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
Westwood uses ALERT Westwood for all non-emergency and emergency notifications. Once enrolled, residents have the option to receive notifications via 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 more quickly 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 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 (households) three times a year.
Look for our new and improved newsletter, "Westwood Word" that will be mailed this spring!
For past copies of the Community Newsletter, please click here
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.
Are you interested in serving your community?
The Town of Westwood is looking for residents to volunteer to serve on many of its local Boards, Committees or Commissions. You can choose your area of expertise from Finance to Environmental, to better serve your community. Resident participation results in a stronger and more responsive local government.
The following Boards and Committees are actively seeking Members:
- Cemetery Commission
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee
- Westwood Environmental Action Committee (WEAC)
Please see here for more information.
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Save the Date!
After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Memorial Day Parade is back for 2022! The parade will be held on May 30, 2022, starting at 10:00 am. The parade will begin at Westwood Town Hall and proceed down Route 109/High Street to the New Westwood Cemetery, where a Memorial Day Ceremony will be held. More details to follow as we get closer to the date!
Seeking Memorial Day Volunteers!
The town is seeking volunteers to help with Memorial Day flower plantings on veterans' graves on Saturday, May 28th, at 9:00 am. If you are available to help, please send us an email to volunteers@townhall.westwood.ma.us.
Thank you for your consideration.
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The Westwood Council on Aging, in partnership with the Assistant District Attorney’s Office, is hosting a Shredding Day on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. A shredding truck and volunteers will be at the Senior Center parking lot (60 Nahatan Street), rain or shine.
This is a great opportunity to shred all your confidential documents that you no longer need, and there is no cost to this program. All Westwood residents are welcome to attend.
Annual Town Election Information
The Annual Town Election is on Tuesday, April 26, 2022.
- The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, April 6, 2022. This may be done by appointment, online or by mail.
- Please note there is a change in Westwood’s voting locations; all registered voters will now be voting at one location, the Westwood High School Gymnasium, 200 Nahatan Street.
- Entrance will be through door 28, between the Recreation and Preschool areas.
- When school is in session, designated parking will be in the Recreation/Preschool parking lot.
- When you arrive to vote, the Gymnasium will be set up into five Precincts.
- There will be Greeters available to direct you to your precinct.
- Please be aware that school is in session from 7:25 am until 2:25 pm, after which parking will be available throughout the High School campus.
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Absentee voting is available to those who qualify (see below):
- You are away from Town on Election Day; or
- Have a disability that keeps you from voting at your polling place; or
- Have a religious belief that prevents you from voting at your polling place on Election Day
- The deadline to request an Absentee ballot by mail is Wednesday, April 20, 2022; 4 business days before election day.
- Applications are available for download ,however any written request is acceptable, if it has the voter's signature on it. For absentee ballots, a member of your family may also make the request on your behalf.
- Absentee voting in person, in the office of the Town Clerk, is available by appointment only through 12:00 PM, Monday, April 25, 2022, provided you meet the above requirements.
Click here to check your voter registration status
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News from the Town Clerk's Office
2022 Annual Town Census
A census form was mailed to each household in early February 2022. If you did not receive one, please contact the Town Clerks office or click here to download a form.
It is extremely important that you fill out the census form and return it as soon as possible. You may return your completed and signed form by mail, in person, or by email.
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).
Please note that you may not register to vote or change parties via a census form.
For information on registering to vote or changing political parties please click here.
News from the Town Clerk's Office
Dog licensing
If you own a dog (s) the deadline to license your dog is March 31, 2022; it’s a state and local law that all dogs be licensed at 6 months of age and older.
- 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 required.
- Licenses will be valid from January 1, 2022, until December 31, 2022.
- You must license your dog on an annual basis.
- If you own more than four 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 by email or telephone, (781) 320-1091.
- Failure to license your dog on or before March 31, 2022, 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 by email or telephone, (781) 326-3964.
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)
Update from the Health Director:
MOSQUITOES:
Mosquitoes can carry disease and remain active until the first hard frost.
EEE (Eastern equine encephalitis) is a rare disease with serious life-threatening symptoms. Symptoms are high fever, stiff neck, headache, and lack of energy followed by inflammation and swelling of the brain (encephalitis). There is no treatment, few people fully recover from the illness and 50% do not survive. WNV (West Nile Virus) usually causes mild or no illness in humans. In rare cases, it can cause encephalitis (swelling of the brain) or meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Less than 1% of people infected with WNV develop serious illness. At the present time there is no preventable vaccine. To avoid mosquitoes please consider the following:
- Limit your time outdoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn) or if you must remain outdoors, wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and socks.
- Use a mosquito repellent that contains DEET (the chemical N-N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the label.
- Take special care to cover up the arms and legs of children playing outdoors. When you bring a baby outdoors, cover the baby’s carriage or playpen with mosquito netting.
- Fix holes in your screens and make sure they are tight-fitting on all doors and windows.
- Remove standing water around your home. Make sure water does not collect and stagnate in ceramic pots, trash cans, recycling containers, old tires, wading pools, bird baths, etc. Remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of roof gutters.
For more information, please visit the District’s website at www.norfolkcountymosquito.org or call (781) 762-3681. If you have general questions about mosquito control efforts please visit the Board of Health website at www.townhall.westwood.ma.us.
TICKS:
Did you know that the two most common ticks in Massachusetts are Deer Ticks and Dog Ticks? The Westwood Health Department would like to inform residents that deer ticks can carry Lyme Disease. Ticks feed on the blood of their host-humans, birds, reptiles, wild and domestic animals. One of the earliest symptoms of Lyme Disease is a rash that is circular with a clear center resulting in a “bull’s eye” appearance, which can occur 3 to 30 days after exposure. Call your doctor if you or your child gets a rash or fever after getting bitten by a tick.
The proper way to remove a tick is with a tweezer:
- Grab the tick near its head or mouth (the part closest to your skin).
- Gently pull the whole tick straight out. Be careful not to crush or twist the tick.
- Wash your hands and the bite with soap and water.
- Put rubbing alcohol on the bite.
- Don’t use a hot match to kill and remove a tick
Make it a habit to check everyone in your house, including pets, for ticks after spending time outdoors. For more information visit www.mass.gov/service-details/mosquitoes-and-ticks-theyre-out-in-mass.
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Update from the Building Commissioner:
WHY GET A PERMIT?
The simple answer is because it is the law. Other than the few exceptions listed in the amended 2015 IRC and IBC Building Codes, Sections R105.2 and 105.2 respectively, the construction, alteration, or repair of a building or structure requires a permit. This also is true for plumbing, electrical, gas, and mechanical projects. When you are unsure whether you need a permit, call the Building Department. We will not make you get a permit if you don’t need one.
Beware of contractors that suggest that you don’t need to bother. Failure to obtain a permit when one is required and the failure to obtain all the necessary inspections including a final inspection can be very costly. Buyers, home inspectors, and appraisers have been much more diligent in reviewing the Building Department records for work that has been completed and either not signed off or did not have the required permits.
The Electrical Board has recently forbidden Electrical Inspectors from signing off on work they can’t visually inspect at the risk of losing their Electrician’s license and their job. This means that your walls will need to be opened up so that all stages of the project can be inspected.
Why get a permit?
- I recently made a site visit to a home that the owners are preparing to sell, and found that the attic had been finished with two bedrooms and a full bath and the basement had been completely finished with a full bath. Permits will have to be pulled and much of the work must be removed so inspections can be completed. Fees for the permits will be triple for working without permits and their window of opportunity for the sale is substantially delayed.
- During a refinance inspection of a different property, the appraiser inquired at the Building Department if the finished basement had the required permits and were they signed off. There were no permits and after a site inspection it was apparent the work had been done by an unlicensed person and did not meet code. A section of the top and bottom of every wall will need to be removed, including framing, to be brought into compliance. The wiring will also need to be exposed throughout the finished area. It will probably cost more to make the necessary repairs than the original installation.
- A resident recently came to the Building Department because the contractor she had hired to complete water damage repairs had not pulled permits or completed the job. Payments were being made directly to the contractor. She now has to locate both the contractor and the insurance company, and in the meantime, she doesn’t have a usable kitchen.
Please keep in mind:
- Most contractors are reputable. Unfortunately, in a construction market like we have today and the lack of response with a contractor returning your call, there are those few who will take advantage of your desperation and frustration.
- Ask to see the permit before you hand over a large sum of money to the contractor both before the project starts and after it appears to be completed. Or call the Building Department to verify signoffs.
- If you did not get the proper permits, the Building Department can charge you triple the fee that you would have paid.
- If it is older work, your project must still meet the most recent codes which can be substantially more stringent, requiring more destruction and alteration of the completed work in order to comply.
- The fact that you are being assessed and paying taxes on the work does not make your project legal without permits.
- In the event of an insurable loss, you may not be able to collect on your home owner’s insurance if you did not get permits or final inspections.
- You will not be able to obtain future permits until your unpermitted work has been signed off.
- Contractors taking responsibility for someone else’s work will charge you more than if they were involved from the beginning.
- If you have permits, your project is not complete without final inspections.
- A permit is the cheapest insurance you can buy. We are here to protect you and to ensure that your project is completed within the requirements of the multiple State Codes and the Town’s Zoning Bylaws.
If you have questions please contact us at 781-320-1091.
Joseph F. Doyle, Jr.
Building Commissioner
The Islington Branch Library located at 273 Washington Street (Wentworth Hall) is OPEN!
Islington Branch Library hours are as follows:
Mondays: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Tuesdays: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Wednesdays: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Thursdays: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
We look forward to seeing you at the new space!
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Updates from the Council On Aging
Please join us for any of our exciting programs! And remember your first class is always free! Check our most current newsletter for a complete list of our activities and transportation details. It can be found on the Town’s website or call us and we will send you a copy.
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 stores on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, medical appointments on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays and errands on Mondays and Fridays.
FREE MASKS AND TEST KITS
NOW AVAILABLE AT THE CENTER
We have partnered with the WFD and BOH to offer two free N95 masks and one COVID test kit (each box has two tests) per household. You must be a Westwood resident over 60 to receive these supplies and you must sign a register so we can keep track of any household who accepts these supplies. Stop by the Center and ask the receptionist for your two free masks and COVID test kit.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT THE SENIOR CENTER
HOME SAFETY – COA Partnership with the WFD
The Westwood Fire Department is running a Fire Safety and Fall Prevention program and is offering free home safety inspections to seniors in town. The program was developed by the National Fire Prevention Association in order to help seniors live safely at home for as long as possible.
Westwood Firefighters (adhering to all proper COVID precautions) will do a quick safety check of your home and provide you with tips to keep you safe. They will assist you in replacing old smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors or batteries. Detectors and batteries are paid for through charitable donations and are free of charge to you. To take advantage of this great opportunity, please call the Council on Aging at 781-329-8799 to sign up for your free home safety inspection. Someone from the Fire Department will then contact you to schedule your appointment.
DAY TRIPS - We are back on the road! Please sign up soon as these trips fill up fast.
June 21 - Casablanca by the Sea - Maine - Transportation, Island/Seal Harbor tour, lunch and shopping at the Old Port in Portland Maine - $115.00 per person. $15 non-refundable deposit at sign up.
July 21 - Nantucket Fast Ferry - Transportation and ferry ride to Nantucket - $125.00 per person—$15 non– refundable deposit at sign up.
More are being planned so stop by and pick up flyers!
Hope you will join us!
Special Day Trips with Our Senior Center Van
Thursday, April 21 - Concord Museum - $18 per person - The Concord Museum is the one place where all of Concord’s remarkable past is brought to life through an inspiring collection of historical, literary, and decorative art treasures. Lunch at the Colonial Inn. Leave Center at 9:00—trip includes transportation and tickets to the Museum (lunch on your own).
MARCH SPECIAL PROGRAMING AT THE CENTER
WESTWOOD WOMAN’S CLUB with Margaret
- Thursdays at 1:30
- April 28- Bird Watching for the spring
- Sign up in advance
In April, Sean from the Audubon Society will present a lecture on spring bird watching. Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect.
HESSCO NUTRITIONIST AT THE COA
Come meet with Nutritionist, Kelsey, for her monthly office hours at the Center.
- Tuesday April 12
- 1:30-3:30 by appointment only
- No cost to this program.
Open to discuss the following topics: overall healthy eating and recipes; diabetes education; heart disease education and anything else you would like to discuss!
DEDHAM SAVINGS presents “FRIENDS AGAINST FRAUD”
Monday April 25 at 10am
With Carol (Compliance Officer) and Laura (BSA & Security Officer)
No cost to this program but please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect
DON’T GET CAUGHT BY A SCAMMER! Scammers are getting more and more savvy. Come learn how to protect yourself. This program, will review common scams targeting older adults. Speakers will share best practices and provide valuable resources to help you avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Light refreshments will be available.
HERE ARE SOME OF OUR REGULAR PROGRAMS (just a sample of our many weekly classes – check out our newsletter for further information):
WONDER WORKOUT with Stephanie and Priscilla
- Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8-9 am
- $3 donation
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.
PILATES with Mary
- Tuesdays at 10/ Thursdays at 10:30
- $3 donation
Pilates is done primarily on a mat and will strengthen your core and abs. Please bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.
MAH JONGG with Cynthia
Come join this growing group of Mah Jongg enthusiasts. New players are welcome (but you must know how to play).
Hope you can join us!
LOW IMPACT EXERCISE with Alex
- Mondays & Wednesdays
- 1 pm
- $3 donation
Alex will get your muscles toned and body ready for summer with this low impact exercise class.
QUILTING CLUB with Helen
- Wednesdays
- April 13 & 27
- 9-11am
- $3 donation
Do you have a quilting project that you would like to start? Or finish? Or would you like to learn how to quilt? Then stop in and join this fun group!
CURRENT CONVERSATIONS with Susan
A news program for people who want to stay engaged and up to date
- Wednesdays
- April 13 & 27
- 9:30-11:00 am
- $5 donation
If you are looking for a friendly group to make sense of the all the world events – or just catch up on the news – then come join us!
Hiking Club with Maria and Angie
- Tuesdays at 9:15am
- You must sign up in advance
- Angie and Maria will get in touch with you
Senior hikes will continue to be offered in the spring every Tuesday at 9:30 am. Participants will need to have insulated and waterproof boots. Leaders will send the information about the next hike to the distribution list the week before. If you are interested in joining the group, please contact the Center. Angie or Maria will then contact you. Our hikes take place in Westwood and surrounding towns and are from 2 to 3.5 miles in length.
So come join us!
We are warm and welcoming and would love to meet you!
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Update from the Department of Public Works
Spring Recycling Day:
The town is working on securing a date for the Spring Recycling Day. We will post information to the town website, once a date has been finalized!
2022 Yard Waste Collections:
The following are the 2022 yard waste collection weeks. All yard waste must be at curbside by 7:00 am on your regularly scheduled collection day. Yard waste 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. See here for more information.
Yard Waste Collection Weeks:
- April 4-8
- May 2-6
- June 13-17
- September 19-23
- October 3-7
- October 31- November 4
- November 7-11
- November 14-18
- November 21-26
- November 28- December 2
2022 Annual Summer Paving Projects:
The roads being paved this summer are: Booth Drive, Downey Terrace, Fearing Drive, Hawktree Drive, Magaletta Drive, Phillips Brook Road, Putting Drive, Saint Denis Drive, Strasser Avenue, and Willard Circle.
Second Meter Readings:
As a reminder, second meter readings must be submitted twice a year, in July and October. Please refer to the sewer website for more information.
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The Westwood Rotary and Westwood Youth & Family Services Department (WY&FS) are seeking the public’s help to identify young people in our community that have demonstrated a commitment to helping others. We would like to celebrate these individuals by honoring them with the R.A.Y (Recognize-A-Youth) award. Recipients will have distinguished themselves through their initiative and commitment to community service and have demonstrated an ethic of caring for others that is essential to the health of our community. Past recipients have been honored for acts of kindness both large and small such as, tutoring an elementary school neighbor, raking leaves for a senior citizen, creating a social media campaign to end stereotypes, designing and selling bracelets to fundraise for a non-profit, organizing a clothing collection drive and donating birthday presents to less fortunate children.
This spring, members of the Westwood Rotary will select the outstanding young people to be recognized from the pool of nominees. Recipients will be honored at a reception, receive a certificate of appreciation and a small gift, courtesy of the Westwood Rotary.
The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2022. For more information and a nomination form please visit our website at https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/youth-family-services/recognize-a-youth-award
Please email youth@townhall.westwood.ma.us. or call WY&FS at 781-320-1006 with any questions.
For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/youth-family-services
Westwood Community Chest invites the community to its annual fun-filled fundraiser, the Gala of Giving, on its new date and time of Sunday, April 3, 2022 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Chiara Bistro in Westwood. Tickets are now available. This event has been rescheduled to April 3rd from an earlier announced date of March 6th.
The Gala of Giving includes Roche Bros. inspired wine pairings to match food tastings by Chef LaCount at Chiara Bistro. There will be a silent auction with getaways, entertainment, food, lifestyle and wellness offerings. It's a night of fun and socializing while taking advantage of a chance to join neighbors helping neighbors.
Funds raised will support grants that WCC awards to Westwood residents who are in need of short-term financial and other assistance. Tickets are $125 per person and can be purchased now on the WCC website.
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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