By Debra Roberts, Contributing Writer
Photo/Gloria Aymie
Northborough – Staying socially engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging but members of our local communities are finding creative ways to feel connected to each other in a safe and “socially distant” way. Last week many Northborough families participated in a “Chalk Your Walk” initiative, in which residents were invited to write positive messages on their driveways to spread cheer during this stressful time.
A Northborough mother of three, Nikol Maher, who is a former speech and language pathologist for the Northborough Schools, decided to organize an event similar to one she saw posted in another local town. The town-wide event, scheduled for Friday, March 27 at 10 a.m., is a “bear hunt.” Northborough residents are invited to participate by placing a teddy bear in a visible, front-facing window of their home. Maher reached out to the Northborough Free Library’s children’s librarian, Katrina Ireland, who has been busy lately keeping patrons engaged with online activities during the COVID-19 library closure, like Facebook live readings of children’s books and activities on the library’s Youtube channel. Maher arranged to have Ireland read “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” by author Helen Oxenbury for her next Facebook live reading on Friday March 27 at 9:30 a.m.
After the live Facebook reading, which can be accessed on the Northborough Library’s Facebook page, the public will be invited to go on the “bear hunt” around town to look for teddy bears or other plush creatures in the windows of their fellow Northborough residents.
“We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” has always been one of our family’s favorite books,” said Maher.
“My children love to listen and act out each scene. I think a lot of parents are looking for creative activities to teach and entertain our children that get our minds off all of the bad news in the world. I’m excited by the response!”
“Hunters” are encouraged to send their photos to the Community Advocate at news@communityadvocate.com.
For more information about library activities as well as library procedures during the COVID-19 closure, click on the following links as well as the Northborough Free Library’s Facebook page.
https://www.northboroughlibrary.org/childrenhome.asp
https://northboroughlibrary.piperwebs.com/Extra2.asp
