W Business Focused ♦ Community Driven

City Hall 59 Court Street Westfield, MA 01085

October 2012

City Council Meeting Highlights Sept. 20th and October 4th

estfield

Message from Mayor Knapik

Inside This Issue:

Flowers by Webster 2

Monster Frozen Yogurt 3

Downtown is Ready 4

The theme in the City of Westfield for the month of October is progress. On October 4th, the City Council voted to approve the purchase of the Hampden Bank owned building on Elm Street. This purchase allows the City to remove a building that has been a well known “eye sore” to both residents and our local merchants for years. It was the significant next step in making the revitalization of our downtown a reality.

Phase I of the Rail Trail was also officially opened but has been no stranger to cyclists and pedestrians from all over the area since the summer. Phase II will be discussed on Oct. 24th, 7pm at the Amelia Park Children’s Museum. All welcome.

PASSED: That the sum of $75,000.00 be appropriated from Stabilization account to Mayor’s Office, Economic Development account for the purpose of funding the cost of the acquisition of 76-84 Elm Street from Hampden Bank.

REAPPOINTMENTS/APPOINTMENTS: Ana Nunez to Public Safety Communications Commission James Liptak to Council on Aging Brian Boldini to Traffic Commission

The building will be demolished, contaminated soil removed, and grounds will be temporarily graveled to make way for future development.

On October 12th we had a “double header” with the grand opening of the newly renovated Gas & Electric main office at Elm Street and the grand opening to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.

The G&E has made good on their promise to partner with the City and the business community so that together we can ride out the economic storm. They have invested over $700, 000 dollars in renovating their building to continue to have a downtown presence. They continue to lead the way in providing assistance by initiating ground breaking programs not before seen by a municipal utility.

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Business Focused ♦ Community Driven

October 2012

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Flowers by Webster has been proudly serving Westfield since 1963, with the philosophy to “provide you with only the finest nature has to offer”, says owner Gail Kelly. Gail Kelly has been the owner now for 11 years and feels like it was only yesterday that the shop was located next to Horizon Sports on Franklin Street. Gail credits the influential advice given by her Mother, for the current location of Flowers by Webster. Her Mother always said that the current location on Court Street would be an ideal place for a flower shop. Shortly after Gail’s Mother passed away, the building went up for sale, and purchasing it seemed like the only logical step. Originally, the building was constructed as a home in 1856 by Seth Cowles, a bridge builder, and comes with some unique history. When they were preparing the building for the November 2005 opening, the electrician found a buggy whip inside a wall with Seth Cowles name woven into the handle. Eventually the transition to a commercial property began when Elizabeth Winslow opened the Mainsail, a retail store, on the first floor and maintained a residence on the second floor. The second floor now has office suites designed for tenants with small business models where her shop and their operations complement each other. Gail’s background in arts and crafts dates back to when her and her husband, Chuck, moved to Westfield in 1988 from Milton, MA. Prior to owning Flowers by Webster, Gail owned and operated a home based decorative painting business named “Country at Heart” that employed stay at home moms. Gail says she is grateful and thankful for her dedicated customers, which have allowed Flowers by Webster to continue to thrive during these challenging economic times. She is also thankful for the hard work

52 Court Street, Westfield ♦ 413-562-4474

Monday – Wednesday: 8am – 5pm

Thursday & Friday: 8am – 6pm

Saturday: 8am- 3pm Sunday: 10am – 2pm

and dedication of her team of talented designers, sales staff, and delivery drivers. Her staff recognizes the importance of providing exceptional products and services to meet the needs and wants of each and every customer. Gail encourages and welcomes everyone to come in and see the beautiful showrooms and displays artfully crafted with the artistic flare of their design staff. Gail’s future outlook is very optimistic and exciting! One aspect of her growing business is decorating services for residential and commercial clients. If business continues to flourish, they would like to open a location in Westfield that solely handles all of the design features and services. Flowers by Webster is a full service floral and gift shop that offers something for every occasion; from the wedding of your dreams or a thoughtful gesture to just simply put a smile on one’s face.

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Text the word FLOWERS to 55769 to

receive $10.00 off your next in store

purchase!

Business Focused ♦ Community Driven

October 2012

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“It’s a perfect mix of frozen yogurt, Starbucks and an Apple Store all in one convenient location. This is just what Westfield needs!” says Store Manager Marty Gaudrault. Monster Frozen Yogurt proudly opened their doors in Westfield on August 29, 2012 in their beautiful location right on 619 East Main Street! Todd Cieplinski, owner of Monster Frozen Yogurt knew he wanted to be in this business since he saw the concept of shops locally and when he traveled. Not only did he want a typical frozen yogurt shop, but he wanted all his customers to enjoy “the experience.” Monster Frozen Yogurt is an independently owned, fun, and upbeat place for all ages. Comfortable seating, flat screen televisions, and two iMac desktops for everyone to use with free Wi-Fi is a great way to attract the community. Todd and Marty are community driven and would like to support all the local sports teams! Todd has two girls of his own who play soccer and are very sports oriented. He is actively involved with the Westfield Boys and Girls club among other organizations. Timing could not have been better for Todd and Marty! Todd had been in the IT business working with software and hardware since 1999, and had several successful businesses. He loved what he did, but always had this business of frozen yogurt in the back of his mind. Marty, having graduated in 2011 as a Business Major from Western New England College was ready to manage and take on a new, exciting venture.

Monster Frozen Yogurt uses premium frozen yogurt from “Yo cream” based in Portland, Oregon. For those who are health conscious, Monster has just what you’re looking for; Gluten free, low sugar and low fat options are available! The best part is that you get to design your own frozen yogurt treat with countless options for toppings! Their outlook is optimistic and their goal for the future is to expand to several locations, and have their Westfield store serve as their flagship location. Todd and Marty welcome everyone to stop in to enjoy life’s simple pleasures!

619 Main Street – Little River Plaza

7 Days a Week 11:00 am – 2:00 am

413-642-0620

Business Focused ♦ Community Driven

October 2012

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