Volume 12 | September 2019
Notes on Connection From Around Westborough
Welcome to the September 2019 Westborough Connects newsletter. The goal of this periodic communication is to shine a spotlight on the positive things going on in our community, including upcoming/recent events from Westborough Connects and other Westborough community organizations, interesting interviews with local people, examples of "connection" across our community, and noteworthy resources in Westborough and beyond. We welcome your input and would love to highlight the things that matter to you , so please send ideas/comments to WestboroughConnects@gmail.com.
The physical signs of autumn are beginning to appear. While many wish for more summer days, there is no doubt that Westborough is a beautiful place to live this time of year!

After a summer of planning with many community partners, Westborough Connects is excited to co-host several FREE upcoming community events this fall. Read on for all the details as well as information about some other wonderful community events.
Upcoming Events from Westborough Connects
You've seen the recent (almost daily) alarming news stories on vaping and e-cigarettes , particularly related to youth use of the products. Join us for an educational evening on the topic.

This FREE program is the third in a series of Square One community programs on substance use awareness and prevention, in collaboration with Rotary Club of Westborough, Westborough Youth & Family Services and Westborough Public Schools. It is grant-funded through Rotary Club of Westborough.

Register today. Free on-site childcare and interpretation services are available with pre-registration. Please help us spread the word by telling your friends and neighbors about this program.

If you have children or grandchildren over the age of 11 , please bring them or encourage them to go, as well. Together, we can work to educate ourselves and address this growing health concern.
Save the Date for our second in a series of workshop events focusing on important topics for parents and caregivers. Workshop themes include: social-emotional learning, dyslexia, stress management, youth behavior risk, mindfulness for parents/caregivers, nutrition in children, having difficult conversations and handling conflict. Details and registration information to follow.
Save the Date

Aging Enjoyably in a Connected Westborough

Westborough has a rich history and a dynamic present life, with a lot to offer its residents of all ages. On November 3rd, Westborough Connects, Westborough Council on Aging and Westborough Youth & Family Services will host, "Aging Enjoyably in a Connected Westborough." This event will give opportunities to create social connections, share Westborough’s vibrant resources and be welcomed by Westborough Connects' vision of creating a connected and resilient community. The event will feature guest speakers, a community resource fair, light refreshments and time to socialize and make new connections.

Whether you've lived here your entire life or you are new to the community - this event is for you!
Updates from Westborough Connects Committees

The Community Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion and Programming Committees have no new updates this month. Check back in this space each newsletter for future updates.
We (always) welcome new members and volunteers. Interested in Westborough Connects, but you haven't signed up or aren't sure how you want to be involved? Here are some options:
  • Subscribe to our mailing list to receive our newsletters, invitations and information.
  • Join one of our committees. Click HERE for a (recently updated) description of our current committees and click HERE to sign up for one of them.
  • Contact our Board President, Maureen Amborsino (maureenconnects@gmail.com) or one of our Board Co-Vice Presidents, Kelley Petralia (kelley_click@hotmail.com) or Heena Suratwala (heena.ankurs@gmail.com) with questions.
Upcoming Community 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.
Buddy Walk and Harvest Fair
Sunday, September 15th

The Buddy Walk is a beautiful 1.5-mile walk along Lake Chauncy to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.

Even if you aren't walking or financially supporting this event, you can join in on the fun & support participants by showing up!

For more information, click HERE .
FREE Community Presentation:
A Practical Case for Zero Energy & Transportation
by Sharad Mehta
September 28th, 2-3 pm Westborough Public Library

Sharad will cover the feasibility of making a transition from conventional non-renewable to sustainable, carbon-free energy and transportation, along with to approach a move to Solar Power System + Electric Vehicles.

This presentation is educational and of interest to anyone concerned about climate change and what we can do to help mitigate it.
FREE community trail walk

Hocomonco Pond: Past, Present, and Future, September 29th 1:30-3:30 pm

Visit a little-known Westborough site on this informational walk. REGISTRATION REQUIRED, email events@westboroughlandtrust.org

View the trail map HERE. S ponsored by Westborough Community Land Trust
Haunted Library at the Westborough Public Library
Saturday, October 5th, 7:30 pm
Visit this year's haunted library for the usual chills and thrills AND help to solve the case of the disappearing teen.

This annual, FREE event is run by Westborough Teens and is always one of the library's most popular events. This event is open to adults, teens, and families with school-aged children who are brave enough to enter the haunted dwelling. 

Registration will open on September 23 at 9 AM. Visit the website or call 508-366-3050 for more information.
Taking place at Bay State Common, 11 am - 5pm
Shout Out:
Mary Donna Cocoran, Westborough Employee of the Year
Mary Donna Cocoran was recently honored by the town of Westborough as Employee of the Year! What a fitting honor for someone who tirelessly supports, advocates for and cheers on so many older adults in our community through her work at the Westborough Council on Aging. So much of her work is quiet and behind the scenes, like many of our unsung, hometown heroes. We're happy she was recognized in this way and we are grateful to have her in our town!

art by Ed Turner, Community Advocate
CONNECTion Spotlight
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Check out these recent and upcoming examples of (and opportunities for) connection in our town.

  • Join your Westborough neighbors heading for school on October 2nd for International Walk and Roll to School Day. Westborough is registered for this event. Feel free to reach out to Julie Squires (jsquires@me.com) with any questions. If you haven't participated in one of the Walk to School Wednesdays that several of the schools have done, now is a great time to start!
  • The Westborough Veterans Advisory Board is sponsoring a community drive (now through September 27th) to provide care packages to a unit of the 25th Marine Regiment from Fort Devens currently stationed in the Middle East. Click HERE for a list of care items wanted and donation drop-off locations.
  • The Westborough Senior Center offers FREE Friday afternoon movie matinees at 12:30 pm. It's a great way to meet new people and, well, see a good movie! Newly released movies are shown each week on the 72" flat screen TV. Snacks are served. Transportation is available. Call the Senior Center for more information at 508-366-3000.
  • Generation Bridges has resumed this fall at the Senior Center. This wonderful club consists of Westborough High School students interested in connecting with seniors in our community through face-to-face conversation. The first event for this fall took place on September 11th. This ongoing program is free and open to all interested community members. Call the Senior Center for more information and future dates at 508-366-3000.
Noteworthy Articles & Resources
  • We love this Mindful article about Communities of Care and think you will too. As the article so eloquently states, "When a community of care does its job properly, deeper connections and clearer purposes emerge. A strong community of care makes sure nobody goes it alone."
  • Several times a year, the Westborough Girl Scouts host a Textile Recycling event at Westborough High School. The next one is September 21st from 9 am to noon at Westborough High School front entrance. Accepted items include clothing, linens, curtains, towels, shoes, purses, hats, belts and backpacks. 
  • Westborough residents now have access to INTERFACE, a mental health resource and referral helpline to help children, adults and families become connected with mental health and wellness resources. Call 1-888-244-6843 Monday-Friday between 9 am and 5 pm to consult with a mental health professional about resources and/or receive personalized, matched referrals. For more information about INTERFACE, click HERE. We are thrilled to have this critical resource available to the Westborough community!
  • Our friends and mentors in Natick - SPARK Kindness - have announced the fall 2019 schedule for their Resilient Parent, Resilient Child community program series. This year's theme is "Redefining Success." They always welcome their Westborough family to these FREE events! Check out the details HERE.
  • National Voter Registration Day is September 24th. The Westborough Public Library is hosting voter registration that day from 2-4 pm.
  • Westborough Youth & Family Services is one of the sponsors of the Hidden in Plain Sight exhibit currently on display at the Natick Mall. If you find yourself at the Natick Mall between now and September 26th, please check it out. Thank you to the many community members who supported this effort and are volunteering on-site during the exhibition!
"Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued." 
- Bren é Brown
About Westborough Connects