Search for The Westfield News
WEATHER TONIGHT Clear skies. Low of 14.
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com
exercise of the human will which helps us to make a decision without information.” — JOHN ERSKINE
75 cents
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2016
VOL. 85 NO. 42
“Opinion is that
Good Neighbor Fund has heightened need CANTON – The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is appealing to Massachusetts’ residents and businesses to consider a donation to the Fund’s 2016 “Give the Gift of Warmth” campaign due to a heightened urgency of need brought on by colder temperatures throughout the Commonwealth. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides energy assistance to those Massachusetts households who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and are not eligible for state or federal energy assistance funds. The 31st annual campaign is a cooperative effort between the Fund’s 23 sponsoring energy companies, the general public and the corporate community to raise $750,000 and help more than 2,000 households. “The colder temperatures we’re experiencing now that we are in the dead of winter is generating an increase in the number of inquiries by those in need of energy assistance,” said Virginia Anthony of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts and Chairperson of the 2016 Good Neighbor Energy Fund campaign. “We appeal to the giving spirit of all our neighbors in the State and ask that you consider enclosing a donation of any amount with the green envelopes found in your utility bills or online at www.magoodneighbor.org.” The Fund is often the last resort for families who have not qualified for federal and state assistance programs. To qualify for assistance from the Fund, an applicant’s gross household income must fall between 60 and 80 percent of the state’s median income levels. For example, a household size of 4 would need to have a total gross yearly income of between $63,704 and $84,939 to qualify. This year’s Fund disbursement is $300 per eligible household for the heating season. Residents and businesses that wish to support the Fund can “Give the Gift of Warmth” by using the green-colored Good Neighbor Energy Fund donation envelope found as an insert in monthly energy bills. Some energy companies offer an ‘add a dollar’ program which allows customers to contribute on their monthly bill payment by one dollar or more. Anyone can also donate with a credit card online by visiting www.magoodneighbor.org. Donors can also simply mail a check, payable to “Good Neighbor Energy Fund”, to Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, c/o The Salvation Army, 25 Shawmut Road, Canton, Massachusetts, 02021-1408. For more information on the Fund and how to apply, visit your local Salvation Army Corps Community Center or call 800-334-3047 if you live in area codes 508, 617, 781 or 978 or (800) 262-1320 if you live in area code 413. Web: www.magoodneighbor.org.
Residents along the Congamond Road corridor examine a set of drawings during an informational meeting on the Congamond Road Reconstruction Project staged in the Southwick Town Hall auditorium. The town hopes to include sewers in the project. (WNG file photo)
SOUTHWICK
Business support sought for Congamond sewers By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen and Sewer Implementation Committee hope a group approach will entice businesses to pay for sewers by Congamond Road. The SIC asked selectmen for its approval last week to meet with businesses in the Gillette Corners area to discuss helping foot the bill for sewers there. A state project on Congamond Road would give the town the opportunity to lay in sewer pipes while the road is torn up. The cost would be high, and the SIC members fear residents would balk at approving the project because of the cost. “We really don’t want the issues we had with Powdermill Road,” said SIC
Chairman Gerald Patria. Last spring, several articles pertaining to sewer installation on Powdermill Road were rejected by voters due to cost and lack of real numbers at the time. “We discussed having businesss owners help subsidize the cost (of Congamond Road area sewers), but we need your involvement,” said Patria, who asked the Board to assist the SIC in coordinating meetings with businesses. Patria said they would like to meet with several businesses as a group, including Big Y, McDonald’s, Dunkin Donuts, the Southwick Crossing, and property owner Ralph DePalma. “I think you have to reach out to these guys,” said Board Chairman Joseph Deedy. Arthur Pinell suggested a subcommittee form to coordinate the meeting.
Disabled South Station train, signal glitches foul Boston’s rail system
‘Pac Man’ for cash? States weigh rules for new kind of slots By PHILIP MARCELO Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — It’s like “Guitar Hero” that pays you back, if you’re any good. At least, that’s the pitch gambling regulators across the country are hearing as they consider whether to allow casinos to offer slot machines that mimic video and arcade games in an effort to attract younger gamblers. The latest is Massachusetts, where the state Gaming Commission is discussing draft regulations governing the new machines on Thursday. Marcus Prater, executive director of the Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers, a Nevada-based slot machine industry See New Gaming, Page 3
“I agree with Mr. Pinell,” said Selectman Douglas Moglin. “You have to go to them with ‘this is the project and this is what it costs’.” Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart reminded the board the businesses would also have to pay for the cost of the pipe to Westfield that was installed to increase sewer flow. The groups discussed that grant money currently available for the project could no longer be an option soon. “The clock’s ticking,” said Selectman Russell Fox. “As soon as we hit 10,000 (residents), the grant money goes away.” Fox said the subcommittee should stress that the cost will help residents, who are also their customers. “Southwick is growing, and an investment now will help the community,” Fox said.
In this Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016 photo a card dealer deals a game of poker to patrons at Twin River Casino, in Lincoln, R.I. Casinos far from Las Vegas are experimenting with different ways to draw millennials. Twin River Casino removed 274 slot machines to make way in December for more poker and other table games favored by younger gamblers. (AP Photo/ Steven Senne)
BOSTON (AP) — Commuters trying to head in and out of Boston are going nowhere fast. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority reports severe delays blamed on a disabled train at South Station, the city's busiest commuter hub. Amtrak, meanwhile, is warning travelers of 30-minute or longer delays due to a signal problem at South Station. It says crews were working to fix the malfunction, but cautioned people to expect delays throughout Thursday morning. The combination led to backups throughout the MBTA system, including trains and subways, frustrating thousands of commuters during the height of the morning rush. Officials were urging people to consider alternative means of transportation.