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July 6, 2020
Hello Neighbors and Friends -

Westborough Connects began forming in 2017 under the guidance of SPARK Kindness in Natick. As a member of the SPARK Network, we are incredibly fortunate to continue working with and learning from this amazing organization. Be sure to look at the upcoming programs from SPARK included below. Westborough is invited to (virtually) attend any and all of these programs, which span an array of topics that are timely and important.

We continue to focus on our mission of building a more connected and kind community where everybody feels like they belong. This means listening, learning and sharing in order to strengthen our bonds. We welcome your ideas and input. Always.

Yours in community,

Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, on behalf of the Westborough Connects team
Upcoming SPARK Kindness Programs and Resources
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 [email protected]. Thank you.

Opportunities for Connection

NOTE: the above program is run by Westborough teens (amazing!)
The Westborough Master Plan is now in the " Westborough Reflects " phase and wants to hear from YOU! This project will shape the future direction of Westborough. Share your input and have your voice heard! The Westborough Master Plan website now features a storytelling section. The advisory team requests community members share their reflections (via the site). Here are 2 specific questions they are currently looking for community input on:

  • If you are a long-time resident, how has Westborough changed over the years?
  • Considering the current public health crises with COVID-19, how can the Westborough community emerge stronger in the future?
Community Spirit and Strength
More than 20 community groups and town departments contributed to this end of school year gratitude video for Westborough Public Schools. Community members (including many retired WPS personnel) also chalked the walks and hung signs at the schools to greet the staff as they arrived for the reverse parades they held for students.

In these incredibly challenging times, so many people stepped up and leaned in to the difficult work of continuing the education of the children in our community. Thank you Westborough Public Schools teachers, administration, coaches, counselors, custodial staff, cafeteria staff, administrative staff, School Committee members - We Appreciate You!
Veterans Advisory Board members, volunteers from Rotary Club of Westborough and other volunteers placed flags at the rotary for display as a show of community support for members of our military and Veterans over this July 4th weekend.
A Few Worthy Reads
Community & COVID-19 Resources
  • June was LGBTQ Pride Month and we wanted to share this comprehensive list of resources for Massachusetts LGBTQIA+ Youth During COVID-19 HERE. The list was compiled by the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth based on submissions from partner organizations and the community. 
  • WorkCampNE, a non profit organization that has been operating out of NH for the past 20 years, is offering free, volunteer labor to help fix houses for families in need. Every summer, students and adults from across New England (including Westborough!) gather in NH to serve those families by helping with whatever home improvements are needed. In the past, crews of 5-6 (with adult supervision) help paint, fix roofs, repair ramps/steps, put up drywall, replace flooring and other projects. WorkCampNE has partnered with Chapel of the Cross in Westborough to be able to provide students with opportunities to serve locally/close to home and is looking for local houses that are in need for project work between August 9-14th. This is at NO COST to the resident; all of the materials have been donated and the labor is completely free! If you or someone you know is in interested in having work performed at your house, fill out the request for HERE by July 11th.
  • UPDATE: The CODE RED (reverse 911 system) is in place for emergency communications that are critical to share with the community in a timely manner. With the current stable status of COVID-19 in Westborough, Chief Purcell will no longer provide weekly updates via the reverse 911 phone system at this time. We are grateful to Chief Purcell for providing these critical updates over the past several months. For the most direct way to get accurate information for the Town of Westborough during this time, view official town updates HERE.
  • Since March, the Board of Health and Board of Selectman have convened joint weekly meetings to discuss urgent and emerging matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic and Westborough. Going forward, these meetings will move to a bi-weekly frequency. As always, you can find them broadcast on Westborough TV (click HERE for details). Thank you to each of the board members, our Town Manager, Kristi Williams, Assistant Town Manager Kim Foster and Westborough TV for their incredible work and commitment on behalf of the community. We know their work continues.
  • We have posted to our web site a Multilingual Resource List related to COVID-19.
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. Westborough Connects always welcomes new members and is dedicated to connecting people to resources and each other.