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TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 TUESDAY, 27, 2017 SATURDAY,JUNE AUGUST 5, 2017
Traffic and parking plans for International Air Show By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—In anticipation of traffic and parking issues that may come with the International Air Show in a week, local, state and federal agencies are working together to try and make sure the impact is minimal. According to Westfield Police Capt. Larry Valliere, the Westfield and Massachusetts State Police Departments, along with the US Air National Guard and Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) have worked together to try and create a traffic and parking plan
that will help to minimize vehicle backup and correct mistakes made during the 2010 air show. “There are going to be delays but there have been significant changes made from 2010,” Valliere said. According to Valliere, while each agency has participated in preparing for the traffic, it has been MassDOT who has perhaps contributed the most. “MassDOT really got involved heavily,” he said. Valliere said that MassDOT was able get the toll plaza demolition and reconstruction ahead of schedule, which reduces a possibility of a back-up com-
ing off of Interstate 90. In addition, the bridge on Southampton Road has been temporarily reopened completely, which Valliere said will allow for police to open additional traffic lanes on the bridge if they need to. It is expected that work on the bridge will resume following the air show. He also said that MassDOT provided traffic advice for the plan. “With them sitting down at the table and providing expertise with traffic flow was crucial to the plan,” he said. Valliere also said that there will be See Air Show, Page 3 A photo of a layout of the International Air Show parking areas.
Residents excited for Air Show By NICK LOMBARDI WSU intern ‘18 WESTFIED – It’s just one week from the Westfield International Air Show and people across the city are anticipating another great year, with performances from the U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and sixteen live performances from professional pilots and parachute teams. Westfield resident Rich Parker will be watching the events from his house, as many who live close to the base will do. Parker served in the Air Force as a medic in 1964 and, while he was not sent to Vietnam, he has enormous ded- Westfield resident Rich ication and respect Parker will be watching for his country- the air show events from men. his house (Photo by Nick Parker has seen Lombardi) the Thunderbirds perform before. “They’re the best.” He said. Parker feels this event offers a lot of entertainment, not only with the craft flying above but also with planes and military vehicles parked on the ground that you can walk into. “The price is right, you really get your money’s worth” Parker said. There is admission cost but there is a suggested $10 donation for general parking. For a prime parking spot there is still time to purchase VIP parking for $15 Many citizens were interviewed about the Air Show, and while some will miss the event, there are some who never miss it. Westfield resident Alex Gomez says that he’s been going to the air shows since he was born. He’s a fan of the Blue Angels, and commented on the great solo performances. “I love feeling the raw power of the afterburners.” Gomez said. “The heat of the engines can be felt from far away, and the noise is deafening. The F-16 fighter jet can fly at speeds up to 1,300 mph.” We expect another great year of spectacular stunts and inspiring patriotism from our proud men and women in the Air Force to match the love and support of their community.
Westfield resident Alex Gomez has attended air shows since he was a young boy. (submitted photo)
Downtown businesses adopt planters, beautify area
welcome to work jointly to submit proposals that will allow their programs to receive formal designation by the state. “The Commonwealth’s Early College and Innovation Pathway programs play an important role in encouraging many young people to pursue higher education, while exposing them to high-demand career opportunities,” Governor Charlie Baker said. “Our Administration is committed to significantly increasing the number of early college seats available to
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—Two downtown companies have decided to take beautifying the city as part of their responsibility, opting to “adopt” several large planters outside of their businesses. Skyline Trading Company and RE/MAX COMPASS, both on Elm Street, have started to care for several planters that are located at the rear of their businesses in a portion of the Gaslight District. The planters were put there by the city according to Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan, and the city could not properly care for them due to lack of people available. “Sometimes there’s so much to take care of, so much land and so much to take care of without having enough people,” Sullivan said. So, according to Lisa Pac, co-owner for Skyline Lisa Pac of Skyline Trading Company, they Trading Company waters decided to take the care of the planter her company the planters behind their adopted. building into their own hands and to help to continue the beautifying efforts in the city. “Making the city look better was the plan and I think we’re just picking up where they left off,” Pac said.
See Schools, Page 7
See Downtown, Page 7
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (left) and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Westfield public schools consider Governor’s Early College and Innovation Pathway Programs By AMY PORTER Correspondent BOSTON — On Thursday, the Baker-Polito Administration released applications for partnerships between high schools, colleges, and employers to become designated as Early College or Innovation Pathway programs, marking the first time such programs will adhere to a set of standards aimed at ensuring consistent quality while growing and supporting the state’s talent pipeline. With the release of applications, school districts, institutions of higher education and industry partners are
Solid waste handler’s permit gets finalized By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The Board of Health officially finalized the solid waste handler’s permit during their meeting Thursday night. The residential permit has been in effect since July 13. As first Reported by the Westfield News on May 19, the permit was nearing its completion. The permit’s main purpose is to address the operations of solid waste handling companies that conduct business through the town of Southwick. Although it is not a mandatory regulation for the town, Board of Health Director Tom FitzGerald believes that it is certainly a benefit. “It allows the town to get some resources from the DEP
Treasure this last and historic gathering of those who defined folk music, including Peter, Paul and Mary, Arlo Guthrie, and Pete Seeger.
(Mass Department of Environmental Protection),” FitzGerald said to The Westfield News in May. The resources are available since the solid waste handler’s permit coincides with the SMRP (Sustainable Materials Recovery Program) that the Southwick DPW has. Having the permit in Southwick allows the DPW to have a better chance of receiving grant money from the state. The SMRP program rewards grants to municipalities that have programs and policies that improve waste reduction, reuse, and recycling. For more information on the SMRP, go to the Energy & Environmental Affairs page on Mass DEP. If there are any questions about the solid waste handler’s permit, call FitzGerald at 413-569-1212.
Board of Health Director Tom FitzGerald. (WNG File Photo)
FOLK LEGENDS: ISN’T THIS A TIME! Saturday, Aug. 5 at 8 p.m.