Westfield
Westfield School Committee straw poll favors comprehensive high school
WESTFIELD — One week after the new Westfield River Elementary School opened to students, a straw poll taken by the School Committee after a lengthy discussion revealed that members unanimously support moving forward on a plan to build a comprehensive high school on the site of Westfield High School on Montgomery Street. The straw poll was an unofficial vote to gauge the opinion of committee members.
Health director who navigated Westfield’s COVID response dies
WESTFIELD — Joseph Rouse, Public Health Director who helped the city of Westfield navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, died unexpectedly on Friday, Jan. 10.
Southwick, Westfield students selected for leadership project
A statewide service program known as Project 351 is giving four local 8th graders the opportunity to participate in a year-long journey of service, civic engagement and leadership.
Historic Ghost Talks return on Jan. 30 at First Congressional Church
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Historical Commission is in the planning stages for local events to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution which officially began in April of 1775. The commission invites any local or regional community groups to participate in this venture.
Westfield City Council reelects Beltrandi as president for 2025
WESTFIELD — At the start of a brief rescheduled City Council meeting on Jan. 6, Councilor Cindy Harris made a motion to nominate Ward 5 Councilor John Beltrandi to continue as City Council president in 2025. When no other nominations came forward, the council unanimously approved the nomination.
Community Menorah Lighting on the fifth night of Hanukkah in Westfield
WESTFIELD — Members of the Westfield community joined together on Sunday, Dec. 29 for the Community Menorah Lighting at the Elm Street Plaza on the fifth night of Hanukkah.
Ceremony honors last Troop 109 Eagle Scout before merger
WESTFIELD — Lincoln VanHeynigen was recognized at a formal ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 10 a.m. at the First Congregational Church in Westfield for his recent attainment of Eagle Scout with Westfield’s Scouting Troop 109. In attendance were Mayor Michael McCabe, state Sen. John Velis and state Rep. Kelly Pease.
Penguin Plunge supports of Amelia Park Children’s Museum
WESTFIELD — On Saturday, Jan. 25, a group of intrepid souls will brave the winter waters of Hampton Ponds State Park for the 21st Annual Penguin Plunge, to raise money for the Amelia Park Children’s Museum.
Men accused of killing pet rabbit found dangerous, but released with conditions
WESTFIELD — After a dangerous hearing on Dec. 23 in District Court for two men charged by police for animal cruelty and the malicious killing of a pet rabbit during a Thanksgiving party were found dangerous but released with a host of conditions.
WSU awarded $400K in state aid for behavioral health
BOSTON — Westfield State University was awarded $400,000 by the Healey-Driscoll Administration on Dec. 12 to provide financial support for behavioral health students completing unpaid internships and field placements.