Thursday, January 30, 2014 by The Westfield News

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WEATHER TONIGHT Clear and cold. Low of 16

The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns

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VOL. 83 NO. 25

— Will Durant

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

75 cents

Funding diversion impacts bike trail

Board allows zoning relief By Dan Moriarty Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The Zoning Board of Appeals found sufficient facts to warrant approval of a special permit and variance for a property owner who wants to use a section of his building for residential use. Michael Tierney owns the building at 16 North Elm Street where his insurance business is located. That building is located on the northwest edge of the Commercial Office Retail Enterprise (CORE) District. Tierney and his attorney, Brad Moir, appeared before the ZBA to seek the special permit and variance from the CORE District zoning which prohibits residential units on the ground floor of business buildings in that zone. The CORE District code, Section 3-100.5, Special Regulations for Residential Uses states in paragraph 1 that “Within any building containing both residential and non-residential uses, no floor area within one story of the street level shall be used for residential purposes (adopted 12/6/2012).” Moir argued that it is the very character of the building which creates the hardship to justify the board to approve a variance and special permit granting an exception. Tierney’s building is a single floor by its original design as the city’s train depot. That design is iconic in its utilitarian design and is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Moir also argued that there is no viable retail use for the section of the building Tierney was to convert to a residential use for his son’s family. Moir said that because of the topography of North Elm Street as it passes underneath the railroad line, the Depot building is not visible. “This is an unique building in shape and location. Is there anything the

A sign in the door of the Westfield School of Music warns that the premises are under video surveillance but a thief broke in anyway only to be caught by the owner as he walked away with eight guitars. (Photo by Carl E. Hartdegen)

Owner nabs thief By Carl E. Hartdegen Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The owner of an Elm Street business captured a burglar Saturday who had broken into his business and was making off with an armful of guitars. City police responded to a 7:47 p.m. report of a burglary and arrived to find a man detaining a thief who had broken into his father’s business, Westfield School of Music on the corner of Elm and Meadow streets. Det. Sgt. Stephen K. Dickinson was among the officers who responded to the crime and explained that the owner arrived at the scene of the crime before police because he had not alerted police when his alarm company reported an intrusion. Dickinson said that the man has set up his alarm so that, when triggered, the alarm company does not immediately call police but the system first sends the owner a text message and relays 30 seconds of video from the scene. Dickinson said that, because there had been a recent false alarm at the music studio, the man was reluctant to ask for a police response when

he did not see anything amiss on the video displayed but instead called his son, who was in the area of the studio, and did not see any problem. Dickinson said, when the younger man returned home, he and his father decided to go back out and check the studio. When they saw footprints in the recent dusting of snow on the steps of the studio the pair stopped for a closer look, Dickinson reports. Dickinson said that when the men looked through the glass door they could see a man inside and, before they were seen, they ducked out of the way and called police. The owner then went around to the rear of the building and arrived in time to see a man walking away while carrying eight guitars. The owner said that, when he yelled at the man, the suspect dropped the guitars and started walking back to him while attempting to tell him a story to explain why he was carrying the guitars. When his son joined him, the owner left him See Owner, Page 3

See Zoning Relief, Page 3

Conditions set for power line project

Southwick fire chief accredited By Hope E. Tremblay Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – Southwick Fire Chief Richard Anderson was granted accreditation from the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission this month. The honor is a declaration of Anderson’s training, education and certifications and recognizes that he has demonstrated the required fire service experience. Anderson submitted proof of training and certifications to the Commission for review. “This validates my experience and knowledge of fire service,” Anderson said. “It goes to all of the training you’ve had, and for me it’s 37 years.” The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission is a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a

“History repeats itself in the large because human nature changes with geological leisureliness.”

process for uniform credentialing for fire chiefs. “The program establishes requirements based on education, training and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief,” said Everett Fire Chief David Butler, who serves as chairman of the commission. “It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.” Anderson said he believes only about one-third of the Commonwealth’s fire chiefs are accredited. He said the accreditation validates his nearly four decades of firefighting. “The program was developed after extensive research outlining those skills important to today’s fire chief. The process provides an equal

RICHARD ANDERSON opportunity for the volunteer, call or full-time fire chief to meet the minimum criteria for achieving fire chief accreditation,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan. Anderson said he is proud of his training and experience and the continuous training of all of Southwick’s firefighters. “I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service to this community and

By Dan Moriarty Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The Conservation Commission set conditions for a Westfield Gas & Electric Department project to erect a new section of power lines along the edge of Root Road and next to the Brick Yard ponds Tuesday night. The utility requested approval to erect as many as 15 new 55-foot-tall wooden poles to support a new overhead distribution system between Medeiros Way (formerly Summit Locke Road) and the main trunk on North Road. Francis Case of the WG&E said the department is establishing the new link to improve service by creating a loop in the distribution grid so that if power service is interrupted in one area, the department can continue to provide service. Case said that the base of the three poles installed in the Brick Yard Ponds resource area will be fitted with a synthetic socks to prevent “migration of chemicals” used to protect the wooden pole into the nearby wetlands. Case said that the exact number of poles has yet to be determined depending on the length of the wire span between poles which are buried seven feet into the soil and how that soil supports the weight of the wires carried by the poles.

See Fire Chief, Page 3

See Power Line Project, Page 3

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By Dan Moriarty Staff Writer WESTFIELD – A shift in funding priority for the Transportation Improvement Project (TIP) may drain funding and could delay construction of the Columbia Greenway rail trail. A pending amendment in the TIP budget would commit a substantial amount of federal funding under the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) Improvement Program to the Union Station Redevelopment Project in Springfield. The use of un-programmed Tip Funding for the Union Station project over the next three years means that approved projects, such as the Columbia Greenway, will have no access to contingency funding, or ability to “pump up” the appropriation of local projects with those uncommitted funds. The current TIP commitment to the bike trail is $2.2 million, while the current engineering estimate to rehabilitate the former railroad bridge over the Westfield River is $2.8 million. The project can proceed under the $2.2 million or be delayed for three years until un-programmed funding becomes available. The Friends of the Columbia Greenway are issuing a call to arms of local citizens to ensure that the north phase of the rail trail construction is funded. That phase will transform the former railroad bridge into the northern section of the Columbia Greenway, linking the bike trail to Women’s Temperance Park on the north bank of the Westfield River. The Friends are asking residents to go to their website and download a letter to Richard A. Davey, Secretary of Transportation, seeking full funding for the bridge conversion project. The letter states: ”CMAQ funds should be prioritized to cover the full phase estimate, unforeseen factors, and cost increases of this important project, before beginning new regional project “ and expresses concern that that “the Union Station Renovation amount adversely impacts the Columbia Greenway North by removing any allowance for variation. “The Columbia Greenway project has been queued for many years and current users are limited by the wait for future phases. This project meets several objectives including: providing transportation mode shift; supporting healthy lifestyles; contributing to downtown revitalization; strengthening regional connections; serving emergency response; and investing in environmental justice areas. Mayor Daniel M. Knapik said that there are two sides of the TIP funding issue, that the delay in construction while frustrating, but may also be beneficial. See Trail Funding, Page 3

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Nutrition: Your Fountain of Youth WESTFIELD - The Westfield Athenaeum is pleased to host Nancy Dell, registered dietician, on Wednesday, February 12 at 7 p.m. Join us in the Lang Auditorium as Ms. Dell helps kick off our Spring Speaker Series with her presentation, Nutrition: Your Fountain of Youth. Come learn how nutrition can play a vital role in slowing the aging process and keep you healthy at any age. Nancy is best known for her “Food for Thought” nutrition news segments that have aired on NBC’s WWLP news since 1984. After receiving her Bachelor’s in biology from Westfield State College, she went on to earn her Master’s in human nutrition from the University of Massachusetts. This program is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, please visit our website www.westath.org or call the Westfield Athenaeum at 413-568-0638.

Breakfast Open House RUSSELL - On Wednesday. February 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Russell COA will have a Breakfast Open House, serving coffee, muffins, oatmeal, etc. This event is free and open to all seniors in Russell and surrounding communities. Some take-home frozen breakfast foods will be available.

Crafty contribution Rebecca Hart (third from left), director of the Westfield food pantry, accepts a $2,050 donation from, left to right, Jan Morin, Anne Rock, Jean Paye, Pat Allen, and Cindy Cooper who worked to stage the Wyben Union Church’s annual Christmas crafts fair. The donation represents the proceeds the crafts fair which each year benefits a charity in keeping with the congregation’s mandate from the Bible to care for the poor and homeless in their time of need. (Photo courtesy Wyben Union Church)

Odds & Ends FRIDAY

TONIGHT

Sunny skies.

32-38

SATURDAY

Partial sunshine with a chance of flurries.

36-40

WEATHER DISCUSSION

Clear and cold.

16-20

Tonight will be mostly clear...then becoming mostly cloudy. Not as cool with lows around 17. Friday will be Mostly cloudy. Highs in the mid 30s. Friday evening will be mostly cloudy. Expect Saturday to be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and snow. Highs in the upper 30s. Chance of precipitation 30 percent. Saturday Night looks to be mostly cloudy with a chance of rain and freezing rain. Lows in the lower 30s. Sunday will be cloudy with a chance of rain showers and freezing rain. Highs in the lower 40s.

today 7:06 a.m.

5:03 p.m.

9 hours 56 minutes

sunrise

sunsET

lENGTH OF dAY

Rattled by rumor, casino says it is snake-free BETHLEHEM, Pa. (AP) — An eastern Pennsylvania casino is trying to dispel a bizarre online rumor: The Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem says patrons aren’t being bitten by snakes. Casino spokeswoman Julia Corwin tells The Express-Times (http://bit. ly/1hJVmh5) that there have been no reported snake encounters at the Sands. She says if there were snakes, the critters would have been captured by the casino’s sophisticated surveillance cameras. The rumor circulating on Facebook claims someone went to their doctor with some kind of bite, and the doctor diagnosed a snake bite and asked immediately whether the patient had recently visited the Bethlehem casino. State police operate a station at the casino. Trooper William Ortiz reports “absolutely zero snakes” inside.

LOCAL LOTTERY Last night’s numbers

MASSACHUSETTS MassCash 01-11-17-20-21 Mega Millions Estimated jackpot: $84 million Megabucks Doubler 05-11-17-18-22-43 Estimated jackpot: $1.8 million Numbers Evening 6-2-1-3 Numbers Midday 5-6-3-6 Powerball 11-23-28-32-47, Powerball: 20, Power Play: 2 Estimated jackpot: $171 million

CONNECTICUT Cash 5 01-14-24-26-35 Mega Millions Estimated jackpot: $84 million Play3 Day 4-7-1 Play3 Night 0-4-2 Play4 Day 4-7-2-7 Play4 Night 9-9-5-3

TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Thursday, Jan. 30, the 30th day of 2014. There are 335 days left in the year.

n Jan. 30, 1964, the United States launched Ranger 6, an unmanned spacecraft carrying television cameras that crash-landed on the moon, but failed to send back images.

In 1968, the Tet Offensive began during the Vietnam War as Communist forces launched surprise attacks against South Vietnamese provincial capitals.

On this date:

In 1972, 13 Roman Catholic civil rights marchers were shot to death by British soldiers in Northern Ireland on what became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

In 1649, England’s King Charles I was executed for treason. In 1862, the ironclad USS Monitor was launched from the Continental Iron Works in Greenpoint, N.Y., during the Civil War. In 1882, the 32nd president of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was born in Hyde Park, N.Y. In 1933, Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany. The first episode of the “Lone Ranger” radio program was broadcast on station WXYZ in Detroit. In 1939, the U.S. Supreme Court, in Tennessee Electric Power Co. v. Tennessee Valley Authority, upheld the right of the federally-owned TVA to compete with private utilities. In 1948, Indian political and spiritual leader Mohandas K. Gandhi, 78, was shot and killed in New Delhi by Nathuram Godse (neh-tooRAHM’ gahd-SAY’), a Hindu extremist. (Godse and a co-conspirator were later executed.) In 1962, two members of “The Flying Wallendas” high-wire act were killed when their seven-person pyramid collapsed during a performance at the State Fair Coliseum in Detroit.

In 1974, President Richard Nixon delivered what would be his last State of the Union address; Nixon pledged to rein in rising prices without the “harsh medicine of recession” and establish a national health care plan that every American could afford. In 1981, an estimated 2 million New Yorkers turned out for a tickertape parade honoring the freed American hostages from Iran. In 1993, Los Angeles inaugurated its Metro Red Line, the city’s first modern subway.

Ten years ago: Former French Prime Minister Alain Juppe (al-AN’ zhoo-PAY’) was found guilty in connection with a party financing scandal and declared ineligible for public office for 10 years (later reduced to one year on appeal). NASA’s Mars rover Opportunity spied hints of a mineral that typically forms in water — a finding that could mean the dry and dusty Red Planet was once wetter and more hospitable to life.

Five years ago:

Michael Steele was elected the first black chairman of the Republican National Committee. President Barack Obama signed a series of executive orders that he said should “level the playing field” for labor

unions in their struggles with management. Ingemar Johansson, who stunned the boxing world by knocking out Floyd Patterson to win the heavyweight title in 1959, died in Kungsbacka, Sweden. Former Alabama Gov. Guy Hunt died in Birmingham at age 75.

One year ago: In a dramatic appeal before the Senate Judiciary Committee, wounded former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords urged Congress to enact tougher curbs on guns, saying, “too many children are dying” without them. Israel conducted a rare airstrike on a military target inside Syria amid fears President Bashar Assad’s regime could provide powerful weapons to the Islamic militant group Hezbollah. Patty Andrews, 94, the last surviving member of the singing Andrews Sisters trio, died in the Los Angeles suburb of Northridge.

Today’s Birthdays: Actress Dorothy Malone is 89. Producer-director Harold Prince is 86. Actor Gene Hackman is 84. Actress Tammy Grimes is 80. Actress Vanessa Redgrave is 77. Chess grandmaster Boris Spassky is 77. Country singer Jeanne Pruett is 77. Country singer Norma Jean is 76. Former Vice President Dick Cheney is 73. Rock singer Marty Balin is 72. Rhythm-and-blues musician William King (The Commodores) is 65. Singer Phil Collins is 63. Actor Charles S. Dutton is 63. World Golf Hall of Famer Curtis Strange is 59. Actress-comedian Brett Butler is 56. Singer Jody Watley is 55. Actor-filmmaker Dexter Scott King is 53. The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, is 52. Actor Norbert Leo Butz is 47. Country singer Tammy Cochran is 42. Actor Christian Bale is 40. Rock musician Carl Broemel (My Morning Jacket) is 40. Pop-country singer-songwriter Josh Kelley is 34. Actor Wilmer Valderrama is 34. Actor Jake Thomas is 24.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 - PAGE 3

Government Meetings NEXT SCHEDULED MEETINGs

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 TOLLAND Conservation Comm Hearings IF NEEDED

SOUTHWICK Community Preservation Committee at 7 pm

MONDAY, FEVRUARY 3 WESTFIELD Fire Commission at 7 pm

MONDAY, FEVRUARY 10 WESTFIELD Park & Rec at 7 pm

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9

Cella celebrates 105th

WESTFIELD

Yvonne Cella, center, welcomes everyone to her 105th birthday party during a celebration at Renaissance Manor as Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik, left, and State Sen. Donald Humason Jr., prepare to present city and state citations to her Monday. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

Fire Chief

Owner Continued from Page 1 there to detain the suspect while he checked on his younger children who had waited in the car. When Officer Michael Csekovsky arrived, quickly followed by Sgt. Alex Baginski and Officer Richard Mazza, they took custody of Humberto Baez, 47, of 129 North Elm St., who was arrested for breaking and entering a building in the nighttime with intent to commit a felony and for larceny from a building. Dickinson reports that Baez told him that he had been unable effect entry via a first floor window but was able to knock

out a pane of glass at a second floor rear entrance and made entry there. Dickinson explained that the alarm was triggered then but the 30 seconds of video which was transmitted came from a camera downstairs where nothing had yet been disturbed. Dickinson also said that Baez has an extensive criminal history. He said that Baez had served a sentence imposed upon conviction of a rape charge in 1997 and had served a second term after he was convicted of assault and battery on a guard at the Ludlow jail.

He also said that Baez had been convicted in the Northampton court on charges including assault and battery, breaking and entering and larceny. When Baez appeared for arraignment in Westfield District Court on Monday, Judge Philip A. Contant noted that he has repeatedly failed to appear for previous court appearances and cited his record of convictions when he set bail at $10,000 cash. Baez was held pending a Feb. 20 hearing.

Power Line Project Continued from Page 1 The department is also replacing existing poles on North to Brick Yard Brook. Road with the taller poles. Case agreed to that request and also informed the commisConservation Coordinator Karen Leigh said the commission sion that the new pole installation may require crews to trim has no jurisdiction over the pole replacement, just the installa- trees along the pole line to protect the new power lines. tion of the new poles through the resource area but said the “There is no plan to remove any trees, just trim them back,” commission could ask the municipal utility to install the syn- Case said. thetic socks on two of the North Road replacement poles next

Zoning Relief board can do to grant this variance based on the uniqueness of the building?” Moir asked. “There is a substantial hardship because this is an expensive building to run and maintain. There is tons of parking, 18 spots, to meet the residential parking requirement of two spaces and still have ample spaces for employees and customers of

Continued from Page 1 the city’s Building Mr. Tierney’s business. “The intent of the ordi- Superintendent Jon Flagg.” ZBA Chairman Michael nance is to bring people downtown, which this will Parent suggested that the do,” Moir said. “We’re not board attach conditions to the changing anything externally special permit limiting the except putting a backdoor conversion to only one resitoward the rear (loading plat- dential unit and that Tierney form) by the tracks where a of future owners “keep the window will be converted exterior of the building coninto a door to meet the second sistent with its historic charmeans of egress required by acter.”

The Board voted 3-0 to approve the petitioner’s special permit, variance and site plan.

WESTFIELD DRIVING SCHOOL

WESTFIELD The Gathering Grandparents of St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish will have a Special ‘Candlemas’ Saturday, February 1st at 9:00 a.m. This mass will be held at St. Peter’s Church, 24 State St. Everyone is invited to attend. Breakfast will be served immediately following the Mass at the Parish Social Center. For more information, please call Alicia at 413-568-0123. The Gathering Grandparents of St. Peter and St. Casimir Parish is a chapter of the Catholic Grandparents Association. The CGA mission is: “To help grandparents pass on the faith and to keep prayer at the heart of family life.”

Chocolate Infusion Night RUSSELL - With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, it’s time to begin thinking of great sweets for your great sweet! On Saturday, February 8 at 6:30 p.m. Holy Family Parish in Russell will be hosting a Chocolate Infusion evening in the parish hall! The evening promises you the opportunity to sample, taste, savor and delight in some of the finest chocolate from the hilltowns and beyond! The ultimate chocolate happy hour! We have spaces for 10 people to show off their talents in mak-

Continued from Page 1 have worked hard to continue my education and experience to bring a high level of professionalism to this position.” he said. “I appreciate that this accomplishment recognizes my dedication to be the best fire chief I can for this community.” Credentialed participants will be required to renew their credentials every three years. The program is open to all members of the fire service in the Commonwealth serving as chief of department or the next lower rank in the department. Anderson will receive his certifiate of accreditation in March.

Trail Funding Continued from Page 1 “It’s disappointing. We’re not happy about it either,” Knapik said, “but it does give us more time to plan it out, make it a better project.” “It does push construction of the (northern phase of the) project back by a year, then we’ll do the middle section a year after that, so it could all be done within three years,” Knapik said. The CMAQ program was initiated under the federal Clean Air Act of 1990 to reduce vehicle emissions through a stronger, more rigorous link between transportation and air quality planning. Congress passed the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act-the ISTEA of 1991. That far-reaching legislation brought transportation into the multi-modal arena and also set the stage for an unprecedented focus on environmental programs. Part of this approach was the newly authorized Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) Program. The CMAQ program was implemented to support surface transportation projects and other related efforts that contribute air quality improvements and provide congestion relief. Congress approved $2.2 billion in CMAQ funding in the federal fiscal years 2013 and 2014. While project eligibility remains basically the same, the legislation places considerable emphasis on diesel engine retrofits and other efforts that underscore the priority on reducing fine particle pollution.

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WINTER BREAK CLASSES FEBRUARY 17 - 21ST MONDAY-FRIDAY 9AM-3:45PM TH

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ing their favorite chocolate recipe and entering it into a taste contest! Our 1st place winner will receive $50, 2nd place will receive $25 and 3rd place will receive $10. The only rule is that chocolate has to be included somewhere in your recipe! Admission ticket prices are $5 and will include a chocolate beverage of your choice, a choc-

olate treat and 10 taste samplings. We will hold a chocolate raffle and additional chocolate treats will be available for purchase for your Valentine’s Day celebrations! To purchase tickets, for additional information or if you are interested in entering your recipe in the taste contest, please contact Jo-Anne Auclair at 848-2029.

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PAGE 4 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

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Harry Reid rejects Obama’s trade push By Eric Bradner and Manu Raju Politico.com President Barack Obama’s push for the two largest free trade deals in U.S. history has hit a major roadblock: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. The Nevada Democrat said he opposes a bill that would fasttrack the Pacific Rim and European Union pacts through Congress with limited debate and no amendments – which the White House says is crucial to gaining concessions from other countries to finalize those deals. Reid made it abundantly clear that he has voiced his concerns to Obama’s administration, as well as the outgoing chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Max Baucus (D-Mont.), and his replacement, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), who would take the lead on the issue once Baucus departs to become U.S. ambassador to China. “Everyone knows how I feel about this,” Reid said just off the Senate floor. “Sen. Baucus knows. Sen. Wyden knows. The White House knows. Everyone would be well-advised to not push this right now.” A White House official said Reid’s opposition to the trade bill didn’t come as a surprise. “Leader Reid has always been clear on his position on this particular issue,” the official said. “As the president said last night, he will continue to work to enact bipartisan trade promotion authority to protect our workers and environment and open markets to new goods stamped ‘Made in the USA,’ and we will not cede this important opportunity for American workers and businesses to our competitors.” The majority leader’s position essentially kills the president’s trade push this Congress, given that Reid controls the floor schedule and leads a caucus filled with members worried that such deals would harm labor and environmental protections and siphon away U.S. jobs. But it’s certain to anger Republicans, including House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), both of whom have blasted Obama for doing too little to rally Democratic backing for the bill. It also marks yet another item off the already-short list of issues on which Congress could act this year – even though, in this case, Obama and House Republicans agreed. The president gave it a mention – albeit briefly – in Tuesday night’s State of the Union address. “We need to work together on tools like bipartisan trade promotion authority to protect our workers, protect our environment, and open new markets to new goods stamped, ‘Made in the USA,’” Obama said in his speech. “Look, China and Europe aren’t on standing on the sidelines. Neither should we.” Reid’s comments come amid mounting Democratic opposition to the bill. On Monday, 550 labor, environmental and consumer advocacy groups – including the United Autoworkers, which has lent Obama critical backing on previous free trade pacts such as the South Korea deal – sent a letter to Congress urging them to reject the fast-track bill. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the chair of the House Progressive Caucus, said the president’s push for a fast-track bill is out of sync with the party’s election-year priorities. “How can you say on one hand you want to address income inequality, you want to make this economy work for everyone, and on the other hand, say you want trade promotion authority so you can pass these NAFTA-style trade deals?” Ellison asked. “It doesn’t make any sense.” Republicans, too, said they were frustrated with Obama on the issue – but their beef was that he didn’t spend more time pushing it during the State of the Union. Sen. Orrin Hatch, the Utah Republican who introduced the legislation the bill along with Baucus and House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.), blasted Obama at a U.S. Chamber of Commerce event Wednesday. “So far I’ve been underwhelmed by the administration’s support of our bill and extremely disappointed with the efforts they’ve made to get Democrats in Congress on board,” he said. The fast-track bill has become increasingly important as U.S. negotiators finalize the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a deal with Japan and 10 other Asia-Pacific countries that covers agricultural goods, intellectual property protections for medicines and technology, and more. Obama’s administration initially aimed to seal that deal by the end of 2013. Once that target was missed, Froman said he hopes to finish it early this year. An even bigger deal is on its heels. The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, which is intended to reduce regulatory differences in automotive safety, chemical and pharmaceutical inspections and more between the United States and the European Union, could be wrapped up early next year. The U.S. business community has lobbied hard for the legislation. Told of Reid’s comments, John Murphy, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s vice president for international affairs, said the effort to open new markets “starts” with the fast-track trade promotion authority bill. “Refusing to move forward with TPA only guarantees that foreign barriers against American goods stay in place,” Murphy said. A blocked Senate leaves the Obama administration with two options: wait until after November’s election and try its luck with a new Congress or push for passage of the Pacific Rim deal – which is likely to contain a host of contentious provisions – while insisting that lawmakers not change a word. First, though, that deal must be completed. Trade experts say that will be next to impossible without the fast-track bill in place because other countries won’t take political risks of their own in agreeing to a deal unless the United States does so, too. A spokeswoman for Froman, the United States’ top trade negotiator, did not respond to a request for comment. Reid Epstein contributed to this report.

War of the Liberal Wonks Everyone agrees that inequality is threatening the American Dream. But nobody knows what to do. By WILLIAM GALSTON Politico.com While the usual clash between liberal and conservative economic views has gotten most of the attention, a quiet but intense debate has been taking place among Democrats. It is hard to argue with what President Obama said in his 2014 State of the Union address: Corporate profits and stock prices have soared, and those at the top have never done better. But average wages have barely budged, inequality has deepened and upward mobility has stalled. The question is why. According to populists like the people who flocked to the Occupy movement, corporations, financial institutions and wealthy individuals with disproportionate political influence have hijacked the economy, destroying unions, using hard-ball tactics to drive down wages and shifting risks from owners to workers. For many liberals, however, the core of the matter lies elsewhere: The structure of the U.S. economy has changed, as has the place of our economy in the world, but public policy has failed to keep pace. We are addressing 21st-century challenges with 20th-century tools, and it’s not working. Now Obama has taken a position in this debate. “Over more than three decades,” he said, “even before the Great Recession hit, massive shifts in technology and global competition had eliminated a lot of good, middle-class jobs and weakened the economic foundations that families depend on.” The recent recession highlighted and accelerated these trends; it did not create them. For the president and those who agree with him, the challenge is to create effective responses to the economic and social distress these trends have brought, and even more important, to turn them around. Unfortunately, his 2014 agenda doesn’t come close—though not surprisingly, because economists and policy experts studying these structural shifts are not sure what to do either. This is not just an American problem. For at least the past two decades, throughout the developed world, a massive shift of power and wealth from labor to capital has taken place. Between 1990 and 2009, the OECD reports, compensation of labor declined as a share of overall national income in virtually every advanced economy. Across [however many] countries, the median income share of labor fell 4.4 points, from 66.1 to 61.7 percent. In fact, the United States’ labor share fell significantly less, by 2.8 points, from 62.4 to 59.8 percent. Given the variety of social and economic policies among OECD countries, it’s implausible that specific national policies could be principally responsible for this shift. Something else is going on. When it comes to the wellbeing of working families, the entire developed world is in the same boat, which is taking on water faster the governments can bail it out. Here at home, these trends have produced a slow-motion erosion of the middle class. Labor economists such as MIT’s David Autor have documented a labor market in the process of polarizing as globalization and technology eliminate middle-skill, middle-wage jobs. In 1971, according to the Pew Research Center, 61 percent of all adults lived in middle-income households. By 2011, the middle-income share had fallen to only 51 percent, while the lower and upper-income shares both grew. A study by Cornell University researcher Kendra Bischoff and Stanford University’s Sean Reardon finds that the share of families living in middle-income neighborhoods declined from 65 percent to only 42 percent between 1970 and 2009 while the share of families living in affluent and poor neighborhoods

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more than doubled. Residential segregation along lines of income grew in each of the past decades, among African Americans and Latinos as well as white Americans, with the fastest growth coming between 2000 and 2009. Demography completes the trifecta of structural woes, because the aging of the population has set in motion an historic shift in the U.S. labor market. Between 1970 and 2010, the workforce expanded at an average annual rate of 1.6 percent a year, but that rate is now falling. Between 2023 and 2038, the Congressional Budget Office projects, labor force growth will slow to only 0.4 percent a year, a pace that is likely to persist for decades thereafter. This trend has broad economic implications. All else equal, real GDP growth will average only 2 percent a year, and individual and household incomes will rise painfully slowly. Unless we can devise new policies that jolt us out of this path, slower growth will become the new normal. And if the pie is barely expanding, win-win policies are likely to give way to more overt and rancorous class conflict, coupled with what political economic Robert Reich has dubbed the “secession of the successful.” What is to be done? I’m not sure. But I have a hunch of where to begin—with a concerted effort to reverse the alarming slide in labor force participation. Over the past quarter century, my Brookings colleague Gary Burtless finds, the U.S. rank in labor force participation for men ages 25 to 54 has fallen from 10th to 17th among developed countries; for women, from 6th to 14th. For prime-age workers ages 35 to 54—past the extended period of education that success in the 21st-century economy often requires—the comparison looks even worse. For this group, according to Burtless, average participation rates in 16 comparable developed countries are 4 to 6 points higher than they are in the United States. Clearly, the aging of the population cannot explain these trends—for whatever combination of reasons, younger and middle-aged workers, not just the elderly, are dropping out of the U.S. job force. If not reversed, these trends will depress national output, slow the growth of household incomes and make it increasingly difficult both to finance a dignified retirement for aging Americans and to make decent provision for poor and disabled Americans. Suppose we were to adopt a national goal of raising participation in the labor force by 5 percentage points over the next decade and mobilized all hands on deck to reach it. We would, to begin, mount a crash program to ensure than at least 90 percent of students entering the 9th grade earn a meaningful high school diploma four years later. We would offer young adults now languishing in our prisons the opportunity to complete high school, with credits toward earlier release as an incentive. We would get serious about advanced technical training for the millions of young adults whose aspirations give them no particular reason to attend four-year colleges. U.S. businesses would stop their non-stop complaining about the “skills gap,” get off the sidelines and help solve the problem. We would use carrots and sticks to get college administrators focused on degree completion. We would end decades of chatter about “family-friendly workplaces” and actually create them. We would eliminate policies that tilt employers toward layoffs rather than work-sharing during economic downturns. We would reinvent unemployment insurance to provide wage subsidies to prevent the long spells of joblessness that too often induce individuals to drop out of the labor force, and we would prohibit employers from discriminating against job applicants based on the length of time since their previous jobs. If these aren’t the right ideas, let’s find better ones. But one thing is clear: If we don’t set some specific, challenging economic goals and organize to reach them, we’ll continue our slow decline, and we’ll have only ourselves to blame. “The fault, dear Brutus…” ——— William A. Galston is senior fellow and Ezra K. Zilkha chair in Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution.

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

Police Logs WESTFIELD Emergency Response and Crime Report Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 10:37 a.m.: harassment complaint, a caller reports the defendant of a harassment prevention order has violated the ‘No contact’ clause of the order by calling her home, the responding officer report the woman said that the man also called her workplace, a criminal complaint was filed; 4:13 p.m.: city ordinance violation, Fowler Street, a community policing officer reports he observed two couches had been left on the tree belt, a city ordinance violation citation was issued; 6:34 p.m.: motor vehicle violation, Elm Street, supervisory officer reports the observed a vehicle operating erratically and stopped the pickup truck, the officer reports that the operator displayed the classic symptoms of alcohol intoxication and was uncooperative, Joseph A. Jasmin, 36, of 20 Beckwith Ave., was arrested for operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and a marked lanes violation; 9:13 p.m.: motor vehicle violation, Franklin Street, a patrol officer reports a traffic stop, the vehicle’s registration as found to have been revoked for lack of insurance, the car was towed to the police impound yard; 10:57 p.m.: disturbance, North Elm Street, a caller reports it sounds as if his neighbors are fighting and he has heard the sounds of physical impacts, the responding officer reports a resident answered the door with a facial injury, the man said that he had been struck by the door when a neighbor came to the door, the man said that he had been involved in an argument with his girlfriend and the officer observed that she was visibly upset and had been crying, the officer noted red marks on the woman’s head and face and she said that he man had struck her during the argument, John P. Woodward, 46, of 117 N. Elm St., was arrested for assault and battery in a domestic relationship.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 - PAGE 5

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Court Logs

Patrick unveils recidivism initiative

Westfield District Court

BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Deval Patrick today unveiled what he called a landmark initiative aimed at reducing recidivism among high-risk young men. The proposal will cut down on crime, save taxpayers money, and improve outcomes for hundreds of young men leaving the juvenile justice system or who’re in the probation system, Patrick said. The state will team with a nonprofit service provider, Roca, to serve hundreds of young men across the state by providing them with outreach, life skills and employment training, he said. The program will initially be funded with the help of $18 million in private loans and grants. Roca aims to reduce by 40 percent the number of days that young men in the program are incarcerated — a goal that would generate millions in savings to the state. If Roca is successful in meeting that goal, the state will make up to $27 million in “success payments” over a seven year period under a so-called “Pay for Success” model. That money will go repay the private funders. If Roca exceeds the 40 percent goal, it and the private funders will receive a bonus. An $11.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will also give state the opportunity to extend the project to serve up to 1,320 young men over nine years. “The Pay for Success initiative will allow us to marry smart financial solutions with programs proven successful in helping high-risk youth become employed, stay employed, and break the cycle of violence,” Patrick said in a statement. About 64 percent of young male ex-offenders in Massachusetts re-offend within five years, and only 35 percent find work within a year of being released. Patrick says his administration is trying to improve the situation with the help of nonprofit expertise, private sector funding and ongoing evaluation of existing state programs.

Boston police meet with clergy on fatal shootings

Suspicious death behind middle school in Norwood

BOSTON (AP) — Top commanders in the Boston Police Department met Wednesday with local clergy leaders to try to come up with ideas on how to stem a recent wave of fatal shootings. Police Commissioner William Evans and other officials met at police headquarters with a group of about 25 members of the clergy in what Evans said was an effort to come up with ways to get illegal guns off the street and stop the violence that has erupted in the city in January. “We need their help in getting the guns that are out there that we can’t get,” Evans said before the meeting. Afterward, police Superintendent in Chief William Gross said the group talked about various ways to try to curb violence, including reaching out to young people and their families, instituting a gun buyback program, and encouraging people who are afraid to talk to police to turn over illegal guns to clergy leaders.

NORWOOD, Mass. (AP) — Authorities say someone walking a dog in Norwood has stumbled upon a dead body dumped in the woods behind the Coakley Middle School. Norfolk District Attorney Michael Morrissey says investigators are trying to determine the identity of the victim whose remains suffered massive trauma. Morrissey and Norwood Police Chief William Brooks say there are indications that the victim was not killed at the small wooded area and investigators are searching for the primary crime scene. They ask the public for information on any location with significant blood or other indications that it may be where the killing occurred. Authorities say the dog walker discovered the body after the pet reacted to the presence of the dead body just behind the tree line not far from the school property. Investigators did not release additional information.

IN BRIEF

In Loving Memory of

Lorin D. Fabello

we know how much food to available from the instructor Valentine Swap order. Address is 65 Main on the first night of class. WESTERN MASS - For the Street. The cost of this course is past few years, Hilltown $25 for community memFamilies has organized a com- Boating Course bers. Registration will be munity-wide Handmade WESTFIELD - Westfield accepted until the first night Valentine Swap, a free event State University’s Division of of class. For information and open to all families in Western Graduate and Continuing to register, contact Brandon MA. Last year 1,300 hand- Education will be offering Fredette at (413) 572-8033 or made Valentines were Boating Safety on Tuesday bfredette@westfield.ma.edu swapped, and we’re looking nights from February 4 to or visit www.westfield.ma. forward to having more fami- April 8 from 7:00 p.m. to edu/neighbors/communitylies join in the fun again this 9:15 p.m. education. year! Taught by qualified U.S. Book Discussion A community handmade Coast Guard Auxiliary Valentine swap gives families instructor, Bob Madison, this SOUTHWICK - The Adult an opportunity to be creative course includes information Book Discussion Group of together while connecting on boat construction, life the Southwick Public Library with other families in Western jackets, trailer handling, boat will discuss Orphan Train by Massachusetts Through the handling, the waterway mark- Christina Baker Kline on swap, participants mail out ing system, reading buoys, Wednesday, February 5 at handmade Valentines to 10 day markers, lights, rules you 1:30 p.m. in the library’s assigned addresses, and in must follow, inland boating, Community Room. Interested return each participant introduction to navigation, participants may pick up and receives handmade Valentines charts, chart tools, boat pay for the March selection: from 10 other participants. motors, lines and knots, basic The Aviator’s Wife by The swap is intergeneration- weather, and boat radios. Melanie Benjamin at the disal and cards can be handmade This course is suitable for cussion or thereafter at the by any combination of child beginners as well as serious Circulation Desk. and adult, so if kids aren’t boaters and satisfies all state According to The completely up to the task or if requirements for licensing. A Washington Post the book is, an adult would like to make certificate will be issued after “An intimate examination of their own design, there’s flex- passing the final exam. This the life and emotional mettle ibility. Deadline to sign up is course is designed for adults, of Anne Morrow.” Any interFriday, January 31. That as well as for children as ested patron is welcome to Sunday, February 2, partici- young as 7th grade. The attend these discussions. pants will be emailed their required book ($35) will be assigned names and addresses of families to mail their handmade Valentines to. Everyone is kindly requested to mail LOST: LARGE their Valentines off by ORANGE CAT, male, February 7. Signing up to has a black birth spot on participate in the swap is free lip. Vicinity of Lois and open to all families in Street and South Maple Western Massachusetts. To Street, Westfield. sign up visit www. Answers to Patrick or Mr. HilltownFamilies.org and for Kitty. Missing since Saturday, January 18th. Please more information, visit www. call (413)977-1169. HilltownFamilies.org or email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

9/25/66~1/30/06 ~ 8th Anniversary ~

Dowd

In loving Memory Of ELIZABETH W. DOWD "SALLY"

On Her Seventh Anniversary Feb. 20, 1934 - Jan. 30th, 2007

Lori, Your life was a blessing Your memory a treasure You are loved beyond words And missed beyond measure. Forever in our hearts, Mom, Dad, Jennifer, Kyle, Shannan & Ian

Westfield, MA (413) 562-9792 HOURS: Mon-Thur 10-6 Friday 10-3 • Sat 10-1 and

57 Maple Street East Longmeadow, MA (413) 526-9790 Sadly missed by her husband, Jim

HOURS : Mon-Fri 10-6pm Saturday 9-1pm

www.MemoryLaneLamps.com

to the practice. Call 413-363-2732

180 Westfield St. • West Springfield, MA www.JohnFrangieMD.com

Academy Hill School An Independent Day School For Early Learners through Eighth Grade

$100. REWARD. LOST: BRACELET, black leather and silver on 12/5/13. Vicinity Westfield Shops parking lot possibly Friendly’s, Big Y areas. (508)685-7949.

Academy Hill School Offers: • Small classes with motivated students • Individual attention • Singapore math • Latin and Classics • World Language: French and Spanish • Public Speaking curriculum • A nurturing and supportive community • Extensive opportunities for enrichment

FOUND - Diamond ring in Westfield. Call 5687560 (12/2/13) $500. REWARD. Lost cat. “Nowelle” black with white striped nose, white paws and white bib. Needs daily insulin. Call, text, email Karen, (413) 478-3040. findnowelle@gmail.com anytime. . (11-27-13) REWARD! Lost: black and white medium haired cat. Vicinity of Munger Hill area of Westfield. Work (617)212-3344. (11-27-13)

(Route 10 & 202)

Dr. Amy CAmerotA, o.D.

Academy Hill School provides an intellectual, principled, creative and enriching foundation for students.

Please contact Marjorie Weeks for your personal tour 413-788-0300 or academyhill.org

3283930

RUSSELL - On Monday, February 10, at noon there will be a pizza party with birthday cake and ice cream at the Russell Council on Aging. We will also have Bingo, and a Valentine-making contest. In lieu of payment, we ask that you bring a donation of nonperishable food for the Huntington Food Pantry. Please RSVP by Monday, February 3 at 413-862-6205 so

Yankee Village Shops 53 Southwick Rd.

Welcomes Westfield MA native,

LOST AND FOUND

Pizza Party

Monday, Jan. 27, 2014 Timothy E. Fitzgerald, 21, of 35 Shoreham St., Quincy, was released on his personal recognizance pending a March 26 hearing after he was arraigned on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a property damage accident brought by Westfield police. Sandra J. Bein, 60, of 67 Orange St., submitted to facts sufficient to warrant guilty findings for charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle brought by Westfield police and the charges was continued without a finding with probation for one year. She was assessed $600, ordered to complete a Driver Alcohol Education Program at a cost of $817.22 and her license was suspended for 45 days. She was found to be not responsible for a marked lanes violation. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2014 James M. Germana, 31, of 145 Woodbridge Road, Chicopee, was released on his personal recognizance pending a March 26 hearing after he was arraigned on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and operating an unregistered motor vehicle brought by Westfield police. Kathleen M. Bregoli, 48, of 129 Hubbard St., was released on her personal recognizance pending a March 25 hearing after he was arraigned on charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating an unregistered motor vehicle brought by Westfield police. Nathan D. MacBrian, submitted to facts sufficient to warrant a guilty finding for charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and leaving the scene of a property damage accident brought by Westfield police and the charges were continued without a finding with probation for one year. He was assessed $350, ordered to complete a Driver Alcohol Education Program at a cost of $817.22 and his license was suspended for 45 days. Charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and a tire tread depth violation were not prosecuted. Ryan J. Flynn, 28, of 21 Herrick Road, Blandford, was released on his personal recognizance pending a March 26 hearing after he was arraigned on charges of operating an unregistered motor vehicle and operating an unregistered motor vehicle brought by Westfield police. Jerimie M. Hankins, 28, of 13 George Loomis Road, Southwick, was released on his personal recognizance pending a March 25 hearing after he was arraigned on charges of operating a motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker and operating an uninsured motor vehicle brought by Westfield police. Brendan P. Connelly, 26, of 403 Russell St., Sunderland, submitted to facts sufficient to warrant guilty findings for charges of larceny o property valued more than $100 by asportation and trespass brought by Westfield police and the charges were continued without a finding with probation for three months. He was assessed $50. Dylan T. Porter, 18, of 49 Dundee Road, Quincy, was released on his personal recognizance pending a March 25 hearing after he was arraigned on a charge of being a person younger than the legal drinking age in possession of liquor brought by Westfield police John Woodward, 46, of 117 N. Elm St., was held in lieu of bail pending a Feb. 26 hearing after he was arraigned on a charge of assault and battery brought by Westfield police. Dimitrios Kasimis, 33, of Beekman Place, Agawam, was placed on pretrial probation for six months after he was arraigned on a charge of possession of a Class E drug brought by Westfield police. David V. Minchuk, 30, of 172 Meadow St., submitted to facts sufficient to warrant guilty findings for charges of operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle brought by Westfield police and the charges were continued without a finding and dismissed upon payment of fees and assessments totaling $100.

Academy Hill School | 1190 Liberty St | Springfield, MA 01104 | 413.778.0300 | www.academyhill.org

PAGE 6 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

www.thewestfieldnews.com

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

ARTSLEISURE The Arts Beat By Mark Auerbach

American Idiot UMass Fine Arts Center for one performance on Tuesday, February 4

American Idiot. (Photo by Jeremy Daniel.)

Curator for the exhibit is Jessica Palmer and Art Director is Taylor Benedum. Many of the designers represented were unknowns, before designing for Hartford Stage, but their work is now seen at regional theatres nationwide, on Broadway and London, and on TV and movies. The exhibition is on display through March 5 at the Mark Twain House, Hartford; it will be on diisplay March 6-May 14 at the New England Carousel Museum, New Britain; and then May 15-August 10 at the William Benton Museum of Art, University of Connecticut at Storrs, Conn. For information: http://50.hartfordstage.com/gallery/

‘American Idiot’ Rocks the UMass Fine Arts Center

The national tour of the Broadway hit “American Idiot” visits the UMass Fine Arts Center for one performance on Tuesday, February 4. Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day and director Michael Mayer adapted the rock opera from Green Day’s album of the same name, adding some material from other sources, including “21st Century Breakdown”. After a production at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in California, “American Idiot” opened on Broadway 2010, where it won two Tony Awards. The original cast album won a Grammy in 2011. “Broadway Idiot”, a documentary about Billie Joe Armstrong’s journey to Broadway with “American Idiot”, premiered at the SXSW Festival last year, and is available on video by demand. For tickets: 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMASS or www. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, the Grammy-winning world fineartscenter.com. music ensemble who found fame on Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album, performs a tribute to the late Nelson Mandela on Saturday, February 1, at Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. They’re Grammynominated, and if they win at this year’s ceremony, they’ll take On Display home (via Storrs) their fourth Grammy. Their newest album, “Always With Us”, was released this month. For tickets: 860.486.4226 or jorgensen.uconn.edu.

Remembering Mandela

StageCraft: 50 Years of Design at Hartford Stage

A new exhibition, “Stagecraft: 50 Years of Design at Hartford Stage” tours Connecticut this Spring, as part of the theatre’s 50th Anniversary. The exhibition showcases some of the theatre’s scenic and costiume designs from award-winning designers, many of whom got their start in Hartford. All of the set pieces, costumes, and props were built in Hartford. Project

Winter Galas ***The Main Event. The UMass Fine Arts Center holds its annual gala, one of the most festive gatherings in the Pioneer Valley, on Saturday, February 1, at the Student Union Ballroom on the UMass Amherst campus. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, silent auction (with some live auction items), entertainment and dancing. Proceeds provide support the UMass Fine Arts Center’s mission to expose generations to the wonders of the arts. The event provides support to FAC programs such as Angel Tickets, Tickets for Kids, Scholarships, and Artist Residencies. For information: 413-545-2511 or 800-999UMASS. ***Stand Up & Sing. Springfield’s City Stage and Symphony Hall are holding a Karaoke fundraiser with guest performers Maxxtone on Friday, January 31, at City Stage in downtown Springfield. Folks can compete with the talents of local politicians, celebrities, and community leaders, including fearless performer Springfield mayor Dominic Sarno. To compete or attend: 413-788-7033.

Todd Rosenthal dance schedule: http://www.jacobspillow.org/ ***Darko Tresnjak, Artistic Director at Hartford Stage, and director of the new Broadway hit “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”, will stage the new Los Angeles Opera production of John Corigliano’s “The Ghosts of Versailles”. Divas Patricia Racette and Patti LuPone will star in the production due in Los Angeles next year. ***Todd Rosenthal, the Longmeadow native and Tony Award winning set designer (“August: Osage County”), will be back on Broadway this Spring, designing scenery for a new production of “Of Mice and Men”, starring screen stars James Franco and Chris O’Dowd. Franco and O’Dowd are making their Broaway debut in the play, which runs for a limited engagement March 19-July 27. ——— Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 - PAGE 7

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Review: The award-winning ‘War Horse’ at the Bushnell

Albert and Joey, the horse in “War Horse.” (Photos by Brinkhoff/Mogenburg) movement and horse sequences, Toby Sedgwick; animation and projections by 59 Productions; music by Adrian Sutton; songs by John Tams; sound by Christopher Shutt; music director, Greg Pliska; associate puppetry director, Mervyn Millar; Through February 2, 2014 at

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DEBIT

(R) Digital Presentation Fri-Sun: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30 Mon: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 Tue: 9:30AM, 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 Wed: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30 Thu: 12:30, 3:30, 6:30, 9:30

Advertise Your

College Highway, Rt, 10 & 202, Southwick, MA

Upcoming Concert WESTFIELD On Saturday February 8, Rainy Day People brings the warm, familiar music of Gordon Lightfoot and Jim Croce to East Mountain Country Club’s Slim’s Sports Bar and Grill located at 1458 East Mountain Road in Westfield. The trio features vocals, bass and two guitars playing classics from these legendary artists. Come hear genuine renditions of favorites “Carefree Highway”, “Wreck of the Edmond Fitzgerald”, “Leroy Brown”, “Time in a Bottle” and more! There is no cover charge for this show, which starts at 8 p.m. Dinner is available prior to the show from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A cash bar will be offered during the evening. For more information, please visit www.satinwood. net or visit Rainy Day People at their Facebook page.

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An evening of specialty wines, brews, hors d’oeuvres and music!

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Wine Tasting

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VILLAGE PIZZERIA E

9th Annual

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“Our Family Cooks for Your Family”

St. Mary’s Schools

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during lunch

(Excluding Grinder of the Month) DINE IN ONLY

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with any grinder

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❄ ❆ FREE CUP ❄OF SOUP ❅

The Bushnell, Hartford, CT. For tickets: 860-987-5900 or www.bushnell.org. Mark G. Auerbach studied theatre at American University and the Yale School of Drama. He’s worked for arts organizations and reported on theatre for newspapers and radio.

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Murray, and Caden Douglas, all parts of the horses, performed with the elite syncopation usually reserved for a tightly-rehearsed ensemble of the New York City Ballet. The Bushnell is one of the few area theatres large enough to present the really big shows, and audiences expect spectacle. “War Horse” delivers the goods because there’s style and substance. Good storytelling, enhanced by the best physical production to play The Bushnell in years, make “War Horse” a must-see tour-deforce. National Theatre of Great Britain and Bob Boyett present “War Horse” Based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo, adapted by Nick Stafford, in association with the Handspring Puppet Company; directed by Bijan Sheibani based on the original Tony Award-winning direction by Marianne Elliott and Tom Morris; sets, costumes and drawings by Rae Smith; puppet design, fabrication and direction by Adrian Kohler and Basil Jones for Handspring Puppet Company; lighting by Paule Constable; director of

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By Mark G. Auerbach Correspondent HARTFORD – The multiTony Award winner, “War Horse” galloped into The Bushnell direct from long award-winning runs in London and New York. You only have until Sunday to catch this simple children’s tale wrapped up in a rich production, where superb direction, music, sets, lights, costumes, movement, and puppetry transform the story of a boy and his horse into an awesome theatrical experience. I meant to use the term awesome. The creaters’ use of theatre at its best will leave its audiences in awe at how live theatre can transfix, elevate, and transform. Based on Michael Morpurgo’s beloved novel, “War Horse”, and also the inspiration for Steven Spielberg’s feature film of the same name, “War Horse” is the story of a young farm boy in Devon, who trains a horse named Joey. Joey is sold, as World War I envelopes Europe, and farm boy enlists in the hope of finding Joey, who is now a war horse. Larger than life-size horse puppets from the Handspring Puppet Company take center stage; each choreographed and operated by a trio of puppeteers, astonish. Marianne Elliott’s and Tom Morris’ Tony Award-winning direction is cinematic, as each scene unfolds into the next, fueled by Adrian Sutton’s brilliant musical score (as rich as any John Williams or Bernard Hermann scores for film) and John Tams’ songs. Rae Smith’s simple sets, costumes, and drawings; Paule Constable’s stunning lighting, and Toby Sedgwick’s movement all fuse together to fill the enormous Bushnell stage in a sensory overload of sight and sound. It would be very difficult to single out any one performance in the large cast, since they move and interact as a complete ensemble. Every performance required splitsecond timing, and every actor delivered. Puppeteers Mairi Babb, Catherine Cowl, Nick Lamedica, Danny Yoerges, Patrick Osteen, Dayna Tietzen, John Hoce, Brian Robert Burns, Gregory Manley, Adam Cunningham, Aaron Haskell, Brendan

The first Saturday of Every Month (no one under 15 admitted) (midnight Sat going into Sun morning)

We Offer Military Discounts

Need a car loan? Do you have little or no credit? Learn how you can finance your dreams from the professionals at the

STCU Credit Union Auto Buyer Seminar. Saturday, February 22, 10-11am 145 Industry Avenue, Springfield, MA Seating is limited! RSVP today to Amanda 413-205-2061 145 Industry Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104 453 East Main Street, Westfield, MA 01085

PAGE 8 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

www.thewestfieldnews.com

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM/SPORTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 - PAGE 9

THE WESTFIELD NEWSSPORTS

Westfield junior guard Isaiah Headley, center, leaps for the net as a pair of Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy move in during the first period of last night’s game. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

Westfield’s Emmanuel Golob, right, battles Putnam VocationalTechnical Academy’s Ki-Shawn Monroe during the first period of last night’s game. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

#1 Putnam tops WHS By Chris Putz Staff Writer WESTFIELD – If the Westfield High School boys’ basketball team did not know what it takes to be the best, it sure does now. The state’s top team, Putnam, rode out of the Whip City with a convincing 74-49 win over Westfield Wednesday night. The Beavers retained their unblemished record intact with a 12th straight victory to open the 2013-14 regular season. “They’re just the complete package,” Westfield coach Bill Daley said of the opposition. “They play hard at both ends of the court, share the ball, have guys that can attack the rim, guys that can shoot the ball, they don’t turn it over – the list is endless.” Putnam put on a clinic in the first quarter. Spurred by 12 points from David Murrell, the Beavers led 26-6. The lone buckets to drop for Westfield in the opening quarter included a jump shot from Aric Laplante, a layup from Isaiah Headley, and a Richard Barnett 2. The only thing Putnam appeared to be average at was free throws, converting 5-of-9 to open the game. The Beavers finished 13-of-20 from the charity stripe. Putnam led 31-7 early in the third quarter before Westfield cut its deficit to the teens with a 13-5 run. During that successful stretch, Barnett completed an and-one, scored off a turnover, and hit a 3-pointer. Headley made two free throws and also drained a shot from beyond the arc to pull Westfield to within 36-20 with 4:03 remaining in the first half. Putnam responded with a run of its own, reeling off 11 of the next 15 points. Carlos Gonzalez hit a 2 and 3 in

Westfield junior guard Richard Barnett, foreground, leaps for the net during the second period of last night’s game against visiting Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

Westfield senior forward Demetrius Rogers, right, dribbles past Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy’s Jonathan Garcia. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

See WHS, Page 11

Westfield junior guard, right, Colin Dunn dribbles past a Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy defender. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

More LOCAL SPORTS photos available at ...

>>>>>>>>>> www.thewestfieldnews.smugmug.com Indoor BattIng Cages Coming Soon To • Professional Instruction • WeSTfield! • Fully Stocked ProShop • Hitting Leagues • • Birthday Parties • Membership Packages • • HitTrax - First & Only Baseball Simulator • • Shortstop Bar & Grill •

99 Springfield Rd • Westfield (Next to Walmart) For More Info Contact: Extra Innings - Agawam 413.789.9200 • www.extrainnings-agawam.com or Expert Fitness 413.568.2200 • www.expertfitnesshc.com

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Members of the Westfield High School varsity cheerleading squad perform during last night’s boys’ basketball game against Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy. (Photo by Frederick Gore)

www.thewestfieldnews.com

PAGE 10 - THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULES THURSDAY January 30

FRIDAY January 31

SATURDAY MONDAY February 1 February 3 WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

SKIING – PVIAC Race, Berkshire East, 5 p.m. BOYS’ JV HOOPS vs. Chicopee, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS vs. Chicopee, 7 p.m.

INDOOR TRACK at Longmeadow, Smith College, Northampton, 3:45 p.m. BOYS’ V HOCKEY vs. MInnechaug, Amelia Park Ice Arena, 4 p.m. GIRLS’ JV HOOPS vs. East Longmeadow, 5:30 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS vs. East Longmeadow, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ JV HOOPS vs. Monson, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS vs. Monson, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ JV HOOPS vs. Gateway, 5:30 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS vs. Gateway, 7 p.m.

SKIING – PVIAC Race, Berkshire East, 5 p.m.

GIRLS’JV HOOPS at SouthwickTolland, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ JV HOOPS at Palmer, 5:30 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS at Southwick-Tolland 7 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS at Palmer, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ JV HOOPS at McCann Tech, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS at McCann Tech, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ JV HOOPS at Pathfinder, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY February 4

BOYS’ JV HOOPS vs. East Longmeadow, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS vs. East Longmeadow, 7 p.m.

SKIING – PVIAC RACE, Berkshire East, Charlemont, 5 p.m. GIRLS’ JV HOOPS at Ludlow, 5:30 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS at Ludlow, 7 p.m. BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY at West Springfield, Olympia, 8:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY February 5 BOYS’ JV ICE HOCKEY vs. Agawam, Amelia Park, 4 p.m. GIRLS’ V ICE HOCKEY (Westfield/ Cathedral/Longmeadow) at Auburn, Joe Hogan Rink, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ WRESTLING vs. Northampton, 7 p.m. BOYS’ V ICE HOCKEY vs. Agawam, Amelia Park, 7 p.m.

SOUTHWICK-TOLLAND REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS’ JV HOOPS at Cathedral, 5:30 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS at Cathedral, 7 p.m. WRESTLING vs. Sabis, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ JV HOOPS at Ware, 5:30 p.m. GIRLS’ JV HOOPS vs. West Springfield, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS at Ware, 7 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS vs. Hampden County Charter School, 7 p.m.

GATEWAY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING at Belchertown Duals, All Day

BOYS’ JV HOOPS at Hampshire, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS at Hampshire, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ V HOOPS at Pioneer Valley Christian School, 6 p.m.

WRESTLING vs. Dean Tech, 7 p.m.

WESTFIELD VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ JV HOOPS vs. Hampden County Charter School, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS vs. Hampden County Charter School, 7 p.m

BOYS’ JV HOOPS vs. Holyoke Catholic, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS vs. Holyoke Catholic, 7 p.m.

SAINT MARY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS’ V HOCKEY at Wahconah, Pittsfield Boys’ & Girls’ Club, 6:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ V HOOPS at Pioneer Valley Christian School, First Baptist Community Church, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ JV HOOPS vs. McCann Tech, Westfield Middle School South, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS vs. McCann Tech, Westfield Middle School South, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ JV HOOPS at Smith Voke, 5 p.m. GIRLS’ V HOOPS vs. Commerce, Westfield Middle School North, 5:30 p.m. BOYS’ V HOOPS at Smith Voke, 6:30 p.m.

WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY SCHEDULES ICE HOCKEY DAY DATE OPPONENT Jan. 30 WORCESTER STATE Thursday Saturday Feb. 1 PLYMOUTH STATE

TIME Thursday 7:35 Saturday 5:35 Tuesday

Thursday Saturday Saturday

Saturday Tuesday 5:35 Saturday

Feb. 6 Feb. 8 Feb. 15

at Framingham State at Salem State FITCBHURG STATE

Feb. 20 Feb. 22 Feb. 25 March 1 March 4 March 8

UMASS DARTMOUTH at Worcester State PLYMOUTH STATE MASCAC Quarterfinals MASCAS Semifinals MASCAC Championship

7:35 7:35

EXPERIENCED HOCKEY REFEREES needed Friday & Saturday nights to referee adult floor hockey games at the Southwick Recreation Center. 1st weekend in February through end of April. Call Mark @ 413-886-4102 or e-mail marksfrasco@gmail.com for more information.

Men’s Basketball DAY

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

Saturday

Feb. 1

at Framingham State