Search for The Westfield News
WEATHER TONIGHT Mostly Cloudy, chance of t-storms. Low of 63.
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
“While we read history we make history.” — GEORGE WILLIAM CURTIS
www.thewestfieldnews.com
VOL. 85 NO. 167
75 cents
MONDAY, JULY 18, 2016
Search Committee process underway for new Westfield High School principal
Farmer’s Market names winner By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD – Nicole Shaulis is an avid shopper at the Westfield Farmers’ Market on Thursdays and that loyalty led to being the first loyalty card winner in the new market drawing. “All customers may pick up a loyalty card at the market tent and get their cards signed by market volunteers at the tent,” said Debbie Randzio, market manager. Shaulis won a gift basket of relishes, soup mixes, a recipe notebook and other items donated by Cal Craft Relishes, valued at $50. “After six visits to the market, customers may return their cards to be entered in the weekly drawing for prizes,” said Randzio. “Some will be baskets of items donated by vendors, or there may be market gift certificates worth money to spend at the market.” Carmel-Ann Lariviere, owner of Cal Craft, will present Shaulis her gift basket on Tuesday morning. Randzio also announced that new vendors will be at the market this Thursday, including Sweet JJ’s, a bakery. “Expect sweet treats as well as veggie and sausage rolls and
homemade raspberry marshmallows to die for,” said Randzio. Also, Dan Lohaus of MycoTerra Mushroom Farm will be on hand selling several varieties of mushrooms and kits to grow your own at home. “He also sells mushroom-based soaps and oils,” said Randzio. Randzio also noted that Bob Skalbite will be at the market selling beef starting this Thursday, and Payal Patel will be a guest vendor creating Indian style henna tattoos. “She uses all-natural materials and no needles,” said Randzio, adding that tattoos tend to last two weeks. Randzio also reminds area residents that music fills the air during the weekly market, coordinated by Peter Langmore, assistant market manager. “All musical performances are sponsored by the Westfield Cultural Council,” said Randzio. Upcoming performers on July 21 include Ed Bentley from noon to 3 p.m., and Dave Housman from 3 to 6 p.m., and on July 28, Isabel Marcheselli will perform from noon to 3 and Jon Adams will perform from 3 to 6 p.m.
Weather Watch: Severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon and evening... WESTFIELD — A line of thunderstorms is expected to cross southern New England between 2 pm. and 8 p.m. and may bring damaging winds... hail... torrential rainfall and frequent lightning. Although severe thunderstorms may impact much of the region... the area of
greatest risk includes western and north central Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. If you have outdoor plans today... keep an eye to the sky and getmindoors when you first hear thunder. Wait at least 30 minutes until the storm passes to resume out-
door activities. In addition... it will be hot and humid today. The heat index will top out in the low to mid 90s in some locations. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water... find shade if possible... and try to spend time in air conditioning.
By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski said the opening for a new Westfield High School principal has been posted at www.schoolspring.com to replace Dennis Duquette, who resigned last week. The deadline for applications is July 28. Czaporowski said the district is also moving ahead with forming the search committee. Paula Ceglowski, the new Human Resources director, will be put in charge of the search. Ceglowski began in the position this week, replacing Jennifer Willard, who left to become the new superSTEFAN intendent in the CZAPOROWSKI Southwick/Granville district. He said the search committee will be comprised of teachers, parents, students, administrators and community members. Anyone interested in serving on the committee, may contact the HR department and Ceglowski at p.ceglowski@schoolsofwestfield.org. The district hopes to start interviewing the first week of August. “Everybody’s interests will be represented at the table. For me, it’s important that it’s transparent as possible,” Czaporowski said. He said he values the input and concerns of the community that have been expressed, and he is taking them under strong advisement. During the events of last week, Czaporowski was attending a mandatory superintendent conference in Cape Cod, where he started a 3-year program for new superintendents. He said there are 32 new superintendents across the state this year. He was also given a coach in Kevin Courtney, retired superintendent from the Pioneer Valley Regional school district. He said he is looking forward to working with Courtney, and gaining knowledge from his vast experience. While he can’t comment on personnel matters, Czaporowski said, “We certainly appreciate his (Dennis Duquette’s) leadership at South Middle School and Westfield High School, and I wish him the best in the future.”
Southwick Public Library introduces new program By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Public Library has created a new way for the community to indulge in their books, even if it means they don’t have to directly come to the library. This year marks the first annual Books on the Go for the Homebound Program. As there are individuals for a number of reasons, who may not be able to physically make it to the library, this program gives them another opportunity. “This is one way we can reach the people that can’t get here to the library,” said Southwick Public Library Director Diane Caruso. “I just wanted to think of a way so we can meet the needs of everybody in the community.” The Books on the Go for the Homebound Program specifically allows Southwick residents who have either short term or long term disabilities to have items from the library delivered to their homes. If you are also laid off for three weeks or temporarily disabled for three weeks or longer, you can also qualify to apply. The clients are allowed to choose from a maximum of 10 items, ranging from books, books on cd’s, as well as cd’s with music. As long as the items are owned by the Southwick Public Library, an individual is allowed to pick which items he
DIANE CARUSO or she wants. Before deciding which items to choose from, the person must fill out an application to be a customer of the program. If they do indeed qualify for either a short or long term disability, they will begin to receive their specific delivery every three weeks. When clients do get their items delivered, they are receiving them from volunteers of the library. The program is currently set up where there are two volunteer-based delivery drivers who drive their own vehicle and make the proper deliveries every three weeks. Tony Cioffi, one of the delivery driv-
ers, has already seen the positive outcome of the program as he has already made a few deliveries in recent weeks. “They can’t thank me enough,” said Cioffi. “They’re really pleased about it.” Making the deliveries for this program isn’t the only important aspect as building a familiarity and a relationship with the customers is just as critical. “Their faces grow when they see us now that they’re recognizing us,” said Cioffi. As Caruso figures that a majority of the program’s clients will be the elderly, she is in the process of receiving funding from Sarah Gillett Services for the Elderly, Inc. If the funding was to go through, it would go towards large print books. Caruso expects a high circulation in large print books for the upcoming future and beyond. “A lot of them (clients) find it easier to read the large print,” said Caruso. With this brand new program on the rise, it has plenty of room to grow and reach out to those in need in the community. Caruso indicated that there have been around 20 applications so far. Those numbers have the great potential of only going up and helping expand this program. “The library likes to be like a commu- Several other events occur at the Southwick Public Library, nity center,” said Caruso. “We service the including entertainment for young children. (WNG File Photo) whole community.”