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WEATHER TONIGHT Some clouds then clear. Low of 58.
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
“People who jump
to conclusions rarely alight on them.” — PHILIP GUEDALLA
www.thewestfieldnews.com FRIDAY, JULY 24, 2015
VOL. 84 NO. 185
Level 3 sex offender denied bail on new charges of assaulting a minor
Report: School ban on sugary sodas, sweet snacks working By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — Rules aimed at banning sugary sodas, sweet snacks, potato chips and other standard school vending machine fare appear to be working in Massachusetts, according to a study released Wednesday. The study of 74 middle and high schools in three dozen districts showed big increases in the offerings of healthy “competitive foods and beverages” — those items sold in vending machines, school stores, and for fundraisers that “compete” with the sale of school meals. Before the new rules, just 13 percent of competitive foods would have met the standards at the middle school level. One year after the rule, that number rose to 69 percent, according to the study. At the high school level, just 28 percent of competitive beverages met the standards before the rules. Compliance jumped to 80 percent one year after the rules. Researchers cataloged information on thousands of foods, including brand names, packaging, and serving size. The study was conducted over an 18-month period to measure the impact of new state regulations. Northeastern University associate professor Jessica Hoffman, the study’s lead author, said the findings are encouraging. “For decades competitive foods have not been regulated at the national level, so states have taken it upon themselves to do something,” Hoffman said in written statement. “These standards that were put in place in Massachusetts were really exciting because at the time they were some of strictest standards in the whole country.” The rules, which were unanimously approved by the state Public Health Council in 2011, ban foods with artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and caffeine from schools’ a la carte lines, vending machines, stores, events and fundraisers. They also ban fried foods and limit the amount of fat, sodium,
Fresh produce and herbs from the gardens at the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center on Mill Street, Westfield, will be featured at the upcoming Farm to the Table Dinners. Above, Liz Walz, executive director, checks out the vegetable garden. (Photo by Lori Szepelak)
Genesis Center offers Farm to Table dinners By LORI SZEPELAK Corresponden WESTFIELD – A brother and sister team are lovingly tending to the vegetable and herb gardens at the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center on Mill Street which will contribute to the produce at three Farm to the Table Dinners in the coming months. “Outside of our kitchen is Janet’s Herb Garden,” noted Liz Walz, executive director at Genesis, during an interview with the Westfield News earlier this week. “Janet Kondrat worked for us for 27 years and retired two years ago but still tends to the garden.” Since the herb garden is just a few steps away from the kitchen, head cook Jen Moynihan has easy access to what is ready to be picked. Currently, there is lavender, thyme, oregano, basil, dill and mint to pick and add to meals being prepared throughout the day. Kondrat’s brother, Ronnie Sienkiewicz, tends to the vegetable garden which is currently producing green beans, kale, chard, tomatoes, carrots, radishes, yellow pole beans, squash and zucchini. “The 19 serene acres at Genesis is the
ideal location for such an experience and we are pleased to bring Farm to the Table Dinners to our neighbors,” said Walz. Farm to Table Dinners, culinary adventures served in the fresh air, are growing in popularity across the country, according to Suzanne M. Boniface, Genesis’ marketing director. “The fresh air dining experience provides an opportunity to eat exquisitely prepared food with local produce in an environment, 19 acres, that is cared for in a very sustainable way,” said Boniface. Boniface suggested the concept to Walz earlier in the year and soon they were working with Lenita Bober of Blossoming Acres in Southwick and John Keilch of Yellow Stonehouse Farm in Westfield, to showcase what local harvests can produce. “They have been so knowledgeable in helping us design our menus for each dinner,” said Boniface. “We have talked about what vegetables will be available when, what works well with what, and different recipe ideas.” The July 26 dinner is already sold out See Farm to Table, Page 3
See Ban, Page 3
Humason and Trusty testify at hearing BOSTON — Senator Don Humason, (R-Westfield) announced that he and Westfield Navy veteran Richard Trusty testified Thursday before the legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation on behalf of a bill written by Humason and co-sponsored by Representative John Velis, (D-Westfield). The legislation, Senate Bill 1839, An Act Designating a Certain Bridge in the City of Westfield as the All Westfield Patriots Bridge, would require the division of highways of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to erect and maintain suitable markers bearing that designation in compliance with the standards of the department. Currently that bridge is known as the Great River Bridge north-bound and spans the Westfield River. “I am really happy that Dick Trusty could take time out of his busy schedule and travel to the State House with me to offer testimony in support of my bill,” Humason said. “I’ve spoken in front of legislative committees numerous times and was pleased to do so again today on behalf of the Veterans Council, Representative Velis, and the people of Westfield, but Dick Trusty did a terrific job representing the Westfield Veterans Council and explaining how and why they came up with the name All Westfield Patriots Bridge.” In a letter to Humason and former Senator Mike Knapik, the Westfield Veterans Council wrote, “Westfield has long been known as a very patriotic com-
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Senator Don Humason and Westfield Navy veteran Richard Trusty. (Photo submitted)
munity, as demonstrated time and again as our citizens come out in great numbers to support patriotic events such as our Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades, Parker Park memorial services and celebrations, and…the Wreaths Across America event at Stanley Park. We on the council would like to see these fine Americans and citizens of Westfield formally recognized for their patriotism and
support, and for their commitment to their fellow citizens and what this great country represents. We would very much like to encourage the naming of this new bridge as All Westfield Patriots Bridge in honor of the many patriots who have supported their country and community well and honorably.” Once the Committee on Transportation releases Senate Bill 1839 with a favorable report it will go to the Senate for debate and a vote and then to the House of Representatives for debate and a vote before finally being laid on the Governor’s desk for his approbation. Senator Humason said he anticipated there would be a bridge naming ceremony and sign unveiling in Westfield at the bridge before the legislative session was done. Humason is a former member of the Transportation Committee and currently serves on numerous committees including the Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee, Public Service Committee, Education Committee, Bonding and Capital Assets Committee, and Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Humason represents Agawam, Southwick, Granville, Tolland, Russell, Montgomery, Southampton, Easthampton, Chicopee, Holyoke, and Westfield in the Massachusetts State Senate. He maintains a District Office for the convenience of his constituents at 64 Noble Street, Westfield, and may be reached at 413-568-1366. His email address is Donald.Humason@MASenate. gov.
By CHRISTINE CHARNOSKY Correspondent WESTFIELD – Assistant District Attorney Michael Wallace successfully fought in Westfield District Court Thursday to protect the community from a level 3 sex offender. Westfield District Court Judge Philip A. Contant ordered that that there is clear and convincing evidence to deny Jesse J. Caisse, Sr., 44, be released on pretrial probation. Maria Barroso, the defendant’s courtappointed attorney, argued for $3,000 bail and house arrest with a GPS monitor, adding that the defendant’s wife, Cassondra, who is three months pregnant, along with her mother, Cathy Newsome, were present in courtroom as a show of support. According to Cassondra Caisse’s Facebook profile, she graduated high school in JESSE J. 2011 and married Caisse CAISSE, SR. on June 15, 2013. Neither Cassondra Caisse nor her mother wanted to speak to the press. “He’s a predator,” Wallace argued. Contant agreed with Wallace that there were no conditions that could provide safety for the community, especially for children. On Monday, Caisse pleaded not guilty to charges of indecent assault and battery of a person 14 or over and witness intimidation. A search warrant was served on the couple’s Holyoke Road home at 1:05 p.m. the afternoon of July 18 after a 14-year-old female went to the Westfield Police Department July 17 to report she had been sexually assaulted that day, according to court records. The defendant had invited the victim, who is apparently a family friend, to his house on July 16 to meet his 7-year-old daughter. The victim had a sleep-over with the 7-year-old and described to police how Caisse allegedly acted inappropriately toward her repeatedly on the evening of July 16 and through July 17. The victim repeatedly told the defendant “no,” tried to stop him and tried to get away from him. Caisse allegedly told the victim, “You have to swear on your mother’s grave not to tell anyone what I said or did,” according to court records. Caisse’s long criminal history is another reason Wallace argued for pretrial detention. Caisse’s record on the Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB), listed under Jessie James Caisse, lists two convictions of rape of a child with force and two convictions for indecent assault and battery on a child under 14 years of age, all from December 15, 1998 for which he served a 7-10 years in the Massachusetts Correction Institute-Cedar Junction. See Denied Bail, Page 3
Body of slain Mass. Marine returning home SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — Springfield residents are getting their chance to pay final respects to a Marine from the city killed by a gunman in Tennessee. Members of the public are being invited to line city streets Friday when Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Sullivan’s body is returned to his home town. Sullivan’s casket is expected to arrive at Bradley International Airport in Connecticut on Friday afternoon. It will be escorted along Interstate 91 and is expected to exit the highway onto Sumner Avenue in Springfield around 6 p.m. on the way to the funeral parlor. Police are asking residents to bring American flags. Calling hours Sunday afternoon at the T.P. Sampson Chapel of The Acres are open to the public. Monday’s funeral Mass and burial are only open to invited family, friends and dignitaries.