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.

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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: Commission on Disability Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee 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.

Westwood Public Schools

Construction on the Elementary Building Project has begun! For information regarding the project, please visit www.westwoodschoolbuilding.com  If you have any questions, please email hanlondeerfieldproject@westwood.k12.ma.us

Westwood Town Clerk

2022 Fall Election Information Massachusetts State Primary- September 6, 2022 Massachusetts State Election- November 8, 2022

Massachusetts State Primary - Tuesday, September 6, 2022

• Deadline to register to vote was Saturday, August 27, 2022
• Deadline to vote by mail was Monday, August 29, 2022

Early Voting location: Westwood Police Station, Jaillet Meeting Room, 580 High Street

Massachusetts State Election-Tuesday, November 8, 2022

• Voter Registration deadline-October 29, 2022
  • Click here to check your voter registration status
  • Click here to Register to vote online

Vote by mail

Early Voting in Person: October 22-November 4, 2022

Location: Westwood Police Station, Jaillet Meeting Room, 580 High Street

Vote in person on election day:

•  On November 8, 2022, Polls are open from 7:00 AM-8:00 PM
• All voting will take place in the Gymnasium at Westwood High School, 200 Nahatan Street

Westwood Department of Public Works

News from the Department of Public Works

1-day delay in Trash & Recycle collections for Labor Day, Monday-September 5, 2022    Monday will be picked up on Tuesday (and so on), Friday will be picked up on Saturday

Save the date

9/19/22            Yard Waste collection WEEK

10/15/22          Recycle Day

10/4/22            Yard Waste collection WEEK

10/10/22          Household Bulk Collection Event WEEK

Textiles, mattress and box springs have been added to the Mass DEP’s (3/25/22) Waste Ban List effective November 1, 2022.  This means that textiles and mattresses will no longer be accepted at transfer stations, landfills or waste to energy facilities for ultimate disposal. 

FY23 completed paving project: 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

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 Health Department

Update from the Health Director:  Water Safety Summer has started with record heat and enjoying a day at the pool or beach is here. Unfortunately, there have already been several tragic water related incidents in MA this season. Please see this important information on water safety from the CDC. Water Safety Tips 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 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.     Ticks Did you know that the two most common ticks in Massachusetts are Deer Ticks and Dog Ticks? Ticks can transmit Lyme Disease. They 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: Tick Borne Disease Prevention   FREE COVID Home Test Kits for Residents There are free test kits available for residents at Town Hall (Town Clerk’s office) the Library, Senior Center and the Carby Street Municipal Building. You may also report a home test kit result by going to the website: Town of Westwood

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

SEPTEMBER UPDATES FROM THE COA We have 18 regular programs (from art classes to yoga and everything in between) so please 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. All rides must be scheduled 48 business hours in advance.   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!

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT THE SENIOR CENTER IN SEPTEMBER

ANNUAL BASKET FUNDRAISER & RAFFLE

Mid- September through mid-December

Tickets $1 each or $10 for 12 tickets

Please help us during our ONE and ONLY annual fundraiser! 100% of the proceeds will be used for programs and to support seniors in our community! Each basket, generously donated by area businesses (see below) is worth over $250. So stop by and help us raise funds to help Westwood seniors!

THANKS TO OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER SPONSORS

Samuel, Sayward & Baler, Dedham Saving, Benchmark, Porsche Westwood, The Linden at Dedham, Roche Bros, Walpole Cooperative Bank; Wegmans; Beacon Communities; Powisset Farm and Folsom Funeral Home. THANK YOU!

West Suburban Veterans’ Services District

With Veteran Nancy Blanchard

Mondays 9 am-3 pm

Call in advance to sign up for an appointment (781) 850-5504 

September is National Suicide Prevention. If a veteran you know is facing a mental health crisis call the *NEW* Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1 for 24/7 support and services. 9/16: POW/MIA Recognition day. 9/25 (last Sunday in September) is National Gold Star Mother’s & Family day, which is a day to recognize and honor the mothers of our fallen service members.

SO YOU ARE RESEARCHING SENIOR LIVING?

With Sarah Pompeo from Fox Hill Village

Monday September 12 at 10:00 am

Please sign up in advance

Join Sarah Pompeo from Fox Hill Village to learn about researching senior living communities, the different levels of care in senior living and the right questions to ask when visiting a community. Complimentary coffee and donuts.

COOKING CLASSES AT POWISSET FARM

We meet at Powisset Farm at 11:00 am - $20 per class

You must sign up in advance as space is limited

Homemade Pizza - Thursday September 15 at 11:00 am

No take home food will be allowed

NOTE:  we cannot accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions

Learn step-by-step how to craft Powisset iconic wood-fired pizza. Chef Thi will share her tips and tricks on prepping and rolling the most delicious dough followed by a sauce recipe that will blow away anything you’d get in a jar at the store. Take a trip into the garden and pick fresh herbs and veggies to top your pizza (along with some mouthwatering local meats) and roast to perfection!

The Present and Future of Olive Oil LIVE from Italy

Thursday September 8 at 1:00 pm at the Westwood Library Main Branch

$3 donation – Please sign up in advance

So…what do you know about olive oil? Just what you see on grocery store shelves?

Join us for a live presentation with an Italian olive oil expert. Learn what Italians do with olive oil, how much they use it and how they’d be lost without it. And why are we sold substandard products? When properly done, olive cultivation is one of the most sustainable forms of agriculture there is. Come join us for this fascinating, informative and fun program!

 Over-wintering Tender Plants with Donna, Lifetime Master Gardner

Tuesday September 27 at 1:00 pm

Space is limited so you must sign up in advance

$4 donation

Once the nighttime temperatures begin to dip into the 40s, it’s time to start bringing plants indoors. Unless you own a greenhouse, space to over-winter plants is usually at a premium, so what’s a gardener to do? This program talks about which plants are most appropriate to save, locations in and around your home where you might make space and preparations for successfully over-wintering various species of plants.

Brain Healthy Cooking Lunch and Learn

Thursday September 29 at noontime

Sponsored by Cornerstone at Canton

Space is limited so you must sign up in advance

$5 donation

Research points to the important role played by diet in the cause, prevention and management of Alzheimer’s disease. Senior Living Residences’ Award-Winning Brain Healthy Cooking Program is based on the well-researched Mediterranean Diet which provides protective benefits and enhances cognitive function at any age. So join us and learn how you can enjoy delicious healthy meals.

LUNCH AND THEATER COMBO AT THE NORWOOD THEATRE

Thursday September 22—MEMORIES OF ELVIS

Lunch at 11:30 am/ Performance at 1:00 pm

$45 per person

This combo package includes a meal and a special performance of Chris MacDonald’s “Memories of Elvis.”  We have a limited amount of tickets so you must sign up and pay in advance. 

A LEGAL UPDATE WITH ELDER LAW ATTORNEY MARIA BALER

Monday September 19 at 1:00 pm

Please sign up in advance

$2 donation

Attorney Baler will come and speak about the changes in the Massachusetts estate tax, the gift tax, and capital gain taxes as they relate to estate and long-term care planning. This is something everyone should know, so join us!

SUCCULENT TERRARIUM

Friday September 9 at 10:00 am

$5 donation Includes all materials

Please sign up in advance as space is limited

Come join us for a fun and educational program to create your own DIY Succulent Terrarium!  Suzie will take you step-by-step through the process of building a miniature home garden using real plants and layering filament while providing guests with tips and tricks on horticultural care. This interactive instructional session will leave participants with new knowledge on the fine characteristics of succulent plants as well as a beautiful take-home craft to enjoy long after the program has ended.  

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Sponsored by Bridges by EPOCH

Monday September 19 at 2:00 p.m.

$2 donation - you must sign up in advance 

As we say good-bye to summer, Bridges by EPOCH invites you to an ice cream social here at the Center. Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect.

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS

Sponsored by Brigham and Woman’s Health Center – Westwood and Dana- Farber Cancer Institute

Monday October 3rd   10:00 am - 2:00 pm  at the Westwood Senior Center

You must sign up in advance for an appointment

YOUR SKIN IS IN! This fall our local Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women’s health care center (located here in Westwood) is teaming up with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to provide a free skin cancer screening to any Westwood resident. There will be educational materials available and free sunscreen give-aways.  Screenings will be held under an air circulating tent with four privacy walls, please come dressed in clothes that are easy to show your areas of concerns.  No fee but please call the Center in advance to sign up for an appointment.

So come join us! We are warm and welcoming and would love to meet you!

West Suburban Veterans Services

The West Suburban Veterans District represents the towns of Needham, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and Westwood. What We Do: 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, Hoem 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. Hours: WSVD holds office hours at the Westwood Council on Aging every Monday from 9:00 a.m. to  3:00 p.m. and can be reached at (781)320-1008.   Staff: Director Sarada Kalpee (First Sergeant, US Army) - currently deployed until Summer 2023; Deputy Director, Nancy Blanchard (Sergeant First Class, USAR) Sally Rose, Finance Administrator.   Some important military holidays and observances as we approach the Fall:  September is National Suicide Prevention Month. If a veteran you know is facing a mental health crisis call the *NEW* Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1 for 24/7 support and services or click here for more information. September 16th: POW/MIA Recognition day.      September 25th: (last Sunday in September) is National Gold Star Mother’s & Family day, which is a day to recognize and honor the mothers of our fallen service members. October is Agent Orange Awareness Month. In 2021, three conditions (bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, and Parkinsonism) were added to the VA presumptive list for Agent Orange (herbicide) exposure. If you’re a Vietnam Era Veteran and have been denied or affected by these conditions, please reach out to our office.   Lastly, Happy Birthday AIR FORCE (September 18th) and NAVY (October 13th)!

Westwood Conservation Department

Westwood Human Rights Task Force

Westwood Recreation Department

Westwood Youth and Family Services

For more information, please visit our website:

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

2022 Green Communities Grant

Town of Westwood Receives $90,000

Department of Energy Resources (DOER)

2022 Green Communities Grant

Westwood was awarded a $90,000 energy efficiency project grant by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). Seven years ago, Westwood became a Green Community and since that time, the Town has applied for and been granted seven competitive grants to help fund energy efficiency projects in the Town. 

Thomas Philbin, the Westwood Energy Manager filed for a Green Communities Grant in February 2022. Subsequently, the Town was awarded a grant of $90,000 bringing the seven-year total of DOER grants to approximately $1,390,000. The 2022 grant will be used for LED lighting at the Sheehan Elementary School and an HVAC upgrade with air cleaning at the Thurston Middle School.

In addition to Green Community funding, Westwood receives incentives from Eversource. Westwood works with Eversource in their Municipal program and receives help by way of other financial incentives and project cost control through the use of pre-approved contractors. The Eversource Municipal program has proved to be a great benefit to towns in Massachusetts over the past ten years.  

The next step in this process is for the Town to enter into a contract with the Commonwealth on how the grant funds will be expended. The Town will need to report back to the Commonwealth on the progress of the projects in order to receive the full amount of the grant and to qualify to participate in future competitive funding opportunities.

As a Green Community, under Tom Philbin’s direction, Westwood is committed to continuing to reduce its energy consumption by 20%. These newly funded projects, as well as others completed in past years and planned for the future, will ensure the achievement of this goal. Over the last five years, the total value of the over 50 projects completed exceeds $ 2,500,000 with resultant savings in utility costs and greatly improved utility infrastructure.

For further information, please contact Thomas Philbin, Energy Manager, and Town of Westwood. 50 Carby Street; 781-320-1036.

Westwood Artists

Save these dates! Fall events from Westwood Artists September is here, and everyone is back from vacations, beaches, travels, and other adventures. Westwood Artists has been planning a series of outdoor fall events featuring our community of resident artisans. Ceramic artist Lisa Walker says, “I am excited about doing outdoor events this fall. We can all enjoy the crisp beauty and fair-like feeling that a New England autumn day can provide. Hosting these events outdoors will allow us to become more visible to the Westwood Community - those driving by, out walking their dogs, and out supporting their favorite youth sports."   Current schedule September 17, Westwood Day A fun-filled day celebrating all things Westwood. A group of artists will be joining the many other community organizations in the Vendor Village. They will be providing information on up-coming events and how to participate in them, as well as offering hand-crafted work to view and buy.   Saturday, October 22 and Saturday, December 10 Westwood Artists’ Marketplace on the Westwood Senior Center Lawn 60 Nahatan Street, Westwood, MA 02090 Westwood artists will continue their popular outdoor shows on the Senior Center lawn. The creative output of many Westwood residents will be available to admire and buy on two Saturdays this fall. The list of participants is not yet finalized, but past shows have included a wide range of media including watercolors, acrylics, oils, pastels, glass, pottery, upcycled material, jewelry, knitting, weaving, felt, mixed media and photography. Plans include recruiting a food vendor.   Westwood Artists is an informal organization of makers living in Westwood MA. The current list has over 50 participants. Any artist or artisan residing in Westwood is encouraged to take part in the increasing number of events and projects hosted by this group. Join as an artist or patron to hear about shows, markets and development workshops in Westwood by emailing westwoodartists@gmail.com, by messaging them through their Facebook page @westwoodartists, or by checking their website www.westwoodartists.com.   Support small business, and remember that locally made products and gifts are not subject to shipping delays!

Westwood Basketball Association

2022 Westwood Hoops Fall Skills Clinics Get Ready For Hoops Season! Westwood Basketball is offering a Fall Skills Clinic for Boys and Girls in Grades 1-8.    The 3-week clinic will be held 3 Sundays in September run by Westwood High School coaches, including Coach Katherine Clifford.  The clinics are designed for BOYS AND GIRLS of all skills levels. Sundays: Sept. 11, 18, and 25 Westwood High School Gym Basketball Courts Grades 1-3: 5 pm to 6 pm Grades 4-5: 6 pm to 7 pm Grades 6-8: 7 pm to 8 pm COST: $65 per player for Grades 1-3, $75 per player for Grades 4-8 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Westwood Integrated Preschool

Town of Westwood

www.townhall.westwood.ma.us

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