Eversource Community Relations and Economic Development Specialist Joseph Mitchell, Amelia Park Children’s Museum Director Ray Radigan, Amelia Park Board member Patrick Carpenter, and Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. Feb. 27, 2020 during a grant presentation at the Museum. (EVERSOURCE ENERGY PHOTO)
WESTFIELD – Amelia Park Children’s Museum accepted a $1,200 grant from Eversource Energy Feb. 27.
Museum Director Ray Radigan said he was “very grateful” for the support.
“I’m happy they thought of us,” he said. “Really what they’re supporting are the children of Westfield and the surrounding communities. This will help us keep our doors open to families.”
Eversource Community Relations and Economic Development Specialist Joe Mitchell said one of his favorite duties is to award community grants.
“At Eversource, we like to have a positive impact in the communities where we work,” he said.
Mitchell said he met with Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. to discuss community organizations that would be potential grant recipients.
“After consulting with Mayor Humason, we decided a grant to the Amelia Park Children’s Museum would have a significant impact,” Mithcell said. “And I know that this organization is near and dear to the mayor’s heart since he has plunged into frozen water to raise funds for the Museum for many years.”
The Museum, located at 29 South Broad St., has 1,500-2,000 visitors per month.
Mitchell said Eversource is not the direct provider of energy to the city but does have a presence in Westfield.
“Even though Westfield gets its electricity from Westfield Gas & Electric, Eversource is still in the community,” he said. “Through transmission, we bring electricity to the community and Westfield Gas & Electric distributes power to its customers.”
Eversource is currently upgrading its transmission system in the city. Mitchell said Eversource has been working on the north side and specifically the Pocchasic Street neighborhood for the past 10 months and will continue its improvement work here for another year.
Radigan encouraged everyone to visit the Museum and noted that admission is $2 on Thursdays from 1-4 p.m., which is 75 percent off the regular price.
The Museum has a mission to encourage and inspire children’s imaginations while helping them learn about the world around them.
