WESTFIELD — Though cloudy skies threatened overhead, nothing could dampen the spirits of the crowd that gathered at Foundation Park on Friday to plant a tree in honor of Darielle Walsh, one of Westfield’s most consummate and prolific volunteers.
“I met Darielle when we were both sitting on the planning board together, right after I was first elected, and I was immediately struck by her intellect and engaging personality,” Mayor Shelley Brindle said. “But then I ran into her at a meeting of the Westfield Optimist Club, and then again at a meeting for the Westfield United Fund, and then I saw her at a meeting for the YMCA. I just remember thinking ‘Wow. Westfield is so lucky to have this woman in our corner.’” Over the course of her 40 years of volunteerism and professional service to the community, Mrs. Walsh has, among other accomplishments, served nine years on the Westfield Board of Education (three years of which were spent as the organization’s president), 13 years on the planning board (including two years as vice president) and more than 20 years as a member of the board of directors for the Westfield Area YMCA. She also has held numerous community leadership roles, such as president of the Optimist Club of Westfield, the Rotary Club of Westfield and the Westfield Education Fund, and she also is a former trustee of both the Westfield United Fund and the Westfield Foundation.
The list, Mayor Brindle said, goes on and on.
“I can think of no better tribute than a tree in your honor because you have planted so many roots and helped our community to grow in so many ways,” Mayor Brindle told Mrs. Walsh.
In addition to Mayor Brindle, Mrs. Walsh was joined by Councilwoman Linda Habgood, friends, family and dozens of past and present representatives from Westfield’s numerous non-profit organizations and charity groups.
The tree, planted in her honor by the Westfield Foundation, will stand as a lasting testament to Mrs. Walsh’s generosity and commitment to the community.
“I’m honored,” Mrs. Walsh said. “It has been a privilege to be involved with so many outstanding volunteers and organizations that do so much for individuals and families in our area.”
Mrs. Walsh thanked her fellow volunteers and board members, adding that volunteerism “helps to lay the foundation for a strong community.”
“I was brought up with a sense of responsibility, accountability and service,” she said. “From an early age, I was taught to work hard, do good, give back, be kind and be grateful. I really believe in it, and today, I’m very grateful for this recognition.”
