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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
It definitely feels like winter around here with more snow pack than we've seen in years! It can be easy to bundle up and stay inside, avoiding the cold altogether. Sometimes, that is the best way to spend our free time (no matter the weather!). But, modern life and technology can also make it too easy to avoid venturing out into the world, even on a sunny day. Feeling unsettled and upset about things that are going on in our lives, in the country and around the world can further push us inward, isolating us from each other and our community. As humans, we NEED community to thrive AND a thriving community NEEDS its members to engage IRL (in real life). IRL is what this newsletter is all about, highlighting opportunities to connect YOU to the community and the people who live here. So, put those phones down and get out your calendars and to do lists! (If you don't live in or near Westborough, hopefully this newsletter encourages you to think about ways to connect locally where you are).
This February features many religious holidays and culturally significant dates. February is Black History Month, is an annual month-long celebration of African American life, history, and culture. Lunar New Year is February 17th, which marks the beginning of a multiple day festival and the Year of the Horse. Catholics, Lutherans, Methodists and some others of the Christian faith will mark the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday on February 18th. Muslims will begin the holy month of Ramadan on February 18th. Ayyam-i-Ha begins on February 24th and is a festival celebrated by members of the Baha’i faith. Wishing meaningful celebrations for all!
Go Pats!
Yours in Community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, Westborough Connects
kelleyconnects1@gmail.com
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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).
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February 4th marked World Read Aloud Day. In her recent newsletter, children's author and Westborough resident, Megan Litwin, highlighted the day and shared LitWorld's vision for it: "WRAD shows the world that even with all the technology there is and all the things we learn about how to teach reading, at the end of the day, the very best way to help a child learn literacy skills and be at home in the world all at the same time is the glorious power of the read aloud. A book, a reader, and a listener. These three elements combine to create a life force that marinates a child in language, vocabulary, ideas, knowledge and love."
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Westborough Connects is part of the MetroWest Anti-Bullying Coalition, led by Spark Kindness. The coalition formed in 2024 and has recently launched a website with useful resources, updates and events for parents, caregivers, educators and communities. Find it HERE.
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Locally focused items centered on resources and announcements in Westborough.
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Annual Town Meeting will be held on March 21st and, as is the case each year, much work and discussion is already underway regarding the articles that will be presented to voters at the meeting. The draft Warrant can be found HERE. Voters and others interested can learn about the individual items up for consideration by attending Select Board or Advisory Finance Committee meetings or watching the recordings of them on Westborough TV. Meeting dates and agendas are posted on an ongoing basis HERE.
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Every year, the Westborough Economic Development Committee recognizes area businesses and organizations across several categories through its EDC Year in Review awards. The awards ceremony was held last week and this year's winners include: Big Y Foods, Craftlab Westboro, BRIO 33 New England Bistro, M.A. Restoration Inc., Pulte Homes New England, Rotary Club of Westborough and Pickering & Son Westborough Funeral Home. You can watch short overview videos produced by Westborough TV HERE. (Fun fact: Westborough Connects was honored to receive the Civic Pride Award in Civic Pride Award in 2022).
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Westborough Connects is recruiting for our spring 2026 Gen Pals cohort!
Attention interested older adults (65 and older): Join us for an information session, TODAY, February 6th from 12-1:30pm at Westborough Fire Station meeting room.
What is Gen Pals? Gen Pals promotes social connection across generations through group and paired activities. The spring program will run from March through early June.
Can't make the information session or have questions? Reach out to Kelley Petralia (kelleyconnects1@gmail.com) for more information or to express interest in participating.
View the program flyers:
| | Registration Open for 3 Upcoming Westborough Connects Programs | |
Join in this annual local celebration and enjoy inspirational activities, featured guests, meaningful conversation, intergenerational connection.
Attendees are asked to bring a donation of a feminine product to benefit Dignity Matters.
| | | | Where can you find us this month? | | |
Saturday, February 7th
1-4:30pm
Location: Fales Elementary School, 50 Eli Whitney Street
We are hosting a table and special activity at the annual Westborough Chinese American Association's Lunar New Year event.
The event is free to attend and all are welcome to this event (regardless if you celebrate Lunar New Year).
We hope to see you there!
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Special Lunar New Year edition
Wednesday, February 11th
10-11:30am
Location: Westborough Rec Center, 1500 Union Street
Never been to a Connect Over Coffee before? Please don't worry about that! We welcome you to drop by and say hello. These informal meet ups are opportunities to connect 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! Come by yourself or bring a friend! Thank you to Red Barn Coffee Roasters for providing coffee and pastries.
A special thank you to the Westborough Chinese American Association and some of our volunteers for attending and sharing Lunar New Year traditions and treats. All are welcome!
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Thank you to Realtor Stephanie Stuchlik for renewing your support as a Westborough Connects Bridge Builder. | | We are grateful to the Westborough Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency, for a grant to support the upcoming 4th Annual Celebration of International Women's Day in Westborough. | | | | |
Get Involved!
Local Opportunities for Volunteering, Connection, Civic Engagement, Learning, and Helping the Environment
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Westborough Connects is continuing the Westborough Neighborhood Food Drives initiative, which began as part of Kindness Week 2024.
This is an opportunity for any Westborough resident to host a week-long food drive in their own neighborhood or community.
Never done this before? We will make it simple for you - we have sample flyers and tips and tricks to make it easy! Plus, the pantry management will reach out directly to you to coordinate what to collect, when to bring it, etc.
View and sign up for 2026 slots HERE.
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Project Graduation Westborough 2026 Needs YOU!
Project Graduation is an independent organization that provides Westborough High School graduating seniors a safe alcohol and drug-free environment to celebrate graduation. The evening is a festive overnight lock-in event at Teamworks in Northborough complete with decorations, food, sports, games, and live entertainment. For over 35 years, they have relied on volunteers from the community to make this important and spectacular event happen. This is a great opportunity for adults with younger children to pay it forward AND for adults whose kids have already graduated to give back.
The are many volunteer opportunities. Complete this form if you're interested!
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Westborough Food Pantry Wish List | In addition to the items listed above, the Westborough Food Pantry is also looking for donations of empty egg cartons! | | | |
Important note: When temperatures are below freezing, canned and glass food items are not able to be stored in the Little Free Pantry. In winter months, please opt for boxed or other weather-resistant food items. | | | |
If you're driving by 45 East Main Street during the day or evening of February 28th, you'll notice this annual event to raise awareness and funds to support homelessness prevention. Beep, say hello or stop to offer words of encouragement. To learn more about this annual event, including how to support it, click HERE. | | | | Community Programs and Events in Westborough | |
Happening at Westborough Public Library until February 9th... | | | | |
In addition to the events mentioned above, WPL will host many great programs this month:
- Teens' Unhinged Olympics (2/18)
- Kids' Drive In Movie Afternoon (2/20)
- Kids' Every Figure Tells a Story (2/12)
- Adult Collage Art Workshop (2/28)
- Author talks
- Wellness events
- Teen Drop-in Events
and MUCH more!
Check out their full February calendar and event registration links HERE.
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February programs and events include:
- Donuts with the Director (2/23)
- American Legion Meeting (2/19, all veterans welcome)
- Ink Brush Calligraphy Workshop (2/20)
- Lunar New Year Celebration (2/23)
- Meet and Greet with new Outreach Case Manager, Catherine (2/25)
- Alzheimer's and Dementia Support Group
- American Mahjong (Wednesdays, 12:30pm)
- Cribbage (Tuesdays, 9:30am)
- Dull Men's Club (2nd and 4th Thursdays, 10am)
and MUCH more!
Check out the February Senior Scene newsletter HERE.
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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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Open Play Time HERE.
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Adult Table Tennis schedule HERE.
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Find the Gym Court Schedule HERE.
For more details, including programs (free and fee-based), visit Westborough Recreation's website HERE.
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Westborough Recreation spring/summer 2026 events and offerings
Several free and fee-based programs can be found in the 2026 Spring/Summer Brochure 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. | | The Department of Mental Health's Office of Behavioral Health Promotion and Prevention recently launched "What's on your mind?," a public awareness campaign for mental well-being. The campaign website features useful resources worth sharing, including tips for daily habits to support well-being. | | |
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Register HERE.
PPAL offers many virtual and in-person events each month. View their full calendar 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
| | If you have received this email as a forward and wishing to be added to the Westborough Connects mailing list, please click HERE. | | | | |
