Westfield
Author donates rail trail history to Westfield school libraries
WESTFIELD — Carmel Steger, president of the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail met up with local author Robert Madison at the Westfield Technical Academy library last week to present a copy of his book to the school.
Westfield councilor opposes lithium battery storage
WESTFIELD — During public participation at the City Council meeting Dec. 9, Councilor Dan Allie spoke about the Department of Public Utilities hearing at Westfield State University on Dec. 5 to consider exempting Jupiter Power, LLC. from the city’s zoning regulations for a lithium battery energy storage system on Medeiros Way. He also announced his intention to make a motion to have the council consider a resolution opposing the project.
Westfield City Council allocates $245K toward Powdermill Dam rehab project
WESTFIELD — The project to raise the height of the “high hazard” Powdermill Dam is one step closer to being started after the City Council approved allocating $245,094 for its design and permitting on Monday night.
High school Show Choir shares holiday spirit with preschoolers
WESTFIELD — Before the Show Choir began its program at the Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center on Dec. 9, Director Korey Bruno introduced her students to the preschoolers.
Local families and organizations make generous Toy for Joy donations
The Phelon family and the Roberts family come from different backgrounds to share the desire to help children.
Help the Westfield Food Pantry keep hope alive
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Food Pantry, run by Director Rebecca Hart and her sister, Program Director Melissa Cahalan, is seeking the support of the community in order to maintain operations this holiday season and beyond. Particularly needed are monetary donations to offset costs.
West Side mayor’s salary increased by $30,000 a year
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield Town Council officially raised the mayor’s annual salary from $130,000 to $160,000 during its Dec. 2 regular meeting.
Westfield superintendent says special education reimbursement system is ‘broken’
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.
Westfield High School Community Closet lists greatest needs
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 honors retired coach
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.