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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
“Knowing others is intelligence;
knowing yourself is true wisdom. ... ” — From the Tao
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 85 NO. 176
75 cents
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016
Questions arise about photos in Stanley Park By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—Contrary to what has been seen on the Internet, Stanley Park officials say that pictures are certainly allowed on their property. Pictures and posts have been popping up on Facebook reportedly saying that photography is not allowed at Stanley Park. The claims have said that people have been given flyers that say that they must purchase permits, to being told that they are not allowed to take pictures because of the type of camera they are using. However, Bob McKean, director of Stanley Park, has denied that people are being stopped from taking photography just because they have professional-level cameras or happen to be taking photos in the park. “What happened was, professionals came in to do a photoshoot,” McKean said. “Nobody that’s doing it for fun is going to be charged to take a picture. “It’s normally just visitors, not professionals,” he said about those who come in to shoot. “But people would come in with a stage movie set and such and people have shot movies here, so of course we are going to charge then.” But according to Facebook user Walter Kopec, his experience was different.
From Kopec’s post in The Westfield Community Forum:
“FYI for everyone who likes to take pictures in Stanley Park…if you have a DSLR camera you have to register and pay for a permit to take photos. I was quietly taking photos in the park today by myself. When a park employee came over and told me that because I’m using a “fancy” camera I would have to register with the park office and pay for a photo permit or leave. Then he handed me the paper with the fees. I had no idea. I checked the signs at the entrance and it’s not posted anywhere. I’m bummed. The post also had a picture attached to it, which purportedly showed the paper that the See Stanley Park, Page 3
The flyer from The Westfield Community Forum that was posted on Facebook.
Westfield man faces charges for indecent assault on a 14 year old
New taxi service up and running in the city
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD–A city man faces multiple charges after he allegedly met a girl on a dating site and fondled her during two encounters. Luc R. Labarre, 25, was arraigned Tuesday at Westfield District Court, on one count of distributing obscene material to a child and three counts of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over. The alleged victim was 14 years old at the time the incident is said to have occurred. Court records indicated that Labarre allegedly met the victim through the online dating site PlentyofFish, then proceeded to talk to her on Facebook. PlentyofFish has a minimum age requirement of 18 but only require a date of birth, valid email and “terms of service” agreement for registration. The “terms of service” agreement that users electronically agree to indicates that they are at least 18 years old and are not a felon or sex offender, among other points. Court records also indicate that the defendant and the accuser allegedly met at Grandmother’s Garden, where Labarre allegedly touched the victim’s upper thigh, which caused her to tense up. The two then allegedly had a second meeting, where Labarre is accused of grabbing the victim’s breast and buttocks, and picking her up in an “affectionate bear hug.” Court records indicated that Labarre supposedly knew that the victim was 14 by this time. The defendant is also accused of sending a picture of his own genitalia to the victim over Facebook, which records indicated Westfield Police had evidence of. Labarre was released on personal recognizance on pretrial conditions, but those were not immediately available.
By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent WESTFIELD – After months of no taxi service in the city of Westfield, that all changed last Friday. A local business owner in the community was able to have his license request for a taxi service approved by the City of Westfield and is already underway with the new business. Michael’s Taxi, is owned by Michael Ventrice, who runs Michael’s Towing and Gigi’s United Transmission right in the city. Ventrice’s new business will also operate at the same Elm St. location his two other businesses are at. Michael’s Taxi will be available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Two brand new cars have already been fully inspected, registered, and painted. Ventrice currently has four drivers working and have already been doing taxi fares. The desire to start a taxi service has been a plan for Ventrice. With his towing business as well as the transmission service, Michael’s Taxi service is already in business with two new taxi’s and four drivers. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Michael’s Taxi has their rates right on the side of the taxi for their customers. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Ventrice has had experience with the taxi industry. “I did it when customers needed a ride home being at the general repair shop,” said Ventrice. Being in the downtown district of Westfield, it is a prime location for Michael’s Taxi to be accessible for many people in the community or passing through Westfield that have a need for transportation. As Michael’s Taxi is near the bus station, it becomes a convenience for the business to accommodate to their customers.
“With the bus station getting permitted, it allowed us to be able to get licensed where we were located,” said Ventrice. Having the availability to operate at all hours of the day, Michael’s Taxi will be able to reach a range of different people. Ventrice also mentioned that he is in the process of getting a license for Springfield. Receiving that license would allow Michael’s Taxi to pick up Westfield residents from that area or bring them to that specific area. Bringing
people to Bradley International Airport is also something that Ventrice said will be allowed for his drivers. Now that Michael’s Taxi is up and running and currently available to the community, they are ready to help provide an area of transportation that many people in the area are always looking for. If there is a dire need to get to your intended destination, Michael’s Taxi will be waiting for your call. The number is 413-5688811. LUC R. LABARRE