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 all 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:
- 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. 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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Did you know...
...that November is National American Indian 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.
- Dog licensing will begin January 1, 2023, through March 31, 2023
- You may license your dog online, in person, or, by mail, provided you include a copy of a current rabies certificate.
- If you are licensing your dog for the first time, proof of spaying or neutering is also required.
- Licenses will be valid from January 1, 2023, until December 31, 2023.
- You must license your dog on an annual basis.
- If you own more than 4 dogs this is considered a “Personal Kennel” per MGL c. 140 §136A.
- You must go through a special permit application process through the Zoning Board of Appeals to license a kennel.
- Failure to license your dog on or before March 31, 2023, may result in a fine of $25.00, per town bylaws §184-10, B. (1).
- Please contact the Town Clerk's office if you no longer have a dog(s) so we can update our records.
Licensing Fees are as follows:
- Dogs not Neutered or Spayed: $15.00
- Dogs Neutered or Spayed: $10.00
- For Residents ages 70 or older the fee is waived for one dog per household
- Postage (if licensing by mail): $1.00
- Kennel fees-please contact the Town Clerk’s office
Please be sure to include the correct licensing fee. If you are unsure, please contact the Town Clerk's office.
Annual Rabies Clinic - More information to follow regarding holding a clinic in January 2023
What is the purpose of the annual town census/street list?
Massachusetts General Laws require that cities and towns conduct an annual census of their residents as of January 1 of each year. The local census is used to maintain voting and jury lists as well as aid in school enrollment projections, public safety, and senior citizens’ needs and for certain privileges such as veterans’ benefits and proof of residency for state colleges and universities. The census information does not register anyone to vote, but failure to answer the census may result in a voter’s name being removed from the voter’s list.
A census form will be sent to each household in January.
It is extremely important that you fill out the census form and return it within 10 days of its receipt. You may also scan and email it to census @townhall.westwood.ma.us provided you have filled it out and signed it. Failure to return the Census may cause a voter to be designated as inactive on the voting list (M.G.L, Ch.51, § 4). Please note that you may not register to vote or change parties via a census form.
NEWS FROM THE TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
Dorothy A. Powers, Town Clerk
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the voters of Westwood for participating in the recent State Election held on November 8, 2022. With recent legislation passed (“The Votes Act, Ch. 92 of the Acts of 2022”) voters had an option of voting by mail, in person, and on Election Day. 28% of voters took advantage of early voting either by mail or in person and 37% voted in person on election day. Our total turnout for this election was 65%.
The efforts you have made to vote at our new consolidated polling location in the Gymnasium at Westwood High School is greatly appreciated. This consolidation has provided residents the opportunity to vote in a centrally located public facility and gives neighbors and friends a means to reunite.
I would like to thank the School Department Facilities Manager and Staff, Town Facilities Manager and Staff, Public Works Department and Staff, for delivery and setup of Election equipment as well as our Police Department for helping with the traffic flow and for ensuring the safety of our Voters and Election workers throughout the Election Day. It takes many staff members to assist in the preparation and execution of Election Day so that our voters have a great experience.
Many thanks to our dedicated team of Election staff and High School students who assisted on Election day. We are extremely grateful for their time and talents.
We were happy to receive positive feedback from many residents. Voting is our greatest privilege and we want the experience for voters in Westwood to be a positive one.
Dottie
Notice of Destruction of Special Education Records
Attention Former Students, Eligible (Adult) Students, Parents/Guardians:
Individual Student Special Education records which have been collected by the Westwood Public Schools related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of Special Education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for a period of seven years after Special Education services have ended for the student. Special Education services end when the student no longer is eligible for services, graduates, completes their educational program at age 22, or moves from the district.
This notification is to inform former students and parents/guardians of Westwood Public Schools’ intent to destroy the Special Education records effective March 1, 2023 of students who are no longer receiving Special Education services and whose birth year is 1997 or 1998 or graduated/turned 22 during the 2015-2016 school year. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the eligible (adult) student or parent/guardian notifies the school district otherwise. If you are interested in receiving your special education records, please contact the Student Services Office to make an appointment to pick up their records at the District Administration building by providing the student's name, date of birth and contact phone number:
Call: 781-326-7500 x1345
Email: Lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us
Your request for the original file must be received by February 28, 2023
If you need this information translated, please copy and paste it into Google Translate. The link to Google translate is http://translate.google.com/
Spanish
Si necesita que se le traduzca esta información, por favor, copie y pegue en Google Translate. El enlace de Google Translate es http://translate.google.com/
Chinese
如果您需要翻译此信息，请复制并将其粘贴到Google翻译中。指向Google翻译的链接是http://translate.google.com/
Arabic
إذا كنت بحاجة إلى ترجمة هذه المعلومات فالرجاء نسخها ولصقها في ترجمة Google. الرابط إلى ترجمة Google هو http://translate.google.com/
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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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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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Please remove all basketball hoops, sports nets, etc. from the roadway
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
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 2,200 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
During inclement weather check the Recycle Coach App or Website for trash & recycle collection delays and updates
Thanksgiving Holiday - trash/recycling and yard waste
1-Day DELAY for Trash/Recycle and Yard Waste (pick up will be Friday & Saturday) due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Thursday collection will be on Friday (11/25) Friday collection will be on Saturday (11/26)
No DELAYS for Trash & Recycle collections on Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays
The last yard waste collection of 2022 is the week of November 28th-December 2nd
Textiles, mattress and box springs have been added to the Mass DEP’s (3/25/22) Waste Ban List effective November 1, 2022. Meaning textiles, mattresses and box springs will no longer be accepted at curbside, transfer stations, landfills or waste to energy facilities for ultimate disposal.
Everything (trash/recycle/yard waste/bulk, etc.) to be collected must be at curbside by 7am on your scheduled 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.
NO LONGER MISS ANY COLLECTIONS OR EVENTS (yard waste, recycle, trash, household/curbside bulk, delays, Recycling Day and Hazardous Waste Day)! Download the free Recycle Coach App for all calendar schedules, reminders, events, do’s & don’ts and what goes where at your finger tips, see here for Recycle Coach information.
The Trash & Recycle barrels provided are the Town of Westwood property and it is the resident/property owner’s responsibility to maintain and clean. The barrels cannot be removed from the property as the serial numbers are specific to the address assigned. If the barrel is damaged as a result of neglect, or if the cart is missing or stolen; the resident/property owner will be responsible for the replacement cost ($60 each)
DPW updates can be found here.
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
DECEMBER 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 at least 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 are $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
December 8th
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm by appointment
No cost to this program.
Open to the discussion are the following topics: healthy eating, recipes, diabetes, heart disease, and any nutritional subject you would like to address.
SOCKS FOR VETERANS
Once again, we will be collecting new socks for our Veterans as warm socks for men and women are truly appreciated. There will be a barrel available at the Center.
LEGAL CLINIC
with Attorney Ochea - Metro West Legal Services
Westwood Residents only
- 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
- BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
- December 7
This private 20 min. free legal consultation for seniors on housing, public benefits and social security matters, and durable power of
attorney.
THE UKRAINIAN/RUSSIAN CONFLICT
Hosted by Roman Dashawetz - Director Advanced Medical Care for Ukraine 2006-2019. Hrushevsky Humanitarian Medal Recipient Kyiv 2003, White House President’s Award for Chernobyl Victims
Monday December 5 at 11am at the main branch of the Westwood Library
$3 donation and you must sign up in advance as space is limited
In 1932-1933 an estimated 7-10 million Ukrainians were starved to death in a diabolical man-made famine. As Stalin sought to stoke the USSR’s Industrial Revolution, he convinced the Communist Party to clamp down on the free-spirited landed peasantry of agricultural Ukraine. The “Kulaks” or “Clenched Fists” were not cooperating with forced collectivization of their lands and harvests. Stalin’s Solution? Simple. Starve the peasants to death, thus eliminating their resistance! Armed Communist gangs were sent to find, and forcibly take all their livestock and harvests. Aiding the peasants, now “Enemies of the People”, could get you killed or sent to Siberian Gulags. The world, in the grip of a widespread “Depression” chose to ignore the sparse reports of mass starvation. Stalin’s propaganda was working. Villages that were left empty by death were given to Russian settlers. Come learn this history and the history of why their ancestors are causing problems in Ukraine to this day.
ALL STRINGS CONSIDERED
A Holiday Concert and light lunch with WHS musicians
Friday, December 9th at noontime
$6 donation
You must sign up in advance as space is limited
Get into the holiday spirit and join us for a light lunch and holiday concert by Westwood’s talented high school musicians.
A HOLIDAY CHORUS CONCERT
Hosted by the Westwood Woman’s Club
Thursday, December 15th at 1pm
Please sign up in advance
Join the Westwood Woman’s Club as our senior chorus gets you into the holiday spirit with their annual holiday concert followed by light refreshments.
TED REINSTEIN presents
A NEW ENGLAND NOTEBOOK
One Reporter, Six States, Uncommon Stories
Monday, December 12th at 1pm
Hosted at the Westwood Library
$5 donation
You must sign up in advance as space is limited
We are pleased to welcome Ted Reinstein, longtime award-winning reporter for Chronicle as he discusses his book “A NEW ENGLAND NOTEBOOK”. This book is a collection of Ted’s most memorable and favorite stories drawn from over fifteen years of reporting from every corner of New England. The talk is highlighted with photos and at the conclusion there will time for questions. Ted’s book will also be available and he is happy to sign copies (great holiday gift!).
Please sign up in advance as space is limited.
Check out our November/December newsletter for more 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 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.
Nov. 25—Fall Family Scavenger Hunt at Hale Education
Join us for our seventh annual Fall Family Scavenger Hunt. This self-guided adventure invites explorers to hike scenic trails, complete fun activities, learn about the outdoors, and find prizes along the way! Registration is not required, but kindly RSVP so we know how many people to expect! https://hale1918.org/explore/events/
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