Week in Review: September 6 - 12

Students in Westwood returned to school this past week for the 2010-2011 school year. And at some of the town's schools, students may have noticed some upgrades that were carried out prior to the first day.

Gearing up for the State Primary this coming Tuesday, State Senate candidates Michael F. Rush (D-10th District Suffolk), Brad Williams (R-West Roxbury) and newcomer Michael Walsh gave their views on bringing casinos into the state, the state of neighboring schools in the West Roxbury area, and the future of green jobs in the current economy.

Walsh, a Westwood resident, submitted two letters to Westwood Patch, touching on small businesses in the recession and asking for an apology from opponent Rush. What's more, Westwood resident and School Committee member John J. O'Brien submitted a letter asking local residents to support Walsh in Tuesday's election.

On the congressional side of the race, State Congressman Stephen Lynch called out opponent Mac D'Alessandro for sending out "negative" mailings to potential voters. And with no Republican running in the race for the Norfolk District Attorney's office, the three running Democratic candidates were looking to cross the finish line on Tuesday.

With the beginning of school also came the beginning of the fall sports season for Westwood. The Westwood High School's soccer and volleyball teams started their season under the lights, while Westwood field hockey fell to Bellingham in the season opener. 

Meanwhile, Westwood beat Medfield in the football home opener Friday night, while the high school's new cross-country coach was looking for strong season ahead.

In other news, a Westwood resident prepared to walk in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk, officials detected the presence of West Nile Virus in Westwood, and the Westwood Planning Board approved the application for a residential business in town to move forward with renovations.

Last, but not least, Westwood Patch continued its Meet the Chefs series, profiling Bret Pelaggi of Chiara Bistro, who offered to share with us one of his favorite fall recipes.