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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
By CHRISTINE CHARNOSKY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – A man accused of larceny caught a break when the victim failed to appear at his hearing. When Encarnacion Alvarado, 41, of Westfield appeared in Westfield District Court Tuesday, he had charges of larceny over $250 dismissed without prejudice, which means he could still be held accountable for the ENCARNACION charge. ALVARADO The victim, David Munoz, owner of County Barber Shop located at 61 School Street, said Wednesday that he didn’t know about the hearing. The charges date back to July 16 when Alvarado feigned interest in employment at Munoz’s shop. When Munoz left the room, Alvarado allegedly stole $280 in cash and Munoz’s cell phone. Munoz said he missed Tuesday’s hearing because he thought all charges against Alvarado had been moved to Hampden Superior Court. Munoz is being held at the House of Correction awaiting a June 1 hearing in Superior Court, according to Jim Leydon, public and media information director for the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, on more serious charges of armed robbery and threat to commit a crime on the same victim.
75 cents
FRIDAY, MARCH 25, 2016
Westfield man has charges dismissed, but remains in jail
not change according to our ability to stomach it emotionally.” — FLANNERY O’CONNOR
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 85 NO. 72
“The truth does
Southwick names Willard new school superintendent
By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – The School Committee met last night to vote for the new Superintendent of Westfield Public Schools and selected Westfield Technical Academy Principal Stefan Czaporowski. The three finalists for the position were Czaporowski, Jennifer C. Willard, director of human resources for the Westfield Public Schools, and Dr. Elizabeth Zielinski, superintendent of the King Philip School District in Norfolk. Coincidentally, Willard was named SouthwickTolland-Granville Regional School superintendent last night in that town. The vote followed a public forum on Monday, during which each
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – Jennifer C. Willard is the new SouthwickTolland-Granville Regional School superintendent. Willard is currently the human resources director for Westfield Public Schools and was a finalist for superintendent positions in both communities. The Committee met this week with five candidates and selected Willard and Natalie B. Dunning as its top finalists Thursday evening. The decision was ultimately unanimous after discussing the merits of the candidates. Committee members James Vincent, Jeffrey Houle, George LeBlanc and Theodore Locke nominated JENNIFER C. WILLARD Willard, while Jean McGivney-Burelle, Pamela Petschke and Maria Seddon cast votes for Dunning. All members said both candidates would be excellent superintendents and Petschke, Seddon and McGivney-Burelle all said Willard was their top choice before interviewing Dunning Thursday afternoon. All three cited Dunning’s experience in a regional school that parallels STGR and her involvement in a school feasibility study as reasons that swayed them. Vincent reminded everyone Willard was involved with the study and closing of Moseley School in Westfield. Petschke said Willard did make an impression in the area of technology as well.
See Czaporowski, Page 3
See Southwick, Page 3
Westfield Vocational-Technical High School Prinicpal Stefan Czaporowski was selected the new superintendent of schools Thursday. (File photo)
Westfield selects internal candidate for new superintendent
See Charges Dismissed, Page 3
Review: ‘Motown: The Musical’ rocks the Bushnell in Hartford
Used needles found along the Westfield River in Russell
By MARK G. AUERBACH Correspondent HARTFORD, Conn. – I grew up listening to Motown music, and drifted away from it as an adult, until I saw Dreamgirls on Broadway, and then went back to listen to the old records and cassettes. To this day, Motown music brings an instant smile, some foot-tapping, and memories of good times. So, when Motown The Musical opened on Broadway in 2013, I took a trip down memory lane, and loved every minute of the entertainment chock full of 50+ hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s. On a revisit to the national touring company playing The Bushnell in Hartford this week, it’s a fun evening of some great music, performed by a versatile cast who offer some sizzling recreations of those groups who brought me such enjoyment back then. Berry Gordy Jr. wrote the book for Motown: The Musical,
RUSSELL (WWLP) – Addicts are tossing hypodermic needles along the Westfield River. After being alerted by a nearby business owner, Westfield News medi partner 22News found 13 used needles along the riverbank beneath the Massachusetts Turnpike bridge in Russell. It’s a popular fishing spot not far from Route 20. Contacted by 22News Thursday, The Hamden District Attorney’s Drug Task Force advises you not to touch any discarded needles. Detective Lou Weir said if you find a needle, call the police immediately. They have the resources for safe disposal. With the reported increased use of heroin in western Massachusetts, used needles have been turning up in more recreational areas.
Reed L. Shannon as Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5 in Motown The Musical at The Bushnell. (Photo by Joan Marcus) using the incredible catalogue of music produced under the Motown label, and the musical, light on plot, features some of the greatest groups of the late 20th century, from Michael Jackson and the See Motown Review, Page 3
‘Dear Neighbor’ letter explains food needs By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – As Our Community Food Pantry struggles to meet the ongoing needs of area residents, an urgent letter was sent recently to those in Southwick, Granville and Tolland seeking a tax-deductible donation. “The need continues to grow,” said Sally Munson, pantry director. “We have served 34 percent more people in the two months of this year compared to last year.” With Easter only a couple of days away, Munson and her team of volunteers wanted to ensure that those who sought a ham would have one for their Sunday gathering. “We recently received a $2,000 donation from the Agawam Super Stop & Shop’s Food for Friends program and with those funds, we were able to purchase 200 hams and much more from the Western Mass. Food Bank,” she said. “We
also thank Donna Baldrini from Beta Sigma Phi who recently dropped off several Easter baskets for local families.” The “Dear Neighbor” letter explained that the pantry helps supplement the food needs of income-eligible individuals and families in Southwick, Granville and Tolland. Operating since 2010, the pantry assisted 3,267 individuals and distributed 131,269 pounds of food in 2015. Munson said that through the use of a matching grant, last summer they were able to distribute breakfasts and lunches to more than 60 children during a 10-week period. “For 2016, we will be offering this program for all school vacations,” she said. Munson and her volunteers are “very thankful” for all food donations which come from individuals, church groups, Big Y, Wal-Mart and Super Stop & Shop. In addition, donations of money allow Munson to purchase food at a
reduced cost from the Western Mass. Food Bank. Monetary donations also help pay the pantry’s rent and operating costs. Currently, Munson said the pantry is serving approximately 250 families. “We distributed more than 10,000 pounds of food in February and with a week to go in March, we have already exceeded distributing 10,000 pounds of food this month,” she said. The pantry is located at 220 College Highway and is open Monday, 3 to 5 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. to noon, and Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. “We strive to provide many healthy choice selections to our clients which include fresh produce, eggs and cheese,” she added. For more information on the pantry, call (413) 569-9876.
Agawam Super Stop & Shop Assistant Manager Tim Rancourt presents a $2,000 check to Sally Munson for Our Community Food Pantry.