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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF SERVICE IN WESTBOROUGH & BEYOND

Square One: A community conversation on Substance Abuse Awareness and Prevention

The Rotary Club of Westborough, in partnership with Westborough Youth & Family Services, Westborough Connects and Westborough Public Schools is pleased to host "Square One: A Community Conversation about Substance Use Awareness and Prevention" on the evening of Thursday March 28, 2019 at Mill Pond School.

Through joint work and collaboration, these organizations recognized the need for a program that begins to address ever-growing concerns from community members surrounding substance use among both youth and adult age groups.

Rotary Club donates $22,500 worth of women’s clothing to Dress for Success

Courtesy of The Community Advocate

The Rotary Club of Westborough recently hosted a clothing drive to benefit Dress for Success. Dress for Success is a nonprofit whose goal is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing professional attire and a network of support.

Donated clothing is used to prepare women for job interviews. Volunteers work with clients to choose the perfect outfit as well as prepare and support them for the interview. Women leave with professional attire to carry them through once they secure a position.

Westborough Rotarians partnered with the Westborough Public Library and the Boroughs Family Branch YMCA for this event. Both locations served as drop-off sites for the donated clothing.

It took seven cars and SUVs to transport all of the items to Dress for Success office. According to Beth Butler who oversees operations for their Worcester location, the items collected – which included suits, dresses, shoes, coats, boots, belts and handbags – were valued at $22,500.

Fall Family Festival Brings Smiles Despite Soggy Start

Despite cold temperatures and a soggy start, Rotarians, vendors, and volunteers turned out in force to staff the Club's first Fall Family Festival. With a "show must go on" resolve, tents were pitched, flags were flown and the pieces came together for what ultimately proved to be a day of fun and smiles for town residents and Rotarians alike. Music filled the air all day long with performances from 2018's New Act of the Year Lyssa Coulter, students from Patrice Peris Voice Studio, and country band Southbound Train, courtesy of the Westborough Recreation Department. The Rotary Grill, along with the Grub Guru food truck and local restaurants Red Heat Tavern and Tavolinos served up hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, pizza and more. The ever-popular beer tent poured Cold Harbor and Octoberfest. Dozens of vendors and organizations showcased their products, services, and programs. Finally, dogs of all shapes and sizes participated in our annual contest, winning prizes for best ears, most disobedient, looked most like an owner, and best wiggly butt, to name just a few. A hearty thank you to all Rotarians and volunteers who made the day possible, and special thanks to co-chairs Shelby Marshall and Bill Linnane for their tireless effort and dedication. View photos from the Festival courtesy of member Forrest Musselman at this link.

Hands-On Stoves Project In Panajachel, Guatemala

Posted by Jorge Yarzebski

A District 7910 sponsored International Service project in collaboration with D-7910 and Guatemala Rotary Clubs

Date: March 23 -30, 2019

In cooperation with Helps International, Inc., volunteer Rotarians will install stoves in homes where currently an open fire in the center of the house is used for cooking. This practice predisposes the residents to respiratory diseases, burn injuries, and increased use of wood for cooking. The stove will improve the ventilation, prevent injuries, and will decrease wood consumption by at least 50%. We are seeking volunteer Rotarians from our Club and District 7910 to join the Westborough Rotary Club in this endeavor.

BORO Project Launches Go Fund Me Page

Also seeking Sugar Shack Retail Store Manager

The BORO (Bridging Over to Right Opportunities) program is thriving in its first year of implementation thanks to the high level of support and attention the program has received from the community, including from our Club. School Superintendent Amber Bock has informed us that the district is launching phase II of this project with the anticipated opening of the BORO Sugar Shack, candy and gift store learning lab, this Fall. This initiative further supports the BORO strategic vision to enrich the opportunities for social, vocational, and community integration for our BORO students.

The program is seeking community support through the launch of its BORO Sugar Shack GoFundMe Page. Additionally, we are seeking an experienced and dynamic retail store manager and would appreciate your support in helping us to circulate the BORO Sugar Shack Retail Manager Job Description.

Club Receives Rotary International Citation

Clubs that are strong and making a positive difference in our communities achieve goals related to Rotary’s three strategic priorities: to support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service, and enhance Rotary’s public image and awareness. The 2017 - 2018 Rotary International Citation recognized clubs that completed activities that support these priorities. At the Districts awards ceremony held this July, Past District Governor Karin Gaffney presented the Rotary Citation to Westborough's 2017 - 2018 Club President Shelby Marshall. Congratulations to Shelby and all Westborough club members for this achievement.

Rangers on Track Check Presentation

After nearly three years of planning & construction, the replacement and upgrade project for the athletic fields at the high school is coming to a close. The full scope of the project included a new track and alternative infill turf for the Mewhiney Field as well as new ADA compliant bleachers, a new press box, sound system, and field lighting for the first time in the school's history. The project scope and funding also allowed for the restoration of the upper Jimmy Hayes finally bringing that field into proper use for our students and community. With an eye toward the future of Westborough's students, the Club's Board of Directors pledged its support of the project, and on September 24 presented the town and Rangers On Track with its donation. The Club will be recognized for its contribution with the naming rights to the flagpole on the upper Jimmy Hayes Field, as well as a plaque alongside those of the other supporters located in the main area of the complex.