Westfield
Westfield utility celebrates 125 years, excited for fiber-optic growth
WESTFIELD — Westfield Gas & Electric invited its 140 employees to a lunch meeting on May 15 at the Great Awakening Brewing Company on Mill Street to celebrate the municipal utility’s 125th anniversary. Guests also included retirees and elected officials, including Mayor Michael McCabe.
Garden celebrating 90th year as downtown Westfield oasis
WESTFIELD — There is a place in the heart of downtown called Grandmothers’ Garden, a special spot celebrating a major event this summer. A memorial to “Grandmother Steiger,” the garden is celebrating its 90th anniversary with public events, fundraisers and improvements to the fragrant and colorful oasis in Chauncey Allen Park.
Westfield, state working together on redesign of I-90 interchange
WESTFIELD — City officials met with representatives of the state’s Department of Transportation last month to “initiate” the reconfiguration of Exit 41 on the Massachusetts Turnpike. “We initiated the project with [MassDOT] and are waiting for their feedback,” City...
Ad campaign questioning where Whip City Fiber profits go
WESTFIELD — A statewide group is calling foul on Westfield’s plans to build $11 million of high school sports fields using revenues from Whip City Fiber, some of which are generated outside Westfield. A new stadium and two renovated fields on the Westfield High...
More aid found for Westfield schools, but jobs will still be cut
WESTFIELD — The School Committee voted 6-1 to approve a budget after adding $1 million from reserve accounts and free cash. Committee member Michael Tirrell, the sole “no” vote on May 6, said he would not support the budget, because he felt strongly that one of the...
Free tree planting in Westfield will expand beyond downtown
WESTFIELD — The Greening the Gateway Cities tree planting program, formerly confined to downtown sections of wards 2 and 3, is expanding its eligible planting zone to encompass all environmental justice neighborhoods in Westfield, increasing the area where the...
Student-built home now finished, purchased in Westfield
WESTFIELD — At the ribbon cutting for the new home at 64 Mill St. built by students of Westfield Technical Academy, Matthew Gomes, head of the construction technology department, took a few minutes to acknowledge the hard work of students in the construction technology, electrical wiring and horticulture technology departments.
Westfield honoree finds comfort zone at Boys & Girls Club
WESTFIELD — When Emily Frangie, 18, began using acrylics years ago to paint landscapes, her skies were dark and the trees forlorn. Sheltering at home and tormented by bullies, painting helped her cope with the loneliness and express what she was feeling.
Frangie is more likely to paint sunshine and blue skies these days. The Westfield teenager has turned her life around and been named Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield.
Westfield culinary, media students mix for Chef Showdown
WESTFIELD — On the third day of the third annual Chef Showdown at Westfield Technical Academy, a collaboration between the culinary arts department and radio and television broadcasting, a division of graphics arts, the teams had been narrowed down to two who were competing for the win.
Matthews-Kane announces plans to run against Rep. Pease
WESTFIELD — City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane recently announced she will run for state representative in the district that includes Southampton and most of Westfield. She will run as a Democrat. The district is currently represented by state Rep. Kelly Pease...