The Be Well Northborough Working Group was formed with the goal of collaborating across town departments to offer new programming and raise awareness of existing resources available that will help the community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and address issues such as social isolation, mental health, substance use, and overall wellness.
The Be Well Northborough Working Group includes department heads from Police, Fire, Recreation, Family and Youth Services, Northborough Senior Center/Council on Aging, Health, Library, and Schools, as well as Assistant Town Administrator and Diversity and Inclusion Committee staff liaison Becca Meekins.
On March 14, $100,000 in funding for the Be Well Northborough initiative was approved at the Board of Selectmen meeting.
Be Well Northborough is pleased to announce the following programs, which are designed to address stated mental health and wellness needs of people living and working in Northborough. All programs listed below are being presented free of charge. Please note that some programs require advance registration.
- Different Children, Different Needs with Jeanine Fitzgerald at the Northborough Free Library. Wednesday, April 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. For adults. Jeanine Fitzgerald brings her experience as a certified teacher, mental health professional, and mother of three grown children to this workshop for caregivers. Children are not things to be molded, but people to be unfolded. This session is designed to reveal the essence of every child and what nurtures their greatness. Understanding the seven major influences on behavior and development is critical to ensuring that every child we relate to and interact with is visible, valued and supported in their own way. Together, we will discover the layers of possibilities waiting to unfold and the strengths each child brings to this world. These will be revealed through a research-based model of temperament that honors the differences among us. Funding for this program is provided by the TJX Foundation. Registration is required for this event.
- Self-Empowered Living During a Pandemic Location at Northborough Senior Center. Thursdays, May 5-26, 10-11 a.m. Age: 18+. We will provide a non-judgmental, guilt-free environment for you to talk about the added stress of living through a pandemic. In this 4-week series, you will learn to enhance your emotional control and insight by focusing on self-care while coping with the concerns and isolation that this shared experience has created. We will help you build an environment where you can flourish during these times. The tools you learn will assist you in navigating how to talk about the now and move forward to a healthy and positive future. Registration is required for this event. Please call (508) 393-5035.
- Outdoor Yoga at the Pavilion at Ellsworth-McAfee park. Sundays, May 8-June 5; 9-10 a.m., Tuesdays, May 10-June 7; 6-7 p.m. Age: 16+. Certified Yoga Instructor Jean Roberts will lead this gentle, flow Hatha yoga series with a focus on correct and safe postures. Classes will offer you the ability to allow yoga to fit your body so that you can enjoy all the benefits yoga can offer-relaxation for your mind and body, building increased balance and flexibility all while creating a supportive community. Being flexible is not a requirement! Northborough residents can REGISTER ONLINE.
- Mindful Living During Uncertain Times Location at the Northborough Senior Center. Mondays, June 6 – June 27 1–2 p.m. Age: 18+. The peace, joy and happiness that you seek is already within. During these challenging times, we just need to remember where it is. In each class you will learn self-help techniques such easy breathwork to relax the body, mindful awareness practices to help calm the mind, and helpful strategies to work with pain, anxiety and depression. Registration is required for this event. To register, please call (508) 393-5035.
- Northborough Hiking Club on Northborough Trails (time and dates to be announced). Suitable for all ages. Each week, hike a different trail in Northborough. It’s a great way to get outside and visit the awesome trails system we have in town. Dates and trail meetup locations will be finalized and listed on the Northborough Recreation website.
- Summer Kick-off at Ellsworth McAfee Park. Wednesday, June 22, 1-4 p.m. Northborough residents, families, and employees are invited to attend this fun and free event to celebrate the start of summer and learn about the services our town has to offer. Enjoy free popcorn, bounce houses, yard games and more as you connect and socialize with your neighbors. No registration is required for this event.
In addition to these programs, the Be Well Northborough working group is excited to unveil the logo for this initiative. Funding for the graphic designer who produced this logo was provided through a Board of Health line item. No ARPA funds were used to fund this design.
Town department staff are working closely with their boards and committees to develop new ideas and to respond to public input suggestions that come through the Be Well Northborough input form. If you have an idea for a program that fits the Be Well Northborough mission, please submit it using this form: www.tinyurl.com/bewellinput.
The Be Well Northborough community calendar will be soon launched to the public in April using CivicPlus, the town’s existing web platform. In using this existing software, this calendar will not require an additional expense to create, host, or maintain.