WESTFIELD — During Finance Director Shannon Barry’s monthly report to the School Committee on Dec. 2, Barry said there is an unexpected deficit of over $1.5 million in special education and transportation in this year’s budget, largely due to several out-of-district placements that came in after the budget was approved in April.
PALMER — The town of Palmer is now considering various options for a permanent ambulance service for the community since the abrupt departure of Palmer Ambulance Service at the end of October.
WESTFIELD — Jill Keenan, Westfield High School English teacher and WHS Community Closet coordinator, recently spoke to the Westfield Education to Business Alliance about the success and continued needs of the closet, which provides needed items to students, faculty and staff at the school at no charge.
WESTFIELD — School Committee member Timothy O’Connor took time at the start of its Dec. 2 meeting to honor Westfield High School Hockey Coach C. B. “Moose” Matthews, who retired quietly a few years ago after a 30-year career.
As the weather turned nippier and Christmas began coming into view, the Toy for Joy campaign gained two important contributions — but still needs more.
The First Church of Christ in Longmeadow hosted its the annual Christmas tree lighting on the Town Green on Dec. 3. Along with the tree lighting, residents participated in Christmas caroling and enjoyed a visit from Santa Claus. The tree lighting ceremony took place directly across from the First Church of Christ.