The Town Crier

Episode 26 - Staying Healthy this Summer, PFAS Updates, and Community Happenings

In this episode Westminster Health Director Abby Conlin joins Stephanie to talk about summer health considerations, including mosquitoes, ticks, swimming safety, heat, and seasonal public health reminders. Abby also highlights the upcoming June 1 Board of Health PFAS informational session, including what residents can expect, the state agencies attending, how the public question period will work, and what we know about the upcoming Massachusetts Department of Public Health public health evaluation for Westminster. Plus, a recap of recent Select Board updates, share details on Memorial Day events, JAWS Night at Crocker Pond, the Adams Street 40B hearing schedule, and the Town Wide Yard Sale. Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

Episode 25 - Town Meeting Takeaways & 25 Episodes

Happy quarter of a century (in episodes) to the Town Crier podcast! This is a milestone event packed with some of Westminster’s biggest updates of the season. Stephanie recaps the May 2, 2026 Special and Annual Town Meetings, where all 25 warrant articles passed; including the FY27 operating budget, capital improvements, staffing additions, and some important public safety bylaw updates. The episode also reviews Annual Town Election results, celebrates the official return of Farmers Market season, and highlights upcoming community events including JAWS Movie Night at Crocker Pond, the Municipal Softball Game, and Light the Town Purple in support of Relay for Life Gardner. Listeners will also hear updates on Academy Hill Playground, ongoing landscaping improvements, a reminder about the upcoming June 1st PFAS informational session hosted by the Board of Health, and a well-deserved shoutout to Westminster’s maintenance team for restoring the Academy Hill gazebo floor. Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

Episode 24 - Breaking Down the Budget: Inside the Advisory Board Book

In Episode 24 of The Town Crier, host Stephanie welcomes Advisory Board Chair Lisa Rocheleau to discuss the Board’s vital role in shaping Westminster’s budget and preparing for Annual Town Meeting. The episode also features a Select Board meeting recap, key community updates from the South Street Sentinel, Summer Recreation sign-up dates, and spring beautification efforts around town including town cleanup day, improvements to the gazebo and the refurbishment of the Academy Hill cannon. Stay informed and ready for the Annual Town Election on April 28 and Town Meeting on May 2. Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

Episode 23 - Town Meeting 101: What You Need to Know

Town Meeting season is here, and in Episode 23 of The Town Crier, we break it all down in a way that actually makes sense.This solo episode walks you through what to expect at the May 2 Special and Annual Town Meetings, highlights key warrant articles including the FY2027 budget, staffing requests, capital plan, and bylaw updates and explains how to use the Advisory Board booklet to understand what you’re voting on. We also cover what Chapter 40B means for Westminster and provide an update on the proposed Adams Street project and upcoming public hearings.Plus, a reminder that the Annual Town Election will be held on April 28 from 7AM–8PM at the Senior Community Center. Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

Episode 22 - From Farm Stands to Town Stands: Growing Westminster's Agricultural Roots

In this episode of The Town Crier, we are joined by ML Altobelli, Chair of the Agricultural Commission and a founding member of the Westminster Farmers Market. The conversation highlights Westminster’s agricultural roots, what it means to be a Right to Farm community, and how local farming continues to shape the town’s character and future. We also recap the March 16 Select Board meeting, including key approvals, a Memorial Day military flyover, updates on the Westminster Country Club ownership transition to Westminster Golf Club LLC, and a preview of the FY2027 budget and upcoming Town Meeting articles. Additional updates include information on the Summer Recreation Program, seasonal employment opportunities, and the return of the Farmers Market season. As promised in the episode, the Agricultural Commission’s Backyard Growing Series Pollinator Event will be held on April 23 at 6:30pm at the Westminster Senior Community Center, free and open to the public! Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!