Westfield
Fiber profits could fund $11M in Westfield athletic field upgrades
WESTFIELD — Mayor Michael McCabe has asked the City Council for approval of a $11.1 million bond for a new athletic track and field stadium, and improvements to the Boardman and girls athletic fields at Westfield High School, to be funded by utility profits. The...
Westfield pickleball players ask for benches, non-tournament courts
WESTFIELD — Pickleball and park land acquisition were on the agenda at the Parks & Recreation Commission’s meeting on March 25, the first meeting for new member Jessica Stanwood, who was welcomed by Chair Scott LaBombard. Pickleball was first raised during...
Armbrook Village, Springfield College partner for Lifelong Learner classes
SPRINGFIELD — Catherine Banks worked as an associate dean at Springfield College for 28 years. Now, at age 82, she is a student there, enrolled in a strength training and personal fitness class. “Two football players were assigned to me, and every week I would come...
Former Westfield resident finishes ‘Woronoke’ historical novel series
When former Westfield resident Kay Delli Bovi was diagnosed in 2019 with a rare genetic liver disease requiring a liver transplant, she realized that time was precious. Her diagnosis spurred her to not only finish a novel she started 25 years earlier while living...
Former Westfield Senior Center director enjoys new role
WESTFIELD — Tina Gorman isn’t running the city’s Senior Center anymore, but she’s still busy and still involved with many of the programs she shepherded during her term as executive director. After Michael Squindo was hired for the top job at the Westfield Council...
E-sports teams being considered for Westfield Virtual School
WESTFIELD — After successfully duplicating the classroom via the internet, the Westfield Virtual School is looking at an online version of another pillar of high school: sports. “It’s essentially playing video games, but you’re doing it competitively,” Principal...
Obstacle course helps teach heart health to Westfield kids
WESTFIELD — On March 13, Southampton Road Elementary School students from preschool to fourth grade participated in an obstacle course of the circulatory system, as part of the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge. Southampton Road Elementary School...
Creamery owner awarded for contributions to community
WESTFIELD — Last month, local business owner Petrina Fondakowski was recognized during a Westfield State University Black History Month celebration. Fondakowski could also be feted this month for Women’s History Month. She could also be lauded every day for her...
Sponsors step in to save Westfield River Wildwater Races
After hearing that the Westfield River Wildwater Races would be canceled this year, Jeff DeFeo couldn’t just go with the flow. The Montgomery resident saw the March 8 notice while wintering in Florida. As a competitor in the races since 1974 and a former committee...
Elected officials lend support to libraries, readers’ freedom
AGAWAM — At a legislative breakfast Feb. 16, library advocates told local legislators to prioritize funding libraries and promoted legislation tackling book bans and eBook/audiobook publishing practices. “Legislators please, I hope you will make library...
