Episode 28 - Tackling Listener Questions with Select Board Chair Mike Cooley

Episode 28 - Tackling Listener Questions with Select Board Chair Mike Cooley

In this episode, Stephanie teams up with Select Board Chair Mike Cooley, to tackle local questions, clear up common misconceptions, and bust a few municipal myths about how municipal government really works. We cover the Massachusetts General Laws, local bylaws, home rule charters and what that means for Westminster, as well as, what the Select Board can and cannot do; why Town Meeting matters; public meetings vs public hearings; and all the places residents are able to go for information. Plus, we recap the latest Select Board meeting, including the USA 250th Flag Day recognition, the Westminster Police commemorative patch, Public Safety Building Committee update, year-end transfers, Town Clerk transition, annual appointments, zoning referrals, and more. Big surprise! We also tease the upcoming Town of Westminster app, meant to make our town government even more user friendly and easily accessible! Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

Episode 27 - Summer Starts Here: Westminster’s June Update

This quick solo episode of The Town Crier is a fast lap around Westminster as June gets rolling. Stephanie covers upcoming Parks and Rec events, including JAWS Night at Crocker Pond and the Public Safety vs. Baseball and Softball Coaches game, plus the 5th Grade Flag Day Contest, Historical Society’s Townwide Yard Sale, Farmers Market, Crocker Pond opening, and Westminster’s WooSox Town Takeover Night. There’s also a Select Board recap, an update on the June 1 PFAS informational meeting, reminders about board and committee reappointments, continued work at Academy Hill, and a timely note on black bear activity around town. Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email podcast@westminster-ma.gov — your input makes the show!

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!