The Town Crier

In this episode of The Town Crier ,  Stephanie shares Fourth of July and summer updates for Westminster, including the delivery of the Town’s official 250th anniversary reproduction of the Declaration of Independence by Representative Kim Ferguson’s office and the return of patriotic bunting on Town buildings and properties. This episode also includes a recap of the June 29 Select Board meeting, a...

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; pu...

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 N...

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,...

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 episo...

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 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 wh...

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, includin...

In this episode of The Town Crier, we are joined by Tom Paquette of Pillar & Post LLC, the new-ish owner of Westminster’s historic Old Town Hall. Tom shares what drew him to the project, his vision for restoring the building, and how the redevelopment will preserve one of Westminster’s most iconic landmarks while giving it new life. We also recap the March 2 Select Board meeting, share results...

In this solo administrative update, we recap the February 23 snow state of emergency, thank our incredible DPW and public safety teams (seriously, they’ve been outstanding), preview the rescheduled Select Board agenda. We also launch a brand new, spring centric segment: Farmers Market Minute your go-to source for spring gardening tips, backyard growing info, and everything happening with our Agric...

Stephanie is back with her first guest of 2026, Police Chief Matt LeMay. They discuss what brought him to Westminster, what he’s learned about the community so far, small-town policing, staffing, and the department’s new public-facing Police Bulletin. Plus, she debuts a new Select Board Meeting Recap segment covering key highlights from the February 9 meeting, and share details on Parks & Rec...

Episode 18 is a short, solo update after Winter Storm Fern threw a wrench into our regularly scheduled programming. Stephanie recaps the storm (nearly two feet of snow, no power outages or major issues), thanks DPW and Public Safety; she shares important winter safety reminders, and explains why the Select Board meeting and a new segment debut had to be rescheduled. Budget season is officially und...

In this year-in-review episode of The Town Crier, Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen looks back on 2025 and sets the stage for 2026. The episode reflects on how the podcast began, what residents asked about most, and the most-listened-to episode of the year featuring Select Board Clerk Mike Cooley, with thanks to Ash West Community Media, and all who helped share the show. You’ll also hear the...

It’s that time of year again. Special Town Meeting, trick-or-treat, and plenty happening around Westminster! In this episode, Stephanie breaks down the six articles on the draft November 18th Special Town Meeting warrant, explains common Town Meeting buzzwords (like Free Cash and Stabilization), answers listener questions about the local motel and updated FEMA flood maps, and runs through all the...

Thanks for tuning back in after our short hiatus! In this episode, we’re catching up on all the happenings around Westminster over the last six weeks.  Stephanie shares updates on the swearing-in of Police Chief Matthew LeMay, the ongoing Old Town Hall restoration, and the MBTA Communities bylaw passing at the September 16, Special Town Meeting. We’ll also cover fall highlights including the 10th...

This week on The Town Crier, Health Director Abby Conlin joins us to cover flu clinics, rodent concerns, home kitchen permitting for local bakers and food enthusiasts, and the everyday permits handled by the Health Department. We also dig into well water vs. town water, Title 5 bedroom rules, the new ADU bylaw, and seasonal reminders on ticks and mosquitoes. Abby shares the latest on PFAS and how...

Stephanie recaps Summer Rec, previews Benefit Day and the Firefighter Muster, and shares updates on planned MBTA Communities Special Town Meeting, and a little about back-to-school. Notice: Town water users should expect a letter this weekend about elevated TTHMs—contact DPW with questions. Feedback, questions, comments and suggestions for content always welcomed at podcast@westminster-ma.gov 

In this episode, we’re joined by Planning Director Ryan Doherty for an in-depth look at two of big topics in Westminster: the Master Plan Update and the upcoming MBTA Communities zoning article. Ryan walks us through how residents can get involved, key dates, the survey currently underway, and a lot of important details about the MBTA Communities law. We also recap the Fire Department’s 200th anni...

Taxes don’t have to be a mystery! In this episode of The Town Crier, Treasurer/Collector Melinda Horrigan joins us to break down how your tax bills are calculated, when and how to pay them, and what to do if you fall behind. We cover real estate taxes, motor vehicle excise tax, online payment options, and common myths residents often have about the process. Plus, Academy Hill Park is officially op...

Happy Fourth of July, Westminster! In this special holiday episode, Stephanie sits down with Fire Chief Kyle Butterfield and Acting Police Chief Jason Tamulen, for a full rundown of practical tips to keep your family safe this summer. From fireworks rules and backyard fire and water safety, heatwave preparedness, and what to do during large gatherings.  Plus, get the latest on, Academy Hill Park s...

In Episode 9 of The Town Crier ,  Town Administrator Stephanie Lahtinen goes solo to answer a wide range of listener questions. Topics include the town’s fiscal year, Town Meeting basics, cell coverage, and updates on hot topics like the Westminster Country Club, Old Town Hall, and Academy Hill Playground. Stephanie also shares community announcements, including the June 14 Town-Wide Yard Sale and...

In this episode of The Town Crier, we welcome Tyler Careau from Westminster’s own Boy Scout Troop 33. Tyler shares insights into his Eagle Scout journey, past Eagle Scout projects completed in town, the impact of Scouting on local volunteerism and the story behind his Eagle Scout project at the VFW Pavilion. If you’d like more information, Tyler can be reached at vfwpavillioneagle@gmail.com. We al...

In this episode of The Town Crier, we break down the results from Westminster’s Annual Town Meeting and Town Election, including voter turnout, key bylaw changes, and capital investments. We reveal the winning name for the new Academy Hill Playground and answer listener questions about what happens to surplus town property like old vehicles and office equipment. Our featured guest is Select Board...

In this spring update, we dig into two vital town topics. First, DPW Director Josh Hall, joins us to discuss the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Westminster running. From road maintenance, to  stormwater management, landfill logistics, and his role as Tree Warden. Then, Caroline Albert, Land Use Administrative Assistant, shares an important update on Westminster’s new senior housing. Learn how t...

In this episode of The Town Crier, we’re joined by Parks & Rec Chair Alison Hay and Community Services Director Audra Kirtland for a look at everything from summer rec sign-ups and community events to the importance of volunteers in Westminster. Audra also shares insight into her broader role supporting seniors, our volunteer boards, and the South Street Sentinel. Plus, we break down what to e...