Westfield
Sheriff’s picnic draws candidates for statewide positions
SPRINGFIELD — For Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, the annual sheriff’s picnic is less about self-aggrandizing and more about informing the public about the ballot come election time.
Velis presents $100,000 check to upgrade Westfield YMCA’s Camp Shepard
WESTFIELD — State Sen. John C. Velis gathered Representative Kelly Pease, Mayor Michael McCabe, members of the Westfield YMCA Board of Directors, administration and campers at Camp Shepard on Aug. 19 to present a check for $100,000 in state funding for infrastructure improvements at the camp.
Westfield Planning Board delays decision on Southampton Road contractor shop
WESTFIELD — On Aug. 18, the Planning Board continued a special permit, site plan and stormwater permit for Howard Landscaping, operating under ENWC, LLC, to construct a contractor’s shop at 883 Southampton Road until Sept. 15.
STRM: Velis sounds off on recent statewide issues
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” state Sen. John Velis sat down with co-hosts Ryan Feyre and me to discuss data centers, cellphone and social media policies, upcoming ballot questions and opioid settlement funds.
Milleron and Whalen debate ahead of primary, midterm elections
SPRINGFIELD — Two people looking to unseat U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in the Massachusetts 1st Congressional House District met at a debate on Aug. 11 to discuss their politics, priorities and approach. Of those, the most daylight between Nadia Milleron and Jeromie Whalen was in their approach.
Former students attend Fort Meadow walkthrough during bid process
WESTFIELD — Among the interested parties who attended the walkthrough of the Fort Meadow school at 35 White St. on Aug. 7 were several former students who were greeted at the entrance by Mayor Michael McCabe and Leonard Sabia, the city’s director of facilities.
Promotion of agriculture is at the heart of Westfield Fair
WESTFIELD — Volunteers have been busy preparing for the 98th Westfield Fair on Friday, Aug. 21, from 5-10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the fairgrounds on 137 Russellville Road.
Hilltown Hikers to lead a group hike at Tekoa Park in Westfield on Aug. 15
WESTFIELD — The Western Mass Hilltown Hikers will lead a group hike Aug. 15 at 10 a.m. at the reborn Tekoa Park in Westfield on the Westfield/Russell town line, just before the I-90 bridge.
For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger
A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Two separate incidents involving pedestrian accidents occurred on Aug. 4
WESTFIELD — Police said that a woman and a teenager on a bicycle were seriously injured in two separate incidents on Aug. 4 after being struck by vehicles, including one at the crosswalk on Franklin Street, where a wheelchair-bound man was struck and killed in 2024.
