Westfield

Westfield singer ‘shocked’ with turnaround on ‘The Voice’

By Tyler Lederer | Mar 14, 2024

Westfield singer ‘shocked’ with turnaround on ‘The Voice’

WESTFIELD — Sometimes, Madison Curbelo has to rewatch the recording of her “The Voice” audition, because she still can’t believe what happened. Not only did she advance to the next round, she received chair turns from all four judges. “I was honestly shocked,” said...

By Cliff Clark | Mar 14, 2024

National Guard hears Westfield concerns on F-35A noise

WESTFIELD — Arriving alongside a new squadron of fighter jets at Barnes Air National Guard Base are questions about noise and pollution. North Side resident Rose Kim, commenting on the current noise level at the airport, said it has affected the quality of life for...

By Amy Porter | Mar 14, 2024

Westfield St. Pat float brings song’s ‘Unicorn’ back to life

WESTFIELD — This year’s Sons of Erin float for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 17 is based on “The Unicorn,” a song by Shel Silverstein, made popular by the Irish Rovers. The float, on which this year’s colleen Sydney Drugan and her court of Grace Hanna,...

By Michael Ballway | Mar 12, 2024

Committee chooses ‘Westfield River’ as name of new school

WESTFIELD — The building rising on Franklin Street will be named Westfield River Elementary School, the School Committee voted unanimously on March 4. The new elementary school’s name was one of three recommended to the committee by Superintendent Stefan...

By Michael Ballway | Mar 12, 2024

Westfield votes like state to back Biden, Trump in primary

WESTFIELD — Joseph Biden and Donald Trump widened their leads in the presidential nomination races on March 5, and voters in both Massachusetts as a whole, and Westfield in particular, placed themselves firmly in the front-runners’ corners. Both major-party...

By Miasha Lee | Mar 7, 2024

Frigid fundraiser led by local police aids Special Olympics

WESTFIELD — This year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run Western Massachusetts Polar Plunge takes place Sunday, March 10, at Hampton Ponds State Park, 1048 North Rd., Westfield. Officer Erica Ireland of the West Springfield Police Department, who helps organize the Polar...

By Mike Lydick | Mar 7, 2024

Librarians support book access laws, get few calls for bans

Book bans and attempted bans at public libraries across the country are increasing, and not just in conservative-leaning states. Even in Massachusetts, some libraries have been challenged by groups that want to restrict access to what books and other materials are...

By Tyler Lederer | Mar 6, 2024

Archives talk to look at Mayor Burke, city’s political culture

WESTFIELD — The next installment of the Westfield Athenaeum’s “Archives Dives” with local historian Bob Brown will use Alice Burke’s experiences as mayor as a jumping-off point to talk about the city’s government and political culture.

Tyler Lederer

tlederer@thereminder.com | + posts

By Tyler Lederer | Mar 6, 2024

Longtime conservation board chair will resign next month

WESTFIELD — Conservation Commission Chair David Doe recently announced his retirement from the board after 32 years of working for the city, 20 years on the commission, 15 as its chair, and 12 years on the School Committee.

Tyler Lederer

tlederer@thereminder.com | + posts

By Mike Lydick | Mar 6, 2024

Westfield teachers, volunteer readers honor Dr. Seuss

WESTFIELD — Local schools joined in a national event on March 1 to celebrate the birthday of famed children’s author Dr. Seuss as part of Read Across America, which encourages students to read.