Wayland bans outdoor watering, activates MWRA emergency connection
WAYLAND — Outdoor watering is off the table across town under an emergency declaration from MassDEP, even as Town Hall debuted a redesigned website and the Finance Committee Appointing Board opened a search for five new members.
TOWN HALL
The Department of Public Works' Water Division has imposed outdoor water use restrictions under Section 190-4 of the town bylaws, tied to a MassDEP emergency declaration issued May 13 and Wayland's activation of its emergency connection with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. The town posted the formal notice midday Thursday and a follow-up explainer Thursday morning detailing the MWRA hookup.
The Finance Committee Appointing Board (FCAB) announced Friday morning that it is recruiting five candidates to serve on the seven-member Finance Committee, which shapes the town's annual budget recommendations and reserve-fund transfers. Interested residents should consult the volunteer notice posted to the town's News Flash.
And as of Friday, the town's website itself looks different: Wayland officially launched its redesigned wayland.ma.us, which staff say is intended to give residents and visitors a cleaner online experience for finding department information and services.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Vokes Players close out their run of "Jesus Christ Superstar" Saturday, May 16, at Beatrice Herford's Vokes Theatre on Route 20. Director Jennifer Gasser and music director Shane Stecher have led the Andrew Lloyd Webber–Tim Rice rock opera since May 1. Looking ahead, Vokes is teaming with the Wayland 250 Committee and the Wayland High School theater department for a concert version of "1776" at the high school June 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the town's semiquincentennial celebrations.
The Wayland Museum & Historical Society's "Tracing Liberty" series continues May 31 at 9 a.m. with a "Walk, Wonder, and Discover!" outing at the Town Beach on Lake Cochituate, 25 Parkland Drive. The museum is also promoting tickets for its "Still Standing" historic house tour and continuing to take RSVPs for programs tied to the Rev250 calendar.
At the Council on Aging, the May newsletter is out, and the Community Center at 8 Andrew Ave. will be closed May 19 and May 25. Director Julie Secord's team continues to mark the COA's first anniversary in its building.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Wayland Finance Committee Expands Search For Handful Of New Members" — Patch reports that the seven-member Finance Committee is recruiting candidates to help shape town financial planning, a story the town's News Flash also pushed Friday morning. Per Wayland Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/wayland).
"Wayland Bans Outdoor Water Use Amid Treatment Plant Issue" — Patch frames the new outdoor water restrictions around a treatment-plant problem that triggered Wayland's switchover to the MWRA emergency connection, matching the town's own notice. Per Wayland Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/wayland).
"Historic Wayland Family Business Celebrates 150 Years" — Patch profiles Russell's Garden Center, which has been operated by five generations of the same family on Route 20 since 1876. Per Wayland Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/wayland).
"Wayland Home Sales Climb This Spring" — Patch reports 17 homes changed hands in Wayland during April, a notable uptick from earlier in the year. Per Wayland Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/wayland).
"Sudbury Community Food Pantry Takes Steps to Fight Hunger at Project Bread's 58th Walk for Hunger" — A neighbor-news contribution on Patch highlights the Wayland-based nonprofit's participation in the statewide anti-hunger walk. Per Wayland Patch (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/wayland).
COMING UP
- Saturday, May 16: Final performance of "Jesus Christ Superstar," Vokes Theatre, 97 Boston Post Road. - Tuesday, May 19: Council on Aging closed. - Monday, May 25: Council on Aging closed. - Sunday, May 31, 9 a.m.: Wayland Museum "Walk, Wonder, and Discover!" at Lake Cochituate Town Beach, 25 Parkland Drive.