This weekend begins the unofficial start to summer and for many of us a great time for remembrance and celebration. Westfield is so rich in history as we embark of Memorial Day activities. I want to publicly thank all of the men and women who have served our country and salute Westfield for the role it has played in many of the wars and battles that this country has participated in. It was an honor to stand alongside Mayor Knapik and members of Post 124 this past week and pay tribute to the Westfield citizens who lost their lives in the Civil War. Westfield may be small in terms of population, but dating far back in history has played significant roles in many battles that have changed the way this Country has grown.
I had the pleasure of sitting in the audience and witnessing the outstanding efforts of the Citizen Scholarship Foundation (CSF) this past week. It is amazing what this foundation has done for students of Greater Westfield. Over 125 scholarships were bestowed onto deserving students as they continue to strive to reach their personal goals while continuing their education. The Board of Directors needs to be recognized for their commitment to this very special project of assisting the students financially as they enter college. The donors are so proud to be able to assist these students and at the same time honoring a family member, mostly Westfield descendants, who have given a piece of their legacy to live on for many years. Congratulations to all of the students and parents who received a scholarship. Those of you who appreciate success, the total amount of money given out over the last decades just surpassed the three million dollar mark. That is simply amazing.
Yet another success story that needs to be congratulated is the Run Westfield Fast 5K. Mike Tierney and his committee have realized a dream and they just completed their third annual event this past weekend. I ran, well walked fast, at this year’s event from start to finish and had a wonderful time. There were runners, walkers, wheel chairs, and baby stroller participants. So next year there is no excuse why more Westfield people can’t get involved. I want to give a special thank you to the men and women who spruced up Elm Street and to the Westfield Police Department for working the traffic detail as well as other duties downtown. I also want to recognize the vendors and entertainment who helped us all celebrate this day. As is usually the case when Westfield people put their minds and energy together for a common goal, a new success story can be born.
Lastly, I can’t congratulate people without giving a special thank you to this year’s Westfield High School Baseball Team.
Thursday night was senior night down at Bullens Field and I got to participate as an extremely proud father as my son got to take his familiar spot at third base. What was just as special to me was to get to watch a group of boys, many of whom I had the honor of coaching since there were seven years old, enjoying themselves on the baseball diamond.
I won’t embarrass a group of eighteen year old students here, but “Hollywood,” “Money” and the rest of the class of 2015: congratulations! I was so proud to watch your success both on the field and in the classroom as each of you is attending college next fall. Good Luck to you all in this years Western Mass Tournament and hopefully you can bring home the championship title you so deserve.
Enjoy the great weather we are having and remember to be safe as we enter graduation season!
Brian Sullivan
City Council President
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
