WESTFORD — Welcome to the March 12 edition of Weekend Wrap-Up. Here, we highlight the most important news you may have missed this week in Westford.
New restaurant to open in Forge Village
Rogers, a lifelong resident and son of Westford’s late fire chief George “Yogi” Rogers, credits his father as an inspiration for his work ethic. He tells WestfordCAT that his father inspires him during this time to “Work hard and give back to your community.”
Rogers previously ran and owned the Fireside General Store in Tyngsborough. “It’s always something I’ve loved doing- cooking,” Rogers told WestfordCAT.
Rogers began his work on the “Village Shop Breakfast and Lunch” after Chris Yule, the landlord of the building, offered him an opportunity to open a restaurant in Forge Village. Rogers notes he grew up across the street from the location. “I’m a townie, always have been,” Rogers said.
After spending a year in retirement and traveling, Rogers returned to Westford to open what he saw as a “necessary” place to the community.
“It’s a labor of love… I could have stayed retired. I’m not doing this to make a lot of money. I’m doing it because it’s a needed part of the community. And if I can make a buck at the same time, fine. But… it’s the point of having a meeting place for people in the Village to come hang around, shoot the breeze, read the paper, and have something to eat,” Rogers said.
The menu will have a “typical” American breakfast “with a couple of things added.”Rogers plans to wake up at 4 a.m. and do all of the cooking himself. He wants to provide “real,” “filling,” and “delicious” food.
WestfordCAT to offer extended hours
WestfordCAT will now be offering extended hours to better serve our community.
WestfordCAT is now open on Thursdays until 8 p.m. and on Saturdays by appointment only.
Ryan Cozzens and Quinton Center will be available for camera lessons and can assist with editing and studio productions on Thursday nights until 8 p.m.
Send an email to Ryan at rcozzens@westfordcat.org or Quinton at qcenter@westfordcat.org to make an appointment.
WATCH: Project overview of 51 Main St. proposal
After years of planning, a proposed town center building is returning for consideration at Town Meeting after being rejected by voters in October on procedural grounds.
The expansion would replace the existing town center fire station at 51 Main St., which was decommissioned after it was replaced with a new station on Boston Road.
The proposal was unanimously recommended by the Select Board and recommended in a 4-3 vote by the Finance Committee. The project is slated to cost $12,400,000, up from a $12,100,000 estimation in October.
WestfordCAT has created a number of short videos with members of town administration to inform voters ahead of Annual Town Meeting on March 25.
Westford Academy teacher publishes first book, uncovers story of Anna Rosenberg
From practicing law to teaching modern history at Westford Academy, high school teacher Christopher Gorham has published his first book.
The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win World WWII and Shape Modern America details the story of Anna Rosenberg, an influential figure throughout a number of 20th Century presidential administrations.
Gorham found inspiration from a photograph of Rosenberg five years ago. The black and white photo depicts Rosenberg with former President Harry Truman.
“It came through a fortunate accident, I saw a picture of Anna Rosenberg with President Truman and it said ‘Assistant Secretary of Defense,’” he said. “I thought, ‘who is this person, I’ve never heard of her.’”
Gorham quickly realized that Rosenberg, a Hungarian immigrant, who, through her quick wit and political acuity, served as an adviser for several presidential administrations, had little historical record of her achievements.
“History has been such a big part of my life from the time I was very very young, and it’s very gratifying to get to this next level and have a book come out,” Gorham said.
Gorham says Rosenberg’s story is inspiring not only to women, but to anyone who is an engaged citizen wanting to make changes in the U.S.
“I got a lot of nice feedback. It makes my heart feel wonderful that people are getting her story and resonating with it,” Gorham told WestfordCAT.
Gorham will host a book signing event at the Westford Museum on March 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sales for the book began on Feb. 21.
Planning Board slated to approve proposed gun shop
A gun shop proposal, which has received overwhelming public comment from residents, is slated for final approval at Monday night’s Planning Board meeting.
The board would review and approve its draft decision, which would authorize a change in use from Professional Office to Light Manufacturing at the 359 Littleton Rd. property.
Jeffery Steinbrecher, a Boston-based attorney and owner of Legal Arms Co., has plans to convert 600-square-feet on the second floor of the property, which also houses Ledgeview Graphics and Printing.
The Planning Board unanimously approved its draft site plan review for the shop on March 6.
New mural promotes spirit, inclusivity at Day School
A new mural — promoting kindness and spirit within the Day School Community — was recently unveiled in a ceremony on Friday.
The mural greets students and staff with bright colors and artwork as they enter the building, replacing what Grade 5 Teacher Megan Eckroth refers to as the “prison gray” wall.
“It’s amazing how it’s become the spirit of Day School,” she told students and guests during a speech. “We called it the prison gray wall, but now it’s this great thing.”
Faculty, such as Jason Fligg, a 4th grade teacher at the Day School, noted his excitement with the new mural.
“There’s no way you can’t look at this without feeling happy,” he said. “Proud is what we all should feel today.”
Students shared Fligg’s excitement, with one student feeling “happy and excited to learn” when viewing the new mural.
Rep. James Arciero, as well as members of Westford’s School Committee, were in attendance.
“It’s such a benefit to the school. I’m moved by it,” School Committee Chair Chris Sanders told WestfordCAT. “It really just brightens up the school and anybody who walks in.”
