Director Pat Savage – Next Steps!
Pat Savage, Director of Westford Parks, Recreation and Cemetery, retired on October 13. “She is leaving us with very big shoes to fill,” claimed Westford Town Manager, Jodi Ross.
Pat Joined the Town of Westford in February of 2002, becoming the first to direct a newly expanded Department of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery. As the new Director, Pat was tasked with cost recovery for town assets, such as Westford’s fields, as well as the development and management of a recreation enterprise fund. As part of that effort, Pat managed field maintenance, permitting, and facilitation of sports user group agreements, providing the community with fee-based field usage for soccer, baseball, cricket, and more.
Over time, Pat established a variety of effective programs that supported community needs, while addressing cost recovery goals towards realizing a self-sustaining enterprise fund. The offerings included the flagship program, Westford Partnership for Children (WPC). Pat, along with the previous Assistant Director, Sandra Habe, forged a partnership with Westford Public Schools to create a safe and pragmatic program for parents in need of an affordable, high-quality after school enrichment program. Initially starting with the Abbot Elementary School, the WPC program was so successful that it expanded to all of Westford’s elementary schools. Soon after, Blanchard and Stony Brook schools sought out WPC to take over their existing Middle School program. That program, now known as the WPC Middle School Rec Club, is tailored for students in grades 6 through 8. The WPC program serves eight public schools in Westford, and Session One of 2017 is experiencing the highest enrollment numbers ever.
For summer coverage, Pat supervised the creation and growth of Parks & Recreation summer weekly programs, expanding programs such as Kids Club, for ages 4 to 13, and creating new programs such as Leadership, an innovative “counselor in training” program that focuses on children entering grades 9 through 11.
Pat’s background made her uniquely qualified for her Director role in Westford, as a recreation expert, a coach of basketball, field hockey, softball, and volleyball, and an athlete playing a range of sports including softball, volleyball, and golf. During her career at Mount Ida College, “Professor Savage” taught Physical Education and Recreation majors, and was hired as the Program Director for the Department of Recreation Services, culminating in a promotion to Department Head of Physical Education, Recreation, and Leisure Services. While at Mount Ida, Pat was recognized as the National Junior College Athletic New England Regional Coach of the Year for volleyball, and was in the Mount Ida College Athletic Hall of Fame for her role bringing the athletic department from NJCAA to NCAA Division 3 status. From Mount Ida, Pat acquired seven years of hands-on experience as Recreation Supervisor in Newton, MA followed by eight years as the Director of Recreation for the Town of Sudbury, MA.
The Westford position for Director of Parks, Recreation and Cemetery offered Pat the responsibility and authority to manage a more complex department, a challenge she met with resolve and passion. Throughout her career as Director, Pat kept costs in check, and operations running smoothly – she also made sure that families in the community were well served: “You can’t put a price tag on a child’s smile,” Pat noted during a recent discussion with her staff.
We will miss Pat, and wish her the very best as she moves forward in this next phase of her journey. Westford Parks & Recreation is actively seeking a new Director for the department.
Westford Partnership for Children (WPC)
After School Enrichment for Grades K-8
WPC Session 2 is on the horizon, starting on October 30 and running through December 22. This session
offers a variety of activities, such as Chess Wizards, American Sign Language, Intro to STEM with Lego®,
Marcus Lewis Tennis, and No-Bake Cooking, along with favorites like Dodgeball, Knitting, Capture the Flag, Puppet Making & Story Telling, and Creative Science.
Register for WPC at any point during a session. Registration Forms can be found at 22 Town Farm Road,or visit westfordrec.com.
Spooky fun in Salem with the WPC Special Program on October 10th
(Professional Development Day Full-day Coverage)
WPC offered a fantastic “seasonal” visit to Salem, MA with upwards of 40 students in tow. Grades K-2 students started the day with a visit to the New England Pirate Museum, while grades 3-5 and 6-8 explored the Salem Witch Museum. Later in the day, all students headed to the Salem Wax Museum to learn about the history of Salem’s seafarers and witch trials. After a picnic lunch on Salem Wharf, students finished up with a tour of the House of Seven Gables as well as the birthplace of Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Westford Parks & Recreation After School Enrichment Program for K-8 provides a safe, stimulating, and fun environment Monday through Friday, from school dismissal until 5:45 p.m. WPC has proudly served eight Westford Public Schools for over ten years. To learn more, visit About WPC on westfordrec.com. Westford Partnership for Children (WPC) is a Parks & Recreation sponsored After School Enrichment Program in collaboration with Westford Public Schools.
Westford Community Rowing (WCR)
The WCR regatta season will be closing this fall with the renowned Head of the Fish Regatta on Sunday, October 29.
Located at Fish Creek in Saratoga County, New York State, this event is called "Head" of the Fish because it is a "head race" – a form of racing that requires rowers to race against the clock. Rowers completing the course in the shortest time within their category are awarded lacquered fish heads. Good luck to Coach Sevick, Coach Lumbard, and all WCR competitors!
Westford Community Rowing (WCR) offers programming for middle school, high school, and adult athletes from all athletic backgrounds and experience levels. To learn more, visit About WCR at westfordrec.com. For additional information, contact Coach K.C. Lumbard at klumbard@westfordma.gov.
Upcoming Parks & Recreation Programs
SQUIRTS AND YOUTH:
Intro to STEAM
(Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math):
Ages 2.5-4, Session 2 start date: October 18.
*No-Bake Cooking for Little Chefs:
Ages 3-5, Session 2 start date: October 30.
Golf – Junior Indoor Lessons:
Session 2 classes start in early November;
Tuesday and Saturday options.
ADULTS:
Cardio and Fitness Fun:
Session 2 start date: November 1.
CPR, AED, and First Aid:
Next two training dates: October 25, November 15, December 6,
January 18, February 15, and March 15.
Visit: 22 Town Farm Road, Westford, MA 01886 | Call: 978-692-5532 | Or Register Online @: westfordrec.com