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Bill King
Susan Childers
Gina Fernandez
Thank you for joining the GWCC!
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Place your Ad here
Call 568-1618 for
Details!
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Members -
Please, don't forget, you can submit your events with the link below.
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We focus on the most important economy. Yours.
This past month the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce offered a plethora of opportunities for members to meet each other, network, and/or get involved. We are also working on our largest fundraiser for May, our golf tournament.
This year I participated in the College & Career Night at Westfield Technical Academy along with a panel of representatives from local colleges & universities. My role was to address workforce development issues with students who attended.
On April 4th, we had an unexpected winter storm and after serious deliberation with Mayor Sullivan, he felt it was best to cancel the Mayor's Coffee Hour. However, this did not stop a few die-hards who decided to come anyway and we had a great time networking!
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We held two workshops in April; one on how to use the internet to bring in more customers, and one on the legal implications of prescription drug use in the workplace. Both were well attended and very informative! Our After 5 Connection networking event was held at Betts Plumbing and Heating and it was another huge success of 40 Chamber members and non-members networking. I hope you saw the video I posted on Facebook!
On Tuesday, April 26th the Chamber co-sponsored the Southwick Home 2 Business Table Top Expo with the Southwick Economic Development Council and I will have pictures in next month's newsletter. On Wednesday, April 27th the Chamber will be heading down to Boston for the annual Beacon Hill Summit and I will also report on this great event next month.
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I also attended the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (MACCE), which is our state trade association, and was recognized for our 5th year anniversary!
The keynote speaker was #1 New York Times bestselling author and five-time Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award winner Jeff Kinney. Jeff shared is journey about rehabbing a dilapidated piece of commercial property and opened up An Unlikely Story Bookstore and Café. We also had some lively discussion with the energy panel. The day included two breakout sessions: Why Your Website Is Not Working and Strategies to Increase and Maintain Memberships.
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In addition to our Chamber events, the committees: Events, Ambassador Club, Membership, and Business & Community Affairs met. I want to thank our volunteers who consistently provide their time and talent to make our Chamber what it is today! Please consider signing up for a committee today.
Remember - if you work the Chamber, the Chamber works for you!
Best,
Kate Phelon
Executive Director
P.S: We are actively seeking golfers for our 55th Annual Tournament. Please consider purchasing a foursome to help support your Chamber. Call 568.1618 today to register!
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Liberty Manor
Liberty Manor is a secluded 55+ active adult community nestled on 150 acres of natural woodlands, located at 74 Russellville Road, Westfield. With its picturesque setting, energy-efficient Ranch-style custom homes, walking trails and lush gardens, Liberty Manor is ideal for those looking to downsize without the high expense.
Those living at Liberty Manor enjoy a quiet, safe, friendly neighborhood, with a wonderful community spirit. One of the favorite gathering places is located at the new Community Center, which features a workout room, library, sun room, concrete patio area, a large gathering area and a fully-functional kitchen. We welcome visitors and provide private tours of available homes and the surrounding community. Please schedule with us today. Call us at: 413-579-5053
Kristen Allard
Liberty Manor, Inc.
1300 Patriots Drive
Westfield MA 01085
(413) 579-5053
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Our House - Housing for Unaccompanied Youth in Westfield
to Host Fundraising Event
Relax for an evening with friends or make new friends at our last " Sip and Paint" fundraiser event to support "Our House", Thursday, May 12 door open @ 6 p.m. and the painting program is 6:30- 8:30 p.m. "Our House" will be the future permanent housing for unaccompanied youth in Westfield being established by Domus, Inc. (at the former American Red Cross building).
The "Sip and Paint" will be held at Sanford Apartments Community Rm, 330 Elm Street, Westfield (across from Holy Trinity Church) with parking along Elm Street. The featured project is a colorful Spring-themed watercolor with artist, Melissa VanHeynigen. Tickets are $25 which includes all art supplies, delicious chocolate desserts, coffee, tea and hot chocolate, and a door prize drawing. Call Domus, Inc. 568-4494 to reserve your spot and prepaid registration is required prior to the event. Keep your eyes open for the early summer Open House so you can see firsthand the revitalization and reuse of this Westfield historical home that will support unaccompanied Westfield youth.
Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition and Forum House, a Program of Human Resources Unlimited, Inc., Honor Friendly's of the Westfield Shops at the Statehouse in Boston
On Tuesday, March 29, 2016, Friendly's of the Westfield Shops was one of 28 companies honored at the Statehouse in Boston for choosing to diversify their workforce by employing residents of the Commonwealth, who have mental illness, with the support of Clubhouse employment and recovery centers, funded by the Department of Mental Health (DMH).
The event, organized by the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition (MCC), a non-profit organization, took place in the Great Hall. Although Senator Donald Humason was unable to attend, his aid Chris Powers presented the award to Friendly's of the Westfield Shops for being an excellent employer. Forum House has built a strong partnership with Friendly's, and the store currently employs 2 clubhouse members. Store Manager Mario
Scorza has been so pleased with those he has hired that he is talking with Forum House about the possibility of hiring additional members when the weather gets warmer. Mr. Scorza has also joined the Forum House Advisory Board which helps to expand opportunities and connect the clubhouse more deeply in our community.
Forum House, a program of Human Resources Unlimited, Inc., is providing support to over 180 members annually as they work to re-gain their footing and gain employment, complete their education and live successfully in the community. Forum House selected Friendly's for recognition because Friendly's of the Westfield Shops has done an exceptional job in creating a welcoming and diverse workforce. The employees they have hired love their jobs and enjoy being recognized as valuable members of the Friendly's team who work hard to create the happy memories which are the trademark of the Friendly's experience.
On Monday April 11th, both Senator Donald Humason and Representative John Velis went to Friendly's of the Westfield Shops to present Friendly's and Mario Scorza citations from the State Senate and the State House respectively. They congratulated Mario Scorza and Friendly's on their contributions to the community. "Having a job, earning a paycheck and being a part of the working community means a great deal to those working recovery" said Michael Forest, director of Forum House.
Historical Markers on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail
The Board of Directors of the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail is pleased to announce the installation of the first four of eight historical markers on the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail. An idea to turn our unique trail into an educational experience and living museum, which was initiated several years ago, has finally come to pass. As Chair of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make this vision a reality.
This was a successful collaboration combining resources from the Friends, the City, the University, and the private sector. Begun as a Westfield State University student research project, the signs were refined with input from the Westfield Historical Commission and the Westfield Athenaeum. The Friends oversaw the design and fabrication process, and PeoplesBank and the Westfield Cultural Council generously contributed to the production costs.
I would also like to thank Mayor Brian Sullivan, former Mayor Dan Knapik, City Engineer Mark Cresotti, and the City Council. All of whom were very supportive and helpful throughout this project. Finally, thanks to the Department of Public Works and the Department of Parks and Recreation for coordinating the installation. Thank you to all and happy trails.
Meadowbrook Antiques Proprietors to Walk for MA Children
Sue and Tim Crane, proprietors of Meadowbrook Antiques will soon be leaving for Boston to begin the Walk for MA Children. Westfield Bank is to date the largest Business Sponsor for the Walk. Thank-you! The Cranes are hoping for additional business sponsors and personal supporters. 100% of the money raised goes to eleven non-profit groups throughout the Commonwealth (the groups are listed on the
walkformachildren.org on the donate page). The Boys and Girls Club of Chicopee acts as the Walk's lead agency (501c3).
The Third Annual 2016 Walk for MA Children will launch on Thursday, April 28th at 8:00 am at the Harvard School of Public Health at 677 Huntington Ave. in Boston.. In Ten days and 136 miles later, with hundreds of people throughout the Commonwealth participating, The Cranes will complete the Walk at The Common in Pittsfield on May 7th at 11:30 am. Sue Crane, a retired DCF social worker and her husband, Tim, a retired teacher, started the Walk two years ago to bring much needed attention to supporting children in Massachusetts who are in foster care or are otherwise underserved.
Ten child/family-focused nonprofits throughout the state will each sponsor a day of the relay Walk. While Sue and Tim Crane and a few other hearty souls walk the entire east to west distance, the Walk is filled each day with people who care about children and want to do something to help.
The theme for the Walk is simple: Give of your time and resources to a child living in your community. The possibilities are endless, whether it's tutoring, fostering, advocacy and much more. S
ue and Tim challenge all of you to come and learn ways you can volunteer your time. A route of the Walk can be found at
walkformachildren.org
. You're welcome to walk just a short distance.
There is a short Walk video this year. Here is the youtube link:
https://youtu.be/YPUIrOi9u0o
. An audio background of the video is a recording of a song composed specifically about the Walk. The Cranes believe the video with the song captures the essence of the Walk. Please share the video with family, friends and colleagues.
Every day of the Walk there will be adults and children walking with the Crane's who can speak directly about the needs of children and how and why it's vital to get involved and help in some way. Colette a teenager, a member of the Youth Advisory Board, Dalton Community Center and a walker in 2015 Walk, shares the following: "
Volunteering truly is an experience like no other. It always amazes me how great of an impact you can have on another person's life. The joy that they receive radiates back into me and motivates me to help a greater number of people".
Anne Harvey Kilburn, volunteer and VP, Board of Directors of from Boston CASA, which sponsors the first day of the Walk, sums it up through the words of Nelson Mandela,
"There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children."
Park Square Realty Top Producers for First Quarter 2016
West Springfield and Westfield
Ted Cassell, President of Park Square Realty and manager of the Park Square West Springfield office, is very pleased to announce the West Springfield office's top producing agents for the first quarter of 2016. The agents to gain this recognition for the months of January, February and March are Donna O'Connor, Ericca Herbert and Kim Landry.
Barry Boccasile, Director of Growth & Development and manager of the Westfield Park Square office is pleased to announce the Park Square Westfield office's top producers for the same time period. The 2016 first quarter standouts in Westfield are Aimee Tompkins, Lesley Lambert and Julianne Krutka.
The special agents above can be reached at 413-737-3600 in West Springfield or 413-568-9226 in Westfield. They can also be contacted via the Park Square web page at
www.parksquarerealty.com.
Park Square Realty is a locally owned company with 52 agents and 2 locations in West Springfield and Westfield.
Westfield MusicFest2016 Lineup Announced
Westfield on Weekends (WOW) is pleased to announce the lineup for their summer concert series in downtown Westfield. On three Thursday evenings in June, July and August, music for the whole family will fill the air across the Green.
On June 16, Still Kickin' with the Big City Horns will kick off the series with classic 60's, 70's rock and blues. The 10-piece band is punctuated by a five-piece horn section featuring none other than Westfield's own WHS band director, Patrick Kennedy on trumpet and vocals.
July 21, 100.9 KIX Country will present a national country act just they have done in past years. Stay tuned for details as the date rolls closer.
August 25 brings a classic unmistakable 70's sound to the Westfield Green as Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, TUSK takes the stage. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, TUSK leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world's best-loved, top-selling bands.
MusicFest2016 will open each concert at 6:00 pm featuring some great local talent. Each evening of music will open with a homegrown act from greater Westfield. Expect some wonderful surprises. You never know who is going to be the next breakout star on national tour and you just might be seeing them first on the Westfield Green!
Westfield on Weekends is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that aims to assist in efforts supporting the revitalization of Downtown Westfield, to sustain arts and culture in our City, and to provide resources for groups with like-minded missions in branding Westfield as a dynamic community.
MusicFest2016 could not happen without the support of businesses and individuals that sponsors that support this annual concert series. Thank you to our Sponsors, The Tavern and Commercial Distributing. If you'd like to be part of this support, contact Westfield on Weekends, a 501(c)3 non-profit, at 105 Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085, or by calling 413-579-5967, or at [email protected].
Westfield State University Signs State-Wide Agreement to
Cut Cost of Bachelor's Degree
Westfield State University joined forces with other Massachusetts public higher education leaders today to announce the Commonwealth Commitment, an innovative college affordability and completion plan to help more students complete a college degree. The agreement was led by Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.
"I am pleased that our higher education leaders have worked collaboratively to create this program to decrease the cost of a college degree and accelerate on-time completion," said Governor Charlie Baker. "Even though public higher education in Massachusetts is already a great value, the Commonwealth Commitment will make it even easier for students to go to school full-time and to enter the workforce faster and with less debt."
The Commonwealth Commitment, the first agreement of its kind in the nation, was signed by University of Massachusetts President Marty Meehan, Worcester State University President Barry Maloney and Middlesex Community College President James Mabry, representing the three segments of the public higher education system, at a ceremony held this morning at Middlesex Community College.
"The Commonwealth Commitment builds upon Westfield State University's existing affordability initiatives," said Westfield State President Ramon S. Torrecilha. "This agreement reinforces the university's historic founding mission of providing a college education without barrier to race, gender, or economic status."
The plan commits every public campus to providing 10% rebates at the end of each successfully completed semester to qualifying undergraduate students, in addition to the standard MassTransfer tuition waiver received upon entering a four-year institution from a community college. Students who meet the program requirements will be save an average of $5,090 off the cost of a baccalaureate degree.
As part of the Commonwealth Commitment's goal to increase cost savings and predictability, tuition and mandatory fees will be frozen for program participants as of the date they enter the program.
Students will begin their studies at one of the state's 15 community colleges, enrolling in one of 24 Commonwealth Commitment/Mass Transfer Pathways programs that will roll out in fall 2016 (14 programs) and fall 2017 (10 additional programs). They must attend full-time and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0. After earning an associate's degree in two and a half years
or less, students will transfer to a state university or UMass campus to earn a baccalaureate degree.
At the end of every successfully completed semester, students will earn a 10% rebate on tuition and fees, payable in the form of a check, or may opt to receive a voucher to use for books or other education-related expenses. The program does not discount room and board, although students may choose to use their Commonwealth Commitment savings or other resources to offset some of those costs. Students' rebates or vouchers will be calculated based on the total cost of tuition and mandatory fees
at the institutions they choose to attend. Students who enroll in free or reduced cost dual enrollment programs may be able to apply the credits they earn toward their Commonwealth Commitment degrees, thus reducing costs even further.
EagleMania to Perform for Westfield Technical Academy
Alumni Association Benefit Concert
Eaglemania has emerged as a major act throughout the East Coast. EagleMaina is to perform a benefit concert for Westfield Technical Academy on Friday, May 6 at 7:00pm.
The Westfield Technical Academy Alumni Association is hosting a benefit concert at the Westfield Technical Academy Auditorium to raise much needed funds to fund scholarships and support technical educational programs for the school.
The concert will feature Eaglemania. "Eaglemania is the next best thing to the real Eagles, the band's tribute performances have been selling out throughout the country and just recently at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut. Paul Lococo, event organizer stated "So why fight the crowds at a big venue and pay hundreds of dollars for tickets when you can see the next best right here in Westfield at an affordable price, all for a good cause helping support education in our schools."
The music of the Eagles appeals to a wide variety of age groups, and the combination of heartfelt ballads, rock anthems laden with guitar harmonies, and the unmistakable sound of vocal harmonies as only the Eagles can do, has propelled the band for the past 40-plus years, positioning them as one of the most successful and popular bands in music history.
Eaglemania performs all of the hits of the Eagles, as well as Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh's solo albums. Their attention to detail and their ability to reproduce the Eagles exactly leaves their fans with an experience that they do not soon forget. People often remark that if they closed their eyes they would think they were listening to the actual Eagles live in concert.
The band consists of an ensemble of veteran musicians whose goal is to faithfully reproduce the Eagle's repertoire, music they love to sing and play, always committed to giving their audience a perfect show every time they take the stage.
The concert will be held Friday May 6 at 7:30 PM. Tickets for the show are available on line at www.purplepass.com, at Rockey's Ace Hardware in Westfield, The WTA Office, Shortstop Bar and Grill or by calling 800-316-8559.
Whip City Candle Launches The Creative Hub
Whip City Candle is so excited to announce the Opening of The Creative Hub: 28 North Elm St.
- Offering an eclectic variety of recycled items (an antique store of sorts for artists/crafters/Teachers/Pinterest pinners.)
- DIY workshops and guided classes. Studio Space for parties also available
- Open Daily Studio space for everyone (bring your own craft or choose from a variety of crafts.) All recycled items in this area will be free. Let's keep as much out of our landfills as possible. For Only $5.00 for 90 minutes! Great place to bring your kids to unleash their imaginations, meet up with a group of friends, or simply change up your view to create your next master piece!
Look for postings SOON for HRS and more details...
"Imagination is the highest kite one can fly"
(unknown)
Our Wish List...Your Trash our Treasure!
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN
Carpet samples,) formica, wallpaper, tile (colorful - 4x4 max), paint chip samples, upholstery books, upholstery swatches (6x6 or larger), architectural sample books, wood samples, contact paper.
ARTIST SUPPLIES
Most types of paint), brushes, pastels, glue, chalk, ink, carving tools, stencils, transfer letters, crayons, markers, rulers, clay, glue guns, silk screens, canvas (blank and used), easels, grout.
COLLAGE & SCRAPBOOKING
Stickers, scrapbook paper, embellishments, punches, rubber stamps, stamp pads, playing cards, maps, calendars, select magazines (see list below), postage stamps, photographs, postcards.
CONTAINERS
Small glass jars with lids, tins, jewelry boxes, small cardboard boxes, shopping bags, prescription bottles, plastic crates, cigar boxes, coffee tins, Rubbermaid type bins, buckets, small tubes, small plastic containers, bubble wrap, burlap sacks.
CRAFT SUPPLIES
Pipe cleaners, craft foam, bike tire tubes, feathers, glitter, doll supplies, marbles, game and puzzle pieces, silk flowers, wine corks (plastic and cork), pinback buttons, candle wax, straws, shells, pinecones, trophies.
FABRIC AND NOTIONS
Fabric, zippers, buttons, beads, jewelry pieces, thread, sewing needles, sewing pins, sewing tools, sewing patterns, ribbon, Velcro, leather, yarn, knitting needles, crochet hooks, wool scraps, sweater scraps, felt.
GIFT WRAP & PARTY SUPPLIES
Wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, raffia & Easter grass, greeting cards & envelopes, party decorations, ribbon and
bows, Mylar balloons, holiday gift wrap (non-xmas) & party supplies.
HOLIDAY
Wrapping paper, cards, unfinished/unused holiday-themed craft materials. MAT BOARD, FRAMING, SIGN MAKING, Mat board, foam core, frames, acrylic, Plexiglas, corrugated plastic, sign board, adhesive vinyl.
MEDIA/TECH
CDs, CD cases, cassettes, cassette tape cases, records, film canisters, slides, floppy disks, telephone wire, coated wire, motherboards, photography equipment, overhead projectors, slide projectors, cameras.
METAL
Bottle caps, metal jar lids, tins, ornate metal fixtures (hooks, doorknobs, etc.), uncoated wire, screws, nails, keys, tools.
OFFICE SUPPLIES
Pens, pencils, erasers, scissors, hole punches, staplers, staples, staple removers, tape dispensers, tape, file folders (manila, pocket and hanging - no legal size), spiral note pads, small notepads, clipboards, tab dividers, transparencies, rubber bands, paperclips, envelopes, labels, binders (no logos), plastic/metal organizers .
PAPER
Copy paper, cardstock, letterhead, art paper and pads, construction paper, small rolls of paper, large rolls of paper, poster board, paper sample books, select art books, blueprints, sturdy cardboard tubes.
PLASTIC
Colorful bottle caps, miscellaneous colorful bits, old gift cards/key cards, straws, plastic produce netting, spools.
WOOD
Small blocks and boards, sheets of cork, craft wood, spools, dowels, stretcher bars, Popsicle sticks.
VINTAGE
Photos, paper ephemera, small bits, jewelry, linens, postcards, greeting cards, notions, magazines, sewing patterns, craft.
Types of magazines we accept:
- Arts and crafts
- Home and garden
- Fashion
- Photography
- Pop culture
- National Geographic
Vintage (1979 and earlier)
I wanted to let Yellow Stonehouse Farm's friends and members know that we have started a blog! It's called Farming Matters and they plan to write about csa's, organic farming, preserving open space, wildlife, healthy eating, herbs & flowers - maybe a few recipes, a poem or two - who knows? They also have a few shares left - let them know if you are interested and they will send you the info! Click here to view blog: Farming Matters
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Join Us!
Upcoming GWCC Chamber Events
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May 11, 2016
5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Bella Med Spa by Dr. Craig Schacher
Westfield, MA 01085
Hosted by Bella Med Spa by Dr. Craig Schacher! This is a great opportunity to network - don't forget your business cards! $10 for Members and $15 for Non-Members (cash at the door). Refreshments will be served.
55th Annual Golf Tournament
May 23, 2016
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
East Mountain Country Club
1458 East Mountain Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Get your Foursome NOW!! Sponsorships available! Donate a prize for our raffle!
Use the following link for registration, sponsorship and raffle prize information!
Golf Brochure
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What to Save & What to Shred: Employers' Recordkeeping Requirements
May 9, 2016
8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Presented by:
Royal, P.C.
Host:
Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
If faced with an unanticipated audit by a state or federal agency, would you be confident that your recordkeeping practices are compliant with state and federal law? Royal, P.C. will be presenting an informational seminar that will provide an overview of state and federal recordkeeping requirements. Our discussion will cover which records must be saved, where records must be kept, and how long records must be retained pursuant to a variety of employment laws.
Wage & Hour Law Compliance
June 13, 2016
8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Presented by:
Royal, P.C.
Host:
Holiday Inn Express
39 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA
Save the date for this upcoming workshop.
The Department of Labor estimates that proposed amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act will impact nearly 5 million employees currently classified as exempt. How many of your employees will be impacted by this change?
Royal, P.C. will present an informational seminar addressing the challenges employers face related to these anticipated amendments and other areas of wage and hour laws. As this events gets closer
, we will update our website and provide registration information.
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Please enjoy some photographs from this months' events.
Workshop with Dave Flaherty - Are you getting the most out of your Internet presence?
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Several students form Westfield Technical Academy attended the workshop!
After 5 Connection at Betts Plumbing & Heating
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Royal LLP Workshop - Painkillers in the Workplace
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Congratulations to our Members who are celebrating an anniversary. Thank you for your continued support.
One Year
Pair A Dice Clean, LLC
State Line Propane, LLC
Ten Years
Commercial Distributing Co., Inc.
Webster Bank
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GWCC Board Meetings and Committees
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| Ambassador Club The Ambassador Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at First Niagara's Southwick Branch. *Beginning March 2016 ~ we will be meeting on the third Thursday at 4:30 pm at the Ranch Golf Club. Board of Directors The GWCC Board of Directors meets on the third Wednesday of every month. Your Board of Directors is listed here: http://www.westfieldbiz.org/directors-officers.html. Business & Community Affairs Committee Meetings are held the fourth Thursday of the month at 8:00 am at Annino, Draper & Moore at 75 Broad Street. Events Committee Meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 am at Air Compressor Engineering. Please contact Kate Phelon @ 413.568.1618 if you would like to be a part of this committee. Executive Committee The Executive Committee meets on the second Wednesday of every month. Membership Committee The Membership Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Monday of every month at Betts Plumbing & Heating, Co. Here is a list of our committees and contact names. We welcome current and new members to get involved. Please feel free to contact the chairpersons below if you would like to participate on a committee.
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The April 4, 2016 Mayor's Coffee Hour was cancelled due to SNOW!! Those who showed up networked, please enjoy a photo!
Our next coffee hour is Monday, May 2, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. at The Arbors at Westfield! See you there!
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See What's Happening Locally!
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Please visit our Member Event Calendar on our website here: Calendar
Let's make our Chamber website the "go to" site to see what is happening! This is another "value" added benefit for our members.
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Adopt-A-School Program
The leadership at each school has proved the Chamber a list of their needs to include: TIME, TALENT, & SUPPLIES. The response has been fabulous. Now it's time for the businesses to respond.
If your company has the capability to provide speakers, internships, and/or supplies, please call me at 413.568.1618 or email me at [email protected] with the item listed below that your company would like to support. Let's support our future business owners, entrepreneurs, and workforce!
Also, let's share these great partnerships by taking photos of the exchange and sending it our local newspaper, getting it on Facebook and other social media to show our community and others what great connections can be made by working together.
ADOPT-A-SCHOOL PROGRAM WISH LIST
| School |
Wish List |
| Westfield High School |
30 Individualized White Boards with Markers ELMO'S (many) Large Photo Albums Copiers 2 Laptops that will run CD's Scanner Projector/Copier/Scanner/Screen Elander's Transition Site Scanner w/Kurzweil Program
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| Time/Tallent
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Internships (Science) |
| Time/Talent |
Guest Speakers (Science) |
| Westfield Technical Academy |
25-30 gallons of paint (Auditorium) |
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25-30 gallons of paint (Gym) |
| Time
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Company employees to paint! |
| St. Mary's School
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Lined Paper White or Colored Copier Paper Post-its, pens, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, scissors, markers/highlighters, glue sticks, paper clips Playground supplies: jump ropes, frisbees, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, basketballs, kickballs
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| City:
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Internet Free Zone (wi-fi) |
| Assembly Style or Small Group Speakers
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Positives of Social Media Career Building (Middle School) Healthy Living/Eating/Fitness
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| High School Students
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30 Hours of Community Service/year to graduate |
| Abner Gibbs Elementary School
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20-30 iPads/Tables Electronic 3 hole punch machine Manilla Folders (several boxes) 1" 3-Ring Binders (10) 2" or 3" 3-Ring Binders (10) Poster Making Machine Pre-cut tennis balls for desks/chairs (200)
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| Munger Hill Elementary School |
Computers Laptops Tablets Smartboards CD Players 8' x 4' Whiteboard to Mount on Wall Digital Cameras Projection Screen Phone System
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| Batteries
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AA, AAA, C, D |
| Classrooms |
Partitions to Divide Classrooms Folding Tables
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| Southampton Road Elementary School
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Individual Headphones for Students (440 sets) |
| Construction |
Sidewalk behind school installed |
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East Mountain Road Transition Program
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Arts and Crafts supplies
Sewing Supplies
Sewing Machine
Basic Cooking Supplies
Large Toaster Oven
Dry Kitchen Goods
Playground and Recreational Equipment
Fishing Gear
Outdoor and Gardening Supplies and Tools
Bikes and Helmets
Loose Change for Learning Purposes
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Time
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Internships: High School Age through 22 Years. Varying levels of ability, job shadowing and staffing. Please contact
[email protected].
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City of Westfield Info Bites
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CITY HALL
59 Court Street
Westfield MA 01085
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Tel: (413) 572.6201
Fax: (413) 572.6274
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Press Release
City Partners with Westfield Spanish-American Association for Whitney
Playground Upgrade Playscape Community Build Slated for April 29th & 30th
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan today called for volunteers to assist with the installation of a $50,000 playscape at Whitney Playground. The "Community Build" will be held on Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th. The project is the result of a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded in 2015 to allow for the installation of playground equipment in this neighborhood park. The CDBG grant amounts to $60,000 and will pay for a baseball-themed playscape with activity stations for children ages 2 to 12.
Whitney Park is located at the end of Shepard Street, along the southern bank of the Westfield River. Over the past three decades, the Park has primarily been used for the Parks & Recreation adult softball programs. In 2014, the Westfield Spanish-American Association, through its then-President Wil Rodriguez, approached the Office of Community Development to inquire relative to possible upgrades to the Park to allow recreational opportunities for young families in the neighborhood.
"Since the 1960s, the Orange Street and Shepard Street neighborhoods have been sort of a home base for the City's Puerto Rican community," Rodriguez said. "We hope this new playground equipment will bring more families and more activity to Whitney Playground," he continued. In order to maximize the impact of the project, the City has opted for a "community build," which allows volunteers to participate in the assembly of the structure, under supervision from the equipment provider. The City and WSAA are looking for 15-20 volunteers each day to assist with the project. The work will begin at 8:00 am each day, and volunteers can commit to either a morning or an afternoon shift. Refreshments will be provided throughout the day. Volunteers will be required to sign a waiver acknowledging their willingness and fitness to participate. "I'm really looking forward to bringing this new feature to Whitney Playground," Mayor Sullivan said. "WSAA has been a longtime partner in the Westfield community and I am pleased to partner with them, the Department of Public Works, and the Office of Community Development on this exciting project," he continued.
For additional information on the Community Build, please contact Peter Miller in the Office of Community Development, either by phone (413-572-6246) or by email at [email protected].
Memorial Day Parade Date and Route - Monday, May 30th 2016
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan announces that groups marching in the Memorial Day Parade will begin assembling at 9:00 AM at Stanley Park. The assembly area will be near Stanley Park Drive off of Kensington Ave. The area is best accessed by entering Stanley Park through either Gate 3 or Gate 4 on Kensington Ave. Authorized Parade Vehicles are asked to enter at Gate 4 for pre-parade staging. The parade will begin promptly at 10:00 AM.
The parade route will be as follows: beginning at Stanley Park Drive, the marchers will march out of Gate 3 onto Kensington Ave, turn left towards Western Ave, and then right onto Western Ave. The parade will continue down Western Ave onto West Silver St, terminating at Parker Memorial Park, which is across from Westfield South Middle School. Memorial Day Ceremonies will take place in Parker Memorial Park.
Following the Parker Park Ceremonies, American Legion Post 124 will march from Parker Memorial Park towards East Silver St, turning Left onto Broad St toward the post home on Broad St, where additional ceremonies will be held.
Memorial Day Parade Participation Information
The Memorial Day Parade Committee of the Westfield Veterans Council invites all previous participants, and other parties interested in participating in this year's parade to contact the committee by e-mail at
[email protected].
The committee will no longer mail out paper invitations, and will use the e-mail registration as the primary means of registering for parade participation.
As in the past, please remember that the parade is a means of recognizing the sacrifices of those who gave their lives in defense of our country, and as such, is intended as a solemn event to be so conducted by the parade participants. No floats or commercial vehicles will participate in the parade. No dancing, acrobatics, or other celebratory activities are allowed.
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