Select Board's Office

Connect with Westwood

Staying on top of what's going on around Westwood is easier than ever! The town has several options - on a variety of platforms - for all residents to stay on top of public safety information, school, and town business. Residents can visit the town website, and click on "stay connected" on the main page. 

ALERT Westwood

Westwood uses ALERT Westwood for all emergency and non-emergency notifications. Once enrolled, residents have the option to receive notifications via phone, text message, email, or a combination of the three. It is our hope that with a more advanced software, we will be able to communicate with residents more quickly than ever before.

To enroll in ALERT Westwood, please click here.

Westwood Wire

The Westwood Wire is a monthly e-newsletter that includes news provided by the Town and information from local groups and organizations within the community. 

To subscribe to the Westwood Wire, please click here.

Westwood Word

The Westwood Word is the town's new and improved print publication to be distributed three times per year, April (Spring/Summer), September (Fall), and January (Winter). Westwood Word highlights events, happenings, and news within Westwood through town and community submissions. The Westwood Word will be mailed to residential homes. 

To see the latest Westwood Word, 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

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Website Notifications

Residents have the option to sign up for specific email updates of their choice to stay up-to-date on all town news or just specific information from a particular town board or committee. 

To see subscription options, please click here.

Select Board seeking volunteers for Boards and Committees

The following Boards and Committees are actively seeking Members: Cemetery Commission Commission on Disability Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee Recreation Commission Westwood Cultural Council Westwood Environmental Action Committee (WEAC) Please see here for more information. Check back often, as we will continue to update vacancies as needed.

Town Clerk

Important Election News from the Town Clerk On June 22, 2022, an election reform law titled “The VOTES Act” was signed into law. “The VOTES Act” makes several of the temporary changes from the pandemic permanent. The new law also makes the absentee voting process and early voting by mail processes consistent.     Some of the changes include the following: The voter registration deadline for all elections and town meetings will be 10 calendar days before the date of the meeting or election (previously it was 20 days). In-person voter registration sessions on the last day to register to vote will end at 5:00 p.m. Early voting by mail will be available for all state elections, state primaries, and presidential primaries. Early voting by mail is also required for all local elections unless the town opts out. In order to opt-out of Vote by Mail for a local election, the Select Board must hold a public hearing and public roll call vote to NOT allow Vote by Mail no later than 45 days before the date of the election. The State Elections Division will mail Vote by Mail applications at least 45 days before every regular state primary, state election, and presidential primary. The applications will be mailed to all registered voters who have not already applied for a ballot. The applications will be pre-addressed to the local election office (Westwood Town Clerk) with pre-paid postage included. The new law also allows family members to request an early Vote by Mail ballot on a voter’s behalf, as they currently can with absentee ballots. Similarly, family members will be permitted to return an early Vote by Mail ballot for the voter as well. Any form of written communication requesting a ballot is sufficient. Applications may be signed electronically, as long as the signature is written in substantially the same manner as a hand-written signature. The deadline to request a vote by mail ballot (early or absentee) must be received five (5) business days before any election in the office of the Town Clerk. For the upcoming State Primary, September 6, 2022, the deadline to apply for a vote by mail ballot is 5:00 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2022. For the November 8, 2022, State Election, the deadline to apply for a vote by mail ballot is 5:00 pm, Tuesday, November 1, 2022. Return ballot envelopes for state primaries, state elections, and presidential primaries will be postage pre-paid. In-person early voting will be available for all regular state primaries, state elections, and presidential primaries. In-Person Early Voting for the September 6, 2022, State Primary will begin on Saturday, August 27, 2022, and end on Friday, September 2, 2022. In-person Early Voting for the November 8, 2022, State Election will begin on Saturday, October 22, 2022, and end on Friday, November 4, 2022. Location and times for early voting in person to be determined. The 150-foot rule prohibiting campaigning around polling places has been extended to early voting sites. This means that there shall be no campaigning for or against a candidate or question on the ballot for that election within 150 feet of the entrance to the early voting site during voting hours. Signature gathering of any kind will also be prohibited during voting hours.   Voter Registration deadline for the September 6, 2022 State Primary: 5:00 p.m. Saturday, August 27, 2022. On Ballot: Representative in Congress, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Governor's Council, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, Sheriff, County Commissioner.   Voter Registration deadline for the November 8, 2022, State Election: 5:00 p.m., Saturday, October 29, 2022. On Ballot: Representative in Congress, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Governor's Council, State Senator, State Representative, District Attorney, Sheriff, County Commissioner, statewide ballot questions. *   In order to vote in the above elections in Westwood, you must be a registered voter: Please click here to confirm. Please click here to register online.

Westwood Department of Public Works

News from the Department of Public Works

Second Meter Readings:

• Submitted twice a year in JULY and October, see here for more information. 
• To get future reminders/alerts/notifications to submit your second meter reading, you will need to sign up for Alert Westwood Second Meter Notifications.   

2022 Summer Paving: 

Summer paving will start in July 2022 (approximately) for the following roads- 

Booth Drive

Fearing Drive

Hawktree Drive

Magaletta Drive

Putting Drive

Saint Denis Drive

*Strasser Avenue

Willard Circle

*Strasser Ave. loop and Phillips Brooks Road delayed until Spring 2023

Trash and Recycling: 

Everything (trash/recycle/yard waste/etc.) to be collected must be at curbside by 7am on your scheduled trash 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.

Please visit https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works for more information and updates

Westwood Fire Department

The Westwood Fire Department is happy to announce that we have recently hired four new probationary firefighters, Michael Brown, Julio Herrera, Mark Jones-Maynard and Katrina Nasuti. All of them have graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. FFOPs (Firefighters on Probation) Brown and Nasuti are licensed paramedics; FFOPs Jones-Maynard and Herrera will complete their paramedic training shortly. Typically new firefighters remain on probation for one year. We have three additional openings that we are hoping to fill in the next few months. 

Westwood Firefighters from left to right: Katrina Nasuti, Michael Brown, and Julio Herrera.

Westwood Firefighter: Mark Jones-Maynard

Human Resources Department

Westwood Health Department

Update from the Health Director:  Permits for Public Food Events The Board of Health protects the general public by promoting safe food handling for public events. Any event where food is sold or given away to the general public requires a temporary food permit from the Board of Health. Non-profit organizations often use food sales as a way to raise funds for their organization; several factors are evaluated to determine the food safety of these events. No foods for a public event or fundraiser should be made in a home kitchen (except baked goods such as cookies, brownies, or cakes - potluck is exempt from this requirement) A bake sale is the only public event that does not require a temporary food permit. Food trucks have become popular for one-day social events and they also are required to obtain a Temporary Mobile Food Truck permit. The Health Department is here to answer any questions and assist you with information to clarify when a food permit is needed, please contact us at health@townhall.westwood.ma.us   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 the 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.     Westwood Private Well Regulations Please be advised that this regulation requires that a water quality test be conducted and a copy of the results forwarded to the Board of Health office prior to a change in ownership of the property on which the private well is located. This applies to both drinking water and irrigation wells. Please refer to our website for the Private Well Regulations for more information on the required tests. If you have any questions please call Jared Orsini, Health Director (781) 320-1026.   Sharps Collection Program The Westwood Board of Health Sharps Collection Kiosk is located at the entrance to the Municipal Building, 50 Carby St., residents can bring their sharps in the appropriate container for disposal in the kiosk. The Health Department provides the red one-liter sharps containers free of charge to residents, please do not put loose needles or any other size container in the kiosk.  Containers are also available at Town Hall and the Senior Center.   Medication Collection Program The Westwood Board of Health and the Westwood Police Department have joined forces to collect expired prescriptions and over-the-counter medications for proper disposal.  The Medication Collection Box is located in the lobby of the Police Station and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for residents.

Westwood Islington Branch Library

The Islington Branch Library is located at 273 Washington Street (Wentworth Hall).  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!

Westwood Public Library

Westwood Council On Aging

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.   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. WESTWOOD COA IS NOW ON FACEBOOK AND WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU FOLLOW US!!! The Westwood Senior Center is now on Facebook. Keep up to date with what is happening here at the Center. Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/WestwoodCOA and LIKE or FOLLOW our new page! We are still learning the best way to keep you all up to date, so any ideas, just let us know. Join us as we grow and keep in touch with everyone! And no worries, we will continue to send you our bi-monthly newsletter!

DAY TRIPS AT THE CENTER Wednesday, August 24.  Tour of Boch Center and Transportation. Lunch at Sully’s in South Boston is pay on your own. $20 per person. Leave Center at 8:45 am.

West Suburban Veterans’ Services District

With Veteran Nancy Blanchard

Mondays 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Call in advance to sign up for an appointment (781) 850-5504

As we come together to celebrate our nation’s birthday and Independence Day with loved ones, food and fireworks; let’s also remember those who served to maintain our country’s freedom. On July 27^th we honor our Korean War Veterans and August 4^th marks the U.S. Coast Guard’s 232^nd Birthday!  National Purple Heart Day is August 7^th. The Purple Heart, our nation’s oldest military medal, is presented to service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving in the U.S. military.

Early fall of 2021, Westwood was designated as a Purple Heart Town. Every year on Aug 7, Westwood will join other Purple Heart communities and display the Purple Heart Flag to recognize and honor our Purple Heart recipients. If you’re a Purple Heart recipient and would like to participate in this event, or want more information on Purple Heart benefits (VA healthcare, Base/Post Commissary & Recreation, license plates, property tax exemptions, etc.,) please contact our office (781) 489-7509. Thank you for all those who volunteered their time and efforts for Westwood’s 2022 Memorial Day Program!

HESSCO NUTRITIONIST AT THE COA

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

• Thursday August 4th
• 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm 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!

AUGUST SPECIAL PROGRAMING AT THE CENTER

Armchair Travel with Barry Pell

August 25th at 10:00 am At the Main Library

$3 donation requested Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect

“Bhutan - The Land of the Thunder Dragon”

The small and predominantly Buddhist kingdom of Bhutan, squeezed between China and India, is tucked within the rugged Himalayan mountains and mostly covered with thick forest. Monasteries, often massive and commanding abound, with crimson-robed monks performing centuries-old rituals. The country has no traffic lights, smoking is illegal, and employees must wear traditional clothing during work hours. Years ago, Gross National Happiness was identified by the nation as being more important than Gross National Product. Barry Pell recently traveled through the country, meeting its people and learning about their history and culture. Accompanied by his photography, he will discuss insights into a fascinating way of life that has only just begun to change after centuries of isolation.   

SCAM PREVENTION with SPECIAL FBI AGENT SHEILA MAGOON

Monday August 22nd at 1:00 pm

$2 donation Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect.

This FBI’s Elder Fraud presentation covers current fraud trends impacting the senior community including romance scams, lottery scams, tech support scams, investment scams and imposter scams. Attendees will receive tips and tools to protect themselves and their loved ones.

BOOK GROUP with Bev

• Thursday
• August 11th 
• 11:00 am

Come join this fun group of book lovers as Bev discusses Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult.

AARP DRIVER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Monday August 29th at 9:30 am

You must sign up in advance

This updated AARP Smart Driver Course offered by AARP Driver Safety is the nation's largest driver safety course and is designed especially for drivers age 50 and older. By taking the new AARP Smart Driver Course, attendees will be taught the current rules of the road; how to understand new traffic control devices on our ever-changing roadways; defensive driving techniques; some of the new technical features in vehicles like lane departure warnings, blind spot indicators and adaptive cruise control and how to operate a vehicle more safely in today's increasingly challenging driving environment. You may be eligible to receive a multi-year auto insurance discount upon completing the course (consult your insurance agent for details). AARP membership is not required to take the course and there are no road tests to pass. Registration disclosure/disclaimer for Covid is required. The fee is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members paid directly to the instructor. The course will run from 9:30AM to 3PM with a break for lunch (on your own).  You must sign up in advance as space is limited.

HERE ARE SOME OF OUR REGULAR PROGRAMS (just a sample of our many weekly classes – check out our newsletter for further information)

Drawing with Brenda

• Tuesdays 10-12pm
• August 2nd - 30th
• You must sign up in advance - $25 for 5 classes

Learn how to draw realistically using photographs and observational techniques. Each week follow along step by step with Brenda as she guides you in developing your drawing skills. Receive individual instruction and related demonstrations. Pastel pencil and colored pencil will be discussed. Weekly classes will cover a variety of subjects, including still-life, landscapes, floral and seasonal themes. Drawing Class supply list available at registration.

Realistic Watercolor Painting with Brenda

• Tuesdays 1-3pm
• $25 for 5 classes
• August 2nd - 30th
• You must sign up in advance

Learn how to paint realistically in watercolor using photographs and observational techniques. Follow along with Brenda as she guides you step by step with your watercolor painting endeavor. Classes will cover a variety of subjects, including floral, still-life, landscapes and seasonal themes. Learn all about watercolor paint, paper, brushes and related materials, learn various painting techniques, color mixing and composition. Supply list available at registration.

Beginner Watercolor with Brenda

• Fridays 10-12 pm
• $20 for 4 classes
• August 5th - 26th 
• You must sign up in advance

It’s Friday … so join us for something fun! This beginners art class is for anyone who has ever had an interest in watercolor painting. Each week, Brenda will bring a new project for participants to try and enjoy. No competition, no stress, just fun with watercolor and drawing.  First class is free and supplies will be available.

Tai Chi with Scotty

• Tuesdays at 1pm
• $3 Donation

Studies show that participants who practiced T'ai Chi and Qi Gong have increased levels of certain immune cells, which is important for protecting against viruses and other diseases. In addition, they are beneficial for osteoarthritis, Parkinson's disease, rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preventing falls and improving cognitive capacity in older adults. No experience necessary.

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 10:00 am / Thursdays at 10:30 am

• $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.

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 August 10th & 24th 

• 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 
• August 10th  & 24th
• 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 9:15 am 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.

Westwood Recreation Department

Youth and Family Services

For more information, please visit our website:

https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/youth-family-services 

Westwood Public Schools

The temporary records for students who attended Westwood Public Schools and who graduated, or who would have graduated in 2105 will be destroyed on August 31, 2022.   Any students interested in receiving these records must email jkinsman@westwood.k12.ma.us to make an appointment to pick them up before this date.

Westwood Integrated Preschool

Town of Westwood

www.townhall.westwood.ma.us

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