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TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 5, 2017 WEDNESDAY, JULY 2017
Westfield 350th anniversary gets organizational leadership A view of the Southwick Fireworks in the past years at Whalley Park. (Photo courtesy of Bill Curran).
Southwick Fireworks Fundraising Update By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – With just under 20 days left, Joe Deedy and Kevin Bishop still need the community’s help to raise enough money for the Southwick Fireworks on July 22. Deedy, who is the Owner of Moolicious Ice Cream, and Bishop, who is the President of the non-profit organization, Team Justice, have teamed up to head this fundraiser. Initially reported by the Westfield News on June 19, the two members of the town said they would need $11,000 to cover the costs of the fireworks, police and fire detail, and any permits that go along with it. Since the fundraiser has been opened up to the public, local businesses and residents have stepped up. As of July 2, the Save the Southwick Fireworks Facebook page posted that they have $4,421 left to raise. Deedy is pleased with the progress thus far, but hopes that people will be inspired by all of the fireworks events going on this week for the Fourth of July in the surrounding communities. “It’s getting there, hopefully we can do it,” said Deedy. “Maybe after watching fireworks this weekend (somewhere else), they’ll donate to our show.” Some of the local businesses that have donated already include Crestview Construction, Moolicious, Team Justice, Security Fence and Kennel, JD Auto Care, Southwick Florist, the Southwick Select Board, the Southwick Republican Committee, and several See Fireworks Funding, Page 3
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—The city’s 350th anniversary now has an organization that will be able to officially lead the celebration planning. The 350th anniversary celebration is being headed by the newly-created Friends of the Westfield 350, Inc., according to Harry Rock, president of the organization. The Friends have been starting the planning for the celebration and organizing, but they were not recognized by the state as a nonprofit organization, Rock said. That all changed last Friday, according to Rock. “It’s exciting to me because it gives us validity and a presence and says that we are an official organization,” Rock said. “We also got our EIN [employer identification number] so we can establish a bank account and start fundraising.” The Westfield 350 logo was designed by Allison Terkelsen, a student at Westfield State University. According to Rock, the creation of the Friends of the Westfield 350 was done
with assistance from local attorney Tom Keenan. Rock said that the organization hopes to start fundraising soon. He also said that the finances of the organization will be transparent, both for those concerned and for those who donate. “I’m a big believer in donor intent,” he said. “Making sure funds are used in the way that the person intended with those
monies.” Now that the group has an official organizational status, Rock said that their next step is to gain 501(c)3 status, so donations made to the organizations can be tax-deductible. Currently, Rock said that the organization is developed to feature five committees, with two co-chairs within each committee. In addition, Peter Miller, community development director, and Amber Danahey, community outreach coordinator, are representatives for the city in the organization. “We are working in partnership with the city but we are a private organization tasked with planning,” Rock said. “The biggest thing we are doing, we’re really setting the stage.” In addition to the announcement of being a nonprofit organization, Rock said that planning for the 2019 celebration is underway. Some ideas that have been floated in their first ever board meeting last week included having a First Night on Dec. 31, 2018, which See 350th, Page 3
Westfield Parks and Rec offers a variety of summer programs for kids By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—With school over and adults wanting some outdoor activities for their children, the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department just may have what you’re looking for. The Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of programs again this summer, and many come with a relatively affordable cost. According to Jim Blascak, event coordinator for Westfield Parks and Recreation, the offerings include many different camps, from sports to leisure activities to creative arts. In addition, other options are provided for children to help get rid of the occasional summer vacation doldrums they experience.
“We have camps,” Blascak said. “We have about four or five different soccer camps, some drawing and painting-type classes, dance camp, field hockey camp, tennis lessons, skateboarding.” Blascak also said that there are nature programs that children from kindergarten to 5th grade can attend, as well as horseback riding and volleyball camps. In addition, there are even camps that teach potential babysitters, the Children and Babysitters Safety Program, which helps to educate about how to care for younger children, as well as proper safety. Most of the above programs cost anywhere from $60 to $135 to attend, with supplies often being provided. See Summer, Page 3
Willow, age 6, is having fun on the swings during Adventure Zone in June 2016, Westfield Park & Rec Adventure Zone. (WNG file photo/Photo by Kellie Adam)
Scottish heritage celebrated through music, dance, athletics and more
Two Westfield construction updates
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent FLORENCE — A “hundred thousand welcomes” awaits visitors to the 24th annual Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival on July 15 at Look Park. Blandford resident Peter Langmore, who is now in his 18th year as chairman, encourages area residents to step back in time and enjoy the re-creation of Scottish heritage through music, dance, athletics, delightful fare and more. During an interview last week, Langmore explained that in 1753, 50 Ulster Scot families, with all the possessions they could carry, trekked westward through the sparsely settled countryside of Massachusetts for approximately 100
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—According to city engineer Mark Cressotti, the line painting on Franklin Street should be starting back up as early as today. The Franklin Street project is just one of several currently ongoing or soon beginning in the city, as Westfield and the region are in the throes of construction season. Franklin Street has seen some delays starting back as early as June 9, Cressotti said. “We are having some trouble with the line striper, they should be coming back [July 5 and July 6],” Cressotti said. “We thought they were coming back for about a month, now hopefully they perform.” According to Cressotti, the delays have included issues with weather, as well as an accident. There was also a
miles to settle the rugged, hilly, frontier wilderness which they called Glasgow Lands or New Glasgow – later renamed Blandford. “The Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival was first conducted in 1994 at the Blandford Fairgrounds to help raise funds needed for restoration of their historic White Church,” said Langmore. “Although intended to be held only one year, the event was so well received by Scots from throughout the northeastern United States that it has become a tradition.” As years passed the festival outgrew the Blandford Fairgrounds and relocated to Stanley Park in Westfield until in 2004, committee members once again moved the event to Look Park in Florence because
of its acres of land and ample parking. Langmore noted the festival is now the second largest Scottish festival in New England and the only one in the state. Tickets are $16 for adults, $5 for children ages six to 12, and free for children under six. Advance tickets ($13) can be purchased through the website until July 8. Gates open at 9 a.m. and visitors are encouraged to bring their own chairs. “Celebrate your Scottish heritage – real or coveted,” said Langmore, noting he has English roots. “I enjoy continuing to bring the Celtic culture to this region through a fun, family event.” Langmore and the many volunteers See Scottish Heritage, Page 2
Olivia Clark, Miss Western Massachusetts 2017. (Photo submitted)
WORCESTER – Jillian Zucco, 24, of Mattapoisett, was selected as Miss Massachusetts 2017 on Saturday, July 1, at the 78th annual Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant. Competing as Miss Bristol County, she was chosen from among 21 contestants at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester. Zucco was awarded a $12,000 scholarship, and will compete at the Miss America Pageant in
September in Atlantic City, N.J. Zucco is a 2016 magna cum laude graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth honors nursing program where she was a “Commonwealth Scholar” and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She was named to the Dean’s List every semester in college. She is currently employed as a telemetry nurse. She was a member of
the UMASS Dartmouth Global Health Collaborative and was a Class of 2016 Cabinet member. She was recently honored by the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce at the 49th Annual John S. Brayton Jr. Memorial Community Service Awards Banquet. The Outstanding Community Service Award recognizes volunteer participation of See Clark, Page 3
The Westfield News Radio Show Thursday Line-Up 6am-8am
This Thursday... 6am-8am: 6am-8am: BOB McKEAN
The Best Mark Boardman & Jennifer Gruzska Of Show Westfield Rotary Club ! Executive Director Stanley Park
Download WSKB from your Tune In Radio App or watch on Comcast Cable CH. 15
RADIO FOR THE WESTFIELD MASSES
Westfield Resident is Semi-Finalist at Miss Massachusetts Pageant
See Construction, Page 3