Westwood Wire -October 2023

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Westwood Massachusetts

Westwood Wire  - October 2023

Westwood Wire Icon

Dear Residents,

With the onset of crisp, slightly darker mornings and Halloween candy overflowing the aisles at CVS, we can no longer deny it; it’s officially the Fall!

This month’s WIRE is sure to intrigue you with the establishment of a Climate Action Taskforce and touch your heart when you read about Charley's Angels, a non-profit organization that helps seniors take care of their beloved pets.

Effective October 2nd, hours at Town Hall and the Community & Economic Development Division at Carby Street Municipal Building will change, offering residents the ability to take care of some town business beginning at 8 am. Please keep reading for more information. 

Parents of middle school students, you don't want to miss the Westwood Youth and Family Services (WY&FS) section of this WIRE. Check out this great free workshop series, Yoga Flow. For high schoolers interested in becoming a mentor to younger students, parents may want to encourage your student to "audition" for Be SMARRT or Body Safety Theater. No acting experience is necessary.  WY&FS is kicking off registration for its annual Holiday Giving Program.  If your family needs financial support with buying gifts this upcoming holiday season, please see the flyer in this WIRE. 

The Westwood Planning Division announces its Better, Brighter Future for Westwood campaign for a just and sustainable future through its new Climate Action, Resiliency, and Sustainability Plan. 

The Westwood Commission on Disability shines the spotlight on National Disability Employment Awareness Month and shares information from the MA Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities, hosting a series of events

Some residents have reported seeing coyotes around their neighborhoods recently, which wildlife experts say is common. This WIRE offers information and tips for coexisting with coyotes from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and Westwood Animal Control Department.

The Westwood Masons will be hosting its fall blood drive and all who participate will receive a Halloween, long sleeved t-shirt!  Let's hope that Dracula does not show up there looking for a snack. Happy Halloween!

Town of Westwood


Save the date...


Monday, October 9th


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Thursday, October 19th

Community Visioning Session: Climate Action, Resiliency and Sustainability Plan 

  • 6 pm @Westwood Public Library

Saturday, October 21st

Flu Clinic hosted by Wegmans Pharmacy

  • 10 am - 3 pm
    @Westwood High School Parking Lot

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Supporting the Healthy Growth of Westwood Children and their Families


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News from the town

Westwood Select Board's Office


Stay Connected 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.


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Town Administrator Announces New Office Hours


Effective Monday, October 2, 2023

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  • Town Hall Departments with new hours: Accounting, Assessors, Collectors, Finance, Human Resources, Select Board/Town Administrator, Town Clerk and Treasurer.
  • Carby Street Municipal Departments with new hours: Building, Community & Economic Development, Conservation, Health, Planning & Housing and Zoning & Licensing.

Office hours for all other departments (Council on Aging, DPW, Fire, Housing Authority/ Westwood Affordable Housing AssociatesInformation Technology, Library, Police, Recreation, Youth & Family Services, and Veterans' Services), will remain the same. 
Please check the department's webpage for details.  

If you have any questions, please call the Town Hall at 781-326-6450 or email the Select Board's office.


Westwood Human Rights Task Force


Did you know...

...that this is National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15th - Oct 15th)?

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Town of Westwood Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

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.


Norfolk County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Program


The Norfolk County ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Program funds were recently distributed to the Town of Westwood to fund multiple programs including; School Street Playground Reconstruction, HVAC work at the new Pine Hill Elementary School, HVAC work at the Main Library, and for Social Services Programming. 


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L to R: Rep. Paul McMurtry, Recreation Director Rich Adams, Select Board member Robert Gotti, Norfolk County Commissioner Richard Staiti, Select Board Chair Marianne LeBlanc Cummings, Norfolk County Commissioner Joseph Shea and Select Board member Joseph Previtera.


Westwood Human Resources Department


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Job Opportunities: Westwood Youth and Family Services Department

Immediate need for part-time, Youth Services Counselors (YSC) for Westwood’s Youth and Family Services Department.  Grant funding has created an opportunity to add several part-time YSC positions to assist our current Youth and Family Services staff in providing direct counseling, advocacy and case management services for the community.  Flexible hours.

Please check out all of our current job openings here.


Town Board and Committee Openings


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Westwood Town Clerk


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Visit the MA Online Voter Registration System

  • Register or Pre-Register to Vote
  • Update Name, Address and/or Party

Please contact Town Clerk, Dottie Powers at townclerk@townhall.westwood.ma.us or 781-326-3964 if you have any questions.


Westwood Council on Aging


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Most seniors love autumn as the days get cooler and nights longer; it's no wonder that this may be your favorite time of year here in New England! Here at the Center, we are preparing for the fall with our regular programs and many new special programs. It's always a great time to join us at the Senior Center. 

Please check out the COA's Newsletter for all the details!


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A few of the COA's October Special Programs...


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Author Talk


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COA's Annual Fundraiser


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Westwood Commission on Disability


The Westwood Commission on Disability is pleased to share this information about a series of events hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Persons with Disabilities.


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Westwood Department of Public Works


SEC MET

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Second/irrigation meter readings must be submitted in OCTOBER; beginning on the first of the month, which is when the submission window activates, and before midnight on the last day of the month when the submission window deactivates. Want a reminder alert? Click here to receive automatic alerts/reminders of the submittal window.


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NO DELAY in trash & recycling collections on Columbus/Indigenous Peoples' Day, Monday, October 9th. 


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trash cans

Everything (trash/recycle/yard waste/bulk, etc.) for collection must be at the curbside by 7 am on your scheduled day.  Any missed pick-ups (that were at curbside by 7 am) must be reported. Please email dpw@townhall.westwood.ma.us or call 781-251-2587 within 24 hours of your scheduled day.


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Download the free Recycle Coach App for our calendar, reminders, events, do’s & don’ts and what goes where at your fingertips.


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Downey Street Sidewalk Construction


Construction of the Downey Street sidewalk has begun and will be completed by the end of November.  Downey Street will be passable throughout the entirety of the project and will only require a single-lane closure during different phases of the project.

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Westwood Fire Department 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony


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Westwood Health Department


Medical Reserve Corps


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Breast Cancer Awareness Month


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Flu Information


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Protect Yourself from the Flu

Remember, frequent hand washing is the best protection from influenza and other illnesses. 

  • 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, and seek medical care if you develop flu-like symptoms. 

Let’s keep Westwood Healthy!
We hope to see you at the clinic.

Click here to make an appointment for the Wegmans Flu Clinic!

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


Covid-19 Test Kits


Effective immediately, every U.S. household can place an order to receive 4 free COVID-19 rapid test kits.


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Westwood Housing Division


Westwood Community & Economic Development - Planning Division


Climate Action, Resiliency and Sustainability Plan

Westwood - A Better, Brighter, Future is our campaign for a just and sustainable future – our Town government is stepping up to lead by example! Over the course of 2023 and 2024, we will collect and analyze data, complete a series of community assessments, engage Town staff, residents, and other key stakeholders to complete a Climate Action, Resiliency & Sustainability Plan (CRS Plan) for the Town of Westwood. We will build on our Town's great climate and energy work as well as strategic investment and commitment to excellence as we take collective action for a just and sustainable future.  The Climate Action Taskforce will embark on a nine month process to collect data and information and get feedback from stakeholders to draft and finalize the CRS Plan. 


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Your input is important to the Plan.
Please take our survey.
Westwood Climate Action, Resiliency and Sustainability (CRS) Survey


Please join us and participate in our Community Visioning Sessions!


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For more information, email Elijah Romulus, Town Planner.

 


Westwood Public Library - Main Library


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Westwood Public Library - Islington Branch


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Westwood Recreation Department


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Westwood Public Schools - Preschool Screening & Open House


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West Suburban Veterans' Services District


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"TJ" Tedeschi, Deputy Director
West Suburban Veterans' Services District
Mondays 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Westwood Council on Aging
(781) 489-7509
ttedeschi@westsuburbanveterans.com

Westwood Veterans may call or email Mr. Tedeschi to schedule an appointment.


Westwood Youth and Family Services


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Follow us on Social Media @westwoodyfs

To learn more about our upcoming programs, mentor programs, counseling and mental health resources and services please follow us on social media @westwoodyfs.


2023 Westwood Day Memories...


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Coyotes in Westwood


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Coyotes can thrive close to humans in a variety of habitats. Make your property less attractive to coyotes by following the tips provided by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife.


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Dedham-Westwood Water District


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News & Announcements

Water Service Line Inventory Project


News from Community

Community Events


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The Town of Westwood assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this e-mail. The information contained in this e-mail is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, or timeliness.

The Town of Westwood does not condone, agree with, or support all contents contained in this e-mail and should be viewed as information only.


Westwood Artists


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Westwood Cultural Council


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The Westwood Cultural Council is seeking applications for grants to fund local community cultural programs.  Individuals and organizations may apply for projects such as workshops, lectures, exhibitions, science education and performing arts projects.  Grants are awarded after consideration of the benefit to the community, the qualifications of the individuals and organizations, the planning process, community interest, and the population segment served.

All applications must be completed online and are due by October 17, 2023. For more information visit the Massachusetts Cultural Council website at www.mass-culture.org.


Westwood Farmer's Market


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Foundation for Westwood Education


The Foundation for Westwood Education Relaunches with New Mission to Provide Longer-term Financial Support for Town Grown Educational Initiatives

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  • After 31 Years and Over $1 Million in Provided Grants, the Foundation Pivots to an Incubator-Style Approach Providing Seed Funding to Community-Driven Multi-Year Initiatives
  • First Multi-Year Grant Recipient Proving the Value of this New Strategic Approach: The Integrated Steam (iSTEAM) Recreation Program for Children of all Neurological Backgrounds

The Foundation for Westwood Education, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is proud to announce a new mission that supports community-driven educational programming and learning initiatives in Westwood. Following a 24-month internal evaluation that included consultation from independent, non-profit organization experts, the board has decided to pivot away from funding dozens of annual micro-grants to incubating and accelerating substantial multi-year, educational programming within Westwood. “This pivot would not be possible without the efforts of previous board members, donors, and grantees, who have done impactful work and created a trusted and respected opinion of the Foundation within the Westwood community. We look forward to building on this reputation and hope Westwood residents will embrace this new approach, said Nigel Smith, Co-President of the Foundation for Westwood Education.   

The Foundation’s reinvigorated mission is accomplished through collaboration between community members and the Foundation, whereby the Foundation acts as a thought-partner and funding source for community-led projects. The Foundation takes an incubator-style approach, providing seed funding to educational projects with multi-year timelines that will have lasting impact and the potential to become self-sustaining or town-funded beyond the Foundation’s initial support. “Westwood residents and organizations have amazing ideas, and many would like support in fleshing them into programs that can benefit all Town neighbors,” said Drew Fortin, Co-President of the Westwood Foundation for Education. The Foundation recognizes this and seeks to ignite energy and fuel these ideas by giving the most compelling and impactful projects the resources needed to gain traction. 

The first beneficiary of the Foundation’s new direction is the Integrated Steam (iSTEAM) program, a series of recreation programs for children of all neurological backgrounds.  iSTEAM was conceived of by Asanka Moehring, a Westwood resident who partnered with the Westwood Recreation Department and the Foundation for Westwood Education.  Since 2021, the Foundation has awarded over $35,000 to the iSTEAM program with the first round of funding being used to pilot the initial program idea, and subsequent funding rounds being awarded to expand programming to reach more participants, hire and train staff, and develop sustainable curriculum materials.  The iSTEAM program plans to become a permanent Westwood Recreation Department offering by 2024.   

“Watching iSTEAM blossom from the initial concept of pairing neurodiverse and neurotypical children together in an after-school Lego-building program, known as Friends Connect, to what it has become today – after-school, Parents’ Night Out, and vacation programming - that is exactly the goal for our group moving forward,” said Liz Volpe, Co-President of Foundation for Westwood Education. “We want to empower community members to have bold ideas and utilize the foundation as a thought partner and funding source to move through the seed, pilot, and launch stages with the goal of those ideas becoming impactful and self-sustaining within the Westwood community.

Over the last 31 years, the Foundation has granted more than $1M to support high-quality educational programming for all Westwood residents. The Foundation’s new approach emphasizes that learning is not only associated with the school system but is ongoing for residents of all ages.  Grant funding is segmented into four broadly defined areas: Recreation, Environment & Safety, Early Childhood & K-12 Education, and Adult Education. The Foundation for Westwood Education is excited about supporting community members’ project ideas and passions in these areas, as demonstrated in the organization’s new motto: Bring your idea to life. You create it, we fund it.

For more information please visit the Foundation website at www.foundationforwestwoodeducation.org, or email info@foundationforwestwoodeducation.org.   


Hale Education


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Westwood Masons Blood Drive


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