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.
Follow us on Facebook
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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.
Looking to volunteer?
The town has an open position on the Audit Committee, effective immediately, ending June 30, 2022.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the review of the annual financial statements of the town’s financial offices; and the review of the independent auditor’s management recommendations. Also, the Audit Committee provides advice and counsel to the Select Board, Town Administrator, and other financial staff. The Audit Committee consists of three members appointed by the Select Board for overlapping three-year terms.
How to Apply
Any person who would like to be considered for an appointment to the Audit Committee open position should submit a resume and application/statement of interest, to the Westwood Select Board at phealey@townhall.westwood.ma.us or via mail to 580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090
For more information, 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. Cable and Zoom classes continue to be available and they include yoga, exercise, line dancing, music, current conversations, cooking classes, Pilates, book group, drawing, bereavement, and tai chi.
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
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. Our most current newsletter with all the details 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.
Day Trips are back! And we hope you will join us as we slowly begin traveling around New England!
DAY TRIP WITH TRISH
Wednesday, June 2– 10:30 am This is a drive on your own event. Rain date June 3 at 10a.m.
$5 donation Bird Walk and Discussion at the Canton Audubon Sanctuary
Spring is a great season for bird watching, exploring nature, and spending time outdoors. Join Sean Kent, Education Manager and Field Biologist, at the Museum of American Bird Art for a nature walk at their 124-acre wildlife sanctuary followed by a visit to the Museum to view original artwork in David Sibley’s book “What it’s Like to be a Bird.” A box lunch will be provided for a picnic lunch on the grounds of the museum. The museum is located at 963 Washington Street, Canton. We will meet at 10:30 a.m. Please sign up no later than May 21. Space is limited and you must wear a mask at all times. This bird walking tour is underwritten by the Westwood Cultural Council.
DAY TRIPS WITH FOX TOURS
Tuesday August 17- Lake Winnipesaukee Cruise - $105*—includes cruise, buffet luncheon, transportation.
Thursday September 9 - Martha’s Vineyard Day Trip - $125 *—Includes ferry, transportation and tour of island, lunch on your own.
Thursday October 7—New Hampshire Turkey Train - $105*- Includes train ride aboard the Scenic Rail Dining Car, lunch and transportation.
*NOTE: A $15 non-refundable deposit is required within 10 days of signing up. Fox Travel requires that everyone show their vaccination card before entering the bus and must wear a mask at all times. Fliers are available at the Center or we can mail one to you.
CURRENT EVENTS
with Susan Sprecher
Via Zoom
Wednesdays 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
May 12 & 26/ June 9 & 23
A News Program Designed for People Who Want to Stay Engaged and Up To Date.
Spring 2021 brings new hope. Still the race between getting Americans vaccinated and rising infection rates from new virus variants continues. And as we return to our “normal” lives – what exactly will that look like? In Washington, Congress deliberates the Infrastrucutre Program – the most ambitious government project since the Race to the Moon. And, tax hikes for the wealthy. So, we promise we won’t run out of things to talk about. Join us as we share information and ideas in a safe and welcoming atmosphere. Each week we explore a wide range of topics – breaking news and current social trends; political issues and social trends. Welcome to anyone looking for respectful and stimulating conversation. Please call the Center to sign up.
COOKING CLASSES WITH ROBERTA
June 14 at 1p.m. – Travel to Greece while still in your Kitchen
We’ll begin with gyros—chicken, lamb or beef, and your kitchen will be filled with the aromas of a gyro stand in Athens. We’ll also make a creamy Tzatziki sauce to go with it. A spinach and feta pie will balance out our menu and transport you to the Mediterranean. These classes are super fun, so join us! Call in advance to sign up and we will send you the zoom link and recipes!
Stay safe! Together we will make it through this health crisis!
Sidewalk/Intersection Improvements:
- Clapboardtree/Winter Street Intersection currently underway
- Sidewalk improvements along High Rock, Hartford Street, and Pond Street slated to begin late June
- Town wide Crosswalk Improvements, slated to begin in July
FY2022 Paving Projects (July 6th-August 30th):
- Cranston Ave.
- Hartford Street (From Route 109 to Wessex)
- High Rock Street from Dover Road to Route 109
- Old Stone Road
- Orchard Circe
- Pheasant Hill Neighborhood
- Pond from Clap to Route 109
NO LONGER MISS ANY COLLECTIONS OR EVENTS (yard waste, recycle, trash, household/curbside bulk, Recycling Day and Hazardous Waste Day)! Down load the free Recycle Coach App for all calendar schedules, reminders, events, do’s & don’ts and what goes where at your finger tips: https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works/recycling-waste-management/sign-up-for-recycle-coach
Everything (trash/recycle/yard waste/etc.) to be collected must be at curbside by 7am on your scheduled day. Any missed pick-ups (that were at curbside by 7am) need to be reported to dpw@townhall.westwood.ma.us or 781-251-2587 within 24 hours of your scheduled day for recovery.
Save the Dates:
- The next Yard Waste Collection week is June 14-18, 2021
https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works/recycling-waste-management/yard-waste-christmas-trees
- No Delay in Trash & Recycle for Independence Day, July 4, 2021
- One Day delay in Trash & Recycle due to Labor Day Holiday, September 6, 2021
(collections will resume Tuesday through Saturday)
Yard Waste Collection Weeks for 2021:
- April 5-9
- May 3-7
- June 14-18
- October 4-8
- November 1-5
- November 8-12
- November 15-19
- November 22-27 (1-day delay, Thanksgiving holiday, TH-Sat)
- 29-December 3
Yard Waste Collection Requirements:
- Leaves mustbe placed in paper leaf recycling bags or loosely in barrels that are clearly marked "leaves." Do not put yard waste in your Westwood Recycling or Trash barrel for disposal.
- Each barrel and/or bag shall not exceed 45 pounds. Anything in excess of 45 pounds will not be collected.
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Noplastic bags can be collected with yard waste, as they will cause the entire truck load to be rejected at the composting site.
- Place barrels and bags curbside by 7:00 AM on your trash pickup day and Waste Management has until 6:00 PM to pick up.
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DO's: grass clippings, leaves, weeds, small twigs
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DONT’s: rocks, stones, gravel, sand, dirt, wood, plastic, bags exceeding 45 pounds
For more information and any updates, please visit:
https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works
May is skin cancer awareness month.
As we encourage our community to spend time outdoors, it is important to remember sun safety. Here are some important facts and recommendations from the CDC:
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
- Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
- Anyone can get skin cancer, regardless of skin color.
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen that is labeled:
Broad Spectrum: providing protection from UVA and UVB rays, has an SPF of 15 or higher is water resistant. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours after swimming or sweating. Check your sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen not labeled should not be used for more than 3 years- and this time may be shorter if exposed to high temperatures. (*sunscreen should not be used in children less than 6 months of age; always remember to check the list of ingredients before applying to avoid allergic reactions.)
In addition to sunscreen, don’t forget the basics:
Shade: Seek shelter under an umbrella, tree or other shelter.
Clothing: wear long sleeved clothing and pants; darker colors absorb more UV light and offer better protection
Hats: Wear a hat that has a brim all the way around; Canvas provides more protection than straw.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses sold in the US generally provide both UVA and UVB protection. Wearing sunglasses will also help prevent cataracts.
If you see any new spots or changes to old ones make an appointment to see your doctor. When in doubt, check it out!
Mosquito Control
The Town of Westwood is a member of the Norfolk County Mosquito Control District which provides mosquito control activities. The District conducts monitoring 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. 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 at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org for more information.
Update: We have a new Veteran's Service Officer!
If you have any questions about Veteran's Services in the Town of Westwood, please reach out to:
Nancy Blanchard
nblanchard@westsuburbanveterans.com
 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
We are currently hiring for a licensed hairstylist. If you have passion for hair and dedicated to your craft we would love to hire you! flexible schedules. part or full time available. Reach out to mroberts@hkenterprises.com with any questions and/or apply online at our email.
SuperCuts - 131 University Ave., MA 02090, P: 781-471-7905, W: www.supercuts.com
Westwood 4th Graders Learn About Town’s Renewable Energy Efforts
On April 30, the 4th Grade students at Hanlon gathered for a virtual presentation by Westwood’s Energy Manager, Tom Philbin, describing the Town’s conservation and solar initiatives. The presentation was requested by the 4th grade teachers at Hanlon as a part of their goal to make the children aware of Town efforts relative to Climate Change.
Westwood is a Green Community and over the last 6 years, has implemented over $2.5 million in various energy conservation projects in the schools and municipal buildings. Additionally, solar projects have been implemented at Westwood HS, Thurston Middle School, and Martha Jones and Downey Elementary schools. Westwood also is the “off taker” of the output of a large solar project in Woburn and in the aggregate, covers about 40% of the Town’s electric consumption with renewable energy. Presently several other solar initiatives are in development which will bring the number to about 90%.
The Town is also planning to initiate a Community Energy Aggregation (CEA) for Town residents which will be implemented in the fall pending approval by the State Department of Public Utilities (DPU). CEA 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 town’s aggregation consultant Good Energy, L.P made available to the students mini house models that demonstrate solar energy. The students in the pictures are seen trying these models out and getting a “hands on” demonstration of the potential of solar renewable energy.
Save the date!
Saturday, June 5, 11 AM – 3 PM
June Marketplace on the Westwood Senior Center lawn, 60 Nahatan Street, Westwood MA
Watercolors, acrylics, oils, pastels, glass, pottery, upcycled material, jewelry, knitting, weaving, felt, mixed media and photography, all done by Westwood residents.
This show will be held outdoors following the guidelines set by the town’s Board of Health. Come meet artists Carol Ahearn, Brenda April, Rima Bechara, Kevin Becker, Karen Cagan, Betsy Husted, Tricia McMahon, Maureen Obey, Mike Robrish, Cynthia Senerchia, Lisa WB Walker, Jane Wojick, and Kathy Zola.
The social isolation of the 2020 pandemic year was tough for many groups of people, including Westwood’s burgeoning maker community. While the lockdowns provided great opportunities for self-reflection and artistic explorations, they also limited the social interaction that often fuels creative production.
The Westwood Artists group responded with 3 outdoor shows that adhered to state requirements for group size, masks, and spacing. They were highly successful events providing makers and visitors both with opportunities to visit and support each other in safe ways.
Reflecting on the group’s activities during the pandemic year, Jane Wojick commented, “The events were a breath of fresh air in the midst of so much isolation. Gathering with friends and neighbors, in a safe way, was joyful and fueled our spirits to continue creating through the long winter.”
Lisa Walker added, “Interacting with followers is an important part of the creative process. These events provided us with personal connection and valuable feedback - a light in the darkness.”
Westwood Artists is a loosely organized coalition of makers living in Westwood MA. Any artist or artisan residing in Westwood 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 shows, markets and development workshops in Westwood by emailing westwoodartists@gmail.com or by messaging them through Facebook.
 The Westwood Young Women’s Club and Westwood Recreation will present the 2021 Summer Concert Series on July 12, 19, and 26 from 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. outdoors at the Westwood Senior Center gazebo (60 Nahatan Street, Westwood).
These family friendly events are free and open to the public, and will feature musical guests Stacey Peasley, The Bubble Music Man, and Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys.
Attendees are encouraged to practice social distancing and to bring blankets and chairs.
The series is proudly sponsored by Dedham Savings, Tobin School Westwood, Westwood Children’s School, and Wolfpack Baseball. Visit WYWC.org for more information.
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