the keynote presentation virtually.
|
|
**More details on all things Kindness Week coming soon.** |
|
|
|
We need volunteers
to join our
Kindness Week Crew!
Do you have an hour? More than an hour? We'll take it!
We could use your help in several areas: hanging flyers, media outreach, spreading the word, set-up and clean-up, help with our "Kindness Stations," and supporting our many Partners in Kindness.
|
|
If you're interested in joining the team, please email kelleyconnects1@gmail.com |
|
Support Westborough Connects |
|
Do you shop on Amazon? Westborough Connects is now a registered charity on Amazon Smile!
|
|
What is AmazonSmile?
For those of you who are unfamiliar, Amazon Smile is "a simple way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you.
To get started, click on this LINK and remember to also activate it if you use the Amazon app on your mobile device. Please share with your friends and family, as well.
See the bottom of this email for other ways you can support the work of Westborough Connects.
|
|
Community Programs and Events |
|
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.
|
|
October 23rd, 6:30-9:30pm
Pre-registration is required. Click HERE for more information and to register.
|
|
The Westborough Public Library Teen Zone is excited to present a brand new Halloween event for teens in grades 6 through 12.
Once registered, teens will be given a time to arrive at the library between 6:30 and 9:30 PM. Teens will be admitted at their specific time in groups of 10 to a very dark and spooky library. Lots of candy and other prizes will be hidden throughout the library for teens to find in 10-15 minute search sessions.
Teens can register in groups of up to five. If you want to hunt with your friends, be sure to register together.
|
|
Gilmore Pond All-Persons' Trail Grand Opening
October 24th, 1pm
Hosted by Westborough Community Land Trust
This event will mark the completion of the first trail that is accessible to all. The quarter mile loop around Gilmore Pond has been surfaced with firm stone dust, bridging, boardwalks, and a continuous hand rope. The event will include a short dedication followed by a guided walk along the wheelchair and stroller-friendly path.
Meet at the Gilmore Pond Trail Entrance, at 19 Quick Farm Road, Westborough. Park along one side of Quick Farm Road. Trail Map HERE.
|
|
The Westborough Community is Invited to Take a Stroll Down Memory Lane
October 24th, 11am-2pm
@ Annie E. Fales Elementary School
50 Eli Whitney Street, Westborough
The new Annie E. Fales Elementary School building is almost complete and the original Fales building will close its doors soon. Before moving out of the original building, the Fales community would like to invite the Westborough Community to take a final stroll around the school. A tour of the new building will take place in January. For translated versions of this flyer, please click HERE.
|
|
Final map and treat stop information will be available on October 18th. Please check the Westboro Recreation Facebook event page HERE or the Westboro Recreation website HERE.
|
|
"Zero Carbon Home, Zero Bill"
Presented by Sustainable Westborough
October 27th, 7-8:30pm via Zoom
Noted expert David Green will share insights on how to cut your heating bill, electric bill and carbon footprint to zero, by someone who has done it - himself. The presentation is very practical and David presents the costs and benefits of retrofitting his primary residence in Holliston to become a zero carbon home with no utility bills. All attendees will receive a free electronic version (for iPad or Kindle) of David Green's highly-acclaimed book Zero Carbon Home 9.
Even if you cannot attend, your registration will provide access to a recorded version of David's presentation and documented information.
This Zoom webinar is free. Advance registration is required. Register HERE.
|
|
The Westborough Senior Center Supporters will host their annual Fall Fair on November 6th from 9am to 2pm at the Westborough Senior Center (4 Rogers Road). This is a free event and all are welcome.
|
|
Read the press release about
this wonderful community event HERE.
|
|
The Town of Westborough
Veterans Day Ceremony
hosted by Veterans' Advisory Board
Thursday, November 11th
Please join this event to show our sincere appreciation and profound thanks to all who have served. Veterans who are currently serving are also encouraged to join.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- 8:30 AM: Knights of Columbus Hall on 17 Willow Street. All participants meet for coffee and pastries
- 9:00 AM: Bus departs Knights of Columbus for Minuteman Park
- 9:30 AM: Bus departs for the Saint Luke’s Cemetery
- 10:00 AM: Bus departs for the Pine Grove Cemetery
- 10:30 AM: Rotary Service: Select Board will present the wreath
- 11:00 AM: Bus departs for Forbes Municipal Building for services and wreath laying
At the conclusion, the Westborough Veterans' Advisory Board will offer a collation for participants and invited guests at 17 Willow Street, Westborough.
More details will be available soon through the Veterans' Advisory Board HERE.
|
|
Westborough Senior Center is hosting a: |
|
located at 4 Rogers Road
call 508-366-3000 to make a reservation for this luncheon.
|
|
Opportunities for Connection, Civic Engagement, and Helping Others & the Environment |
|
Westborough Special Town Meeting
Monday, October 18th, 7pm
Westborough High School
This is an opportunity for registered voters in town to decide matters related to town spending and governance.
HERE is a link to the town warrant for the meeting (the list of articles to be voted upon).
|
|
The Westborough Diversity & Inclusion Committee currently has two vacancies for Westborough residents. This Town committee was formed in 2016 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." For more information, including how to apply to be a member of this committee, click HERE.
|
|
The Little Free Pantry is a community supported initiative and it requires community members to help run it. You can sign up for a specific day or longer.
Click HERE for more information about volunteering or email LFPWestborough@gmail.com
Sponsored by In Your Shoes Westborough.
|
|
Westborough Lions Club is hosting its annual Peace Poster Contest for 11-13 year olds. A local art teacher will judge the posters and if your child creates the winning poster, they win a cash prize and move on to the Lions District 33A Contest competing against other kids in Worcester County!
This year's theme is 'We are All Connected.'
Deadline to register is 10/15/21. Posters due no later than 10/29. Details can be found HERE.
|
|
|
|
The Westborough Public Library is conducting a community survey to understand interest and need for non-English languages community members would like to find at the library. This survey will be up through October 31, 2021. Please share with family and friends who use the library.
Click HERE to take the survey.
|
|
Congratulations to
Maureen Johnson and Ian Johnson!
Each year, the Westborough Boy Scouts present the Good Scout Award to individuals who have demonstrated integrity and genuine concern for others in both their professional and personal lives.
Maureen Johnson and Ian Johnson are the 2021 recipients of the Good Scout Award. The award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated integrity and genuine concern for others in both their professional and personal lives. Below is an excerpt describing their incredible contributions to the town of Westborough: "Mr. Johnson, a lifelong resident of Westborough and member of the Board of Selectmen, has served on the town Finance Committee. He is very involved in Scouting and serves as a member of the Good Scout Committee. Mrs. Johnson, President of the Westborough Education Foundation, Treasurer of the Westborough Cultural Council and co-chair Arts In Common, President of the Public Westborough Library foundation, chairs the Annual Trivia Bee and co-chairs the Turkey Trot, popular Westborough events. She was recently named a 2020 Commonwealth Heroine."
Congratulations to Maureen and Ian!
This year's Good Scout Award Dinner will take place on November 10th.
Want to learn more? Click HERE.
|
|
Update from Westborough Connects |
|
It is with heavy, yet full, hearts that we share with you that Heena Suratwala has stepped down as Chief Inclusion Officer of Westborough Connects.
Heena's decision to step off the Executive Board of Westborough Connects gives us the opportunity to celebrate the contributions she has made over the past several years. While we understand and support her decision, we wish to thank Heena for everything she brought to Westborough Connects. In addition to being a founding member, Heena poured her heart into our mission of building a more kind and connected community. Whether engaging with individuals or organizations, she was unwavering in her pursuit to bring people from diverse backgrounds together. Heena served as our first CIO, and helped to build Westborough Connects into the community-based volunteer organization it is today. Her voice provided comfort and inspiration during our nation’s recent tragic and turbulent times. We have all learned so much from her quiet strength, leadership and commitment to inclusion. The board appreciates Heena’s continued commitment to our mission and wishes her all the best. Looking forward, Westborough Connects remains committed to the work of diversity and inclusion, and seeks to honor Heena’s legacy by continuing to prioritize this important work. Below you will find her resignation letter to the Board of Directors.
|
|
Dear Westborough Connects Board of Directors and Committee Co-Chairs,
It has been my honor to serve our community as a volunteer team member of Westborough Connects. I have thoroughly enjoyed my many roles and responsibilities as Chief Inclusion Officer. Working alongside our community members, volunteers, Westborough Connects team, community partners and the tremendously supportive team at SPARK Kindness has brought joy to my life. Seeing all that we have accomplished together, especially during the recent challenging times in our society makes my decision to step down all the more difficult as there is so much more work to be done.
Through Westborough Connects I have made lasting friendships and I thank you all for supporting my need to attend to my family right now. Please know that we are all well. However, my commitments outside of Westborough Connects are such that I am unable to commit the time needed to fulfill the requirements of the position. It is best for me to make room for someone with the time necessary to devote to the organization’s mission. Please know that I am so proud of all that we have accomplished, and it is with the knowledge that Westborough Connects will continue to strive for diversity and inclusion on all levels that I leave with a full heart. This is not goodbye as I remain committed to the mission of Westborough Connects and hope to continue my involvement with such a worthwhile organization in the future. I am confident that the work of Westborough Connects will continue to help Westborough grow as a more connected and kinder community where everyone feels like they belong.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Heena Suratwala
|
|
|
|
-
Hastings Elementary Parent Group began reaching out to parents this year by hosting a Coffee Hour meet-up at the school, giving parents and guardians a chance to meet others within the Hastings community in a casual and informal setting. They hosted one in September and plan to host another in November. If you have a child at Hastings Elementary and are interested in learning more or attending, please follow their Facebook page, email them at Hesparentgroup@westboroughk12.org or look for the notice in an upcoming newsletter from Principal Julia D'Agata.
-
The Westborough Public Library calendar is FILLED with so many new and returning programs this fall that provide a chance to make connections with community members that share similar interests. Take a look at what's available to the community HERE. You'll find programs for all ages, including drop-in mindfulness, adult book club for people in their 20's & 30's, cookbook club, drop-in knitting and crocheting, storytime events and so much more.
-
The Turquoise Table movement (also known as Front Yard People) is growing in Westborough! Our Community Engagement Co-Chair, Stephanie Stuchlik, introduced this to Westborough Connects and we know of at least 4 in Westborough. We recently heard from a Westborough Connects board member who has put one in her front yard, "THANK YOU for inspiring me to create my own Turquoise Table AND have events at it. It's become a bus stop hang out and a neighborhood gathering place for the Walker Street neighborhood and I'm so grateful for the inspiration. Also inspired by Stephanie, we're going to celebrate Good Neighbor Day this Sunday morning at our little table and have some coffee and donuts available for the neighborhood. I'm so excited!" What is the Turquoise Table? Check it out HERE and stay tuned. Westborough Connects will be hosting another one soon AND featuring it at our Kickoff to Kindness Week on November 13th.
|
|
Noteworthy Reads and Resources |
|
-
November 20th is Family Volunteer Day. This annual day takes place each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. To make it easier to participate in this day, Points of Light offers guides, ideas and a searchable database to find local opportunities for working together to make a difference. It's a good time to start thinking about how you may want to participate in this national day. We will also remind you of it, as it takes place the day after Kindness Week ends.
-
This Kaiser Family Foundation article shares the importance of casual relationships in our lives, particularly as we grow older. According to the article, research shows that these relationships "can cultivate a sense of belonging, provide bursts of positive energy, motivate us to engage in activities, and expose us to new information and opportunities — all without the emotional challenges that often attend close relationships with family and friends."
-
October is Depression Awareness Month, and Westborough Youth & Family Services is trying to create widespread access to their free, anonymous online mental health screening tool for anyone over the age of 18. Parents or guardians can complete a screening for their adolescents. It is available HERE.
|
|
"Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself."
-Mohsin Hamid
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
You can also support Westborough Connects with the purchase of these custom design products (other items also available). Click HERE to view and purchase merchandise.
|
|
|
2021 Westborough Connects Grant Sponsor |
|
westboroughconnects@gmail.com l www.westboroughconnects.org |
|
|
|
|
|
|
