With Town Meeting approaching, the Electronic Voting Implementation Sub-Committee is looking to predict Town Meeting attendance, and asks residents to please complete this very brief survey.
A table with entries linked to each Article to be presented at Town Meeting is available online here
This is the first time this long-term resident can recall a town election with no contested races. But there will still be an opportunity to Meet the Candidates. Join the LWV on May 5 at the Library.
If you would like to submit a post on our website, click here for information on how to add your post. You can also email us at waylandenews01778@gmail.com
-Kim Reichelt
Hope Floatspartners with high-quality swim schools to provide scholarships for swimming lessons for children living in poverty. Hope Floats raises money by partnering with individuals, businesses, and foundations that want to be a force for good in their communities. Scholarships and tuition assistance is provided to children who might not otherwise be able to afford swim lessons.
The Wayland Community Fund provides assistance to Wayland residents who have lived in Wayland for at least one year (as stipulated in the bequest). The fund provides assistance for utilities, rent, medical expenses, medicine, food, clothing, essentials
* Warren predicts ICJ will find Israel committed genocide in Gaza. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) recently suggested international offices could find Israel’s bombardment of Gaza constitutes as genocide in the enclave.The Massachusetts Democrat was delivering remarks last Friday at the Islamic Center of Boston in Wayland, Mass. when an audience member asked for her opinion on the International Court of Justice (ICJ) January ruling that found it is “plausible” that Israel is committing genocide in its war with Hamas in Gaza.
Help Create a Safe New Home for Survivors of Abuse. Spring is a time of renewal and new growth, a time for starting over, and planting seeds for the future. It is also the time for the Shower for Shelters.
The Sudbury-Wayland-Lincoln Domestic Violence Roundtable cordially invites you to participate in its Annual Shower for Shelters. You can help families transitioning from a shelter or transitional housing to establish a new home by donating new household items or gift cards. All gifts collected will be donated to clients of REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, The Second Step, and Voices Against Violence.
The Shower for Shelters will be held from Friday, April 26 2024, through Saturday, May 11. 2024. New unwrapped gifts may be dropped off at Spirits of Maynard, 4 Digital Way, Suite 3, Maynard, MA or at Sudbury Wine and Spirits, 410 Boston Post Road, Rugged Bear Plaza, Sudbury, MA.
Requested new items include: diapers, twin size comforters, sheets and pillowcases, bed pillows, towels and face cloths, unscented cleaning products and laundry detergent, laundry baskets, kitchen utensils, flatware, dishes, drinking glasses, small kitchen appliances, pots and pans, bakeware, personal care items, and other household items. Gift cards for the following are also welcome: Target, Walmart, CVS, Walgreen’s, Market Basket, Hannaford, Stop and Shop ($10-$50).
CAPA Can & Bottle Drive. Saturday, April 27th, 10 am – 2 pm
Town Pool parking lot at WHS
Time to SAVE your refundable bottles and cans!
The Creative Arts Parent Association is pleased to announce the Spring Bottle and Can Drive Fundraiser for the Wayland High School visual and performing arts program.
Do’s: Soda, seltzer/sparkling water and beer cans, plastic bottles(including seltzer) (16 oz, 20 oz, 1L, 2L), glass beer bottles.
Don’ts: Unfortunately, our recycling center does not accept water, Gatorade, iced tea or juice cans or plastic or any non-beer glass bottles.
Wayland Nonprofit Is Saving Stray Dogs, Cats With ‘Simple Concept’. After Wayland veterinarian Amy Shroff sold her successful Waltham practice about a decade ago, she wanted to commit herself to helping stray animals. Shroff knew from her own experience — her father is from India — that nations across Asia struggle with stray cats and dogs, which are often subject to abuse and extermination because they carry diseases like rabies. The animals also often get maimed or killed by cars, or suffer from diseases like distemper — rare in America. First, she tried working on adopting the animals, jetting them across the globe to new owners in the U.S. Click here for their website, and donate online here.
Wayland Community Pool launches fundraising program. The Wayland Community Pool is Making Waves and needs your help! The time is now, WCP has launched Making Waves: The Campaign for the Wayland Community Pool with a goal of raising $1.3 M from individuals, foundations and public funding. Our goal is to reimagine and revitalize the interior spaces of the privately funded Wayland Community Pool. And we need YOU! Funds will address critical infrastructure needs and ensure long term sustainability of the pool and its programs. From competitive swim teams, to aquasize fitness, to daily lap swimmers & lessons, to community programs & camps, the WCP is the home to many. Join our initiative to make our pool a top notch facility and ensure the future of this long standing institution. Every drop counts! Show your support and Make Some Waves by donating online here: https://givebutter.com/wcpmakingwaves
Wayland Community Fund serving Wayland residents temporarily in need of financial assistance. Please call us if you need help!
The Wayland Community Fund (WCF) provides short-term emergency financial assistance to Wayland residents who have lived in Wayland for at least one year. WCF provides funding for basic needs such as utilities, rent, food, medical bills, and other living expenses. Please call us if you need help with your bills, 781-531-5435 or go to their website for an application or to donate.
Join the MRC! New Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers are always needed! We have a great group of volunteers, however, we would love to recruit new members. If you are interested in helping out your community and would like to volunteer please contact the Health Department at Health@wayland.ma.us.
Upcoming Meetings
Meeting Schedule for The Week: See the Town Website’s Calendar online here. Please check the online calendar for the latest updates, as meetings noted below could have been updated (change in date, time or location) since we captured them. Also, some meetings could have been added since we collected the calendar information.
Please check the Town Calendar to confirm meeting times, locations and agenda. There can be updates from when we capture the schedule below.
Note: Links to all remote and hybrid meetings are available via this page
* Select Board, 7pm [Hybrid] Agenda includes: discussion of public forum to be held Apr 24 on MBTA Communities Multi-Family Zoning Proposed by-law, Fiscal Year 2023 audit management letter, Town social media and communication strategy, WayCAM discussion
Tuesday, April 9
* Planning Board, 7pm [Remote] Agenda includes: Energy & Climate Committee to discuss proposed specialized building code, finalize report on Solar Compact Development Proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment, Proposed Multi-Family Housing Oerlay District Bylaw (aka MBTA Communities Zoning)
* Zoning Board of Appeals, 7pm [Hybrid] Agenda includes: 16 Davelin Rd (one story addition), 4 Lingley Lane (storage shed), 5 Garden Path (raze dwelling and build new one)
* School Committee, 6pm [In Person] Agenda includes: FY25 Recommended Budget presentation and discussion, High School gymnastics update, After School Care Working Group update, Spanish immersion transition to Wayland Middle School, superintendent evaluation, High School Turf Field update, Climate literacy update
* Conservation Commission, 6:30pm [Remote] Agenda includes: Public Hearings on 24 School Street (twelve new townhouses), 68 Moore Rd (two cabin structures), 25 Langdon Rd (addition and deck). Public meetings on 14 Hill St (deck and addition)
* Surface Water Quality Committee, 7pm [Remote] Agenda includes: update on funding for herbicide on Heard Pond, Dudley Pond ProcellaCOR work, efforts to obtain grant funding to study stormwater drainage around Dudley Pond
Thursday, April 11
* Board of Health, 6:30pm [In Person] Agenda includes: variances for 13 Pollock and 21 Sunset, review and vote on proposed peer review quotes for St. Ann’s Development Project, Veritas Christian School Academy, update on septic fees, discuss and adopt Animal Keeping Regulations
* Community Preservation Committee, 7pm [In Person, Council on Aging Room] Agenda includes: Opern public hearing on CPC articles for 2024 Town Meeting
Friday, April 12
* Economic Development Committee, 8:30am [Hybrid] Agenda includes: Town Meeting articles update, rebuild update at Liberty Pizza plaza, Main & Plain gas station, Route 20 Master Plan, Business Improvement District efforts
LWV Presents: Meet the Candidates Event, May 5. from 3:00-4:30 Wayland Public Library
The League of Women Voters will be co-hosting with the Wayland Public Library a “Meet the Candidates Event” in lieu of our traditional Candidates Night. The event will be held on Sunday, May 5th from 3:00 to 4:30 PM in the round room of the Wayland Public Library. It will be an informal gathering, with no speeches or presentations. The public is invited and encouraged to drop-in and meet the future office holders of the Town of Wayland. This is your opportunity to share any ideas and/or concerns with them.
We May Need a Bigger Boat: is Massachusetts ready for Climate Change?, May 1. Join us on May 1 at 7 p.m. (via Zoom) for a free discussion on what Massachusetts should be doing to prepare for the predicted impacts of climate change. MetroWest Climate Solutions is pleased to host Dr. Edwin Sumargo, a Climate Scientist on the Massachusetts’ Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Climate Team. The team includes climate hazards, mitigation, adaptation, and policy experts as well as staff to support local communities. Dr. Sumargo will discuss the latest climate projections and how his team supports state agencies and municipalities to prepare for the inevitable challenges they will be facing. To register, visit metrowestclimatesolutions.org.
Wayland High School PTO Alumni Award. Nominations Due: April 21. Are you a Wayland High School Alumni or do you have a WHS alum in the family? Is there a current Staff or Faculty Member that has inspired you? WHS PTO would like the Wayland High School Alumni to vote on the WHS teacher or staff person who they feel had a positive impact on their lives. The teacher or staff person with the most votes will receive a grant from the PTO. Nominations will close April 21st, 2024. Please click on this link to vote
Craftisans at Beth El, April 14. Sunday, April 14, 10am-12pm. Bring your art and/or craft supplies and create together! Knitting, crochet, collage, drawing, painting, etc. If you create it, bring it!!! We are hosting a fun activity for all – Ages 5 and up Paper Marbling using unscented shaving cream & liquid watercolors. No experience is needed. We will be meeting at Beth El. For more info and to register: https://www.bethelsudbury.org/events/craftisans-at-beth-el/. The next session will be on May 5th.
Sunday Morning Playgroup. Sundays, April 7, April 28, May 5, 9-10:30am
Come join Beth El’s free new playgroup on select Sunday mornings for children aged 0-3 accompanied by their parents/caregivers. Members and nonmembers welcome.
Armchair Travel: Cuba. On Tuesday, April 16 at 1pm, The Council on Aging presents an Armchair Travel trip to Cuba with Photographer Nick DePasquale. It will be presented in person in the COA, and on Zoom. Nick will take you on a trip from the valley and fields of Viñales, Cuba to the capitol Havana through his photographs of the landscapes, buildings, cars, and people. Learn about the history and culture of this island located just 90 miles south of Florida, and the challenges that the wonderful, resourceful, and resilient Cuban people face on a day-to-day basis. US citizens are only allowed to travel to Cuba under the strictest of conditions. Nick was granted exclusive access to locations and people that are rarely seen by travelers. Registration is required. Reserve a spot or get the link by contacting the COA at coa@wayland.ma.us or 508-358-2990.
COA Will Provide Transportation to Senior Conference. The 43rd annual Senior Conference for the Middlesex and Worcester District, presented by State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, takes place on Thursday, April 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School in Marlborough. It features speakers from the Massachusetts Legislature; workshops with expert guest speakers on topics like aging well, solo aging, and resources for caregivers and family members; live music from Marlboro’s Flashback Band; free meals from Assabet Valley’s Culinary students; and as always: Raffles! This year’s event will also offer an all-new watercolor painting demonstration from Maynard Artspace. The Wayland COA is offering free transportation from the COA, departing at 8:30am and returning by 2:30pm. Registration for transportation required by Thursday, April 11. Contact the COA at coa@wayland.ma.us or 508-358-2990.
Painting like John Singer Sargent. On Friday, April 19 from 10am-12pm, Artist/Educator Angela Ackerman will lead a watercolor workshop at the Council on Aging on “Painting Like John Singer Sargent.” Join us and be inspired to create a water cityscape. By working with more water, you will learn to “keep the paint alive” as you create your watercolor painting. Bring your favorite John Singer Sargent watercolor photo or any personal photo that shows water and cityscape. All levels are welcome. Cost: $15. Supplies are provided or bring your own. Registration required. Contact the COA at coa@wayland.ma.us or 508-358-2990.
Religion Listings
Go Down Moses: Bringing a Racial Justice Lens to the Seder, April 10, 12-1pm. How do we sing and talk about slavery and liberation during our Passover Seders? How does the legacy of African-American enslavement show up at our Seder tables as we recount the Exodus story? Join Cantor Vera and the Antiracism Working Group to bring a racial justice lens to the Passover Seder. Bring your Haggadah! April 10, 12-1pm. More details: https://www.bethelsudbury.org/events/go-down-moses-bringing-a-racial-justice-lens-to-the-seder/
Women’s Seder, April 14. The women of B’nai Torah MetroWest and Congregation Or Atid, both of Wayland, invite you to an interactive community Women’s Passover Seder led by Cantor Kate Judd of B’nai Torah MetroWest on Sunday, April 14, 2024, from 2-4 pm. Join us for this unforgettable and joyful community event as we celebrate the heroic women of Passover. We will also have a special guest speaker, Jody Fredman, who is president of Hadassah Southern New England Region. Jody will talk about the work Hadassah is doing in Israel to support the victims of the October 7th attacks and their #End the Silence Campaign.
Women of all ages are invited to join us for the Seder. We will socialize over coffee, tea, and special desserts, then finish the seder with readings and song. Fee: $10 donation, pay at the door. RSVP required/details: btmpresident@bnaitorahmetrowest.org or 508-203-1833.
First Parish in Wayland: “The Illusion of Nationalism”. On April 14 at 10am. Many of us grew up being taught that the United States of America was the greatest nation on earth. We learned patriotic songs and were subtly (or not so subtly) guided to view people from other countries with suspicion. Today, many in our country have not only continued in that line of thinking but have upped the nationalist rhetoric to dangerous levels. But we are not alone. While we declare our superiority, other nations do the same. It is a dangerous game of illusion that we as UUs must work to counter if we are to help create peace for all. Join us this week as we explore the illusion of nationalism and what a UU response can look like. The service will be led by the Rev. Deborah Bennett. Complete details online here.
Jewish Fantasy and Sci-Fi Book Club: “Gentlemen of the Road”, April 24. Wednesday, April 24, 2024
8:00pm – 9:30pm, Zoom
Our exploration of Jewish fantasy and science fiction continues with Gentlemen of the Road: A Tale of Adventure by Michael Chabon, Pulitzer prize-winning author of The Yiddish Policeman’s Union and The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.
Join in the conversation and spread the word; all are warmly invited to join for this evening of conversation and magic!
Singing Our Way to Freedom: Song & Havdalah with Aly Halpert, April 27. Join Aly Halpert for a participatory concert of her healing and rejuvenating original music, singing toward collective liberation. Saturday, April 27, 7-8:30pm at Temple Beth El in Sudbury. Tickets are online here. In times of brokenness, it’s often even harder to dream towards a world that is whole. Singing is a tool that helps us connect, remember our collective humanity, and to move through feelings of grief and joy. Singing literally helps bring about the world we’re dreaming — grounding us in our bodies, in community, and in hope as a practice. This Passover, come join us at Congregation Beth El of the Sudbury River Valley for an evening of healing and rejuvenating original music with Aly Halpert, who will teach and lead songs towards the collective liberation we deserve. We’ll say goodbye to Shabbat together and orient through song towards the world we want to build.
The latest from the Wayland Library (full newsletter online here).
Note: Many events require registration. Please visit the Wayland Library calendar for registration links.
Adult Services
* Virtual Author Talk: Colum McCann and Diane Foley, Tuesday, April 9 at 2 p.m.
* Music Exchange Listening Room, April 9 at 7:30 p.m.
* Elvis Ukulele Strum-Along, Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m.
* The Typewriter is Back.Sit down at the table in our exhibit alcove on the main floor and revisit the past—or explore an exotic technology. Our sturdy Smith Corona portable typewriter has returned to help you share your thoughts. We’ve provided some prompts to prime the creative pump, or you can wander wherever your fingers take you. You’ll connect with a great literary tradition, and maybe have a little fun, too.
Book Groups
* Noon: The Shadow King by Maaza Mengiste. In person and remote. Contact amoore@minlib.net for more information. Friday, April 12.
* Cookbook Club, Noon by Meike Peters. Contact dwinn@minlib.net for more information. Thursday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m
* Dystopian/Sci-Fi. Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini. Online only. Contact ekatz@minlib.net for the Zoom link. Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m.
* Storytime with Obie the Dog. Children will listen to dog stories and have a chance to visit with Obie, a beautiful Samoyed. Obie will be accompanied by his owner Helen. We will meet in the Raytheon Room. For ages 2 and up, with adult. Please register HERE. Tuesday, April 2, at 10:30 a.m.
* Music, Story, Fun! with Ms. Janet. Join Ms. Janet for a musical storytime. She’ll bring her ukulele, rainbow bells, and puppets! We will meet in the Children’s Room. For ages birth through age 4, with caregivers. Please register. Thursdays, April 11, April 18, April 25
* Baby & Toddler Storytime. This storytime encourages early literacy and caregiver-child interactions with lively songs and rhymes, bounces, books, and body-awareness. Best for babies and toddlers, with caregiver.lease register. Tuesdays, April 9, April 16, April 23, and April 30 at 10:30 a.m.
* Movement with Little Beats. Join Little Beats for 30 minutes of music, movement, and fun! For ages 1-5, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Friday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m.
* Chinese Storytime. Children will listen to stories and rhymes, and sing songs in Mandarin and in English. We will also make a craft. Led by Isabelle Ren, director of Wonderwhiz Academy. For ages 2 to 5, with caregivers. Please register HERE. Saturday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m.
* Feather Your Nest. Did you know that bowerbirds are also artists? Join Ms. Wendy to learn about the bowerbird and then design and create a nest using a variety of craft, recyclables, and natural materials. For ages 4 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 10, at 3:00 p.m.
* Celebrate Eid-al Fitr Join your Wayland Muslim neighbors for a joyful celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival of fast breaking. Children will celebrate with stories, crafts, henna and snacks! For ages 4 and up, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Thursday, April 11, at 4:00 p.m.
SCHOOL VACATION SPECIALS
* Professor Bugman’s Arthropod Petting Zoo.Professor Bugman brings his Arthropod Petting Zoo to Wayland! Kids learn all about Arthropods, the most diverse group of animal life on the planet, during this exciting show-and-tell-and touch program! For ages 3 and up, with caregiver. Please register HERE. Tuesday, April 16, at 2:00 p.m.
* Celebrate Earth Day with Ms. Abby! Join Ms. Abby in a celebration of our Earth! Children will listen to a few celebratory stories about our Earth, and then make their own sculptural masterpieces out of recycled materials. For ages 4 and up. Please register HERE. Wednesday, April 17, at 3:00 p.m.
* Pet Peeves Comic Workshop. Cartoonists Dave London and Pete Chianca, creators of the comic strip Pet Peeves, will guide children through the creation process! Topics include inventing characters, drawing expressions, and devising gags & jokes. Tweens will leave with a completed comic strip to take home. For ages 9 and up. Please register HERE. Thursday, April 18, at 3:30 p.m.
For Teens:
* Magic the Gathering for Teens. Teens! Play Magic the Gathering with your friends! Bring your own Magic Cards or use ours. Experienced players and newbies welcome. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please register: Fridays, April 12 and April 26, at 4:30 p.m.
* Teen Crafternoon: Miniature Goal BoxTeens! Do you have a dream or goal you want to accomplish in the next few years? Perhaps it is learning to knit, travelling to another country, or scoring a soccer goal? Create your own miniature goal box made out of a mints tin and collage supplies. Take home your creation and use it as inspiration to achieve your goal. We will meet in the Teen Loft. For teens in grades 6 and up. Please registerHERE. Thursday, April 25, at 4:00 p.m.
Events and Workshops from Arts Wayland.
Join Arts Wayland! Arts Wayland is open to all artists in all media and art supporters of all towns and locations, not just Wayland. We welcome new members to join and make new friends who love the arts and art making
April 2024 Exhibit: Take some time to view the spectacular collection of art in our online April exhibit. The genres range in style, and the talent on display is second to none. This exhibit will be available for viewing online through April 30, 2024. You can see the exhibit online here
MXLR: Music Exchange Listening Room. Arts Wayland and the Wayland Free Public Library are excited to announce the return of the Music Exchange Listening Room open mic, hosted by Steve Robb. Attendees will settle in to the comfortable seating of the library’s ornate Round Room to perform and enjoy lightly amplified music in a true listening environment. Refreshments will be available. The library will be open all day and we encourage coming early to check out what the library has to offer, get a good seat, and to sign up for a 2-3 song performance slot. No charge to attend or participate.The Music Exchange Listening Room will repeat on the second Tuesday of each month.
Mosaic Mirror Workshop. Spend a fun afternoon on May 19 making a decorative mosaic mirror. In this workshop, you will learn how to design a beautiful round mosaic mirror (7″ in diameter). You’ll create intricate and simple patterns using the richness of millefiori, beads, recycled jewelry and glass. The possibilities are endless. You’ll also learn about the benefits of using epoxy sculpt as an adhesive (no grouting!).
Painting with Watercolor and Oil Pastel The class will be held in a studio setting and will focus on fundamental skills, such as observation, perspective, scale, and techniques. Sketching will be an integral part of the exercise. Oil pastels provide a versatile medium for painting with bright colors. They also allow ‘scratching’ with a sharp object to provide interesting effects. Various subjects, including still-life, floral, and portrait will be included in the exercises. This will be an eight-week session, and success with watercolor and oil pastels, considered difficult mediums, will be all but guaranteed.
Portraiture Demo Workshop (Members only). Kim Gorassi will demonstrate from a live model to explain the step-by-step process of painting a portrait from life. Using a limited palette, she will discuss placement, proportion, color-values and edgework to create the model’s likeness.
Announcements from Prior Newsletters
Award-winning documentary film about Russell’s Garden Center showing at Wayland High School, April 10, 7pm. The Award Winning, feature documentary film about Russell’s Garden Center called “Growing Through COVID-19” was written and directed by 2011 Wayland High graduate Genevieve (Genna) Skehan.
Filmed in real time as the pandemic unfolded, this emotionally uplifting film follows the owners of Russell’s, a 144-year-old, 5th generation, Garden Center based in Wayland Mass. In March of 2020, the family seriously considered shutting down their historic family business forever. What happens next is truly inspiring.
Winning “Best Feature Documentary” at the Boston International Film Festival and nominated for “Best Original Documentary Score” at the International Sound & Music Festival in Croatia, this film has been shown internationally at film festivals. Genevieve is thrilled to have her first public screening at Wayland High School where she began her film career her senior year with her WHS movie, “The Barn”.
As a community outreach, a portion of ticket sales will benefit WayCam (Wayland Community Media Center). There will be a Question-and-Answer Session immediately following the film led by Director Genevieve Skehan, Producer Elizabeth Russell-Skehan, main characters Tim & Dan Skehan and others. To watch a trailer and read about the film visit growingthroughcovid19.com. For tickets to “Growing Through Covid-19” go to https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/82932 (click on date and time of show, all tickets will be sold in advance through this website)
Rep. Gentile to hold April district virtual office hours. State Representative Carmine Gentile (D-Sudbury) will hold virtual office hours on Tuesday, April 16. Constituents are encouraged to schedule a time to talk with Representative Gentile and his staff. Meetings will take place via Microsoft Teams video call from 1-3pm. A timely RSVP is required for a meeting. Any constituent who wishes to speak to Representative Gentile can sign up for a 20-minute time slot by emailing Rep. Gentile’s legislative aide, Ravi Simon. Constituents signing up for a meeting must provide their full name, address, phone number, email, and their discussion topic. Complete details are online here.
Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee seeks nominations for 2024 C Peter Gossells Good Government Award. C. Peter R. Gossels cherished democracy. A resident of Wayland for 58 years, he first served on the Finance Committee and then as Town Counsel, followed by 30 years as Wayland’s elected Town Meeting Moderator. Peter’s non-partisan generosity of spirit, fairness, and passion for good government marked his 50 years of volunteer service to the Town of Wayland.
The Wayland Public Ceremonies Committee is now accepting nominations for the 2024 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award and invites all Wayland residents to submit nominations for this annual honor. The criteria for selecting the award recipient are as follows:
The C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award is bestowed upon a long-time resident of Wayland who has served as a volunteer for 20 years or more with generosity of spirit to improve and support operation of good town government. The award honors unpaid, secular service that promotes positive citizen engagement with town government; provides information to voters and officials to enhance fairness and well-informed decisions; and may recognize innovative initiatives that enhance operation of the Town of Wayland. The award will annually recognize an individual who exemplifies Peter’s passion for justice, civility, and high standards of conduct. This award may also be bestowed posthumously.
The deadline for consideration is Friday, April 19, 2024. Submissions are limited to 500 words or less and must include your contact information. Please submit your 2024 C. Peter R. Gossels Good Government Award nomination by mail or e-mail to:
The winner will be announced at Wayland’s 2024 Annual Town Meeting. For more information, click here
Town of Wayland hosts Opioid Settlement Funds input session. The Town is seeking community input for the use of funds from the Statewide Opioid Settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and pharmacies. A public input session will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at 5pm at Wayland Town Hall in the Large Hearing Room. This is an opportunity for the community to ask questions and provide input.
Under the terms of the state agreement, funds may be allocated in the area of prevention, harm reduction, recovery and treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD), substance abuse disorder (SUD) and related mental health conditions. To learn more about the statewide opioid agreement, please visit Massachusetts State-Subdivision Agreement for Statewide Opioid Settlement. This funding is to be distributed to the Town through the year 2038. Wayland is projected to receive a total of $451,505 between 2022-2038. If you have any questions, please call (508) 358 -7701.
Do you have ideas for making Wayland better? If you live, work, study or worship in Wayland, you are invited to be part of a special community-building workshop on Sunday, April 28, from 1-7 pm at Wayland High School. The SPIRIT of Community workshop will bring together community members and leaders from all walks of life to identify issues that impact Wayland and work together on solutions. During the workshop, participants will have small group conversations, problem-solving opportunities, and will share a meal together. This is a unique, first-ever community-building opportunity for the whole town.
Maybe you have ideas for how to make Wayland better. Or perhaps you see opportunities for improvement but are unsure how to make your voice heard. The Wayland SPIRIT of Community workshop will create space to explore what’s working well and what’s not working well in Wayland and identify ways to strengthen our community and ensure that everyone feels they belong and have a voice.
The workshop is sponsored by the Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (HRDEIC) and Wayland Select Board. We will be guided by the Community Relations Service of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ Community Relations Service has partnered with communities nationwide to collaboratively address local concerns through the SPIRIT (Site Problem Identification and Resolution of Issues Together) program. Here’s what participants in other towns’ SPIRIT workshops had to say: “Great process!” “Valuable use of my time.” “Wish we had an hour more!”
Participants are expected to arrive by 1pm and stay until the end. Registration is required; please register here or use the QR code in the flyer. Questions? Email SPIRITquestions@wayland.ma.us
Arts Wayland April Online Exhibit. Take some time to view the spectacular collection of art in our online April exhibit. The genres range in style, and the talent on display is second to none. This exhibit will be available for viewing online through April 30. You can see the exhibit online here
Arts Wayland presents: Watercolor and Oil Pastel Workshop. Develop or refine your skill in painting with watercolor and oil pastels with Rahul Ray, beginning on Monday, May 6th. The class will be held for 8 Mondays through June 24 from 5:45 to 7:15pm at The First Parish in Wayland. The class will be held in a studio setting and will focus on fundamental skills, such as observation, perspective, scale, and techniques. Sketching will be an integral part of the exercise. Oil pastels provide a versatile medium for painting with bright colors. They also allow ‘scratching’ with a sharp object to provide interesting effects. Various subjects, including still-life, floral, and portrait will be included in the exercises. This will be an eight-week session, and success with watercolor and oil pastels, considered difficult mediums, will be all but guaranteed. Learn more and sign up here
A closer look at the Massachusetts flag and seal, April 30. One of the articles to be voted on at the May 13th Wayland Town Meeting, is a resolution in support of changing the state flag & seal of Massachusetts. Indigenous leaders have been calling for this change for more than 50 years. Join Faries Gray and David Detmold to learn about the violent history and impact of our state symbols, and about the movement to create symbols that better express the ideals of the Commonwealth. Complete details online here.
Golden Tones Chorus – live, in person! It’s a music-making opportunity for MetroWest people of retirement age with NO AUDITIONS and a come-when-you-can attendance policy. Join us for daytime rehearsals on Tuesdays, 11am-12:30pm. Choir experience and music-reading are NOT required to have fun singing, dancing, and creating live concerts for the MetroWest community! Visit goldentones.org, email office@goldentones.org, or call us at 508-318-6318.
Wayland offers subsidized tick testing as tick season nears. Wayland Offers Subsidized Tick Testing As Tick Season Nears. You’d typically want to get rid of a tick as soon as possible. But Wayland residents have a reason to save the gross little parasites under a new town program. Wayland has received a state grant to subsidize tick testing for any resident who wants it. The tests let you know if the tick you just removed from yourself or your dog is carrying diseases like Lyme, the rare Rocky Mountain spotted fever or babesiosis. Complete details online here.
Wayland resident launches “Meet Your Neighbors” video series.
Wayland resident Ashley Fuller has launched a series of “Meet Your Neighbors” videos to highlight the phenomenal stories of people and businesses that reside in Wayland.
Celebration International Church Food Pantry serving the community for over 25 years Celebration International Church in Wayland partners with the Boston Food Bank to serve the people of Metrowest by providing groceries in a time of need. If you or someone you know is enduring unemployment, financial hardship, a disability, or something similar, we would like to help! Visit https://www.cicalive.org/food-pantry for more information.
Emergency alert notifications may include missing children or missing persons, criminal activity, fires, drinking water contamination, utility outages, various threats to people or the environment and other incidents as deemed necessary by Town public safety officials. Those enrolled also may receive timely non-emergency alerts, including road closures, snow plow schedules and more. The alerts are sent to residents via phone call, text message, email and social media.
All community members are invited to register for the CodeRED notification system to receive important alerts and updates. To sign up for these informative, lifesaving alerts, please click here. Registration is customizable, allowing users to choose which alerts they’d like to receive, as well as preferred ways like text, email, cellphone, landline and more.
Community members are encouraged to download the CodeRED Mobile Alert app available in the App Store or Google Play after they sign up to receive alerts.
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