Connect with Westwood
Staying on top of what’s going on in Westwood is easier than ever! The Town has several options on a variety of platforms for all residents to find out what is happening in Westwood.
ALERT Westwood
ALERT Westwood is what the Town uses for all emergency notifications. Once enrolled, residents have the option to receive phone calls, text messages, emails, or a combination of those three options. It is our hope that with a more advanced software, we will be able to communicate with residents quicker than before.
To enroll in ALERT Westwood, please click here.
Westwood Wire
The Westwood Wire is an e-newsletter that goes out monthly. It includes a combination of news provided by the Town as well as news provided by local groups and organizations within the community.
To subscribe to the Westwood Wire, please click here.
Community Newsletter
The Community Newsletter is a quarterly print publication that is created and distributed by the Town. It highlights events, happenings, and news within Westwood through both Town and Community submissions. The Community Newsletter is mailed to all residents of Westwood four times a year.
Social Media
Westwood has two social media accounts that are actively updated. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Website Notifications
Residents have the option to sign up for specific email updates of their choice. These email updates include everything as wide as general news or something as specific as a certain board or committee.
To see subscription options, please click here.
Dog licensing for 2021 began on January 1, 2021 & continues through March 31, 2021
***Please be sure to license your dog(s) on or before the deadline to avoid a late fee.***
***Please contact us if you no longer have a dog(s) and are 70 years of age or older so we may process a license provided we have a current rabies certificate on file.***
- You may license your dog online, or by mail, provided you include a copy of a current rabies certificate.
- 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, 2021 until December 31, 2021.
- 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. You must initially contact the building inspector at 781-320-1091.
- Failure to license your dog on or before March 31, 2021 may result in a fine of $25.00, per town bylaws §184-10, B. (1).
- Please be sure to include the correct licensing fee. If you are unsure, Please contact the Town Clerk’s office at 781 326-3964 or townclerk@townhall.westwood.ma.us.
Licensing Fees are as follows:
- Online convenience fee: $2.00
- Postage fee: $1.00
- 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(proof of age is required)
- Kennel Fees-please contact the Town Clerk’s office(special permit is required)
The 2021 Annual Town Census was mailed to all households in January:
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***It is extremely important that each household fills out the census form and returns as soon as possible.***
- The completed, signed form can also be scanned and emailed to census@townhall.westwood.ma.us.
- If you did not receive a form, download here or contact the Town Clerks office and one will be mailed to you.
- Failure to return the Annual Town Census may cause a voter to be designated as inactive on the voting list (M.G.L, Ch.51, § 4).
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***A second mailing will be sent by US Postal mail to all households who have not responded.***
- You may not register to vote or change your political party on the census form. To register to vote or make changes to your voter registration please click here.
The Westwood Senior Center will be closed throughout the spring of 2021.
Please know staff is still available remotely (in the office Monday through Friday 8-2pm) if you need us; just call us and let us know how we can help you.
The good news is we continue to grow our virtual programs. Cable classes include yoga, exercise, line dancing, music; our zoom classes include current conversations, cooking classes, Pilates, book group, drawing, bereavement, and tai chi. And we now have special programming every Tuesday and Thursday from 12-1, a virtual lunch and learn (bring your own lunch).
Below is our cable schedule (and please call us if you are interested in any of the Zoom classes).
Cable Classes this spring:
Monday
9:00-9:45 - Cardio Strength & Stretch
Tuesday
8:00-9:00 - Floor Yoga
9:30-10:30 - Chair Yoga
Wednesday
9:00-9:45 - Sit and Get Fit
10:00-10:45 - Line Dancing
Thursday
8:00-9:00 Floor Yoga
9:30-10:30 - Chair Yoga
Friday
9:00-9:45 - Cardio Strength and balance
10:00-10:45 - Line Dancing
Special Cable Programming - VIRTUAL LUNCH AND LEARNS
Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noontime and learn something new! In March and April, we will be rotating two new programs (and maybe more):
Audubon Society - How do birds survive here in New England during the winter months? Which birds stay? Sean will discuss these questions and how to encourage native birds to your feeder.
Attorney Maria Baler - Attorney Baler is back to discuss Wills, trusts and how to get your legal responsibilities in order.
THESE PROGRAMS CAN BE FOUND ON LOCAL CABLE
Comcast 8 & 12, and Verizon 32 & 42
Meals on Wheels continue to grow; any Westwood resident 65 or older needing a daily meal please calls HESSCO at 781-784-4944. We are also available to grocery shop for homebound at risk elders, just give us a call at the Center. PLEASE NOTE: If you are feeling food insecure, please let us know, we can confidentially help you!
Transportation Update: We now grocery shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offer medical rides on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and errands on Fridays. A COA spring newsletter will go out in late February and can be found on the Town’s website or call us and we will send you a copy. Our goal is to keep everyone safe (seniors and staff) during this pandemic.
Fuel Assistance: If you need help filling out your application or need more information, please call the Center and speak directly to Karen Segreve. If she is not in the office, you can leave her a voicemail or write her an email.
AARP TAX HELP for Low and Moderate Income Seniors
Due to COVID 19 restrictions, we have filled all appointments and will not be taking any more.
HERE ARE A FEW OF OUR SPECIAL PROGRAMS IN MARCH AND APRIL
CHECK OUT OUR MARCH/APRIL NEWSLETTER FOR DETAILS
Below are a few of our special programs in March & April. For more information, please check out our March/April Newsletter or call the COA.
COOKING WITH ROBERTA
Wednesday April 14 at 2pm
Paella
Join us as we learn to cook the national dish of Spain. Originating in the city of Valencia, paella is made in every region of the country. There are endless versions with varying ingredients. Ours will be filled with shrimp, mussels, chicken and chorizo - a Spanish sausage. We’ll know that we’ve perfected our dish if we’ve created the "socarrat", the crispy rice on the bottom of the paella pan! While our paella is cooking, we’ll create a simple yet delicious tapa to snack on, Pan Con Tomate. We finish off our culinary visit to Spain with crispy churros. Call in advance to sign up and we will send you the zoom link and recipes!
WISDOM COMES WITH AGE
Wisdom comes with age! We are starting a new program with the Westwood High School Senior Class called “Seniors Celebrating Seniors”. We would love our seniors to “commemorate” a high school senior and write “words of wisdom” or “congratulatory comments” to students who will be leaving Westwood to head to college and beyond. If you are interested, please call the Center and leave your name, address and phone number with Lina or Lorraine. We will get back to you in late March/early April with the name of a graduating senior who you will send your words encouragement and wisdom to in May.
So join us and share your wisdom with the next generation!
LEGAL CLINIC
with Attorney Veranira Ochea - Metro West Legal Services
Wednesday March 24 from 1-3pm
Schedule a private 20-minute free legal PHONE consultation. Metro West Legal Services provides free legal aid to seniors on housing, public benefits and social security matters; durable power of attorney, health care proxy and simple probate matters; Medicaid, nursing home issues, limited domestic relations and bankruptcy. Sign up with the Center and Attorney Ochea will call you at your appointment time. Due to limited availability, this is for Westwood residents only.
**Special thanks to the Westwood Board of Health, our fantastic Public Health Nurse, the outstanding Westwood Fire Chief and his amazing staff…together we were able to vaccinate over 400 seniors in Westwood. Thank you!**
Stay safe! Together we will make it through this health crisis!
Didn't receive the 2021 Trash & Recycling Brochure in the mail?
Click here to view and print your own copy.
View the 3/1/21 Public Meeting of beginning the formal design of a sidewalk along Canton Street
Click here to view the meeting
December 1st – March 31st Overnight Parking Ban/Restrictions
Starting December 1st – March 31st, there is a Town wide overnight parking ban. In order to ensure snow plows can efficiently clear roads and emergency vehicles can quickly reach their destinations, it is imperative that you do not park on the street. 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. If you violate this ban you are subject to ticketing and towing. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
With inclement weather, please check the DPW Website or Recycle Coach App or Social Media for Trash & Recycling delays.
Save the Dates:
- Household Bulk Collection Event week of March 22-26, 2021
- Yard Waste Collection week of April 5-9, 2021
- Westwood Recycle Day May 8, 2021
Everything to be collected must be at curbside by 7am on your scheduled day. Any missed pick-ups (that were at curbside by 7am) must be reported to dpw@townhall.westwood.ma.us or 781-251-2587 within 24 hours of your scheduled day.
Monthly Focus:
Remember to Reuse, Reduce and Recycle while Spring Cleaning and if in good/working condition, consider having a yard sale or donating items to local non-profits.
Visit our website to see what items can be accepted for Household Bulk Collection week and Westwood Recycling Day.
Down load the free Recycle Coach App for all trash & recycling reminders, schedules, events, do’s & don’ts at your fingertips https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works/recycling-waste-management/sign-up-for-recycle-coach
Please visit https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works for more information and any updates
Free Curbside pickup of ONE bulk item on your regular trash day
- Week of March 22nd only
- Item must be at your curbside by 7:00am on your regular trash collection day
- Only ONE item per household is allowed
- No appliances (nothing with a plug: TVs, lamps, computers, monitors, etc.)
- No construction waste, hazardous waste or metal items
What items are accepted:
- Furniture piece (wood)
- Sofa/Loveseat
- Sectional Sofa (up to 3 pieces)
- Sleep Sofa (with metal)
- Desk or Door (wood)
- Mattress OR Box Spring
- Toilet OR Porcelain sink
- Bathtub – fiberglass
- Fence – wood *(cut to length)
- Wood swing set *(cut to length)
- Rug *(cut to length)
*Cut to length – cut into 3 foot sections & tied in a bundle. Bundle cannot be more than 50 lbs. in total weight
For more information:
visit our website, contact dpw@townhall.westwood.ma.us, or call 781-251-2587
The Finance and Warrant Commission will hold their Final Public Hearing for the 2021 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Articles on Monday, March 29, 2021 at 7:00PM.
Residents are encouraged to join the Zoom Webinar by following the instructions below.
On Monday night, the Financial Articles will be presented by Pam Dukeman, Director of Finance. FinCom may also be reviewing any of the Select Board articles, the Planning Board articles, and the School Committee’s Elementary Schools Building Project article which were previously presented at the FinCom First Public Hearing on Monday, March 8. At the close of the Public Hearing, the Commission will vote their recommendations for all the articles presented to them during both public hearings for inclusion on the 2021 Annual Town Meeting Warrant.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When: Mar 29, 2021 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Finance and Warrant Commission Public Hearing
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Click here to join the zoom meeting
Passcode: 171435
Or Telephone:
888 475 4499 (Toll Free) or 877 853 5257 (Toll Free)
Webinar ID: 852 1337 7741
Westwood Board of Health Private Well Regulations
Please be advised that if you have a well on your property the water must be tested prior to a change in ownership. This regulation requires that a copy of the results are forwarded to the Board of Health office. This applies to both drinking water and irrigation wells. If a well is no longer in use, it must be properly decommissioned. Please refer to our website to review the Private Well Regulations, for more information on the required tests.
Private Well Regulation
If you have any questions please call the Jared Orsini, Health Director (781) 320-1026.
Sharps Collection Program
The Sharps Collection Kiosk is available outside the entrance to the Carby Street Municipal Building at 50 Carby Street. The Health Department provides red one-liter sharps disposal containers free of charge to residents. Please do not put loose needles or any other type of containers in the collection box. The approved containers are also available at Town Hall and the Senior Center.
Medication Collection Program
The Westwood Board of Health and the Westwood Police Department have joined forces to collect expired prescription and over the counter medications for proper disposal. The Medication Collection Box is located in the lobby of the Police Station and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for residents.
Mosquito Control
The Town of Westwood is a member of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District which provides mosquito control activities. The District conducts surveillance to detect disease, water management to prevent breeding of mosquitoes in existing drainage swales and systems, larval control to control mosquitoes before they become flying adults, and adult control to manage mosquitoes. Aerial larval applications are conducted over wetlands for nuisance control in the spring. Once the weather is warmer, Adult Control (Adulticiding) is conducted from truck-mounted equipment (mosquito spraying) and is conducted on a weekly basis, weather permitting in the evenings after sunset by request only.
Visit the District’s website www.norfolkcountymosquito.org for more information.
Abandonment of on-site septic systems
The Health Department requires that all cesspools/septic systems be abandoned properly if the home is connected to town sewer. There is an online application for the contractor to complete and a $50.00 fee, please go to our website for more information. This is a requirement of the State Environmental Code called Title V and questions should be directed to the Health Department.
If you have any further questions about any of the above information, please contact the Board of Health at: 781-320-1027.
 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
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Community Electricity Aggregation program in development
In May 2019, Westwood residents voted to approve Community Electricity Aggregation (CEA) at Town Meeting. Community Electricity Aggregation is a town-sponsored program that leverages the group buying power of Westwood residents and businesses to provide options for purchasing more clean renewable energy generated in New England. The program will offer multiple products, including one with RECs that match 100% of a user’s electricity usage, which means that you can support the development of renewable energy, right here, in New England. The variety of options also means that everyone in Westwood can find an electricity product that meets their budget and their climate goals.
The implementation of the program is a multi-step process regulated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and can take a year or more to be completed. The Select Board is responsible for the development of the program and for entering into agreement with an energy supplier.
The first step in the implementation of the program was to create an Aggregation Plan, with the help of the town’s aggregation consultant Good Energy, L.P. This took place in Fall 2019 and was then submitted to the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) for approval, as required by law. The DPU process is taking longer than expected. In Fall 2020, the DPU held a public hearing for comments on the Plan, and we are now waiting for final approval. As soon as the DPU approves the aggregation plan, the town will solicit bids for an electricity supply contract. The timing of the program’s launch will likely be January 2022, but could be as early as the fall of 2021. Meanwhile, the CEA Working Group is drafting outreach materials for residents and business owners in Westwood.
It is important for Westwood residents to know that CEA has not yet started in Westwood. The earliest anticipated start date is fall of 2021. Any offers residents receive via email, phone or mail to sign up for renewal energy supply are NOT related to Westwood CEA.
When CEA is ready for launch, postcards will be sent to residents and articles will be published in the WIRE and local newspapers. All information regarding program choices and how to opt in or out of the program will be provided by mail with the Town seal, starting with a postcard and followed by the program notification letter. The Town website will also post information on its main page. Please contact Tish Healey, phealey@townhall.westwood.ma.us with any questions.
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