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.

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.

Our Club meetings this past month have been filled with a number of interesting speakers, guests, and of course, fellowship. At our meeting of September 19, Mike "Cappie" Capozzoli, shown here at right, with JustAPennyPlease.org stopped in as he neared the end of his walk across the country from California to Fenway Park. Mike is raising money to build homes for abused children and their pets. Visit his website to see his story and learn how he's committed to helping at least some of the millions of children in our country who are abused every year. At that same meeting, we also heard from Paul Hemphill, an author whose mission is to change the way history is taught in our school systems. In his book, "Inspiration for Teens" Paul makes history exciting, drawing on events from the Battle of Gettysburg to illustrate more than 200 life lessons. And finally, for now, at our social event at the Central House on October 3, we met representatives from the Arbor Day Foundation as well as a Rotary Youth Exchange from Brazil who was in the area visiting family. See photographer Ron Goodenow's photos of our Central House gathering in our photo gallery.