Westfield
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.
Comfort Bagels opens in downtown Westfield
WESTFIELD — The city’s newest business, Comfort Bagels, began in the kitchen of its Founder/owner Janet Blake during the coronavirus pandemic, when she, like millions of others, started baking bread to fill those empty days during the pandemic lockdown.
Pancake breakfast to raise money for local charities
WESTFIELD — WMCD Inc., a youth-based nonprofit that raises money for local charities is hosting its third annual Pancake Breakfast on Dec. 7.
Thanksgiving food drive helps families across school district
WESTFIELD — “This will be so many years of us doing this that I can’t remember,” said Susan Figy, co-chair with Ralph Figy, Eileen Jachym and Jimmy Jachym in the lead up to putting together 200 meals for families who need them in the Westfield Public Schools.
Whip City Animal Sanctuary honors farmers donation
WESTFIELD — The Whip City Animal Sanctuary family of volunteers and friends honored William Reed on a chilly and damp Saturday morning, Nov. 23, to thank him for his gift of 11 acres to the home for rescued and surrendered farm animals, many of whom have been neglected and abused.
Downtown Westfield designated as one of three cultural districts
WESTFIELD — The Mass Cultural Council has designated Westfield as one of three new cultural districts, along with Holyoke and Watertown, capping a recent two-and-a-half-year effort by city officials, area arts organizations, individual artists and the Westfield Merchants Association. For some, the effort goes back more than a decade.
Breakfast with Santa back at WSU
WESTFIELD — The eggs, home fries and carved ham may be enough to draw parents to Westfield State University on Dec. 7, but the children will be there to see the guest of honor — Santa Claus.
Jillian Battles fills 800 bags for troops 4th year in a row
WESTFIELD — Over the weekend of Nov. 9, Westfield High School senior Jillian Battles completed her mission of filling 800 “Bags for Bravery” for active troops and veterans with everything from personal care items and throw blankets, to notebooks, pens, pencils and playing cards to a wide range of snacks.