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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
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— ADMIRAL HYMAN G. RICKOVER
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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2016
VOL. 85 NO. 107
“Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people.”
Music and more on tap in coming months
Rev. Dr. Linda Bennett (left) of the Sandy Hook Promise initiative, visited Megan Coburn, Littleville Elementary School principal (on right) to learn about the school's "Fill a Bucket" program on Wednesday. They were also joined by bucket filler first graders Addison Green and Noah Mulkerin. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Littleville Elementary students fill buckets with kindness By AMY PORTER Correspondnent HUNTINGTON – Rev. Dr. Linda Bennett, a clinical psychologist from Southampton, visited Littleville Elementary School principal Megan Coburn on Thursday to learn about the “Fill the Bucket” and “Buddy Bench” programs in the school. Bennett’s visit was in her role as a Promise Leader from the Sandy Hook Promise initiative for the month of May, which is deemed Mental Health Month. The mission of the initiative is to prevent gunrelated deaths due to crime, suicide and accidental discharge so that no other parent experiences the senseless, horrific loss of their child. Bennett has been involved with the initiative since day one, following the tragic shooting of 20 first graders and six adults on December 14, 2012 by 20-year-old Adam Lanza, who then killed himself. From the moment the Sandy Hook Promise was formed, the goal was to create an organization for family members, if they chose, to have a platform to lead the change they wanted to see. Immediately following the incident, Bennett worked with the grandparents of the young victims. As a trauma counselor, she also works with first responders, police and the fire department to get through the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) of it all, she said.
As a Sandy Hook Promise Leader, she goes to schools and other organizations to introduce some of the programs that the initiative has developed to promote social inclusion and community connectedness and to recognize the signs of at-risk behavior and potential threats. When Bennett contacted Coburn, she learned that the school is already engaged in the “Fill the Bucket” program, based on the children’s book, Have you Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids, by Carol McCloud. Coburn said every teacher rereads the book the first week of school to his or her class, which begins a year-long recognition of students who are “bucket fillers,” and have been observed doing something kind. The school also has a Bucket Fillers Wall, where paper buckets name students and the acts that they have done to earn a place on the wall. One girl earned a bucket filler for walking a kindergarten student to her class. A boy earned a bucket filler for bringing in items for the 4H box, and another for helping another student to find a book in the library. At monthly grade level assemblies, every class team also nominates a student to be a Bucket Filler See Students, Page 3
Rail Trail Friends seek public input WESTFIELD – Do you have any suggestions, observations, complaints and/or comments about the rail trail? The Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail would like to hear from you at a Meet N Greet Tuesday, May 17, 5:30-6:30pm at the Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St. Please join the Friends of the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail (FOCGRT) in the Reed Room at the Athenaeum. We will have short presentations about plans for future trail enhancements as well as information from the City Engineer about construction of future segments throughout the downtown. After the presentations, public input is invited… suggestions, complaints, observations, concerns, etc. Examples of Friends projects include historical markers for the trail, safety demonstrations and pamphlets, advocacy for safe street design, etc. Funds for these projects are raised through memberships, golf tournament, memorial brick campaign, donations, and sponsorships. If you cannot make it to the meeting, please send comments through our website at www.columbiagreenway.org.
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-Music brings people together, as well as a variety of special events, fitness gatherings and volunteer opportunities, and in the coming months, a host of events across the city will entertain and inspire all those who choose to gather together. A sampling of ways area residents can get to know their neighbors – and support the community – include: In the downtown area, the Westfield Athenaeum offers its popular First Thursdays Concert Series at noon in the Lang Auditorium. On May 5, Sarah Clay and Nick Kachulis – known as Skylarkz – will draw on their backgrounds as musicians and educators to entertain with music and enlightening stories. They perform a variety of American popular songs, punctuated with tales of the composers, culture, and history behind the music. The Athenaeum series winds down for the summer on June 2 with a performance by lyricist Rebecca Hall and producer/multiinstrumentalist/husband Ken Anderson – known as the folk duo Hungrytown – sharing their original music that has earned a reputation for its quality and authenticity. Westfield on Weekends, also known as WOW, has also just announced its Westfield MusicFest lineup for the summer concert series on the Green. All concerts begin at 6 p.m., and feature an opening act from the Greater Westfield area. “Westfield’s MusicFest is simply a chance for family and friends to gather downtown for great music and to check out some of the fine restaurants and businesses within walking distance of the Green,” said Jay Pagliuca, MusicFest’s committee chairperson. Pagliuca noted that during the last two years, MusicFest drew an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 people for each show. “Our goal is to equal that great success,” said Pagluica. Pagliuca added that MusicFest could not happen without the support of businesses and individuals that support the annual concert series, acknowledging its sponsors, The Tavern and Commercial Distributing, as well as the WOW volunteers and others donating their time from the community. “This year, thanks to a sponsorship by the Shortstop Bar & Grill, we’re lucky to have some great local talent opening each show,” said Pagliuca. “The opening acts will start at 6 p.m. with the main act taking the stage at 7.” On June 16, Still Kickin’ with the Big City Horns opens the series with its classic 60’s and 70’s rock and blues. The 10-piece band is punctuated by a five-piece horn section featuring Westfield’s own Westfield High School band director, Patrick Kennedy, on trumpet and vocals. On July 21, 100.9 KIX Country will present a national country act as they have done in past years. The announcement of the performer will be made closer to July 21. Closing out the series on Aug. 25 is TUSK, a Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band, bringing a classic 70’s sound to the Green. For more information on WOW events, visit www.westfieldonweek-
Studio Two will perform June 19 as part of the Stanley Park Sunday Night Concert Series. ends.com. “Expect some wonderful surprises,” said Pagluica. “You never know who is going to be the next breakout star on national tour and you just might be seeing them first on the Westfield Green.” Just a short drive from the downtown area is the always popular Sunday Night Concert Series at Stanley Park which Bob McKean, managing director, is now calling “Stanleywood,” drawing a correlation with Tanglewood in Lenox. The series gets underway on June 5 with The Diamond Collection, featuring front person Kenny LaBelle. The Diamond Collection performs Neil Diamond staples and some almost forgotten gems. “We are now calling the experience Stanleywood,” said McKean. “With the new setting and sound system, the acoustic experience will be excellent.” In addition to the new Beveridge Pavilion with new chairs that will seat hundreds, a full-service kitchen will now allow food vendors to offer more options for patrons. The Sunday night series, beginning at 6 p.m. in the pavilion, also includes: June 12: The 20-piece Heritage Pops Orchestra, playing a wide variety of big band style music from Glenn Miller to Lawrence Welk, also mixing in modern rock songs to round out its set. June 19: Studio Two is a headlining Beatles Band that pays tribute to the early Beatles years, choosing songs from the pre-Sgt. Pepper era. June 26: Donna Lee and Landslide pay homage to the mystery and magic of rock icons Fleetwood Mac in this tribute concert. July 10: The Dave Colucci Show offers a music variety show featuring songs from the swinging days of Las Vegas, to the Golden Oldies of the 50’s and 60’s, and closing with classic country favorites. July 17: The Truck Stop Troubadours cover songs from the golden age of country music, from Willie Nelson to Merle Haggard, and guest vocalist Vicky St. Pierre adds the sass performing songs by Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, and oth-
See Music and More, Page 3
TUSK will be part of the musical lineup for this summer’s Westfield MusicFest.
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ers. July 24: Shakin’ All Over performs tributes to the dance hits from the Top 10 from 1954-1964. July 31: For persons who love polka music, the Eddie Forman Orchestra promises a fun-filled evening of good music for all ages. Aug. 7: Donna Lee returns to the stage for a tribute concert to Patsy Cline and Connie Francis. Aug. 14: The season series closes with The Singing Trooper – “Daniel” – and his wife Mary – for their inspirational musical journey from patriotic tunes to Elvis songs. “We are excited about the diverse lineup of performers that reaches out to all ages,” said McKean. “If you haven’t seen a concert yet, give it a try. I know you will come back every week after seeing your first concert.” Since all concerts are free, a goodwill offering “bucket” is passed through the crowd before intermission. Concerts by Stanley Park’s carillonneur Norma Hopper also return from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. on May 15, June 19, July 17, Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, according to McKean. Hopper offers a variety of programs featuring the electronic Carillon Bells which is located adjacent to the Rose Garden. Also, for persons interested in supporting local musicians in various venues throughout the city including taverns and restaurants, visit http://calendar.dondley.com/events. In addition to free musical programs for all ages, Stanley Park has an extensive lineup of programs, ranging from garden and nature workshops, to yoga and Zumba® fitness classes, walks around the park, and a Friday morning series of performances for children during the summer. Since the “Yoga in the Park” program was a hit with individuals last year, the program will resume for eight sessions on Tuesday nights, May 10 through June 28, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the acre lawn next to the Beveridge Pavilion Annex. The class is for all levels of yoga practitioners. The poses are foundational, and modifications are always available.
Mon-Fri 9 to 5 Sat & Sun 12 to 4