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:

• Recreation Commission
• Cemetery Commission
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee
• Westwood Environmental Action Committee (WEAC)

Please see here for more information. 

Save the Date!

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Memorial Day Parade is back for 2022! The parade will be held on May 30, 2022, starting at 10:00 am.

The parade begins at Westwood Town Hall and will proceed down Route 109/High Street to the New Westwood Cemetery, where a Memorial Day Ceremony will take place. More details to follow as we get closer to the date!

Seeking Memorial Day Volunteers!

The town is seeking volunteers to help plant Memorial Day flower 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. 

The Westwood Council on Aging, in partnership with the Norfolk District Attorney's Office, is hosting its annual Shredding Day on Thursday, May 5, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A shredding truck and volunteers will be at the Senior Center parking lot at 60 Nahatan Street, rain or shine. 

This is a great opportunity to shred any confidential documents that you no longer need at no cost to you. All Westwood residents are welcome to attend. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

• Residents should drive into the Senior Center Lot and volunteers will take your bags out of your car. 
• We ask that residents remain in their car, volunteers will help offload your documents. 
• Staples and paper clips are fine, but please no 3-ring binders.
• Limit of three bags or boxes per car. 

SWEET TREATS!

Town Hall has some very special visitors in April 2022! Girl Scouts stopped by on April 6th with cookies for the town staff, as a thank you for keeping the town running during the pandemic!

Westwood Girl Scout Troops #70639 (2nd Grade), #82922 (4th Grade), and #62277(6th Grade) raised money from their community cookie sales to donate cookies to Westwood Town Hall, Westwood Police, Westwood Fire, Library, School District Offices, Westwood Food Pantry, and Beth Israel Healthcare Workers. 

In addition, the Girl Scouts have been active participants in our Memorial Day Observations and have agreed to assist us with this year's observation.

Thank you to the Girl Scout troops for your continued community service and for being our future leaders!

On April 26, 2022, voters in Westwood will head to the high school gymnasium to cast their ballots!

The Town has announced a consolidation of polling places for the April 26, 2022, Annual Town Election. The change (which moves all precincts under one roof at the Westwood High School Gymnasium)  was prompted by shifts in local population as determined by the 2020 U.S. Census. Census data shows that Westwood's population increased by 1,648 between 2020 and 2022, and now stands at 16,266. Due to this increase, the town had to establish a fifth precinct. Last month, the Select Board accepted the recommendation of the Town Clerk and the Board of Registrars to consolidate all voting locations into one place. From now on, all registered voters will cast ballots at the Westwood High School gymnasium, located at 200 Nahatan Street. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. 

Some benefits of the new plan include:

• Surrounding communities have found that consolidation of precincts has proven to be cost effective and has resulted in a more efficient Election Day process. 
• Candidates and their supporters can be at one place to campaign and receive unofficial election results quickly when polls close. 
• Westwood High School is centrally located. It is the largest public building in Westwood, is ADA compliant, and is easily accessible via several roadways. 

Parking: 

When school is in session (from 7:25 am to 2:05 pm), there will be designated parking in the Recreation/Preschool parking lot. Because high school students already have designated parking spots in the high school parking lot, voters will not have access to those numbered spots until after school is dismissed. 

For more information on the Annual Town Election, please visit the town website. 

Entrance: 

All voters should enter the high school gymnasium through the side entrance (Door 28), located between the Recreation Department and Westwood Preschool entrances. Look for signs and town staff will be on site to direct voters. 

The Annual Town Meeting will be held in the Westwood High School Auditorium

5:30 pm: Check-in Westwood High School Auditorium Lobby

6:00 pm: Awards and Recognitions

6:30 pm: Official Town Meeting Business

All residents (registered voters) are encouraged to attend, to have your voices heard, and to participate in important town government decisions. All attendance is appreciated until the meeting is dissolved. We hope to see you there!

For more information on the Annual Town Meeting and to view the Finance and Warrant Commission Annual Report, Warrant and Recommendation for Town Meeting, please visit the town website. 

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.

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!

UPDATES FROM THE COA

Please join us for any of our exciting programs! 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 from the Center 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 receptionists 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.

TOUR BOSTON’S CHINATOWN

With Chef Roberta Hing - Tuesday May 17 $25 donation

Walking tour of Boston’s famous Chinatown with Chef Roberta and learn about its history and foods.  Tour includes lunch at a local restaurant. You must sign up in advance. Leave the Center at 10:00am.

MAY SPECIAL PROGRAMING AT THE CENTER

Why do I Always Sneeze in Spring?

Lunch and Learn discussion on Seasonal Allergies with BIG Y PHARMACIST EDDIE MARTUCCI

Friday MAY 6 11:30am $4 donation—Please sign up in advance 

A talk about Seasonal Allergies, their cause, treatments and the trouble they bring us. A light lunch will be provided. 

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Thursday May 5

1:30 - Please sign up in advance

Join us to welcome Sheriff McDermott as he discusses public safety, his role in the community, and how he can work with our local partners to better serve the community.

HESSCO NUTRITIONIST AT THE COA

Come meet with Nutritionist, Kelsey, for her monthly office hours at the Center.

• Tuesday May 10
• 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!

Mah Jongg for Beginners With Sharon Katz

Wednesdays May 4– June 29th (no class May 25)

1-2:30 pm   $15 for 7-week course—You must sign up in advance

One Bam! Three Dot! Nine Crack!  Calling all beginners who want to learn how to play mah jongg! Join the ranks of mah jongg enthusiasts who are reaping the social and intellectual benefits of playing this challenging tile game. Players will learn the basics: identifying tiles and rules, choosing a hand by interpreting the mah jongg card, passing tiles, and playing a round. Students will be provided with the 2022 Mah Jongg card ($9 small or $10 large not included in donation. Please pay at first class) for use during class.

FIRST AID FOR GRANDPARENTS ages 60+ with Juanita Allen Kingsley, W-EMT

Monday May 16 - 10:00 AM -  $10 donation—Must sign up in advance as space is limited

If you're a grandparent caring for kids, you want to know how to respond in case of a first-aid emergency. Much has changed since you used first aid with your own children. You'll learn to handle injuries and manage illness for the first few minutes until help arrives. We'll cover first aid basics: medical, injury, and environmental emergencies; and CPR for all ages and how to use an AED. You will receive an American Safety and Health Institute certification in Pediatric First Aid, CPR and AED use upon successful completion. This class is underwritten by the Westwood Council on Aging. Residents who are 60+ can sign up at the COA for only $10 (regular cost is $100 pp). 

JENNY’S WORLD OF DOLLS - Monday May 9 at 10am

$3 donation—Please sign up in advance as space is limited

Join us as Janice displays and discusses over 50 antique and vintage dolls (that will be on display) from Shirley Temple to Patty Play Pal. Janice McIntyre is the owner of Jenny Baby's Doll Hospital in Hopkinton. She repairs all dolls from antique/vintage and modern day. Her web site is Jennybabysdollhospital.com.   Feel free to bring a doll to the program if you would like to share it with the crowd and tell us about it.

CASABLANCA MOVIE at THE CENTER

Wednesday May 25 at 1pm

Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect

Greydon Gavin, a 10th grader at Westwood High school, is once again hosting the movie Casablanca, an incredibly influential film that explores the powerful themes of love and sacrifice.  In addition to being a compelling romantic tale, audiences also viewed this film as being a political allegory about World War II.  Casablanca’s screenplay is often considered one of the greatest of all time, and this movie continues to hold a revered spot in film history.

ELDER LEGAL HOUR WITH ELDER ATTORNEY MARIA BALER

Monday May 16  1pm

It’s that time of year to update all your legal responsibilities.  So join us as Attorney Baler discusses Wills, Powers of Attorney, health care documents (proxies, HIPPA and the MOLST), Trusts and other things you should do to get your legal house in order. No cost to this program but please sign up in advance.

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

• Thursdays
• 1 -3 pm

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

• May 11 & 25 - 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 
• May 11 & 25
• 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 and 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!

34th All Night Graduation Party to be held at WHS

Westwood Community in Action will proudly host the 34th All Night Graduation Party at Westwood High School for the Class of 2022.

More than 30 years ago, a group of parents formed Westwood Community in Action, Inc. a non-profit dedicated to organizing and funding the annual overnight event to provide all graduating seniors a final night of celebration in a safe, fun, entertainment filled event.

Each year a surprise theme, unique activities, fabulous food, amazing music, and memories for the students are organized into the spectacular all-night event. “It’s mind-blowing to see what a dedicated group of community volunteers create and execute every year” remarks Jennie Conway, one of the committee chairs. “The goal is to make it memorable for the kids and we hear every year from both graduates and their parents the event is a capstone to their years at WHS.”

“The All Night party was such a great way to top off my years at WHS” says 2021 graduate Katy Dumais. “I couldn’t believe how the high school was transformed with decorations and all the fun things to do.” That enthusiasm for the High School location has been a challenge for Community in Action in recent years as the event requires an army of volunteers and a quick clean up and turn around in the morning when school starts for underclassmen. “The volunteers and custodial staff are amazing” says Conway, “with everyone’s help we pull it off each year. We are thrilled to be able to host the party at Westwood High School again in 2022.”

This community event is funded solely from donations, corporate sponsors, and fundraising. Please consider a financial contribution to Westwood Community in Action or get involved as a volunteer this year. Information is available on the website www.westwoodangp.org. Donations may also be sent directly to WCIA, P.O. Box 2605, Westwood, MA 02090.

Westwood Community Chest is looking for new board members! We’re looking for committed individuals who want to make a difference in their community by helping Westwood residents during difficult times. If interested, please submit a brief bio and statement of interest to westwoodcommunitychest@gmail.com. 

For more information about the important work of WCC and other opportunites, visit our website at westwoodcommunitychest.org or email us with questions at westwoodcommunitychest@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!