Westfield350.com
Westfield350.com WEATHER WEATHER TONIGHT WEATHER TONIGHT Partly Cloudy.
The Westfield Westfield News The Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com www.thewestfieldnews.com TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017
TONIGHT Low of 55. Clear. Partly Cloudy. Low 42. Low ofof55.
VOL. 86 NO. 151
VOL. 86 86 NO. NO. 234 151 VOL.
Search for The Westfield News
Search for The Westfield News
“W e “T relish news Search for The Westfield Newsof ime is The only our heroes criTic wiThouT, “Time is The only forgetting that we ambiTion .”
criTic wiThouTto are extraordinary JOHN STEINBECK ambiTion .” .” somebody too JOHN STEINBECK — HELEN HAYES
75 cents
75 75cents cents
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
Parents of North Middle School students receive robocall after allegations against school employee By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—Parents and guardians of North Middle School students received a robocall Friday notifying them that their children are safe. According to Westfield Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, the call was in relation to an allegation made about a Westfield Schools employee and was to notify parents and guardians that North Middle School children were safe and said to not be involved. According to Czaporowski, he was contacted by Westfield Police regarding the allegation. “We received an allegation of an employee,” Czaporowski said. “The employee is not in the school and the allegations are not
against any of the students and that’s why we said that all the students are safe.” Czaporowski said that the department removed the person from the building following this and followed procedures and protocols.
However, when asked about the allegations, Czaporowski said that he “can’t comment further than that,” citing issues of privacy and said that this is currently a personnel matter that is being investigated by the department. “While the investigation goes on they are on leave,” Czaporowski added. Early Friday morning, The Westfield News received an email with a link to a 20-minute video from POP Squad, a Connecticut-based group, that allegedly showed an employee reportedly from the Westfield School Department being confronted at a retail establishment in Connecticut about some questionable actions. The nature of the video’s content is currently being verified for authenticity but the receipt of it has school officials investigating
Hurricane relief funds sought by local group
Cheer teams will be in the spotlight at WHS By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-Westfield Youth Football’s Cheer Teams are in the final weeks of practicing for their day in the spotlight – the Western Mass. Cheer Exposition – at Westfield High School on Oct. 21. During Westfield Day at the Big E this week, the three squads – Pee Wee, Junior and Senior – had an opportunity to practice some routines as they marched in front of the football players. “It was an amazing display of our cheerleaders,” said Michelle Coach, director of cheer. Coach explained that the city was chosen to host this fall’s exhibition because of the spirit from both the cheerleaders and the families in the stands that was exhibited at last year’s exhibition in West Springfield. “West Side selected Westfield because of our spirit, energy, and teamwork,” said Coach, noting two awards were presented at the event – the spirit stick and mega See Cheer Teams, Page 7
the matter. According to Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe, “the problem has been addressed internally by the school.” When asked about the next step for the Westfield Police Department, McCabe said that “we are waiting for the response from our sister department in Connecticut.” According to Southington Police Lt. Steve Elliott, an investigation is underway within their department and that the department did receive information pertaining to the POP Squad video. “Very early in the investigation and not sure if we have anything criminal yet,” Elliott said. However, Elliott did not identify who was being investigated or details of the investigation.
Susan Canning of KEVS Foundation speaks to faculty and staff about the importance of AED’s. (Photo courtesy of Greg Fitzpatrick)
KEVS Foundation donates AED’s to local high school By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – Southwick Regional High School received two very important pieces of equipment on Thursday afternoon in their auditorium. High school officials were given two AED’s (Automated External Defibrillators) that were donated and presented by KEVS Foundation. A non-profit organization that tries to help educate and prevent sudden cardiac arrest by children and young adults, KEVS Foundation has donated several AED’s to schools that demonstrate or educate the importance of AED’S. Almost three years ago, Southwick Regional High School made See KEVS, Page 7
The Westfield Youth Football’s Cheer Team poses prior to marching in the Westfield Day parade at the 2017 Big E. (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—The Westfield Spanish-American Association is gathering donations for relief efforts following the devastation of Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria. The Westfield SpanishAmerican Association (WSAA) will be seeking donations at area Westfield Bank locations, the Westfield Boys and Girls Club, Westfield YMCA and the Westfield Schools superintendent’s office, which will go toward helping the US territory. While donations of some items are being taken, WSAA is looking for chiefly financial donations at these locations because the money could help to get the island’s economy back on track, according to WSAA co-founder Eddie Diaz. “The main thing is looking for financial donations because they’re easier to get down there and it helps the local and regional economy down there,” Eddie Diaz said. “Does us no good if we’re buying all this stuff. You’re going to deprive all the stores and businesses that need to get back on their feet,” he said. Westfield Bank, who is working with the efforts by collecting donations at their 21 branches, said that in addition to the money they collect they will be matching that amount and donating it to the effort. All employees who donate will also be allowed to “dress-down” at the banks, and customers will also be encouraged to donate. For Liz Diaz, Eddie’s wife and payroll administrator for Westfield Bank, as well as Eddie Diaz, the efforts include helping family. “For me, I grew up there, I have family there,” See Relief, Page 7
Westfield Construction Updates WESTFIELD – On Friday the City of Westfield issued the latest construction update. EAST MAIN STREET On Monday, October 2, 2017, road work consisting of saw cutting and trenching in preparation for permanent paving will take place on East Main Street. Gomes Construction will be conducting permanent patching near the McDonald’s project. This work will take place from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm beginning Wednesday, October 4 and continuing until completed (anticipated Friday, October 6). Expect significant delays due to open trenches and blacktop cooling times. Seeking an alternate route is encouraged. ROUTE 187 (LITTLE RIVER ROAD) Paving of Little River Road from the lights at Shaker Road to Tow Path Lane See Updates, Page 7
Franklin Avenue staff and students help stranded animals in Puerto Rico
Adjustment Counselor Kate Fahey and Franklin Avenue Principal Frances St. Peter, along with students representing grades 1-5. (Submitted
By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – Staff and students at Franklin Avenue Elementary School held a fundraiser this week for the Sato project, organized by School Adjustment Counselor Kate Fahey. The Sato project is mobilizing to provide supplies for the animals of Puerto Rico stranded by Hurricane Maria. The school raised $200 from staff and students, and an additional $100 from an anonymous donor.
photo)
Whip City Fiber connects Westfield to high-speed internet. If you live in the Meadow Street area from Miller to George Streets, this is your time! We’ll be installing in your area very soon. You’ll get a free month of high-speed internet if you sign up by October 31. Don’t wait—sign up today! www.whipcityfiber.com | 413-485-1251
Whip City Fiber Drop-In Centers Open 8:00 am-5:00 pm | Monday-Friday WG+E Operations Center, 40 Turnpike Industrial Rd. WG+E Office, 100 Elm Street
Tuesdays 5:00-7:00 pm (no event 10/31) Saturdays 10:30 am-12:30 pm Amelia Park Ice Rink, 21 South Broad Street *No Senior Center events scheduled for October*
Come see Whip City Fiber in action!