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SEAN FIGY Rhett Guter as Curly in Goodspeed’s Oklahoma! (Photo by Diane Sobolewski)
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TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 TUESDAY, JUNE 27,7,2017 MONDAY, AUGUST 2017
104th nominates two to fly with Thunderbirds
Westfield man earns Microsurgery Fellowship at Ohio State University By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – Sean Figy, son of Ralph and Sue Figy of Westfield, recently received a one year appointment to the Microsurgery Fellowship at The Ohio State University. His appointment is from July 2018 through June 2019. The Microsurgery Fellowship at The Ohio State University offers a comprehensive and high-volume experience in microsurgical reconstruction. Microsurgery, in spite of its name, involves advanced and intricate reconstructions for cancer, trauma and congenital problems. Facilities through which fellows rotate include: Ohio State University Hospital, Ohio State University Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital (The James), Ohio State University Hospital East, Grant Hospital, and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. During his year at The Ohio State University, Figy will work with 8 current faculty microsurgeons. In addition, Figy will work with 3 microsurgeons at Grant Hospital, and 1 at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Through these sites and faculty, fellows are exposed to a broad spectrum of microsurgical procedures, including those related to trauma, cancer, and of a congenital nature. In addition, procedures for lymphedema and other specialized operations are also performed such as jejunal transfer, targeted muscle reinnervation, facial reanimation, obstetric brachial plexus palsy, vascularized composite allotransplanation (facial transplantation). Fellows in the program have the opportunity to do a 1-month rotation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan, numerous opportunities for
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By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—In honor of those who help the community, The 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base have nominated two to fly with the Thunderbirds before the Westfield International Air Show this weekend. The 104th nominated Carlos Arredondo and Westfield Deputy Fire Chief Eric Bishop as Hometown Heroes to fly with the Thunderbirds. The two will meet and greet with the Thunderbird crew and will be given VIP treatment before the air show, according to Senior Master Sgt. Julie Avey of the 104th Fighter Wing. Then, if they are able to pass screenings and the weather permits, then the two might fly with the Thunderbirds on Thursday and Friday. “Obviously it’s an honor to be nominated,” Bishop said. “I am honored and excited if I’m able to fly and hope to make the city of Westfield and the fire department proud.” Avey said that the two were chosen because the Thunderbirds are honoring Hometown Heroes during this year’s air show and it was determined that they wanted to choose one hero that people were more aware of, as well as another that has made more impacts locally. “One that gives back that everybody’s aware of, and one that’s our hometown hero for our smaller town here in Western Massachusetts,” Avey said of the nominations. For Bishop, the nomination comes due to his continued work
Granville Fire Department. (WNG File Photo)
Granville Fire Department seeking new members By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent GRANVILLE – The Granville Fire Department is looking for volunteers to join their force. According to Granville Fire Chief Matt Ripley, there are currently only six EMT’S (Emergency Medical Technician) and, “We would be looking to increase our memberships there,” he said. Ripley believes that it’s awfully important to have more people volunteer to be an EMT.
“We’re doing a good job and not missing any calls but it would definitely take the stress off of the members,” said Ripley. Ripley said that new members would receive training in-house and would also take a semesterlong EMT class at Westfield State University. If anyone is interested in becoming a firefighter, the strong suggestion by Ripley would be to go to the fire academy. The department will also consider people who don’t live in
Granville as there is a separate policy for that instance. The Granville Fire Department is a 100% volunteer-run department. Any interested individuals who are eligible to become members can show up at the Granville Fire Department, located on 709 Main Rd. in Granville, on Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. “We’d be more than happy to talk to them and answer any questions they have,” said Ripley.
National Farmers’ Market Week observed By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-The Westfield Farmers’ Market joins markets across the country this Thursday in celebrating National Farmers Market Week, according to Debbie Randzio, market manager. “As demand for local food continues to grow, so too have the opportunities for America’s farmers to market fresh food directly to the consumer,” said Randzio, adding that statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture indicate farmers markets and farm stands account for roughly $2 billion of the $3 billion that Americans spend annually on farm-direct products. “This revenue, in turn, supports the livelihoods of more than 165,000 mostly small and mid-sized farms and ranches,” said Randzio. “Last season, SNAP customers alone spent $9,828 at the Westfield Farmers’ Market.” Randzio said that market management is committed to providing food that is affordable for people in the SNAP program who are in need of nutritional assistance. “Through a private grant from an anonymous donor, the market gives an additional $5 per week to SNAP customers who purchase tokens at the market table,” said Randzio. “Some vendors also accept WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons.” This Thursday on the grounds of the Episcopal
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Church of the Atonement, there will be musical entertainment all afternoon, featuring Dave Housman from noon to 2 p.m., Bobby D from 2 to 4 p.m., and Bernie Dion and Whiskey Traveler from 4 to 6 p.m. Also, recipes for an apple gorgonzola salad and balsamic See Farmers’ Market Week, Page 3
Westfield Fire Deputy Chief Eric Bishop.
Review: Goodspeed Stages ‘Oklahoma!’ By MARK G. AUERBACH Correspondent Goodspeed Musicals’ fresh take on the old Rodgers and Hammerstein classic Oklahoma! has so much going for it, from thoughtful direction by Jenn Thompson, who staged last season’s revisit of Bye Bye Birdie to terrific choreography by Katie Spelman made even better by Dan DeLange’s orchestral arrangements and David Chase’s dance arrangements. Set designer Wilson Chin fits the expansive Oklahoma prairie onto Goodspeed’s tiny stage. Tracy Christensen’s cpstumes are colorful, and Philip S. Rosenberg’s lighting is perfection. Add to this some great performances, and Oklahoma! is youthfully exuberant. It’s hard to believe that it’s been around for almost 75 years.
Oklahoma!, based on Lynn Riggs’ play Green Grow The Lilacs, launched the collaboration of Richard Rodgers, who had primarily worked with Lorenz Hart, and Oscar Hammerstein II, who had worked with notables including Jerome Kern. This union brought other Broadway blockbusters including Carousel, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. Oklahoma!, originally titled Away We Go, premiered at New Haven’s Shubert Theatre in 1943, got reworked, and opened on Broadway to become a smash hit. A film adaptation was made in 1955, and the show has been revived multiple times, including a Broadway production introducing Hugh Jackman to American audiences. Oklahoma!, in musical theatre terms, is also historic, because it was the first major
“book musical” after the 1927 Showboat, where the book, songs, and dances are fully integrated. It was also the right musical for wartime America, with its celebration of Americana, the pioneering spirit and optimism. Oklahoma! takes place in a boom area before statehood, as people seek better opportunities. There’s a bright golden haze on the meadow, and sentiment abounds. Oscar Hammerstein’s book is seamless, and although it has sentimental undertones, and some old-fashioned moments, Jenn Thompson’s staging emphasizes the challenges that many pioneers had to adjusting to a new life chasing The American Dream. The Rodgers and Hammerstein score is one gem after another, and some of the less See Oklahoma!, Page 3