Latest news with #MichaelMcCabe
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
WTA Aviation Class of 2025 called ‘future of aviation'
WESTFIELD — After welcoming everyone to the Aviation Maintenance Technology program graduation for the Class of 2025, department head Galen Wilson acknowledged fellow Aviation instructors Scott Hepburn, Christopher Chaves and Timothy Pfau and Aviation Advisory Board chair Kenneth Dromgold. 'Another great year, another great class. These students will have an impact on the aviation industry.' Wilson said the students had completed 1250 hours of training, tests, evaluations, projects, presentations and readings to make it through the only FAA-certified program in New England. 'It takes a special student to complete it. They have endured a lot. Bottom line, we did it!' Mayor Michael McCabe came to the podium, saying it was intimidating to speak with an F15 right in front of him. Hangar 2 at Westfield Barnes Airport had been mostly cleared of aircraft for the ceremony that were now parked on the landing strip along with a visiting F15 from the Air National Guard 104th. McCabe remarked on the 50% female composition of the Aviation Class of 2025 as he welcomed family and friends, representatives of the Federal Aviation Administration, Gulfstream, and Westfield State University who he said were checking out the program. He then presented certificates from the City of Westfield to each member of the Class of 2025. 'This is one of my favorite days of the year. Being able to celebrate our kids as they move into the future is a blast,' McCabe said. Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski told the graduates, 'Aviation needs people like you,' He said the field requires precision, accountability and an unwavering commitment to safety, skills which he called impressive and essential. 'Thank you for choosing this path. Your future is not only bright, it's airborne.' 'I feel so indebted to and proud of this program,' said keynote speaker Senator John Velis, who is co-chair of the state Aviation Caucus. He said it coincides with his time in office, and he remembers walking from the hangar to Westfield Technical Academy with a plane at 3 a.m. in 2016 for the grand opening of the program. Velis said in the beginning, people were amazed that the program was happening in Massachusetts. 'Now, when we have this conversation, they say 'we know all about it.' We are proud — you should be proud, and I hope you are.' Velis' speech then paused for an emergency response to a medical emergency in the hangar that had a successful outcome. When he resumed, his message to the graduates shifted. 'Far more important than what we're doing today is your well-being,' Velis told the graduates. He said one of the things he knows as chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, is that the numbers are scary on the impact of mental health on young adults, which he said isn't talked about enough. 'If you find yourself at any point in the future or a friend finds themselves struggling, remember these three most important words — 'I need help.' Please get it. You're going to find in the not-too-distant future circumstances where you're going to fail at something — not a single person who hasn't. What separates those who push forward and who don't is your response,' he said. 'You make us so proud. Thank you for going down this path. Remember, you've got a lot of people in this room who want to help out,' Velis said. Wilson then introduced the Class of 2025 Distinguished Graduate Mason Jacquier of Southwick. In describing Jacquier he said he was a soccer captain, class treasurer, on the Student Council, in the National Technical Honor Society, 4H Club, Key Club, captain of the Aviation Explorers Post, flying, and 'oh yeah, not bad at motocross either,' in which he said Jacquier has won numerous awards. Jacquier will be attending Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida to study aerospace engineering. 'It's an honor to speak at our graduation. When we started as freshmen, we were intimidated … We were met with unwavering support, constant encouragement and guidance,' Jacquier said. He said over the four years they developed confidence, patience and pride, and were pushed out of their comfort zone and are on their way to becoming pilots, air traffic controllers and in the Air National Guard. After he spoke, pilot Ray Robidoux of the Westfield Aviation Museum located in Hangar 3 joined Jacquier at the podium to present him with a $2,000 scholarship. 'We present this scholarship as our way of saying thank you. The graduates today are the future of aviation,' Robidoux said. Scott Hepburn, instructor of the Class of 2025, thanked the other instructors for bringing the class over the finish line. He said it was a pleasure to have them for 3.5 years, 1911 hours total. He then awarded certificates to the FAA Program graduates and the non-FAA Aviation Program graduate, telling stories about each one before presenting them. The FAA Program graduates of the Class of 2025 include Savannah Chapman of Granville, who will be entering the Air National Guard 104th; Rielynn Cigal of Westfield, who will be going to Springfield Technical Community College for medical studies, and Hailey Dubiel of Westfield, who will go to CT AeroTech. Hepburn said Dubiel entered WTA 'bound and determined to get into aviation,' adding that she was one of the smartest students to ever come through, having only one test score less than 100 at a 97. Also graduating were Emma Fernandes of Westfield, who will go to Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Jason Harris of Westfield, headed to CT Aero Tech, Mason Jacquier of Southwick, going to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Jason Jones of Westfield, who will be going to STCC. Thomas Knapik of Westfield will be the first graduate of the program to become an Air Traffic Controller through the FAA. In a presentation before the School Committee in November, Knapik said he first thought about becoming a pilot, but discovered through the program 'the infinite possibilities in aviation.' Hepburn said about Olivia Pease of Westhampton that she came in wanting to be a private pilot by graduation, and became one. She will be entering STCC in the fall, and has a goal of becoming a commercial pilot. Joshua Masse of Westfield will be going to work at Bombardier in Windsor Locks and Mark Poznyur and Maya Reyes will join Gulfstream at Westfield Barnes. Non-FAA Aviation Program graduate Andrew Reed of Southwick will be going to Atlantic Aviation as a line technician. Hepburn said you could ask him whatever you wanted to know about airplanes. 'He knew so much about our planes, and is an incredible photographer,' he said about Reed, whose extended family in Southwick and South Carolina came to the graduation to support him. 'It's time to push this program bigger,' Hepburn said. He said they can only accept 14 students per year out of the 80 to 100 that want aviation. 'I'd like to double this program in the next couple of years — some way, somehow.' Wilson also awarded numbers 21 and 22 of the 25 coins made to distinguish the first 25 students from the program to complete their FAA certification. Wilson, a 30-year veteran of the US Air Force called it a USAF tradition. 'It means that you are a member of an elite group of people.' Coin number 21 was presented to Brandon Laviolette and number 22 to Zachary Fedora. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Westfield hosts annual Memorial Day Parade
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Westfield honored service members who passed away Monday morning with its annual Memorial Day Parade. While many people view this observance as a three-day weekend, many Westfield residents have deep ties to the military. American flags and lawn chairs lined the streets of Westfield as the Memorial Day Parade kicked off at City Hall. What's open and closed on Memorial Day in Massachusetts? High school marching bands and retired military Humvees strolled down Court Street, tossing candy and tiny American flags. Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe told 22News what this holiday is all about. 'It's about remembrance of those people that have gone before us and have fallen in service to their country,' McCabe said. 'You know, everybody's related to a military vet. My dad's a military vet, my father-in-law's a military vet, brothers and sisters, they're all veterans of service.' Memorial Day parades like the one in Westfield were seen all across the state to honor our fallen service members. One Westfield Councilwoman can relate to this very well. Cindy Harris is the daughter of a Korean War veteran, Frank Carlson, who died in action in 1954. She spoke about her relationship with past and current service members. 'As far as I'm concerned. everybody in serves in the service, any branch, is a brother and sister of mine,' Harris said. 'My father died when I was this big, and every Memorial Day is like going to another funeral. But we all stay happy and put one foot in front of the other. We think about them and enjoy our life because that's what they wanted us to do.' Today, there are over 37,000 fallen service members from Massachusetts. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Alera Group Acquires Trinity Advisors Group
DEERFIELD, Ill., May 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alera Group, a leading national insurance and financial services firm, announced today it is expanding its Mid-Atlantic footprint with the acquisition of West Chester-based Trinity Advisors Group (TAG), a retirement plan consulting firm. For nearly two decades, TAG has delivered qualified retirement-plan consulting to corporate clients across Greater Philadelphia. The firm is led by founder Michael McCabe, who established the company in 2006 and has been consistently recognized for his expertise in the retirement-services industry. "Michael and his team have earned a reputation for excellence, and we're thrilled to welcome them to the Alera Group family," said Christian Mango, Executive Vice President and National Practice Leader, Retirement Plan Services. "Their deep expertise in the Philadelphia market strengthens our capabilities and accelerates our strategic growth in the Mid-Atlantic." Following the asset purchase, TAG will operate within The Ascent Group, an Alera Group company. "Joining Alera Group opens an exciting new chapter for our team and our clients," McCabe said. "We saw in Alera Group a culture that matches our own commitment to exceptional client service. With their expanded resources, we can deliver even greater value to plan sponsors and participants while maintaining the high-touch approach they expect." ERISA Consultant Carmela Elco and client service professional Tracey Kirby, CPC, CPFA, will in their current roles. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. About Alera Group Alera Group is an independent financial services firm with $1.5 billion in gross revenue, offering comprehensive property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, wealth services and retirement plan solutions to clients nationwide. Working collaboratively across specialties and across the country, Alera Group's team of more than 4,500 colleagues offer unique solutions, personalized services and proactive insights to help ensure each client's business and personal success. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn. View source version on Contacts Tina Powelltina@
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jupiter Power lithium battery project in Westfield canceled over eco concerns
WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A developer for the proposed lithium battery energy storage facility in Westfield has decided to pull back on the project. This update was announced during a news conference held by the city's mayor outside City Hall. This decision is bringing relief to the community as many were concerned about the potential environmental and health impacts this facility could've brought. The Texas-based company Jupiter Power was looking to construct a lithium battery energy storage facility over the Barnes aquifer. This is the sole source of water for Westfield and the surrounding neighborhoods. There was also concern about long-burning lithium fires at the site, releasing harmful chemicals into the air. And in the last few months, the mayor and other state lawmakers were activeLy working with Jupiter Power for them to reconsider their proposal. Mayor Michael McCabe expressed gratitude for the developer's willingness to withdraw and listen to the community's concerns and reassess their plans. 'The protection of our city's natural resources should be paramount in all of our decision-making processes. And to that end, we are very pleased with this development,' says McCabe. While the company believed the facility would bring economic and resiliency benefits, they decided to focus their efforts on other projects. In a statement to 22News, Jupiter Power explained they've got a wide range of projects in development and must carefully decide which ones to invest in and move forward with. It is still unclear as to what's next for the property. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mayor asks for help from City Council to address budget gap
WESTFIELD — Mayor Michael McCabe asked the City Council on April 17 for help in addressing a $16 million gap in the fiscal year 2026 budget over last year. McCabe, who referred to a spreadsheet he had sent the councilors, said some of the cost drivers are outside of the control of the City Council or of the city itself. 'Health care costs are 36% higher, which includes costs to the city side of $5.8 million, and inflation rate costs are roughly at $5 million.' He said in the School Department, contractual obligations have increased by $1.8 million to Units A, B, D and E. There is a transportation increase of $1.3 million and a special education increase of $1.1 million, both of which he said are mandated and 'not funded as they are supposed to be.' On the city side, trash collection and recycling are up by $300,000, and he also expects a utility cost increase of 15 percent or $100,000 across the board, McCabe said. 'The school budget came in at $80 million, with a real budget of $74 million — we cut back $5.2 million. There are 43 positions in those cuts from the School Department,' he said. McCabe asked for the councilors help for anticipated city budget cuts of $3 million, including $1.5 million in free cash from the engineering department. 'In FY26 there is $1 million work to do on sidewalks — we have a bunch that aren't in good shape. We lose the sidewalk contract in October, which means their rates are set from now to October,' he said, adding that as soon as October hits, the costs are expected to move from $175 per square yard to $460 per square yard. He said the other half a million in engineering was to complete the work on the Little River Levee. McCabe then called Proposition 2 ½ 'a sticky wicket.' 'It's always good to lower taxes from the point of view of a politician, but you can actually lower taxes so much it hurts you. Over the last three years of my administration, we have never raised taxes. Last year, we had a net decrease — $3.5 million not used in the budget,' he said. 'Year after year for a decade, we were told the closer the gap to the levy ceiling, the more dangerous. Over the past three years, we've seen that gap increase from $4 million to $12.5 million.' McCabe said the problem with increasing the gap between the levy limit and the levy ceiling to $12.5 million is when he goes to the Statehouse or asks the Legislature for help him understand why Westfield doesn't get more money in Chapter 90, Chapter 70 and Chapter 74, 'They say to me, 'What's your gap?' They're telling me, you have a $12.5 million gap — that means spend your money — because you have more of your own money that you should have been spending all along.' 'I am suggesting in this budget that we tax 2.5% — that's $2.2M. I am also suggesting that we spend another 2.5% and reach into that gap, which brings it down to $9.5 million. Then we can ask [the state] for more money,' McCabe said, adding that it drives School Committee member Bo Sullivan 'crazy' that Pittsfield, a similar-sized community, gets so much more money than Westfield does. McCabe also talked about the shortage in revenue for trash services, which he said has been undercharging customers for years. '12,000 residences, all paying $85 a year — nowhere close to the expenses,' he said, which are closer to $265 a year. He recommended several fixes, including having the department establish an enterprise fund for trash services, making it a revenue account. He said $65 a quarter matches the actual costs. 'I don't think we should keep paying them through taxes.' The City Council recently voted to continue to set the rate for trash services two meetings ago, voting against sending that responsibility to the DPW. McCabe said local receipts are forecasted to bring in $900,000 in the next fiscal year, and new growth, only $500,000. McCabe said he will present his budget to the City Council on May 5, after which they will have 45 days to review it. In the meantime, he said he is open to ideas. After the meeting, Ralph Figy, who chairs the Finance Committee that will be in charge of the budget review for the City Council, said the mayor came to the council to explain how he is going to finance the budget. 'The mayor is open to solutions right now. Once he finalizes the budget, the council cannot add anything to the budget, we can only take away,' Figy said. 'We're really in a tough spot, and it's been coming. Every year, we've been using free cash to balance the budget, and it catches up on you. Last year, we used $4 million [in free cash] to balance the budget, and another $1 million to set the shift.' 'Taxes have to go up,' Figy said, adding that new growth, anticipated to be $500,000 next year, keeps going down. 'He is in a very difficult position. This fiscal crisis has been building over the years. Every time a new business that wants to come into town is not permitted — If you don't have the commercial basis, it's going to fall on the taxpayers.' Figy said the mayor is proposing a 5% increase in taxes, the 2.5% allowed by Proposition 2 ½, and an additional 2.5% from the levy limit, for a total of $4.4 million 'We are allowed to tax up to our levy limit,' he said, adding that is how he is proposing to close the gap between income and expenses. 'The state's not going to help us because of potential revenue we're not accessing,' Figy said. 'If we don't want to do the [2.5%], we're going to have to come up with $2.2 million worth of cuts on top of the cuts that have already been made. That would mean positions. That means people. We're already cutting 43 out of the School Department, and I have no idea how much we're cutting on the city side.' Figy said the mayor is trying to get away from using free cash in the budget, which is what creates the problem. 'We're all in this together. We've got to put our heads together and come up with solutions. This isn't going to go away easily,' he said.
