Hamilton County residents Mike and Debbie Laird presented the Westfield Police Department with a generous donation to fund a Community Day to be held in Westfield July 31.  The Lairds are the parents of fallen Indianapolis Police Officer Jake Laird, who gave his life in the line of duty Aug. 18, 2004.  In his honor, the Westfield Police Department will pay tribute to Jake and promote the spirit of community by providing an afternoon of food and fun for the residents of Westfield. 

After Jake’s death, the Lairds established the Jake Laird Memorial Fund, which provides funds for local law enforcement agencies in need of new equipment, innovating new programs and assistance with officer hardships.  The Laird Family is known as friends to numerous police agencies throughout Indiana sponsoring programs that strengthen community relations.  “We are deeply grateful to the Laird’s for their generosity,” says Westfield Police Chief Joel Rush.  “We are extremely honored to be able to pay tribute to Officer Jake Laird and his family here in Westfield."

The Laird’s donation will also help fund the purchase of a bike to supplement the Police Department Bicycle Patrol Program.  Officers will be able to provide patrols in our many parks, neighborhoods and the trial system.

The city of Westfield announced its intent to pursue a partnership with Google to bring fiber-to-the home connection to Westfield residents.  Google plans to select a community to test its unique high-speed connection later this year.  Communities nationwide will apply for this partnership and the selected community will be the pilot city and receive this unique high speed fiber access at no cost.

The city o is urging residents to nominate Westfield via the Google Fiber survey.  The city will submit an application along with survey/nomination results to Google for consideration.  “We are urging all Westfield residents to go to the Google Fiber site and nominate Westfield for this opportunity,” says Westfield Mayor Andy Cook.  “We have many innovative projects currently underway and this partnership with Google would not only be excellent for our residents but could also be a huge economic development tool."

March 26 is the submittals deadline so all nominations must be made prior to that date. Show your support by becoming a fan of the Google Fiber for Westfield, Indiana Facebook Page as well as the city of Westfield Facebook Page.

The City of Westfield announced the results of their residential citywide public trash and recycling survey.  The City of Westfield created the survey so that both Ray’s Trash Service and the City can gather necessary feedback to improve services to the residents.  The citywide trash and recycling program was initiated Jan. 1.

The overall results of the survey were extremely positive.  Prior to this trash program, only 25 percent of Westfield residents recycled.  The survey results reveal that currently 97 percent of residents who took the survey are recycling at least once a month, and 79 percent of those are recycling each week.  The survey also reveals that 92 percent of responders are satisfied with their service. 

The city of Westfield negotiated with Ray’s Trash Service and decided on an $11 monthly fee for three years for all residential households.  The survey results stated that 84 percent of responders are satisfied with the current $11 fee for their weekly trash and recycling service.  “We are extremely pleased with the survey results,” says Westfield Mayor Andy Cook.  “We work daily with Ray’s to maintain a high level of customer service and satisfaction and I’m thrilled to hear that residents are pleased."

The survey consisted of nine questions and the complete survey results are posted on the city's Web site at www.westfield.in.gov. 

Once again, the Westfield Washington Public Library, in cooperation with the other county libraries, is participating in “Hamilton County Reads,” a countywide program, which begins March 1 and lasts until April 17, when everyone is asked to read the same book.  

This year’s title is “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. The story begins in January of 1946, when writer Juliet Ashton receives a letter from a stranger, a founding member of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. This is a remarkable tale of the island of Guernsey during the German occupation, and of a society as extraordinary as its name. Multiple copies of the book are available for check out at the library.  

Kids also have a chance to participate by reading “Blueberries for the Queen” by Katherine and John Paterson, with illustrations by Susan Jeffers. The story takes place during World War II, when a boy named William likes to imagine at bedtime that he is a brave knight fighting great battles to end the war. Then a real queen moves in just down the road: Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands, who is forced out of her country because of the war. William now has his chance to really do something for the war effort. 

The Westfield Washington Public Library will host many special programs connected with the book: 

Island of Guernsey Watercolor Class I, Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 10:15 a.m.

Artist Jan Roland teaches the art of watercolor painting and introduces the natural beauty of Guernsey Island -- an example of the class painting project is displayed at the library. There is a fee of $12 per person, and registration is required. 
 
 
 

Frugal Shopping, Tuesday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m.

You may not have to use ration coupons, but everyone needs ideas for keeping their monthly shopping bills within budget! Come to the library for this free presentation on bargain shopping tips by Lisa Cangany, Program Assistant of Consumer and Family Science for Purdue Extension in Hamilton County. Organizing dinner plans, stocking up your pantry, and tips for getting the most out of sales and coupons will all be covered. The program is free, and registration is encouraged but not required. 

Postcards From the Past, Saturday, March 20, at 2 p.m.

Discover the beauty and variety of vintage postcards at “Postcards From the Past.” Mr. Harley Sheets, the President of the Indianapolis Postcard Club, will give a presentation on the hobby, history & value of postcards. A few of Mr. Sheets’ postcards are on display at the library. Following the presentation, Mr. Sheets will be available to answer questions and give free appraisals. The program is free, and registration is encouraged but not required. 

Life in the ‘40s, Wednesday, March 24, at 2 p.m.

Join Marie Albertson, Don Seal, Dottsie Grins and others as they share their recollections of life in the ‘40s and their experiences during World War II. The program is free, and registration is encouraged but not required. 

Welcome to Guernsey: Travelogue and Book Discussion, Wednesday, March 31, 6:30 p.m.

Where in the world is Guernsey?  What is potato peel pie?  Join us as we travel to the island of Guernsey through a slideshow and book discussion.  Whether you’ve finished the Hamilton County Reads selection or want to know more about this community wide read, you’ll find plenty to discover at this up close look at “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society.”  Come to the library and learn more about this unique book that has the whole community reading! The program is free, and registration is encouraged but not required. 

Remembering Iwo Jima, Saturday, April 3, 2 - 4 p.m. 

• Survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima, 2 p.m.

Marion “Frank” Walker served in the Headquarter Company of the 2^nd Battalion, 28^th Regiment, and 5^th Marine Division. He fought in the battle of Iwo Jima and was one of the few soldiers to reach the top of Mount Suribachi and live to tell the story. He’s eager to help teens and adults understand the complexities of what historians consider one of the bloodiest battles in the war with Japan. Mr. Walker has written a book “Preparing for the Rain on Iwo Jima,” and will have autographed copies available. Don’t miss his first hand account of the epic battle and the raising of the flag. 
 

• Iwo Jima:  Indiana’s Youngest Veteran Remembers, 3 p.m.

Experience the history of our greatest generation with Jim Baize, a World War II Veteran who served bravely at Iwo Jima.  Baize, an aircraft engineer following WWII, shares his stories of enlisting at age 15, as well as photos from the battle of Iwo Jima. He has recorded his story for the Library of Congress archives and Park Tudor’s fourth edition of “Words of War.”  We invite you to join us for this once-in-a-lifetime presentation by an honored United States Veteran. The program is free, and registration is encouraged but not required. 

Island of Guernsey Watercolor Class II, Thursday, April 8, at 10:15 a.m.

Artist Jan Roland teaches the art of watercolor painting and revisits the natural beauty of Guernsey Island. An example of the class painting project is displayed at the library. There is a fee of $12 per person, and registration is required.

Frugal Chef: Delicious Meals on a Budget, Thursday, April 15, at 3:30 p.m.  
You may not have to struggle for your next meal, as they did on Guernsey Island, but you can save money and eat well by cooking your own meals at home!  Join us for this interactive presentation by Lisa Cangany, Program Assistant of Consumer and Family Science for Purdue Extension in Hamilton County, as she demonstrates how to prepare tasty menus that will fit your family’s budget.  Sample a budget recipe and learn tricks to save time and money, too. The program is free, and registration is encouraged but not required. 

For more information on any of these programs, check our website at www.wwpl.lib.in.us or contact Information/Reference Services at 317-896-9391.
 

The City of Westfield has been awarded the Excellence in GIS Award from the Indiana Geographic Information Council (IGIC).  The award was presented to the City of Westfield’s Eric Becker and Tammy Havard at the Indiana Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Conference yesterday in Bloomington, Indiana. 

According to the IGIC, this award is an ongoing effort to recognize creative and practical applications of GIS in Indiana.  This award recognizes unique efforts practiced by local communities and how they improve service for residents of the State of Indiana.  It also shows community leaders the importance of investing in GIS and how results can be critical to communities. 

“I am extremely proud of our GIS and Administration team here in Westfield,” says Westfield Mayor Andy Cook.  “Their innovative capabilities have set us apart from many communities and I am thrilled that they’re being recognized for their efforts,” says Cook.