WESTFORD — Here’s the Aug. 30 edition of Wednesday Whiteboard, where WestfordCAT highlights important dates and events during the week in and around Westford.
News and upcoming events around town
A number of committees have open seats. Apply online.
Voluntary water use restrictions are now in effect. The Water Department requests that odd-numbered addresses water on odd-numbered days between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m and that even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days from 6 p.m. and 9 a.m.
The Budget Task Force is seeking community input. Residents are encouraged to submit feedback on a sustainable five-year budget plan.
From WestfordCAT:
News office hours are on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the J.V. Fletcher Library. Changes will be reflected on our studio calendar.
Check out our Community Calendar!
From Westford Public Schools:
Westford Public Schools will be participating in the National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program. As part of this program, Westford Public Schools will offer healthy meals every school day. The Massachusetts legislature has provided funding to make meals available at no cost to all students permanently regardless of household income. If your family would qualify for free or reduced meals based on household income, you are encouraged to complete an application as it may qualify your children to receive additional benefits such as fee and activity waivers.
Qualifications for children to receive free or reduced-price meals include: belonging to a household whose income is at or below the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, belonging to a household that receives public assistance, or if the child is homeless, migrant, runaway, foster, or participates in a Head Start or Even Start pre-K program.
Household size and income criteria are used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits if the household does not receive assistance or the children are not in the other categories mentioned above. Children can get free or reduced-price meals if the household’s gross income falls at or below the limits on the Federal Income Eligibility Guideline chart.
To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households can fill out the application and return it to the school unless the household has already received notification that their children are approved for free meals this year. Application forms are available on the District website, in the Food Service Office, 23 Depot Street, Westford, MA 01886 and all Westford Public School Main Offices. If you are unable to print an application, one can be mailed to you.
Only one application is required for all children in the household and the information provided on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by the school or other program officials. An application for free or reduced-price benefits cannot be approved unless it contains complete eligibility information as indicated on the application and instructions. In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age, or disability.
Families can apply for benefits at any time. If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the Federal Guidelines. Contact Colleen Wallace, (978) 399-2741 at any time to request an application.
From the Council on Aging:
Residents of Westford are eligible for financial assistance if their homes are compromised due to the accumulation of too many items. Applicants can contact the Cameron Senior Center at 978-692-5523 for further information.
From the Westford Recreation Department:
Looking for something to do this summer? Check out the Recreation Department’s summer activities, including summer camp for kids, pickleball clinics for adults and a number of beaches to enjoy with the whole family.
The department also offers BollyX Dance Classes and CPR and First Aid certification for adults.
From the Westford Conservation Trust:
The trust hosts a trail steward group every Tuesday at 9 a.m. led by Bill Harman. Sign up here to get on Bill’s email list or call Bill at 978-692-3907 for information on this week’s trail.
From the Friends of the Cameron Senior Center:
Craft fair vendors are wanted for the Harvest Fair on Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is $15 for an 8-foot table or $6 to share a table. To reserve a space, contact patreppucci@comcast.net.
From the Health Department and Community Wellness Department:
The Health Department is accepting applications for residents to receive $400 per child for the Recreation Department’s after-school program, which begins on Aug. 30.
Applications should be emailed to Regional Community Health and Wellness Coordinator Brittany Nash. Applications can also be mailed to Town Hall. Applicants must be Westford residents and be at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Community Wellness Assistance is now available for drop-in hours. Community Wellness Coordinator will be available on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the J.V. Fletcher Library.
The Health Department has issued a notice for West Nile Virus, which has been detected in a mosquito sample in Chelmsford.
A health advisory has been issued for Long-Sought-For Pond. Residents should avoid using the water until further notice.
From the Parish Center for the Arts:
Registration is now open for the Westford Regional Art Event.
Important municipal dates
The Strategic Planning Retreat is planned for Sept. 7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Kimball Farm. Register online.
Special Town Meeting is planned for Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
Government Meetings
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee will meet virtually on Aug. 30 at 7 p.m.
The Select Board will host its retreat on Aug. 31 at 6 p.m. at 48 Main St.
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