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WEATHER TONIGHT Clear Skies. Low of 40
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 85 NO. 273
See Veterans, Page 3
Scouts seek volunteers to ensure successful food drive Bu LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent SOUTHWICK-Since he was a Tiger Cub, Cole Duval knew he wanted to make a difference in Boy Scouts. This month, Duval and his fellow members of Boy Scout Troop 114 will be out in force to collect food for those less fortunate which will be distributed during the holiday season. “We are looking for everyone’s help to make this year’s Scouting for Food drive a success,” said Duval, adding, “Our Community Food Pantry could really use our help at this time of the year.” The food pantry, based at 220 College Highway, collects food for residents in Southwick, Granville and Tolland. Duval, 15, is the son of Joanne and See Volunteers, Page 3
— ARTHUR RIMBAUD
75 cents
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2016
Police reveal more details on Tuesday fatal crash
A guide for veterans on where to go on Veterans Day By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD–In a salute to our servicemen and women this Veteran’s Day, many businesses in the area will be giving back to those who have humbly served this nation. Veterans can expect many free meals, parades and programs on Nov. 11, with some events even running through the weekend. Those participating are local governments, organizations and even chain restaurants. The free food starts early, with at least three different choices for veterans for breakfast. The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield will be providing breakfast for veterans and active duty personnel from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., located at 28 East Silver Street, Westfield. However, if you’re in the Holyoke area the Pioneer Valley USO will have its annual breakfast for veterans at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Then, if those times do not work for you, then you can always stop by any local Friendly’s restaurant and get a free “Big-To-Do,” which is a combination plate featuring multiple breakfast options. If you’re looking to satisfy that sweet tooth in the morning, you can also stop by local IHOP restaurants and receive free “Red, White and Blue” pancakes, starting at 7 a.m. Alternatively, you could even stop by a local Denny’s
“Arrivée de toujours, qui t’en iras partout.” (Arriving from always, you will go everywhere.)
The unveiling of the new memorial stone will take place during the Veterans Day Parade Celebration. (Photo from Ellen Miles)
New veterans memorial stone will be unveiled on Saturday By GREG FITZPATRICK Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – The Veteran’s Day Parade Celebration on Saturday Nov. 12 will feature the new memorial stone that will be located at the Congregational Church. Currently, there is a memorial that honors veterans who served in the American Revolution, World War I and II, as well as the Korean War and Vietnam War. Southwick Rotary Club President Rick Anderson announced on Nov. 4 that the new stone would be unveiled along with Southwick Lions Club former President Mark Krynicki. On Oct. 19, the Westfield News reported on the new memorial stone and the money
that was raised by both the Rotary and Lions clubs towards the project. The money raised is going to allow there to be a new wing as well as a sidewalk for easier accessibility to walk up to the memorials. People will begin to line up at 11:45 a.m. on Saturday for the celebration at the Southwick Plaza. If bad weather comes into play, the celebration will take place at the town hall auditorium. Southwick Gold Star Mothers Mrs. Marie Alamed and Mrs. Shirley O’Dell will be putting a wreath on the original memorial which was first built in 1947. Presentations and speeches will then be followed to help reveal the new veterans memorial.
Recap on local elections throughout the districts By GREG FITZPATRICK Staff Writer WESTFIELD- While the Presidency took much of the national attention as it became official in the early morning hours that Donald Trump was elected president, local races were affecting communities throughout Western Massachusetts. Sen. Humason retained his place in the Senate for the 2nd Hampden District after he defeated JD Parker O’Grady. Humason received 42,984 votes which was good enough for 60% of the vote. Being a newcomer to politics, O’Grady got a very respectable 29,215 votes and 40% of the vote. The victory for Humason allowed him to be reelected for his 3rd term. The 2nd Hampden District represents Westfield, Agawam,
REP. NICK BOLDYGA
Holyoke, Southampton, Easthampton, Southwick, Granville, Tolland, Russell, Montgomery, and parts of Chicopee. The House of Representatives had a race in the 3rd Hampden District where incumbent Rep. Nick Boldyga kept his seat as he was triumphant over Democratic candidate Rosemary Sandlin. Boldyga took victory by earning 60% of the vote (12,126 votes). It was reported that Sandlin got 8,074 votes. Boldyga has now won his fourth two-year term representing this district. He originally edged Sandlin out of office in 2010 by 98 votes when Boldyga first ran. Sandlin had the seat since 2007. As Sandlin was not originally on the November ballot as the Democratic candidate,
REP. JOHN VELIS
See Recap, Page 5
SEN. DON HUMASON
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD–Police have identified the victim that died in the motor vehicle crash last night, as well as circumstances surrounding the crash. David Matyseck, 68, of Westfield, died following a motor vehicle collision at East Main Street and Delmont Street, around 7:30 p.m. yesterday. Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe said that the accident is currently under investigation, but “it appeared as if another vehicle went through a red light and broadsided Mr. Matyseck.” McCabe reported that the driver of the other vehicle, Ryan Pasquini-Pezzeni, 25, of Westfield, was initially arrested on charges related to operating under the influence. McCabe said that shortly before the accident that killed Matyseck, PasquiniPezzeni’s vehicle was suspected in another accident at Main and Meadow Street. Police were searching for his vehicle when the second fatal collision occurred. McCabe said that this charge and others are still pending and will be determined by the Hampden County District Attorney’s office.
Gateway sends Blizzard Bags proposal to DESE By AMY PORTER Correspondent HUNTINGTON – The Gateway School Committee voted Wednesday to send a slightly revised Blizzard Bags proposal to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for approval. Blizzard Bags are alternative learning projects for students to complete at home during or within five days of school cancellations for snow. The purpose is to engage students on days when they are unable to attend school, and also to eliminate the need to lengthen the school calendar at the end of June. The at-home projects are prepared by the teachers for the students in their grade levels. Examples of some of the projects are available on the district website at www.grsd.org under School Committee presentations. At the meeting, Dr. David B. Hopson, Gateway superintendent, said that he has met with all of the staff, and made some changes to the proposal initially reviewed at the last meeting. He also included five days for projects, down from the original six. Hopson said Gateway has averaged 5.4 snow days each winter. Hopson also said that he had just received an email from Jeffrey Olson of DESE, who said he is looking forward to reviewing the proposal, but also noted that he is more interested in seeing how the projects meet students’ needs than in saving the district money. Hopson estimates the program could save the district $5,000 per day by eliminating make-up days. See Blizzard Bags, Page 5