RALPH FIGY
As I sit and contemplate writing this article it strikes me that a lot of positives are happening in Westfield as we speak. Since spring has sprung and as things begin to grow, I think we all need to stop and look around us and locate the positives in our city.
First I would like to take some time to recap some great events that have been taking place at Westfield Vocational High School. Two culinary students volunteered at the Abner Gibbs spaghetti dinner. The desserts were prepared by the culinary program. This made for a very successful night for the parents, students, staff, and the public as over 220 people enjoyed eating together.
The carpentry seniors have been waiting patiently for three years to begin construction of the gazebo on the town green. The steel framework has arrived four weeks early allowing for a projected start date of May 19 for the setting of the steel (see today’s front page story and photos.) The roof trusses are completed and are waiting to be transported to the construction site for installation. It is the plan that the seniors will complete the roof and that the juniors would complete the exterior work before the end of the school year. Completion of the project is slated for the beginning of the next school year.
The ornamental horticulture program has completed a very successful plant sale. The greenhouses were full of thriving plants that have now found new homes to beautify. I know that my garden is looking much nicer as a result of the hard work of this program. I am always in awe of the generosity of the citizens of Westfield. A woman attending the plant sale donated $20 to the new beekeeping program. This contribution was part of the $3,000 goal. A couple of hours later she returned and asked for her check back. She then produced a new check for $3,000. Spring has sprung.
I would also like to thank our mayor for having an open door for me. As a new councilor, I do not have the background on many of the projects that are taking place in Ward 2 as well as in the rest of the city. I would also like to thank my fellow councilors that have shown patience with a rookie councilor. Thanks for making me feel a part of the council. I would also like to thank all of the citizens that are volunteering to serve on all of the various boards and commissions that help make this city run as efficiently as it does. Your time and expertise are truly appreciated.
Congratulations the Amelia Park staff and volunteers for pulling off another extremely successful sled hockey tournament. Eight adult teams and six junior teams converged on Westfield for three days of competition, camaraderie, and fun. Ninety-five percent of the athletes were physically challenged but that did not stop them from having a great time. Approximate 190 or so athletes put on a display of hockey that at times I forgot that they were in sleds. There were five Canadian and two USA paralympians that participated in the year’s event. Congratulations to the Amelia Park staff and volunteers who raised the funds to sponsor this tournament, as well as to feed the athletes and their families. Kudos go out to the staff and students from Westfield Middle School South that came over and cheered on the teams. The students also made team posters and hung them up after school as a show of support to the athletes who came from as far away as Edmonton and as close as Westfield. A job well done by all.
The bike trail is taking shape and is on schedule for a fall completion. The access ramp on East Silver has provided me with an opportunity to work closely with a number of constituents. We were able to work together to reach a compromise that will allow the neighborhood to enjoy and use the rail trail. The council appropriated funds to purchase property on the west side of the trail for a second access ramp that will have parking near it. This is the ramp that the public will be directed to use leaving the East Silver ramp to service the neighborhood. Several changes were made to the original plans after input was received in a civilized manner. There will be a neighborhood meeting for Ward 2 residents in the Cross Street/Gold Street area. The meeting will be held on Thursday May 22 at 6:30 pm in the St. Peter’s Social Hall. Sergeant Hall from the Westfield Police Department and someone from the Engineering Department will be on hand to discuss neighborhood safety as summer vacation approaches.
I want to again thank the voters of Ward 2 for you faith and trust you have placed in me by electing me to be your ward councilor. As always I can be reached by phone at 413-568-9954 or by email at [email protected] or [email protected]
Remember, spring has sprung and this is a time to move forward. Growth is good.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
