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.
Looking to volunteer?
The town often has open positions on various Boards & Committees. If you are interested in any of the posted positions on our website, we encourage you to apply!
Current available positions:
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Tax Collector
- Conservation Commission
- Recreation Commission
- Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee
How to Apply
Any person who would like to be considered for an appointment to an 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.
With Fall on the horizon, the WPD wants to remind all residents that wildlife is a part of our community as well. As juvenile wildlife grow and start to feed themselves, they tend to be more visible and bolder than they normally are on their quest for meals.
Coyotes have long been in Westwood and are occasionally spotted, or heard, by residents or specific neighborhoods. The WPD has received phone calls from residents who have spotted coyotes, looking for advice or further information on them. For additional information about how residents should handle wildlife encounters, please visit the WPD's website.
We are open and so happy to welcome everyone back to the Center!
Our September Grand Re-Opening was a success and it was great to see so many of our friends! We now hope you will come back and join us for our regular and special programs! Our facility has state of the art air filtration and each room has its own air filter working continually; we will do our best to keep you safe! So come join us!
Meals on Wheels
Continues 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 at the Center
We offer rides to grocery store on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, medical appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and errands on Mondays and Fridays. Our most current newsletter has all the details and can be found on the Town’s website or call us and we will send you a copy.
Day Trips with Trish
SPECIAL VAN TRIPS - Sign up in advance as space is limited.
USS Constitution Museum and Ship Tour – Wednesday, September 29. Come for a tour on the USS Constitution which is the oldest commissioned ship in the United States Navy. Lunch will be pay on your own near the shipyard. $20/person
Day Trips with Fox Tours
Thursday October 7 - New Hampshire Turkey Train - $105*- Includes train ride aboard the Scenic Rail Dining Car, lunch and transportation.
*NOTE: 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.
West Suburban Veterans’ Services District
Service members, veterans and their families honor a few events for the months of September and October. Every day in the year we focus on continuing the fight to prevent suicides within our ranks. The goal in September and October is to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals to treatment services. We also importantly honor our Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day on September 26th. To the families who have lost a son or daughter in the military, a gold star symbolizes a family member who died in the armed forces. If you or someone you know may be in emotional crisis or thinking of suicide, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255.
Sarada and Nancy, your Veteran Service Officers, are also readily available to assist in your veteran care. Please contact us at skalpee@westsuburbanveterans.com or 781-850-5504. They are available every Monday from 9-4 here at the Center.
Special Programs at the Senior Center
Lunch and Learns - Noontime - $4 donation
Sign up in advance as space is limited
A light lunch will be served with these lectures
Monday September 27 - COVID 19—What comes next? with BIG Y pharmacist Eddie Martucci. Come hear an overview of the pandemic to date, talk about vaccine rates, variants, boosters and seasonal flu vaccinations. Bring your questions and concerns. A light lunch will be offered.
Monday October 18 - What is Normal Aging vs Memory Loss? with Bridges by Epoch’s Peter Bruce and Catherine Kent. We all forget but when is it forgetfulness due to normal aging or memory loss? Bring your questions and concerns. A light lunch will be provided.
Monday October 25 - Medminder - with Aimme. Calling all health care providers and seniors who take more than 5 prescriptions a day. Come and learn how you can access free daily reminder with their unique equipment. A light lunch will be provided
SPECIAL LECTURES - $3 Donation
Sign up in advance as space is limited
Coffee and water will be available for anyone attending these lectures
Tuesday September 28 - 1pm—Fraud Prevention with Needham Bank Representatives from Needham Bank will share a presentation that provides details on how scams work, how to protect yourself from falling victim, and what to do if your information has been compromised.
Monday October 4 - 10am - Indoor Gardening with David from Therapy Gardens - Learn about the types of indoor gardens, what light sources are needed, and more! Sample indoor gardens will be presented.
Tuesday October 5– 10:30 Should I stay or should I go? With Erin DeCarlo of Dovetail . Join Erin as she discusses how to plan for your future living arrangements. The main question is What is the ideal future you want to create? Refreshments will be served.
Tuesday October 5 - 1pm – Lecture on Vladimir Putin with Henry Quinlan - A look at the career of Vladimir Putin, an autocrat who is corrupt, competent and an environmentalist. There are many reasons his popularity stays above 60%.
Low Back Pain and Sciatica Workshop
with APR Physical Therapy and David Fleischman
Friday October 1 at 10:00—$2 donation
Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect.
Come learn the most common causes of low back pain and sciatica. We’ll discuss how a problem in your back can cause pain, numbness and tingling in your leg. We’ll also talk about what successful treatment and permanent relief looks like without the side effects of medications, injections or surgery. Dress comfortably.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
With Anna Jean
Thursday Oct. 14, 1:30, No cost to this program
Do you want a better understanding of what is happening in town? Then join us each month! Come learn about the proposed Hanlon-Deerfield School building project and hear about other happenings at the Westwood schools with Superintendent Emily Parks and School Committee Chair Maya Khuri Plotkin. Bring your questions and concerns. Please call to sign up in advance so we know how many to expect.
A sample of our regularly scheduled programming
WONDER WORKOUT with Stephanie and Priscilla
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8-9 am
- $3 donation
- No class 10/11
- $3 donation
Welcome Priscilla who will start teaching on Fridays beginning September 3. Start your morning with this high energy exercise class that 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
- No class 10/11
- 1 pm
Staying fit as you age is imperative and this class is great for anyone starting out in this journey. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle.
PILATES with Mary
- Thursdays at 10:30 am
- $3 donation
- No class 10/28
Pilates is done primarily on a mat and will strengthen your core and abs. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.
MAH JONG with Cynthia
- Thursdays
- 1 -3 pm
- No games on 10/28
Come join this growing group of Mah Jong enthusiasts. New players are welcome (but you must know how to play).
CURRENT CONVERSATIONS with Susan
A news program for people who want to stay engaged and up to date
- Wednesdays
- 9:30-11:00 am
- $5 donation
- October 13 & 27
Congress is tackling a mountain of legislation this fall. Infrastructure, family leave, universal kindergarten, climate change, tax reform, social justice — it’s all on the table. The question is - can divided country and divided nation get anything done? Join us for some spirited and friendly conversation.
LINE DANCING with Paul
- Mondays
- 10:00 am-$3 donation
- No class 10/11
This 60-minute beginner line dancing is great fun while you improve memory skills, strengthen bones, develop better balance, relieve stress, and put a smile on your face. Each dance is broken down first, demonstrated and then danced to contemporary music that you will enjoy! NO need to have a partner, it is something for everyone and no experience is necessary!
YOGA With Bonnie
- Tuesdays and
- Thursdays
- Floor Yoga 8am
- Chair Yoga 9:30 am
- $3 donation
- No class 10/26 & 10/28
Bonnie is back and very much looking forward to getting back to the old “usual” routine. She states “I think the sense of isolation has been as bad as the physical worry that COVID brought”. Here’s to stretching our bodies and calming our minds.
Tai Chi with Scotty
- Tuesdays at 1pm
- $3 Donation
- No class 10/26
Many studies have shown T'ai Chi and QiGong to be two of the most effective exercises for preventing falls. They both emphasize breath control, balance, muscle memory development, meditation and will improve muscular strength, flexibility and stamina as well.
MEDITATION with Soni
- Tuesdays
- 11:00am – 11:30am
- Oct. 12
Explore a way to have peace of mind in your life with Meditation. Understand what triggers stress and anxiety in our lives and learn how to harness your inner powers to maintain a stable and unshakable mind in any situation or relationship. The session will be done while seated. All are welcome!
These are just a few of our daily programs so check out our newsletter or stop by to say hi!
We miss everyone and cannot wait to see you all back at the Center!
WELCOME BACK EVERYONE!!!
Trash and Recycle barrels are the property of the Town of Westwood and cannot be moved from the residence (it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and clean).
Everything (trash/recycle/yard waste/bulk, 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.
Save the Date:
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The week of October 11th is Bulk Collection Event
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October 16, 2021 (Saturday) is Westwood Recycle Day
For more information, click here.
Yard Waste Collection Weeks remaining for 2021:
- September 20-24
- October 4-8
- November 1-5 (every week in November)
- November 8-12
- November 15-19
- November 22-27 (1-day delay, Thanksgiving holiday, Thursday-Saturday)
- 29-December 3
Yard Waste Collection Requirements:
- Leaves must be 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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No plastic 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
Did you know that hurricane season does not end until November 30th?
Fall is actually the peak time for hurricanes to affect the New England area. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your family safe. Know your zone. Learn if you are in a hurricane evacuation zone. Make a Family Emergency Plan. Plan on how to stay in touch, where to go during an evacuation and what to bring. Build a kit. Include supplies that your family will need for 3 to 5 days. Remember to include water, non-perishable food and medications. Plan for power outages. Prepare your home. Take steps to prevent damage from wind and flooding. As always, make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Prepare for pets and service animals. You can find more detailed information on what to do before, during and after a hurricane on the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) website at Mass.gov/MEMA.
 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 Historical Society 2021 Fall Programs
In collaboration with the Westwood Public Library
Tuesday, October 12, 2021 (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
An In-depth Look at the Fairbanks House in Dedham
Stuart Christie is a long-time Dedham resident and an avid amateur historian. For the past eight years, Stuart has served as a volunteer docent at the Fairbanks House in Dedham, built in 1637. Stuart used this past year to create and narrate a virtual tour of the Fairbanks House. In his presentation, Stuart will go above and beyond the typical in-person tour and share many stories about this wonderful house.
Tuesday, November 9, 2021 (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Land Subsidence – What it is and what it means to our historical landscape
Dr. Estelle Chaussard is currently a senior research scientist and will talk about the growing threats related to sea level rise, increased flooding and water sustainability – and what it means to all of us as we look at our homes and historic buildings. Estelle will use Boston as her backdrop, given that the city has experienced, ameliorated and lived with these changes over the years.
Both programs will be presented via Zoom.
To Register: Please visit the library website to register for this program: https://westwoodlibrary.libcal.com/calendar. Find the program, then click on “Begin Registration“ to sign up. You will receive an e-mail the day before the event with the Zoom information you need to join us. (If you’d rather register by phone, just call 781-320-1045.)
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