It truly was a magnificent Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26 in Westborough. The Rotary Club was honored to be part of the parade and greet the enthusiastic families and residents of Westborough. Town pride was effusive.
Music performed by middle school and high school students lifted spirits and heartfelt speeches from veterans and their families penetrated hearts. Westborough gathered to honor the courageous sacrifices of those who served in the armed forces. Sponsored by the Veterans Services Department and the Veterans Advisory Board, the event showcased marching bands, veterans, civic groups, floats, and an array of military vehicles. .
At the Rotary Club of Westborough, our commitment to "Service Above Self" extends both locally and globally. That's why we're thrilled to launch our first annual Shoe Drive in partnership with Funds2Orgs! This is your chance to easily declutter your home (and yes, it feels great!) while making a tangible difference right here in Westborough and empowering entrepreneurs in developing nations.
Your donated gently used shoes will not only help us raise crucial funds for our community initiatives but will also be given a second life, fueling micro-businesses and reducing environmental waste. It's a simple way to support your neighbors near and far, and contribute to a more sustainable world – a truly feel-good donation with a triple impact!
Our goal is to raise $2,500 by June 19. To reach this goal, we need to collect approx. 7,500 pairs of shoes which equate to approx. 625 big white trash bags filled with shoes (weighing approx. 10 lbs. per bag). Sound impossible?! Absolutely not, but we need your help.
To learn more about Funds2Orgs, the organization who we have partnered with to achieve our goal, click here: Funds2Orgs.com
Westborough Rotary Club Recognized at District Conference
At this year's District 7910 Conference, the Westborough Rotary Club received two prestigious awards: Best Club: Bronze Award in recognition for our club's outstanding service to the community and to the world and the District Award in recognization and appreciation for our commitment to the Farmer's Market. A special shout out goes to Kristin Bradley, the Farmer's Market Manager who has worked tirelessly to expand and improve the market with more vendors, kids' activities, music, food trucks, and wine/beer merchants. As Kristin says, "I love bringing the community together throughout the Farmer's Market Season--our team of volunteers work hard and have fun! It's also great getting help from the high school students."
This year at the Farmer's Market, the Westborough Rotary Club is sponsoring a shoe donation drive to help those in need and to raise funds for our club. Please come by the market and donate your gently used shoes (men's, women's, and children's).
Reina Rago, President of the Westborough Rotary Club, shares her interview with Kristin Bradley, this month's "Member Spotlight".
When did you join the Westborough Rotary Club?
I joined in 2024, so guess I am a newbie!
What motivated you to join?
After volunteering for a season at the Farmers Market and learning about Rotary's motto of “service above self,” I realized this was where I could connect with others who were passionate about helping the community without seeking recognition. Once I took on the responsibility of managing the Farmers Market, joining the Rotary Club became a natural next step.
What are your passions and how have you been able to express them through Rotary?
I'm passionate about fostering community and seeing people find happiness. Growing up in a very affluent town, I didn't always feel a strong sense of belonging. I believe a person's humanity, not their financial status, truly defines them. Motivation comes from providing community support and helping local businesses grow. My vision is for everyone to feel welcome at the Market, and to understand that Rotarians care about them as individuals, not for what they can offer. Seeing genuine smiles when people talk about the first season of the new Market, and knowing that we've started a positive change for open dialogue, intergenerational friendships, food assistance, and crucial social skills for children – these moments are incredibly fulfilling.
What are some of the challenges that Westborough as a community faces? How has Rotary helped to address these challenges?
Westborough, like many communities, faces challenges such as information overload and the lack of a central place to discover all the wonderful opportunities it offers. Living just outside Westborough, I observe it with a fresh perspective and recognize it as a truly caring community. Clubs like Rotary are essential in demonstrating what a dedicated group can achieve through teaching, mentoring, and offering support.
How has Rotary influenced you? Changed you? Impacted you?
Fully embracing the principle of "Service Above Self" has inspired me to transition from a stressful job to focus more on my individual practice, Artful Learning, working creatively outside the box with adults and children with special needs and brain injuries. Last year, I left my job to dedicate myself to helping those individuals learn to embrace themselves and recognize their unique contributions. While this journey has meant I've totally neglected my children and husband (but as a mom of two college students and a golf widow, this is my time!), it's now my time to contribute to positive change in the community.
Congratulations to the following rising sophmores from Westborough High School who were selected to attend the 2025 RYLA Student Leadership Conference
These 10 service-minded students will attend a 3-day, two night leadership conference at Fitchburg State University from June 27 - 29 where they will learn a variety of leadership skills including communication, problem-solving, conflict resolution, and more. Activities are designed to help students to stretch and grow. The RYLA program includes challenges and enriching sessions which allow them to learn about themselves and others. Students will engage with small and large groups in a program created by student input.
Our club is very proud of these students. We are happy to sponsor them to attend this fabulous conference where they will interact with approx. 220 other rising sophomores from around Central Massachusetts.
It truly was a magnificent Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 26 in Westborough. The Rotary Club was honored to be part of the parade and greet the enthusiastic families and residents of Westborough. Town pride was effusive. 
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