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Mini-golf returns to the Westborough library
By Maureen Sullivan
Assistant Editor
WESTBOROUGH - Mini-golf is coming to the Westborough Public Library for the first time in six years.
“Putt Fore the Library” will take place on Feb. 3 and 4. On those two days, the library will be converted into a giant indoor 18-hole mini-golf course.
Hours will be from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4.
In addition to the golf, there will be refreshments and a raffle.
“We did Library Mini Golf a few times in the past, but haven’t done it since 2017, and we’re so excited to bring it back. It is such a fun event,” said Li- brary Director Maureen Amyot.
“We are all very excited to be bringing back this popular fundraising event,” said Wendi Comey, treasurer for the Friends of the Westborough Public Library.
Event Director of Mobile Mini Golf Joe Buckley said this is the first time their Norfolkbased company has done an event for the Westborough library. Mobile Mini Golf typically does between 30 to 40 library programs a year in addition to their campus, retirement and corporate events.
Buckley said Mobile Mini Golf turns the library into a “day of discovery.”
“Many people go directly to the children’s room; others never go near the children or teen area, and this is an opportunity for everyone to explore all the different spaces the library has to offer,” he said. clist access once construction is underway.
For information on Mobile Mini Golf, visit www.mobileminigolf.com.
“Putt Fore the Library” tickets will be available at the door; admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children age 5-17; and free for children under 5 years of age.
Proceeds will help the Friends provide funding for the library’s children and teen programs this summer.
For information on the Friends of the Westborough Public Library, visit www.westboroughlibrary.org/about/ friends-of-the-westboroughpublic-library.
Preliminary work on the bridge has begun, including the installation of advanced warning signs.
The bridge at Flanders Road over I-495 will be “rehabilitated” – the base will remain, and a new bridge will be built on top of it.
The project is expected to take about five years.
During this part of the project, MassDOT plans short-term lane closures to support bridge and utility work.
MassDOT plans more meetings on the project. For updates, visit www.mass. gov/i-495i-90-interchangeimprovements.
By Kristen Remillard History Columnist
GRAFTON - Many things attract people to local farms, from pumpkins to carve to freshly grown local foods. In Grafton, residents have farms bustling with activity, even to this day.
While one can visit farms for their promise of fresh foods and family fun activities, would you ever consider visiting a farm to see a tree?
At Houlden Farm, there’s a tree that has ties to the first president and the Revolutionary War.
An old newspaper article farmer Ruth Houlden shared with the Grafton Historical Society detailed the patriotic symbolism behind the great general’s beloved tulip poplar tree.
It’s believed that former owners of the farm, the Gouldings, replicated a tulip poplar tree planted by George Washington at Mount Vernon in Virginia in 1785. According to the former president’s diary, the tulip poplar tree was planted at Mount Vernon in the midst of the Revolutionary War, near the time when the Declaration of Independence was contemplated and ultimately signed.
The Revolutionary War would guarantee the independence to the American people from Great Britain, and the Declaration of Independence served as a proclamation to the world that America became a new country. George Washington likely viewed the tulip poplar tree as growing with the very country he loved and served.
At Houlden Farm, visitors will find the massive tree growing just across the street. It is most likely at least 150 to 200 years old, with a circumference of 21 feet around.
Specifically, it was Ephraim Goulding who decided to plant the tree all of those years ago.
The Gouldings appreciated this symbol of freedom, having also served in the military.
As we reflect on the past, we have to admire those who continue on with traditions such as planting a symbolic tree after a historic event, or continuing a long-lost family trade, such as farming. Make sure you visit the majestic tulip poplar tree at Houlden Farm and enjoy your local farms as often as you can.
Trex Film Plastics collections to resume
WESTBOROUGH - The Trex
Film Plastics collection drive will begin on Saturday, Feb. 5, at Kohl’s Northborough, 7102 Shops Way (back entrance), from 8 to 9 a.m.
Collections will also take place on Feb. 18; March 4 and 18; April 1, 15 and 29; May 15 and 27; and June 10 and 24.
If you are bringing recyclables to Kohl’s, please use 13-, 33- or 55-gallon trash bags. Can’t get to Kohl’s? Trex col- lection bins are available at the following locations — Central One Federal Credit Union, 40 South St., Westborough (accessible from back parking lot); YMCA, 4 Valente Drive (near climbing wall); Westborough High School (near the cafeteria and upper lot).
More collection bin locations will be announced.
The following items will be accepted — grocery bags; cereal bags; dry-cleaning bags; bubble wrap; Zip-Loc bags; plastic shipping envelopes; bread bags. www.yourwaycm.com
The following items will not be accepted — potato chip bags with metallic liners; brown mailers with bubble wrap inside; hard plastics; plastics with food residue. The collection drive is sponsored by the Westborough Rotary Club.
For information, email cote@westboroughrotary.org.
Marlborough, MA
