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Hello Neighbors and Friends -
November is National Gratitude Month in the U.S. Among many other things, I am grateful for the beautiful colors we have seen throughout this fall foliage season. They have been brighter and more beautiful than I remember them being in recent years.
While we deal with our own personal set of concerns, including sorting out what Thanksgiving looks like this year, a feeling of gratitude may be more difficult to hold on to. It can take practice, as many things do, but it's worth it. The American Heart Association and others point to research showing that gratitude benefits health. Sharing your gratitude with people (see photo from my yard!) can boost your spirits, and can also help others think about what they are thankful for. Again, not easy these days, but it can be a needed shift in mindset from the myriad of things that might be causing us concern and worry.
Yours in community,
Kelley Petralia
Executive Director, on behalf of the Westborough Connects team
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Upcoming Westborough Connects Program |
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Over 150 people have already registered! Space is limited. |
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Upcoming SPARK Kindness program
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Thursday, November 12th, 7-8pm
In this program and in her new book "You Belong," much-admired meditation expert Sebene Selassie reveals that accepting our belonging is the key to facing the many challenges currently impacting our world. Using principles of ancient philosophy, multidisciplinary research, and antiracism, Selassie leads us in an exploration of all the ways we separate (and thus suffer) and offers a map back to belonging.
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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 [email protected]. Thank you.
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Rotary Club of Westborough wishes to share a FREE Needham Rotary event:
Virtual Carnival for Kids
November 7th, 9-11am
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Featuring:
- Peter H. Reynolds - Illustrator and Storyteller
- Jungle Jim - Kids Entertainer
- Malik the Magic Guy - Magician
- Smarty Pants - Balloons!
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Plus:
- Virtual Scavenger Hunts
- Traditional Dances
- Sing-a-longs
- Connect with other kids from around the world
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For more information and to pre-register, click HERE. |
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Sunday, November 8, 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 second of two this fall intended to showcase the Westborough portion of the trail. We will start from Sawink Farm to walk along the historic aqueduct and river in Southborough, then loop back to our cars via another route, totaling about 3 miles on woodland trails with one moderate hill. The possibility exists to extend the walk to about 5 miles and visit the farm stand at Chestnut Hill Farm if we are making good time and all participants agree. Expect some wet spots on the trail.
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; contact [email protected] with questions.
Covid-19 Update: Masks covering the nose and mouth are required for all WCLT events, and social distancing will be practiced. Weather and other factors may cause event cancellation. Please check www.westboroughlandtrust.org before leaving to attend any event.
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This wonderful annual tradition has been re-imagined to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines. While we will miss the opportunity to gather and cheer on our neighbors this year, community members can still support this Westborough Education Foundation fundraiser through registering (for a fee).
If you plan to run, register by November 6th to receive your Turkey Trot t-shirt so fans can cheer you on if they see you running the streets of Westborough between November 21st and the 28th!
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This year's interfaith service theme is "Open Hearts" and during the service each of many houses of faith will present a short video offering which might be a poem, art, music, a reflection, a scripture passage, a personal testimony, poetry or another option relating to the Open Hearts theme. |
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A Salute to Scouting in Westborough!
Celebrating Old Scouts, New Scouts, Eagle Scouts and Good Scouts
Friday, November 27, 2020 at 7pm
November is traditionally the time of year when the Westborough community gathers for our Good Scout Awards Dinner. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Good Scout Committee will host a virtual celebration of Scouting in Westborough. The event will be broadcast on Westborough TV. It will include an retrospective with our previous Westborough Good Scout recipients and a visit with Eagle Scouts. In addition to reflecting on Westborough’s rich Scouting history, the program will also look at the accomplishments of our current Scouts. For more information and details on registering for the event, click HERE.
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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 theme for Westborough Lions Club's annual Peace Poster Contest is Peace Through Service. Check out the incredible entries by local youth (ages 11-13) HERE. Winner will be chosen November 6th.
- Westborough residents will have an opportunity to weigh in on several items at the Special Town Meeting on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 10am at Westborough High School. View the meeting warrant HERE.
- Several local businesses are featured in this special "Go Local, Westborough" program from Westborough TV. Check it out!
- Many in Westborough know Phil Kittredge from his work as Westborough Fire Chief (retired) and leading the Westborough Food Pantry with his wife, Donna, for the past several years. Phil recently debuted his first book, "Westborough," which features historical images and information about the town. Read about it in the Community Advocate HERE.
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Noteworthy Reads and Resources |
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In October, the Square One team brought Katie L. Greer to Westborough (virtually). She spoke to over 1,000 students on October 21st and 22nd, offering a frank presentation and discussion about tech use, particularly social media. An evening presentation followed for parents and caring adults. You can read the follow-up note sent to registrants with some specific points from the program as well as noteworthy resources related to the topics discussed.
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REPEAT ALERT - Sharing this NationSwell video again, which shows two people connecting despite differing political perspectives (less than 5 minutes). Watch it and see 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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In September, Westborough Youth & Family Services and the Westborough Public Schools launched a monthly publication called Community Wellness Guide, which is designed to empower users to take a closer look at issues of mental health, racism/anti-racism and the intersections between them. October's issue provides varied resources aimed at supporting conversations and learning around race. Read it 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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