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 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.
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New IT Director Takes the Helm
When Donna McClellan first joined Westwood’s IT team in 1996, Windows 95 had only been around for six months. The countless changes since then have been astounding.
McClellan became Westwood’s third IT Director a few short years after coming on board as a Systems Analyst. Friday, February 23rd marked her last day on the job.
McClellan is being succeeded by new IT Director Wiktor Jozwik who is joining the department after having worked in IT for Lasell University and Tufts University. Jozwik started his new job about a month before McClellan’s last day to ensure a smooth transition. On her way out, she said the department is in excellent hands. She is looking forward to her next chapter: traveling with her husband.
Excerpted from an article by Ellis Strategies
Photo credit: Donna McClellan
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Sample Ballots
The Westwood Commission on Disability is seeking three new commission members for the term beginning on July 1, 2024.
The mission of the Commission on Disability is to provide information, referral, guidance, and technical assistance to our residents and Town departments on matters of disability.
The Commision on Disability is a nine member commission appointed by the Select Board. The Commission is seeking three new residents for appointment terms for 1-3 years. Residents with disabilities are encouraged to bring their insights, skills, and energy to the Commission, residents who care for individuals who are disabled as well as advocates and family members of disabled residents. The Commission meets bi-monthly on the second Tuesday of the month, via Zoom webinar from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The Select Board, the appointing authority, requires that you fill out this simple Statement of Interest form. If you have a resume you may include that as well. You can email your completed form and resume to the Select Board, or send it via mail to the Select Board Office at 580 High Street, Westwood MA, 02090. Applications are due March 11, 2024.
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Spring has sprung .. so let me count the ways I love spring! Longer warmer days, gardens start to bloom and no more heavy coats and sweaters! I embrace change and spring is a perfect example of how change can be so inspiring! Change is happening here at the Center.
Check out our March/April 2024 newsletter for information on all of our regular and special programs.
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A few of our special programs in March & April...
Photo credit: Westwood Media Center
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
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Planning Board Proposes Six Warrant Articles for Annual Town Meeting
As we approach the Annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 6, 2024, the Planning Division wants to inform and update residents on the Planning Board's six proposed warrant articles. Five articles are zoning bylaw amendments and one article is a general bylaw amendment.
The Planning Board opened its public hearing on the General & Zoning Bylaw Amendments on January 9, 2024. The public hearing was continued to Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 7 pm, via Zoom so there’s still time and opportunities for residents to make public comments. Public comments will also be heard at the Finance & Warrant Commission Public Hearings, scheduled for Tuesday & Wednesday, March 27 & 28, 2024.
If you prefer to submit your comments in writing, please email Town Planner Elijah Romulus at eromulus@townhall.westwood.ma.us or mail to the Westwood Planning Board, 50 Carby Street, Westwood, MA 02090.
Click here for more information & to view the draft articles.
Click here for more MBTA Communities Law information, including maps.
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Photo credit: Brian Kamp, Westwood Police Department
On Monday, February 12, 2024, at 1330 hours, School Resource Officer (SRO), Officer Jeremy Lenzo was sworn in as the newest sergeant for the Westwood Police.
Officer Lenzo has a long history in Westwood from growing up and going to school in town to being a Westwood Police Explorer. After graduating from Westwood High School in 2001, Officer Lenzo went to Westfield State University where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He also served in the Army National Guard from 1999-2008, achieving the rank of Sergeant (E-5), and serving overseas for an 18-month tour of duty in Kuwait from 2004-2005. Upon returning home, Officer Lenzo first worked as a Westwood Police dispatcher from January-May 2008 until being sent to the Lowell Police Academy where he graduated in October 2008.
In addition to the many years Officer Lenzo has worked as a patrol officer on all three shifts, he has received additional training in accident investigation and reconstruction and has also served the Town, the Department, and his coworkers as the Vice President of the Westwood Police Association. Officer Lenzo will remain assigned as the School Resource Officer throughout the remainder of the school year after which time assignments will be reevaluated and determined. Officer Lenzo personifies a hometown candidate who has given back to his community and has consistently sought advancement. Please join us in congratulating Officer Lenzo on his promotion to Sergeant and wish him the best of luck in the next chapter of his career here in Westwood.
Congratulations, Sergeant Lenzo!
The Department of Public Works needs every household's help to prevent recycling contamination. Please watch the video below from Brendan Ryan, Assistant Director of the Department of Public Works and follow the recommendations provided.
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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Photo credit: Ellis Strategies & N. Ling
Westwood Youngsters Share Their Passion for Poetry
While some of their peers were hitting the slopes or Disney World over winter break, an inquisitive group of Westwood students spent part of their vacation at the Westwood Public Library—immersed in poetry.
A three-day poetry festival was coordinated by the town’s Poet Laureate Lynne Viti and Youth Poet Laureate Lucie Sechler. The first day’s writing workshop was geared toward students from second through sixth grade.
Poet and children’s author Nancy Tupper Ling ran the first day’s session. She first had the group work together to come up with a list poem. “A list poem is exactly like it sounds,” said Tupper Ling. “It’s a list about something. Our list poem is about a season, and the kids used their senses to come up with words they associate with the season.” On the second day, students immersed themselves in writing lyrics and then setting them to music, thanks to the help of Westwood High School senior Sam Schmitz accompanied them on guitar. On the third day, about 60 people came to the last event of the festival which featured a reading by renowned Cuban American poet Richard Blanco.
Excerpted from an article by Ellis Strategies
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.
The two events below have been shared with the WIRE by the Westwood Commission on Disability.
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