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WESTFORD — Welcome to the July 3 edition of Weekend Wrap-Up. Here, we highlight the most important news you may have missed this week in Westford.
Rankings show a number of ‘bests’ for Westford Schools
A number of rankings for Westford schools and the community were released, with the town receiving high marks according to U.S. News and World Report and Niche.com.
Westford Academy was ranked 25th among Massachusetts’ high schools, according to U.S. News and World Report. The publication reports 58% Advanced Placement participation rates among students.
Regulars and vendors navigate new farmer’s market venue
Just in time for the summer season, the Westford Farmers Market has returned with a new location, the Roudenbush Community Center.
Previously held at the Town Common, parking could serve as a challenge to both shoppers and vendors at the Farmers Market. The Roudenbush Center not only provides wider parking, but also offers nearby restrooms, wastebaskets, and on-site management. A playground is also provided for the children, creating a more family-friendly environment.
Additionally, the Roudenbush Community Center’s facilities allow the market to move indoors on days with inclement weather — as opposed to canceling the event.
Whether they were a regular attendee or a first-time vendor, many people found the new location to be suitable.
Looking to save money on gas in Westford this summer? Get E-ZPass
Westford residents looking to save on gas this summer can take advantage of a new promotion.
E-ZPass recently partnered with PayByCar, a new system that let’s drivers make purchases behind the wheel. Users can sign up and link your account to your E-ZPass transponder and add a credit or debit card to make purchases.
Alltown and PayByCar have partnered to offer a 30-cent-per-gallon discount at 27 participating Alltown locations, including a station on Littleton Road in Westford. At the time of reporting, customers could purchase regular gasoline for $4.89 per gallon.
The promotion lasts from Sunday, July 3 through Labor Day. A full list of participating locations can be found here.
Recreation feasibility report released, findings to be presented to Select Board
Discussions of a recreation facility in Westford date back to 2003, but remained dormant until the release of a 2016 Recreation Master Plan, which encouraged the town to study the feasibility of a recreation center.
A feasibility study was later approved at Annual Town Meeting in 2017, with voters committing $100,000 in funding for the study.
“As far as the primary goals of the feasibility study, it was to determine if it makes sense from a financial perspective. [Also] where we could site this facility,” Parks and Recreation Commission Vice Chair Chris Barrett told WestfordCAT in a May 24 interview.
Hundreds of residents have expressed support for a potential center, with a June 23 change.org petition having reached over 500 signatures at the time of reporting.
Supporters noted savings on travel, additional business in town and inclusive programming as to why they supported a recreation center.
The Parks and Recreation Commission is slated to appear before the Select Board on Tuesday, June 28 to present its findings. The board may consider support for sites located near Abbot School or Farmer Way.
Recycling Commissions to host composting education, demonstrations
Members of the Recycling Commission are gearing up to teach residents about composting.
“Composting diverts food wastes from the trash and reduces the high cost of Westford’s trash collection which increased 9% this year,” wrote the Recycling Commission in a news release. “Composting is a powerful tool to reduce Westford’s trash.”
Residents will be able to purchase Earth Machine backyard composters during the demonstrations. Composters are $25 per bin.
The commission is hosting three separate events on Saturday, July 23, Saturday July 30 and Saturday Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Demonstrations will be held at the Highway Department.
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