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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
“The surest
test of discipline is its absence.” — CLARA BARTON
www.thewestfieldnews.com 75 cents
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2016
VOL. 85 NO. 87
Church keeps local focus on mission efforts By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-Seven women at the helm of the First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee showcased the local, national and international ministries it supports during a coffee hour on Sunday morning. Dorothy Cichonski and Linda Hauk, committee co-chairs, joined Jean Zimmerman, Lisa Queenin, Shannon Brown, Phyllis Pomeroy and Carrie Salzer in welcoming the local representatives from several of the organizations that benefit from the church’s funds during the year. More than 110 parishioners attended the hour-long event. Dorothy Cichonski, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and a member of First Congregational Church's World Service Committee, shared insights on disaster relief with First Congregational Church parishioners on Sunday morning. Dorothy Cichonski, a volunteer with the American Red Cross, and a member of First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee, shared insights on disaster relief with First Congregational Church parishioners on Sunday morning. Sixty percent of the committee’s yearly budget benefits local organizations including the Westfield chapter of the American Red Cross, Kamp for Kids, The Kinship Fund/Our House, Lions eyeglass drive and Recycle for Sight, New Beginnings, Salvation Army, Samaritan Inn of Westfield, Westfield Community Table, Westfield Crop Walk, and the Westfield Food Pantry. Committee funds are also distributed annually to Heifer Project International, HELO Haiti, World Vision, YMCA World Service, Back Bay Mission, Our Church’s Wider Mission, Maine Seacoast Mission, and the Morgan-Scott Project. “This coffee hour was a new endeavor for the World Service Committee,” said Rev. Elva Pawle. “The event allows parishioners to learn about our mission projects and to meet individuals associated with the organizations.” One of the committee’s long-time members, Jean Zimmerman, displayed the six quilts she recently made which will be distributed to the Samaritan Inn. In addition, parishio-
Mike Cichonski is given some background on The Kinship Fund by Ann Lentini of Domus, Inc. during a coffee hour at First Congregational Church on Sunday.
Easthampton man has charges dismissed, but forfeits cash and drugs
Shannon Brown and Jean Zimmerman showcase the quilts that Zimmerman made for those staying at the Samaritan Inn. The women are members of First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee that raises funds during the year to benefit organizations including the Samaritan Inn. ners had donated several blankets which were also on display. Shannon Brown and Jean Zimmerman showcase the quilts that Zimmerman made for those staying at the Samaritan Inn. The women are members of First Congregational Church's World Service Committee that raises funds during the year to benefit organizations including the Samaritan Inn. Shannon Brown and Jean Zimmerman showcase the quilts that Zimmerman made for those staying at the Samaritan Inn. The women are members of First Congregational Church’s World Service Committee that raises funds during the year to benefit organizations including the Samaritan Inn. “When people leave the Samaritan Inn, they take the quilts with them,” said Zimmerman. Some committee members not only volunteer for the committee but are also an integral part of a local volunteer organization. For Dorothy Cichonski, volunteering with the disaster services division of the American Red Cross, she sees firsthand the needs of the local community. “I’ve always been concerned about the need to give back to the community and I feel good about what our committee does each year, especially supporting the Red Cross,” said Cichonski. Cichonski noted that she is particularly passionate about supporting two programs, the Pillowcase Project which teaches preparedness to elementary school students, and installing new smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors free of charge in Westfield in conjunction with the Westfield Fire Department. See Mission Efforts, Page 3
By CHRISTINE CHARNOSKY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – It may seem like an Easthampton man charged with possession of marijuana got off easy with a small fine, but he also forfeited nearly $500 cash he had made selling drugs. Cassidy D. Turene, 20, of 10 First Avenue, Easthampton, had charges of possession to distribute a Class D drug dismissed upon payment of $150 in Westfield District Court on Thursday. Westfield Police had seized three full Mason jars along with a large glassine plastic bag full of marijuana during a traffic stop last fall, according to court records. A caller had reported a black 2002 Chrysler Sebring coupe operating erratically on Montgomery Street around 7:15 p.m. on October 29. Turene drove the vehicle across the Great River Bridge, turned east onto Meadow Street and then onto East Main Street where he entered the Westfield Shops’ parking lot. Police watched Turene proceed through two stop signs within the plaza without stopping despite the lot being full of other vehicles and pedestrians, according to court records. When police caught up with Turene’s vehicle near Five Guys Restaurant, Office Sean Smith noticed that the defendant’s eyes were red and glassy and “there was an overwhelming odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle,” according to court records. As Turene exited the vehicle, the officer saw a large wooden handled knife tucked between the driver’s seat and center console. The officers found the marijuana as the vehicle was searched for more weapons. Along with the marijuana, police found “numerous small empty glassine plastic bags commonly used for distributing marijuana,” a digital scale and $438 in cash. Massachusetts general law Chap. 94C, Section 47 states: “All moneys, negotiable instruments, securities or other things of value furnished or intended to be furnished by any person in exchange for a controlled substance in violation of this chapter . . . ” shall be subject to forfeiture to the commonwealth, according to malegislature.gov. This is exactly what the judge ruled along with fining Turene. “The final order of the court shall provide that said moneys and the proceeds of any such sale shall be distributed equally between the prosecuting district attorney or attorney general and the city, town or state police department involved in the seizure,” according to malegislature.gov. Oh, and Turene “forfeited” all his marijuana as well. ——— Staff Writer Christine Charnosky can be reached at christinec@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com Follow me on Twitter @charnoskyWNG
Senior Options 2016 offered by Senior Center By TINA GORMAN Executive Director Westfield Council On Aging WESTFIELD — Navigating the service network for older adults can be an intimidating, time consuming, and daunting task. Programs vary in their funding sources, eligibility requirements, and availability. Without knowing where to begin, older adults, family members, or caregivers frequently give up before they ever get started. That may be the difference between an older adult getting appropriate housing, personal and wellness care, medications, transportation, proper nutrition, and even recreational opportunities or going without. In an effort to address this “information gap,” each year the Westfield Council On Aging sponsors its annual “Senior Options” event. What began years ago as a health fair, has expanded to include a broad spectrum of services and programs designed to enhance the well
being of the community’s older adults. Representatives well versed in community support services, medical and disability services, consumer information, travel, housing, skilled nursing facilities, and recreation and leisure will be available for consultation by seniors and their family members. Senior Options 2016 will be held at the new Senior Center located at 45 Noble Street on Thursday, April 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitors will have an opportunity to sit with vendors oneon-one, ask questions, and obtain information. Unique this year is the inclusion at the event of the Department of Transportation. DOT staff members will be on site to assist with applications and distribution of E-Z Pass Transponders. Applicants will need their car registration, $20 to open the account (either check or credit card), and a photo identification such as a driver’s license.
The Senior Medicare Patrol Integration Program, the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, Noble Visiting Nurse and Hospice, the Westfield Fire and Police Departments, Westfield Gas & Electric, Highland Valley Elder Services, the Alzheimer’s Association, Stanley Park, Mercy Adult Day Health Center, Westfield’s assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, and Whip City Travelers are just a sampling of the organizations that will be represented at the event. Local legislators will be in attendance to discuss concerns of particular importance to this population. Traditionally, a festive atmosphere permeates the event and this year should be no exception. Throughout the day, visitors can peruse an Art Show which will feature pieces on display and for sale by participants in the Senior Center’s “Art Unlimited” class. A healthy lunch will be prepared by
the Senior Center Cooking Crew and will be available for a nominal fee. A Chinese raffle will offer plenty of gift options for participants. In addition, raffle tickets will be sold in advance at the Senior Center as well as at the event for the grand prize, a “Dining Gift Card Smorgasbord” featuring gift cards to six different Westfield eateries, donated by Firtion Adams Funeral Service. For those who have not yet visited the new Senior Center, this is an ideal opportunity to tour the City’s latest treasure. Senior Options 2016 vendors will be located throughout the two-story building. Participants can see the Great Room, Creativity Center, Games Room, Multipurpose Room, and Fireside Lounge. This event is a public service provided to older adults and their family members so that they can learn how to access the services and programs that are most appropriate
TINA GORMAN for them and their loved ones both currently and in the future. Senior Options 2016 provides an ideal opportunity to obtain valuable information in a socially energized atmosphere that would otherwise require dozens of telephone calls, hours of time, and probably a great deal of frustration. There is no admission fee for this “older adult informational one-stop shopping” opportunity.