Westminster MA

Westminster MA Local News and Community Information

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• Westminster Town Crier 37

  

  Westminster Town Crier Episode 37 with Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen

  Listen to the podcast on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Westminster Town Operations, Cultural Initiatives, and Municipal Governance are the focus of this latest podcast by Stephanie Lahtinen who interviews 2 members of the Cultural Council in this episode.

  • High Civic & Community Engagement: Westminster recorded exceptionally high voter turnout across early voting and Election Day. Recent community events, including Halloween festivities on Bacon Street and Council on Aging activities, demonstrated robust local participation.

  • Westminster Cultural Council (WCC) In-Depth Spotlight: The WCC manages over $12,000 in grant funding annually ($7,600 state / $5,000 municipal) to support local and regional arts, STEM, and humanities programs. Priorities include managing the town’s Little Art Gallery, allocating grants across 30 recent applications, and recruiting for one open council seat.
  • Historic Recognition & Public Safety Appointments: The town was formally commended by the U.S. Army for maintaining its historic cannon on Academy Hill as “one of the most well-maintained in the entire country.” Personnel additions were confirmed across the Fire Department, Police Department, and Economic Development Committee.
  • Special Town Meeting (November 17, 2026): Voters will evaluate a 15-article warrant supported unanimously by both the Select Board and Advisory Board. Major proposals include financial stabilization transfers ($1.25M capital, $1M pension), $200,000 for public safety building design/planning, strategic public safety staffing expansions, a prohibition on data centers, and technical zoning adjustments.
  • See infographics below for additional details on the information of this podcast.

  

  

  

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• Westminster – 2 Updates

  

  Westminster MA: South Street Sentinel November 2026 and Town Crier Episode 36 – FULL COVERAGE and ANALYSIS

  First, 2 podcasts. A Deep Dive with the Chair Man and the Chair Lady going through all of the information in the November South Street Sentinel (CLICK HERE FOR FULL PDF), and, the October 20th Town Crier hosted by Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen.

  Gardner Magazine has an extensive set of infographics below on both the Westminster South Street Sentinel and the Town Crier, and a 53 page report on PDF, CLICK HERE. To view a complete infographic, CLICK on the image for a larger view.

  Key developments covered in the South Street Sentinel include:

  • Electoral Administration: Mandatory registration and ballot request deadlines leading up to the November 3, 2026 Massachusetts State Election, alongside preparations for the November 17, 2026 Special Town Meeting.
  • Infrastructure & Public Safety: Selection of Vertex by the Public Safety Building Committee to conduct property and safety assessments; transition from Code Red to the Everbridge emergency alert system; establishment of a new school speed zone on State Road East; and the retirement of firefighter Tim Hurd after over 43 years of service.
  • Public Health & Economic Assistance: A formal public update on November 16 regarding the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) Town-Wide Health Data Evaluation, alongside winter fuel assistance programs (EHHAP) and local charitable drives.
  • Community Integration: A series of public engagement events hosted by Community Services, including the inaugural Community Spaghetti Supper, a Holiday Swap, and youth programming at the Forbush Memorial Library.

  Fall 2026 Special Town Meeting

  • Date & Time: Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM.
  • Location: Westminster Elementary School (9 Academy Hill Road).
  • Process & Approvals: The Warrant was reviewed during the October 5 and October 19 Select Board meetings and discussed on the Town Crier Podcast. Final approval of the warrant occurs at the November 2 Select Board meeting, with public posting on the town website on November 3. Details are also distributed via mail postcards.
  • Contact: Tamie Chiarelli at 978-874-7408 or tchiarelli@westminster-ma.gov

  Emergency Alert System Transition: Everbridge

  Westminster has decommissioned the Code Red platform and partnered with Everbridge for emergency management and routine public notifications (e.g., severe weather, fires, floods, road closures, and water utility maintenance).

  • Account Migration Requirement: While user data from Code Red was migrated automatically, residents and business owners must create a new Everbridge account and manually configure personal settings to ensure preferred delivery (cell phone, SMS, home phone, or email).
  • Registration Portal: https://member.everbridge.net/93013422375055/login

  Key Matters covered in the Town Crier podcast #36 with Stephanie Lahtinen include:

  Preparations for the Special Town Meeting scheduled for November 17, featuring a 15-article warrant addressing financial stabilization, public safety staffing, land appraisals, and zoning bylaw amendments.

  Key administrative initiatives include the rollout of the “Going the Extra Mile” (GEM) employee recognition program, critical public health data updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (Mass DPH), and the commencement of Phase 1 construction for the privately funded Woodland Loop water main extension to address groundwater contamination. Additionally, the town is preparing for early voting and the November 3 State Election featuring a two-page ballot, alongside several community events managed by the newly established Community Services Department.

  Master Community Calendar: Mark your calendars with these key town dates and deadlines:

  1. October 31: Downtown Trick-or-Treat (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM) & VFW Field Bonfire
  2. November 2:
     • Deadline to RSVP for First-Ever Community Spaghetti Supper
     • Deadline to submit advance questions for Mass DPH Health Evaluation Meeting
     • Official posting date of Special Town Meeting Warrant & postcard mailer dispatch
  3. November 3: State Election Day (Polls open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM at Senior Center)
  4. November 12: First-Ever Community Spaghetti Supper (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Senior Center)
  5. November 16: Mass DPH Health Data Evaluation Meeting (4:30 PM at Senior Center)
  6. November 17: Special Town Meeting (6:30 PM at Westminster Elementary School)
  7. December 13: Priority Application Deadline for Little Art Gallery 2027 Exhibition Season

  

  

  

  

  

  

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• Westminster Town Crier Episode 35

  

  Westminster Town Crier Episode 35 with Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen

  Listen to the podcast on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  Episode 35 of the Westminster Town Crier, hosted by Town Administrator Stephanie Latin on October 6 (broadcast October 8).

  The primary operational focus for the Town of Westminster enters a busy fall season characterized by election preparations, budget planning for Fiscal Year 2028, preliminary scheduling for the May 2027 Annual Town Meeting, and the upcoming November 17 Special Town Meeting. Key governance highlights include the Select Board’s formal request for state intervention regarding ongoing PFAS contamination at Bean Porch Hill, the approval of infrastructure projects at Crocker Pond, key municipal appointments across emergency and public services, and extensive updates regarding the November 3 State Election from newly appointed Town Clerk Jane Devolio.

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  Special Town Meeting Warrant Overview (November 17): The Special Town Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, at 6:30 p.m. at the Westminster Elementary School. The warrant officially closed at noon on Friday, October 9, and will be publicly posted on November 2. Preliminary Article Submissions include:

  1. Financial & Capital Reallocations:
     • Reallocation of $200,000 in capital funding toward bidding and design phase for the Public Safety Building.
     • Transfer of $35,340 from ambulance receipts to support advanced paramedic training.
     • Standard financial placeholders, free cash transfers to Stabilization Accounts, and funding for the Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Trust.
     • Adjustment to Emergency Home Heating Assistance funding to accommodate rising fuel, oil, and gas costs.
  2. Strategic Staffing Plan (5-Year Plan):
     • Three separate articles authorizing new personnel starting January 1: one Fire Captain, one Police Patrolman, and one Police Sergeant.
  3. Bylaw & Zoning Proposals:
     • Historical Commission Bylaw: Article to formally create a town Historical Commission bylaw.
     • MBTA Bylaw Amendment: A minor clerical correction to the MBTA zoning bylaw passed in the prior year.
     • Data Center Prohibition: A comprehensive, town-wide zoning amendment submitted by the Planning Board proposing a total ban on data centers across all zoning districts.

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  Community Events and Local Program Calendar

  11th Annual Westminster Cracker Festival

  • Date & Time: Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Rain or Shine).
  • Location: Westminster Village Center (Organized by the all-volunteer Westminster Village Foundation).
  • Key Activities:
    • Cracker Festival 5K Road Race begins at 9:00 a.m.
    • Annual local restaurant Chili Contest.
    • Live music stage schedule featuring Mr. Strickland, Freddy and the Freeloaders, and The Tribe.
    • Temporary live entertainment license running 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
    • Municipal and non-profit booths including Neighbors Helping Neighbors, Community Services Department, Fire Department, and Council on Aging.
  • Logistics: Free admission. Free public parking with dedicated shuttle services operating from outer lots, including the VFW field.

  Halloween & Fall Community Operations

  • Agricultural Commission Farmers Market: Final day of the season is Friday, October 16, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Academy Hill.
  • Cultural Council Grant Applications: Accepting local arts and cultural project grant proposals through October 15 via the town portal.
  • Forbush Memorial Library Events:
    • Book Sale: October 17 (concurrent with Cracker Festival).
    • Special Evening Programming: October 18.
    • Haunted Library Event: October 31.
  • Council on Aging (COA) Programming:
    • Boo Bingo: October 13 at 10:00 a.m.
    • Meadowbrook Orchards Trip: October 16.
    • Senior Halloween Party: October 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Registration: 978-874-7402).
  • Official Town Trick-or-Treating:
    • Schedule: Saturday, October 31, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
    • Street Closures: Bacon Street, Pleasant Street, and Elliot Street will be closed to vehicular traffic by the Westminster Police and Fire Departments.
    • Annual Bonfire: Hosted by the Westminster Fire Department at 7:00 p.m. at the VFW field immediately following neighborhood trick-or-treating.

  

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• Westminster MA – October 2026

  

  Two Articles in One – Westminster South Street Sentinel October 2026 and Town Crier Episode 34

  Listen to this DEEP DIVE podcast about the Westminster South Street Sentinel, October 2026. CLICK PLAY.

  Listen to Episode 34 of the Town Crier podcast with Westminster MA Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen which focuses on the Community Services Department. CLICK PLAY.

  View the complete Westminster MA South Street Sentinel newsletter on PDF, CLICK HERE.

  Further infographics below illustrate and explain the news in further detail. CLICK IMAGE for larger view

  
  The South Street Sentinel serves as a comprehensive guide for Westminster, Massachusetts, detailing local governance and seasonal events scheduled for October and November 2026. Major highlights include the 11th Annual Cracker Festival, which features a 5K race and live music, and essential voting information regarding the upcoming state election. The community is encouraged to participate in diverse activities ranging from fitness classes and Mahjong at the Senior Center to a Cub Scout fishing derby and Halloween festivities. Health and welfare are addressed through vaccine clinics and food pantry donation drives organized by local fellowships. Additionally, the text covers municipal developments, such as an Eagle Scout pavilion project and funding opportunities provided by the Westminster Cultural Council. Local achievements and safety reminders from the Fire Department further emphasize the town’s focus on community engagement and resident well-being.

  Town Crier” podcast (Episode 34) hosted by Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen focuses on the maturation of the Community Services Department, which has transitioned from its 2023 inception to a fully independent department with its own FY27 operating budget. This department aims to centralize and enhance resident amenities previously managed by volunteer boards. Further critical updates include significant progress on the Public Safety Building project with the appointment of an Owner Project Manager, the execution of a Verizon cell tower lease to improve local service, and the approval of heavy commercial vehicle exclusions to mitigate downtown traffic congestion. The town also prepares for its first annual employee outing and the 11th annual Cracker Festival.

  

  

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• Hotline Radio 9-19-26

  

  WGAW Hotline Radio Extended Edition – Gardner Updates, Construction and Events – Westminster Update

  Listen to the entire show on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  First up on WGAW Hotline Radio: Steve Wendell spoke about chopping down a hickory tree because it was interfering with satellite. FREE wood is available. Bring your chain saws. Call (978) 632-1340 to let Steve know you are coming.

  Update and Interview with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson: Mayor Nicholson spoke about the construction at the front of Gardner City Hall and the timeline. Other entrances are open while front entrance is not available. Work on the Perry Auditorium continues. Hope is that projects are completed by October. — An update on other construction affecting parking lots for a short time.

  An Update on the water in Gardner – An Update on the Rear Main Street Project, awaiting National Grid to put in transformer so above ground telephone poles can be removed. Mayor said he is “super excited.” — Mayor Nicholson spoke about his visit to the Templeton Select Board about grants. – Gardner has seen a huge return in its investment in the 3^rd party grantwriter. — A discussion of fiscal oversight in Gardner MA – A discussion of construction at Gardner High School – projects extend the life of the Gardner High School Building. — Winter parking ban policy has not been finalized and resident input is welcome — Discussion of stop signs on Park Street – a campaign update: https://www.michaelnicholsonma.com/

  Werner Poegel Commentary: Gardner Oktoberfest and Chair Luge 2026 – a complete rundown of all of the day’s events.

  Steve Wendell played some highlights of the Gardner Public Safety Committee – Gardner Police Chief Eric McAvene discusses Traffic Commission recommendations.

  Westminster Town Crier Episode 33 with Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen. Includes an interview with Police Chief LeMay.

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• Westminster PD Drone

  

  
  Pictured are Police Chief Matthew LeMay, Drone Operator Officer Travis Heath, Detective David LeBlanc, Karen and Davin Fors, and Fire Chief Kyle Butterfield.

  Westminster PD Launches New Drone Program

  The Town of Westminster MA Police Department has launched a new drone program through a partnership between the Tom Fors Memorial Fund and the Westminster Police Association. $12,000 was donated to purchase a DJI 4T Drone and related equipment.

  Westminster PD explained in a post: “In recognition of Tom’s lasting connection to public safety, the drone has been named TF1 in his honor. TF1 may assist with missing-person searches, critical incidents, accident and crime-scene documentation, major community events, and other situations in which an aerial view can help protect the public and emergency responders. TF1 will be operated by trained personnel for legitimate public-safety purposes and will not be used for random or routine surveillance.

  On behalf of the Town, the Select Board unanimously accepted this generous gift at Monday night’s meeting.We sincerely thank Davin and Karen Fors, the Tom Fors Memorial Fund, and the Westminster Police Association for making this program possible. We also thank McGovern MHQ for its continued partnership and for generously donating the lettering for TF1 and our new police motorcycle.This generous support enhances our public-safety capabilities without placing the cost of the equipment on local taxpayers.”

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• Town Crier – Episode 32

  

  For more information about the Town of Westminster MA, please visit their website, CLICK HERE.

  Infographics below provide more detail, CLICK any image for larger view.

  Westminster MA Town Crier – Episode 32

  Approximately every 2 weeks, Westminster Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen produces a podcast called the Town Crier. This is Episode 32, released on August 27, 2026. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  In episode 32 of the Westminster Town Crier, Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen provides a comprehensive update on municipal affairs following an August hiatus. The podcast begins with a recap of the August 4th special town meeting, noting that a petition regarding Crocker Pond was withdrawn by the petitioner after a high turnout of residents. Lahtinen also details recent Select Board actions, including the approval of a police motorcycle pilot program and various personnel appointments.

  The episode serves as a guide for upcoming autumn transitions, highlighting the launch of a new town website and the start of the academic school year. Residents are encouraged to participate in the September 1st state primary and attend various community traditions like the Farmers Market and the 10th annual Cracker Festival. Finally, the host emphasizes civic responsibility by reminding citizens to keep public parks clean and stay informed through official town newsletters.

  

  

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• Westminster – September 2026

  

  A Huge Update on Westminster MA for September 2026

  Listen to this Deep Dive podcast covering it all on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  
  As of September 2026, the town of Westminster is navigating a seasonal transition characterized by the commencement of the 2026-2027 academic year and a robust schedule of municipal and community events. Key priorities for the community include public safety adjustments for school transport, the adoption of a newly launched municipal website, and participation in significant governance activities, most notably the Massachusetts State Primary and a Special Town Meeting regarding the Crocker Pond Recreation Area. The South Street Sentinel, September 2026 edition is a powerful resource, CLICK HERE.

  
  The Town of Westminster has officially launched a new website designed to improve navigation and resource accessibility. Previous subscribers to email alerts must resubscribe. Many email addresses were dropped during the transition due to being flagged as undeliverable.

  Return to school: Start Date for Grades 1 to 12 is August 31. Preschool and Kindergarten is September 8. School Bus routes are no longer published on general school websites for security reasons. Parents must access route information via ParentSquare.

  Flu Vaccination Clinic: September 29, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the Senior Center. Walk-ins are welcome.

  Seasonal Festivals and Activities

  Event	Date	Location/Details
  Crocker Pond Season Close	Sept. 8	Final day for season; boats must be removed.
  St. Edward’s Fall Festival	Sept. 12	Attic treasures, auction, BBQ, and live music.
  Celebrating Agriculture	Sept. 18	Focused on the Westminster Farmers’ Market.
  Singing Trooper Concert	Sept. 19	Daniel M. Clark at Academy Hill (4:00 PM).
  Interactive Painting Class	Oct. 8	Hosted by Women’s Fellowship; cost is $10.
  Westminster Cracker Festival	Upcoming	Includes a Main Street Scarecrow Competition.
  Trick-or-Treat	Oct. 31	Bacon, Pleasant, and Elliot St. open 5:00-7:00 PM.

  The infographics below provide additional detail. CLICK an Image for larger view.

  

  

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• Westminster – July 2026

  

  Westminster MA News July 2026

  Westminster dealt with a contentious land dispute and ongoing environmental monitoring.

  Land Dispute and Governance

  • Crocker Pond Controversy: A citizen petition from Robert Francis triggered a Special Town Meeting for August 4. Voters will decide whether to sell 10 acres of land back to Francis for $1. Town leadership unanimously opposes the move to protect public open space.

  Environment and Health

  • PFAS Briefing: Town officials held a public briefing regarding IRA Status Report #17, focusing on PFAS water contamination near Bean Porridge Hill Road.
  • Food Waste Study: A July study highlighted the challenge of microplastics in local soils resulting from organic food waste recycling.
  • Farmers Market: Despite a national cyclosporiasis outbreak, local markets remained open as Massachusetts case numbers remained low.

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• Westminster – August 2026

  

  Westminster MA Releases South Street Sentinel for August 2026

  The month of August 2026 in Westminster is defined by significant community-led initiatives, municipal legislative challenges, and high-profile public events. The primary focus is the 39th Annual Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) Town Benefit Day on August 9, which serves as the town’s largest non-profit fundraiser. A central highlight of this event is the inauguration of the Nancy Green Award for Outstanding Citizenship, to be presented to long-time volunteer Dan McCarthy. View the entire South Street Sentinel Newsletter, CLICK HERE.

  Concurrently, the town faces a critical legislative juncture with a Special Town Meeting on August 4, triggered by a citizen’s petition regarding the Crocker Pond Recreation Area. This petition faces unanimous opposition from several key municipal boards. Administratively, the town continues to manage infrastructure projects—notably the Theodore Drive warehouse—and fiscal responsibilities, with first-quarter tax bills due early in the month.

  

  

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