Rotary Club members and volunteers participated in a Community Read on June 19 at the Bay State Commons by reading “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July” by Frederick Douglass. 

After reading this moving speech, attendees met in small groups to discuss Douglass's message and his legacy of achieving equality and freedom for all.

We thank the Mass Humanities, Mass Cultural Council, the Town of Westborough, and Westborough Connects for making this event possible.

1. When did you join the Westborough Rotary Club?

Around Dec. 2024.

1. What motivated you to join?

From personal experience  I'm aware how important volunteering is no matter how small the project may seem to be. You just never know when and how you might be positively affecting community and others.

Having learned of the Rotary and subsequently researching this nonprofit organization, I thought I’d give it a try.

1. What are your passions and how have you been able to express them through Rotary? 

Well, I feel like I’m only starting. I’m new to the area and exploring what’s out there and what I can do to meet what it is I find.  Admittedly, one or two ideas are in the “works” -- like finding out what I can do for a nearby women’s shelter, just doing more “hands on work” rather than only planning events.

Recently, a friend of mine back in Ohio works evenings at a home for adults.  My friend was telling me about a particular “resident” that cuts up magazines all the time.  She (my friend) was able to provide her with magazines from a local doctor’s office who would give them to her.  Well, he was retiring and she wouldn’t have any.  This resident cut up something like 60/month.  So, I contacted and introduced myself to that town’s Rotary, explained the issue and asked if they could help my friend.  They did and all are happy.  I loved the ability to be a part of a solution to a small but important issue to this individual. 

1. What are some of the challenges that Westborough as a community faces?  How has Rotary addressed these challenges?

Like any community of any size, what I’ve seen so far is the impact technology has – and on our youth especially --- in many ways, such as their thinking, reasoning, communication.  I’ve seen Rotary partner with other organizations, such as Westborough Connects, to address these issues and discuss various strategies to address the negative consequences of increased digital consumption.

A concern that seems to be re-emerging and almost acceptable everywhere is expressions/demonstrations of various prejudices.  By Rotary recognizing people of any ethnicity and age at a special events, good behavior and social acceptance are modeled.  Hopefully, when others witness this, others will emulate the positive behavior and inspire others to do the same. Our recent UnSung Heroes event – dolled up in capes yet – was such an event demonstrating the importance of following your heart and doing what you think is right and good without even realizing the wonderful impact it has.  By outwardly recognizing these Unsung  Heroes, courteous good behavior, tolerance, an open-minded outlook, et.al. might catch on and transform our community into a more loving and accepting place to live.

1. How has Rotary influenced you?  Changed you? Impacted you?

Rotary has influenced me to get more involved with community.  Having volunteered on and off throughout my life, it has always struck me that the actions of a few impact the masses.  Now, I’m seeing it differently.  There seems to be more involvement of more people on many levels. And even if some people are unable to be actively involved, they are at least supportive, which is just as important. I feel this is a good thing and I'd like to be a part of  generating ideas, implementing projects, fostering growth and planting the seed for doing service.