WESTFIELD-From the moment that Lesley Lambert envisioned a unique way to bring positivity to the Westfield community, she has been vigilant ensuring that posts on the We Love Westfield Community Forum ring true to that mission.
On a recent evening at the Shortstop Bar & Grill, Lambert and her “director of positivity” Nick Niedzielski conducted a first “meet and greet” to say hi to those who enjoy the Facebook forum and contribute to its ongoing success.
Lesley Lambert, founder of the We Love Westfield Community Forum on Facebook, standing, greets some of the city residents who stopped in for the first “meet and greet” event at the Shortstop Bar & Grill.
“Since the forum started seven years ago, we have grown to 9,200 members and we encourage each and every one of them to share positive news about the city,” said Lambert.
Niedzielski echoed those sentiments.
“We want people to have a conversation about our community,” said Niedzielski, adding, “but it has to be positive.”
More than 30 city residents turned out for the early evening gathering from 5:30 to 8, many enjoying a meal while they sat and chatted with fellow forum followers. Jen Thielen, who has been an “early member,” is associated with Second Congregational Church and is also a music teacher who offers piano lessons.
“I always share events happening at the church, as well as updates with organizations I support,” said Thielen. “The forum is another avenue to get the word out about events that people might otherwise not be aware of.”
Since Thielen also offers piano lessons in her free time, she said the “Tout Tuesday” promotion that runs occasionally on the forum has also helped her with advertising.
“I continue to receive Facebook hits when Tout Tuesday is posted,” said Thielen.
Lambert noted that Tout Tuesday is not on a scheduled basis and happens “periodically.”
One feature Facebook visitors can count on – on a daily basis – is a good morning message from Niedzielski.
“It’s important to me to be positive for everyone first thing in the morning,” said Niedzielski, noting that his message is posted by 8 a.m.
“Whether it is a simple good morning, have a great day, or a special message I recently saw and wanted to share, I look forward to brightening up the start of everyone’s day,” he added.
Both Lambert and Niedzielski said that through word of mouth, on average, 20 to 50 new visitors wish to become a member each day.
“We ask three simple questions for each prospective member to answer, including their connection to Westfield and that they understand the forum is not for advertising or self-promotion,” said Lambert.
Lambert encourages residents to share events and fundraisers, as well as other positive news, on the forum site. She noted that if she does find negativity in a posting, she will eliminate the post.
“In the beginning, we had a few hundred members and about four years ago the forum took off,” said Lambert.
Lambert said her favorite posts include someone finding a lost pet for another city resident or people making recommendations to help others find a new doctor, restaurant or other trusted business.
“These are the best conversations when people are genuinely helping others,” said Lambert.
Both Lambert and Niedzielski also have made unique friendships through the years.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people by attending events that have been posted,” said Niedzielski. “The forum is a great way to make new friends because people who contribute to the forum are a positive group.”
Lambert agreed.
“I also get involved with happenings posted on the forum because it is important to actively support each other,” said Lambert.
On Facebook, search We Love Westfield Community Forum for upbeat posts and the latest happenings in the city.
“I’ve always been involved in the community,” said Lambert who is a local realtor. “We hope to continue to grow the forum over the years and look forward to how it continues to evolve with the public’s input.”
