I did not think I would like this single-stream recycling idea but it is working out just great for us. We keep a plastic laundry basket in a corner of the kitchen and just toss in all the rinsed out milk bottles , jars and cans, newspapers, packaging materials, and before you know it, the basket is full and one of the kids takes it out to the recycle barrel and we start over. We have had no problem filling the recycle barrel at all because we really work on recycling everything possible. When you put your mind to it, it’s amazing how much can be recycled rather than thrown out. I hope everyone is doing their best to keep as much out of the trash as possible. It’s good for the environment and good for the city coffers which benefit from our recycled material. I would love to hear how everyone else feels about the new recycling? Is it working out for you?
Judging from your survey on the front page, I guess there are a lot of streets in the city that are filled with pot holes. It will be nice for all of us and our cars when the city guys get out there and start filling them but I would like to make one suggestion. Please, when the work crews are out there, have someone dedicated to directing traffic around the workers. I have seen cases in the morning especially where these trucks drive up to a spot in the road, just stop and get out, and the people in traffic don’t know if they’re supposed to go around or stop or what. The minute they get to the work area, they should tune into the traffic situation and get people moving safely by.
What a wonderful job those vocational students did in building the gazebo in the park downtown. It says a lot for both the students and the teachers that it is built so well. It will be there for decades, and become part of the city’s history. We are so lucky to have the vocational school in town. Kids should really take advantage of it, because that’s where the jobs are these days, and that’s the way to make some good money. Three Cheers for vocational students!
There are probably a lot of families out there in Westfield who are cleaning out their parents’ homes and getting rid of a lot of their unwanted items and memorabilia. It’s hard to throw out stuff you know meant something to the old folks, but you can’t keep everything. We found a couple places that might take some of your stuff and be happy to have it. One place is Stanley Park. If your folks worked at Stanley Home or Stanley Park and you have old photos or products or something, they will take them and store them for a future museum they hope to have someday to tell the history of Stanley Home. Another group is the Homeward Veterans. They need furniture, dishes, small appliances, all the stuff you need to set up an apartment when a veteran returns home. I think there is a collection coming up at Stanley Park for people to donate. A great way to get rid of those old lamps and toasters you don’t need anymore.
Is there any handicap parking near the downtown green? We received the following information from city officials: There are handicapped parking spaces in all Off-street parking facilities. This includes the Main St lot behind the Tavern Restaurant, the Thomas Street lot behind Leo’s Restaurant and the Arnold St lot behind the Church St Commons. The City is also undertaking to create more off-street parking on Central Street behind United Bank. In addition the City recently worked with the local Commission on Disabilities to create several on-street spaces. Those are marked and exist on Elm Street and elsewhere. Please note, on-street parking is inherently a risk for everyone and especially disabled individuals.
