Westwood Wire - June 2021

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Westwood Massachusetts

Westwood Wire - June 2021

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Residents,

Town Hall and other municipal buildings are now open to the public. Masks are not required for those who are fully vaccinated and are strongly recommended for those who are not. 

 

All departments are ready to help you with your needs. Should you prefer to not enter the building, employees are happy to meet you at the door or to answer your questions via phone and email. If you prefer having a scheduled appointment, that can be done as well.

 

For more information, please contact Town Hall directly at 781-326-6450.

 

Sincerely,

Town of Westwood

Save the Date

Independence Day

July 4th

 


Important Links

Sharps Container Information & Disposal Locations 

 

 


News from the town

Select Board's Office

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

Follow us on Twitter

 

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.

 


Audit Committee - Member Vacancy

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.


Westwood Public Library

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Westwood Youth and Family Services

WYFS1

WYFS2

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Westwood Assessors Office

The Assessor’s Office has relocated from the lower level to the first floor of Town Hall, directly across from the Tax Collector’s Office. The staff is very happy to be working side by side with the other members of the Finance Department, to provide convenient and efficient assistance to the residents. 

The Assessor's office is continuing the State-required, periodic, cyclical inspections that had been planned right before the pandemic lockdown, of all properties in town to verify and update existing property data. Inspections will begin in mid-June and continue through September.  Our Assessor John Curran and subcontractor KRT Appraisals will be canvassing the neighborhoods asking for the resident's cooperation in allowing inspections of the exterior and interior of your homes. An interior inspection takes approximately 15 minutes.  A resident may choose to let the Assessor’s Office representative in when he shows up on your doorstep or to call our office at 781-326-1904, to schedule an appointment instead.

 

Personal Real Estate Exemptions for the Elderly, Veterans, and Others

Beginning July 1st, the Assessor's Office distributes and accepts applications for annual, personal real estate exemptions.  (An exemption is a release or discharge from the obligation to pay all or a portion of a local property tax.  Exemptions are established by the legislature for particular categories of property or persons and are generally found in G.L. c. 59, §5.) The Assessor's Office offers multiple options to assist the elderly, veterans, and others. 

Assessors

You may request an application for one or more of the above clause categories, and more information by calling the Assessor’s office at (781) 326-1904 or via email assessors@townhall.westwood.ma.us

 

Property Tax Deferral

This program allows seniors (65 or over) to defer the payment of property taxes until the home is sold or the owner is deceased.  Deferred taxes accumulate with interest accruing at 3%. Income is subject to State-approved level, currently $58,000 or less.

Click here for an application.

 

Aid to the Elderly and Disabled Tax Fund

The fund was established in 1999 to provide real estate tax relief by directly paying a portion of a resident’s tax bill.  This fund is available to qualifying low-income, Westwood elderly and disabled residents. Since its inception, the fund has distributed $895,000.  Over the years, the fund has assisted many long-time Westwood residents who wish to remain in the Town and homes they love. This year $95,200 was distributed to 54 qualified residents.

If you have any questions, about applying or donating to the fund please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at (781) 320-1015 or click here for more information.

 

Senior Tax Work-Off

The Town offers a senior work off program, in which senior residents (age 60 or older) commit to work a specific number of hours for a municipal department in exchange for a credit applied to a portion of their property taxes. The current property tax reduction is $1,500


Westwood Council on Aging

The Westwood Senior Center is now open to the public and we will begin offering most of our regular programs beginning the week of July 12. 

 

Meals on Wheels continue to grow; any Westwood resident 65 or older needing a daily meal please call HESSCO at 781-784-4944.  PLEASE NOTE: If you are feeling food insecure, please let us know, we can confidentially help you!

 

Transportation Update: We grocery shop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offer medical rides on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and errands on Mondays and 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.   

 

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 trip with Trish!

Walmart Shopping Trip – Tuesday, July 27 at 9:00 AM …  $3 per person Space is limited.

Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville Wednesday, August 4…Leave the Center at 9am and will bring you back around 1:30. Enjoy a day of gambling and lunch (on your own) at the food court. $8 per person. Space is limited.

 

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 while on the bus. Fliers are available at the Center or we can mail one to you.

 

West Suburban Veterans’ Services District  

WSVD would like to welcome Westwood veterans and their families to our district! On April 1st 2021, the town of Westwood joined the West Suburban Veterans’ District (WSVD).  The West Suburban Veterans District represents the towns of Needham, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and now Westwood.

The Veterans’ Service District's essential function is to manage and participate in the administration of various benefits available to eligible veterans and their dependents from the Massachusetts Department of Veteran Services and the U.S. Veterans Administration. The Veterans’ Service Agent assists veterans in: assessing benefits (VA Healthcare, Disability Compensation & Pension, Burial Allowance, Survivors Benefits, Annuities, Home Loans, Education, Property Tax Exemptions, Welcome Home Bonus, and more..); providing financial assistance through the Commonwealth’s Chapter 115 Program; identifying federal, state, and local programs by providing referrals for employment and training, Social Security, housing, and medical care.

Staring on Monday July 12, WSVD will be at Westwood Council on Aging every Monday from 9 am - 3 pm and can be reached at (781)320-1008. WSVD staff led by Director Sarada Kalpee (Master Sergeant, US Army) - currently deployed until August 2021; Deputy Director, Nancy Blanchard (Sergeant First Class, USAR) and Sally Rose, Finance Administrator. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call our main office at (781) 489-7509 or email at nblanchard@westsuburbanveterans.com. Thank you to our military community, both past and present, for the sacrifices you’ve made for all of us!

 

Podiatry Clinic - at Dr. Daly’s Office

Fridays 8-10am July 9 and August 6

We are pleased to partner with Dr’s Jack and Albert Daly to offer special senior hours at his office on High Street in Westwood. Please call his office directly at 781-329-7716 to make an appointment and if you need a ride, please give us a call and we will give you a van ride to your appointment.

 

Flags for Heroes Westwood Rotary Club

Coming this Fall, the Rotary Club of Westwood, together with the Westwood Council on Aging, will sponsor a “Flags for Heroes” program, with American Flags displayed adjacent to the Council’s offices.  Westwood residents, and others, will have the opportunity to honor one or more of their heroes from every walk of life, by donating a flag in their heroes’ name. Keep an eye out for additional information for how to purchase your sponsorship or contact a member of the Rotary Club or email Mike at mike@razzalaw.com.

 

And here are a few of the regular programs that will be back at the Center starting Monday July 12: 

 

WONDER WORKOUT with Stephanie

  • Mondays and Wednesdays 8-9 am – (NOTE NEW TIME)
  • $3 donation - No class July  26

It is time to get back in shape! This high energy exercise class will get your heart pumping and your muscles toned.  Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

 

LOW IMPACT EXERCISE with Sara

  • Mondays and Wednesdays at 1p.m.
  • $3 donation

Welcome Sara! Low impact class can be done standing or sitting in a chair.  If you want a workout that will help you as you age, this is the class for you. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.

 

PILATES with Mary

  • Thursdays at 10:30 am
  • $3 donation

Pilates is done primarily on a mat and will strength your core and abs.  Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.

 

We miss everyone and cannot wait to see you all back at the Center!

WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!!!


Westwood School Department

Bus Registration

Westwood Department of Public Works

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 Avenue
  • Hartford Street
    • From Route 109 to Wessex Drive
  • High Rock Street
    • From Dover Road to Route 109
  • Old Stone Road
  • Orchard Circle
  • Pheasant Hill Neighborhood
  • Pond Street
    • From Clapboardtree Street to Route 109

 

ALL COLLECTIONS (trash/recycle/yard waste/etc.) MUST BE AT CURBSIDE BY 7AM ON YOUR SHCEDULED 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.

 

There is no delay in Trash & Recycle collections for Independence Day, Sunday-July 4, 2021.

 

For more information and any updates, please visit:

https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works


Westwood Veteran's Services

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


News from Community

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  


Westwood Youth Soccer

Westwood Youth Soccer Opens Fall 2021 Online Registration for Grades K-8

Westwood Youth Soccer registration for Grades K – 8 for the FALL 2021 season is open ONLINE through Friday June 25, 2021. Just click through the Registration link featured in the article on the home page at www.westwoodsoccer.org. Please consider volunteering to help coach your child’s team! Soccer knowledge a plus, but not a requirement. Westwood Youth Soccer is open to all children enrolled in Grades K-8. Kindergarten soccer players must be entering Kindergarten in the fall. Please note the June 25, 2021 deadline for Fall 2021. Any Grade 1-8 registrations received after this date will be charged a $25 per player late fee. No late fees are charged for Kindergarten. Registration fee waivers for financial hardship are available if requested during the open period. Players must be residents of Westwood or attend a school in Westwood.

Westwood Youth Soccer will follow any advice and directives of our league, local, state, and federal officials that are in effect when the soccer season starts in September 2021. The safety of our entire community remains paramount.

See www.westwoodsoccer.org for additional information.


Westwood Youth Lacrosse

WW LAX

Supercuts Westwood

Westwood Young Women's Club

WYWC Concert

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. Snacks will be available for purchase.  

The series is proudly sponsored by Dedham Savings, Jam Time, Tobin School Westwood, Westwood Children’s School, and Wolfpack Baseball.

Visit https://WYWC.org for more information.