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WEATHER TONIGHT Partly cloudy. Low of 26.
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 85 NO. 20
MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 2016
“An organizer is never in a hurry. He is never late. He always keeps up his sleeve a margin for the unexpected.” — ARNOLD BENNETT 75 cents
Pair held after evading police in stolen car
WTA night flight Group photo just before starting the 3 AM move of a plane from Barnes to Westfield Technical Academy. See additional photos Page 3. (Photo by Marc St. Onge)
By CHRISTINE CHARNOSKY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – Two men are being held after giving police and residents a scare when they evaded police in a stolen car. The officers drew their weapons as they approached the vehicle that had been evading police first in Southwick and then in Westfield on January 16. Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe said, “After chasing two males all over in a stolen motor vehicle, you have no idea what might happen when you pull the car over.” RICHARD NATHAN “The officers needed to proADAMS LEBLANC tect themselves,” McCabe said about the officers approaching the vehicle with their sidearms drawn. Neighbors were a little shaken up watching the traffic stop unfold. Westfield police became involved in the pursuit at 4:15 p.m. Saturday afternoon to assist Southwick police stop a driver and passenger in a stolen vehicle. Officers took over the pursuit from Southwick police when the suspects entered Westfield via Route 10 and 202 (Southwick Road), according to court logs. The grey Toyota Scion, which come back with a status of “active/stolen,” was stopped on Route 187 (Little River Road) shortly before 4:30 p.m. The passenger, Richard R. Adams, 19, of 524 Armory St., Springfield, was arrested on an outstanding warrant and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. During his arrest, Adams told police he was aware that the vehicle he was in had been stolen, according to court logs. The driver, Nathan P. LeBlanc, 20, of 300 E. Main St., Chicopee, was zarrested on an outstanding warrant and the following 10 charges: See Stolen Car, Page 3
Drive for Samaritan Inn successful Getting the plane out the gate was a tight fit that required some tight maneuvering. (Photo by Marc St. Onge)
Pasta for the Park benefits dog lovers WESTFIELD – With the lack of snow this winter, dog owners have had the opportunity to use the Arm Brook Park on Lockhouse Road more readily for daily jaunts. Since the park does not receive funding from the city, the non-profit Westfield Dog Bark Friends group must raise funds during the year to pay for routine maintenance and updates. On March 11, its annual Pasta for the Park fundraiser is planned from 6-8 p.m. at the Sons of Erin at 22 William Street Nora’s Restaurant & Lounge will be catering the event with a menu that includes salad, pasta and meatballs and dessert. A cash bar is available. “The funds we raise pays for the ongoing maintenance including areas that need to be mulched,” said Marilyn Sandidge, vice president. Sandidge also noted that amenities for the canines during the year include toys, dog waste bags and water bowls. In addition, some funds raised are also set aside for updates and expansion plans. During the fundraiser, tickets will be available for a 50/50 raffle and a two-tier raffle ranging from gift baskets to gift cards. Winners will be drawn at 8 p.m. “We welcome monetary donations and raffle prizes from the public for our event,” said Sandidge. Tickets are $15 per person and are available online at WestfieldDogBark.com. Tickets will also be available at the door. “The dog park has become a popular place for dog owners,” said Sandidge who also brings her own dogs, “Solo,” a Labrador and Greyhound mix, and “Tillie,” a Chow and Australian Shepherd mix, to the park as often as possible. “We have a good number of patrons even in the cold weather.”
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The Samaritan Inn is ready for the winter thanks to a caring resident and the support of the community. Julie Leavitt’s Warm Their Winter donation drive collected winter gear and toiletries for the Samaritan Inn from Jan. 9-23. Leavitt started noticing a need when she saw Samaritan Inn residents scraping up change for their morning coffee while she was buying hers at Cumberland Farms on Main Street. She began buying coffee on account for them, then put gloves on account, but knew more could be done to help. She reached out via social media and secured drop-off sites throughout the city. What happened was beyond her expectations. “I do fundraising, so I always shoot for the moon, but I am so impressed See Drive, Page 3
Fundraiser slated to benefit local contractor A wish list for the Arm Brook Park for dogs includes playground equipment, mulch, and more fenced areas. The goal is to build a dog playground area as pictured, according to the Westfield Parks and Recreation Department. Sandidge said the dog park is a “positive” for the city’s residents. “The park does not receive city funding so we rely on volunteers to help,” she said. “The park has a very friendly atmosphere.” Sandidge also credits the group’s secretary, Lindsay Carr, for her boundless energy in ensuring a successful fundraiser. “We raised $1,600 last year so we hope to raise $2,000 this year,” said Carr. The group will meet Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Dunkin Donuts, 127 North Elm St., to finalize plans for the fundraiser. Carr noted that the public is welcome to attend.
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD – Friends and family are rallying behind lifelong resident John Clark, a contractor who has built and remodeled homes for more than 30 years. Clark, president of Clark Construction, Inc. on West Road, discovered a lump on his neck in December and after meeting with his physician, was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. He is traveling to appointments at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and will be receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatments for several months at Mercy Medical Center’s cancer center. “Being self-employed, John faces some financial challenges since he cannot work during treatment,” said Dan Moriarty, who is helping to coordinate a fundraiser with Clark’s family at the Elks Lodge on Franklin Street on Feb. 20 from 4-10 p.m. “Family and friends are hopeful that this fundraiser can help defray some of his financial challenges during this difficult time,” said Moriarty. Paula Clark noted that after biopsies were completed, Clark’s tumor cannot be removed at this time since it is too close to major arteries. “They are trying to shrink the tumor at this time,” said Clark. Moriarty and his wife Maureen have hired Clark over the years for several projects with their home and have always been impressed with the “quality” of his work. “People who know John know what a wonderful and compassionate guy he is,” said Moriarty. “He has done so much for many people simply See Fundraiser, Page 3