E-sports teams being considered for Westfield Virtual School

by Michael Ballway | Mar 21, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Westfield

WESTFIELD — After successfully duplicating the classroom via the internet, the Westfield Virtual School is looking at an online version of another pillar of high school: sports. “It’s essentially playing video games, but you’re doing it competitively,” Principal Stacy...

Obstacle course helps teach heart health to Westfield kids

by Amy Porter | Mar 21, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Westfield

WESTFIELD — On March 13, Southampton Road Elementary School students from preschool to fourth grade participated in an obstacle course of the circulatory system, as part of the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Southampton Road Elementary School...

Creamery owner awarded for contributions to community

by Hope Murray Tremblay | Mar 21, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Westfield

WESTFIELD — Last month, local business owner Petrina Fondakowski was recognized during a Westfield State University Black History Month celebration. Fondakowski could also be feted this month for Women’s History Month. She could also be lauded every day for her...

Sponsors step in to save Westfield River Wildwater Races

by Mike Lydick | Mar 21, 2024 | Hampden County, Hilltowns, Local News, Westfield

After hearing that the Westfield River Wildwater Races would be canceled this year, Jeff DeFeo couldn’t just go with the flow. The Montgomery resident saw the March 8 notice while wintering in Florida. As a competitor in the races since 1974 and a former committee...

Elected officials lend support to libraries, readers’ freedom

by Tyler Lederer | Mar 19, 2024 | Agawam, Easthampton, Hampden County, Local News, Westfield

AGAWAM — At a legislative breakfast Feb. 16, library advocates told local legislators to prioritize funding libraries and promoted legislation tackling book bans and eBook/audiobook  publishing practices. “Legislators please, I hope you will make library funding...

Westfield singer ‘shocked’ with turnaround on ‘The Voice’

by Tyler Lederer | Mar 14, 2024 | Hampden County, Local News, Westfield

WESTFIELD — Sometimes, Madison Curbelo has to rewatch the recording of her “The Voice” audition, because she still can’t believe what happened. Not only did she advance to the next round, she received chair turns from all four judges. “I was honestly shocked,” said...