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 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 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 is 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.
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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.
  
For the next several months leading up to Annual Town Meeting, The WIRE will feature an article on the elements of Open Town Meeting.
“What is Town Meeting?”
The legislative practice of Open Town Meeting is one of the purest forms of democratic governance. In use for over 300 years, Open Town Meeting gives Massachusetts registered voters a chance to voice their opinions and directly effect change in the community. "Citizen's Guide to Town Meetings" was published by the Office of the Secretary of State which provides a broad overview of town meeting basics, outlining the forms and procedures used in the state.
Here in Westwood, you can make your voice heard when you and your neighbors join together to attend and participate in Town Meeting. Town Meeting is both an event and an entity. As an event, it is a gathering of the town’s registered voters, and is referred to as “Annual, Special or Fall Town Meeting.” As an entity, it is the legislative body of our town and is referred to simply as “Town Meeting”. So, one might say “I went to Town Meeting and Town Meeting approved the budget”.
What does Town Meeting do?
Town Meeting is our town government’s Legislative Body and appropriates funds to be expended by the Town, adopts laws such as zoning and general bylaws, and sets public policy. Throughout the year, elected and appointed officials act within the framework of the Massachusetts General Laws and our Town bylaws and policies. They have discretion and make decisions in the fulfillment of their duties. However, Town Meeting runs the government by voting: to appropriate funds; the Town’s local statutes; and other business matters such as street or road designations, purchase/sale/lease/exchange of property, and special legislation according to state law.
If at any time you have questions about Town Meeting, you can contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-329-3964 or access more information about Town Meeting in the Town’s Charter and General Bylaws.
Next month's WIRE... "Citizens Guide to the Warrant"
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The following Boards and Committees are actively seeking Members:
- Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee
- Westwood Cultural Council
- Westwood Commission on Disability
- Cemetery Commission
- Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Committee
Please click here for more information. Check back often, as we will continue to update vacancies as needed.
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Did you know...
...that January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month?
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.
The Westwood Select Board is now accepting nominations for the John J. Cronin Public Service Award for 2023. This award is named for the late John J. Cronin, Town Treasurer, who for many years selflessly gave of his time for the betterment of the community, both as an elected official and in numerous volunteer activities within and outside the community. The 2022 public service award was most recently granted to Ned Richardson.
Please consider the following criteria that the nominee should possess and use as a guideline in the nomination: leadership; execeptional service to the community; years of dedication; strong work ethic; integrity; cooperation; diversity of service; volunteerism; impact on the town; and dedication to the Westwood Community.
All nominations should be submitted to the Select Board Office at Westwood Town Hall. The award will be presented at the upcoming 2023 Annual Town Meeting in the spring. Please contact the Select Board Office at selectboard@townhall.westwood.ma.us or 781.326.4172 with any questions or to make a nomination. Nominations are due by March 3, 2023.
Westwood Police Chief, Jeffrey Silva is pleased to announce that a team of professional assessors from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission (MPAC) is scheduled to arrive on February 1 & 2, 2023 to re-examine various aspects of the Westwood Police Department’s policies, procedures, operations, and facility. As many members of our community already know, the Westwood Police Department received Accreditation Certification this spring, the first part of the two-part state accreditation process, and immediately began to prepare for Full Accreditation at that time. While this first step of accreditation often identifies corrections that need to be made to continue in the process, and often requires significant time to correct and implement them, such was not the case here in Westwood. As a result of the hard work and commitment to excellence in police service by our staff, our agency had no corrections to be made after an exhaustive review of hundreds of our policies, practices, operations, and facility. Independent verification by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission Assessment Team that our agency meets the Commission’s standards is part of the process we undergo to gain Massachusetts state accreditation. It is a self-initiated evaluation process we undergo to ensure that we meet or exceed industry best practices and standards.
The Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission has established 257 mandatory standards and contains 125 optional standards. To achieve accreditation status, a law enforcement agency must meet all 257 mandatory standards and may voluntarily seek to meet any applicable optional standards. The Westwood Police Department will pursue verification and accreditation for all 257 mandatory standards as well as 55 additional optional standards. Achieving accreditation by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is considered a prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.
If you are interested in learning more about the accreditation program or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Sergeant Mike DiLalla, our accreditation manager, via email at contactus@westwoodpd.org.
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WESTWOOD RECREATION 2023 - SUMMER CAMP
JOB OPENINGS
Applications are being accepted for the following seasonal, supervisory positions in the Westwood Recreation Department 2023 Summer Camp.
To learn more about these great opportunities and apply, go to www.townhall.westwood.ma.us and click on “Jobs”.
Camp Health Care Supervisor: Provides routine and emergency medical care to all campers and staff of the Westwood Recreation Camp.
Camp Senior Supervisor (2 positions): Assists the Camp Director with administration and operation of the summer camp program; supervises camp staff and camp participants.
Camp Supervisor: Assists the Camp Director, Coordinators, and Senior Supervisors in managing the daily operations of the summer camp program.
Preschool Camp Coordinator: Works with the Recreation Department staff to plan and implement the half-day and full-day Preschool Camp Program for ages 3-5.
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2023 Dog Licensing
- Dog licensing has begun and continues through March 31, 2023
- A rabies clinic will be held on Saturday, February 4th from 9:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M.
- You may license your dog online, in person, or by mail, provided you include a copy of a current rabies certificate and proof of spaying or neutering.
- Licenses are valid from January 1st, through December 31, 2023.
- You must license your dog on an annual basis.
- Failure to license your dog on or before March 31, 2023, may result in a fine of $25.00, per town bylaws 184-10, C. (1).
- If you own more than four (4) dogs, this is considered a “Personal Kennel” per MGL c. 140 §136A. You must file a special permit application through the Zoning Board of Appeals to obtain a license for a kennel.
- 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:
- $15.00 - Dogs not Neutered or Spayed
- $10.00 - Dogs Neutered or Spayed
- $1.00 - Postage Fee (if licensing by mail)
- For residents ages 70 or older the licensing Fee is waived for one dog, per household.
- 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.
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2023 Annual Town Census (Annual Street Listing)
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 1st of each year. The local census data is used to maintain voting and jury lists as well as aid in school enrollment projections, public safety, senior citizens’ needs, veterans’ benefits, and proof of residency.
A census form was mailed to every household in early January. If your household has not received the 2023 Annual Town Census, please click here to download a blank form.
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 your completed and signed form to census@townhall.westwood.ma.us.
Failure to return the Annual Town Census may cause a voter to be designated as inactive on the voting list (M.G.L, Ch.51, § 4).
It is important to note that you may not register to vote or change parties via a census form.
For information on registering to vote or changing political parties please click here.
2023 Annual Town Election
- The Annual Town Election will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023
- The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023
- Nomination papers are available now in the Town Clerk’s office for registered Westwood voters who wish to run for Town elected positions.
- The last day to obtain nomination papers is Friday, March 3, 2023 by 5:00 PM.
- For residents who are not registered voters, the last day to register to vote to participate in the Annual Town Election and the Annual Town Meeting is Friday, April 14, 2023.
- To vote by mail, apply with the Town Clerk on or before 5:00 PM, Tuesday, April 18, 2023.
The following elected offices will appear on the 2023 Annual Town Election Ballot:
VOTING BY MAIL
Click here to download an Application
In 2022 a new election law was passed to allow every registered voter in Massachusetts the opportunity to vote by mail, without needing an excuse to do so. To vote by mail, you must submit a new request annually, which applies to all elections being held during that calendar year.
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The Accessible Vote by Mail (AVBM) system allows you to receive, complete, and return your ballot electronically using a secure web portal if you are unable to mark a paper ballot because of a disability.
You may also choose to print your completed AVBM ballot and return it by mail, secure ballot drop box, or in person to the Town Clerk’s office.
The AVBM system is available only 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.
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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With the holiday giving season behind us, please remember that many gifts contain new technology that are capable of automatically calling 911. These tech gifts include smaller items such as smart-watches, smart-phones, and smart-home systems. In addition, a growing number of new cars are being built with crash-detection capabilities.
We want to remind residents that whenever they, or their device call 911 they must stay on the phone until they speak with a live person. Our 911 dispatchers are eager to speak with all callers, and confirm that they are safe.
Often smart device users think they hang up before the call is processed by the device when actually the technology works faster than their hands. When a 911 call comes into the Emergency Communication Center and no one is on the other end of the call, the 911 dispatcher must investigate whether the caller is in trouble or if it was an accidental call. This investigative process takes time and resources away from a real emergency that may be happening at the same time.
Remember, accidentally calling 911 is not a crime. Our 911 dispatchers are eager to speak with you, and are always available to help in your time of need!
The Westwood Fire Department is happy to announce that we have been awarded multiple grants. We received a Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security and the Department of Fire Services in the amount of $15,258.99. This grant will be used to purchase 3 new portable radios and a mobile accountability system. This system will allow the scene commander to keep track of all incident personnel and different tasks in the Fire Department.
We also were awarded $4,381 for Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) and an additional $2,277 for Senior S.A.F.E. The S.A.F.E. grant allows us to meet with Pre-K and Kindergarten students in their schools and have them come to the fire station to go over E.D.I.T.H. (Exit Drills In The Home), friendly firefighter, and stop, drop and roll. We tailor the lessons to the kid’s level of learning and attention span using nationally recognized curricula to meet educational objectives.
The Senior S.A.F.E. grant allows us to increase our interactions with senior members of the community. One of our goals is to educate the elderly on fire prevention measures and life safety skills that can help them to safely stay in their homes longer. Some of the funds will be used to purchase smoke/CO detectors that we will install for seniors in need.
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Other News from the Board of Health
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 before 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.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY … Whether you celebrate or not, February is a great time to celebrate friendship, love and all things chocolate! Come out of the cold and join us in the warmth of our Center! With over 18 regular programs and lots of special programs, we try to offer a little something for everyone.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Any Westwood resident 65 or older needing a daily meal, please call HESSCO at 781-784-4944. If you are feeling food insecure, please let us know, we will confidentially help you!
TRANSPORTATION
Rides are offered to the 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.
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WESTWOOD COA IS ON FACEBOOK AND WE WOULD LOVE YOU TO FOLLOW US!!!
Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/WestwoodCOA and LIKE and FOLLOW us! 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!
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REGULAR PROGRAMS AT THE COA
WONDER WORKOUT with Stephanie and Priscilla
Need some inspiration to get back in shape? This high-energy class is exactly what you need. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. 2023 is the year to get back in shape.
- Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
- 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
- $3 donation
- No class February 20th
LOW IMPACT EXERCISE with Alex
This low impact class will strengthen your muscles and help you stay flexible as you age. Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle. No time like the present to get strength back into your body!
- Mondays & Wednesdays
- 1 p.m.
- $3 donation
- No class February 20th
PILATES with Mary
Pilates is done primarily on a mat and will strengthen your core and abs. Please bring a water bottle, and floor mat and wear comfortable clothing.
- Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.
- Thursdays 10:30 a.m.
- $3 donation
- No class February 14th
T'AI CHI with Scotty
The purpose of Qi Gong & T'ai Chi is to add practices to people’s everyday lives that promote health, mental well-being, and an increase in self-awareness. It has evolved over the centuries to focus less on self-defense and more on healing.
- Tuesdays
- 1:00 p.m.
- $3 donation
- No class February 14th
HESSCO Nutritionist at the COA - Nutritionist Kelsey
Discuss healthy eating, recipes, diabetes, heart disease, and other nutritional subjects. Please call the Center to sign up for an appointment.
- Thursday, February 2nd
- 1:30-3:30 p.m. by appointment
- Free
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MOVIE WITH GREYDON - CITY LIGHTS by CHARLIE CHAPLIN
Join Greydon Gavin, a junior at Westwood High School, as he presents and discusses this month’s movie City Lights, by Charlie Chaplin. This movie is often considered Chaplin’s best, while also being regarded as one or if not the greatest silent movie of all time. Popcorn, candy, and water will be provided.
Call the Center to sign up in advance, so that we know how many to expect.
- Wednesday, February 8th
- 1:00 p.m.
- Free
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COOKING CLASSES AT POWISSET FARM - SOUPS
Nothing says winter like a beautiful soup simmering on the stove. Chef Thai will show you how to make a hearty season roasted vegetable stew, combing farm ingredients and winter favorites. Also this class will show you how to make a classic Italian Pasta e Fagioli, chock full of herbs and flavor. And a quick focaccia bread to accompany the soups so you can sop up every last bit of liquid … so comforting! NOTE: No take home food will be allowed. We cannot accommodate food allergies or dietary restrictions.
You must sign up in advance, beginning January 25th at 8 a.m. Space is limited.
- Thursday, February 9th
- 11:00 a.m. at Powisset Farm
- $25 per class
COOKING WITH ROBERTA - A Winter’s Lunch Cooking Class
Come in from the cold and join us for a winter warm-up cooking class demonstration. Our menu will be simple but delicious. Chef Roberta will start with a creamy corn chowder and pair it with panini—crispy, gooey, grilled sandwiches. She will finish off with a simple but irresistible dessert—brown butter blondies!
Advanced sign up is required. Sign up begins January 31 at 8 a.m.
- Thursday, February 16th
- 11:30 a.m.
- $6 donation
AARP TAX HELP - FEBRUARY 27 THROUGH APRIL 10
AARP Tax Aides will be on hand to assist with tax preparation for low or moderate-income seniors who will need help preparing 2022 Federal and Mass income tax forms.
APPOINTMENTS FILL UP FAST - please call the Center and schedule your appointment soon. Please bring your 2020 and 2021 taxes, Social Security card, and all other necessary information with you.
An Intake/Interview sheet must be completed prior to your appointment.
Drop by the Center and pick one up or we can mail one to you if time permits.
- Mondays
- 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m., by appointment
- Free
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 For more information, please visit our website:
https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/departments/youth-family-services
Westwood Artists are partners with the Westwood Media Center which generously created a gallery space to show Westwood Artist's work.
By Westwood Artist, Maureen Obey
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