Westfield
Roundtable celebrates early lit success, highlights new initiative
SPRINGFIELD — During a May 22 literacy roundtable event at Edward P. Boland Elementary School in Springfield, local education leaders discussed projects across multiple school systems to improve early literacy in Western Massachusetts, including the state’s Literacy Launch initiative.
Westfield Planning Board to decide on City Hall LED sign
WESTFIELD — Mayor Michael McCabe is seeking Planning Board approval to place an electronic sign in front of City Hall.
Westfield team to host vintage ‘base ball’ festival in Suffield
A Westfield team is among eight vintage baseball teams from throughout the Northeast that will gather for some old-fashioned baseball bliss play at the first-ever Old Tyme Base Ball Festival in Suffield, Connecticut, next month.
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.