As a Westfield City Councilor I am always looking for creative opportunities to reach out to the local community, and over the summer I discovered an exciting new way to connect to Westfield residents – WSKB 89.5 FM. The station is run by Westfield State University and broadcasts from the Ely Library on campus.
A few months ago I had the privilege of being a guest on the morning show “WOW! It’s Tuesday” hosted by Bob Plasse, and I’ll be back again Thursday October 9 for an interview with Patrick Berry on his show “The Westfield News Radio.” These are just two of the many quality morning programs that tell the stories of the people, places and events that make Westfield State and it’s surrounding communities a great place to live, work, play, and, learn.
My time spent in the station made me realize what a valuable community service WSKB is to our city. I genuinely appreciate the fresh and relevant content of 89.5, and I recommend you tune in as well. As the older Westfield generation knows we’ve been without a local radio station for almost 30 years now, so it’s great that WSKB is here to reignite that tradition.
The entire Morningside lineup,which runs from 6-10 a.m. every morning, is jam-packed with programs that cater specifically to the Westfield community. There’s something for everyone, be it Diana Mclean’s “Community Connections” on Mondays to some political banter on Wednesday’s with “Mornings with Mayor Dan.” You can even take a trip down memory lane on Saturdays with veteran broadcaster Wayne Smith’s “Pioneer Valley Polka Party.” Other quality programing includes; “Owls on the Air,” a show about alumni hosted by alumnus Buster McMahon on Tuesdays, “Wake up, Wednesday” an informative talk show hosted by Tina Gorman, and finally Jay Pagluica highlights local artists and musicians every Friday on J.P.’s “Talk about Town.”
The programing stays strong even after Morningside, when Westfield University students hit the 89.5 airwaves with contemporary music that you can’t hear on commercial radio.
Working in partnership with the university’s Radio Club, WSKB blends local community broadcasting with regional and national performers on the collegiate music scene. The station serves as a creative bridge between the university and local community.
It comes as no surprise that an innovative, community-focused station like WSKB has already received tremendous support. A few key local underwriters that should be recognized for the strong support they’ve already given WSKB are Noble Hospital, Westfield Gas & Electric, and United Bank. While its great to have such strong community backing, WSKB is always looking for potential underwriters. I am sure that having donations from community members just like you would be a great benefit for the stations continuing and future operations.
It’s not just the radio station that’s bringing our community together; it’s also great events like the one on the green last Saturday, Megaplanetpalooza: The Josh Simpson Street Festival. Seeing last week’s excellent turnout has got me excited for the return of The Ghost Tours happening back-to-back weekends at The Old Burying Ground on Mechanic St. starting this Friday and Saturday. The 45-minute tours begin at 5:30 p.m and through until 9:30PM, tickets are available and should be purchased ahead of time at the Westfield Athenaeum.
I really have to congratulate Westfield on Weekends for producing a great fall lineup of events and activities that honor the artist Josh Simpson. I also want to thank Cindy Gaylord and the City’s Historical Commission for putting together the Ghost Tours.
Programs like Megaplanetpalooza, and the Ghost Tours along with the development of community radio is just a testament to the growth and development of our City as whole. I know I’m not alone when I say I’m excited for what the future holds in store for both the city and WSKB.
Thanks and have a great weekend!
Brent Bean II
Westfield City Council
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
