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
Follow us on Twitter
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.
The following Boards and Committees are actively seeking Members:
- Commission on Disability
- Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee
- Westwood Cultural Council
Please click here for more information. Check back often, as we will continue to update vacancies as needed.
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The Dedham Westwood Water Commission is seeking a Commissioner to represent the town of Westwood.
Commissioner responsibilities include:
- securing adequate and pure water supplies, financing and construction of all facilities, buildings, tanks, pipes, and any works necessary to ensure the collection, pumping, treatment, and distribution of water for domestic purposes and fire protection.
- Establishes and collects rates for metered water services and for fire sprinkler lines and hydrants as necessary so as to maintain the financial stability of the Water System.
Dedham Westwood Water Commission is comprised of:
- Six (6) members: three (3) of whom shall be inhabitants of and registered voters in the Town of Westwood, and three (3) of whom shall be inhabitants of and registered voters in the Town of Dedham. No such member shall hold any elective or appointive office, or be an employee of, either of said towns.
- The Dedham Westwood Water Commission generally meets on the first and third Tuesday evenings of the month.
See here for more information on how to apply. We ask that all applications be received by November 28, 2022. The Select Board will then review all applications and appoint a resident to serve on the Dedham Westwood Water Commission, representing Westwood.
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Dedham, MA – Effective Wednesday, October 19, the Dedham-Westwood Water District rescinded all water restrictions, including the current restriction level, Stage II-A.
“Our customers have diligently complied with mandatory water restrictions since the beginning of the summer,” said Executive Director Blake Lukis. “We appreciate and thank you for your unwavering cooperation throughout this particularly dry year.”
Customers are encouraged to practice voluntary water conservation efforts year-round inside and outside their homes. Learn helpful tips to conserve water on the Dedham Westwood Water Website.
Did you know...
...that October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and National Italian American Heritage Month?
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The Town of Westwood values and seeks to recognize the diversity of our community. Please reach out to westwoodwire@townhall.westwood.ma.us with any suggestions for these monthly highlights.
Under the requirements of Massachusetts Special Education Law, the Westwood Public Schools is required to screen all children entering kindergarten to identify students who may have a disability that would interfere with their ability to make effective progress in an educational environment. Kindergarten screening includes an assessment of the child’s development in the areas of cognition, language, and motor skills.
If your child does not attend Kindergarten in the Westwood Public Schools and will turn five years old by September 1, 2022, please contact the Westwood Public School’s Student Services Department for a screening appointment. All screenings must be completed by October 31, 2022.
Contact:
Glen Atkinson, M.Ed., Ph.D.
K-5 Student Services Department Head
Westwood Public Schools
220 Nahatan Street
Westwood, MA 02090
781-326-7500 X1345
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:
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Your location – the location where the emergency is happening
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Nature of the incident – what emergency services do you need
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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!
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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.
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Last day to register to vote: October 29, 2022
- In-person registration will be held at the office of the Town Clerk from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Online voter registration is open until 11:59 p.m. on October 29th
Accessible Electronic Voting System
As a result of the election reform bill that was signed into law on June 22, 2022, titled the "Votes Act", the State of Massachusetts has implemented an Accessible Electronic Voting System.
If you have a disability that prevents you from marking a paper ballot independently, you may qualify to use the Accessible Vote by Mail system. The Accessible Vote by Mail system is available to voters who are blind or have vision impairments, mobility/dexterity disabilities, or other disabilities that make it difficult or impossible to effectively access a paper Vote by Mail ballot, because of the inability to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate standard print materials.
Please contact the Town Clerk for more information, at 781.326.3964 or via email at dpowers@townhall.westwood.ma.us.
Voting by Mail
- Residents can request a mail-in ballot until Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at 5:00 p.m.
- Completed ballots can be hand-delivered to the office of the Town Clerk during regular business hours; deposited in the secure ballot box located in front of the Westwood Police Station; or mailed to Town Hall in the postage-paid envelope provided in your ballot packet.
- Completed ballots MUST be received on or before the close of polls on Election Day, November 8, 2022; or postmarked on or before November 8, 2022, and received no later than 5:00 PM, Saturday, November 12, 2022, by USPS.
Early Voting Schedule at the Westwood Police Station, 588 High Street.
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EARLY VOTING REMAINING DATES
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TIMES
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Friday, October 28, 2022
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8:30 AM-1:00 PM
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Saturday, October 29, 2022
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9:00 AM-5:00 PM
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Monday, October 31, 2022
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8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Tuesday, November 1, 2022
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8:30 AM-7:00 PM
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Wednesday, November 2, 2022
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8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Thursday, November 3, 2022
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8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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Friday, November 4, 2022
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8:30 AM-1:00 PM
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Prepare your Home for Storms
Hurricane season runs through November and winter will be here before you know it. Every home should have a plan for emergencies. Here are a few tips to help keep your home and family safe.
- You should make sure that you have provisions that would allow your family to stay in your home for 72 hours. These provisions include food, water, medications, and pet supplies.
- Prepare for power outages by charging your cell phones and extra external batteries. Make sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Consider purchasing a generator as a backup power source. If you have, a fireplace or wood stove, it is always a good idea to have extra wood on hand.
- Make a plan with some of your neighbors to check in on or make contact with elderly or infirm members of your neighborhood. #Neighborshelpingneighbors
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Save the date
11/24/22 Thanksgiving Holiday: one-day delay in Trash & Recycle collection (Thursday, collected on Friday and Friday collected on Saturday)
*NO delay in collections for 11/11/22, Veteran’s Day Holiday*
* Yard Waste collection occurs every week in November*
Textiles, Mattresses, and Box Springs:
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.
Trash and Recycling Collections:
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
During inclement weather check the website (https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/public-works) for trash & recycle collection delays and updates
December 1st – March 31st Overnight Parking Ban/Restrictions
Starting December 1st through March 31st, there is a Town wide overnight parking ban. In order to ensure snow plows can efficiently clear roads and emergency vehicles can quickly reach their destinations, it is imperative that you do not park on the street. The Public Works Assistant Director or the Chief of Police, for the purpose of removing or plowing snow, or removing ice, from any way, may remove or cause to be removed any vehicle interfering with such work. If you violate this ban you are subject to ticketing and towing. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Snow Removal Information and What You Can Do to Help
Please remove all basketball hoops, sports nets, etc. from the roadway
Snow Clearing and Clearing of Hydrants: Please do not lay, throw, place any snow or ice on any town street, sidewalk or on top of Hydrants as this can create a hazardous condition of public safety concern.
- 355-5 Placement of snow or ice; penalty.
- No person other than an employee in the service of the Town of Westwood or an employee in the service of an independent contractor acting for the Town of Westwood shall pile, push, plow, or blow snow or ice onto or across a public way which is plowed and/or sanded by the Town or deposit snow in such a way as to obstruct the operation of any fire hydrant. Violations of this section shall be subject to a written warning for the first offense; a fine of $50 for the second offense; and $100 for third and each subsequent offense.
Storm Drain Cleaning:
There are over 2200 catch basins (storm drains) in the town, making it almost impossible to clear snow and debris from all. It would be much appreciated if you could keep the drain in front of your property clean as to not cause street puddling or ice hazards.
Town Layout:
Nothing damaged by the Town that is constructed, built or placed on the Town layout will be repaired or replaced, i.e.: mailboxes, fences, stonewalls, etc.
Please remove all basketball hoops, sports nets, etc. from the roadway
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!
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POET LAUREATE OF WESTWOOD
Purpose and roles:
The primary goal of the Westwood Poet Laureate is to promote public awareness of poetry in the town. To do so, the Poet Laureate’s duties are the following:
- To encourage the reading and writing of poetry by creating programs and holding events for the town, such as workshops for writers, readings, poetry slams, and other events throughout the town and its schools.
- To write several annual seasonal poems for local events and holidays.
- To select and mentor the Westwood Teen Poet Laureate, an annual position; applications for the first Teen Poet Laureate will be open in April 2023, and selected in May 2023.
The Poet Laureate is a role open to residents of Westwood, employees of the town, and individuals with a history of public service to the town. While publication history is taken into account, the role is not limited to individuals with publications.
Duration:
The Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term (2023 – 2025) with an annual stipend of $500, which is funded by the WPL 21st Century Fund. The Laureate will be appointed by the Westwood Select Board following a recommendation form a selection committee. The position can be renewed for additional terms following a deliberation process involving the Poet Laureate, selection committee, and Select Board.
How to apply:
To apply, please send an email to Westwoodpoetlaureate@townhall.westwood.ma.us with your contact information and with the following attached as PDFs:
- A cover letter of no more than two pages describing your plans for the position.
- A Curriculum Vitae.
- A writing sample of five to ten pages.
Submissions will be open from December 1st, 2022, to January 15th, 2023.
Selection process:
The selection committee will review applications beginning January 15th and the Westwood Select Board will appoint the Westwood Poet Laureate in February, 2023. The committee, composed of representatives of the town’s Public Schools, Youth and Family Services, Library Trustees, Westwood Cultural Council, Friends of the Library, and poets in the community, will support the Poet Laureate as they assume the role and its responsibilities. During the review process, the committee will evaluate the poet’s (1) plans for public service in the role, (2) history of promoting poetry, and (3) poetic merit, exemplified in their written sample. The committee will submit their recommendation to the Westwood Select Board for approval.
Written by Westwood Poet Laureate Selection Committee
Funded by the WPL 21st Century Fund
October 2022
NOVEMBER 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 at 781-329-8799 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 OCTOBER
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 Senior Living, Porsche Westwood, The Linden at Dedham, Roche Bros, Walpole Cooperative Bank; Wegmans; Beacon Communities; Brenda Goldman; Powisset Farm and Folsom Funeral Service. THANK YOU!
HESSCO NUTRITIONIST AT THE COA with Nutritionist Kelsey
Nov. 3rd & Dec. 8th
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm by appointment
No cost to this program.
Open to discussion are the following topics: healthy eating, recipes, diabetes, heart disease, and any nutritional subject you would like to address.
November Art Show
Westwood Seniors will be displaying their Artwork at the Westwood Public Library during the month of
November. Please join us for an Artist Reception on Friday, November 18th, from 4-6 pm at the library.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR RETIREMENT MONEY
With Financial Advisor Aaron Buczek
November 7th at 1:00 pm
$2 donation and you must sign up in advance as space is limited
Seniors are living longer and retirement money is just not lasting as long as one’s life span. So join us as a local financial planner, Aaron Buczek, discusses “tips and tricks to help ensure you sleep easy at night knowing that your funds will be there when you need them.”
HEALTH PLAN OPTIONS Sponsored by BCBS
Presented by Senior Plan Advisor Susan Flannagan Monday, November 7th at 9 am
$2 donation and you must sign up in advance as space is limited
Medicare Annual OPEN Enrollment is here and lasts until December 7th. So join us for a 45-minute presentation geared towards individuals on Medicare or approaching Medicare … come with your questions and understand your options. This presentation will focus on the differences between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans and will explain when enrollees can switch and why. All are invited regardless of your insurance coverage.
JOURNEY OF THE PILGRIMS with Historian Richard Nichols
Monday, November 14th at 10:00 am
$3 donation and you must sign up in advance
We are pleased to have Richard Nichols return to discuss the migration of the first settlers to America. He has a keen understanding of their journey, the story of the Mayflower, the voyage across the ocean, the landing, and life in Plymouth. He will end his lecture with a discussion on the first Thanksgiving with Native Americans. So before you roast your turkey and mash your potatoes, come find out the true meaning of our Thanksgiving holiday.
MOVIES AT THE CENTER TWELVE ANGRY MEN Hosted by Greydon -WHS Junior
Wednesday Nov. 2nd at 1:00 pm
Please sign up in advance so we know how many to expect
Twelve Angry Men is considered to be one of the best courtroom dramas of all time, and also one of the best movies of all time. Greydon will host this showing and give background information on this historic time-honored movie. Refreshments (popcorn and candy of course!) will be served.
VETERAN’S BREAKFAST Sponsored by Needham Bank
Friday November 4th at 9:30 am
Free to all Veterans and their families but you must sign up in advance so we know how many are coming.
Once again, we will be honoring and celebrating our Veterans with a full breakfast and lecture by Lt. Commander Joe Cavanaugh. So please join us as we thank you for your service.
CHOWDER COOKING CLASS with David from Therapy Gardens
Friday November 18th at 10:00 am
$6 donation
You must sign up in advance
Winter is here and it is the best time for soups. Chowders and bisques are the most popular New England soups. Come sample some chowder and learn how to make your own.
Beta Test a New Application
November 28th from 10:00 to 1:00 pm
Please sign up in advance
Senior at WHS Ali Tariq is running a beta testing for a memory game app!
Come to the senior center on November 28th at 10:00 a.m. to strengthen and revitalize your mind.
Hope to see you!
Lunch and Theatre Program
Wednesday November 9th
Lunch at 12:00 pm at Lewis’
Norwood Theatre performance of Beauty and the Beast begins at 1:30 pm
$48 per person (includes lunch and tickets to show)
No transportation is available for this program
Limited tickets are available so you must sign up in advance
Join us for lunch at Lewis’ and then Disney's Beauty & the Beast at the Norwood Theatre on Wednesday, November 9th, 2022, with lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and the performance beginning around 1:15 pm. The show will last approximately 2 hours.
Check out our November/December newsletter for information on our regular programs and more information on our special programs.
So come join us!
We are warm and welcoming and would love to meet you!
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For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/youth-family-services
Westwood Girl Scouts - Troops are Forming!
Join us for our third annual Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 29th from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the parking lot of the Scout House/Hanlon Elementary, 790 Gay St.
Come have fun with Girl Scouts and find out more about starting/joining a troop. We will have games, prizes, and a trunk/costume contest.
This event is for Girl Scouts, prospective Girl Scouts, and their families only. This is not a drop-off event.
Visit www.facebook.com/WestwoodGirlScouts for more information.
Email westwoodgirlscoutcookies@gmail.com for information on joining Girl Scouts in Westwood.
Westwood Basketball In-Town Program
The WBA In-Town basketball program is open to all interested boys and girls in Grades 2 thru 8.
The In-Town program plays on Saturdays during 75-minute time slots made up of approximately 30 minutes of practice time followed by a 45-minute game. The program starts the first weekend in December and runs until the beginning of March.
There are no tryouts for In-Town. 4th - 6th grade travel players are also required to play in-town.
Locations and game times will be determined by grade based upon the number of players enrolled in each grade. We are unable to determine what time of day each specific grade will play until we know how many teams we will need for each grade.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
The registration fee this season for In-Town basketball is $100 per player and registration is open until November 15, 2022. (December 3 for high school players). Discounts applied for families with 3 or more players.
We hope to offer a 1st grade program beginning in January, as well.
Westwood Youth Soccer Opens Spring 2023 Online Registration for Grades 3-8
Registration for players in Grades 3-8 for the Spring 2023 Westwood Youth Soccer season is open online November 1 - November 30. Just click through the Registration link featured in the article on the home page at www.westwoodsoccer.org.
Please consider volunteering to help coach your child’s team! Soccer knowledge a plus but not a requirement. We cannot do it without volunteer coaches, plus it is a great experience to share with your child!
Registration fee waivers for financial hardship are available if requested during the open period. Players must be residents of Westwood or attend a school in Westwood.
If a child in Grades K through 2 played in the fall season, there is NO NEED to RE-REGISTER for the spring, as these programs are full-year programs. If a child DID NOT play in the fall, and wishes to play in Spring 2023, please contact the registrar separately at registrar@westwoodsoccer.org.
To find out more about our planned Spring 2023 soccer programs please visit www.westwoodsoccer.org.
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