Westwood Wire - June 2018 Edition

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Westwood Massachusetts

Westwood Wire - June 2018 Edition

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Letter from the Town Administrator

Residents,

I would like to thank all 1,200 registered voters who attended and participated in the 2018 Annual Town Meeting.  Articles were discussed, debated and voted and the results can be found on the Town's website.  Open Town Meeting is the legislative branch of our local government and one of the purest forms of democracy, allowing for all voters voices to be heard before votes are taken.  The efficiency, accuracy and privacy were further enhanced by the use of electronic voting technology, which should now be standard operating procedure at future town meetings.

This Wire’s focus is on solid waste and recycling.  As some of you may have heard, many cities and towns are facing rising costs associated with recycling due to China’s decision to stop accepting recycling product because of contamination and other variables.  Contamination is a problem that we all need to work together to solve.  A recent news story from Channel 5 highlights the immediate impacts of the changes to recycling disposal in Marlborough, Mass.  In each Wire, the Town will dedicate space to provide residents information on good recycling habits and how to get your household members to recycle correctly and often.

How a Chinese policy is trashing local recycling businesses - WCVB Boston

Finally, I want to wish all of our graduating Westwood High School Seniors the best of luck on the next chapter in life. I’d also like to wish you all a happy and healthy summer and look forward to providing you with continued editions of the Wire in the coming months!

Mikes sig

Michael A. Jaillet
Town Administrator 

Save the Date

Westwood Librarians' Book Buzz Panel
June 28

Fireman's Foam
July 11

Panda Express Y&FS Fundraiser 
July 13

Westwood Day
September 29

 


Important Links

Quarterly Newsletter - Summer Edition

Summer Road Paving Information 

Sharps Container Information & Disposal Locations 

 

 

What is Recycling Contamination?

Recycling - Susan

The following is a excerpt from a press release issued by By Susan Robinson, Director of Public Affairs for Waste Management

As the impacts of China’s new import policies to reduce trash in the recyclables begin to impact our collection programs, you may be seeing a lot more articles about the health of recycling, both locally and across the globe. In many cases, these articles are communicating the same basic information:

  • Recycling contamination – or the percentage of trash mixed with recyclables – has increased and it’s jeopardizing the global recycling industry
  • Going forward, China will not purchase recyclables if there is just a fraction of trash mixed with the items
  • As a result, we all must focus our efforts on recycling the right items the right way

Continue reading more about Recycling Contamination

Recycle right

Recycling 101 - What Can and Cannot be Recycled

It starts with you

Plastic Bag Ban - We Want to hear from you!

bag

The Westwood Environmental Action Committee (WEAC) is interested in gauging community awareness about plastic bag use and disposal. Please take a minute to answer their brief survey.

 


Westwood Day 2018!

WWD

Thank You to the 2018 Teen Scene Mentors

Teen

Thank you to our awesome 2018 “Teen Scene” Mentors  at the Westwood Public Library

Teens play a big role at the Westwood Public Library – both as patrons, and as volunteers.  This year, the Library and Westwood Youth and Family Services Department developed a collaborative Teen Mentoring Program, called “Teen Scene@ the Library.”  On early-release Wednesdays and Fridays, Teen Mentors engage with middle school students, coordinating activities in the teen room, gallery or community room space, as well as helping students with homework, or facilitating board and video games. This year six WHS students volunteered as teen mentors - Maria Kontogiannis, Gabrielle Ouellette, Emily Padula (pictured) as well as Will Carr, Maddie McDonough, and Stephen Pellegrino.  Together, the students donated more than 215 volunteer hours.

Many thanks to these wonderful WHS Juniors and Seniors for volunteering so much of their time, talents and energy! They really are making a positive impact in their community.


What's Happening Around Town

Books

WWYWC

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Youth & Family Services Panda Express Fundraiser

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On Friday, July 13th, from 10:00AM-9:00PM 20% of all sales at the new Panda Express will be donated to Westwood Youth & Family Services!


North Street and 109 Intersection Improvement Project Complete!

North and 109

The Town has completed the intersection improvements to North Street and Route 109.  Click on the picture to watch a video provided by resident Parker Harrington to see the entire project!

North at 109 Intersection Improvements Video