Since our last enewsletter, the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce held the April WestNet at Betts Plumbing & Heating Supply, Inc., Run Westfield, LLC held their first Flat, Fast Five K, and The Non-Profit Volunteer Network of Greater Westfield held their annual Volunteer of the Year Awards. 

April WestNet

Volunteer of the Year Awards

The Non-Profit Volunteer Network, which the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce is a member, again hosted a reception for the Volunteer of the Year Awards. Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik presented two Volunteer of the Year awards for their service and commitment to a Westfield organization. Congratulations to the winners: Claire Fouche & Jay Pagluica!

The 2013 volunteer nominees and their nominating organizations were Jay Pagluica and Diana McLean, Amelia Park Children's Museum; Philip J. Cameron, III, Carson Center; Don Podalski and Jeff LaValley, Friends of the Columbia Greenway; Claire Fouche, Salvation Army; Sheri Harris, Stanley Park; Ray Garcia and Melissa Kielbasa, Volunteers in Public Schools; Gary Fitzgerald, Westfield Aboretum Project; and Linda Saltus and Joan Machacek, Westfield Athenaeum.

Sincerely,

Kate Phelon

Executive Director

Notes from the Mayor's Coffee Hour

City of Westfield Info Bites

PRESS RELEASE

Mayor Daniel Knapik has announced the following schedule for the Gas Light District reconstruction project.

Gas main replacement will begin on Tuesday, April 23 with completion scheduled for Friday, June 21, 2013.

Gas service replacement will begin on Tuesday, April 30 with completion scheduled for Monday, July 1, 2013.

To view the Elm Street Urban Renewal Plan of the City of Westfield and the Westfield Redevelopment Authority, please see the following: www.cityofwestfield.org/documentcenter/view/1198.

Profile and advertise

Your company here for $75.00!

AIM, Associated Industries of Massachusetts

AIM, Associated Industrial of Massachusetts

To see a full listing of their calendar of events and seminars, please click the link:

U.S. Department of Commerce/U.S. Commercial Service

The U.S. Commercial Service organizes and supports conferences, seminars, and events to educate their clients and promote international trade. Our goal is to help local U.S. exporters sell globally. To see a full listing of their Trade Events, please click the link: http://export.gov/massachusetts/tradeevents/index.asp.

MassMEP, Manufacturing Extension Partnership

Sixteen teams from across the United States & Canada will compete for the Amelia Cup Championship Trophy. Sled Hockey enables people with physical disabilities to play the game of hockey. The caliber of players range from members of the 2010 Paralympics to our very own local teams - The Springfield Sliders and the Western Mass Knights.

We are looking for businesses and individuals to donate funds, raffle prizes and time to make this event a success. This event is all volunteer driven and it is the most inspiring event you will ever attend!  FMI please go to http://ameliaparkice.org/ or call 413.568.2503.

Noble Hospital

The race begins at 9:00 a.m., with registration from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Children's Pavilion at Stanley Park in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Early registration is encouraged. The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $30 before April 12 (Seniors 60+ are $20). The registration fee for ages 13-59 is $35 from April 13-27 (Seniors 60 + are $25). Children under the age of 12 participate free when accompanied by a paying adult. T-shirts and sizes are available to registrants on a first-come, first-served basis while inventory is available. To register online, visit  http://give.noblehospital.org/5k. Registration materials and general information may also be downloaded on the Noble website at www.noblehospital.org.

Genesis Health Care at Westfield Center

If you would like to donate items for this tag sale, items will be taken through May 2, 2013 by contacting Sandy Tower, Admissions Director at 413.729.5003.  All money raised will be donated to the Alzheimer's Walk.

WOW - Westfield on Weekends

Louisville has the Derby - We have the after-party!  Incredible prizes and surprises!  Derby games, races, raffles, Derby drinks, hors d'oeuvres, live music and more!!  Wear your bonnets, seersuckers and derby for even more chances to win!  Sponsored by the Westfield Business Improvement District (WBID) and Westfield on Weekends (WOW).  For more information, please visit:  www.westfieldonweekends.com.

Noble Hospital

Noble Hospital's Oncology Program is the beneficiary of proceeds from the first ever Sock Hop in memory of Nancy Galica. Music at the Sock Hop will be provided by The Skid Marks.

Hey all you hip cats and dungaree dolls - join us for the first ever oldies Sock Hop featuring The Skid Marks!  The cost is $40 per person or $75 per couple.  There will be a cash bar, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes and raffles as well as great music.  Fifties attire is encouraged.  Tickets may be purchased at the door, by calling Mark Galica at 413-562-1923, or in the Community Development Office at Noble Hospital (off the main entrance on the first floor).

Shaker Farms Country Club

Please join us for Mother's Day Brunch.  Reservations are required.  For more information, pricing or reservations, please call Shaker Farms at 413.568.4087.

Westfield River Watershed Association

In conjunction with Wilderness Experiences (Southwick), join us for our fourth annual Demo Day. You'll have an opportunity to test-paddle a variety of kayaks and some canoes, and there will be a slate of "in the water" and "shoreline" programs and demonstrations. There will also be a raffle to win a kayak and other great prizes. Save the date!  For more information, visit their website at http://www.westfieldriver.org/.

The Arbors

5K Run or 2 Mile Walk is $25.00 per person and includes park entry fee.  1 Mile Fun Run $5.00  per person entry fee.  This is a timed race.  All donations/sponsorships received by May 1st will be listed on the t-shirt and website. T-shirts available to the first 150 registered.   The event will benefit the Comprehensive Breast Program, Medical Director Steven Schonholz and Pink W.A.Y. Support Group at Noble Hospital.  Wear your funkiest pink outfit!!  Register on-line at Coolrunning.com or active.com.  For more information, contact Sondra Jones at sondrajones@arborsassistedliving.com or Lisa Holt at lholt@arborsassistedliving.com.

Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation

Free monthly movie nights are back on the 4th Wednesday of every month from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.  This popular series features short movies about how things were made or operated "back in the day".  The May 22nd movie night will feature films about trains to complement the newest museum exhibit, "Trains and Railroads".   Please call 413.357.8814.    

American Inn

Attention Car Lovers!  Members of the Western Mass Model A Restorers will be on hand, as well as classic car owners.  The event will take place in the parking lot behind the Inn's mailing building.  DJ Kris Sanders will provide oldies music and hamburgers, hot dogs, soda and ice cream will be for sale to benefit local organizations.  If you own a classic car and would like to be a part of the show, please contact Barbara Huntoon at 413.569.1945, ext. 114 or you may email her at barbara@americaninn-sawmillpark.com .  All are welcome!  No rain date.  Free parking will be available at the medical office next door.

Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation

The monthly Living History series starts June 12, 2013, with a program by David Leff called "Hidden in Plain Sight".  A local essayist, poet and lecturer, David unlocks the secrets of seeing magic in the mundane and discovering wonders in the commonplace world around us.

Chamber Member News 

   

 

 

Westfield's Armbrook Village Opens its Doors.

The Senior Living Community's First Residents Move In

 

For the individuals and companies behind the new Armbrook Village project in Westfield, this day has been a long time coming. It's been over a year of non-stop construction at 551 North Road in Westfield and even more time was spent before that on zoning, permitting, and clearing the land. The project has had many local supporters, among them Mayor Daniel Knapik who sees this project as a vital part of Westfield's revitalization effort.

 

Today, those involved with the project are marking a significant milestone --  Armbrook Village officially opens its doors and welcomes its "pioneer" residents into the building to move into their brand new apartment homes.

 

This week the "independent senior neighborhood" opens and is quickly followed by the official opening next week of the Assisted Living and Compass Memory Support neighborhoods. Within the next few months dozens of people are scheduled to move into their new homes, providing an exciting and vibrant new community for the region's seniors.

 

"Everything is in full swing here!" says Armbrook Village's executive director Beth Cardillo. "The dining rooms are open, our programs are running and we are completely staffed. Our new building, which only recently seemed to be drywall and sawdust, is now buzzing with life."

"I'm looking forward to sitting down with our first residents and getting to know about their specific interests," said Tiffany Lagacy, Director of the community's EnrichedLIFE programs. "Opening a new community is exciting for them, too. They get to be involved with creating the clubs and activities they want to have - Pitch Night, Book Clubs, Walking Clubs, Knit and Crotchet Groups, monthly rounds on the putting green -- whatever activities suit their interests. They design it, we create it."

Armbrook Village has 46 independent apartments with full kitchens, 51 assisted living apartments with kitchenettes, and a 25-unit secure Compass Memory Support Neighborhood® that is specially designed for individuals with memory loss.

 

Mayor Knapik said about the project, "Armbrook offers a high-end senior living campus setting within our city catering to the needs of our local citizens - from the independent couple who would like to downsize to the elderly individual who can benefit from supportive services to someone who has memory loss -- and everyone in between."

 

The service-enhanced Compass neighborhood is affiliated with the Boston University School of Medicine's Alzheimer's Disease Center. "Compass at Armbrook's programming is unique to Western Mass," says Compass Program Director Brenda Lopes. "All of our programs in combination actually treat the symptoms of Alzheimer's, enhancing the lives of those living with memory loss. Our research-based programming includes our award-winning Brain Healthy Cooking Program, Reconnections (an adult learning curriculum) and the Lifetime Achievement Award. "

 

"We are thrilled to welcome residents into their homes, but I want people to know that there are still plenty of apartments available with many different layouts and views to choose from. We have some of the largest apartments in the area and many people who are moving in are delighted that we are a monthly rental community with no buy-in or real estate purchase required," said Ms. Cardillo.

 

She noted that the Priority Reservation Program, which offers early depositors a choice of paint colors, a voucher for moving expenses, a salon gift certificate and a home warming cocktail party, is still in effect for the first 50 people to move in. "If you are thinking about making a move sometime soon, drop in now for a tour and take advantage of this great program!" Cardillo said.

 

Those interested in touring the newly completed Armbrook Village can call 413-568-0000 or email info@armbrookvillage.com to arrange a visit - or simply drop by without an appointment. Cardillo also urged local residents to check out the website ArmbrookVillage.com.

 

 

 

 

 

   

   

   

Forum House Recognizes Chris Araujo and Jeff Lander at the April 10th MCC Employer Celebration Event

 

On April 10th 2013, 36 companies were recognized at the Statehouse by the Massachusetts Clubhouse Coalition for diversifying their workforce by employing people with mental illness.   Over 44 legislators and their staff and the Department of Mental Health Commissioner Marcia Fowles presented the awards.  Forum House, which is a state funded vocational rehabilitation program located on Broad Street here in Westfield, recognized Creative Machining and Molding Corporation and its owner Chris Araujo with its "Employer of the Year Award 2013" at the event.  State Representative Don Humason was there to present the award and to recognize Chris Araujo for the outstanding work he has done with hiring members of the Forum House vocational rehabilitation program.  Chris Araujo has hired 15 employees in both part time and full time positions over the past 6 years, giving these individuals the opportunity to earn the self-respect and self-sufficiency   that comes from having a job.  When first told of winning the Award, Chris Araujo commented, "Why Am I receiving an award for taking advantage of the great service the Forum House provides for us.  It has been a great business decision for us to work with you."

 

Also Recognized at the event is Was Jeff Lander, owner of Appilistic, for his participation in the MCC Employment Expansion Committee.  He has actively been involved in encouraging other employers throughout Massachusetts and nationally to hire individuals who have a psychiatric illness.  Jeff has written letters of recommendation for the MCC and for Human Resources Unlimited outlining the advantages and benefits of working with clubhouse programs.  He has also made himself available to meet one on one with employers to advocate and answer questions and concerns directly.  He can answer from his own experiences as he, himself has employed a members of the Forum House for the past 10 years, and one member as a permanent employee, stating that "Mike is an integral part of my company whose help I could not do without." Jeff Lander is also a coordinator of the Forum House advisory group, "Friends of Forum" and is an integral part of the Forum House community.

 

 

 

Noble Hospital Offers Free Monthly

Blood Pressure Screenings

Noble Hospital is now offering free monthly blood pressure screenings. This opportunity for the public to have their blood pressures checked is being offered by the Building Bridges Committee, a group of Noble Hospital nurses who volunteer in the greater Westfield community to educate the public about healthcare and disease prevention.

Screenings will be held on the first Wednesday of the month from 9:00 to 10:00 am downstairs in the Cardiology Department. Please enter through the Hospital's main entrance and follow the signs to Cardiology. This is a first-come, first-served screening clinic and there is no need to preregister. If you have any questions, please contact the Community Development Office at

info@noblehealth.org or 413-568-2811 x5520.

PeoplesBank Appoints Jocelyn Kinlock as a 

Mortgage Consultant

Ronald Maniscalco, Electrical Engineer, Joins Tighe & Bond

Bringing More Than 20 Years of Engineering Expertise to Expanding Firm

Ronald Maniscalco, P.E., recently joined Tighe & Bond, Inc. as a senior electrical engineer who will work out of the firm's corporate office in Westfield, Massachusetts.  He has more than 20 years of experience in electrical and telecommunication design for both public and private clients, which will benefit the firm's expanding electrical and mechanical engineering team.

His expertise includes designing, specifying and reviewing power, lighting, technology, instrumentation, lightning protection, fire detection, security, video surveillance, as well as telephone and instrumentation systems.  He also provides electrical energy efficiency studies and electrical services surveys to establish equipment condition and National Electrical Code compliance. Electrical arc flash analyses with overcurrent protective device coordination studies are also his specialty. 

"Ron offers our clients considerable electrical engineering expertise for a broad range of projects in the municipal, educational, hospital, and commercial development sectors.  We look forward to his contributions to our growing team of electrical and mechanical engineers," says Tighe & Bond President David Pinsky.

A resident of Westfield, Maniscalco earned his bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and is a registered professional electrical engineer in twelve states.  He is a member of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, the Illuminate Engineering Society, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

WGBY will broadcast the second segment in its new Connecting Point series "Divided We Stand: A Street in Our School," on Wednesday, March 27, at 7:30pm. The series aims to present all sides of a longtime community issue: the tunnel beneath I-91 that runs through the Germán Gerena Community School in Springfield's North End. Built in 1973, the school serves 700 children. Because of the building's close proximity to I-91, a tunnel enables students and members of the community, divided once the interstate was constructed, to safely walk from one side of their neighborhood to the other.  

In Wednesday's segment, viewers will learn the central role that "the tunnel" played in the community a generation ago. Longtime residents Jimmy Rivera and Janet Denney describe the space and the services that filled it as "an oasis" in the city. They also recall the initial excitement about the passageway's construction followed by residents' sadness and frustration when flooding damaged the walkway. Subsequent leaks, mold and security issues forced organizations to relocate.  

For the first time, WGBY is providing Spanish subtitles for the series of segments, which air periodically through May 22. The first segment in the series included a discussion about the school and the status of repairs to the tunnel with Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and School Superintendent Daniel Warwick. Learn complete series information and watch the first segment that aired on March 14.

WGBY invites viewer feedback and especially encourages people who live near Gerena, largely members of the city's Latino community, to contribute memories, stories or opinions throughout the series' run. Future air dates include Wednesday, April 24; Tuesday, April 30 and May 20-22.

Do you know what's beneath part of I-91 in Springfield?  

A pathway providing access, resources, education . . . stories that link a generation.  

Time has changed this once vibrant space. As residents and city leaders discuss their vision for the Gerena Community School and tunnel, WGBY explores its past and present.

You'll learn just how much happens in this place you don't see.

Series Overview:

• History, current renovation efforts at Springfield's Germán Gerena Community School, serving 700 children in the city's North End; WGBY's North End Center for Literacy and Learning housed in school.
• Tunnel beneath the school links Plainfield and Main Streets. A generation grew up using community services within the space.
• Flooding resulted in structural damage to the tunnel, mold and empty rooms that residents once filled.
• Discussions between city leaders, residents could change the tunnel.
• WGBY provides Spanish subtitles for the series, a first for a local production at the station.
• Carolee McGrath hosts segments (Jim Madigan introduced Mayor) in Carrie Saldo's absence.
• Bi-lingual marketing includes print, radio, TV, Web and community outreach in schools, neighborhoods.
• Monthly "Dinner on Us" events at Gerena: WGBY sponsorship presence, series promotion and call for stories
• Goals: to engage members of the Latino community by inviting their thoughts, opinions, memories and stories of "the tunnel;" to tell a community's stories that have not been recorded thus far; to utilize Web resources on the LYMI page; to demonstrate WGBY's commitment and service to all viewers within western New England.

Segments:

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