Wayland Cultural Council selects three utility box designs, approves welcome banner

WAYLAND — March 14, 2023 — Wayland Cultural Council picks three utility box designs and approves a "You Belong Here" diversity banner. Meeting March 14, the council voted unanimously to commission three winning designs out of nine submissions — including one from a Wayland High School student — with a $500 contribution from the Lauren Dunn Astley Memorial Foundation funding the third box. Member Jane Purser, who led the selection, said she would coordinate prep work with DPW and aim for April painting. Members also unanimously approved the first of five draft banners from local artist Shira Bastin, pending corrections to the Arabic and Farsi translations. Separately, the council confirmed a $2,000 Lauren Dunn Astley grant for a temporary "Go Outdoors" door installation on the Rail Trail, awaiting final approval from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. The council declined to co-sponsor a March 23 forum on school-based microaggressions, citing concerns about precedent.