Land trust celebrates 10 years with photo contest
By Mary Shane Contributing Writer

Westborough - The Westborough Community Land Trust (WCLT) 10th Anniversary Photo Exhibition and Contest's opening reception was Nov. 11 in the Westborough Public Library's Meeting Room. Prizes were awarded the same afternoon.

Awards were given for Best of Show (first, second and third); 14 Honorable Mentions were awarded to 13 photographers.

A People's Choice Award will be announced Saturday Nov. 17 to the photographer whose photo receives the most votes by visitors to the exhibit.

Winners are: first prize, Robin Fleming for "After the Storm;" second prize, Barry Hall for "Wile Forest;" and third prize, Paul J. Weisbach for "White Breasted Nuthatch."

The contest required that photos be taken in Westborough of landscapes, flora or wildlife, and was open to area photographers of all ages. Photos had to be color or black and white with no digital eff ects. There were 149 entries from 43 photographers, ranging from age 8 to senior citizens.

"[It was] truly an all-inclusive contest," WCLT member Kristina Allen said.

"The photo contest allows people to enjoy the open spaces vicariously," Allen said. "It's a great time to celebrate our 10th anniversary."

Leslie Durham was co-chair of the WCLT Photo Contest.

"We did a photo contest because it's the essence of Westborough," she said. "[People] become aware of the beauty of one part of town but not another. This gives us the opportunity to appreciate the breadth, the beauty of Westborough."

In addition to taking first place, Fleming also won an Honorable Mention for "Froggy."

"I was just at the right place at the right time," Fleming said about her winning photo.

The youngest participant, 8-year-old Gillian Fahey, submitted one photo and her mother, Angela Fahey, submitted five entries and won an Honorable Mention.

Selectman Leigh Emery closed the awards ceremony.

"I'd like to thank the Land Trust for such a wonderful event," Emery said. "A lot of people will see this. We hope people will join the Land Trust; it's a wonderful organization. Tell your friends to come back and take a look."

The exhibition runs through Saturday Nov. 17.