Summer has ended and fall is fast approaching. The kids are back in school and the fall sports schedule is well underway. Take some time and take in a game. We have three high schools with fall athletic programs and they all deserve the community’s support. Good luck to them all and may all of the athletes remain healthy.
The rail trail is scheduling a grand opening for the first week in October. If you have not seen the latest edition, you owe it to yourself to check it out. It is beautiful. The landscaping is being completed and the fences are in. The kids are using it almost nonstop. Sergeant Hall is using it to commute to and from work. The rail trail is now a welcome addition to the neighborhood. A $2.5 million grant is in process and we are waiting for the final approval to come through. When it does the next section will be constructed bringing the trail to Main Street by Stop & Shop. The Columbia Greenway Committee has requested that regulations be developed to maintain the trail. The Legislative & Ordinance Committee of the City Council has agreed and will appoint interested parties to research and develop this project in the near future.
Construction on the gazebo has started again. The seniors at Westfield Voke’s Construction Department are continuing the work that last year’s students began. You can watch their progress on Channel 22 when the weather shows the Westfield Sky Cam. Remember that construction will occur only every other week as the students are receiving academic instruction during the other week. The Tiger’s Pride Restaurant at the Voke will reopen the first week in October. Lunch will be served for a nominal fee on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:45 – 12:15.
On a sad note, the loss of the BID is beginning to be seen. The beautiful flowers are dying from a lack of care. Litter is beginning to show up, as well. It is unrealistic to expect the DPW to provide all of the services that the BID provided with no increase in staffing or funding. It is time for the property owners to take care of their property. By doing this they will help to improve the appearance of the downtown as a whole.
A sub-committee of the School Committee will be formed Monday night at a special meeting of the School Committee. The sub-committee will be charged with researching options for the model school. The sub-committee will then make recommendations to the whole as to how best to proceed. This special meeting will be very brief in nature and very focused in its purpose.
A couple of upcoming events are as follows:
1) Ghost Tours of the Cemetery on Mechanic Street will be on Sept. 26 and 27, and October 3 and 4. This event is sponsored by the Westfield Historical Society. All funds will be used in the restoration efforts being conducted by the Society.
2) Megaplantapolooza will happen today and will be sponsored by Westfield State. This will be a display of art work by Josh Simpson and will occur along Elm Street and in the Town Green.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
