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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
examine your castles in the air.” — RICHARD WHATELY
www.thewestfieldnews.com
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FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2016
VOL. 85 NO. 108
“To know your ruling passion,
100s of empty heroin bags found in 1-year-old heroin overdose victim’s home By CHRISTINE CHARNOSKY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The mother of a 1-year-old who was treated for a heroin overdose in March collapsed into sobs as she left the courtroom Thursday after Westfield District Judge William O’Grady released her on $5,000 personal surety. Despite the seriousness of the charge of reckless endangerment to a child, O’Grady said the main thing is to “protect the victim and make sure the defendant appears in court,” so he declined the Commonwealth’s request for $10,000 cash bail after entering a not guilty plea on behalf of Shannon E. Lea. Conditions of release include not leaving Massachusetts, refraining from abusing the victim, remaining drug free, having no contact with children under age 15 unless supervised by the Department of Child and Families. The child, who turned one in March, has been in the custody of the DCF since a few days after Lea, 31, took him to Baystate Noble Hospital on March 25 for treatment of a heroin overdose. Lea also has other children in the custody of DCF. Upon arrival at the hospital, “the victim was lethargic, not crying and could not hold his head up,” according to court records. Lea had told the nurse that the victim had been “playing with drugs and drug paraphernalia that he found on the floor,” according to court records. The baby of the father, who spoke on the condi-
tion of anonymity, said that the baby may have choked on something. Lea first called her mother who came over, and they decided to take the baby to the hospital, he said. “I think she overreacted,” the baby’s father said and then quickly added, “She did the right thing.” Lea, who was protected by the 9-1-1 Good Samaritan Law, couldn’t be arrested or charged with any crime when she brought her son in for treatment, but police later conducted an investigation to see whether the one-year-old was at risk under Lea’s care. On April 1, Westfield Det. James Renaudette went back to Baystate Noble and interviewed the nurse who had treated the baby. Allegedly she said, “the victim positively reacted to the Narcan within 10-15 seconds of it being administered,” according to court records. “The nurse stated to me that this quick reaction is a typical reaction to Narcan when someone has overdosed. . . . I have observed Narcan work and it does typically work this quick,” Renaudette wrote in his report. “The nurse also stated to me that Narcan only works on opioid overdoses and would not work on something like Tylenol PM.” The baby’s father said the child’s toxicology report came back as negative. During the hearing, Lea’s attorney, John Kavanagh, handed the judge the toxicology Shannon Lea, mother of a one-year-old heroin victim, appeared in Westfield District Court to be arraigned Thursday on reckless endangerment to a child charges .(Photo See Heroin Bags, Page 3 by Christine Charnosky)
Farmers’ Market brimming with new features
Southwick girl selected as ‘Champion’
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-A new loyalty rewards program is being launched this summer by organizers of the Westfield Farmers’ Market. Customers who attend the market six times and have their loyalty card signed at the market host tent will be entered into a weekly drawing for rewards including market gift certificates, according to Deborah Randzio, market manager. Randzio is joined this year by Peter Langmore, who is serving as assistant manager. “CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) will offer merchandise, and Cal Craft, a vendor, will offer a gift basket for the loyalty drawing,” said Randzio. The farmers’ market opens its season on June 2 with a “celebration” at noon on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement on Court Street. The market is planned on Thursdays from noon to 6 p.m. through Oct. 6. “In its second year under the management of the church, the market will welcome back many of its regular vendors from last season,” said Randzio. Vendors returning this season include Moe’s Donuts, Pignatare’s Farm, Mount Warner Vineyards, Cal Craft, Yang Flower Farm, Stony Creek Farm, Rudy’s Greenhouse, West Parish Orchards, Ellie’s Oils, Relax-Rinse-
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent SOUTHWICK-At only 7, Morgan “Momo” Morris is seen as a “champion” by the Massachusetts Children’s Miracle Network. On Wednesday morning at a special reception in her honor by Baystate Children’s Hospital – along with her family and best friend Madison Douglas – Morris was named the 2016-2017 Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals Champion for Massachusetts. She is the daughter of Laura and Jeffrey Morris of Harvest Lane. Big brother Andrew, 11, also attended the event to support his sister. Baystate officials at the reception noted that Morgan will spend the next year with her family representing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at events that include a congressional visit to Washington, D.C. in June and a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida next February. The two-part “ambassador tour” raises awareness of the charitable needs of children’s hospitals. Inspiring pediatric patients represent every state, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. To win this award, Morgan beat out every other pediatric applicant across the state.
Maureen and Mark Weiner, owners of Moe’s Donuts, will return to the Westfield Farmers’ Market this season. Repeat, Trotwood Acres, Windycrest Farm, and Mike’s Crafts. Randzio also welcomes new vendors Boomsma Family Farm of Blandford, offering free-range chicken and forested pork; MayVal Farm of Westhampton, selling milk, cheese and maple syrup, and the Skyline Trading Company of Westfield, selling breads, sandwiches, soups, and
This “impressive recognition” is in honor of the fighting spirit and determination that Morgan used to battle her illness, according to Baystate officials who nominated her. At only 2, Morgan was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Baystate officials said she was strong-willed throughout her more than two years of daily chemotherapy treatments, multiple spinal taps, and hospitalizations, always wearing sparkling shoes and tutus with “true princess flair.” Baystate officials also noted that Morgan “charms and inspires” all those around her with a can-do attitude, a kind heart, and an ability to make people laugh. “Whatever she does with her life, you can bet she’ll do it with a smile and a twirl,” said Baystate officials. Today, Morgan is cancer-free and living the life of a happy, healthy 7-year-old girl. In an interview later in the afternoon at their home, Morgan was a bit shy but said she was most excited about going to Walt Disney World. Morgan is currently in kindergarten and enjoys learning how to read and count numbers. In her spare time, she enjoys riding “Teddy” at the Kline View See Champion, Page 7 The Morris family (Jeffrey, Laura, Morgan and Andrew) is seen with State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, on left, and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, on right.
See Farmers’ Market, Page 7
Westfield State fundraiser offers ‘unique’ take on progressive dinner Foundation. “It promises to be another great evening with 100% of the proceeds, benefitting scholarships, internships and the university’s new Science and Innovation Center, that opens this coming fall.” The evening will include an interactive showcase of the work of students from all of the academic disciplines, during which See Fundraiser, Page 3
Westfield Technical Academy Presents
WESTFIELD – The third annual premier fundraiser for Westfield State University and the Westfield State Foundation will take place on campus Saturday, May 7 beginning at 5 p.m. The theme is Pathways to Excellence, celebrating the innovative work of students, faculty and staff. “This unique event promises to be as exciting as last year’s Scholarship Gala,” said Michael Knapik, executive director of the
Westfield Technical Academy Auditorium Friday May 6 7:30 PM The National Touring Production of Eaglemania Live in Concert. The Complete Eagle’s Experience with Songs: Take It Easy, Desperado, Lyin Eyes, Hotel California and more. Visit the band at www.eaglemaniaband.wordpress.com. Tickets: Purplepass.com, Rocky’s Ace Hardware, The Press Room, WTA Main Office Sponsored By: