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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
“It is easier to make a saint out of a libertine than out of a prig.” — GEORGE SANTAYANA
www.thewestfieldnews.com MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015
VOL. 84 NO. 199
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Preservation of city records in progress By DAN MORIARTY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – City Clerk Karen Fanion said the city has taken aggressive steps to restore and preserve vital city records, many dating back to the decades following the establishment of Westfield in 1669. Recent work to transform the City Clerk’s vault, which had been a part of the preservation problem, was turned into an asset as environmental controls were installed. The vault, which in the past was dank and damp, a hostile environment for paper documents, now has equipment to dehumidify and cool the air surrounding those historical documents. “There were lots of people involved in this process,” Fanion said. “There was Kofile Preservation Inc., of Vermont which restored documents (which were damaged in the uncontrolled
Karen Fanion comparing old and new documents with Kaitlyn Bruce. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher)
Documents from 1658 that are newly bound for achieving. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher)
vault environment), preserved them and digitalized those documents.” Two engineering consultants were involved, Spencer & Volt Group of Charlestown which provided archival engineering services, and Tighe & Bond which did the environmental control systems. Also involved in the construction of the environmentally controlled vault was Elm Electric which rewired the vault before the new walls, ceiling and floor were installed and treated with a eco-friendly finish. Fanion said that city officials had discussed the problem of deterioration of the city’s historical records, but funding and a cohesive plan never got sufficient traction to move forward. Two years ago the city’s Historical Commission started laying the groundwork for a comprehensive approach to maintaining the city’s historical archive. “Kitt Milligan (Historical Commission Chairwoman), with
the support of the commission, approached me,” Fanion said. “Then in 2013 we went to Southwick to see what they were doing to preserve their documents and we went to other communities as well. “There was never any push to do this before, for the money to do this,” Fanion said. “And the timing was right because the Mayor (Daniel M. Knapik) was very supportive of this program.” The Historical Commission and Fanion approached the Community Preservation Commission for $120,000 to preserve the records. The CPC balked at preserving the records at the cost of $120,000, and then returning them to the damp vault where deterioration would begin immediately. The CPC requested Fanion and City Purchaser Tammy Tefft See Records, Page 3
Westfield food pantry needs volunteers
Rob Bristow, a volunteer at the Westfield Food Pantry on Meadow Street, stands next to empty shelves. Currently, pasta, pasta sauces and canned soups are especially needed to complete the monthly food staples given to those in need. (Photo by Lori Szepelak)
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD – On the morning of Aug. 7, Westfield Food Pantry volunteers were busy assembling bags of food staples and greeting everyone who came through the door with a smile. Barbara Bogac, a five-year volunteer who was handling registration, said the “Friday Crew” works well together and she relishes the opportunity in her retirement to help others in need. “People are very thankful and sometimes apologetic that they have to come to the food pantry,” said Bogac. “We tell everyone – that’s what we’re here for – to help.” The “Friday crew,” Bogac, Rob Bristow, and Jeff Castonguay, have their routines down and don’t miss a beat when the doors open and individuals come in.
“I’ve never understood why people have to be hungry,” said Castonguay, a self-employed medical transcriptionist. “We all really like working here and it’s a great way to give back to the community.” Castonguay, a volunteer for five years, assembles and distributes bags of food during pantry hours on Thursday nights and Friday mornings, and also picks up bread and desserts from Big Y Foods and Stop & Shop on weekends. Joining Castonguay in the distribution area on Fridays is Bristow, a professor in the geography and planning department at Westfield State University. “I enjoy helping out since I have the time with my flexible schedule,” said Bristow, who has been volunteering since 2008. “Food is a basic need and See Volunteers, Page 3
Labyrinth laid out as peaceful pathway By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD – A Living Labyrinth is slowly taking shape on the grounds of the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center. The labyrinth, 50 feet in diameter, was designed in the spring by Liz Walz, executive director at Genesis, and was brought to life initially constructed with sticks and cotton twine and now landscaping ribbon is in place for visual definition. “Now the grasses are tall enough that they form the edges to the paths,” said Walz. She noted the new installation has a two-fold concept. “Living, in that it’s of God’s creation, a path of grass which will be bordered by herbs, flowers and native plants,” she said. “Labyrinth, meaning following a winding path to the center.” Since the labyrinth was created, individuals and groups have been walking this path as a spiritual practice – journeying to their heart, seeking to be open to the One
Who Calls, according to Walz. “For persons walking the labyrinth for the first time, we ask that you call ahead so someone can welcome you and explain the retreat center,” said Walz. “For those familiar with the labyrinth, we trust they will honor the contemplative environment.” Walking the labyrinth is open to area residents during daylight hours. Walz explained that the labyrinth is a Santa Rosa style with seven circuits or “pathways” from the outer edge to the center. “The walking surface itself is mowed grass, so if someone chooses, they can walk it barefoot,” she said. Currently, tree stumps are located in the center and around the perimeter allowing individuals to observe, meditate and pray, before or after walking the labyrinth. “Unlike a maze, there is only one pathway into the center, and you follow the same pathway back out,” she said. “There are no dead ends.”
Liz Walz, executive director at the Genesis Spiritual Life & Conference Center on Mill Street in Westfield, is seen in the contemplative center of the new Living Labyrinth, open to all. (Photo by Lori Szepelak)
A special Labyrinth Blessing event is planned Oct. 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., led by Walz and Lorry Villamaire, SSJ. Villamaire is also a member of the Labyrinth Connection of Western Massachusetts. There is no fee to attend the event; there will be an opportunity for a freewill offering. “Át this event we will officially bless our laby-
rinth and our seeds of new life for the future,” said Walz. “We welcome individuals to bring bulbs, seeds or perennials to plant.” Freewill donations on that day will support the eco-spirituality aspects of Genesis’ mission. See Labyrinth, Page 3