The Town Crier

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 Agricultural Commission and more specifically during our May–October Farmers Market. Don’t miss details on the free Backyard Growing Series starting March 19 at the Senior Community Center. Learn more at: www.westminstermafarmersmarket.com

Plus: Tech Thursdays at the Library, budget season updates, and what’s ahead as we eventually thaw out.
Be sure to follow and listen at AWCM.org, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever you stream and share with a neighbor who likes staying in the loop.

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] — your input makes the show!

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 February vacation events for Westminster kids

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] — your input makes the show!

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 underway, and even when plans change, our commitment to keeping Westminster informed stays the same.

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] — your input makes the show

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 start of budget season, a few details on Massachusetts property valuations and why tax bills changed, the new 2026 tax rate of $11.73, plus updates on the 25th edition of the South Street Sentinel, Annual Town Report photo submissions, community events, progress on Old Town Hall, and a preview of upcoming guests and topics for 2026.

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] — your input makes the show

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 Halloween and community events you won’t want to miss — including the Bonfire at the VFW Field.

Do you have feedback, questions, or ideas for future episodes? Email [email protected] — your input makes the show!