Week in Review: July 5 – July 11

Westwood, like many towns in the state, endured a harsh heat wave this week, as temperatures soared into the mid-to-high 90s, with Heat Index values reaching as far as 101. As a result, the National Weather Service issued a Heat Advisory, and the Westwood Department of Health and Council on Aging offered ways for residents to stay cool and safe.

As if the heat weren't bad enough, the Dedham-Westwood Water District issued a water ban for the two towns, limiting them to a two-day-per-week lawn watering restriction.

But residents were still able to enjoy themselves, most notably at the Westwood Senior Center. The first part of the Westwood Summer Concert Series kicked off Monday night at the Gazebo near the Senior Center. Later in the week, Stonehill College Professor Gary Hylander reminisced with local residents about Pearl Harbor and America's role in World War II.

While Westwood schools may be for the most part empty of students this summer, the Thurston Middle School will see some activity within the next few weeks. Bids for renovations to the school's sidewalk and roadway are due on July 14, and the construction is planned to be completed in August.

Likewise, the town just completed construction to a first-of-its-kind walking trail on Gay Street, meant to connect a host of local landmarks.

In government news, town officials began following new changes to the state's . Additionally, Town Clerk Dottie Powers swore in a group of newly-appointed and reappointed members to several of the town's boards and committees in a ceremony Wednesday night.

What's more, that the State Senate passed the previous week, of which she voted against.

In sports, . Meanwhile, Westwood American Legion Post 320 rallied back from being down by six against Norwood to winning the game in the sixth inning on Monday night.

In a separate, business-related note, LoJack Corporation recently completed 46 layoffs, half of them from the company's headquarters, located in Westwood.

About this Column: A review of the week in Westwood news.