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TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 26, 2017 SATURDAY, AUGUST 2017
Westfield’s 350th birthday celebration plans beginning to take shape By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—The city’s 350th birthday celebration is continuing to form, with additional information on the yearlong event slowly coming to fruition. The plans are being made by Friends of the Westfield 350, Inc., a nonprofit organization with director Harry Rock at the helm. So far, Rock said that two events are set to happen in relation to the birthday celebration, which are a First Night and a theatrical production outlining several important parts within Westfield’s history. However, many other plans are in their nascent stages and funding is still being determined for the
birthday. “We are in the building phase of the organization,” Rock said about the current state of plans and the nonprofit. “Not only are we sailing the ship but we’re building it, too.” Rock said that, thus far, nonprofit status has been garnered for the Friends of the Westfield 350 on a state level but they are still seeking the ability to accept donations on the state level through what Rock called “solicitation approval.” Once this is obtained, Rock said, then donations can be sought and received. In addition, Rock said that they are still seeking 501(c)3 status from the IRS. If this is obtained, then Rock said that deductions
can be taken on donations to the Friends of the Westfield 350. “We’re waiting on the authorization to go forward to ask money, that’s from the state, and authorization from the IRS to take a deduction when they give the money,” he said. In addition, Rock said that the organization, which is made up of five committees and 60 to 70 volunteers within the community, is expecting to hold a second meeting with all of the committees in November to look at what plans are feasible and can be supported. See Westfield 350th, Page 5
New ideas, hard feelings at Gateway budget discussion By AMY PORTER Correspondent HUNTINGTON – Although Wednesday’s School Committee meeting was not one of the joint budget sessions scheduled with the towns, the majority of the meeting sounded like one. A 90 minute discussion by SC members and representatives from the towns on the yet to be approved FY18 budget, brought forth some new ideas moving forward, and some hard feelings from the recent budget defeats in three of the towns. Following introductions by the School Committee for the benefit of the newest member from Huntington, Melissa Nazzaro, the meeting was open for public comment. A former ten-year School Committee member a couple of decades ago, Robert Daley of Chester commended the committee for its work, and congratulated Gateway on its 60th anniversary this year. “Tens of thousands well served. Thousands of success stories,” he said. Daley said he recently came out of retirement to support local leaders. “I urge you to embrace the collaborative model and join the team, to try to make Gateway sustainable for the future. Town leaders must have an equal seat at the table,” Daley said. He said it would take creative thinking, because “the school budget footprint cannot grow any larger.” He said if they work together, the towns would find a majority of voters to support the budget. He also noted the risk of withdrawal of another town, and closing of another school. “Serve, make a difference – you have, you are, you do,” Daley said. Chester selectman John Baldasaro said Gateway still has “some pain to go through. 50% of the towns have turned down the budget twice.” He said for the town of Chester, it wasn’t strictly for financial reasons. “We can’t afford to let any more towns leave the district. Right See Gateway, Page 3
Gateway School Committee discusses budget on Wednesday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
The Westfield 350 logo was designed by Allison Terkelsen, a student at Westfield State University.
Westfield native selected as honor graduate
The Charlie Galvin Band on the main stage. See additional photos Page 8. (Photos by Marc St.Onge)
2017 Westfield Food Fest
Hardworking volunteers from the Westfield Rotary Jennifer Gruszka, Andrea Allard, Zack Cooper, and Justin Glaze. The 2017 Westfield Food Fest will resumes today at noon and will will feature food and drink from local restaurants and food trucks as well as entertainment from local musicians.
Dispatchers remind community about Silent Call Procedure By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – When an individual dials 911, it is clear there is an urgent need for first responders to assist them. However, if the person dialing 911 can’t speak to a dispatcher for any reason, dispatchers want to remind the community that there is a procedure in place that can save their life. Developed by the Massachusetts State 911 Department, and mandatory for all dispatch departments throughout the commonwealth, the Silent Call Procedure is an important tool that can be utilized. If someone calls and is unable to speak because they’re experiencing something like domestic violence, a home invasion, or choking, the dispatcher will stay on the line and ask again. If there is still no response from the caller, dispatch will test for a TTY (Text telephone device) call, which is when a caller can’t physi-
cally hear or speak. If it’s discovered that it’s not a TTY call, the dispatcher will go back to the open line with the caller and tell them to press 1 for police, 2 for fire, and 3 for ambulance. As police are usually the first ones on the scene for a call, during a Silent Call Procedure, if the caller pressed 2 or 3 for fire or ambulance respectively, that will allow either of those first reponders to be the first ones on scene. Robert Eak, who has been a full-time dispatcher for nine years at the Southwick Police Department, described the critical importance of allowing the person to press numbers rather than speaking in those type of situations. “That way they can communicate without verbalizing or giving up information that they are on the phone with the police,” said Eak. The Silent Call Procedure extends farther than just dialing numbers, as there is also a yes See Silent Call, Page 7
By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent WESTFIELD – A Westfield resident completed quite the accomplishment last weekend. Zack Albano, a sophomore at the Virginia Military Institute and a marine, was selected as an honor graduate, with a ceremony taking place at Parris Island, South Carolina. Albano was selected as the honor graduate of his platoon, which is one of six platoons in total at the institute. Albano’s family made the trip to Parris Island and was proud of what their son has been able to do. “He did great,” said Peter Albano, Zack’s father. “He just puts every bit of effort into everything he does.” Zack Albano is in college as well as being in the reserves for the Marines doing dual enrollment, his older brother Nick, is going to be a senior this upcoming year at the Virginia Military Institute. Albano’s dedication to the military has stemmed from farther than just his time in the Marines as he is a former member of Westfield Boy Scout Troop 109. Both Zack and Nick are former Eagle Scouts. According to his dad, Peter, once Zack graduates, he’ll become a second lieutenant for the Marines.
Westfield native Zack Albano was selected as an honor graduate for the Marines at the Virginia Military Institute. (Photo courtesy of Westfield Boy Scout Troop 109)
Little River Road Construction Update WESTFIELD – Paving is scheduled to begin on Little River Road starting on Wednesday, August 30 and continuing until completed on Thursday, Augsust 31, 2017. This work will be conducted from 5:30 am – 3:30 pm daily. Paving will take place from the Little River Bridge to just north of the Shaker Road intersection. Expect significant delays. Seeking an alternate route is strongly advised. Once paving is completed curb and sidewalk work will follow. The final phase of road construction includes the section Little River Road from Shaker Road to just south of Tow Path Lane. This work is scheduled to start in September with the work continuing into October. We will continue to provide updates as they are available. Further inquiries may be directed to the City of Westfield Engineering Department, (413) 572-6219.