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.
The Long Range Financial Planning Committee (LRFPC) is appointed by the Select Board and is tasked with focusing on the broader financial picture of the town and the long-term financial issues, such as capital, debt service, financial policies, and the budgetary and financial impact of large building projects.
At the January 23, 2024 Long Range Financial Planning Committee meeting, Community and Economic Development Director Nora Loughnane presented a brief overview of the functions and activities of the department and a status update of commercial development in Westwood.
Click here or on the image below to view the presentation.
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The John J. Cronin Public Service Award for 2024 is now open for nominations.
The Public Service 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. Nomination applications will be accepted through March 1, 2024, and residents should submit their application form via email or via mail (Select Board Office - 580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090).
Please consider the following criteria when forwarding your nomination: leadership; exceptional 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.
The Nomination Committee will consider all new and past nominees. A recipient will be selected and the award will be presented at the May 6, 2024, Annual Town Meeting.
Photo: John J. Cronin, Jr., Thomas McCusker, 2023 John J. Cronin Public Service Award Recipient and Select Board Chair Robert Gotti..
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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.
Vote by Mail Information
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Vote by Mail Application for Voters Registered in a Party
Only this ballot will be sent to you unless you make a party change on or before February 24, 2024 and complete a new application.
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Vote by Mail Application for Voters not registered in a Party (Unenrolled formerly known as Independent.)
Voter MUST CHOOSE A PARTY ballot before returning the application. The party choices are Democratic, Republican, or Libertarian.
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Completed applications can be mailed, emailed or put in the drop box in front of Town Hall.
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The 2024 Annual Town Census was mailed to all households on December 28, 2023.
It's extremely important that you fill out the Census form and return it within 10 days.
Is your household's Census Form past due?
If you did not receive a census form please click here to download one and mail it to the Town Clerk's office, 580 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 or scan and email it to census@town.westwood.ma.us
- Massachusetts Law requires an Annual Street listing of residents as of January 1st each year (M.G.L. Ch. 51 § 4) which is derived from the Annual Town Census.
- Responding to the Annual Census keeps your voting status active. Even if you are not a registered voter, responding to the census will ensure that the Town Clerk’s Office can provide you with proof of residency.
- Responding to the Census does not register you to vote.
- An accurate count of residents in Westwood assists in providing better municipal services.
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With winter, comes snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Keep in mind that when the schools are closed due to inclement weather, the Senior Center is also closed for safety reasons. This includes the cancellation of all programs and van rides.
Check out our January/February 2024 newsletter for information on all of our regular and special programs.
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A few of our special programs in February...
Sergeant Michael DiLalla started with the Westwood Police Department in 2012 working in Patrol, then later, as a field training officer. Then Officer DiLalla was responsible for training several of our officers who work with us today as well as others who have left to pursue law enforcement careers in other agencies.
In 2018, then Officer DiLalla was promoted to Sergeant. As a sergeant, Sergeant DiLalla supervised uniform patrol officers on shift as well as supervising and helping to modernize our field training officer program. In 2020, Sergeant DiLalla was selected to be the administrative sergeant and accreditation manager. In that role, Sergeant DiLalla lead the operational effort modernize our policies and practices for purposes of accreditation. Sergeant DiLalla was also instrumental in the modernization of our CAD/RMS system, the implementation of a new payroll and scheduling system, electronic training software, and equipment tracking programs.
Sergeant DiLalla also took leadership roles with grant writing, the acquisition of ballistic helmets for our officers, and assisting with the procurement of things such as our cruisers and defibrillators to name a few. Under Sergeant DiLalla‘s leadership as the Accreditation Manager, assessors from throughout the state commented that our assessments were, “the best they had ever seen”, and we were unanimously voted to receive accreditation certification and full accreditation on our very first attempts.
Sergeant DiLalla holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Massachusetts and is in his final course before receiving a graduate certificate in Leadership and Policy, also from the University of Massachusetts. In addition, Sergeant DiLalla is a licensed Master Plumber, runs a successful horse farm with his wife, Courtney, and is the father of two boys, James, and Vincent.
Please join me in celebrating Sergeant DiLalla’s promotion to Lieutenant effective January 29, 2024, at which time he will assume the role of the Operations Division Commander.
Congratulations, Lieutenant DiLalla!
Article and photos submitted by Brian A. Kamp, ENP, Public Safety Communications Manager, Westwood Police Department
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NO DELAY for trash/recycle collections on Washington’s Birthday
Monday, February 19, 2024 |
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. |
February is American Heart Month
The symbol for Valentine’s Day is the heart. As we enter February, let’s take some time to focus on the organ that keeps us going. According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and most ethnic and racial groups in the United States. In fact, one person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. About one in twenty adults 20 and over suffer from coronary artery disease- the most common type of heart disease. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking are large risk factors for heart disease. Other factors such as diabetes, obesity, unhealthy diets, inactivity, and excessive alcohol use are also contributing factors. Signs of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, weakness, lightheadedness, or feeling faint; pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back; pain or discomfort in one or both arms or shoulders; and shortness of breath. Women are more likely to also experience other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, or tiredness. If you experience these or other concerning symptoms, call 911- do not attempt to drive yourself or a loved one to the hospital! We can’t control certain risk factors such as our age or family history but we can try to modify our other risks. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can achieve optimal cardiac health.
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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.
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Westwood Public Library's Molly Riportella, Head of Adult Services was interviewed by Katie Brace of Fox25 to talk about BiblioUnderground. According to the website, BiblioUnderground is a grassroots Library & Information Science (LIS) movement & an aspiring nonprofit whose mission is to turn victims of domestic violence (DV) and intimate partner violence (IPV) into survivors by supplying prepaid mobile phones inside book safes, upcycled from library discards. When combined with other resources we call these book safes “Book-it to Freedom Kits” (Bi2FKs).
For more information see the website: https://www.bibliounderground.org/
Photo by: Westwood Media Center. Molly Riportella, far right.
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Follow us on Social Media @westwoodyfs
To learn more about our upcoming programs, mentor programs, counseling, mental health resources and services please follow us on social media @westwoodyfs.
Dedication of Jill's House
On Saturday, January 27, 2024, a dedication ceremony for "Jill's House" was held by Westwood Housing Authority (WHA) and Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, Inc. (WAHA) at the Jaillet Meeting Room.
The newly renovated home, owned by WAHA was named to honor the late Juliet Onderdonk, who was an active and dynamic member of the Westwood community and a tireless advocate for affordable housing. Jill was a founding member of the WHA/WAHA. She was a pioneer in affordable housing; working for over 40 years at both the local and state level to achieve her mission of providing safe, functional and affordable housing for all residents.
The dedication was attended by Ms. Onderdonk's family and friends as well as the members of the Select Board and the joint boards of the Housing Authority and Westwood Affordable Housing Associates.
Article submitted by Jane O'Donnell, WAHA Housing Coordinator.
Photos by Charlotte Lynch, Director of Original Content & Operations for Westwood Media Center.
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