Town Manager's Newsletter

Town of Chelmsford

September 2026

• Sept. 1 Grandparents Support Group
• Sept. 1-2 Back to School
• Sept. 3 Thrive! Memory Cafe
• Sept. 7 Labor Day (Trash Delay, Town Offices Closed)
• Sept. 10 Housing Resource Summit
• Sept. 12 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, Fix-It Clinic
• Sept. 15 CPR Course
• Sept. 16 MassDOT Vinal Sq. Public Hearing, Cholesterol Screening
• Sept. 17 Finding Light Photo Exhibit

• Sept. 18 Skynyrd’s Hatchet Concert
• Sept. 18 Senior Center Welcome Coffee & Tours
• Sept. 19 Story Songs of the ’70s
• Sept. 22 Gentlemen Songsters Open Rehearsal
• Sept. 23 All About Beekeeping
• Sept. 25 Live Scapes Concert
• Sept. 26 Fall Festival
• Sept. 28 Folk Music Open Mic
• Sept. 30 Movie at MacKay
• Oct. 1 & 6 Community Flu Clinics
• Nov. 3 State General Election

I'm honored to join Chelmsford as your next Town Manager, and I want to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share a bit about the path that brought me here.

I'm originally from Oregon, where I grew up and went to college, studying Business Administration. Following college, I moved to San Diego and taught special education and ran a before/after school program at the middle school I worked at. Following a few years in the California sun, my fiancé and I moved back to Massachusetts before our wedding in the summer of 2013, and have been here ever since.

After returning to Massachusetts, I found my way into municipal government, starting as an Administrative Assistant in the City Manager’s office for the City of Lowell in 2014. I moved into the City's MIS department, and while there, I went back to school to earn my Master of Public Administration with a focus in municipal management from UMass Boston. That degree led me back to the City Manager's Office, first as a Data Management Analyst and then, shortly after, as Assistant to the City Manager. When COVID hit, I moved into the Department of Public Works as Deputy Director, helping guide the department through one of the most challenging periods in its history. From there, I went on to serve as Finance Director for the Town of Hamilton, and most recently as Deputy Town Manager in Arlington and Andover - experiences that gave me a full view of what it takes to run a town well, from the budget to the boots on the ground.

My family and I live in Westford, and Chelmsford has been part of our lives for a long time - we've spent countless hours in the community as a family over the years, so this isn't just a new job for me - it's a community I already know and care about. I live just across the line in Westford with my wife and our two children, and our dog Otis. When I'm not at work or spending time with my family, you might find me watching my kids play sports, doing yardwork, playing golf, relaxing at the beach, or firing up the grill.

In the coming weeks, I'll be spending time listening - meeting with staff, department heads, board and committee members, and residents - before making any major decisions or changes. I'm thrilled at the opportunity to work alongside Chelmsford's staff, volunteers, and residents to continue shaping this town into the best place to live, work, and play.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office with questions, ideas, or concerns. I look forward to getting to know all of you.

Get Involved by Volunteering for a Town Board or Committee

The Town of Chelmsford is seeking residents interested in serving on local boards and committees. These volunteer positions provide an opportunity to get involved in Town government and contribute to your community.

There are openings on a variety of boards and committees, and additional vacancies may arise throughout the year. Residents interested in serving are encouraged to apply! Current Committee Vacancies

Retirement of Town Accountant Darlene Lussier

After a 26 ½ year career with the Town of Chelmsford, Town Accountant Darlene Lussier has announced her retirement effective September 7^th. Darlene began her career as the Assistant Town Accountant, learning the intricacies of municipal finance before being promoted to Town Accountant in 2007. She quickly learned that managing a municipal ledger comes with numerous time sensitive deadlines: surviving the crunch time of free cash certifications, balancing numerous Town and School accounts, intense preparations for the financial audit team, and many Town Meetings.

Darlene explained how the incredible team surrounding her made her professional journey so special. She also expressed appreciation: “To the Accounting staff, Town staff, Department Heads, Select Board, and Committee Members; thank you for being the engine that keeps this Town running. I’m proud to have worked alongside you. As I step down on September 7^th, I will deeply miss our daily collaboration, but I leave knowing the Town’s finances are in excellent hands.”

All of us congratulate Darlene on a well-deserved retirement! 

New Town Accountant Heather Russo

Congratulations and a warm welcome to Heather Russo on her recent appointment as Town Accountant! Heather earned an MBA from Southern New Hampshire University with a concentration in Accounting and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Salem State University. Her previous experience includes serving as Town Accountant for the Town of Danvers, MA for over 6 years and for the Town of Shirley, MA.

Heather has been actively working in collaboration with Darlene in the Accounting Office since August 17 to provide a smooth transition following her upcoming retirement. She looks forward to meeting everyone in the near future and serving as a key member of Chelmsford’s financial team.

Food Pantry Trailer Dedicated in Memory of Sandy Donovan

On July 31, the Chelmsford Community Exchange Food Pantry trailer was dedicated in memory of Sandy Donovan, who founded the Pantry in 1993. Sandy began the Pantry during a difficult economic time, when many families were facing job loss, financial strain, and food insecurity. With no funding and no permanent location, she relied on determination, community support, and help from the Town of Chelmsford to begin serving neighbors in need from the lower level of the old Town Hall.

In the early years, Sandy drove her van to food banks in Boston and Worcester to bring food back to Chelmsford. What began through her persistence and compassion has grown into an essential community resource. Today, the Pantry is supported by more than 90 volunteers and serves hundreds of local residents each week.

The dedication was a fitting tribute to Sandy’s vision and lasting legacy. Special thanks are due to Select Board Chair Pat Wojtas for recognizing the importance of honoring Sandy in this way, and to State Representative Simon Cataldo for working with the Town to help secure funding for the new trailer.

Please visit the Food Pantry website for more information about their operations, needs and how to donate.

9/11 Remembrance Ceremony September 12

The Chelmsford Military Community Covenant Task Force invites the community to a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony. Please join us to honor those who perished that day, and first responders who answered the call to serve.

Saturday, September 12

9:00 AM

Chelmsford 9/11 Memorial

50 Billerica Road

Upcoming Meetings of Planning Board, ZBA, and Conservation Commission

The Planning Board will next meet on September 9 and September 23 in Room 204 of Town Offices at 6:30 PM. On September 9 the Board will close the public hearing on proposed zoning articles in anticipation of Fall Town Meeting. Articles include Riverneck Road area rezoning, Boston Road area rezoning, Data Center zoning, and contractor shops/yards zoning. The public hearing will continue for a 2-lot private way definitive subdivision to be constructed on a paper street known as Chestnut Hill Lane.

The August 23 meeting will include a new public hearing for 265-279 Chelmsford Street for the demolition of the existing structure and the construction of a new 4-unit 8,850 sq. ft. retail plaza with associated site improvements.

The Zoning Board of appeals will not be meeting in September.

The Conservation Commission will next meet on September 8 and September 2.

The posted agendas for these meetings will be available on the agenda center of the Town’s website.

Housing Resource Summit September 10

The Housing Advisory Board will host a free Housing-for-All Resource Summit and Tabling Event featuring local, regional, and state housing organizations. Residents will have the opportunity to connect directly with organizations that provide housing resources, support services, education, and advocacy. Attendees can ask questions, gather information, and learn about housing opportunities and support available to individuals, families, seniors, veterans, and residents of all income levels.

Thursday, September 10

Drop in 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Senior Center, 75 Groton Road

Who Should Attend?

• Renters seeking housing resources or assistance
• First-time homebuyers exploring homeownership opportunities
• Seniors interested in housing options and support services
• Veterans looking for housing-related programs and benefits
• Families seeking affordable housing opportunities
• Residents experiencing housing challenges or housing instability
• Caregivers, advocates, and social service professionals
• Anyone interested in learning about housing opportunities and community resources

Learn About:

• Affordable Housing Opportunities: Affordable rental and homeownership options.
• Rental Assistance Programs: Help with rent and housing stability.
• Homeownership Resources: Programs and tools to support homeownership.
• Fair Housing Information: Know your rights and access support.
• Financial Counseling Services: Budgeting, credit counseling, and foreclosure prevention.
• Community Support Programs

Conservation Corner

Why Leave the Leaves?

Do you know that doing less yard work can support pollinators and other invertebrates? Your fallen leaves, brush piles, fallen logs, plant stems and flowerheads are not trash; they are homes for wildlife. 

Many larvae and cocoons of butterfly and moth species nestle down in the leaf litter. Queen bees burrow an inch or two into the dirt and need a layer of leaf insulation to survive the winter. Native bees may nest within stems, flowerheads and pieces of wood. When we remove these "homes," you may also be removing critters that have already settled in.

Overwintering insects are also an essential food source for birds, chipmunks, amphibians, and turtles. By providing habitat for insects throughout the winter, we are indirectly supporting these animals as well.

But what if my spouse or HOA thinks that's too messy? You can find a middle ground! Rake leaves away from walkways and other visible areas and onto garden beds. Consider creating a small, out-of-the-way corner of your yard where leaves and natural debris can remain undisturbed, giving wildlife a safe place to overwinter. 

The Homegrown National Park website explains that leaving leaves where they fall is the most helpful, raking them into beds or under trees is the next best, adding them to compost can damage wildlife but return nutrients to the soil, and burning and bagging is the most harmful to both wildlife and the soil.

Leaving leaves for wildlife, planting native plants, conserving water, and using other environmentally friendly gardening practices may seem like small actions, but collectively they can have far-reaching effects. By creating healthier habitats in our own yards, we can help support the wildlife that depends on them and contribute to the health of our local, state, and national parks and conservation areas.

Sometimes, the best thing we can do for nature is simply leave a little more of it alone. 

The Town of Chelmsford is pleased to welcome Melissa Glidden as our newest Animal Control Officer and the first female Animal Control Officer in the Town’s history. A lifelong animal lover and Chelmsford resident, Melissa brings more than 16 years of experience in veterinary medicine to her new role. Her extensive background as a veterinary technician has provided her with valuable experience in animal handling, understanding animal behavior, and working compassionately with animals and their owners.

Melissa also holds a master's degree in criminal justice, giving her a strong foundation in public safety, law enforcement, and responsible enforcement. She is excited to bring together her professional experience, education, and passion for animals in service to the Chelmsford community. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys reading, camping, playing flag football, and spending time with her family and dogs. A Fun Fact About Melissa: While she may be new to the Chelmsford team, she certainly knows what it means to be part of one. Melissa previously served as a Captain on a Women’s Professional Football team!

We are extremely fortunate to have Melissa join the Chelmsford Police Department. Her 16 years of experience in veterinary medicine, combined with her education in criminal justice and her genuine passion for animals, make her an excellent fit for this position. As a Chelmsford resident, she already has a strong connection to the community she will be serving. We are also proud that Melissa will make history as the Town’s first female Animal Control Officer. I know she will be a tremendous asset to our department and our residents.

Pictured left: original boat ramp. Pictured right: new boat ramp.

The Merrimack River Boat Ramp officially reopened on August 4, following a major reconstruction project that restored an important access point for public safety agencies and recreational boaters. The reopening marks the completion of nearly a decade of planning, coordination, permitting, funding efforts, engineering review, and construction.

Concerns about the condition of the ramp first emerged in 2017 after a fatal jet ski accident occurred in the area. As safety concerns grew, the Chelmsford Fire Department began working with state officials to determine how best to address the deteriorating structure. Those concerns were reinforced in 2018 during a large multi-agency training exercise on the Merrimack River involving MassDEP, Chelmsford, Lowell, and Tyngsborough fire departments, and local police agencies.

Over the following years, the Town of Chelmsford, including the Fire Department, Department of Public Works, former Town Manager Paul Cohen, former State Representative Rodney Elliott, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, the Office of Fishing and Boating Access, the Department of Conservation and Recreation, project engineers, and other partners continued working toward a long-term solution. Progress was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, additional inspections, environmental reviews, permitting requirements, and an unexpected discrepancy involving historical plans from the ramp’s original construction.

Despite those challenges, the project advanced. Kodiak Corporation was awarded the construction contract in January 2026, and work began in April. The completed ramp is now wider, extends farther into the river, and provides improved access for fire apparatus towing rescue boats, strengthening Chelmsford’s ability to respond to water emergencies.

Additional site improvements also make the facility safer and more functional for recreational users. The Chelmsford Fire Department extends its appreciation to the many local, state, and federal partners whose persistence over many years made the project possible.

The reopening represents a meaningful investment in public safety, recreation, and regional emergency response, and reflects what can be accomplished through sustained cooperation.

September 2026 Town Paving Program Update

Paving on Proctor Road

Microsealing, which is a preventative treatment that is much like sealing a driveway, has been completed on Albina Street, Moore Street, Shedd Lane, and Tuttle Road.

Mill and overlay is a pavement rehabilitation measure where the approximate top 2” of the asphalt is milled off of the roadway and a new layer is installed. As for mill and overlay construction, Sierra Drive, Kristin Drive, and Etta Street will be under construction in early September and are planned to be paved in mid-September. Gelding Road is the last road on the mill and overlay list for the 2026 project and is pending construction this September. A portion of Billerica Road will be spot milled as well this September.

The most extensive roadway restoration includes restoration to both the asphalt and subbase payer and this application is known as pavement reclamation. The following streets are under construction as part of the pavement reclamation project: Amble Road and Proctor Road between Acton Road and Park Road has been paved driveway associated work and final project cleanup remains. The second phase of Proctor, which includes the area between Park Road and the Carlisle Town Line is still under construction. Grading continues and pavement will be installed over the next couple of weeks.

Chestnut Hill Road, Galloway Road, and Clarissa Road roadway work will begin in September. Drainage work on both Tadmuck Road and Twiss Road will begin in early September and paving on these streets will occur later in September and potentially into October.

This will wrap up the 2026 Paving Roadway Program, which included approximately $3.5 million of work and 10 miles of roadway funding through State Chapter 90 funds and other Town Capital and previous Free Cash Allocations.  

MassDOT Public Hearing on Vinal Square Safety Improvements September 16

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is inviting residents to an In-Person Design Public Hearing on the proposed Vinal Square Safety Improvements Project in Chelmsford. The hearing will be held on September 16, 2026, at 6:30 PM at the Chelmsford Senior Center, 75 Groton Road.

The purpose of the hearing is to give the public an opportunity to learn about the project and provide feedback on proposed improvements. Planned upgrades include ADA-compliant sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian crossings with curb bump-outs, bicycle accommodations, improved intersection geometry, and traffic signal enhancements designed to improve safety and mobility for all users throughout Vinal Square.

MassDOT will review and consider all comments submitted as part of the project development process. Residents unable to attend can get more information or view a recording of the presentation through the MassDOT Highway Division project webpage. 

Labor Day Trash Delay

There will be no solid waste or recycling collection on Monday, September 7 due to the Labor Day holiday. Collection for the rest of the week will be delayed by one day. Please note that no bulk items are collected during holiday weeks.

The State General Election is November 3, 2026. Polls open on election day 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at your polling location. Or, vote early in person from October 17-30 at the Town Offices Gymnasium (Weekend Hours 1:00-5:00 PM, M-F Regular Business Hours). Or, vote by mail! The application deadline to request a ballot by mail is 5:00 PM, Tuesday, October 27.

More info can be found on the Town Clerk’s elections webpage or the State elections webpage. If you are not already registered to vote, register online, or mail in a voter registration form, or come register in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. The deadline to register to vote is 10 days before the election; You only need to register to vote once, unless you change your name, address, or party. Check your voter status and more online.

New to the Senior Center or interested in learning more about what it has to offer? Stop by for our Newcomer Welcome Coffee and Tours on Friday, September 18 at 10:00 AM. Guests are invited to enjoy coffee and pastries in the Friend’s Café, meet Senior Center staff and other community members, and take a guided tour of the building.

Tours will meet in the Senior Center Library and will include an overview of programs, activities, services, and opportunities available to Chelmsford seniors. Whether you are visiting for the first time or simply want to become more familiar with the Center, this casual drop-in event is a great way to get connected. No registration is required.

Fix-It Clinic

Saturday, September 12, 1:30 - 3:30 PM

Come with your broken items and learn to fix your stuff from local volunteers! Please register to let us know you are coming and what item(s) you need to fix. This is a free event and you can drop-in anytime between 1:30 and 3:30 PM. More information and registration.

Examples of what can be fixed: Clothing/ textiles; Device and computer hardware; Jewelry; Bicycles; Household Appliances; Holiday string lights!!

Contact Jianna Christopher at jchristopher@chelmsfordlibrary.org or 978-256-5521 x1107 with questions or if you are interested in being a fixer.

Our Fix-It Clinics are offered through a collaboration with the Chelmsford Public Library and the Chelmsford Recycling Committee!

There's More at MacKay!

All About Beekeeping, Wednesday, September 23, 6:30 PM

Reel Night Out: Hoppers, Wednesday, September 30, 6:30 PM

The summer concerts are over, but there's More at MacKay, all year round! We've recently installed a new Nook study space, similar to the ones at the main library. These enclosed sound-dampening booths are perfect for focusing on work and even taking calls while having some privacy and not disturbing folks around you.

On September 23, John Hedley, Master Beekeeper, will talk about the history of bee husbandry, the benefits of pollinators, and how you can get started. More information and registration.

On September 30, we'll have a fun animated family movie about humans exploring the animal world! Hoppers is rated PG and is 1 hour, 45 minutes. No need to register!

Chelmsford Public Health: Programs, Events, and Community Connections

The Chelmsford Health Department has been busy developing programs, events, and resources to support the health, safety, and well-being of residents of all ages. This fall, we are excited to offer opportunities to learn new skills, connect with neighbors, access health screenings, and participate in community events.

Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group

On September 1, our new Grandparents Raising Grandkids Support Group will meet from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Room 206 at Chelmsford Town Hall, providing a welcoming space for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and learn about available resources.

Heartsaver® CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Course

On September 15, residents can participate in our Heartsaver® CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Course from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Chelmsford Town Hall and earn a nationally recognized certification.

Cholesterol Screening

We are also offering a Free Cholesterol Screening for Chelmsford residents on September 16 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Room LL06 at Chelmsford Town Hall.

Finding Light Photo Exhibit

Residents are invited to attend the Finding Light Photo Exhibit on September 17 at 6:30 PM at the Chelmsford Center for the Arts, a community showcase highlighting hope, resilience, and connection.

Fall Festival

We also hope you'll join us at the Chelmsford Fall Festival on September 26 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the Chelmsford Town Common, featuring family-friendly activities, community organizations, food, and fun for all ages!

Community Flu Clinics

Flu season is also right around the corner. The Health Department will be offering community flu clinics on October 1 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Chelmsford Senior Center and October 6 at the Town Hall Gymnasium from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Home flu vaccinations are also available for eligible residents who are unable to attend a clinic.

Please note that registration may be required for some programs and events, and space may be limited. For more information, to register, or to learn about additional programs offered by the Health Department, please call (978) 250-5241 or visit our webpage. We look forward to seeing you this fall!