Stories include interviews with elementary school principals who are retiring this month. They also profiled a Southborough Fire Department captain. And they spoke to a resident Vietnam era veteran and his long ago work helping service members who needed “a second chance”.

‘I love coming to work’: Southborough fire captain reflects on life of serving community – Jun 5, 2026:

The article recalls a moment when Southborough Fire Department Captain Christian Dano saved a child’s life while off duty:

He still looks back on this day as one of his proudest moments in his 35 years as a firefighter, and he often thinks about those kids – who are now in their 30s – and the countless others he has been able to help throughout his career.

For Dano, life is about service.

That service began further back than his work at the SFD:

He trained in the infantry with hopes of becoming a police officer and served in the Army Reserves from 1990 to 1995. However, after three weeks in his criminal justice course at Quinsigamond Community College, Dano realized the police force wasn’t for him.

He joined his hometown fire department in Auburn as a call firefighter in 1991: “It took one ride in a fire truck and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. That was my calling.” (read more)

How a Southborough veteran helped give Vietnam War soldiers a second chance – May 19, 2026:

The piece starts off addressing Southborough veteran Chris Robbins’ long ago decision to stop wearing his uniform due to public anger at the military over the Vietnam War. It then discusses the more recent change as the community began to honor veterans.

The change in public perception has given many veterans like Robbins a second chance to celebrate the sacrifices they made for the country.

Anger about the war wasn’t limited to the citizens back home. Drafted soldiers struggled during their service. Some turned to drugs or ended up imprisoned, while others — feeling unwanted in their units — faced getting a dishonorable discharge at any moment.

However, during his service, Robbins and fellow officers were able to provide those dissatisfied soldiers with their very own “second chance.”

Because of his experience working for the Outward Bound School in Maine, Robbins was given the mission to develop and implement a unique rehabilitation program at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, which offered soldiers the opportunity to become productive service members and obtain an honorable discharge at the end of their duty.  (read more)

After 30 years, Ryan to retire as Finn Elementary School principal – May 16, 2026:

In the 1980s, Clayton Ryan was finishing up college while working part-time for V66, a Boston television station. In his role, Ryan helped around the studios on Speen Street in Natick. He had dreams of being a television comedy writer.

But his career went off-script – something he’s forever grateful for. After working in various industries, Ryan is retiring after three decades working in child psychology and public education. He’s been the longtime principal of Southborough’s Mary E. Finn Elementary School.

“Working with the kids is probably the most rewarding part – to build a connection with a student, to help them when they’re feeling sad, to build a sense of trust, to let them know that an adult cares,” he said. (read more)

Kathleen Valenti to retire after 12 years as Neary principal – May 7, 2026:

after 12 years leading Neary School, Valenti is ready to embark on her next big adventure: retirement.

“I can’t believe I’m at this point in my life,” she said, highlighting how she’ll miss the days walking through the halls, greeting students, and working with her staff.

One of her favorite memories was always the last day of school: “Because that’s when we know we’ve done a really good job,” Valenti said. And though the day has always brought her to tears, this year’s departure from students is sure to be the hardest. (read more)

[Editor’s Note: The article doesn’t reference the elephant in the room — the controversy at Neary a few years ago and her actions that prompted some Southborough parents to petition for Valenti’s firing.]

The post CA profiles of community members appeared first on My Southborough.

Wendy Willman, 57, a longtime resident of Atlanta, Georgia, passed away at home, following a 14-month battle with leukemia. She was surrounded by her children and her parents. Wendy was born in Framingham, Massachusetts, on February 28, 1968, the only daughter of Sharon and Glenn Willman. She grew up in Southborough, Massachusetts. Wendy attended Algonquin Regional High School and Boston College, where she received her Bachelors of Arts in Sociology. When she moved to Georgia, she attended the University of Georgia and received her Master’s in Social Work. For twenty years, Wendy was employed as an adoption social worker at Adoption Planning. In 2014, she decided to open her own adoption agency, Georgia Adoption Specialists. Wendy had a passion for bringing together families and sharing the joys of adoption..

Wendy enjoyed relaxing at the beach, traveling, attending sporting events, exercising, and spending time with her family.

Wendy is survived by her children Kalyann Teasley and Jackson Teasley of Atlanta, Georgia; her parents, Sharon and Glenn Willman of Atlanta, Georgia, formerly of Southborough, Massachusetts; and her brothers Jeffrey Willman and his wife, Stacey of Rutland, Massachusetts; Jason Willman and his wife, April (Cioffi) of Rutland, Vermont; and Jonathan Willman and his wife, Caroline of Sterling, Massachusetts. In addition, she is survived by her aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 27th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pilgrim Congregational Church, 15 Common St, Southborough, MA. Burial will follow at Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Rd, Southborough, MA After the interment, all are invited back to the Pilgrim Congregational Church hall for lunch.

Pink was Wendy’s favorite color, so we are asking everyone to wear something pink – if you would like – to help honor and celebrate her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Wendy’s memory to Blood Cancer United or the Atlanta Mission: My Sisters House.

(Photo and Obituary via Morris-Johnston Funeral Home)

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Above: A look at this season’s virtual events featuring bestselling authors. (images edited from library flyers and promos on library website)

The Southborough Library is continuing to offer the virtual author talk series available to Southborough residents. Most are targeted to adults, but a few are geared to children or young adults.

The series features:

bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. The featured writers and thought leaders will cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres.

The series features 2-3 live events per month. When you register to join the live zoom, you can also pre-submit questions for the Q&A. As with all library events, participation is free to the public. Anyone can take advantage of the opportunity, but registration is required for the live talks.

If you can’t make the live event, the library’s subscription allows patrons to view the recording later. Each talk is added to the existing library of streaming videos available through the library’s website.

Any Southborough resident with a Southborough Library card can register to join the free live talks. Here’s what’s on tap for the next few months:

Children’s Author — Wonderfully Weird: Celebrating the Joys of Feeling Different with Zaila Avant-garde
Tuesday, June 16th at 7:00 – 7:45 pm

This author talk for children features the Scripps National Spelling Bee Champ and bestselling children’s book author will focus on her new picture book, Weird and Wonderful You, “in which she encourages young readers to embrace what makes them different.”

(Avant-garde has also written early readers and a collection of stories from her life.)

To learn more and register, click here.

Simple, Sustainable, and Powerfully Delicious Meals with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy
Tuesday, June 23rd at 2:00 – 3:00 pm

The CEO & Founder of Diaspora Spice Co. (Sana Javeri Kadri) and Renowned Food and Recipe Writer (Asha Loupy) will discuss the cookbook they teamed up to create. The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, “celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with 85 recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.”

To learn more and register, click here.

How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are (and How to End the Cycle) with Renowned Therapy Expert Mark Wolynn
Tuesday, July 7th at 2:00 – 3:00 pm

The author of the award-winning book, It Didn’t Start with You, author Mark Wolynn cites scientific research purporting that traumatic experiences can be passed down in our genes for generations, and “play a far greater role in our emotional and physical health than has ever before been understood.” He will discuss “how to break the cycle” and his companion workbook for a practical, therapeutic “approach to resolving longstanding difficulties”.

To learn more and register, click here.

Small Towns and Big Secrets: In Conversation with Bestselling Author Karin Slaughter
Tuesday, July 14th at 7:00 – 8:00 pm

Slaughter is the author of international and New York Times bestselling mystery/detective novels, including Pretty Girls, the Will Trent series, and The Good Daughter. In this talk, she’ll discuss her North Falls series We Are All Guilty Here and the upcoming sequel, The Secrets We Hide. 

To learn more and register, click here.

Young Adult author — Dragons, Castles, and an Irresistible Princess Bent on Revenge with Katherine Rundell
Thursday, July 30th at 2:00 – 2:45 pm

Rundell is the 2024 Author of the Year, and a bestselling and award-winning author of children’s fantasy books including Impossible Creatures. She’ll discuss the sequel, The Poisoned King! “Register now to go behind-the-scenes of the making of the Impossible Creatures books–just in time for The Neverfear’s (Book #3)’s release on September 1, 2026!”

To learn more and register, click here.

The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson
Tuesday, August 4th at 2:00 – 3:00 pm

(Rescheduled from December) The historian will discuss her book Julia Child’s kitchen: the design, tools, stories, and legacy of an iconic space. The author will discuss the famous cookbook author and TV chef’s kitchen (which was recreated at the National Museum of American History) and her legacy.

To learn more and register, click here.

Live Aware, Not in Fear: Street Smarts and Safety Tactics with Dannah Eve
Thursday, August 13th at 2:00 – 3:00 pm

For years, Eve who has shared with millions of social media followers “her advice, self-defense strategies, and safety tips”. She’s the bestselling author of  Street Smarts: Trust Your Instincts, Outsmart Danger, and Stay Safe in a World That Isn’t. Her talk will focus on “mastering situational awareness, calculated deception, and the art of always being ready.”

To learn more and register, click here.

YA author — My Bicentennial Summer: A True-Life Adventure Across America with G. Neri
Thursday, August 20th at 7:00 – 7:45 pm

Neri is the multi-award winning and bestselling author of several books for “young people” including Ghetto Cowboy (made into the 2020 Netflix movie Concrete Cowboy). In this talk, he’ll focus on “his funny and heartfelt book, My Bicentennial Summer.” It recounts the summer of 1976 when his family went on an 8,000 mile road trip “from California to Washington, DC, with only the aid of paper maps and transistor radios rather than smartphones and GPS.”

To learn more and register, click here.

High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery with Lucy Foley
Thursday, August 27th at 2:00 – 3:00 pm

Foley is the #1 NYT bestselling mystery thriller author of of The Guest List and The Midnight Feast. In this talk, she’ll “delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel.” In it, she transports “transport Miss Marple – her favorite Christie creation – to the glamorous post-war setting of the Swiss Alps, in a mystery that feels gloriously escapist yet utterly relevant to our times.”

To learn more and register, click here.

For more information or to register for any of the author talks, visit bit.ly/sbliblsc. There you can also find links for the following talks that took place since July 2022. They cover a diverse array of subjects and genres including children’s author talks appropriate for kids

The post Virtual Author Talks through August appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: An author/illustrator will work with kids at the Southborough Library again this summer to help them learn or improve their skills drawing cartoons/graphic novels. (images from Facebook and Todd’s promo photo)

Popular graphic novelist and artist Jonathan Todd returns to the Southborough Library this summer for another week-long “Comics Camp”. This time, the free opportunity is available to 2^nd to 8^th graders.

Once again, kids can sign up for 1-5 of the morning sessions held the first week of August. Registration is required, and space is limited.

Each session will take place from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. The Library promotes the program as tied together by the theme of “Self Care”:

In his kid’s graphic novel TIMID, cartoonist Jonathan Todd uses comics to express the anxiety he experienced as a middle school student. In this camp, we’ll use comics-making as a way to calm and express ourselves and share our feelings with others (when we’re comfortable doing so.)

Each day will feature a different activity:

• Monday, August 3, Collage Comics — Create comics with your doodles and found images (click here to register)
• Tuesday, August 4, Journal Comics — Create private comics in your own journal (journals provided) (click here to register)
• Wednesday, August 5, Autobio Comics — Create a comic about something that happened to you that you’d like to share with an audience (click here to register)
• Thursday, August 6, Letter Comics — Write a letter to a friend or relative in the form of a comic (click here to register)
• Friday, August 7, Board Game Cartooning — Use your cartooning skills to create your own board game (game board, dice and game pieces included) (click here to register)

This series of workshops is partially supported by The Friends of the Southborough Library.

For those not familiar with Todd, he is an author/illustrator whose work is inspired by his own childhood experiences. He has experience working with kids (in Southborough and elsewhere) to help them tap into their own experiences and imagination to create cartoons/graphic novels.

To learn about him and his work, check out his blog on tumbler, Cecil’s World. You can also check out this NPR story about the graphic novel Timid.

The post Free “Self-Care Comics Camp” for grades 2-8 appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: Whichever kind of racket you prefer to use, Southborough Recreation is offering lessons this summer to help you improve your swing. (photo and generated image by Beth Melo)

Recreation is offering more pickleball and tennis classes for adults this summer. 

Adult Outdoor Pickleball Lessons & Play

The weekly pickleball sessions are offered both as entry level classes and “Coached Play”. The 5-week sessions will run on Mondays from June 29th-July 27th.

All of the lessons will be held at the Mooney Tennis Courts (at the Finn School campus, 60 Richards Road). The cost is $120 per session.

The skill levels/activities are:

Beginner 1 (5:00–6:00 pm)

Come join Southborough Recreation as we offer an instructional pickleball program for athletes new to the sport or just beginning. Led by an instructor, learn the game’s rules, techniques, and skills, and join your community on the courts! Our curriculum will begin with the basics and end with participants playing full games against each other.

Coached Play “Up and Down the River” (8:00–9:00 am or 6:00–7:00 pm)
This is only for students that have taken a Beginner 2 Clinic or are rated 2.75.

Play for 12 minutes; the winning team moves up a court and splits, and the losing team moves down a court and splits. During and between games, get professional coaching tips on technique and strategy. Also a great way to meet new players at your level!

Lessons are all led by Certified Pickleball Instructor Lisa Giusti. Rec promotes of the coach:

Lisa’s passion is pickleball and introducing newcomers to the sport. Her foundation of instruction is correct form, skills, and strategy. Nothing makes her happier than seeing her students get excited about the game and having fun!

For more details and to register, click here.

Adult Tennis Lessons

The weekly 1-hour lessons are offered for adults that are brand-new to tennis, play at a beginner level, or “returning novice players.” They’ll be held on 6:00–7:30 pm on six Wednesday evenings July 8th through August 12th (rain date August 19th).

They take place at the Richardson Tennis Courts (Neary Campus, 53 Parkerville Road.) The cost is $95 per session.

Rec encourages:

Led by a USTA-approved coach, we focus on FUN and learning the basics using player-focused coaching and a games-based approach. Get great exercise while developing the skills to serve, rally, and play tennis.

The lessons are led by Tennis in the Parks “a partnership between Parks and Recreation and USTA New England with the goal of offering quality entry-level tennis programs that are accessible to all.”

For more details and to register, click here.

Check out more of Rec’s summer programs on their website here.

The post Register soon for Summer Pickleball (Lessons or Play) and/or Tennis Lessons appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: The downtown art gallery is calling artists to be part of a special exhibit this fall. (images cropped from flyer)

Last summer, Apothecary Artists and Gallery invited artists to submit artwork to include in a juried exhibit “inspired by the beauty and vitality of native plants and native pollinators.” This year, they’re doing it again.

“Artists of all experience levels and disciplines” are invited to apply to be part of the exhibit by Friday, July 12th. Accepted works need to be ready to be dropped off at the studio 7/18-21 for the exhibit that will run August 1 – 31.

Organizers encourage artists to submit original works of any medium. While submissions can include “photography, mixed media, painting, sculpture, and more”, hanging works are preferred.

The works don’t have to be “for sale” to be included in the exhibit. (But if they are sold, the studio would take a 30% commission.)

As for the subject matter, organizers again describe:

Whether it’s the delicate petals of a flower, the intricate patterns of leaves, or the stories our local pollinators tell, we want to showcase your unique artistic vision. This exhibition aims to highlight the importance of native plants in our community and continue our collective education.

The inspiring plants/pollinators must be native to New England. Those that are considered non-native species won’t be accepted.

For those unfamiliar with the concept, that doesn’t mean that if you see it in your yard or local nature, it’s native. Native species are ones that have long roots in the past, believed to date back thousands of years (and likely evolved in the region). A specified example of a “non-native species” that won’t be accepted is honey bees.

The website notes points artists to tools like Native Plant Trust’s “gobotany” to check on plants. No specific info is provided on how to identify native pollinators. But, applicants are encouraged to email them if in doubt.

Tip: Artists looking for a setting to find appropriate inspiration could head to one of the Native Plant gardens in town. Locations include the Beecology Research Garden at Breakneck Hill Conservation Land, the Whit Beals Biodiversity Through Pollination Garden at SOLF’s Beals Preserve, and the Native Pollination Preservation Garden by the Southborough Library parking lot. (I created/edited some maps below to help readers find them.)

You also may be inspired by looking at the variety of works that were included in the inaugural exhibit. Below is a post that Apothecary Artists shared on Facebook last fall:

For more details and to apply, click here.

The post Call for Art celebrating “Native Plants and Pollinators” appeared first on My Southborough.

The next time you pop into the Southborough Library, you can take part in one of the fundraisers to support programs and resources you value.¹

This month, the Friends of the Southborough Library are running a Basket Raffle. And we’re also selling new library swag — colorful greeting cards featuring the library logo.

As always, proceeds go to our 501c3, with the mission of supporting the library and its resources and services for the community. (Expenses the Friends cover include museum passes, many of the upcoming Summer Reading programs for children and young adults, and much more.)

Basket Raffle through July 6th

We’ve put together two baskets — one for adults and another for children. Both geared for those who love reading and our library! 

The tickets can be purchased at a circulation desk:

• 1 ticket for $1
• 6 tickets for $5
• 12 ticket for $10
• 25 tickets for $20

(If you’re spending $10 or more, you can pay using PayPal, which also allows Venmo. Otherwise, please bring cash.)

To enter the drawing, you’ll need to write your name and contact info on the tickets. The drawing will take place on July 6th. And there are lots of other reasons to pop into the library between now and then. (You can check out the library’s events calendar here.)

Greeting Card Fundraiser

It’s the June gift-giving season and the Friends of the Southborough Library have you covered!

Our custom Library logo greeting cards are available in multicolor packs of 5 for $20 and offer the perfect local touch for graduations, end-of-year teacher gifts, celebrating Pride Month, and/or welcoming new neighbors to town.

(Each pack includes cards featuring the Southborough Library’s logo in red, orange, green, blue, and purple.)

Visit one of the Library circulation desks to buy a pack today! Payment options include using PayPal (with ability to pay using credit card or Venmo).

All funds raised will go directly to the Friends of the Southborough Library. Thank you for supporting the Friends and celebrating all the colors of the Library!

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Last week, the NSBORO administration publicly confirmed that the summer camp run by Southborough Extended Day Program (SEDP) is temporarily relocating to Finn School (60 Richards Rd).

Sharing that news is a good opportunity to remind parents about the camp option. For families looking for a flexible schedule this summer, SEDP offers a “Summer Fun Club” that is worth checking out.

The downside for some families is that the program doesn’t cover Fridays. But that’s part of the upside for many of the families who choose it. Rather than paying for full weeks of camp, the SEDP camp allows sign up for just the weekdays that work for your family. 

You can sign up kids for up to four days any given week (Mon-Thurs, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm). Plus, you can pay for early drop off (starting at 7:30 am) and/or late pick up (ending at 6:00 pm).

The Summer Fun Club is managed through the SEDP’s partnership of community parents and the public schools, is only available for kids entering grades K-6. 

Because it is tied to the public schools, the program allows campers who aren’t potty trained. (That’s necessary for some families with special needs students that can’t be accommodated by other camps in town.)

The full week’s cost is $340 (the same as Southborough Recreation’s five day, full day Summer Camp.)

The program will run June 29th through August 20th.

Another benefit that some families will appreciate, the SEDP program allows all ages of campers to participate in the weekly field trips (on Thursdays). This year’s trips are promoted as (subject to changes):

• Week 1 (6/29 – 7/2) Hopkinton State Park (Beach & BBQ)
• Week 2 (7/6 – 7/9) Spring Lake Beach
• Week 3 (7/13 – 7/16) EcoTarium
• Week 4 (7/20 – 7/23) Water Wizz
• Week 5 (7/27 – 7/30) Canobie Lake Park
• Week 6 (8/3 – 8/6) PINZ (bowling alley)
• Week 7 (8/10 – 8/13) Breezy Picnic Grounds (without waterslides)
• Week 8 (8/17 – 8/20) Fun World

As for other fun, SEDP promotes:

Our weeks will consist of enriching daily activities, weekly themes, and field trips that are bound to have the kids talking all summer long. We also will be offering camp favorites such as color wars, carnival day and everyone’s absolute favorite day of the year, the Banana Olympics! And of course, your children’s favorite staff from our before-and-after-school programs will be working all summer long.

The final week of camp is likely to be the most popular, featuring both the Color Wars and Banana Olympics.

Normally, the summer program is held at Neary School. The relocation to Finn School this summer is to allow Neary failing roof to be replaced this summer. (Expect the program to return to its usual digs next year.)

Last week, Assistant Superintendent Kieth Lavoie updated the School Committee about the facility change. He noted that SEDP Director Kerry Packard was working to make the necessary adjustments, including some “customizations” to make the PreK-2 school work for the older kids.

For more details and the registration form, click here. [Note: The program is full up for CITs for this summer.]

To read about other camps in/related to our town this summer, click here.

The post Southborough Extended Day Program moving to Finn this summer appeared first on My Southborough.

Above: After a car crashed into a southside home on Sunday, police arrested the driver and passenger on related charges. (image cropped from photo contributed by John Kendall)

The Southborough Police Department issued a press release this morning about a car that crashed into a Southville Road home on Sunday evening, and subsequent arrests. And a reader shared a photo he took of the scene.

Here is the SPD’s (redacted) statement:

Southborough Police Arrest Framingham Man on OUI, Motor Vehicle Charges After Crash Into House

The Southborough Police Department arrested a Framingham man on multiple charges, including operating under the influence, after crashing into a home on Sunday night.

Around 6:45 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, Southborough Police responded to reports that a car crashed into a home at 98 Southville Road.

The driver was later identified as [an 18 year old Framingham Man].

[The suspect] was arrested and charged with the following:

• Operating Under the Influence of Liquor
• Negligent Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Obstruction of Justice
• Withholding of Evidence from a Criminal Proceeding
• Unsafe Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Littering Trash
• Person Under 21 in Possession of Alcohol
• Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Marked Lanes Violation
• Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle

When officers arrived on the scene, they found a black 2009 Pontiac Vibe had crashed into the northwest corner of the home at 98 Southville Road. Police also found a utility pole with minor damage next to the home’s driveway. The home sustained minor damage, though the entire front end of the vehicle was crushed and all of its airbags had deployed.

The vehicle was unoccupied, but officers soon after located the driver and passenger who were nearby.

A preliminary investigation revealed that after crashing into the house, [The suspect] allegedly removed bottles/cans of alcohol from the vehicle and attempted to hide them nearby.

A subsequent investigation determined that [The suspect] had been operating under the influence. He was taken into custody without incident.

The passenger, a 42-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, of FRAMINGHAM, was also charged with Obstruction of Justice.

[The suspect] is expected to be arraigned Monday in Westborough District Court.

These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

You can read the unredacted announcement here.

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Whether you’re a fan of astronomy, astrology, or wishing upon a star — make a plan to head to Trottier’s outdoor track tonight, Monday, June 15th. The community is invited to participate in stargazing.

And, fortunately, the forecast seems to be for favorable conditions.

The event is scheduled for 8:00 pm. (There’s a June 16th rain date, but it doesn’t look like that will be needed.)

The public is invited to bring telescopes, or share ones provided. Southborough’s Dr. Destin Heilman will demonstrate how to use telescopes and guide viewing of stars, constellations and other “deep sky objects”. I’m told that since June 15th marks a new phase of the moon, the sky should be dark and ideal for sky viewing. (You may even be able to view Saturn.)

Fun will also feature games and the Trombetta’s ice cream truck.

The “Community Stargazing Night” will take place at the outdoor track next to Trottier Middle School, 49 Parkerville Road. Participants are asked to come prepared with something to sit on, a red flashlight, and bug spray.

The event is organized by two members of Southborough Troop 82377 Girl Scouts (Lucy Gardner and Elisabeth Lord). The project is part of their Silver Award project. 

Their program will include education on light pollution (not only on stargazing enjoyment, but its impact on nature) and guidance on lighting choices to preserve our natural dark sky.

According an announcement. the girls hope that “through education and community engagement, there will be increased investment in smart lighting choices and business adherence to existing town lighting ordinances.” (You can read more about the Town’s lighting bylaws that were passed in 2021 to reduce light pollution here.)

As for Heilman’s involvement, the WPI Professor’s Linked In bio shares:

Beyond WPI, Destin is an accomplished astronomer and astrophotographer and advocates for protection of dark skies and open land, serving as a Trustee of the Southborough Open Land Foundation. He routinely conducts summer outreach programs in astronomy and general science education.

One of those outreach programs was at the Southborough Library in 2019. You can watch his Dark Skies presentation courtesy of Southborough Access Media here.

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