 
Stay Informed About Westwood Government
The Town's website provides meeting agendas, news, and event information in addition to information on every town department, board and committee. You can also sign up to customize your experience on the website using our MyTown portal at the following link. You’ll never miss a meeting as you can receive email notifications for all upcoming public meetings. http://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/mytown
Here are some ways to customize your visits to the website using the MyTown portal
- Customize which News you want to view on your portal page
- Customize which calendar items categories you want to view on your portal page
- Select email notifications for all events or news items added to the website
- You can "favorite pages" on the website and then select to receive email notifications when that page is updated.
The Town of Westwood has 24 wooden pews in the Sanctuary of the Islington Community Center, the remaining seating from the former Islington Community Church. These pews are available to the public through auction by the Town of Westwood. Buyers are responsible for removing the pews from the Sanctuary at the time of purchase.
Pew Dimensions
Length of pews: 163 inches (13’7”)
Height of pews: 33 inches
Width of pews: 20 inches
Depth of seat: 15 inches
Back rest: 16 inches
To look at the pews, please contact Youth & Family Services at 781-320-1006.
To take possession of pews, please view them here:
http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=2446729
Join the 2020 census team!
Earn extra income while helping your community.
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. These positions provide the perfect opportunity to earn some extra income while helping your community. The results of the 2020 Census will help determine each state’s representation in Congress, as well as how certain funds are spent for schools, hospitals, roads, and more. This is your chance to play a part in history and help ensure that everyone in your community is counted!
Apply online:
2020census.gov/jobs
For More information or help applying, please call 1-855-JOB-2020
Dog licensing will begin for 2019 January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020.
- You may license your dog online, in person, or, by mail, provided you include a copy of a current rabies certificate and a self-addressed stamped envelope. If you are licensing your dog for the first time, proof of spay or neutering is also required.
- Licenses will be valid from January 1, 2020 until December 31, 2020.
- You must license your dog on an annual basis.
- If you own more than 4 dogs this is considered a “Personal Kennel” per MGL c. 140 §136A.
- You must go through a special permit application process through the Zoning Board of Appeals to license a kennel.
- Failure to license your dog on or before March 31, 2020 may result in a fine of $25.00, per town bylaws §184-10,B.(1).
Licensing Fees are as follows:
- Dogs not Neutered or Spayed: $15.00.
- Dogs Neutered or Spayed: $10.00.
- Residents ages 70 or older the fee is waived for one dog per household.
- Kennel fees-please contact the Town Clerk’s office.
Please be sure to include the correct licensing fee. If you are unsure, Please contact the Town Clerks office at 781 326-3964.
Annual Rabies Clinic:
- Saturday, January 11, 2020, 9A-12N, Carby Street Municipal Office Building, 50 Carby Street, Westwood.
- You may also license your dog(s) at the Rabies Clinic.
The 2020 Annual Town Census will be sent to each household in late December. It is extremely important that you fill this out and return it within 10 days of its receipt. You may also scan and email it to census@townhall.westwood.ma.us provided you have filled it out and signed it. Failure to return the Census may cause a voter to be designated as inactive on the voting list (M.G.L, Ch.51, § 4). Also please note that you may not register to vote or change parties via a census form.
Annual Town Election:
- The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, April 28, 2020
- Nomination papers will be available on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 for those registered Westwood voters who wish to run for town elected positions.
- Last day to obtain nomination papers will be on Friday, March 6, 2020. The Town Clerks office will be open until 5:00pm.
- Last day to register voters for Annual Town Election & Annual Town Meeting will be Wednesday, April 8, 2020. The Town Clerks office will be open until 8:00 p.m. or you may register to vote online: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/OVR/
- To check your voter registration status: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx
The following elected offices will appear on the Ballot:
- Board of Assessors - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term
- Collector of Taxes-1 Seat-3 Year Term
- Housing Authority-1 Seat- 5 Year Term
- Library Trustee - 2 Seats - 3 Year Terms
- Moderator - 1 Seat - 1 Year Term
- Planning Board - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term
- School Committee - 2 Seats -3 Year Terms
- Selectman - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term
- Sewer Commission - 1 Seat - 3 Year Term
- Sewer Commission-1 Seat-2 Year term(to fill a vacancy)
- Sewer Commission-1 Seat-1 Year term(to fill a vacancy)
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Update
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Update
Westwood’s Comprehensive Plan Update is proceeding with a goal of completion in early 2020. A Comprehensive Plan is a long range planning document that focuses on Westwood’s vision and strategies to achieve that vision. The Steering Committee has been working over the last year to update the 2000 version. The Committee has been presenting initial recommendations and draft goals at a series of Planning Board meetings that began in October and will continue on January 7. The January 7 meeting will be held at the library in the community meeting room.
January 7, 2020 - 660 High St. Library – Town Centers, Economic Development
The purpose of the presentations is to seek Planning Board and public input on the first draft. The Committee will then continue to work on the plan and return to the Planning Board in 2020 with further revisions. All meetings are televised and everyone is invited to attend. Drafts will be available a week in advance of the meeting for review.
For more information and drafts of the sections already presented to the Planning Board please visit the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee’s website at:
www.bit.do/WWComprehensiveplan
Please contact Abby McCabe, Town Planner at amccabe@townhall.westwood.ma.us or 781-251-2581 with questions.
Westwood Youth & Family Services provides free community based programs and confidential counseling for the children and families of Westwood.
The Westwood Department of Public Works will once again offer a holiday dumpster to dispose of extra cardboard. The cardboard ONLY dumpster will be available for use:
December 26th, 27th & 30th 2019 (7am–3pm)
December 31, 2019 (7am-11:30am)
January 1st, 2020 (closed)
January 2nd & 3rd, 2020 (7am-3pm)
Cardboard ONLY- no trash, wrapping paper or Styrofoam (anything other than cardboard will contaminate the dumpster)
Christmas Tree Pickup:
January 6, 2020- January 17, 2020
Westwood Department of Public Works will be picking up Christmas trees January 6th through January 17th. Please have your Christmas trees out at your curbside by 7am on your regularly scheduled trash pickup day. All trees must be free of plastic bags, stands, ornaments, and other materials to be acceptable for collection.
Winter Parking Restrictions
Starting December 1st through March 31st, there is a town wide overnight parking ban, 2am to 5am. The Public Works Assistant Director or the Chief of Police, for the purpose of removing or plowing snow, or removing ice, from any way, may remove or cause to be removed any vehicle interfering with such work.
Snow Clearing and Clearing of Hydrants
Please do not throw or place any snow or ice on any town street, sidewalk, or on top of hydrants as this can create a hazardous condition or public safety concern.
- 355-5 Placement of snow or ice; penalty.
- No person other than an employee in the service of the Town of Westwood or an employee in the service of an independent contractor acting for the Town of Westwood shall pile, push, plow, or blow snow or ice onto or across a public way which is plowed and/or sanded by the Town or deposit snow in such a way as to obstruct the operation of any fire hydrant. Violations of this section shall be subject to a written warning for the first offense; a fine of $50 for the second offense; and $100 for third and each subsequent offense.
2020 Summer Paving List
Mill/Overlay/Casting adjustments (To be funded through Chapter 90)
-Dover Road
-Lynn Terrace
-Conant Road
-Sunset Road
-Country Lane
-Loraine Road
-Dover Terrace
-Dover Road
-Pheasant Hill Street
-Chamberlain Avenue
-June Street
-Blueberry Lane
-Highview Street
-Pond Street (From Clapboardtree Street to Route 109 by the Sheehan School end)
-Brook Street
-Chester Avenue
-Route 109
2019 Sewer Inflow and Infiltration Program:
Please note the following work being done in the locations listed below (locations and dates could be subject to change depending on weather impacts).
December 16th-31st, 2019: Arcadia Road, Pond Street, Thatcher Street, Lakeshore Drive, Deerfield Ave, Gay Street.
If you have any questions, please call the Department of Public Works at 781-251-2587.
Long Term Care Insurance-101
With Hans Hug, Monday February 3 at 10 am, $3 donation - Please sign up in advance
Long Term Care Insurance can be a confusing product. It has been described as having “a lot of moving parts”. In this workshop, Hans will explain how a modern Long Term Care Insurance Policy really works. You will come away with an understanding of how benefits are paid, how your health effects eligibility, who the major Insurers are for this in Massachusetts, how to design a plan, and whether or not it is even something you should seriously consider. Hans Hug, Jr. is the owner of the LTC Insurance Group, an Exeter NH insurance brokerage opened in 1999 that specializes in Long Term Care Insurance and Life Insurance.
Westwood Public School's discussion on Elementary School Buildings
With Emily Parks (Superintendent) & Maya Plotkin (School Committee)
Monday January 13 at 1pm, Please sign up in advance
The Westwood School District is excited to announce that it has begun a review of three elementary schools - Hanlon, Deerfield, and Sheehan - with the purpose of renovating or constructing a new school to address major concerns with the schools. The District has hired a project manager and an architect for the School Building Project and is currently reaching out to the Westwood community for feedback, questions, and concerns . To learn more about this exciting project and provide your feedback, please join Emily Parks, Superintendent of Schools, and Maya Plotkin, Chair of the School Building Committee, for a presentation and Q&A session on the School Building Project. You can also find more information on the School Building Project's website found here:
http://www.westwood.k12.ma.us/district/superintendents-office/elementary-building-project.cfm
WALKING CLUB
with Maria and Angie, Tuesdays at 9:30 am
Meet at 9:30 at the trail head (or at 9:10 at the Senior Center for carpooling). Winter hiking requires water proof boots, micro spikes or other traction devices, possibly snow shoes, hiking poles for extra balance and traction, gaiters and/or waterproof pants. Dress in layers, bring water and a snack.
Jan.14: Hale Reservation, Cat Rock parking lot, Carby Street, Westwood
Jan. 28: Noanet Woodlands, Powisett Street, Dover
SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL
Monday January 27 at 1pm, No cost to this program but please sign up in advance
Senior Medicare Patrol program explains how to avoid becoming a victim of health care errors, fraud, and abuse.
Come and join us for salad, pizza and dessert at the Senior Center on Mondays in January.
Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect. $3 donation.
When your body temperature gets very low you can suffer from Hypothermia. For an older person, a body temperature of 95°F or lower can cause many health problems, such as a heart attack, kidney problems, and liver damage. Here are some cold weather safety tips to follow.
- Set your heat to at least 68–70°F. Keep the basement door closed. Place a rolled towel in front of all doors to keep out drafts.
- Make sure your house isn't losing heat through windows. Keep your blinds and curtains closed. If you have gaps around the windows, try using weather stripping or caulk to keep the cold air out.
- Dress warmly on cold days even if you are staying in the house. Throw a blanket over your legs. Wear socks and slippers.
- Make sure you eat enough food to keep up your weight. If you don't eat well, you might have less fat under your skin. Body fat helps you stay warm.
- Alcoholic drinks can make you lose body heat, so drink in moderation.
- Ask family or friends to check on you during cold weather. If a power outage leaves you without heat, try to stay with a relative or friend.
You may be tempted to warm your room with a space heater. However, some space heaters are fire hazards, and others can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Be sure to use with caution and follow the manufacturer’s instruction manual to make sure you are using it correctly.
 Home fires occur more in the winter than in any other season. Here are some things to keep in mind as the weather gets colder. Home heating systems can produce carbon monoxide so it’s very important to have them professionally maintained and to test your carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Never use your oven, gas or electric, as a source of heat. If you are using space heaters make sure they are on a solid flat surface and keep them at a least 3 ft. from any flammable objects. Make sure the cords are not cracked or broken and never use an extension cord with them. Plug only 1 heat producing appliance, like a space heater into an electrical outlet at a time.
Winter storms can cause power outages and portable generators can come in handy. Always keep generators outside as far away from the house and windows as possible. Chimneys should be cleaned and checked by a qualified professional annually. Cooled ashes should be stored in a covered metal container outside at least 10 feet from any buildings.
Hypothermia is a dangerous, potentially life threatening condition that is the result of your body temperature getting too low. Keeping your thermostat setting between 68 & 70 degrees, wearing loose layers, changing out of wet clothes and limiting the amount of time spent outdoors will help you stay warm and avoid hypothermia. Have a safe winter!
www.westwoodhydrant.org
The following sections are submissions provided by organizations within the community. If you have questions or would like to learn how to submit to the Westwood Wire, please email westwoodwire@townhall.westwood.ma.us
Have you seen our new URL?
Since November 12, you may have noticed Hale's website now loads at hale1918.org, or you might have received an email from someone @hale1918.org.
It’s a subtle change, but we believe it better reflects Hale’s history and the scope of our impact. Our organization is more than a century old, and in that time, we’ve come to be so much more than a reservation: Hale impacts lives in countless ways. This new address is a nod to that progress.
For more information about Hale, their mission, and all the programs they offer, please visit www.hale1918.org
The temporary special education records for students who graduated, turned 22 without graduating, or moved in the 2011-2012 or 2012-2013 school years, will be destroyed on March 1, 2020. Any students interested in receiving their special education records must call (781) 326-7500, x1345 to make an appointment to pick them up before this date. Records can be picked-up from the Westwood Public Schools District Administration Building at 220 Nahatan Street.
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are free and on a first come first serve basis. Get yours here:
https://screenagers2westwood.eventcombo.com
This event is most appropriate for students in grades 6 and above and all parents/adults in the town of Westwood are welcome to attend.
Westwood Community in Action will proudly host the 32nd All Night Graduation Party at Westwood High School for the Class of 2020.
More than 30 years ago, a group of parents formed Westwood Community in Action, Inc. a non-profit dedicated to organizing and funding the annual overnight event to provide all graduating seniors a final night of celebration in a safe, fun, entertainment filled event.
Each year a surprise theme, unique activities, fabulous food, amazing music, and memories for the students are organized into the spectacular all-night event. “It’s mind-blowing to see what a dedicated group of community volunteers create and execute every year” remarks Jennie Conway, one of the committee chairs. “The goal is to make it memorable for the kids and we hear every year from both graduates and their parents the event is a capstone to their years at WHS.”
“The All Night party was such a great way to top off my years at WHS” says 2019 graduate John de Reyna. “I couldn’t believe how the high school was transformed with decorations and all the fun things to do.” That enthusiasm for the High School location has been a challenge for Community in Action in recent years as the event requires an army of volunteers and a quick clean up and turn around in the morning when school starts for underclassmen. “The volunteers and custodial staff are amazing” says Conway, “with everyone’s help we pull it off each year. We are thrilled to be able to host the party at Westwood High School again in 2020.”
This community event is funded solely from donations, corporate sponsors, and fundraising. Please consider a financial contribution to Westwood Community in Action or get involved as a volunteer this year. Information is available on the website www.westwoodangp.com. Donations may also be sent directly to WCIA, P.O. Box 2605, Westwood, MA 02090.
 February 2020 Program: TBD
March 2020 Program: Historical Trends in the Stock Market; Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 pm Skip Wells, a Wall Street analyst and Hedge Fund manager, will share his extensive knowledge about trends in the stock market.
April 2020 Program: Photo Detective; Tuesday, April 14, 7:30 pm
Maureen Taylor is an international speaker on how photos and photography intersect and inform genealogy and history.
All programs are held at the Fisher School, 830 High Street, Westwood, MA. Also see our website, watch our Facebook page and check the local papers for more.
Our 1800s School Day
In May, the Historical Society will once again host all of Westwood’s third graders at the Fisher School. This program gives our schoolchildren the opportunity to step back in time and see what school was like in the 1800s. The program was originally designed by Joan Swann and Elaine Nye, continued by Irene Buonopane and is now coordinated by Charlie Donahue. This year, Charlie expects to have the help of over 20 volunteers!
Note: If you would be interested in revisiting an 1800s school day as well, please send an e-mail to us. If there is enough interest, we will put together an 1800s School “Hour” (evening) program for adults.
Take Advantage of the Society and the Fisher School
There are so many ways to benefit from the Society – and to contribute to it. We encourage you to:
Nominate Someone for our Quarter Century Award The Quarter Century Award is presented each year to a person or couple who have made significant contributions to the Westwood community for more than 25 years. The contribution can be in any field, such as education, religion, arts, civic or social service. (See our website for past recipients.)
To make a nomination, please send a letter to the Historical Society describing your nominee(s) and their contributions to Westwood. Letters should be mailed to: Westwood Historical Society, P.O. Box 2575, Westwood, MA 02090 – and received by May 31, 2020 for the 2020 Quarter Century award.
Suggest a Presenter/Program We are currently planning our fall 2020 programs, so do contact us (e-mail below) if you or someone you know would be interested in presenting. Many Westwood residents have wonderful experiences and interests to share. Don’t be shy to volunteer!
Use the Fisher School for Your Own Event
The Fisher School has hosted many small celebrations, concerts and local shows in the past. Send an e-mail (or call 617-462-6401) if you would like to rent the building for your own event. We are handicap-accessible, have plenty of parking (at the Middle School) and a lovely historical ambiance.
Volunteer or Join Our Board
We are always looking for volunteers for small tasks (inside and out) at the Fisher School and interest in being on our Board. Send us an e-mail if you can help.
See our website () for more about our programs
(“Programs & Events” page).
E-mail us (westwoodhistorical@comcast.net) with questions, suggestions or rental requests.
 REGISTER NOW for First Grade Basketball 101 Saturday Skills & Drills
Offered by Westwood Basketball Association, Basketball 101 sessions will provide a fun environment for both boys and girls in first grade to learn the basics of basketball fundamentals. Area of focus will be dribbling, footwork, passing & catching, shooting and basic offensive and defensive skills. All levels are welcome to share the fun!
Who: Open to 1st Grade Boys & Girls
When: Saturdays @ 8 am
Dates: January 4, 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 29, March 7
Where: Thurston Middle School New Gym
Fee: $75
Open sessions: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Limited to 40 kids:
Register at westwoodbasketball.org
The WBA is in need of parent volunteers to run this program and also attend each session to run drills and game so please sign up or email registrar@westwoodbasketball.org if interested!
The Westwood American Legion Post 320 made their annual contribution to the American Legion Charities. Donations help provide: financial assistance to military and veteran families with children at home who are in need; relief for families of veterans who have suffered devastating losses after natural disasters; employment opportunities for transitioning servicemembers through the hosting of job fairs; representation on Capitol Hill to protect military retiree benefits and to ensure quality of life for military members and veterans; youth an opportunity to participate in one of the Legion’s premier youth programs such as Legion Baseball, Boys National, Oratorical Contest or Shooting Sports.
The following are the specific charities that are included. The Legacy Scholarship provides college scholarship money to children of post-9/11 veterans who died on active duty or have a combined VA disability rating of 50 percent or greater. Operation Comfort Warriors donation will be used to supply wounded warriors with comfort items and assistance. National Emergency Fund helps distressed veterans in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Child Welfare Foundation “To contribute to the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of children and youth; to improve the lives of children and youth through funding projects or in other ways, including youth activities and programs sponsored by The American Legion.” Soldier's Wish was designed to identify the unmet needs of U.S. military personnel, veterans and their families, and provide the necessary resources to meet those needs. The non-profit organization is saluting and serving our nation's heroes this summer by traveling to seven special events throughout the country with The American Legion and the HISTORY Channel to grant wishes and educate Americans about the needs of veterans and service members.
Membership in the American Legion offers many benefits that include involvement in community programs, a voice in Washington DC, investment in children’s activities, education and camaraderie. Of course our main focus is for veteran's rights and their families. Which is why we continue to lobby in Washington for veterans as well as current servicemen and women.
To learn more, contact the Westwood American Legion. Call 781-329-6241 or online http://westwoodalpost320.com/
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