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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
Feeling stressed about the news or things that are beyond your control? I know I am. What can't we control? A lot! Where do we have agency and the ability to make a positive impact? In our personal and familial relationships and our COMMUNITY. We say this a lot - "local" is the place to be and it's the focus of our energy and efforts - Try it - look around, lean in, get involved. Give yourself permission to put your phone away or shut off the TV for awhile. This newsletter features many ways to spend your time IRL (in real life)!
We are excited to be wrapping up two successful pilot projects - Gen Pals and Belonging Bus. You can learn more about them HERE and you'll hear from us as we work to make both ongoing initiatives. Stay tuned!
Several cultural and religious traditions happen this October: Jews observed Yom Kippur (began October 1st at sundown until October 2nd) this week. We are in the midst of Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) and many people with Mexican and other Latin American heritage will celebrate Dia de los Muertos on November 1st. Diwali will begin on October 20th. I hope all those who observe find meaningful ways to do so with people they love. Halloween is celebrated on October 31st, with many many fun ways to celebrate locally.
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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As part of Recovery Month, Westborough resident, photographer, owner of WrightPix and frequent photo contributor to this newsletter, Nancy Wright, recently appeared on the Airing Addiction podcast produced by New England Recovery Center (NERC). "Healing Through Art and Expression" explores a new art exhibit at NERC, which features one of Nancy's photos. Listen HERE. (Note: you can find all their Recovery Month episodes HERE).
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There is a lot of important discussion out there about delaying kids' access to smartphones and social media. Another critical piece of the equation is giving them independence and time for free play. In a recent conversation with Kelley Petralia about Westborough Unplugs, Catherine Price (author of "How to Break Up With Your Phone" and co-author of the forthcoming "Amazing Generation") shared more on this topic and a great resource for parents, families, schools and communities called Let Grow. (Thank you for the clip editing and production, Westborough TV, Inc.) Watch it HERE (3 minutes)
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Locally focused items centered on resources and announcements in Westborough.
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On November 5th, Westborough resident James J. (Jim) Tepper will be awarded the Westborough Good Scout Award, an annual award given by the Westborough Boy Scouts to an individual(s) who has demonstrated integrity and genuine concern for others in both their professional and personal lives. To learn more, click HERE.
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On the heels of Westborough for Life! Stay. Connect. Thrive. last month, we were thrilled to see a nearby showing of the documentary film, Join of Die! this month in Marlborough. The film is "a compelling documentary about the work of Harvard professor Robert Putnam (author of Bowling Alone), exploring how social connection, community involvement, and civic engagement - across cultures, generations, and traditions - supports individual well-being and builds a more united, equitable society." Learn more HERE.
| | | Upcoming Westborough Connects Events | |
Musical performances by students of Vandano Rao, dance performances and workshop by Ekta Dance Academy, book reading by children's author Farhana Zia, Paan-making demonstration, saree draping, Henna, photo booth, free light refreshments (while supplies last), community and connection! | | | |
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October 13th, 6-8:30pm
This program offers a chance to practice listening and speaking with empathy, while strengthening understanding and respect across our diverse community. Together, we’ll take another step toward building a thriving, kind, and connected Westborough where everybody belongs.
Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Learn more and RSVP HERE.
| | | | Where can you find us this month? | | LAST ONE NEXT WEEK - October 9th, 2-6pm, Bay State Commons | | |
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.
Upcoming Connect Over Coffee dates at Red Barn Coffee, 17 South Street:
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October 15th, 12:30-2pm
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October 22nd, 10-11:30am
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Stay tuned for more details, including a Kindness Through Service sign up for local service opportunities on the morning of November 9th as well as additional local service opportunities for Kindness Week and beyond!
ATTENTION local businesses, community groups & nonprofits: We would love to have you as a Partner in Kindness and we can even give you some ideas on how (check HERE for some).
Interested? Email Laura Cerniglia (lauraconnects3@gmail.com) by October 14th.
We welcome financial support to help make Kindness Week (and everything we do!) free for all. Reach out to Kelley Petralia to learn about sponsorship opportunities (kelleyconnects1@gmail.com).
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We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help plan the 8th annual Kindness Week (November 9-15th)! Join our planning team to brainstorm activities, organize events, prepare materials and spread kindness throughout the community. It’s a fun, collaborative way to make a positive impact.
Interested? Please reach out to Tracy LaCroix (tracyconnects2@gmail.com)!
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Get Involved!
Local Opportunities for Volunteering, Connection, Civic Engagement, Learning, and Helping the Environment
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FALL TOWN MEETING
Town Meeting gives registered voters in town an opportunity to decide matters related to town spending and governance. HERE is a link to the Town Meeting Warrant (the list and details for the 15 articles to be voted upon). Each year, numerous presentations and meetings are held in preparation for Town Meeting. Presentations made to the Advisory Finance Committee related to many of the articles can be found on Westborough TV's website HERE.
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Tuesday, October 21st, 7pm
Charlotte C. Spinney Memorial Auditorium, Westborough High School
90 W. Main Street
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The Westborough Food Pantry is in need of food to re-stock their shelves. You can help...
Host a Westborough Neighborhood Food Drive!
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Westborough Connects is continuing our 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? That's OK - 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 HERE.
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Click HERE for more information and to apply. | | | |
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Ben's Beans is a cafe that is led and run by the participants of Post-22. They learn valuable hospitality skills and enjoy being part of a community-wide initiative that engages the local disabled community.
Drop by during cafe hours for free coffee, great service and connection.
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For translated version, click on the flyer image. | | | | Community Programs and Events in Westborough | |
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Westborough Historical Society presents:
“Celebrating Nipmuc Indian Traditions and Lifeways.”
Monday, OCTOBER 6, 2025 at 7 pm
Location: St. Luke's Parish Center, 1 Ruggles Street
Maria Turner, the chairwoman and genealogist for the Natick Nipmuc tribe, brings traditional Nipmuc culture alive through stories, songs, and dances. She works as the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) Director for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Nipmuc natives lived in Westborough in seasonal camps from 6,000 years ago until the Colonial era [1600s-1700s].
Off-street parking available in the side lot.
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| | This annual event includes a free community event and opportunity to cheer on fellow community members as their teams row to raise money for two great organizations. Learn more, including how to organize your own team and participate HERE. | | | | |
WPL (currently located at the Westborough Community Center - 1500 Union Street, Bay State Commons) has several events this month (in addition to the flyers above):
- Monthly Genealogy Meetup (10/8)
- Revolutionary Whiskey: History and Recommendations (10/20, virtual)
- "The Girl Bandits of the Warsaw Ghetto" (10/27, virtual)
- Kids Mystery Makers (multiple dates)
- Teen Book Clubs
- Trick or Treat Trivia (all ages, 10/30)
and MUCH more!
Check out their full October calendar and event registration links HERE.
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October programs and events include:
- Moon Festival Celebration
- Donuts with the Director
- Bagels with the Board
- Office hours with Senator Michael Moore
- ESL Conversation Group
and MUCH more!
Check out the October 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 is almost always something going on at the Community Center (1500 Union Street), including many free activities.
The Fall/Winter Brochure was recently released. Find it HERE.
Check out the October Community Center schedule HERE. (note: calendar includes free and fee-based activities).
| | 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. | | From WPS Wellness Director Roger Anderson and Clinical Director Kim Tynan: | | |
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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.
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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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