Please join us on September 28, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., for the dedication of Wentworth Hall (Islington Branch Library and Youth and Family Services) and the unveiling of the building plaque. 

Visit the children's craft tables set up in the lower level of Wentworth Hall, hosted by the Library Children's Department and the Early Childhood Office. Light refreshments will be served. 

Plan to stop by on September 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.!

Public Meeting - October 19, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. 

The Charter Review Committee will hold a Public Meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at 7:00 p.m., in the Jaillet Meeting Room (located in the Westwood Police Station, 588 High Street). 

While all of the Charter Review Committee meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome, the Charter Review Committee has reserved time during the October 19, 2022 meeting to solicit input from interested members of the public on the Town's charter.

The following Boards and Committees are actively seeking Members:

• Commission on Disability
• Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee
• Westwood Cultural Council

Please see here for more information. Check back often, as we will continue to update vacancies as needed. 

Construction on the Elementary Building Project is underway!

For information regarding the Elementary Building Project, please visit www.westwoodschoolbuilding.com .

If you have any questions, please email hanlondeerfieldproject@westwood.k12.ma.us .

Did you know…

Text-to-911 is available in Westwood, MA

In December of 2018, Text-to-911 was deployed throughout Massachusetts. A person in need, who can’t call 911, can text 911 to get help when an emergency arises.

What is Text-to-911?

Text-to-911 uses a Short Message Service (SMS) texting technology to send a message to the 911 Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). These messages can only be in text format, can only have one recipient, and messages must be less than 160 characters.

When should I use Text-to-911

While texting is an option, it is always preferred that you call 911 if it is safe to do so. Text-to-911 is a great option for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech impaired, or are in a position where they can’t talk due to the current situation they are encountering.

How do I use it?

Simply type 911 into the to or recipient field of a text message, and continue to type your message.

What information should I provide?

Here is a list of information you should provide in order of importance:

1. Your location – the location where the emergency is happening
2. Nature of the incident – what emergency services do you need
3. Additional details – this could be location information about where you are, cross streets, apartment number, or any other specific information that will help first responders find you or the emergency

Will someone reply to my message?

Yes! A highly trained 911 Telecommunicator will respond to your text, and ask additional questions to render aid.

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Pictures, videos, and emoticons can’t be sent to 911 in the initial text. A 911 Telecommunicator in Westwood may send you a link to view images, and videos.
• Only send the text to 911. 911 in a group text thread will not work.
• Use less than 160 characters when sending each message.
• Use the English language when texting 911. Interpreter services for text messages are not yet available.
• Always remember to CALL IF YOU CAN, and TEXT IF YOU CAN’T!

Massachusetts State Election- November 8, 2022

Vote in person on Election Day, November 8, 2022, Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

All in person voting will take place in the Gymnasium at Westwood High School, 200 Nahatan Street.

Other options for voting include vote by mail or early voting. See more information below for vote by mail and early voting dates/times. 

Update from the Health Director: 

Flu Clinic – October 22, 2022

The Westwood Health Department is pleased to announce that a Flu Clinic will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for Westwood residents age 3 and older outside in the rear parking area of Westwood High School. This clinic will be run by Wegmans Pharmacy by appointment only.

Please make an appointment by going to Wegmans online registration https://c.ateb.com/280c259028fc46a7b57b3511146f46b4

On the day of the clinic you will need to bring a copy of your ID and insurance cards.

Remember, the best protection from influenza and other illness is frequent hand washing.  Wash hands with warm water and soap and lather for at least 15 seconds.   Avoid people you know are ill, stay home if you are ill yourself, and if you develop flu-like symptoms, seek medical care.  Let’s keep Westwood Healthy! Thank you and hope to see you at the clinic.

For more information, please contact  pharmacywellnessne@wegmans.com   or call (781) 234-0345

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 during business hours.

Medication Collection Program

The Westwood Board of Health and the Westwood Police Department have joined forces to collect expired prescription 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. 

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!

OCTOBER UPDATES FROM THE COUNCIL ON AGING (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.

SOCIAL MEDIA: 

• 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!

OCTOBER 2022 SPECIAL PROGRAMS AT THE SENIOR CENTER

OUR ANNUAL BASKET FUNDRAISER & RAFFLE

October 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 to 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. 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.

FREE SKIN CANCER SCREENINGS

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

Monday, October 3, 2022 - 10 am-2 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 giveaways.  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.

UNTIL HELP ARRIVES

With District Attorney Michael Morrissey

Friday, October 7, 2022, at 10 am

Please sign up in advance

District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey invites you to participate in training that will give you the tools and knowledge to provide care and comfort in medical emergencies until first responders arrive. DA Morrissey has partnered with MEMA to offer this vital training program that is recommended for people of all ages. In the important minutes of a medical emergency, you are the help until help arrives, whether treating yourself, a loved one or a stranger. 

Certificates available after completion of training. Handouts, medical products and refreshments provided

OPTIONS COUNSELING WITH BRENDA FROM DOVETAIL

• Thursdays, 9:30 am to 10:30 am
• Oct. 27th 
• By appointment only

Brenda will be here to help you with unbiased information about long-term care services, and resources that everyone should know.  Please sign up for an appointment (no cost).

THE HISTORY OF JORDAN MARSH

with Author and Historian Anthony Sammarco

Tuesday, October 11th at 1 pm 

$3 donation

Please sign up in advance as space is limited

Jordan Marsh opened its first store in 1851 on Milk Street in Boston selling assorted dry goods.  Following the Civil War, the store moved and attracted shoppers offering strong customer service, easy credit, etc.  Come learn about this New England icon’s history.  And of course, we will offer blueberry muffins for everyone to enjoy!

SILK SCARF DYEING

With Connie Jo

Monday, October 24th  at 10 am

$10 donation (includes all materials)

Space is limited so you must sign up in advance

The holidays are around the corner so tap into your inner artist and make a wonderful gift for yourself or some else by designing your own silk scarf. Even if you have limited artistic talent, this time will be filled with relaxed fun and you will bring home a beautiful piece of wearable art.

SHIFTING GEARS

With Michelle Ellicks of the RMV

Tuesday, October 4th at 1 pm

No cost  - Please sign up in advance

The Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) offers free workshops on issues facing older drivers, their families, and caregivers. Shifting Gears is a course that reviews the rules of the road, defensive driving, and safe driving tips. Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect.

So come join us!

We are warm and welcoming and would love to meet you!

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.

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 NAVY (October 13th)!