Westfield
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.
Amelia Park Arena celebrates 25, starting with merch sale
WESTFIELD — Amelia Park Arena has become a landmark for sports and entertainment in the city, so it is hard to believe it is just about to turn 25 years-old.
Former Westfield Police Chief Valliere recognized for service
WESTFIELD — As former Police Chief Lawrence Valliere stood in the City Council Chambers after being recognized by state and local officials for his 41 years of police work, he recounted a conversation with another former Westfield police chief, John Camerota, with his friends, family and mother looking on.
200 residents participate in Eagle Scout e-cycling project
WESTFIELD — Elizabeth Hanechak of Russell, a Life Scout with Troop 124 in Westfield, kicked off an Eagle Scout community service project over the weekend, collecting electronic waste for e-cycling from over 200 Westfield residents at City Hall.
Repairing veterans’ graves honors their service
WESTFIELD — For Gene Theroux, one of the three staff working for the Westfield Veterans Services, nearly every day is Veterans Day. The city’s graves officer, he’s always at one of the city’s nine cemeteries checking conditions of veterans’ gravestones or repairing them.
Westfield voters support Republicans in state, national elections
WESTFIELD — According to unofficial results, 19,821 voters — representing 66.69% of registered voters — cast their ballots in Westfield on Nov. 5.