Westfield
Elks honor Russell teen for contest-winning patriotic essay
WESTFIELD — Makaylah Motyl thought she was in trouble when she was called to the principal’s office at Gateway Regional Middle School. Instead, she received a check as a winner in an essay contest sponsored by the local Elks lodge.
Council cuts $1.17M from Westfield budget to reduce tax impact
WESTFIELD — Faced with a $179 million proposed budget, which would have been a 4.8% increase in spending from the current year, the Westfield City Council made $1.174 million in cuts on June 13, including half of Mayor Michael McCabe’s proposed payment into a fund...
Westfield, Sharon young writers inspire Littleville Elementary students
HUNTINGTON — Littleville Elementary School reading specialist Margaret Petzold arranged a special visit to the school on June 11 from two young authors to speak to second and third graders about writing.
Westfield OKs $11M bond for school athletic fields, stadium
WESTFIELD — After a final pitch from members of the girls softball, soccer and lacrosse teams, the City Council on June 6 passed the second and final vote for an $11.1 million bond to build a new track and field stadium, and refurbish two other athletic fields, at...
Westfield students’ water filtration projects judged by pros
WESTFIELD — Fifth graders at Westfield Intermediate School had their water filtration projects reviewed by industry professionals and community members the morning of May 22 in a culmination of their Project Lead the Way module on the Earth’s water.
Ward 5 going to polls to pick Westfield Light Board member
WESTFIELD — Planning Board member Robert Goyette is running in a June 18 special election for the Ward 5 Municipal Light Board representative. Ward 5 was previously represented by Joe Mitchell, who resigned in November to become Westfield Gas & Electric’s...
Valedictorian lived Gateway ‘to the fullest’ in sports, classes
HUNTINGTON — Alexi Bonenfant of Westfield is the valedictorian for the Gateway Regional High School class of 2024. Bonenfant is the daughter of Matthew Bonenfant, Gateway’s athletic director. She started attending Gateway schools in first grade.
ValleyBike’s new operator not ready to talk expansion yet
NORTHAMPTON — As the busy summer season kicks off, those eagerly waiting for the return and possible expansion of ValleyBike Share will have to wait a while longer. In a recent interview, Dipesh Dar, the co-founder and COO of Drop Mobility, the new vendor running...
Marine vet with local ties publishes book on forgotten war
CHICOPEE — Tom Hebert is racked by survivor’s guilt, and because of it, the former Marine is writing a seven-volume series of books about the Marine Corps.
Westfield Farmers Market ready to supply food, crafts, community
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Farmers Market’s 18th season promises to be full of good, local food, amazing entertainment, opportunities to learn about non-profit organizations and fun activities for the kids. “This year will be my third as manager, and I have learned...
