December 4, 2007
WESTON
The Department of Public Works and the town's Permanent Building Committee will spend the next few months retooling plans for a new DPW facility after an article requesting more money for its design failed at Special Town Meeting.
"We're just going to have to regroup - maybe downsize the project or do it in phases, I'm not sure," said DPW Director of Operations Robert Hoffman.
The item was among the most extensively discussed at last Wednesday's meeting, which lasted over three hours. The request for the town to appropriate $995,000 for engineering and architechtural services was soundly defeated, with 160 votes against and 59 in favor. Because it required the town to borrow the money, the article would have needed 107 votes to pass.
Another hot topic at the meeting was an article that would amend the town bylaws to allow designated town officials to give citations for environmental, health and some other violations.
The measure passed 82-61, after the meeting members revised the fine structure so that instead of a $100 fine on the first offense, a violator would be issued a warning. Second violations will earn a $100 fine, third violations a $200 fine, and fourth and subsequent violations will earn a $300 fine.
The meeting members also approved eight other articles, including an appopriation of $50,000 in Community Preservation Act funds to study preservation and re-use of the Old Library and Josiah Smith Tavern buildings and to re-zone the parcels on which they stand.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 12:23 PM
November 18, 2007
WRENTHAM
Detective Sergeant William McGrath, the former president of the Wrentham Police Association, said Wrentham officers oppose allowing the town's police chief to serve beyond the age of 65 because "it would compromise the promotional process that is in place."
Town Meeting voters last week voted down a proposal to ask the state for permission to allow the chief serve beyond the mandatory retirement age.
McGrath said the officers' stance against the change is not a reflection on Richard Gillespie, who selectmen named to serve as a provisional chief until they appoint permanent replacement for Joseph Collamati. Gillespie will turn 65 next September.
"We're 100 percent behind Chief Gillespie," McGrath said.
-- Calvin Hennick
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 12:07 PM
November 15, 2007
WESTON
Concerned that one of the items on the warrant for the Nov. 28 Special Town Meeting has created confusion for residents, officials have scheduled a public meeting to explain it.
Article 7 proposes changing the process for dealing with violations of town bylaws so that town officials, such as the Fire Chief, Dog Officer, Building Inspector and others, can directly issue a citation to an offender.
The current procedure requires the town to file a criminal complaint in district court, which can be a time-consuming and expensive process, according to a draft information sheet provided by the town.
The proposed replacedment process is called non-criminal disposition. It would apply to things like littering, violations of Board of Health and Planning Board rules, violations of dog bylaws, and failure to obtain a street opening permit. Alleged violators would be able to appeal by requesting a hearing in district court within 21 days.
The Board of Selectmen will hold an informational meeting for the public about the proposed bylaw on Monday at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 08:41 AM
November 8, 2007
WESTON
Voters at Weston's Nov. 28 Special Town Meeting will be asked to appropriate approximately $210,000 for removal of arsenic-contaminated soil on town land.
The 40-acre field at the intersection of School, Wellesley, and Newton streets was probably polluted as a result of pesticides used while the property was an orchard, officials have said. Arsenic had earlier been found on parts of the Case Estates, land that the town voted to buy from Harvard University last year. Harvard will be paying for cleanup of that property.
The town warrant also asks voters to appropriate an estimated $40,000 for an engineering analysis of Field School. The School Committee is considering whether to undertake a major renovation of the school or replacing entirely with a new building.
For a complete listing of warrant items, check out the document online).
The Special Town Meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Weston High School's auditorium.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 07:50 AM
October 30, 2007
WESTON
"Fun for the whole family" is not usually a phrase one associates with public works departments. But there's something for at least two key demographics at Weston's Department of Public Works open house this Saturday (Nov. 3). Kids can get an up-close look at all the big trucks and equipment, and town officials are hoping their parents will learn why the department needs a new building. The special town meeting scheduled for Nov. 28 will ask voters for money to pay for additional design fees for the new facility.The town's Permanent Building Committee, town staff, and the design team working on the project will all be available to answer questions between 9 a.m. to noon at the current public works building, 190 Boston Post Road By-Pass.
Town officials have also planned an informational meeting for next Wednesday (Nov. 7) about the proposed new building. It starts at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by ssiek at 03:00 PM
October 26, 2007
WESTON
Five openings on the town's Cultural Council have the Board of Selectmen looking for volunteers.
The board, which has five to ten members, is responsible for administering grant funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The money can be used for things like performances, educational programs, and lectures that "provide access, education and diversity in the arts, humanities, and interpretive sciences... to improve the quality of life and contribute to the economic vitality" of the community.
Anyone intereseted in applying for a spot on the council is urged to send a letter of interest with background information to: Town of Weston, Board of Selectmen, P.O. Box 378, Weston, MA 02493.
Materials can also be faxed to Town Hall at 781-891-3697, or e-mailed.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 08:29 AM
October 15, 2007
WESTON
Residents age 50 and over and those with chronic illnesses can get their seasonal flu vacciIne for free at Weston's annual flu clinic on Nov. 20.
Participants are asked -- but not required -- to bring their insurance cards with them. In some cases, the town able to recoup the cost of the shot from a patient's insurance coverage.
The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. until noon at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 57 Brown Street. Anyone seeking more information is being urged to call the Weston Board of Health at 781-893-7320, extension 332.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 10:29 AM
October 9, 2007
WESTON
The Weston Public Schools' special education program will undergo a review this year by a committee of parents, teachers, and outside professionals as part of a long-term series of curriculum reviews.
The goal of the reviews is to gauge the effectiveness of the district's two types of special education services, inclusionary programs and learning centers, as well as evaluating how more special education students at the high school level and changes in staffing have affected services, according to the school committee office.
Members of the new committee will also asked to determine whether intervention programs and regular educational offerings are doing enough to help students before they are referred to special education services. The committee will put its findings into a report due next March.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 06:57 AM
October 8, 2007
WESTON
Everyone loves to complain about their cable service, but most of the time it doesn't count.
Citizens of Weston, however, have a brief window to officially state any complaints, suggestions or questions about Weston's cable provider, Comcast at an Oct. 22 hearing to review the company's performance, discuss possible improvements, and decide whether Comcast's ten-year license to provide services in Weston should be renewed.
Comcast's license expires Jan. 6, 2008. The hearing is the second of two are mandated by federal law; the first hearing was held last year. The Oct. 22 meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 10:06 AM
September 25, 2007
WESTON
State election officials have fined a Massachusetts woman $4,000 for voting in Connecticut with an absentee ballot that tied a primary race in Groton that had to be decided by a coin toss.
The state Elections Enforcement Commission has fined Alicia Primer, of Weston, Massachusetts, who has a second home in Groton. While Groton is not her primary residence, Primer had told The New London Day that she thought she could vote because she owned property there.
The situation figured in a tie vote in a Democratic party primary for state representative in August 2006.
When the results were tallied last August, candidate Rita Schmidt had one vote more than her opponent, Elissa Wright. But when the mandatory recount was completed, state officials determined that one more absentee ballot should have been counted, resulting in a tie vote. That absentee ballot was the one cast by Primer.
Wright won the Democratic nomination for a state House seat in Groton last summer by a coin toss and then went on to win the general election. One of her first acts as a lawmaker was to help pass a new state law that replaced coin tosses with runoff elections in cases of tie votes.
-- AP
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 08:55 AM
September 19, 2007
WESTON
The fields, parking lots, tennis courts and trails around College Pond will be closed for as long as six weeks between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. due to construction of nearby baseball fields.
Recreation Director Douglas MacDougall said work began last week, but how long it will last will depend on the weather. When the work is complete, Weston will have five new baseball fields. MacDougall also said said that Field 14 at Weston High School should be ready for field hockey, soccer and lacrosse players this week.
MacDougall urged anyone seeking more information about the construction or about alternatives for tennis, dog-walking and other activities to call the Recreation Department at 781-529-0203.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 08:19 AM
September 17, 2007
WESTON
The recruiting firm hired by the town to oversee the search for a new fire chief is contacting as many as seven of the top candidates in preparation for the next round in the process, said town Human Resources Director Lisa Yanakakis.
Municipal Resources of Meredith, New Hampshire will then conduct an "assessment center" in October to test the candidates' skills in decision-making, oral and written communication, internal and external customer service, leadership, organizational management, budgeting, and teambuilding. The assessment center consists of exercises and essays -- such as role playing a scene at a fire involving an angry citizen and an injured person -- that determine how the person would handle the demands of the job.
"It''s not a standard interview. It's pretty grueling," said Yanakakis.
Those who finish with high scores from the assessment process will move on to a series of interviews with town officials.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 07:51 AM
September 11, 2007
WESTON
The town has been able to hold the line on trash fees, thanks to a new contract with the company that incinerates the town's waste.
Public Works Director Robert Hoffman said that fees, which could have changed on Oct. 1, will stay at $190 per household. The new 20-year contract with Wheelabrator of Millbury reduces the per-ton disposal rate from $113 to approximately $75, Hoffman said.
In other trash-related news, the Public Works Department is trying to expand town-wide recycling efforts by placing more recycling bins in schools and other public buildings and making students and staff more aware of the importance of recycling.
In 2006, about 38 percent of incoming material to the transfer station from municipal buildings was recyclable. Hoffman said he hopes to push that rate over 40 percent this year.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 10:13 AM
August 25, 2007
WESTON
The Charles River Watershed Association has received a $5,000 grant from outdoor recreational retailer Recreational Equipment, Inc., better known as REI, that will help the organization continue its antipollution and community education efforts.
The money will help the association, founded in 1965, support clean water advocacy, recreational events such as the annual Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race, a stenciling program that paints reminders not to dump chemicals down drains leading to the Charles River and protection of native species.
The REI grant is one of nine awarded to organizations in the Boston area focusing on either conservation or improving access to outdoor recreation.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 12:35 PM
August 20, 2007
MBTA officials believe Riverside Station is ripe for development
(Globe staff photo by Dominic Chavez)
NEWTON/WESTON/NEEDHAM
MBTA officials said they will request proposals as early as this fall from developers interested in building housing and commercial space at the Riverside T station.
Transit officials also said they have asked aldermen in Newton to solicit input from Auburndale residents who will be affected by the project and and that they will will incorporate those ideas into the design requests. Several neighborhood residents have spoken out against the project, saying the streets are already jammed with auto traffic.
The Riverside station sits on 22 acres close to the borders of Weston and Wellesley, less than a half-mile from Interstate 95 and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
-- Megan Woolhouse
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 01:22 PM
August 19, 2007
WESTON
The town of Weston has three new lieutenants, a captain and a new firefighter on board.
The officers were officially welcomed in a swearing-in ceremony at Town Hall on Aug. 8 -- the first such ceremony that the town has ever held. The ceremony recognized the appointment of firefighter Kevin Burke and the promotions of four others: Dean Munson, Paul B. Nicholas, and Justin Woodside were promoted to lieutenant, and Dwight F. Robertson was promoted to Captain in charge of Fire Prevention.
Town Manager Donna VanderClock said it was a chance to thank them for volunteering to serve the town.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 07:10 AM
July 31, 2007
WESTON
Efforts to refurbish a sidewalk and parking lot next to Weston's Town Green have hit a bump in the road.
The town wanted to accomplish two tasks: replace the uneven sidewalks in front of a strip of businesses at 391-409 Boston Post Road), and ensure that cars using the tiny parking lot in front of the businesses don't encroach on the sidewalk to park.
Public Works Director Robert Hoffman said the town has a ten-foot-wide right-of-way in front of the stores, but the rest is private property, and the town needed permission to go forward. But the owners of the land decided not to allow the town's contractor to do the work, preferring to hire their own. Hoffman said that will make for inconsistent results.
"The parking lot's very uneven, and because we put the new sidewalk in, it's going to look kind of ugly," said Hoffman. "It made sense to do everything at once."
One of the property owners, declined to comment or answer questions on the matter. The other could not be reached.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 12:11 PM
July 24, 2007
WESTON
The state Department of Environmental Protection has fined the Weston Public Schools $5,000 for discharging too much wastewater into the treatment plant that serves the middle school and the high school. Department spokesperson Racheal O'Brien said there were repeated violations in both 2000 and 2006.
The school department is now required to come up with a plan for reducing the amount of water discharged, and to install $20,000 worth of plumbing fixtures that will cut down on water usage. That includes replacing showerheads at the middle school with low-flow plumbing and timers that prevent the showers from running when not in use.
The schools have agreed to make additional improvements, such as installing water-saving toilets, urinals and sinks, if the total cost of the work is less than $20,000.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 02:54 PM
July 23, 2007
WESTON
The town has determined the extent of the arsenic contamination on town-owned land near the Land's Sake Farm Stand.
Town Manager Donna VanderClock said that soil in a 100-by-160 foot area of a former orchard was found to have an unsafe levels of the chemical, which is probably related to pesticides commonly used in the early 20th century. The fields where Land's Sake grows fruit, vegetables and flowers have been ruled safe, and the community farm's director Grey Lee said they had never planted anything in the polluted area.
The Town Engineer, along with environmental consultant Gale Associates, is drawing up a plan for its cleanup. The project will probably done in November, VanderClock said.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 03:24 PM
July 17, 2007
WESTON
Weston's Board of Selectmen is seeking volunteers to fill two vacancies on town boards.
The Weston Historical Commission, which works to preserve historic architecture and landscape in town, needs someone to fill the seat left by Robert Fronk. The time commitment includes meetings every three weeks and additional hours spent on site walks, project work, and coordination with other town boards. Officials are especially encouraging residents with a background in architectural history and preservation to apply.
Selectmen are also looking for someone to fill an added slot on the town Tree Advisory Group, which oversees tree plantings and tree education programs. If possible, applicants should have experience in landscape design and maintenance, officials said.
Officials are urging anyone interested in either position to send a letter of interest with background information to the Town of Weston, Board of Selectmen, P.O. Box 378, Weston, MA 02493. Materials can also be faxed to Selectmen at 781-891-3697 or e-mailed to townmgroffice@westonmass.org.
All applications are due August 10.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 11:35 AM
July 15, 2007
WESTON
Installation of a synthetic turf field behind Weston High School began last week, part of a $12 million initiative to improve the school's fields and athletic facilities.
Georgetown-based Quirk Construction Corp. has been contracted to do the work, which should be done by the middle of September, said Master Field Steering Committee member Bob Crowley.
The high school gym is also getting a face-lift, with a new floor and bleachers, which the town expects will be done by the end of the summer.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 08:22 AM
July 9, 2007
WESTON
An interim principal has been appointed at the Field School to serve through the 2007-2008 school year. Matthew Lucey started work on July 1, according to the school department's human resources office.
Lucey had been the director of technology and libraries for the Weston Schools since 2006, and before that he was director of business and finance for the Littleton Public Schools. He had also served as Weston's director of technology and libraries from 1995-2000. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and master's degrees in education and arts from Boston College.
Lucey is serving as an interim replacement for Margaret MacQuillan, the school's long-time principal, who left the job as of June 30.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 12:19 PM
July 8, 2007
Derek Brown, a member of the first class of men to be accepted into newly-coed Regis College center, is surrounded by female students at orientation.
(Globe staff photo by Suzanne Kreiter)
WESTON
History may remember them as gender pioneers, but they looked more like typical teenagers, wearing T-shirts, baggy pants, and shy grins.
They were the first men to be admitted to Regis College since it was founded by the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in 1927. The college trustees voted last year to go coed in hopes of boosting enrollment at the financially troubled school.
The nearly 60 young men are (forgive the expression) still outmanned at what was the state's last all-women's Catholic college. More than 250 young women are also enrolled in the class of 2011, putting the guys in a minority that isn't likely to equalize for years.
However, all the young men who gathered on campus recently for freshmen orientation seemed pleased about being surrounded by X chromosomes. Especially those who had spent years at all-boys Catholic high schools.
"It feels great to be in the first class of guys," said Derek Brown, 19, of Brighton, a recent Matignon Prep grad who will play on Regis's first-ever men's basketball team. "My friends say I made a smart move."
Read more about the first men to be accepted to Regis in the online edition of today's Globe West.
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 09:06 AM
July 6, 2007
(Globe staff photo by Suzanne Kreiter)
WESTON
After 80 years as an all women's Catholic school, Regis College in Weston prepares to welcome its first co-ed freshman class this fall.
``It feels great to be in the first class of guys,'' said Derek Brown, 19, of Brighton, who is pictured above, meeting some of his classmates.
Look for the complete story in Sunday's Globe West...
-- Erica Noonan
Posted by Erica Noonan, Globe West at 12:14 PM
July 3, 2007
WESTON
Selectmen have voted to begin the process of joining the newly formed MetroWest Regional Transit Authority, paving the way for public transportation links within points in Weston and with neighboring communities, officials said.
A law sponsored last year by local legislators allows towns without fixed-route MBTA bus service to use part of their state public transportation assessment to create regional transit authorities. Donna VanderClock, Weston's town manager, said the town's assessment for the current fiscal year was $233,155.
The six towns currently included in the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority are Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, and Wayland. Sherborn also recently voted to join.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 10:34 AM
June 25, 2007
Alyssa Kane
WESTON
A Weston teenager was the second runner-up to the Miss Connecticut competition, which wrapped up yesterday, the AP reports.
Alyssa Kane, 18, is a sophomore at the University of Connecticut, and currently holds the title of Miss Southern New England.
Kane was eligible for the Connecticut crown by virtue of living primarily in the state while she attends classes.
-- Alex Oster
Posted by Martin Finucane at 02:21 PM
June 11, 2007
WESTON
Weston will start the process of finding a replacement for Fire Chief Edmund M. Walker, who is leaving the department to take the lead job at the Massachusetts Fire Academy.
Town Human Resource Director Lisa Yanakakis said that the town has hired a consulting firm specializing in public safety to organize the recruiting process. The firm, Municipal Resources Inc., is based in Meredith, N.H. Yanakakis hopes that they'll find a replacement as soon as possible, but hopefully within six months.
In the meantime, former Newton Fire Chief Joseph Daniele will be serving as Interim Chief Fire Administrator. State law prohibits anyone over 65 years old from serving as a firefighter, so Daniele will handle only administrative duties. He was to start the job today.
- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 08:31 AM
June 9, 2007
WESTON
Drivers who live in Weston or commute through it might want to take a look at the town website this week.
The town has released its list of scheduled road improvements this summer. Keep in mind, though, that all dates are subject to change based on weather conditions and other circumstances beyond the town's control.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 10:48 AM
June 4, 2007
WESTON
The School Committee meets tonight for its second-last meeting of the 2006-2007 school year, and end-of-the-year business tops the agenda.
The Weston Education Enrichment Fund Committee, also known as WEEFC, will give its year-end report and present proposals for next year. The School Committee will also review and discuss reports on the department's athletic program, next year's School Improvement Plans for Country and Woodland School, and general policies.
The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. in Case House, 89 Wellesley Street. The School Committee's last regular meeting of the year is scheduled for June 18.
- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 02:12 PM
May 30, 2007
WESTON
The Weston School Committee and the union representing the town's teachers have reached a unanimous agreement on a three-year contract.
Year one of the contract, which begins Sept. 1, gives teachers a 3 percent raise, which goes up to 3.25 percent for the second and third years.
The Weston Education Association agreed to increase their members' contribution to their health insurance plans from 10 percent of the premium to 20 percent.
"We are pleased with what we have achieved and for the respectful process that enabled us to get to this result, " said chairman Ed Heller, according to a School Committee news release.
The last round of contract negotiations in 2004 was more contentious after talks stalled over health insurance issues, with teachers picketing and residents taking sides.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 11:44 AM
May 27, 2007
WESTON
Weston's only parade of the year takes place tomorrow, with an old-fashioned celebration of Memorial Day.
The remembrances start at 9:15 a.m. with Weston Girl Scouts tolling the First Parish Church bell, which was cast by Paul Revere. The parade will follow a 10 a.m. Memorial Day service in Town Hall's auditorium, and will feature a honor guard, local veterans in antique cars, and a fife and drum corps.
For more information, visit the town website.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 01:00 AM
May 25, 2007
Environtmental historian Brian Donahue and local resident Jack Williams at the Case Estates.
WESTON
The Board of Selectmen selectmen has voted this week to extend the deadline by which Harvard University has to submit a plan for cleaning up arsenic contamination found on parts of the Case Estates.
Harvard now has until June 13 to submit its plans to clean up the 62-acre former farm, which the town voted to purchase last fall. The land was owned by Harvard's Arnold Arboretum. Recent testing also found similar contamination on nearby land owned by the town. The contamination is believed to have come from lead arsenate, a commonly-used pesticide for apple trees from the early 1900s through the 1960s.
Town Manager Donna VanderClock said that a more permanent fence will be replacing the cautionary tape now surrounding the tainted site. VanderClock said the town is waiting for more test results before deciding how to proceed with the cleanup, but it will probably involve removing the tainted soil and replacing it with clean fill.
Meanwhile, Steven L. Charlip was elected to serve as the board's chairman, replacing Michael Harrity. The board's chairmanship rotates every year.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 06:02 AM
May 24, 2007
Needham High's new rallying cry: "We're No. 1,028!"
(Globe staff photo by Bill Polo)
DOVER/SHERBORN/WELLESLEY/WESTON/
NEWTON/WAYLAND/NEEDHAM
Six schools in Globe West have made Newsweek’s newly released 2007 “America’s Best High Schools” list, including Dover-Sherborn High School, which ranked second highest in the state.
Of the over 1200 public schools on the list, Dover-Sherborn ranked 127th, Weston High School 186th, Wellesley High School 487th, Wayland High School 686th, Newton South High School 714th, and Needham High School 1028th. The state’s highest ranking school was Boston Latin School, which at 76th was the only Massachusetts school to make the top 100.
Rankings are based on only one factor: the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or Cambridge tests taken by all students at a school in 2006 divided by the number of graduating seniors. Newsweek reports that while some critics consider the criteria too narrow, research studies have shown that passing scores on AP exams are a predictor of college success.
Scores from 27,000 public schools were reviewed, meaning schools included on the list are in the top 5% of public schools nationally. Three schools fell off the list from last year: Hopkinton High School, Newton North High School, and Holliston High School.
-- Denise Taylor
Posted by Ralph Ranalli at 06:46 AM
May 8, 2007
WESTON
Oenophiles in Weston will be able to toast a victory after tonight's Annual Town Meeting, although for the moment they'll have to buy the wine elsewhere.
Despite invoking fears of increased underage drinking, retail monopoly and damage to the "unique character of Weston," opponents of a petition to allow wine sales in Weston's only supermarket did not gain enough traction to preserve Weston's status as a dry town.
With 106 votes in favor and 71 against, Weston took the first step towards allowing the sale of alcohol for the first time in at least a century.
Now it will have to go to the legislature and governor for approval before returning to Weston for a vote in next year's town elections.
-- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by ssiek at 12:24 AM
April 4, 2007
WESTON
Weston's Council on Aging is offering senior citizens a AARP driver safety refresher program.
The course covers safe driving strategies, crash-avoidance techniques, recent changes in the law, and how age-related changes affect driving abilities.
The 8-hour course meets April 20 and 27 for two classroom sessions, and costs just $10. You don't need to be a Weston resident to enroll.
For more information or to register, call Fran Kelly at the Weston Council on Aging at (781) 893-0154.
-- Erica Noonan
Posted by Erica Noonan, Globe West at 02:16 PM
March 23, 2007
WESTON
The Fung Wah Bus Company had another mishap this morning when one of its coaches got stuck on a curb in front of a tollbooth on the Massachusetts Turnpike in Weston, police said.
No one was injured, but the westbound bus was not immediately able to continue on its trip to New York, said State Police Lieutenant Eric Anderson.
The bus approached the tollbooth at 8:30 a.m. and drove up on one of the cement lane dividers, Anderson said. It was not immediately clear how many people were onboard.
-- Andrew Ryan
Posted by Martin Finucane at 12:37 PM
March 16, 2007
WESTON
The Weston Field Study Committee is in the thick of $12 million worth of improvements to the town's playing fields and sports parks over the next ten years. The committee updated the Board of Selectmen on its progress last Tuesday.
Committee Chair Bob Crowley, reached after the meeting, said that they are completing "Phase Zero" of the project, which included the conversion of a former septic field between the middle and high schools into a multi-use playing field.
Now designed to accommodate softball, t-ball, soccer and lacrosse, it will be officially inaugurated at Weston High School's first varsity softball game in April.
The last stage of this phase is $1 million worth of improvements to the high school gymnasium - including new floors, bleachers, lighting and sound system - that will begin after school ends in June.
Future phases include the expansion and redesign of College Pond park and improvement of drainage, parking, fencing and irrigation at the town's other fields and facilities.
- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by ssiek at 11:26 AM
March 15, 2007
Open government advocacy group Common Cause Massachusetts has named the Town of Weston as one of just 41 "Stars" in the state for posting key government documents online.
The group examined all of the state's 351 communities to see if they had websites which allowed access to six important sets of documents: the municipal bylaws, the agenda and minutes of the governing body of that municipality, the budget for the current fiscal year, and town meeting warrants and results if applicable.
Weston had all six available on Weston.org, for the second year in a row.
Common Cause Massachusetts recognized the Star communities in a ceremony at the Statehouse today.
Other Globe West communities with Star status include Hopkinton, Newton, Franklin, Bolton, Maynard, Shrewsbury, Stow, and Sudbury.
For a complete listing of how each community rated, go to the Common Cause's Massachusetts Campaign for Open Government site at http://www.maopengov.org/
- Stephanie V. Siek
Posted by ssiek at 07:11 PM
March 14, 2007
The weather is supposed to take a turn for the wintry worse. But at least we could enjoy today, with temperatures peaking near 70. In this photo by AP photographer Chitose Suzuki, Jeffrey Beck of Watertown feeds birds with his nine-year-old son C.J. in Weston this afternoon.
Posted by Martin Finucane at 06:26 PM
March 13, 2007
WESTON
Putting people at ease was so effortless for Alex Jacob Cohn it seemed a birthright.
‘‘Alex was born with a great se | 
