 Town Clerk, Dottie Powers, swears in Town Administrator, Christopher Coleman.
 Pamela Dukeman is sworn in by Dottie Powers as Assistant Town Manager.
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.
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 2020 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
A first draft of each of the nine subject areas of Westwood’s Comprehensive Plan Update was completed 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 Plan. The Committee is now working to update the Comprehensive Plan with input received. Additional drafts will be prepared and the Committee will return to the Planning Board when an updated Comprehensive Plan is ready, which is expected spring 2020.
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
To learn about upcoming public meetings and events related to the Comprehensive Plan Update please sign up to receive e-notifications at http://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/
Please contact Abby McCabe, Town Planner at amccabe@townhall.westwood.ma.us or 781-251-2581 with questions.
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.
A reminder from the DPW: Residents, you CAN NOT recycle plastic bags (of any kind), pizza boxes, and bottle caps. By including these things in your recycling, it causes a costly solution for both the Town and Waste Management. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please call the Department of Public Works at 781-251-2587.
NUTRITIONIST - One on One Consultation
Sponsored by Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital & HESSCO with Nutritionist Stephanie
Monday February 3, No cost for this program, 10 - 12:30 pm by appointment only
BIDH has given a grant to HESSCO for Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT). A registered dietitian will offer individual sessions so you must call and sign up in advance.
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.
Surviving Aging with Bill from Oasis Advisors
Monday January 27 at 10am, $2 donation, Please sign up in advance so we know how many will be attending
Surviving Aging is an understanding of the Complexities of Aging and Care, including the emotional, physical, financial and legal complexities.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT with Anna Jean, Mary and Joyce
Tuesday February 11, (Avon Recycling Center) Meet at the Center at 9:30
$5 donation (for transportation) - Space is limited so you must sign up in advance
Paper or plastic? The answer might surprise you. Come learn what’s new in recycling and what we, as consumers, can do at this presentation. We will do a deep dive into impacts of some everyday consumer products.
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
Feb: 11: Adams Farm, 999 North Street, Walpole
Feb: 25: Whitcomb Woods, Wilson Mountain Reservation, Route 135, Dedham
As winter weather is unpredictable, please check your email before each scheduled hike, or call the Center for information.
MUSIC MATTERS with WHS Student and Gold Award Candidate Laurel
Wednesdays Feb. 26 (more dates to be announced in March/April Newsletter as well details on the trip to hear the Youth Orchestra in May)
12:30-2pm (lunch at 12:30/ lecture at 1pm)
No cost to this program but please sign up in advance as space is limited to 15
Come learn about the many physical and cognitive benefits music can have on aging, hear monthly lectures and enjoy lunch! This three part series, hosted by Laurel—a Girl Scout Gold Award Candidate,- will culminate with a trip in May to hear the New England Conservatory’s Youth Orchestra perform Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony! In February, Laurel invites renowned music lecturer Richard Travers to discuss the life and music of John Williams.
NAT KING COLE AND DINAH SHORE with Bruce
Tuesday February 25 at 1pm $3 donation—Please sign up in advance
Come hear the music and stories of legendary Nat King Cole and Dinah Shore!
Bicycling Alone Across the U.S. at Age 70: Join John Springfield as he takes you on a 2900-mile bicycle trip from the Atlantic Ocean in Georgia to the Pacific Ocean in California in early 2019. We will dodge tornadoes in Alabama, endure temperatures from 32 to 99 degrees, climb mountains, and ford streams. Learn about the 900-mile desert in the southwest where food and water is lacking. Run into cowboys in a small West Texas Café. All this and more, alone, at a young age of 70. John, a retired computer programmer and former instructor at Boston College's Evening School, has been bicycle touring since 1964, cycling in all 48 lower states and several Canadian provinces. Come hear his amazing story!
Main Library: Wednesday, Jan. 22 @ 7:00 PM
Book Buzz Panel: Join us for refreshments and hear from Westwood Librarians about some great titles to be added to your TBR pile.
Main Library: Thursday, January 30 @ 7:00 AM
Great Decisions: Join America's largest discussion program on world affairs. The program model involves reading an article about a particular global issue, watching the DVD & meeting in a Discussion Group to discuss the most critical global issues facing America today.Copies of articles are available at both the Main Library & the Islington Branch. Registration is required. Please call 781-320-1045 or email wwdmail1@minlib.net for more information.
The Library is able to offer two meeting options: a day session, led by the Westwood Women’s Club, meets biweekly on Tuesday mornings. The evening session, moderated by Reference Librarian Tina McCusker, meets monthly on Thursday nights. The Friends of the Westwood Public Library sponsor both sessions, and all events at the Westwood Library are free and open to all.
WWC @ Main Library: AM Session | Select Tuesdays @ 10:00 AM*
*Special Introduction Session to be held on 1/16 @ 1:00 PM
Main Library: PM Session | Select Thursdays @ 7:00 PM
- 2/27: Climate Change and the Global Order
- 3/26: India and Pakistan
- 4/20: Red Sea Security
- 5/21: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
- 6/11: U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle
Drop-in Mah Jongg: Open Play: Do you know how to play American Mah Jongg? If so, join our open play group on Wednesday mornings led by Mary Beth Persons, Library Trustee and Mah Jong devotee. If you have your own set, please bring it along. Please note these games are non-betting as gambling is not allowed in the library.
If you don't know how to play Mah Jongg, this group is not for you. If you are looking for an instructional class please visit the Information Desk on the 2nd Floor or call 781-320-1045 to add your name to the waitlist for possible lessons in the future. There is no need to register, and feel free to bring friends that are able to play, or are happy to sit and watch.
Main Library: Most Wednesdays, 10:30 AM -11:45 AM
Lunchtime Meditation: Join mindfulness expert Soni Sayana at the Main Library in the Conference Room for free meditation sessions. No registration is required and all are welcome.
Main Library: Select Mondays @ 12:15 PM -1:00 PM
February 3 & March 30
Peace Of Mind Evening Meditation: Join mindfulness expert Soni Sayana at the Main Library in the Conference Room for free meditation sessions. No registration is required and all are welcome.
Main Library: Select Wednesdays @ 7:00 PM
January 22, February 26 & March 18
Friday AM Book Club (FMBC) / Thursday PM Book Club (TNBC) *new session*: Due to the popularity of the Friday AM Book Club, we are adding a second session on Thursday evenings! The groups will read the same titles. Email Molly at mriportella@minlib.net to join the Thursday PM Book Club.
Main Library: Select Thursdays @ 7:00 PM or Select Fridays @ 10:30 AM
- Thursday, Jan 23 @ 7:00PM; Friday, Jan 24, 2020 @10:30 AM : The Seven or Eight Deaths of Stella
-
Fortuna / Juliet Grames, Thursday, Feb 20, 2020; Friday, Feb 21, 2020: Home fire/ Kamila Shamsie
- Thursday, Mar 19, 2020;Friday, Mar 20, 2020: American Dirt / Jeanine Cummings
- Thursday, Apr 16, 2020; Friday, Apr 17, 2020: Little Women /Louisa May Alcott
Westwood Library Quilters: Bring your hand or machine quilting projects to work on in the friendly company of other local quilters. Show and tell is encouraged! An iron, ironing pad, cutting mat, and cutting tools will be available. No registration required.
Main Library: Select Mondays @ 6:30 PM
January 27, February 24 & March 30
Trevor the Games Man: Drop in with the whole family for a hilarious and unique participatory show with Trevor the Games man! Watch Trevor perform on his stilts and participate in games and a craft! All ages welcome with a grownup.
Tuesday, Feb 18 @ 4pm @ Westwood Public Library
Interactive Family Movie: Wizard of Oz
Families are welcome to join us for an interactive showing of one of the most beloved movies! Feel free to bring blanket and snacks as you settle in to sing along with props and activities throughout the movie!
Wednesday, Feb 19 @ 3-5PM @ Westwood Public Library
*Stuffed Animal Sleepover: For Children ages 2-8. We'll read a few stories, eat a snack, and make a nametag for your favorite stuffed animal. Leave them overnight at the library and they'll have a sleepover party just for stuffed animals! Pick them up the next day any time after 10:00 a.m. and see what they did all night long. Feel free to wear pajamas to this evening event!
Thursday, Feb 20 @ 5:30PM @ Westwood Public Library *(Registration Required)
Winter Crafternoon: For all ages with a parent/caregiver. Join is for a cozy winter afternoon at the library for crafting!
Friday, Feb 21 @ 2PM @ Westwood Public Library
Westwood Board of Health Private Well Regulations
Please be advised that this regulation requires that a water quality test be conducted and a copy of the results forwarded to the Board of Health office prior to a change in ownership of the property on which the private well is located. This applies to both drinking water and irrigation wells. Please refer to our website for the Private Well Regulations for more information on the required tests.
http://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=28256
If you have any questions please call the Jared Orsini, Health Director (781) 320-1026.
Open burn season is January 15th through April 30, 2020 and we have made it easier and more convenient. You will now be able to apply and pay for your burn permit online simply by visiting the Fire Department page on the Town’s website http://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/gov/depts/public_safety/fire/default.htm
Permits are required to burn. You must check daily to see if Open Burning has been authorized for that day. Call Westwood Public Safety Dispatch at (781) 320-1000.
Here’s all the information you’ll need to legally and safely burn yard waste.
According to Department of Environmental Protection regulation (310 CMR DEP 7.07), open burning must:
- Be a minimum of 75 feet from all buildings
- Only conducted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Take place on the land closest to the source of material to be burned.
Only Certain Materials Can Be Burned:
- Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris from other than commercial or industrial land clearing operations.
- Agricultural materials such as fruit tree and bush pruning, raspberry stalks, and infected bee hives for disease control.
- Trees and brush resulting from agricultural land clearing
- Fungus infected elm wood, if no other acceptable means of disposal is available.
Materials That Cannot Be Burned:
- Leaves, brush, trees, cane and driftwood from commercial and/or industrial land clearing operations.
- From residential properties: grass, hay, leaves, stumps, and tires, construction material and debris.
How to Safely Ignite and Tend the Fire:
- An adult should always be present during open burning.
- Use paper and kindling to start the fire and add progressively larger pieces.
- Never use gasoline, kerosene or any other flammable liquid to start a fire because the risk of personal injury is high.
- Burn one small pile of material at a time and slowly add to it. This helps to keep the fire from getting out of control.
Fires Must Be Attended Until Extinguished
Have Fire Control Tools Handy:
Have fire extinguishing materials on hand including a water supply, shovels and rakes. The water supply can be a pressurized water fire extinguisher, a pump can or a garden hose. Test the water source before igniting the fire. You do not want to find out that the water is off or that the hose is cracked when you need it.
If the fire gets away from you call 911 IMMEDIATELY!
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
At the May 2019 Annual Town Meeting, Westwood residents approved the Community Electricity Aggregation (CEA), a program to aggregate the electricity load of residents and businesses in Westwood and provide options for increasing the use of local, renewable energy. The Select Board appointed a 5-member advisory group (referred to as a Working Group) to oversee the process, keep it on track, and communicate with residents.
What has been happening with CEA since May?
- On August 5, 2019, the town signed an agreement with a broker (Good Energy) to help the town design and implement the aggregation and provide future monitoring.
- On November 18, 2019, the Select Board held a meeting for public comments. At the end of the meeting, the Select Board approved the authorized Good Energy to submit the Plan to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU).
- The next step is to submit the Plan to the DPU. Our broker is currently waiting to submit our plan (as well as plans of other towns in the queue) in order to incorporate some new best practices from the DPU. Once it is submitted, the timeline for the DPU approval of our plan is variable.
What do residents need to know?
- The CEA has not begun in Westwood. The earliest anticipated start date is estimated for the summer 2020. Any offers residents receive via email or phone or mail to sign up for renewal energy supply are not related to the CEA and the work of the Working Group or the Town of Westwood.
- When the CEA program is ready to be launched, postcards will be sent to residents and articles will be published in the Westwood WIRE and local newspapers with more information and on the town’s website (www.townhall.westwood.ma.us) or via the CEA web site https://westwood-cea.com
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.
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.”
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.
 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.
I he(art) Westwood
Westwood Media Center and Westwood Artists are brightening up February with “I he(art) Westwood,” an event featuring live music, art, crafts and light refreshments. This event will take place on Wednesday, February 12 from 5 until 7 PM at the Westwood Media Center, 15 Perwal Street (off Route 1 North) in Westwood.
Two local music bands plan to perform: Cold Car and Just Another Guru with Hale Reservation’s Eric Arnold.
There will be a wide variety of artisanal products and visual artwork available - including photography by Karen Flowers Cagan, ceramics by Jane Wojick (Form and Function Pottery) and Lisa WB Walker, watercolors by Carol Ahearn (Coastal Hydrangeas), paintings by Maureen Obey and Fran Feloni, blown glass by Kevin Becker (Becker Glass), jewelry by Stephanie Hasenauer (Layers & Stacks) and Kathleen O’Donnell (origami earrings), knit and woven things from Kathy Zola (Kathy Zola Fiber), and chocolate from Whim Chocolate.
"WMC is thrilled to be co-hosting this fun event," said Executive Director Melinda Garfield. "Swing by for some amazing live music, beautiful local art, and light refreshments. If you haven't had a chance to see our state-of-the-art television studio this is the perfect time to see what we have to offer".
Any artist or artisan residing in Westwood is considered a Westwood Artist and is encouraged to take part in the increasing number of events and projects hosted by this group. Join as an artist or patron to hear about Westwood Artists’ sponsored shows, markets and development workshops in Westwood by emailing westwoodartists@gmail.com or by messaging them through Facebook. This particular show is full, but please stay tuned for more information on other events planned for 2020.
Website: westwoodartists.com Facebook: @westwoodartists Instagram: #westwoodartists
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