Starting on May 4th, 2025, Westborough Connects is hosting its 6th annual Westborough Unplugs week. With multiple community events around town, the goal of this week-long initiative is to give people a way to take a break from their devices and appreciate what is around them. This initiative is a part of the larger National Screen Free Week, where we work together to take a step back from the screens.
As Westborough Connects executive director Kelley Petralia says, “Westborough Unplugs is a week-long initiative where we try to take a step back and nurture our in-person relationships.”
For many people, unplugging from devices can be extremely difficult. “They become just an accessory to our life,” Petralia adds. This can be especially problematic for people of a younger age. The constant use of devices can create an unnecessary dependence on technology and can also foster an unhealthy relationship with social media and phones. To work towards mitigating this problem, Westborough Connects has partnered with community groups and businesses around town to plan screen-free events for all ages.
Here is a brief breakdown of some of the events happening this week:
Sunday, May 4th:
At 8:30 AM, the Westborough Newcomers Run/Walk Club will be hosting a 30-minute walk/run that will begin outside of Red Barn Coffee Roasters located at 17 South Street. No registration is required for this event.
From 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, a Family Nature Hike and Scavenger Hunt will be happening at the Gilmore Pond Trail Entrance. The Westborough Community Land Trust is hosting this event, which is an opportunity for families with or without children to explore the area. No registration is required for this event.
Monday, May 5th:
On Monday morning at 10 AM, the community is encouraged to join The Willows of Westborough for a 45-minute chair yoga class. The goal of the yoga session is to improve flexibility and strength while also diminishing stress. This event will be hosted at The Willows courtyard on 1 Lyman Street. Please note that this event is for adults only, and registration is required ([email protected]).
Around the Hastings Elementary School Parking lot, an old-fashioned bicycle parade will be hosted for elementary school-aged kids and younger. Everyone is encouraged to decorate their vehicle, whether it be a bicycle, a wheelchair, or a stroller, either at home or with the supplies at the event. This event is being hosted by WPS Elementary Parent Groups, Westborough Police, and Westborough Connects, and will go from 5 PM to 6:45 PM. No registration is needed for this event.
Tuesday, May 6th:
Elsie Kaye Glassworks will be hosting a Teens on the Torch event from 2:30 PM to 5 PM. Here, kids will get the opportunity to create their own glass beads. Registration is required, which you can do through this link: https://elsiekaye.com/products/teens-on-the-torch-westborough-connects-event.
At 5:30 PM, MidStrong will be hosting a 45-minute, outdoor, bodyweight-focused workout class at Bay State Commons. It is suggested that participants bring a towel and or yoga mat as well as a water bottle, to stay hydrated during this fun and challenging experience. This event, which is for adults, requires registration online (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ4nSdUgkAXHD3_0IKppFCDxM1CELvBFsK4OIaxHH-nOd0ug/viewform) or in person, prior to the start of the class.
Wednesday, May 7th:
From 9:15 AM to 10:15 AM, Release Well-Being will be hosting a Vinyasa Flow yoga session. Here, the class will walk you through typical balance yoga to calm and bring peace of mind. Registration is required for this event. To sign up, call 508-986-2330.
Thursday, May 8th:
At 4:30 PM, the Westborough Public Library will be hosting a 45-minute Ukulele Storytime event, where children will be led through stories, songs, and a brief ukulele lesson. Participants have the option to bring their own ukulele or borrow one at the event. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 must be accompanied by a caregiver, and registration can be completed through this link: https://westborough.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/meet-the-ukulele-storytime-mini-lesson/. Space is limited, so make sure to register ASAP!
At Bay State Commons from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, Westborough Connects is hosting Bookin’ it to Bay State. Everyone can bring a book and even participate in a book swap hosted by Tatnuck Booksellers. There will also be a bunch of raffles to participate in. Everyone is welcome, and no registration is needed.
Friday, May 9th:
From 4 to 5 PM, Boston Ski and Tennis will be hosting a beginner tennis and pickleball clinic, located at the Armstrong Elementary School courts and Nelson Ball courts, respectively. Although equipment will be available at the clinics, make sure to wear appropriate footwear. People ages 16 and up interested in this event should note that although no registration is required, both clinics are first-come, first-served.
Saturday, May 10th:
The WHS Human Society Club will be hosting a Dog Walk from 9 AM to 10 AM. The walk starts at Veterans Park, and make sure to have your dogs on a leash. No registration is required for this event.
To end the week of festivities, Nourse Farm will be working with Westborough Connects to host an Unplug and Explore Nourse Farm event from 12 to 4 PM. In addition to access to walk along the Nourse farm property, people will be able to participate in activities like natural tie-dyeing, a nature photography walk, a cattle talk, a goat petting zoo, and more!
For more information and other events throughout the week, check out the Westborough Unplugs website: https://www.westboroughconnects.org/westborough-unplugs. We hope to see you there!
