A National Grid project is taking place at the junction of routes 27 and 126 in the Wayland Center Historic District. Much is quite visible during the day between the Wayland Library and the Wayland Museum & Historical Society. However, night work, which runs from about 10 p.m. to about 2 a.m., on Monday through Thursday nights, involves the closure of routes 27/126 from Millbrook Road to Concord Road. This is when an old substation (or gas gate station) is being moved from the west side of Cochituate Road to the east side. The project began in June and will continue through mid-October. According to the National Grid website, the primary focus in towns like Wayland is the systemic replacement of aging infrastructure. Older cast iron and bare steel gas mains beneath the streets are replaced with durable plastic and state-of-the-art steel piping. The intent is to stabilize system pressure and significantly reduce the risk of gas leaks.
Fire Prevention Week
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week Oct. 4-10, the Wayland Fire Department is reminding residents of the importance of fire safety and taking simple steps to help protect themselves, their families and their homes. This year's theme focuses on the everyday charging habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires: Use the cord and charger that came with the device. Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or bare floor. Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, smells strange, leaks, smokes, or makes popping or hissing sounds. Unplug your device when fully charged. Charge large items such as e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. It's also important to make sure your smoke alarms are working properly and your household has a home fire escape plan in place. To learn more about how to create a home fire escape plan, see tinyurl.com/home-escape.
Hazardous Waste Collection Day
The Wayland Health Department will hold a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Oct. 17. The collection allows residents to safely dispose of waste materials at the Wayland DPW Garage, 66 River Road, between 8 and 11:30 a.m. The event is open and free to all Wayland residents. The collection facility will be accepting a wide variety of materials, including adhesives, oil-based paints, household cleaners, garden fertilizers and more. Items such as latex paint, propane tanks, computers/TVs, batteries, styrofoam, asbestos, radioactive waste, infectious/biological wastes, and prescription medicines, commercial hazardous materials are not accepted. Drop off is by appointment only and registration is required. Registration can be completed at tinyurl.com/hazmat-reg. Questions? Contact the Health Department at 508-358-3617 or [email protected].
HRDEIC Community Resource Guide
The Wayland Human Rights, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee's newly updated Wayland Community Resource Guide — a one-stop directory for programs and support in and around Wayland — is now available. The guide includes: A starting point for help with mental health, food, housing, legal issues, and immigration; Resources for community members of all ages, from youth to older adults; Links to town resources through the Council on Aging, Wayland Youth and Family Services, police and fire departments, and more. It's available online at tinyurl.com/HRDEIC-guide or at public spaces around town, including the Town Building, Wayland Free Public Library, public schools, and Council on Aging/Community Center. Email [email protected] with questions, suggestions, or feedback.
Volunteers sought for advisory committee
The Town of Wayland is seeking five volunteers to serve on the Broadband and Cable Advisory Committee. Members will serve until the contract negotiations are complete. The BCAC is appointed by and reports to the Select Board, and advises the Board on issues relating to broadband internet and cable television (CATV) services provided within the town. The board is the issuing authority that grants CATV franchise licenses to service providers and may otherwise facilitate the provision of multiple competitive broadband providers to the town's residents. Additional responsibilities are required. To apply, send a letter of interest and resume to Select Board, c/o Abigail Warren, [email protected].
World Language Department fundraiser
The World Language Department at Wayland High School is trying to raise money for travel scholarships to send students abroad for all of its language programs (Spanish, Latin, French and Mandarin). For many students, these opportunities can be life changing. Travel introduces students to a different culture and a variety of people, broadens their perspectives, gives them a better understanding of global issues, and pushes them out of their comfort zones. Support the high school's travelship program by donating used goods that will be turned into dollars that directly support the program (extra bonuses for housewares and books). Drop-off is Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., at Wayland High School. Please pledge beforehand by Oct. 31 at tinyurl.com/language-fundraiser so we know what to expect.
