Tuesday, December 13, 2016

WEATHER TONIGHT Cloudy with Snow Showers.

Low of 26.

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

VOL. 85 NO. 300

“My theory is to enjoy life,

but the practice is against it.”

— CHARLES LAMB

75 cents

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Mayor releases major tax announcement

By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—Residents are not expected to see a property tax increase this year, Mayor Brian Sullivan announced late last night.

The announcement, which came via press release, would mean a stop to nine consecutive years of rising property taxes for residents. The stabilization of property taxes will only come if Westfield city council accepts an amended request from Sullivan to apply an additional $1.33 million from the city’s free cash account to offset the expected tax levy. The city was originally expected to utilize just $1 million from the free cash account, but with the announcement it would increase the total to over $2.3 million.

From the press release:

“Given the current financial climate in our state and our country, it is very unusual for a Mayor to provide good news to his constituents when it comes to property taxes. However, given some good financial planning, hard work from many very qualified people, and the City taking advantage of some opportunities, it is my pleasure to announce just that type of good news to the residents and businesses of Westfield… I am pleased to announce that by all indications and calculations, the citizens of Westfield should see no increase in their property taxes for the upcoming tax year.

According to the press release, the stabilization of property taxes was a result of the city’s “diligent financial planning,” including a deposit of $1.2 million into the city stabilization fund and a $600,000 deposit into Westfield’s Other PostEmployment Benefits (OPEB) account.

OPEB, which exists in most municipalities and state governments, are benefits given to retired municipal or state employees in addition to their pensions, which may include healthcare, legal, disability or other services. According to a study done under Mayor Daniel Knapik in 2013, the OPEB liability at that time was over $275 million. A more recent number was not immediately available.

See Mayor Sullivan, Page 3

MAYOR BRIAN SULLIVAN

Health Director proposes point of distribution plan

The Community Preservation Committee met to discuss the acquisition of two lots on the Reed Farm on Monday. In attendance were William Reed, second from left, and Ray Frappier of the Westfield Sportman’s Club, far left. (Photo by Amy Porter)

Community Preservation Committee votes down land acquisition proposal

By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – The Community Preservation Commission met in a special meeting on Monday to consider an application for two one-acre lots on the Reed Farm on Furrowtown Road for $225,000, following a vote by the City Council on December 1 to exercise its right of first refusal to purchase the land.

The notice of intent to withdraw the two house lots on the farmland from the state’s agricultural assessment taxation program (Chapter 61A) was sent to the city from the William F. Reed Family Trust on August 22. The lots are part of the 33-acre Reed farm located across Montgomery Road from Westfield High School. Chapter 61A provides the city with the right of first refusal to purchase the land.

The purchase had previously been considered by several committees before the City Council vote, with mixed results. At its September 6 meeting, the Planning Board recommended the city exercise its option to purchase the lots, considering the broader context and open space value of the farm. Jay Vinskey, the city’s principal planner, shared with the committee a memo he wrote on September 13 to the Board.

“While the Board understands the impracticality of such a piecemeal approach to land protec-

tion, the provisions of 61A leave no other option in this instance. It is hoped that this recommendation sends a message as to the value of eventually protecting the entirety of the highly visible 33-acre farmland parcel, without the diminishment and detriment caused by peripheral house lots being carved out, as proposed. The CPC has discussed the open space value of the farmland previously, and may have funding available. The landowner would receive the fair value of the land in any case.”

The request also went before the Zoning, Planning and Development committee after the Conservation Commission voted to pass on the option at its August 23 meeting.

The Legislative & Ordinance Committee also considered the request at its November 28 meeting, voting to send the request back to the City Council with no recommendation. At its December 1 meeting, the City Council then voted to exercise its right and attempt to purchase the lots.

Part of the discussion at many of the meetings was the potential value to the city of the property, with regards to future building plans at the high school. Some of the potential uses of the land would be for playing fields that might need to be replaced if the school were expanded, or even as

By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – During the Select Board meeting on Monday night, Health Director Tom FitzGerald presented an idea to the board.

FitzGerald presented his POD (Point of Distribution) plan to the board and to those in attendance. The POD has to do with dealing with national emergencies.

FitzGerald used the Anthrax scare in 2005 as a prime example for something that his plan would be based on. But, the health director certainly hopes that the POD plan won’t ever have to be used.

When a major emergency occurs throughout the country, there tends to be public distribution centers throughout communities. As Massachusetts has distribution centers for every town or city, a majority of states go by county rather than town or city.

If an immediate threat to every town or city in the country were to occur, like an anthrax scare, FitzGerald pointed out that people will need an organized way to get their medicine or prescription drugs.

“We need a way to get these drugs out fast,” said FitzGerald.

In order to do that, FitzGerald believes that there needs to be private distribution centers throughout the town of Southwick. The public distribution center for a serious emergency is at the

Powder Mill School.

As an example, FitzGerald proposed that town of Southwick employees could have their own private distribution center at the town hall. He would also encourage any businesses to have their own distribution center as well.

FitzGerald clearly sees a value in having private points of distribution besides the public center.

“We want as many as possible,” said FitzGerald. “We do that enough times, it reduces the public flow.”

If private distribution centers did end up being put into place, paperwork would have to be filled out to complete the proposal. The town hall or place of business would then have to assign a person in charge, a second person in charge, as well as list of all family members or employees that would need any medicine during the time of emergency.

FitzGerald believes that having the private distribution centers would become a strong partnership with the public location at the Powder Mill School, reducing any traffic during an already chaotic time.

The Select Board announced that they will look to make a decision on FitzGerald’s plan at the next meeting.

For further information on the point of distribution plan, FitzGerald can be contacted at 413-569-1212.

Health Director Tom FitzGerald proposed a point of distribution plan to the Select Board.

(WNG File Photo)

See Land, Page 8

Panel coming to Westfield to discuss safety of youth

AMBER DANAHEY Community outreach coordinator

By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD — Residents are invited to a panel discussion titled “Keeping Our Children Safe” this week.

The panel, which is being brought to Westfield by the Westfield Youth Coalition and Westfield Community Outreach, will discuss the risks that youth face in the community. It will take place Thursday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m., at the Westfield’s Women’s Club at 28 Court St. Public participation is encouraged by the presenters, but those who want to have questions addressed during the panel are urged to send the questions to keepingourdhildrensafeWMA@gmail.com in advance of the event.

The panel will include members from the BHN Carson Center, Westfield Police and School Departments, the Department of Children and Families and the US Attorney’s Office.

In addition to topics submitted by attendees, the panel will also discuss cyber risks and Internet safety, risks specific to the community, as well as hidden risks that parents or caregivers may not be aware of.

Sarah Camerota, LICSW and coordinator for the Westfield Youth Coalition, said in a press release that the “topics to be covered are important for our parent community to be aware of. This may not be our only discussion, but the first in a series. The event is open to everyone, especially guardians of children.”

PAGE 2 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

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Santa came straight from the North Pole to Shaker Farms WESTFIELD — Santa came straight from the North Pole and landed on the first fairway at Shaker Farms Country Club on December 10th this year. Santa's annual sojourn to Shaker Farms Country Club to benefit the Shriners Hospital for Children was a huge success again this year thanks to the many people in the community who volunteered. Mr. Schebelli of Southwick, MA donated Santa's ride which is the best. Both children and parents quietly wait in anticipation of the sound of the helicopter.

Then, in the distance, someone spots the helicopter and points. The children all start waving to Santa. It is an awesome site, one that thrills children of every age!

Then, the elf meets Santa and guides him to his chair in the ballroom. Next, breakfast is served and the activities begin. The Westfield High School's National Honor Society Students conduct the arts and crafts, face painting and cleaning up. The Melha Shrine Clowns made all sorts of animal shapes with their balloons. Children told Santa that they have been nice (never naughty) and hopes of persuading him to bring them a new toy. Then the raffle takes place. This year we had donations from Bright Nights, Six Flags, Roots, Fleury Lumber, Wal-Mart, Costco, The Tavern, Aladco, Coffee Pause, Amelia Park Childen's Museum, Horizon Beverage, Sysco, U.S. Foods, and Shaker Farms. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Shriners Hospitals for Children®-Springfield.

Thanks for all of your donations and for coming together for this great cause.

LEXI DEBRUIN

ODDS & ENDS TONIGHT

Cloudy with Snow Showers.

26-27

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Mainly Sunny.

Partly Cloudy.

31-34

19-21

WEATHER DISCUSSION Today, becoming overcast during the afternoon. High 39F. Tonight, mainly cloudy with snow showers around this evening. Low 26F. Chance of snow 50%. Wednesday, mainly sunny. High 34F. Wednesday night, a few clouds. A few flurries are possible. Low 17F. Thursday, partly cloudy. Furries or snow showers possible. High 21F. Thursday Night, flurries, snow showers. Low 2F.

TODAY 7:10 a.m.

4:19 p.m.

SUNRISE

SUNSET

9 hours 8 Minutes LENGTH OF DAY

In Boston, squirrels are gnawing around the Christmas trees BOSTON (AP) — Voracious squirrels are going nuts for Christmas lights in Boston.

The Boston Globe reports the furry rodents have chewed through electrical wires for the colorful, festive lights strung in trees on Boston Common.

City parks officials say they’ve received numerous reports about holiday light outages on the city’s online reporting app.

One recent visitor noted nearly half the lights on the Common’s 47-foot Christmas tree were out, an issue the city says has since been addressed.

The lights are hanging in about 60 trees, the visitor’s center and other buildings in the historic downtown park.

The contractor hired to string and maintain the lights has turned to using an animal repellent derived from hot peppers to deter the animals. A parks department spokesman says the squirrels appear to have a fondness for copper.

LOCAL LOTTERY LAST NIGHT’S NUMBERS

MASSACHUSETTS Lucky For Life 06-18-25-44-48, Lucky Ball: 15 MassCash 04-07-08-15-31 Mega Millions Estimated jackpot: $51 million Numbers Evening 9-8-2-0 Numbers Midday 7-2-3-4 Powerball Estimated jackpot: $100 million

CONNECTICUT Cash 5 04-13-14-21-33 Lucky For Life 06-18-25-44-48, Lucky Ball: 15 Lucky Links Day 04-05-08-10-14-19-21-22 Lucky Links Night 01-04-05-07-10-14-17-19 Play3 Day 3-6-7 Play3 Night 7-7-1 Play4 Day 2-4-1-8 Play4 Night 7-7-0-6

TODAY IN HISTORY Today is Tuesday, Dec. 13, the 348th day of 2016. There are 18 days left in the year.

O

n Dec. 13, 1981, authorities in Poland imposed martial law in a crackdown on the Solidarity labor movement. (Martial law formally ended in 1983.)

ON THIS DATE: In 1642, Dutch navigator Abel Tasman sighted presentday New Zealand.

In 1769, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire received its charter.

In 1862, Union forces led by Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside launched futile attacks against entrenched Confederate soldiers during the Civil War Battle of Fredericksburg; the soundly defeated Northern troops withdrew two days later.

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson arrived in France, becoming the first chief executive to visit Europe while in office.

In 1928, George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris” had its premiere at Carnegie Hall in New York.

In 1937, the Chinese city of Nanjing fell to Japanese forces; what followed was a massacre of war prisoners, soldiers and citizens. (China maintains as many as 300,000 people were killed; Japan says the toll was far less.)

In 1944, during World War II, the light cruiser USS Nashville was badly damaged in a Japanese kamikaze attack off Negros Island in the Philippines that claimed 133 lives.

In 1962, the United States launched Relay 1, a communications satellite which retransmitted television, telephone and digital signals.

In 1974, Malta became a republic. George Harrison visited the White House, where he met President Gerald R. Ford.

In 1994, an American Eagle commuter plane crashed short of Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, killing 15 of the 20 people on board.

In 1996, the U.N. Security Council chose Kofi Annan of Ghana to become the world body’s seventh secretarygeneral.

In 2003, Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces while hiding in a hole under a farmhouse in Adwar, Iraq, near his hometown of Tikrit.

TEN YEARS AGO: President George W. Bush held high-level talks at the Pentagon, after which he said he would “not be rushed” into a decision on a strategy change for Iraq. Sen. Tim Johnson, D-S.D., underwent emergency surgery after suffering bleeding in his brain. (Johnson later resumed his Senate duties.) Lamar Hunt, 74, the owner of football’s Kansas City Chiefs who coined the term “Super Bowl,” died in Dallas.

FIVE YEARS AGO:

Early sound recordings by Alexander Graham Bell that were packed away at the Smithsonian Institution for more than a century were played publicly for the first time using new technology that read the sound with light and a 3D camera. (In one recording, a man recites part of Hamlet’s Soliloquy; on another, a voice recites the numbers 1 through 6.) In the Penn State child sex abuse scandal, ex-assistant coach Jerry Sandusky waived a preliminary hearing on the charges, which he denied. (Sandusky was later convicted of abusing several boys, some on cam-

pus.) In Liege, Belgium, six people were killed when a 33-year-old man threw grenades and fired on a crowd of people in the city’s main square before committing suicide. In Florence, Italy, a man opened fire in an outdoor market, killing two vendors from Senegal, then critically wounding three other Senegalese immigrants before killing himself.

ONE YEAR AGO: Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Front collapsed in French regional elections, failing to take a single region after dominating the first round of voting. A bomb in a market killed at least 22 Shiites in Pakistan’s Kurram tribal region. Pope Francis called on humanity not to let sadness prevail because of the many forms of violence afflicting the world.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz is 96. Actorcomedian Dick Van Dyke is 91. Actor Christopher Plummer is 87. Country singer Buck White is 86. Music/film producer Lou Adler is 83. Singer John Davidson is 75.

Actress Kathy Garver (TV: “Family Affair”) is 71. Singer Ted Nugent is 68. Rock musician Jeff “Skunk” Baxter is 68. Country musician Ron Getman is 68. Actor Robert Lindsay is 67. Country singer-musician Randy Owen is 67. Actress Wendie Malick is 66. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is 66. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke is 63. Country singer John Anderson is 62.

Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert is 62. Singer-actor Morris Day is 60. Actor Steve Buscemi (boo-SEH’-mee) is 59.

Actor Johnny Whitaker (TV: “Family Affair”) is 57. Rock musician John Munson (Semisonic; Twilight Hours) is 54.

Actress-reality TV star NeNe Leakes is 50. Actor-comedian Jamie Foxx is 49. Actor Bart Johnson is 46. Actor Jeffrey Pierce is 45. TV personality Debbie Matenopoulos is 42. Rock singer-musician Thomas Delonge is 41.

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

Gateway Superintendent’s Corner Gateway’s first ‘snow day’ activities for students and the was Monday, December 12. delay in hearing about approval This also marked the first use of for the idea, it’s not surprising our new “Blizzard Bags” that that not everyone was ready to the district started working on go the first time the district had a last summer. The overall idea of cancellation due to weather. I do Blizzard Bags is to create work however give kudos to the elefor the students to complete mentary staff for their foresight within a week of a snow day, and preparation over the last which will allow the district to month for this eventuality once count this as a day of attenthe school committee approved dance, thus not having to add the blizzard bag concept. Given days to the calendar at the end of the varying types of assignments DR. DAVID the year. This is not a new idea (you can view some of these HOPSON and is explained much more fully under the school committee preon the Gateway website at http:// sentation from October 26th on www.grsd.org/Content2/blizzardblizzard bags) and differences in bags. some assignments being part of a longer report However, as with all new items, there will while others are completed for that one canbe some kinks to work out as we implement cellation, I’m sure staff will continue to modthe Blizzard Bags. As a friend noted, there is a ify their blizzard bag assignments for everyRussian saying that the first pancakes are one as well as adjust specific items for indialways lumpy but that doesn’t mean that the vidual students. next pancakes won’t be better. We understand Part of this ‘pilot’ blizzard bag program will that there were some discrepancies in institut- include collecting information from students, ing our first Blizzard Bag between buildings staff, and parents regarding how it works and staff, which resulted in some students hav- throughout the year. If you have specific items ing all their work to bring home on Friday, and you’d like to share, please provide that inforothers having only part of the work expected mation to any staff member or even email to be completed for the snow day. In either ‘myopinion@grsd.org’ to provide it directly to case, staff will be making allowances for this district staff. While we know the idea has by assigning tasks upon the return to school, worked elsewhere in Massachusetts and providing longer than the standard 5 days to throughout the country, we still need to see complete the work, helping students who need how it will work here and what we can assistance, and scheduling make up time for improve both as we move through this year those students who would have received addi- and in making decisions about how to move tional supports mandated by their service plan forward in the future.

I certainly hope that even with the addion the missed day.

Given the amount of work our staff does on tional work, our students and staff were able to a regular basis to prepare lesson plans and enjoy their snow day.

Mayor Sullivan

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 3

City Street Snow Parking Ban WESTFIELD — The City Of Westfield has an On-Street Snow Ban Parking Policy during plowable snowstorms.

Motorists are not allowed to park on the city streets from the beginning of a parking ban announcement until after the storm ceases and the plowing has been completed on the streets. Announcement of a parking ban is done on the Local Cable Access Channel 15, TV Stations WWLP22 And WBGY 40 and The Local Radio Stations, WMAS, WHYN, WNNZ. When a parking ban is called motorists must obey the policy or they will be subject to towing and a parking violation.

When a snowstorm is anticipated to begin during the night, motorists who park their vehicles overnight on the street in front of their residence should move their vehicles off the street prior to retiring for the night.

Motorists who use the downtown core streets for business parking during a snow ban

must park in on of the city’s off-street parking lots. the off-street lots are free during snow bans from 9am to 5pm only. this action will allow the streets to be plowed and prvent motorists from being towed and receiving parking violations.

Motorists may call the following offices or go on the city’s website for confirmattion of a parking ban.

• Public Works 572-6267 • Parking Clerk 572-6202 Press 2 • Police Dept 562-5411 Ext 8 • Mayor 572-6201 • City Website – Www.Cityofwestfield.Org Announcement of a parking ban is reported by the following: • Local Cable Access Channel 15 • Tv Stations WWLP22, CMS3, ABC40 & FOX6 • The Local Radio Stations Wmas, Whyn, Wnnz • City Website – Www.Cityofwestfield.Org

Southwick Seeks Board of Assessors Member SOUTHWICK — The Select Board is looking for an interested resident to serve on the Board of Assessors. The Board of Assessors is responsible for the assessment of properties for tax purposes. The three member board is elected by the town for a term of three years in a manner so that one term expires each year. This position will be up for election in May of 2017. The resident must be a registered voter. Please submit a letter of interest and resume by 12:00 p.m. December 21, 2016, 12:00 p.m. to the Select Board’s Office, Town Hall, 454 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077.

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

BLANDFORD Continued from Page 1

Sullivan said in the press release that use of the $1.33 million from the free cash account toward the tax levy was partially due to his discussions with the city council finance committee and council president Brent Bean.

The announcement however, came with a warning from Sullivan.

“Please be forewarned, this type of a free cash expenditure may not be possible in the upcoming years, and this is not a present simply for the sake of bringing a little Christmas cheer,” Sullivan said in the press release. “This announcement comes on the heels of prudent financial planning and sacrifices which Westfield has been practicing for several years.”

An opportunity to give the taxpayer a much needed break Given the current financial climate in our state and our country, it is very unusual for a Mayor to provide good news to his constituents when it comes to property taxes. However, given some good financial planning, hard work from many very qualified people, and the City taking advantage of some opportunities, it is my pleasure to announce just that type of good news to the residents and businesses of Westfield. I will be submitting an amended request, asking the City Council to apply an additional $1.33 million from the Certified Free Cash account to offset our Tax Levy.

I am pleased to announce that by all indications and calculations, the citizens of Westfield should see no increase in their property taxes for the upcoming tax year.

This announcement is the result of diligent financial planning which has already allowed the City of Westfield to deposit $1.2 Million into the City Stabilization fund this fiscal year, an initial deposit in fiscal 2018 of $600,000 into the City OPEB account to help offset future debts of the City (by far the largest deposit ever made to this account).

In establishing a tax rate, and preparing for the fiscal 2018 budget, the Auditor, Treasurer/ Collector, Assessor and Purchaser have provided invaluable, creative, and economically sound advice. Contract negotiations with all unions have been amicable, pro-active and led to some new ground being covered. Monies have been saved in areas such as Health Insurance contributions and Severance to ensure our future remains on solid footing.

Creative ideas from both sides of the negotiating table have not only solidified employment numbers and savings to the City, but put us on a path to insure our employees are properly trained and compensated.

I may only have been in office for one year, but I have learned an incredible amount about responsibly managing a City of our size, while representing the needs of all citizens.

As you may have heard and read, when submitting the financial package to the City Council last month in anticipation of their setting a tax rate, I had suggested we use just over $1 Million of free cash to assist homeowners in reducing their upcoming tax bills. This would have resulted in the City utilizing less than half of the tax increase we are authorized to use under state law, but still would have resulted in an increase to the individual property tax bills (albeit, much smaller than if the full increase were imposed). However, after meeting with Finance Subcommittee Chairman, Councilor Bob Paul, and the President of the City Council, Councilor Brent Bean, I was encouraged and supported to use the full $2.3 Million of free cash it would require to remove any potential property tax increase.

Managing the City’s budget requires a constant balancing act. There are never-ending needs, like technology upgrades for our schools, trash trucks, and police equipment, and living in New England means we could wake up tomorrow needing to dig out from a costly blizzard. However, I remain ever-mindful, and conversations with constituents and City Councilors constantly remind me, that Westfield residents and businesses are facing the same slim operating margins as the City. Balancing these concerns, it was agreed the time for property tax relief is now.

I feel confident that the state of our City will remain strong for the upcoming year. The forecast for the projects which are underway or about to begin remain financially sound and well managed. Our bond rating should remain stable given the deposits to the stabilization and OPEB accounts. The savings we hope to see within our collective bargaining contracts should materialize in the next few years. and I firmly believe that if emergency funding is needed, the Council will be cooperative in allowing me to use our City’s Stabilization Account.

Please be forewarned, this type of a free cash expenditure may not be possible in the upcoming years, and this is not a present simply for the sake of bringing a little Christmas cheer. This announcement comes on the heels of prudent financial planning and sacrifices which Westfield has been practicing for several years. I am proud to be your Mayor, and proud of the work this City has done.

Brian P. Sullivan Mayor

Tell us someThing good!

Do you have a carrier who goes above and beyond in their delivery of The Westfield News? If so– we want to hear about it!

All too often, negativity dominates the news. It’s time to change that!

So shoot us an email at melissahartman@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com or write to us at 62 School St, Westfield, MA 01085 and tell us what your carrier has done to make your day just a little bit better. (If you don’t have their name, that’s fine– we can always look it up by your address.)

CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars is now set up as an eligible charity in Amazon Smile If you use Amazon, CSF would appreciate it if you would make all your purchases through Amazon Smile because CSF will get a percent of all purchases made. It only takes a minute to setup your account.

- Go to www.smile.amazon. com - Box at bottom right of screen “Pick your own charitable organization” - Type CSF Westfield and then click the Search button - Click the Select button next to our organization name

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Holiday Breakfast December 16, 2016 (7:00 am - 9:00 am) Please join us for our annual Holiday Chamber Breakfast hosted by Tekoa Country Club located at 459 Russell Road in Westfield, MA. Sponsors: Westfield State University, Platinum; Baystate Health and Savage Arms, Gold; Easthampton Savings Bank and Walmart, Silver. Entertainment: Westfield High School Show Choir.

Tickets $25 Members/$30 General Admission, 50/50 Raffle to support two Citizen’s Scholarships This year’s Holiday Spirit Beneficiary: Westfield Public Schools Food Pantries. Kindly bring in a non-perishable food item or grocery store gift card/ cash to support our schools. As this event gets closer, on-line registration will be made available. For more information or to donate a door prize for the event, please call Pam at the Chamber at 413.568.1618.

Russell Council on Aging host a Holiday concert On Thursday December 15th at 1:00 p.m., the Russell Council on Aging will host a Holiday concert with the Do Re Mi Choir from the Westfield Council on Aging.

The group performance of approximately twenty singers will take place at the Russell Senior Center, 65 Main St., Russell, MA. Refreshments will be served after the presentation. It is open to the public of Russell and neighboring communities, and is free of charge. Please call the Russell COA information/reservation line at (413)8626205 to reserve a seat by Tuesday, December 12th. For more information, please leave message at (413)8626205 or e-mail Carrie Florek at russellcoa@russellma.net.

Assessor’s Meeting at 5 pm

TOLLAND Council on Aging at 9 am Conserv Comm Open Office Hours & Business Meeting at 3 pm

GRANVILLE Special Town Meeting at 7 pm Fire at 7 pm

WESTFIELD Conservation Commission at 6:30 pm

SOUTHWICK Planning Board at 7 pm Planning Board Public Hearing - 55 Hudson Dr at 7:15 pm Planning Board Public Hearing - 81 Point Grove Rd at 7:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

BLANDFORD Finance Committee at 7 pm Fire Department Meeting at 7 pm Historical Commission Meeting at 7:30 pm

WESTFIELD Traffic Commission at 6 pm

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15

BLANDFORD Library Trustees Meeting at 7:30 pm

GRANVILLE Library Trustees at 7 pm

WESTFIELD Personnel Action Committee at 6:20 pm City Council at 7 pm

Fly the United States Flag at Half-Staff now Until Sunset, on the day of the Interment for John Glenn Presidential Proclamation -Death of John Glenn DEATH OF JOHN GLENN ———

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ... A PROCLAMATION As a mark of respect for the memory of John Glenn, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand sixteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-first.

BARACK OBAMA

Carols & Cookies at SPL Children and their parents/caregivers are invited to join us for Cookies & Carols on Wednesday evening, December 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. The Christmas Season will come alive with stories, songs and a seasonal craft to bring home. Registration is not necessary for this program.

PAGE 4 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

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Recount ends, Trump wins

By MARC LEVY and SCOTT BAUER Associated Press Presidential election recount efforts came to an end Monday in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, with both states certifying Republican Donald Trump as the winner in contests that helped put him over the top in the Electoral College stakes.

Trump's victory in Wisconsin was reaffirmed following a statewide vote recount that showed him defeating Democrat Hillary Clinton by nearly 23,000 votes. Meanwhile, a federal judge issued a stinging rejection of a Green Party-backed request to recount paper ballots in Pennsylvania's presidential election and scan some counties' election systems for signs of hacking.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein successfully requested and paid for the Wisconsin recount while her attempts for similar statewide recounts in Pennsylvania and Michigan were blocked by the courts.

Stein got only about 1 percent of the vote in each of the three states, which Trump narrowly won over Clinton. Stein argued, without evidence, that voting machines in all three states were susceptible to hacking. All three states were crucial to Trump's victory, having last voted for a Republican for president in the 1980s.

The numbers barely budged in Wisconsin after nearly 3 million votes were recounted. Trump, a billionaire New York real estate mogul, picked up 131 votes and won by 22,748 votes. The final results changed just 0.06 percent.

Trump took to Twitter to celebrate the recount result.

"The final Wisconsin vote is in and guess what - we just picked up an additional 131 votes," he tweeted. "The Dems and Green Party can now rest. Scam!"

Stein said she was disappointed not all Wisconsin counties did hand recounts, although most did. She said the goal of the recount was never to change the outcome but to validate the vote and restore confidence in the system.

"The recount in Wisconsin raised a number of important election integrity issues that bear further assessment and serious action to ensure we have integrity and confidence in our electoral system," she said, without naming what they were.

Wisconsin Elections Commission Chairman Mark Thomsen said before certifying the recount results there was no evidence of a hack.

In Pennsylvania, state officials certified the results of the election in the hours following the decision by U.S. District Judge Paul S. Diamond.

Trump beat Clinton in the state by about 44,000 votes out of 6 million cast, or less than 1 percent, according to the final tally after weeks of counting provisional and overseas ballots. Green Party voters had petitioned some counties to do partial recounts, affecting few votes, county officials said.

Diamond said there were at least six grounds that required him to reject the Green Party's lawsuit, which had been opposed by Trump, the Pennsylvania Republican Party and the Pennsylvania attorney general's office.

Suspicion of a hacked Pennsylvania election "borders on the irrational" while granting the Green Party's recount bid could "ensure that no Pennsylvania vote counts" given Tuesday's federal deadline to certify the vote for the Electoral College, wrote Diamond, an appointee of Republican former President George W. Bush.

"Most importantly, there is no credible evidence that any 'hack' occurred, and compelling evidence that Pennsylvania's voting system was not in any way compromised," Diamond wrote.

He said the lawsuit suffered from a lack of standing, potentially the lack of federal jurisdiction and an "unexplained, highly prejudicial" wait before filing last week's lawsuit, four weeks after the Nov. 8 election.

The decision was the Green Party's latest roadblock in Pennsylvania after hitting numerous walls in county and state courts. Green Party-backed lawyers argue it was possible that computer hackers changed the election outcome and that Pennsylvania's heavy use of paperless machines makes it a prime target. Stein also contended Pennsylvania has erected unconstitutional barriers to voters seeking a recount.

A lawyer for the Green Party members said Monday they were disappointed and unable to immediately say whether they would appeal.

"But one thing is clear," said the lawyer, Ilann Maazel. "The Pennsylvania election system is not fair to voters and voters don't know if their votes counted, and that's a very large problem."

A federal judge halted Michigan's recount last week after three days. Trump won Michigan by fewer than 11,000 votes out of nearly 4.8 million votes cast.

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Donald Trump picks Tillerson to lead State Department

By JULIE PACE and CATHERINE LUCEY Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump announced Tuesday he has settled on ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to be secretary of state, saying that he's "among the most accomplished business leaders and international deal makers in the world."

"Rex Tillerson's career is the embodiment of the American dream. Through hard work, dedication and smart deal making, Rex rose through the ranks to become CEO of ExxonMobil, one of the world's largest and most respected companies," the billionaire real estate mogul said in a predawn news release from Trump Tower in New York.

"Rex knows how to manage a global enterprise, which is crucial to running a successful State Department," Trump said of his latest — and much-discussed — Cabinet pick.

In an accompanying statement, Tillerson said he was "honored" by his selection and shares Trump's "vision for restoring the credibility of the United States' foreign relations and advancing our country's national security."

Trump also said that as the nation's top diplomat, Tillerson would be a "a worldclass leader" working on behalf of the American people.

Tillerson, however, has close ties to Russia, and his selection sets up a potential Senate confirmation fight.

China's foreign ministry spokesman said that Beijing was looking forward to working with the new secretary of state.

"No matter who will become U.S. secretary of state, China is looking forward to working together with him to push forward greater progress of the bilateral relationship on a new starting point," the spokesman, Geng Shuang, said Tuesday at a regular briefing.

Trump brushed aside concerns about Tillerson's close ties to Moscow in bringing the long secretary of state audition process to an end.

Tillerson has connections with Russian President Vladimir Putin. And on Capitol Hill, leading Republicans have already expressed anxieties about Tillerson, as they contend with intelligence assessments saying Russia interfered with the U.S. presidential election to help Trump.

But two meetings with the oil executive impressed Trump, who called Tillerson a "world class player" in an interview on "Fox News Sunday." In the Sunday interview, Trump pointed to

REX TILLERSON Tillerson's deep relations with Moscow as a selling point. As ExxonMobil's head, he maintained close ties with Russia and was awarded by President Vladimir Putin with the Order of Friendship in 2013, an honor for a foreign citizen.

For weeks, Trump has teased out the decision process publicly, often exposing rifts in his organization. He also considered former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a one-time vocal Trump critic, and Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee, who leads the Foreign Relations Committee. Romney wrote on Facebook Monday that it "was an honor to have been considered" for the job.

The unconventional vetting procedures are in keeping with Trump's presidential style thus far, unconcerned with tradition or business as usual. In recent weeks, he's attacked CIA intelligence, spoken to the leader of Taiwan and has continued his late-night Twitter tirades.

Making yet another nontraditional choice, Trump heads out Tuesday for another week of travel, starting with a rally in Wisconsin.

Trump postponed a Thursday announcement about how he will handle his massive business empire, though it appears likely he will not follow other presidents and make a clean break from his personal holdings.

Trump was set to visit supporters as questions swirled about a CIA assessment that Russia interfered in the November election on his behalf. Senate

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Monday that Congress will investigate the agency's conclusion, which the incoming commander in chief has called "ridiculous."

The CIA recently concluded with "high confidence" that Russia sought to influence the U.S. election on behalf of Trump, raising red flags among lawmakers concerned about the sanctity of the U.S. voting system and potentially straining relations at the start of Trump's administration.

On Twitter Monday, Trump pushed back, saying: "Can you imagine if the election results were the opposite and WE tried to play the Russia/CIA card. It would be called conspiracy theory!"

Trump has expressed admiration for Putin. But McConnell said flatly, "The Russians are not our friends." And House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said in statement that a House Intelligence Committee probe of cyberthreats by other countries and terrorist groups "will continue and has my support."

For his part, Putin said he was ready to meet with Trump "at any moment."

In the transcript of his interview with journalists which was released Tuesday in Moscow, Putin said "it's widely known that the elected president of the United States has publicly called for the normalization of the Russian-American relationship. We cannot but support this."

Putin added that he thought a meeting with Trump would be more likely after Trump's January inauguration.

"We understand it will not be a simple task considering the extent of degradation of the Russian-American relationship," he said. "But we are prepared to do our bit."

The White House embraced the congressional inquiry involving Russia, saying that it "is certainly warranted when you consider the stakes and the consequences."

If confirmed by the Senate, Tillerson's test will be whether his corporate dealmaking skills translate into the delicate world of international diplomacy. He would face immediate challenges in Syria, where a civil war rages on, and in China, given Trump's recent suggestions that he could take a more aggressive approach to dealing with Beijing.

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Tillerson came to ExxonMobil Corp. as a production engineer straight out of the University of Texas at Austin in 1975 and never left. Groomed for an executive position, Tillerson came up in the roughand-tumble world of oil production, holding posts in the company's central United States, Yemen and Russian operations.

Early in the company's efforts to gain access to the Russian market, Tillerson cut a deal with state-owned Rosneft. The neglected post-Soviet company didn't have a tremendous amount to offer, but Exxon partnered with it "to be on the same side of the table," Tillerson said, according to "Private Empire," an investigative history of Exxon by Steve Coll.

Tillerson, who became CEO on Jan. 1, 2006, is expected to retire in 2017.

Tillerson's heir apparent, Darren Woods, was put in place a year ago, so there would be virtually no additional disruption to Exxon's succession plans if Tillerson were to become secretary of state.

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Obituaries

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Robert W. Porter Robert W. Porter, 90, (19262016) passed away on Friday, December 9, 2016 at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. He was born in Cummington, MA to the late Jesse and Myrle B. (Streeter) Porter and was a graduate of Westfield Trade School.

Robert served his country with the United States Army from 1945-1946 during WWII. He attained the rank of Private First Class and received the World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal.

Robert was employed as the head electrician for Mercy Hospital and retired in 1988. After retirement he would spend winters in New Port Richie, FL and was a member of the Western Mass Model T Club and the American Legion Post 0462 in Boston. Robert was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years in April 2015 Phyllis W. (Boisseau) Porter, a son Jeffery Porter and his brothers, Jesse “Raymond”, Garfield, William and Wilbur Porter and sisters, Barbara Robbins, Margaret Sears, Priscilla Lynds and Arlene Twiss. He is survived by his loving children, Gerald R. Porter and his wife Diane of Westfield, Lorrie A. (Porter) Motyka and her husband Jim Motyka of Hatfield, Edwin A. Porter of Hatfield, daughter-in-law Susan Porter of Las Vegas, NV, a brother Morris Porter, and eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Friday at 11:45 AM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St. Westfield, followed by burial in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St. Agawam. Visiting hour will be held on Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, 168 Industrial Drive, Northampton, MA 01060. www.firtionadams.com

4 churches drop lawsuit challenging state’s transgender law BOSTON (AP) — Four churches have withdrawn a federal lawsuit that claimed a state law prohibiting discrimination against transgender people in public restrooms violated their constitutional right to religious freedom.

The conservative Christian group Alliance Defending Freedom sued in October on behalf of the churches, saying they would be forced to open changing rooms, shower facilities and restrooms based on perceived gender identity and not on biological sex. It said that because the new law also prohibits covered entities from making statements intended to discriminate, it would force churches and pastors to refrain from religious expression regarding sexuality that conflicts with the government's view.

On Monday, the group said it voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit after Democratic state Attorney General Maura Healey's office revised its written guidance on the law, "which now protects the freedom of churches to express views consistent with their faith and operate their facilities in a manner that doesn't violate their core religious beliefs."

Healey spokeswoman Emily Snyder said the lawsuit was unnecessary because state law has long provided that religious facilities are exempt from the public accommodations law for religious services and other religious functions. She said Healey's office clarified language on its website in response to the lawsuit and sent a letter to the Alliance Defending Freedom saying that religious facilities may qualify as places of public Sarah Helps Seniors

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accommodation when they host public, non-religious functions.

"This law provides critical protections for transgender people who were without full protection and equality under the law for too long," Snyder said.

The churches that filed the lawsuit are Horizon Christian Fellowship, in Fitchburg; Abundant Life Church, in Swansea; House of Destiny Ministries, in Southbridge; and Faith Christian Fellowship, in Haverhill.

Police Logs WESTFIELD Major crime and incident log Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016 12:42 p.m.: Accident, Park Square, Elm Street. Police reported that a tractor trailer or truck had knocked down several bollards around the town green and then drove away. Police released a photograph of the vehicle that was published by The Westfield News Monday Dec. 5th in print, online and via social media.

5:32 p.m.: Larceny, Bates Road. Police received a report that a vehicle on Bates Road had a license plate stolen off it. The theft occurred sometime during the day according to the victim, while driving the car around to go shopping.

Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016 10:57 a.m.: Larceny, Orange Street. A resident reported that a compressor was stolen from his home. Police were unable to specify more on the alleged theft.

2:02 p.m.: Motor vehicle theft, Big Y, East Silver Street.

Police received a report of a car that was reportedly stolen while an elderly woman was inside of it. A male about 5 feet 5 inches, dark hair and greenish blue eyes, had come to the car, which was running at the time, and reportedly told the elderly woman to get out of the car. The woman was not injured during the incident. Police were given a description of the car and where it was headed, but were unable to find the car in the city. No arrests were made.

2:02 p.m.: Suspicious person, Amelia Park, South Broad Street. Police received a report a short time prior to the above theft of a suspicious male who reportedly told a woman he was parking security and that he would have to move her car from the parking spot it was in and asked for her keys. The male had a similar description of the suspect in the above incident. The woman flagged a person over and refused to give the suspect her keys. He left the scene.

8:47 p.m.: recovered motor vehicle, South Broad Street.

Police recovered a motor vehicle in a South Broad Street business parking lot that was initially reported stolen out of Chicopee. Police believed that it may have been tied to the previous unarmed motor vehicle theft that occurred in the city.

Court Logs Westfield District Court Dec. 3, 2016 Amanda M. Cortis, 21, of 2 Cycle St., Westfield, was released on her personal recognizance pending a Jan. 23 hearing after being arraigned on a charge of shoplifting $100 or more by asportation, brought by Westfield Police.

Timothy M. Kasuba, 34, of 174 Balance Rock Road, Lanesborough, received a one-year suspended sentence to House of Corrections after pleading guilty to charges of possession to distribute class A drug and possession of class A drug, brought by Westfield Police.

Joan M. Cortis, 42, of 2 Cycle St., Westfield, was released on her personal recognizance pending a Jan. 23 hearing after being arraigned on a charge of operating a motor vehicle with a license suspended, brought by Westfield Police.

Dec. 6, 2016 Clifford J. Forrett, Jr., 26, of 32 Crown St., Westfield, had charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, disorderly conduct and intimidating a witness, juror, police or court official, dismissed nolle prosequi, originally brought by Westfield Police.

Timothy R. Broden, 27, of 5 Sibley Ave., Westfield, was held in lieu of $250 cash bail pending a Jan. 5 hearing after being arraigned on charges of breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony, breaking and entering in the nighttime for a felony and two counts of larceny over $250, brought by Westfield Police.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 5

Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 10:10 a.m.: Larceny, North Elm Street. Police received a report of a possible recurring theft of the contents of a Boys and Girls Club donation box at a business on North Elm Street. The last theft may have occurred on Dec. 2. Police said that they have the action on video and they have a possible suspect, but no arrests have been made yet.

11:24 a.m.: Vandalism, Elm Street. Police received a report of possible vandalism of a vehicle in a parking lot on Elm Street. Police were told the vehicle’s rear window was smashed at some point when the driver had reportedly went into a nearby business. Police investigated and found that there was no item that obviously caused the damage and that the weather may have been the cause of the damage. Also, the window was bowed outward, suggesting the damage came from inside and not outside.

1:45 p.m.: Identity fraud, City View Boulevard. Police received a report of a credit card that was opened in a resident’s name. There was no reported loss according to police, but no arrests, either.

3:17 p.m.: Motor vehicle theft, Coolidge Avenue. Police received a report of a motorcycle that was stolen. Upon investigating however, it was found that the vehicle was not stolen, but rather was part of a property dispute between two parties romantically involved. Police made no arrests.

LOST & FOUND LOST: White handkerchief with blue embroidery. Between Pine Hill Cemetery and Mechanic St on 11/11/16. 413-562-2268. (11-14) FOUND: Cat, Grey, short hair cat. West Springfield - Dewey St./Sibley Ave. Please call: 732-4954 (11-08)

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PAGE 6 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

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HEALTHFITNESS A grim tally soars: More than 50,000 overdose deaths in US

By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) — More than 50,000 Americans died from drug overdoses last year, the most ever.

The disastrous tally has been pushed to new heights by soaring abuse of heroin and prescription painkillers, a class of drugs known as opioids.

Heroin deaths rose 23 percent in one year, to 12,989, slightly higher than the number of gun homicides, according to government data released Thursday.

Deaths from synthetic opioids, including illicit fentanyl, rose 73 percent to 9,580. And prescription painkillers took the highest toll, but posted the smallest increase. Abuse of drugs like Oxycontin and Vicodin killed 17,536, an increase of 4 percent.

"I don't think we've ever seen anything like this. Certainly not in modern times," said Robert Anderson, who oversees death statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The new numbers were part of the agency's annual tally of deaths and death rates in 2015.

Overall, overdose deaths rose 11 percent last year, to 52,404.

By comparison, the number of people who died in car crashes was 37,757, an increase of 12 percent. Gun deaths, including homicides and suicides, totaled 36,252, up 7 percent.

This Tuesday, May 19, 2015 file photo shows a firearm and 154 pounds of heroin worth at least $50 million displayed during a Drug Enforcement Administration news conference in New York. According to government data released Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, drug overdose deaths in the U.S. surpassed 50,000 in 2015, the highest mark in at least 15 years. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

As part of its annual report the CDC also found that rates for than 20 years. Drug overdoses were a significant factor, but an 8 of the 10 leading causes of death rose last year, causing the unexpected increase in the death rate from heart disease, the nation's life expectancy to go down for the first time in more nation's No. 1 killer, was another major reason.

US life expectancy falls, as many kinds of death increase

Surgeon General sounding alarm on teens’ use of e-cigarettes

By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. surgeon general is calling e-cigarettes an emerging public health threat to the nation's youth.

In a report released Thursday, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy acknowledged a need for more research into the health effects of "vaping," but said e-cigarettes aren't harmless and too many teens are using them.

"My concern is e-cigarettes have the potential to create a whole new generation of kids who are addicted to nicotine," Murthy told The Associated Press. "If that leads to the use of other tobacco-related products, then we are going to be moving backward instead of forward."

Battery-powered e-cigarettes turn liquid nicotine into an inhalable vapor without the harmful tar generated by regular cigarettes. Vaping was first pushed as safer for current smokers. There's no scientific consensus on the risks or advantages of vaping, including how it affects the likelihood of someone either picking up regular tobacco products or kicking the habit.

Federal figures show that last year, 16 percent of high school students reported at least some use of e-cigarettes — even some who say they've never smoked a conventional cigarette. While not all contain nicotine, Murthy's report says e-cigarettes are the most commonly used tobacco-related product among youth.

Nicotine is bad for a developing brain no matter how it's exposed, Murthy said.

"Your kids are not an experiment," he says in a public service announcement being released with the report.

It's already illegal to sell e-cigarettes to minors. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration issued new rules that, for the first time, will require makers of nicotine-emitting devices to begin submitting their ingredients for regulators to review. The vaping industry argues the regulations will wipe out small companies in favor of more harmful products, and likely will lobby the incoming Trump administration to undo the rules.

Murthy's report calls on parents and health workers to make concerns about e-cigarettes clear to young people. He said local officials should take action, too, such as including e-cigarettes in indoor smoke-free policies.

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By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) — A decades-long trend of rising life expectancy in the U.S. could be ending: It declined last year and it is no better than it was four years ago.

In most of the years since World War II, life expectancy in the U.S. has inched up, thanks to medical advances, public health campaigns and better nutrition and education.

But last year it slipped, an exceedingly rare event in a year that did not include a major disease outbreak. Other one-year declines occurred in 1993, when the nation was in the throes of the AIDS epidemic, and 1980, the result of an especially nasty flu season.

In 2015, rates for 8 of the 10 leading causes of death rose. Even more troubling to health experts: the U.S. seems to be settling into a trend of no improvement at all.

"With four years, you're starting to see some indication of something a little more ominous," said S. Jay Olshansky, a University of Illinois-Chicago public health researcher.

An American born in 2015 is expected to live 78 years and 9½ months, on average, according to preliminary data released Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An American born in 2014 could expect to live about month longer, and even an American born in 2012 would have been expected to live slightly longer. In 1950, life expectancy was just over 68 years.

The United States ranks below dozens of other high-income countries in life expectancy, according to the World Bank. It is highest in Japan, at nearly 84 years.

The CDC report is based mainly on 2015 death certificates. There were more than 2.7 million deaths, or about 86,000 more than the previous year. The increase in raw numbers partly reflects the nation's growing and aging population.

It was led by an unusual upturn in the death rate from the nation's leading killer, heart disease. Death rates also increased for chronic

lower lung disease, accidental injuries, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, kidney disease and suicide.

The only clear drop was in cancer, the nation's No. 2 killer.

Experts aren't sure what's behind the stall.

Some, like Olshansky, suspect obesity, an underlying factor in some of the largest causes of death, particularly heart disease.

But there's also the impact of rising drug overdoses and suicides, he noted. Drug overdose deaths soared 11 percent to more than 52,000 last year, the most ever, driven by increases in deaths from heroin, prescription painkillers and other so-called opioids.

"There are a lot of things happening at the same time," he said.

Some years the CDC later revises its life expectancy estimate after doing additional analysis, including for its 2014 estimate.

Average life expectancy declined for men, falling by more than two months, to 76 years and 3 ½ months in 2015. It fell by about one month for women, to 81 years and 2 ½ months, the CDC said.

Death rates increased for black men, white men, white women, and slightly for Hispanic men and women. But they did not change for black women.

The new CDC report did not offer a geographic breakdown of 2015 deaths, or analysis of death based on education or income.

But other research has shown death rates are rising sharply for poorer people — particularly white people — in rural areas but not wealthier and more highly educated and people on the coasts.

"The troubling trends are most pronounced for the people who are the most disadvantaged," said Jennifer Karas Montez, a Syracuse University researcher who studies adult death patterns.

"But if we don't know why life expectancy is decreasing for some groups, we can't be confident that it won't start declining for others," she said.

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This Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 photo shows a room inside a funeral home in Saginaw, Mich.

According to a study by the government released on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016, life expectancy in the United States has fallen for the first time in more than 20 years. (Katy Kildee/The Saginaw News - MLive.com via AP)

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 7

Surge in drug-affected newborns driven by rural opioid use

By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer CHICAGO (AP) — A surge in U.S infants born with symptoms of withdrawal from heroin or strong prescription painkillers is driven largely by rising drug use among women in rural areas, a new study found.

The problem in urban and rural areas was about the same in 2004 — about 1 in 1,000 births were affected. But by 2013, the rural rate had climbed to almost 8 in 1,000. In urban areas, it reached 5 per 1,000 births.

The rates correspond with women's use of opioid drugs during pregnancy. This includes use or misuse of oxycodone and other prescription opioid painkillers, and use of illegal narcotics.

Newborns whose mothers use these drugs during pregnancy are at risk for seizures, excessive crying, problems with breathing, sleeping and feeding and other withdrawal symptoms. Treatment sometimes includes methadone and babies may need to be hospitalized for weeks or months.

The study, led by University of Michigan researchers, found that about 21 percent of U.S newborns with withdrawal symptoms in 2013 were from rural counties, up from 13 percent in 2004.

To come up with their estimate, the researchers analyzed a dataset of U.S. hospital discharges compiled by the government's Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The results were published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics.

Earlier studies also found an increase nationwide, and other data show rural areas have been hard hit by the U.S. opioid epidemic.

The new study shows there's an urgent need for more programs to make it easier for women in rural areas to obtain prevention services and treatment for addiction, the researchers said.

——— ONLINE: Newborn abstinence syndrome: http://tinyurl.com/j8ulul6

Westfield Community Education Classes Temporarily Relocated- Spring Registration Announced Westfield Community Education (WCE), the area’s high school equivalency preparation program offering free classes have relocated classes to Western MA Hospital from the Westfield Athenaeum during their renovations.

On January 9, 2017 at 6:00pm at 101 Meadow Street in Westfield, WCE will hold their Spring 2017 Information & Registration night. Registration night attendance is mandatory. New and current students should be prepared to complete registration paperwork and take an assessment test to determine class placement. Spring classes officially begin on January 25, 2017 on the campus of Western MA Hospital, 91 East Mountain Rd in Westfield. Students will be notified of their exact class location before classes begin. For more information, call: 413.336.3100 or visit us online at www.westfieldcommunityeducation.org

Free Hearing Clinic The Southwick Senior Center will be holding a free hearing clinic by Avada Wednesday December 14th.

Appointments start at 9:30am, please call the office at 569-5498 to make one.

Grace Hall Memorial Library Cookie Exchange The Grace Hall Memorial Library in Montgomery will hold its annual Cookie Exchange on Dec. 15 at 7 pm.

Please bring 4 dozen of your favorite holiday cookies and an empty container to fill. Leave the night with dozens of different types of cookies and a smile!

Alzheimer’s Support Group at Armbrook Village December 28, 2016, 6:00 pm at Armbrook Village Senior Living and Memory Support Community, 551 North Road, Westfield. Enjoy a light dinner and a chance to share your personal experiences and strategies for communicating with your loved one! For more information and to RSVP, call (413) 568-0000.

Memory Café at Armbrook Village December 14, 2016, 2:00 pm at Armbrook Village Senior Living and Memory Support Community, 551 North Road, Westfield. Please join us for our monthly Memory Café! We invite caregivers to come with their loved ones who have Alzheimer’s disease and other related memory disorders to enjoy some time to meet other people and partake in some fun! Refreshments will be served and Amy Porchelli of ArtSong Arts Enrichment Program will offer a holiday craft project. For more information and to RSVP, call (413) 568-0000.

In this April 9, 2013, file photo, former NFL player Kevin Turner, left, speaks beside former player Dorsey Levens during a news conference in Philadelphia. The Supreme Court on Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, rejected the final two challenges to the estimated $1 billion settlement between the NFL and thousands of its former players who have been diagnosed with brain injuries linked to repeated concussions. Players who already have been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or dementia could begin receiving payments in 90 to 120 days. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

Supreme Court leaves $1B NFL concussion settlement in place

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the final two challenges to the estimated $1 billion settlement between the NFL and thousands of its former players who have been diagnosed with brain injuries linked to repeated concussions. Players who already have been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's or dementia could begin receiving payments in 90 to 120 days.

"This is a historical moment for the retired player community who, in the face of great adversity, took on the NFL," said attorney Christopher Seeger, who represented the class of more than 20,000 former NFL players now eligible for payments for the next 65 years.

"Despite the difficult health situations retired players face today, and that many more will unfortunately face in the future, they can have peace of mind knowing that this settlement's benefits will finally become available to them and will last for decades to come."

The league has estimated that 6,000 former players — or nearly three in 10 — could develop Alzheimer's disease or moderate dementia. Payments could be as high as $5 million for those with Lou Gehrig's disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS; the average payout is expected to be closer to $190,000.

Seeger said more than 11,000 have pre-registered for benefits.

"We will make sure that every single eligible retired player takes advantage of this settlement's benefits," he told reporters in a conference call. "We will be undertaking a massive education effort to ensure that all former NFL players know about the settlement's benefits and understand how to file a claim."

The class-action lawsuit filed in Philadelphia accused the NFL of hiding what it knew about the link between concussions and chronic traumatic

Hyper • Local

encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease that has been found in dozens of former players after their deaths. Senior U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody approved the deal last year after twice sending it back to lawyers over concerns the fund might run out.

The deal was upheld by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in April.

"We must hesitate before rejecting that bargain based on an unsupported hope that sending the parties back to the negotiating table would lead to a better deal," Judge Thomas L. Ambro wrote for the unanimous three-judge panel that affirmed the settlement.

But two separate petitions — one from the family of late Buffalo Bills fullback Cookie Gilchrist, and the other from a group of 31 players that included including 1996 Super Bowl MVP Larry Brown and Hall of Famer Charles Haley — asked the nation's highest court to stop the settlement. Their requests for a Supreme Court hearing were rejected without comment from the justices on Monday.

The NFL admitted no fault as part of the settlement, though a league official did acknowledge during congressional testimony that there is a link between football and CTE. The deal avoids the need for a trial and means the NFL may never have to disclose what it knew and when about the risks and treatment of repeated concussions.

Still, Seeger said, much progress has been made.

"When this lawsuit was first filed, discussions over concussions and player safety in the NFL were rare, and holding the NFL accountable seemed almost impossible," Seeger said. "But with the help of these players, more and more attention is placed on the issue of safety and head injuries in sports. Those who had the courage to file suit and take on this cause deserve tremendous credit for what they have achieved."

In a statement, NFL spokesman Brian

McCarthy said the league was pleased with the decision.

"We look forward to working with class counsel and Judge Brody to implement the settlement and provide the important benefits that our retired players and their families have been waiting to receive," McCarthy said.

Critics complained that the settlement approved by Brody does not cover future CTE cases. The lead negotiators said they instead set aside compensation for treatment for some CTE symptoms.

That does not include the depression, aggression and mood swings reported by some former players who experienced repeated concussions.

Other payments are expected to be around $4 million for past CTE deaths and $3.5 million for advanced Alzheimer's disease. "They will not need to prove that their diagnosis is the result of NFL football to receive an award," Seeger said.

Players' lawyers who negotiated the deal with the NFL — and stand to split $112 million in fees — say the settlement will help families get needed financial awards or medical testing that might take years if the case went to trial.

Ambro agreed.

"Compensation for players who are coping with these symptoms now is surely preferable to waiting until they die to pay their estates for a CTE diagnosis," the judge wrote.

Seeger closed his comments by thanking former New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles fullback Kevin Turner, who was the lead plaintiff in the litigation. Researchers announced last month that Turner suffered from CTE to a degree that they had not seen for an athlete who died in his 40s.

"It's really important that people understand that without the commitment that Kevin made, it wouldn't be possible to get where we are," Seeger said. "I end this on somewhat of a sad note that Kevin couldn't be here to see this."

When it comes to 21st century multimedia platforms, “hyper local” is a term you hear a lot.

It’s not a new idea. In fact, The Westfield News has been providing readers with “hyper local” news coverage of Westfield, Southwick, and the Hilltowns all along. Television, radio and regional newpapers only provide fleeting coverage of local issues you care about. TV stations and big newspaper publishers, after years of cutbacks and mergers, frankly aren’t able to provide in-depth coverage of smaller markets anymore.

But, day in and day out, The Westfield News provides consistant coverage of the stories you need to know about, that are important to your city, town, neighborhood and home.

The Westfield News Group

62 School Street • Westfield, MA 01085 • (413) 562-4181 The Original

The Westfield News • P ENNYSAVER • Longmeadow News • Enfield Press

PAGE 8 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Land the site for a new school.

Following the vote to pursue the option by the City Council, the request was made for the special meeting of the Community Preservation Commission to consider the application. The city’s right of first refusal runs out on December 20.

“I was surprised that the city picked up the option on those two lots,” said owner William Reed before the CPC meeting.

After running through the history of the request with the CPC, Vinskey told them, “Basically, that’s why we’re here. The City needs to know soon if CPA funds are available or not. It is only two acres of land, and a good chunk of money.”

“Why did they vote in favor?” asked Cynthia Gaylord.

Vinskey explained that they are considering its use by the high school. He said it all depends on how it’s funded.

The Community Preservation Committee could only fund it in one of two categories; open space farmland, or for recreational purposes.

Reed then asked for permission to speak to the committee.

“I was going to cut out those two house lots because there are already houses to the side of them. But the Mayor thought if there are houses there, it would be more of a problem if they wanted to put a school or something there,” Reed said, adding, “I was really surprised when the city took up their option for the two lots. I want to move on.

I’ll keep the seven lots out there for the city if they get their act together.”

“We’ve known about this since August, and yet here it

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

THE HORACE SMITH FUND Continued from Page 1

Scholarship and Fellowship Funds Available

is as an emergency,” commented Thomas Sharp of the Conservation Committee. He said the farm is a beautiful piece of property, and would be a jewel for the city, but agreed with Reed that the two houses on Furrowtown Road wouldn’t impact the scenic beauty of the lot.

Vinskey reminded the CPC that out of the $1.3 million in funds in the account, they have several other proposals they have approved and that are under consideration, including the Hotel Bismark porch renovation, the Streeter property and another farmland property which will be reviewed at the meeting in January, all of which amount to $600,000.

Planning Board representative Peter Fiordalice said that the city is interested in the whole parcel, due to its proximity to the high school. He said he’s always been a proponent of keeping a rural part

of Westfield, but is not in favor of purchasing these two lots. Another member said that the rest of the CPA money would have to be devoted to this project.

“The best way to look at it is as part of a bigger plan that’s unknown,” Vinskey said, adding that the City Council has already decided they want these two lots.

“These two lots, you wouldn’t be getting a lot for the money,” Reed admitted.

Sharp made a motion to advise the City Council that the purchase is not an appropriate use of CPA funds, which passed unanimously.

Following the meeting, Reed said all that he can do now is wait on the city.

Vinskey said it’s not going to be purchased with CPA money, so the city has to find other funds. “The City Council voted to purchase it, this was just a funding source to explore,” he added.

2017 Sons of Erin Colleen Applications are now available for the 36th Annual Colleen Contest and Ball. The contest is open to young women of Irish heritage between the ages of 17 and 22. Applicants must be from Westfield, Southwick, Blandford, Granville, Chester, Huntington, Montgomery, Russell or a daughter/granddaughter of a Sons of Erin member. Applications can be picked up at WHS, WTA, St. Mary’s HS, STRHS, Gateway Regional or the Sons of Erin. Applications must be postmarked by January 14, 2017. The Ball will be held at Chez Josef on February 3, 2017. Tickets will be available for purchase at the Sons of Erin soon. Along with many prizes, the Colleen will be awarded a voucher for a trip to Ireland and will represent Westfield, along with her Court at many events including the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Preschool screening Southwick-TollandGranville Children 3-4 years of age The Southwick-Tolland-Granville regional school district wishes to announce a screening for children who are three and four years of age. This free screening will be held on Friday, January 13, 2017 at the woodland school, 80 Powder Mill Rd, Southwick, MA. Any child, who resides in the towns of Southwick, Tolland or Granville is eligible to participate in this free screening. The screening is a brief survey of a child’s growth in several different areas (i.e.

Readiness skills, speech/language, hearing and vision). This screening is provided for several reasons: To provide families with information on how their child is developing in relation to other children of similar age, To help identify children who may need additional assistance in one of the above developmental areas, and it’s a prerequisite for enrollment as a peer partner in the public school’s preschool program. Southwick-Tolland-Granville regional school district offers a high quality integrated preschool program that is language-based. It is reasonably priced and has a payment plan. If you are interested in placing your child in this preschool setting, please sign up for a free screening and make an appointment to visit our program.

Please call 569-6598 for an appointment before January 13th, 2017 and for more information.

Hanukah Party, Menorah Lighting Ceremony Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm - FREE! Park Square, downtown Westfield & Amelia Park Children’s Museum, 29 Broad St. The Mayor honors the wonderful Jewish community of Westfield on the fourth night of Hanukah for a Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Everyone is welcome. After the ceremony, the folks at Amelia Park Children’s Museum invite everyone back to the museum for Latkes and Lights: A Hanukah Party, complete with latkes, applesauce, music, and family fun. Congregation Ahavas Achim’s Rabbi Efraim Eisen and members of the congregation will be participating in the ceremony and will provide the music and Hanukah songs. Dreidl! Dreidl! Please join us.

Find-the-Snowmen Scavenger Hunt at SPL Count the hidden snowmen in the Children’s Room at Southwick Public Library when you visit us during school vacation week, December 27-31, and you might win a special prize.

Snowman pictures and figures will be hidden in the Children’s Room. When you find them all (check with the librarian to whisper the number you find), you may enter to win a mystery gift.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday, January 2, 2017.

Seated Tai Chi If you have: Parkinson, Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis or similar conditions; asthma / bronchiectasis or a stroke the Seated Tai Chi program is supported by the Arthritis Foundation worldwide; shown by many medical studies to reduces falls, alleviate pain, improves quality of life and better lung capacity. The YMCA of Greater Westfield is offering a Seated Tai Chi class for any individual that has impaired balance that leads to diminishing functional ability and an increased risk of falling. Originating in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey. Many people want to try tai chi, but mobility issues cause them to hesitate. Dr. Paul lam and a team of medical and tai chi experts designed this program to give us a safe and effective way to learn tai chi. The seated version of Tai Chi can be enjoyed by anyone wishing to practice tai chi without the fear of falling. People with almost any chronic condition can learn to improve their health and mobility. Instructor, Ellie D’Allesandro, is board certified Tai chi, seated tai chi and fall prevention tai chi instructor. This program begins January 2nd. Classes will be held Monday and Wednesday 1:15pm-2PM. For more information, contact the YMCA of Greater Westfield, 413. 568.8631

The Horace Smith Fund, now in its 118th year, has scholarship and fellowship money available for graduates of Hampden County public and private high schools. Scholarships awards of $10,000 are distributed as $2,500 annually and renewable each year until graduation.

Fellowship awards of $12,000 are distributed as $4,000 annually and renewable for two additional years. Students must maintain at least a B average in college.

Recipients are selected on a variety of criteria, including their SAT scores, class rank, extracurricular activities, financial need, recommendations, and a personal written account of why the student feels deserving of financial assistance. Fellowship applicants must also submit their GRE scores and transcript. All recipients must be full-time students and residents of Hampden County.

Last year, $258,000 was awarded to 25 individuals. Scholarships were given to 19 graduating seniors from 14 Hampden County high schools. Two scholarships were also awarded to college students to assist them in completing their education. Four fellowships were given to college graduates, who had graduated from Hampden County high schools.

The Horace Smith Fund was established in 1899 by the successful and generous philanthropist named Horace Smith, co-founder of Smith & Wesson, located in Springfield. The scholarships and fellowships are named for Walter S. Barr, a West Springfield businessman, whose widow left the bulk of the family estate to The Horace Smith Fund in 1950.

Completed applications must be received either electronically or be mailed to The Horace Smith Fund at 1441 Main Street, Springfield, no later than February 1st. Applications are available at local high school guidance offices, on-line at www.HoraceSmithFund.org or by phoning (413) 739-4222.

Coloring and Cookies for Teens at the Southwick Public Library Grades 7-12 can come in to the Library on December 20th from 2:30-4:00 to color, chat, and have some cookies! We will have all the coloring sheets, gel pens, and colored pencils that you’ll need to take part in this relaxing activity. For further information, please contact the reference desk at 413-5691221 ex.3.

Westfield Community Education Classes Temporarily Relocated- Spring Registration Announced

Westfield Community Education (WCE), the area’s high school equivalency preparation program offering free classes have relocated classes to Western MA Hospital from the Westfield Athenaeum during their renovations. On January 9, 2017 at 6:00pm at 101 Meadow Street in Westfield, WCE will Carols & Cookies at hold their Spring 2017 Information & Registration night. Registration night attenSouthwick Public Library dance is mandatory. New and current stuChildren and their parents/caregivers are dents should be prepared to complete regisinvited to join us for Cookies & Carols on tration paperwork and take an assessment Wednesday evening, December 21st at 6:30 test to determine class placement. Spring p.m. in the Children’s Room. The Christmas classes officially begin on January 25, 2017 Season will come alive with stories, songs on the campus of Western MA Hospital, 91 and a seasonal craft to bring home. East Mountain Rd in Westfield. Students Registration is not necessary for this pro- will be notified of their exact class location gram. before classes begin. For more information, call: 413.336.3100 or visit us online at www. westfieldcommunityeducation.org Holiday Movie for Teens Christmastime comes once a year! Teens can start their holiday celebrations by coming in on December 22nd at 2:30 to see the Muppets Christmas Carol. Watch the Christmas classic as told by the Muppets!

Rizzo narrates while Kermit plays Bob Cratchit, and Michael Cain plays a fantastic Ebenzer Scrooge! Refreshments will be served. For further information, please contact the reference desk at 413-569-1221 ex.3.

Alzheimer’s Support Group at Armbrook Village December 28, 2016, 6:00 pm at Armbrook Village Senior Living and Memory Support Community, 551 North Road, Westfield. Enjoy a light dinner and a chance to share your personal experiences and strategies for communicating with your loved one! For more information and to RSVP, call (413) 568-0000.

Longmeadow Chamber Music Society Sunday, January 29th, 2017 at 4 p.m. at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, Lauren Winter, principal French horn player in the SSO will be featured in music for horns and a string quartet. She will be joined by her husband, Michael Winter, a French horn player in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and a string quartet from Boston.

They will be performing music by Beethoven, Schubert, and Gunther Schuller.

Longmeadow Chamber Music Society Friday, April 21st, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. at First Church of Christ in Longmeadow, will feature music for piano and strings including the exciting piano quintet by Dohnanyi. The performers will be Joel Pitchon and Marsha Harbison, violins, Ronald Gorevic, viola, Volcy Pelletier, cello, and pianist to be announced.

50th Reunion Announced for Tech High Class of 1967 Technical High - Springfield, MA, Class of 1967 will hold its 50th Class Reunion from September 29 to October 1, 2017. A full weekend of exciting activities are being planned for this significant milestone with a dinner banquet and live entertainment set for Saturday evening September 30 at the Sheraton Monarch Place Hotel in Springfield, MA. If anyone is aware of classmates who may not have heard about the reunion, either send us their name and contact info or have them email Carolyn or Pam and the Reunion Committee will follow through. Names and information should be emailed to 1967Tech50th@gmail.com

Southwick Senior Center FREE hearing clinic The Southwick Senior Center will be holding a FREE hearing clinic by Ear Masters, Monday, January 23rd. Hearing screenings will be done, hearing aides cleaned and free batteries are offered.

Appointments are needed, please call the office at 569-5498 to make on.

Southwick Senior Center Trip Railroad Hobby Show Eastern States Expo Saturday January 28, 2016 Leave the center at 10:00am Cost is $17.00 Stop for lunch afterwards at Take 5 (at your own expense)

Southwick Senior Center Trip Little Theater of Manchester At Cheney Hall The Show is Calendar Girls. A comedy about some girls that wanted to raise money to buy some things for a Hospital. Sunday February 5, 2017. Leave the center at 11:00am.

Stop for lunch at Hartford Road Pizza.

Then go to the show which starts at 2:00pm.

Southwick Senior Center FREE hearing clinic The Southwick Senior Center will be holding a FREE hearing clinic by Avada Hearing, Wednesday, February 8th beginning at 9:30am. Hearing screenings may be done and hearing aides cleaned.

Appointments are needed, please call the center to make one at 569-5498

Southwick Senior Center Trip Mohegan Sun Casino Tuesday February 14, 2017 Cost is $24.00 pp Receive $15.00 meal credit or free buffet and a $20.00 Bet Leave the center at 8:00am Leave Casino at 3:30pm Sign up and pay in the office by January 16th. Or call 569-5498

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 9

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

SPORTS

Westfield athletic director Eileen Flaherty presents Westfield High School boys’ varsity baseball head coach Rich Discenza with a game ball after collecting his 200th career victory. (Photo by Chris Putz)

WHS baseball coach Rich Discenza exits. (Photo by Chris Putz)

Legendary exit

By CHRIS PUTZ Staff Writer WESTFIELD – Earlier last season, Westfield High School baseball coach Rich Discenza recorded his 200th victory in front of a packed crowd at Bullens Field. Former players, alumni, and notable local coaching legends like Tom Sgroi descended upon the baseball diamond after the Bombers upended preseason favorite Central, the defending Western Massachusetts Division 1 champs, 10-3.

There was a brief ceremony following the game, Westfield High School director Eileen Flaherty and that season’s current crop of Bombers’ baseball players presented Discenza with a game ball.

It was a touching moment and symbolic in many ways – Discenza was having a ball in more ways than one.

“I told the kids (recently) that the moments I enjoyed the most were when we practiced at the high school, and we were the only team there,” Discenza said. “We had outlasted everyone else. All the other (sports) teams had hung their jerseys up, handed their equipment in, and we’re still going.”

While the team is expected to outlast the rest of the field again next spring – Westfield is likely to be the preseason favorite to capture the D1 title with a strong crop of returning ball players – it won’t be quite the same.

Discenza will absent from the city’s field of dreams as he is stepping down as head coach of the Westfield Bombers, citing plans to

move down south to St. Petersburg, Florida.

“It’s just time,” Discenza said in a recent interview with The Westfield News. “I’ve been doing this since 1974.”

Discenza, a football player and fledgling baseball player at Cathedral High, graduated the school in 1967. A short time after graduation, he followed his father’s advice to give back to the school and community by becoming an assistant coach at the school.

“I kept trying to make the varsity baseball team, but I kept getting cut,” Discenza said.

Despite not getting his chance to shine on the diamond, he truly made the grade as a coach.

In 1975, Discenza became the varsity baseball coach at Cathedral. Twenty years later, Discenza took over as freshman coach at Westfield High where he said he “had some of the best times of his life” helping develop young talent at the school. In 2009, he became the varsity head coach.

In just eight seasons as head coach of the Westfield Bombers, Discenza captured three Western Massachusetts Division 1 baseball championships. He contributed to a rich tradition forged by previous local coaching legends Sgroi and Jim Jachym.

Discenza says don’t thank them though for creating a winning atmosphere at the school, but rather look elsewhere when you’re looking to praise them for their efforts.

“We’re only as strong as the kids we get,” Discenza said. “They’re the secret to the whole deal. The (city’s) Little League and

Westfield coach Rich Discenza, rear right, meets with the team during a timeout during a 2014 regular season game. (Staff photo)

Babe Ruth program – they’ve made our program successful … It’s the kids and the parents.”

Discenza said one of his most memorable players was All-Western Massachusetts outfielder Jeff Crawford, who volunteered to catch his senior year (2009) for the good of his team.

“He gave us some strength behind the plate, allowed us to move some people around and give us some success,” the longtime coach explained.

That unselfish play is what helped elevate Westfield to a championship in 2009.

“I went (to WMass) twice with Cathedral and succeeded,” Discenza said, “but it was nice to get that first one under my belt in my first year (with Westfield).”

Westfield would go on to win consecutive titles in 2012 and 2013.

In recent seasons, Discenza fought off health issues like one of his batters’s fouling off consecutive pitches to extend an at-bat.

Assistant coach Mike Kennedy, who was recently named the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association’s “Assistant Coach of the Year,” stepped up to fill the void as interim head coach. Kennedy is a likely candidate to Westfield High School baseball coach Rich Discenza, left, poses with former legendary head replace Discenza in 2017. coach Tom Sgroi following Discenza’s 200th career victory. (Photo by Chris Putz) Kennedy said Discenza’s attention to detail

and preparation for the next game is what set him apart from his peers.

“He would have stats, and he would go over those statistics in practices, prepare for situations,” Kennedy explained.

Although Westfield figures to put a championship-caliber squad out on the field in the coming year, the Bombers are slated to play one of their most challenging schedules.

“This is certainly a mature group of motivated kids,” Discenza said. “They need to be led, but they don’t have to be driven.”

One of those players sitting in the driver’s seat is senior first baseman Sean Moorhouse.

“The emotion that coach ‘D’ had – we felt that,” Moorhouse said. “He loves the game.

He knows how to motivate through his humor, but being serious at the same time. He made his presence felt.”

Discenza not only coached Sean and his older brother, Evan, but also was their father’s gym teacher as well in school several years ago.

“It’s so very cool to be a part of his story,” said Sean Moorhouse. “Now it’s time for others who are willing to step up. Guys will be ready for the challenge.”

It is time to turn the page on the next chapter.

Westfield State University baseball program to host winter clinic WESTFIELD — The Westfield State University baseball program is hosting a winter clinic for players aged 9-18 on Saturday, Jan. 21 and Saturday, Jan. 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Woodward Center.

Position specific instruction will be provided by the

Westfield State coaching staff and current college players.

The focus of the clinic will be on offensive and defensive skill development via individual instruction, drill work and competitions.

The cost is $35 per day or $60 for both days; all proceeds

help support the Owls spring training trip to Florida. Space is limited and the deadline for registration is Jan. 17.

Contact Westfield State head baseball coach Nathan Bashaw at nbashaw@westfield.ma.edu, or 413-572-8155, for additional information or questions.

Find the latest Westfield News sports coverage on

PAGE 10 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

WINTER ’16-17 HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULE GATEWAY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Tuesday, Dec. 13 No Sports Scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 14 WRESTLING at Southwick, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Box Out Cancer Challenge vs. Westfield Technical Academy, Westfield Technical Academy High School, 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Box Out Cancer Challenge vs. St. Mary, Westfield Technical Academy High School, 7 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Smith Academy, Sherry A. Webb Gymnasium, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Smith Academy, Sherry A. Webb Gymnasium, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19 No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 20 No Sports Scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 21 No Sports Scheduled Thursday, Dec. 22 JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Easthampton, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Easthampton, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. McCann Tech, 5 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. McCann Tech, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 26 No Sports Scheduled

WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL

Tuesday, Dec. 27 No Sports Scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 28 WRESTLING at Smith Voke, 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 No Sports Scheduled Friday, Dec. 30 No Sports Scheduled Mon., Jan. 2 No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 3 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pathfinder, 5:30 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Franklin Tech, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pathfinder, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Franklin Tech, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 No Sports Scheduled Thursday, Jan. 5 JB BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. John J. Duggan Academy, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pathfinder, 5 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pathfinder, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 9 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Smith Voke, 5 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Smith Vocational, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 BOYS’/GIRLS’ SWIMMING at Monson, Quarry Hill Elementary School, 4 p.m.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Minnechaug, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Minnechaug, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. West Springfield, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. West Springfield, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 ICE HOCKEY at West Springfield, Olympia Rink, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 BOYS’/GIRLS’ SWIMMING at Agawam, Agawam Junior High School, 4 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Belchertown, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ INDOOR TRACK vs. Central @ Smith College, 6:45 p.m.

GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK vs. Putnam @ Smith College, 6:45 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Belchertown, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 WRESTLING @ Longmeadow Early Bird Tournament, Longmeadow High School, 9 a.m.

ICE HOCKEY vs. Shrewsbury, Tabor Academy Ice Rink, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18 ICE HOCKEY vs. TBD, Tabor Academy Ice Rink, Time TBA Monday, Dec. 19 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Holyoke, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Holyoke, 7 p.m.

ST. MARY HIGH SCHOOL Tuesday, Dec. 20 BOYS’/GIRLS’ SWIMMING vs. South Hadley, 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 Middle School North, 5 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Chicopee Comp, 5:30 No Sports Scheduled ICE HOCKEY vs. Mount Everett, Amelia Park Ice p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 Arena, 8 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Chicopee Comp, 7 p.m.

ICE HOCKEY vs. Belchertown, Amelia Park Ice Thursday, Dec. 22 ICE HOCKEY at East Longmeadow, Olympia Ice Arena, 8 p.m.

No Sports Scheduled Center, 8:20 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 Friday, Dec. 23 Wednesday, Dec. 21 BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Box Out Cancer Challenge ICE HOCKEY vs. Taconic, Amelia Park Ice Arena, 2 WRESTLING vs.

Southwick, 7 p.m. vs. Smith Voke, Westfield Technical Academy High p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 School, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Commerce, Westfield JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Central, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 Middle School North, 6 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Holyoke, 6 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Box Out Cancer Challenge Monday, Dec. 26 BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Central, 7 p.m. vs. Gateway, Westfield Technical Academy High ICE HOCKEY at Greenfield, Collins-Moylan Arena, 5 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Holyoke, 7:30 p.m.

School, 5 p.m. p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23 Monday, Dec. 19 Tuesday, Dec. 27 No Sports Scheduled JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Baystate Academy ICE HOCKEY vs. Turners Falls, Amelia Park Ice Monday, Dec. 26 Charter Public School, Westfield Middle School Arena, 2 p.m.

No Sports Scheduled South, 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 Tuesday, Dec. 27 BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Baystate Academy Charter No Sports Scheduled JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs.

Public School, Westfield Middle School South, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 Northampton, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pioneer Valley Christian ICE HOCKEY vs.

Wachusett, No Sports Scheduled Academy, 5:30 p.m.

Amelia Park Arena, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pioneer Valley Christian GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs.

Northampton, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Mount Everett, Westfield Academy, 7 p.m.

WESTFIELD TECHNICAL ACADEMY Tuesday, Dec. 13 Wednesday, Jan. 4 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Sci-Tech, 6 p.m.

Smith Academy, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5 BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Smith Academy, 7 p.m.

No Sports Scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 14 Friday, Jan. 6 No Sports Scheduled GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Putnam, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 Monday, Jan. 9 BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Box Out Cancer Challenge JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. McCann Tech, 5:30 vs. Gateway, 5 p.m. p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. McCann Tech, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL @ Box Out Cancer Challenge Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. Smith Voke, 5 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Commerce, 6 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19 Wednesday, Jan. 11 No Sports Scheduled No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 20 Thursday, Jan. 12 No Sports Scheduled JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at St. Mary, Westfield Wednesday, Dec. 21 Middle School North, 5:30 p.m.

No Sports Scheduled BOYS’ BASKETBALL at St. Mary, Westfield Middle Thursday, Dec. 22 School South, 7 p.m.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pioneer Valley Friday, Jan. 13 Christian Academy, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. John J. Duggan BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 5 p.m.

Academy, 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 16 Friday, Dec. 23 No Sports Scheduled No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 17 Monday, Dec. 26 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Gateway, 4 p.m.

No Sports Scheduled JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Smith Voke, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Smith Voke, 7 p.m.

No Sports Scheduled Wednesday, Jan. 18 Wednesday, Dec. 28 No Sports Scheduled No Sports Scheduled Thursday, Jan. 19 Thursday, Dec. 29 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pathfinder, 5:30 p.m.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Hampden Charter BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pathfinder, 7 p.m.

School of Science, Dunbar Community Center, 4 Friday, Jan. 20 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Franklin Tech, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Hampden Charter School Monday, Jan. 23 of Science, Dunbar Community Center, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Smith Voke, 6 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Hampden Charter School Tuesday, Jan. 24 of Science, Dunbar Community Center, 7 p.m.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Gateway, 5 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 30 Wednesday, Jan. 25 No Sports Scheduled No Sports Scheduled Mon., Jan. 2 Thursday, Jan. 26 No Sports Scheduled GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. St. Mary, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 3 Friday, Jan. 27 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Franklin Tech, 5:30 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pioneer Valley Christian p.m.

Academy, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Franklin Tech, 7 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Watertown, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Watertown, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 WRESTLING @ Phil Tomkiel Holiday Tournament, Agawam High School, 9 a.m.

ICE HOCKEY vs. Guilford, Ingalis Rink 3:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 30 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Agawam, 5:30 p.m.

ICE HOCKEY vs. Danbury, Ingalis Rink, 6 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Agawam, 7 p.m.

Mon., Jan. 2 No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 3 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Commerce, 5:30 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Northampton, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Commerce, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Northampton, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 ICE HOCKEY vs. Longmeadow, Amelia Park Arena, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING vs. Longmeadow, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5 No Sports Scheduled Friday, Jan. 6 BOYS’/GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK vs. Longmeadow @ Smith College, 3:45 p.m.

BOYS’/GIRLS’ SWIMMING at East Longmeadow, 4 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at West Springfield, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at West Springfield, 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 9 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pope Francis, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pope Francis, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 BOYS’/GIRLS’ SWIMMING at Longmeadow, 4 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Central, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Central, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 ICE HOCKEY vs. Ludlow, Amelia Park Arena, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING at Ludlow, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Sci-Tech, 5:30 p.m.

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

ICE HOCKEY at Agawam, Olympia Ice Center, 6:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Sci-Tech, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 BOYS’/GIRLS’ SWIMMING at Amherst-Pelham, Amherst Regional Middle School, 4 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Chicopee, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Chicopee, 7 p.m.

SOUTHWICK-TOLLAND REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL Tuesday, Dec. 13 BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. John J. Duggan Academy, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 WRESTLING vs. Gateway, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Palmer, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Palmer, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 BOYS’/GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK vs. Ludlow @ Smith College, 3:45 p.m.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Frontier, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Frontier, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19 No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 20 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. McCann Tech, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 21 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING at Westfield, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Ware, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Ware, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 23 GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Pioneer Valley Regional, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 26 No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Dec. 27 No Sports Scheduled Wednesday, Dec. 28 No Sports Scheduled Thursday, Dec. 29 WRESTLING @ Phil Tomkiel Holiday Tournament, Agawam High School, 9 a.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Palmer, 7 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 30 JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Ware, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Ware, 7 p.m.

Mon., Jan. 2 No Sports Scheduled Tuesday, Jan. 3 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Baystate Academy Charter Public School, 5:30 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Pope Francis, Dupont Middle School, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Baystate Academy Charter Public School, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Pope Francis, Dupont Middle School, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Hampshire, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Hampshire, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING at Granby, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Granby, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Granby, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 BOYS’/GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK vs. Mohawk, Mahar @ Smith College, 3:45 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Turners Falls, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Turners Falls, 7 p.m.

Sun., Jan. 8 JV ICE HOCKEY vs. Westfield, Olympia Ice Center, Time TBD Monday, Jan. 9 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Hampshire, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL at Hampshire, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Greenfield, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Greenfield, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 11 BOYS’ BASKETBALL at John J. Duggan Academy, 7 p.m.

WRESTLING vs. Franklin Tech, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 SKIING – PVIAC Race, Berkshire East Ski, 5 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Renaissance, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Renaissance, 7 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL at Mohawk Trail, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 15 JV ICE HOCKEY at Wahconah, Olympia Ice Center, Time TBD Monday, Jan. 16 Tuesday, Jan. 17 SKIING – PVIAC Race, Berkshire East Ski, 5 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Palmer, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Palmer, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 18 WRESTLING at Sabis, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19 SKIING – PVIAC Race, Berkshire East Ski, 5 p.m.

JV BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs.

Easthampton, 5:30 p.m.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL vs. Easthampton, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 BOYS’/GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK vs. Athol, West Springfield @ Smith College, 3:45 p.m.

JV GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Smith Academy, 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL vs. Smith Academy, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 22 JV ICE HOCKEY vs. Ludlow, Olympia Ice Center, Time TBD

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 11

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

MNF: Late Brady TD pass helps Patriots hold off Ravens

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots needed a big play, and Tom Brady delivered — again.

Brady connected with Chris Hogan for a 79-yard touchdown pass in the fourth quarter to help the Patriots to a 30-23 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

Brady threw for 406 yards and three touchdowns, becoming the fourth NFL quarterback with at least 450 career touchdown passes. He also threw just his second interception of the season.

LeGarrette Blount rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries, passing 1,000 yards for the first time since his rookie season with Tampa Bay in 2010.

The Patriots (11-2) have won four straight games and eight of their last nine as they continue to inch toward their eighth straight AFC East title.

"It was a big game for us," Brady said.

"You play at home in December on Monday night against a great defense, it was important for us to come out and play well. We knew it was gonna be a 60-minute game."

The Ravens (7-6) had won two in a row.

They now face a challenging route to the playoffs with two of their last three on the road.

Joe Flacco did his best to keep Baltimore in the game, finishing 37 of 52 for 324 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The 37 completions set a franchise record.

The Patriots led 23-3 before the Ravens turned back-to-back New England fumbles on special teams into touchdowns.

New England still had a 23-17 lead in the fourth quarter when the Ravens drove to the Patriots 12 before Flacco was sacked by Rob Ninkovich, forcing Baltimore to settle for a field goal.

The Ravens entered the week with the NFL's top-ranked defense, giving up just 296.1 yards per game. But the Patriots defense shined early on, limiting the Ravens to just three points and 142 yards in the first half.

The Ravens rushed only four times for 7 yards in the opening 30 minutes, and were just 3 for 8 on third downs.

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hands off to running back LeGarrette Blount (29) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

bust," Ravens linebacker Zach Orr said of Brady's touchdown to Hogan. "If you miss an assignment, Tom Brady and those guys will exploit that to the max."

BLOCKED Patriots linebacker Shea McClellin showed off his athleticism in the first quarter by hurdling the Ravens' line and then blocking Justin Tucker's 34-yard field goal attempt. It was part of a big first half for McClellin, who was also involved in five total tackles in the opening 30 minutes.

SCORING DEFENSE New England's defense was the first unit to get on the scoreboard. After Ryan Allen's punt was downed on the 1, Dixon was swarmed in the end zone and brought down by Malcolm Butler for a safety.

It was the Patriots' third safety of the season — a franchise record. They also got one on Oct. 9 against Cleveland when Browns quarterback Cody Kessler fumbled the ball out of the end zone and the following week when Dont'a Hightower sacked Cincinnati's Andy Dalton in the end zone.

INJURIES Ravens: CB Jimmy Smith left in the first quarter with an ankle injury.

UP NEXT Ravens: Host the Eagles Sunday in their final home game of the regular season.

Patriots: Play two of their final three on the road, beginning Sunday with a trip to Denver.

FUMBLED AWAY QUOTABLE The Patriots appeared to be in control after "It's something that we preach about, through Martellus Bennett's 19-yard touchdown the whole OTA's, camp, preseason and all that. reception made it 23-3 with 8:45 to play in the We want to eliminate big plays. We had a third. But Cyrus Jones couldn't get out of the way of Sam Koch's 53-yard punt. It brushed off his foot as it fell to the turf and was picked up by Chris Moore on New England's 3. The Ravens scored two plays later.

AMERICAN CONFERENCE The Patriots then gave Baltimore another East gift on the ensuing kickoff when returner Matt

W L T Pct PF PA Home Away Slater lost the ball after a hit by Patrick Onwuasor. Shareece Wright recovered for the New England 11 2 0 .846 349 230 5-2-0 6-0-0 Ravens, and Flacco threw an 8-yard touch- Miami 8 5 0 .615 281 301 6-1-0 2-4-0 down pass to Kenneth Dixon.

Buffalo 6 7 0 .462 325 301 3-3-0 3-4-0 "I think there were some plays I wish we all N.Y. Jets 4 9 0 .308 229 324 1-5-0 3-4-0 could have had back," Brady said. "But South they're a competitive team. They force you

W L T Pct PF PA Home Away into some errors. It was great to finish the Houston 7 6 0 .538 229 274 5-1-0 2-5-0 game with the ball in our hands. We always Tennessee

7 6 0 .538 321 306 4-3-0 3-3-0 love doing that."

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Indianapolis Jacksonville

Pittsburgh Baltimore Cincinnati Cleveland

Kansas City Oakland Denver San Diego

New England Patriots' Matthew Slater (18) loses the ball on a kickoff return during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

6 7 2 11

0 0

W L 8 5 7 6 5 7 0 13

T 0 0 1 0

W 10 10 8 5

L T 3 0 3 0 5 0 8 0

W x-Dallas 11 N.Y. Giants 9 Washington 7 Philadelphia 5

L 2 4 5 8

T 0 0 1 0

W Atlanta 8 Tampa Bay 8 New Orleans 5 Carolina 5

L 5 5 8 8

T 0 0 0 0

W L Detroit 9 4 Green Bay 7 6 Minnesota 7 6 Chicago 3 10

T 0 0 0 0

Seattle Arizona Los Angeles San Francisco

T 1 1 0 0

W 8 5 4 1

L 4 7 9 12

.462 .154

328 240

AFC 8-1-0 5-4-0 3-6-0 3-6-0

NFC 3-1-0 3-1-0 3-1-0 1-3-0

Div 3-1-0 2-1-0 1-3-0 1-2-0

AFC 5-4-0 4-5-0 4-6-0 1-8-0

NFC 2-2-0 3-1-0 2-1-0 1-3-0

Div 4-0-0 1-3-0 2-3-0 1-2-0

333 3-4-0 3-3-0 338 1-6-0 1-5-0 North Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div .615 317 256 4-2-0 4-3-0 6-3-0 2-2-0 2-1-0 .538 279 237 5-2-0 2-4-0 7-3-0 0-3-0 4-0-0 .423 268 269 3-2-1 2-5-0 4-5-0 1-2-1 2-2-0 .000 207 375 0-7-0 0-6-0 0-9-0 0-4-0 0-5-0 West Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div .769 302 255 5-1-0 5-2-0 7-2-0 3-1-0 4-0-0 .769 358 320 5-2-0 5-1-0 7-2-0 3-1-0 2-2-0 .615 296 242 4-2-0 4-3-0 5-4-0 3-1-0 1-3-0 .385 350 347 3-3-0 2-5-0 4-5-0 1-3-0 1-3-0 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div .846 340 238 5-1-0 6-1-0 7-2-0 4-0-0 3-2-0 .692 255 244 6-1-0 3-3-0 6-3-0 3-1-0 3-1-0 .577 330 317 4-2-0 3-3-1 5-4-0 2-1-1 3-2-0 .385 290 272 4-2-0 1-6-0 3-7-0 2-1-0 0-4-0 South Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div .615 428 345 3-3-0 5-2-0 6-3-0 2-2-0 3-1-0 .615 293 296 3-4-0 5-1-0 6-3-0 2-2-0 3-1-0 .385 358 351 3-4-0 2-4-0 4-5-0 1-3-0 1-3-0 .385 311 337 4-3-0 1-5-0 4-5-0 1-3-0 1-3-0 North Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div .692 295 268 6-1-0 3-3-0 7-2-0 2-2-0 3-2-0 .538 333 312 5-2-0 2-4-0 5-4-0 2-2-0 2-1-0 .538 258 225 4-2-0 3-4-0 4-6-0 3-0-0 1-3-0 .231 221 290 3-3-0 0-7-0 3-6-0 0-4-0 2-2-0 West Pct PF PA Home Away AFC NFC Div .654 274 232 6-0-0 2-4-1 4-4-1 4-0-0 1-1-1 .423 299 277 4-2-1 1-5-0 4-4-1 1-3-0 2-1-1 .308 194 304 1-5-0 3-4-0 3-6-0 1-3-0 2-1-0 .077 251 393 1-6-0 0-6-0 1-8-0 0-4-0 1-3-0

x-clinched playoff spot ——— Thursday’s Games Kansas City 21, Oakland 13 Sunday’s Games Cincinnati 23, Cleveland 10 Detroit 20, Chicago 17 Tennessee 13, Denver 10 Pittsburgh 27, Buffalo 20 Washington 27, Philadelphia 22 Minnesota 25, Jacksonville 16 Houston 22, Indianapolis 17 Carolina 28, San Diego 16 Miami 26, Arizona 23 Tampa Bay 16, New Orleans 11 N.Y. Jets 23, San Francisco 17, OT Green Bay 38, Seattle 10 Atlanta 42, Los Angeles 14 N.Y. Giants 10, Dallas 7 Monday’s Games New England 30, Baltimore 23

Thursday, Dec. 15 Los Angeles at Seattle, 8:25 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 Miami at N.Y. Jets, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 18 Philadelphia at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Detroit at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Tennessee at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Green Bay at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Indianapolis at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m.

New Orleans at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

San Francisco at Atlanta, 4:05 p.m.

New England at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Oakland at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 19 Carolina at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

Have You BEAT ‘THE PUTZ’ Lately?

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, right, celebrates his touchdown pass to Chris Hogan, left, during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

You’ll have your chance starting Sept. 3rd - Check Sports in The Westfield News!

PAGE 12 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

Dear Annie

By ANNIE LANE

A Companion for All Time Dear Annie: Ten years ago, I was transferred to Chicago for work. I didn’t know anyone and found myself very lonely the first year. One winter night while I was out picking up Chinese takeout for dinner, I heard barking and saw a little black and white puppy under a tree. I looked around everywhere and saw no signs of an owner. He was very young, and it was very cold, so I took him home.

I put up signs with his picture, saying I had found him. No one responded. I decided it was safe to “adopt” him. I named him Snoopy.

Having the companionship of a dog really helped with my loneliness. I went out for walks and took him to the dog park on weekends. Snoopy even helped me meet my husband. You see, one Saturday afternoon at the dog park, Snoopy started playing with a huge black Labrador. The Lab’s owner came up to me, and we struck up a conversation. Long story short, we were married within three years. (We had our dogs walk down the aisle to give them credit for introducing us.)

Fast-forward 10 years. Snoopy was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma. The vet gave him three months to live. My husband and I were devastated. I simply couldn’t imagine life without this dog. He had been such a wonderful companion to us. Two months after his diagnosis, he passed away. Since then, I have been so depressed. I am having trouble concentrating at work. This companion who was there through so much of my life is now gone. My husband is sad, too, but keeps trying to tell me to snap out of it. I am so sad; I can’t. How can I get over this loss? -- Grieving for Snoopy Dear Grieving: I am so sorry for your loss. I, too, am an animal lover and understand how much animals truly are members of the family. It sounds as if you gave Snoopy a great home. Take comfort in knowing that you gave him a wonderful life, the best life he could have asked for. Though you will never forget Snoopy, I promise that time will lessen the pain.

He will always live on in your heart. I’ve always found comfort in a poem by Steve and Diane Bodofsky, “The Rainbow Bridge”: “By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill, is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

“Where the friends of man and woman do run, when their time on earth is over and done.

“For here, between this world and the next, is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

“On this golden land, they wait and they play, till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

“No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness, for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

“Their limbs are restored, their health renewed, their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

“They romp through the grass, without even a care, until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

“All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

“For just at that instant, their eyes have met; together again, both person and pet.

“So they run to each other, these friends from long past, the time of their parting is over at last.

“The sadness they felt while they were apart, has turned into joy once more in each heart.

“They embrace with a love that will last forever, and then, side-by-side, they cross over... together.”

Copyright 1998 Steve and Diane Bodofsky. All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission. http://www.newrainbowbridge.com Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators. com. To find out more about Annie Lane visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

HINTS FROM HELOISE BRANCHING OUT FROM ENVELOPES Dear Heloise: Most companies today want us to PAY BILLS ONLINE and go paperless. This makes me nervous, so I continue to pay as many bills as possible by mail. One month, instead of paying my credit card by mail, I made a branch payment. I was surprised when my bill came the next month but there was no envelope included for mailing it. Instead, there was a note on the bill that stated the company noticed I had made a payment in person and it was not mailing an envelope so I could continue to make payments in person (no envelope necessary).

I had to call and ask the company to please keep sending me the envelopes whether I paid in person or by mail. They agreed, but explained it was simply an effort to save paper.

-- Jim R., Omaha, Neb. This is a new trend that can be frustrating to those used to paying by check and mail. A good hint, though, is to do what you did and call the company. -- Heloise WIPE CLEAN Dear Heloise: It is a good hint to wipe your telephones and remote controls occasionally with antibacterial cloths to guard against cold and flu germs and grime. -- Susan in Crawford, Texas Don’t forget doorknobs and handles throughout the house!

-- Heloise

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

TV Sports Tonight TUESDAY, DEC. 13 COLLEGE BASKETBALL

NHL HOCKEY 7 P.M. NBCSN — CHICAGO AT N.Y. RANGERS SOCCER 2:40 P.M. NBCSN — PREMIER LEAGUE, ARSENAL AT EVERTON 2:20 A.M. (WEDNESDAY) FS1 — FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP, FIFTH PLACE, JEONBUK (SOUTH KOREA) VS. MAMELODI (SOUTH AFRICA), AT OSAKA, JAPAN WOMEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 7 P.M. BTN — SETON HALL AT RUTGERS

7 P.M. ESPNU — SOUTH CAROLINA ST. AT CLEMSON FS1 — TEMPLE AT VILLANOVA SEC — TENNESSEE TECH AT TENNESSEE 9 P.M. BTN — CENT. ARKANSAS AT MICHIGAN SEC — NC CENTRAL AT LSU NBA BASKETBALL 8 P.M. ESPN — MINNESOTA AT CHICAGO 10:30 P.M. ESPN — OKLAHOMA CITY AT PORTLAND

Cowboys-Giants a ratings winner for NBC NEW YORK (AP) — The Giants' win over the Cowboys on Sunday night was the most-watched prime-time NFL telecast this season.

It also drew NBC's biggest audience for a Sunday game since Week 1 of 2015, according to The Nielsen Company.

A total audience of 26.7 million viewers across NBC and NBC Sports Digital platforms tuned in. The 26.5 million viewers solely watching on NBC was a high for a prime-time NFL game since 1989. Those numbers also were up 26 percent from the Week 14 game last year, Patriots vs. Texans.

TV viewership for Cowboys-Giants peaked at 28.1 million from 11:30-11:35 p.m. EST for the game's final minutes.

NBC Sports Digital reached 1.2 million unique users, NBC's best-ever totals for a Sunday NFL game, excluding Super Bowls.

Ravens, Patriots stats

BEAT ‘THE PUTZ’

Baltimore 0 3 14 6—23 New England 9 7 7 7—30 First Quarter NE_safety, 10:47.

NFL FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

NE_Blount 1 run (Gostkowski kick), 1:04.

Pick Sunday NFL Games, Beat Our Sports Guy & Win!

Second Quarter NE_Mitchell 6 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 9:28.

• Entry forms will appear in Monday thru Friday’s printed editions of The Westfield News.

• Original entry forms must be used. No duplications or copies will be accepted.

• Completed Entry Forms must be postmarked by midnight on Friday of that week’s contest.

Bal_FG Tucker 50, :11.

Third Quarter NE_Bennett 19 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 8:45.

• The Putz’s Picks will appear in the Saturday edition of The Westfield News.

• Beat ‘The Putz’ AND finish with the best record overall to claim that week’s gift certificate.

• Each weekly winner will be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE drawing!!

Bal_Waller 3 pass from Flacco (Tucker kick), 6:50.

Bal_Dixon 8 pass from Flacco (Tucker kick), 5:24.

Fourth Quarter Bal_FG Tucker 38, 6:35.

NE_Hogan 79 pass from Brady (Gostkowski kick), 6:18.

Bal_FG Tucker 37, 2:03.

A_66,829.

Bal NE First downs 17 20 Total Net Yards 348 496 Rushes-yards 14-42 26-95 Passing 306 401 Punt Returns 1-12 2-7 Kickoff Returns 2-40 3-56 Interceptions Ret. 1-14 1-0 Comp-Att-Int 37-52-1 25-38-1 Sacked-Yards Lost 2-18 1-5 Punts 6-48.2 6-49.0 Fumbles-Lost 0-0 2-2 Penalties-Yards 8-47 5-48 Time of Possession 30:46 29:14 ——— INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS RUSHING_Baltimore, Dixon 11-39, West 2-2, Flacco 1-1. New England, Blount 18-72, D.Lewis 3-14, Hogan 2-7, White 2-3, Brady 1-(minus 1).

PASSING_Baltimore, Flacco 37-52-1-324. New England, Brady 25-38-1406.

RECEIVING_Baltimore, Dixon 8-42, Wallace 5-52, S.Smith 4-57, West 4-24, Pitta 4-18, Perriman 3-52, Juszczyk 3-46, Boyle 3-15, Aiken 1-10, Moore 1-5, Waller 1-3. New England, Edelman 7-73, Hogan 5-129, Bennett 4-70, Mitchell 4-41, White 3-81, Blount 1-7, D.Lewis 1-5.

MISSED FIELD GOALS_ None.

THIS WEEK’S ENTRY FORM SPONSORED BY:

TAVERN R •E •S •T •A •U •R •A •N •T Open For Lunch & Dinner 7 Days • 7 Nights

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6 Big Screen TVs - NFL Sports Package Live Entertainment Thursday thru Sunday

NFL FOOTBALL CHALLENGE

NFL SCHEDULE - WEEK 15 Sunday, December 18 Green Bay at Jacksonville at Cleveland at Philadelphia at Tennessee at Detroit at Indianapolis at Pittsburgh New Orleans at San Francisco at New England at Oakland

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NAME: _______________________ ADDRESS: _______________________ _______________________ _______________________ PHONE:________________ CHECK YOUR PICKS & MAIL OR DROP OFF YOUR ENTRY TO: Beat the Putz c/o The Westfield News 62 School Street Westfield, MA 01085

TOTAL POINTS: ________

This contest is open to any/all readers eighteen (18) years of age or older, unless otherwise specified by the Westfield News Group, LLC Contest is open to U.S. residents only. The Westfield News employees and their relatives are not eligible for the contest. Odds of winning a prize will depend on the number of qualified entries. All contest entries become the sole property of Westfield News Group, LLC Only one winner or qualifier per family or household will be allowed. The decision of Westfield News Group, LLC , is final. Alll contestants acknowledge as a condition of entry, that Westfield News Group, LLC has a right to publicize or broadcast the winner’s name, character, likeness, voice, or all matters incidental herein. All prizes are non-transferable and void where prohibited by law. No cash substitution of prizes allowed. Winners understand and agree that they are responsible for any and all taxes incurred on prizes received within the year of winning. If required by Westfield News Group, LLC , or its affiliates, winners must sign a liability release prior to receiving their prize. Prizes will be mailed either first, second, or third class U.S. Mail at the discretion of Westfield News Group, LLC. If the prize is to be mailed, it is the responsibly of the winners to provide Westfield News Group, LLC with a current and correct mailing address. Westfield News Group, LLC is not responsible for, nor obligated to replace, any lost, stolen, or damaged prize sent through the U.S. Mail. If the winner is instructed by Westfield News Group, LLC or its affiliates to personally pick up their prize, it must be claimed within thirty (30) calendar days of winning. Upon pick-up of prize, proper picture identification (i.e. valid driver’s license, passport) from the winner may be required. Westfield News Group, LLC will not notify winners of the time remaining on their prize. It is the responsibility of the winner to claim the prize within the thirty(30) day timeframe. All unclaimed prizes after thirty (30) days will automatically be forfeited. Westfield News Group, LLC is at liberty to give away any unclaimed prize at the end of the thirty- (30) day grace period. In the event that a winner voluntarily chooses to not accept a prize, he/she automatically forfeits all claims to that prize. Westfield News Group, LLC then has the right, but not the obligation, to award that prize to a contest runner-up. Westfield News Group, LLC may substitute another prize of equal value, in the event of non-availability of a prize. Employees of Westfield News Group, LLC and their families or households are ineligible to enter/win any contest. All contestants shall release Westfield News Group, LLC, its agencies, affiliates, sponsors or representatives from any and all liability and injury, financial, personal, or otherwise, resulting from any contests presented by Westfield News Group, LLC Additions or deletions to these rules may be made at the discretion of Westfield News Group, LLC and may be enacted at any time. Contestants enter by filling out the “Beat the Putz” pick sheets, included in Monday through Friday’s editions of The Westfield News. Copies of entry forms will not be accepted. Contestants choose one team to win each game from the list of NFL games for that particular week. The winning entry will be the one with the most wins on Sunday. In the event of a tie among more than one entry, the Sunday night game score will be used as a tie-breaker.

Contestants are to choose the total number of points scored in the Sunday night game. To be given credit for the tiebreaker, the contestant must come closest to the total points scored in the game. Westfield News Group, LLC will award a maximum of one (1) prize per week. The exact number of prizes awarded each month will be decided by Westfield News Group, LLC in its sole discretion. The prizes to be awarded each week will be determined by Westfield News Group, LLC In the event that there are more eligible winners than the number of prizes awarded for a particular week, Westfield News Group, LLC will randomly select one winner for that particular week. Winner is determined by most correct games won. The tiebreaker is used when more than one entry have the same number of wins. At that point, the total number of points given by the contestant will determine winner. In the event of a game not being completed, that game will not be considered in the final tabulation for that week’s games. The grand prize winner will be selected by a random drawing of all entries better than “The Putz” from throughout the entire 17-week regular season. This contest is merely for entertainment purposes. It is not meant to promote or to facilitate gambling or illegal activity.

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

SPEED BUMP Dave Coverly

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 13

RUBES Leigh Rubin

AGNES Tony Cochran

ARCHIE Fernando Ruiz and Craig Boldman

DADDY’S HOME

Tony Rubino and Gary Markstein

YOUR

HOROSCOPE

Contract Bridge

By Jaqueline Bigar

DUSTIN By Steve Kelley and Jeff Parker

HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016: This year you open doors to new opportunities. Just when you think an issue has been resolved, the unexpected occurs, and you might find yourself back at square one. You can count on being energized by spontaneous events. If you are single, you could find that you fall madly in love with one person after another. Let a relationship build to a time period of a year before even considering making a serious commitment. If you are attached, the two of you experience an unusual intensity. Know that eventually you both will relax with this tempo.

GEMINI knows how to be provocative.

The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

SCARY GARY

Mark Buford

DOGS of C-KENNEL Mick and Mason Mastroianni

B.C. Mastroianni and Hart

ONE BIG HAPPY Rick Detorie

ANDY CAPP Mahoney, Goldsmith and Garnett

ZACK HILL John Deering and John Newcombe

ARIES (March 21-April 19) HHHH What drops on your lap early on gets you going today. You might be surprised and delighted by another person’s gesture of goodwill. Your spontaneous reaction will please him or her.

You’ll want to assess your current direction. Tonight: Hang out with a favorite friend.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) HHHH Be aware of the impact that a money decision will have on you.

Somehow, you feel more in control if you say little. A partner or associate would be delighted to receive your feedback. You’ll gain insight through a sudden event. Tonight: Try not to spend.

Keep your wallet closed.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) HHHH Your smile goes far in opening up a close friend who has been closed down. Others seem to act in ways you can’t predict. You might be tenser than you realize, especially as this Full Moon hits you harder than most people. Work with the moment. Tonight: Do your thing.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) HH Know when to vanish and not get involved with others. The Full Moon hits you in a spot where you are very vulnerable. Know what works for you and do just that, despite an older relative’s demands. Do your best. Tonight: If you’re tired, make it an early night.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) HHH Zero in on your priorities and know when you have had enough of someone’s flak. You might want to detach. As a result, you’ll come to a better understanding of the dynamic of a situation around you. There might not be any need to do anything about it. Tonight: Lie low.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) HHHH Stay on top of calls and meetings. You might have a lot on your mind and a lot to digest. You could hear contrary opinions about a situation; only you can decide what they mean to you. A partner or associate might act in a most unpredictable manner. Tonight: In the limelight.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) HHH Reach out to someone at a distance whose opinion matters a lot to you.

Know what is happening with yourself as well as with an associate. You’ll find that a loved one or partner acts in a most unexpected manner. Fatigue could play into the day. Tonight: Be spontaneous.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) HHHHH Deal with a partner or loved one directly. You initially might feel uptight and not want to share what is on your mind. By later in the afternoon, you will open up to someone else’s ideas.

This person might have a deeper perspective than you. Tonight: Go along with the moment.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) HHHH You could be dealing with more emotions than you had anticipated.

It might seem as if you are wading through feelings that are not necessarily yours. Try to find the answer while still maintaining your distance. Tonight: Listen to different opinions before making a decision.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) HHHH You could be at your wits’ end when trying to deal with others. Try to get to the bottom of an issue that seems to be bothering you. Be more in touch with your day-to-day needs. You might need a break from the present tiring pace.

Tonight: Put your feet up and relax.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) HHHHH Allow your creativity to flourish. Be more in touch with others’ expectations, especially if you don’t want to experience a problem. Friends play an important role in determining what is going to happen. Unexpected news might force you to regroup.

Tonight: Let your hair down.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) HHH Stay anchored. You might opt to

Crosswords

Cryptoquip

stay close to home. You could discover how attached you are to a situation at home, and you are likely to take an unconventional approach. Be conservative when dealing with a financial matter.

Tonight: Join friends at a favorite spot.

PAGE 14 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

Spooner lifts Bruins over Canadiens MONTREAL (AP) — The Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens, two longtime rivals, played an old-school contest on Monday night.

After all the heavy hitting, Boston's Ryan Spooner got the final blow.

Spooner scored in overtime and his goal withstood a video review, lifting the Bruins over the Canadiens 2-1.

Spooner got his goal 3:20 into OT on a partial breakaway off a nice give-and-go with Torey Krug. Montreal challenged, claiming Spooner was offside, but the goal stood.

That ended a rough-andtumble game between franchises that first met in 1924.

Boston Bruins' Ryan Spooner scores on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price during "You saw a lot of hitting overtime of an NHL hockey game, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016 in Montreal. (Graham Hughes/The tonight," Bruins coach Claude Canadian Press via AP) Julien said. "A lot of borderline hits, something we hadn't seen between these two teams for a while. The fans seemed to love it.

"We'll try to keep within the rules and continue to make some exciting games between the two teams."

It didn't take long for the bad blood to spill over between the rivals.

Alexei Emelin set the tone for the encounter 13 minutes in with a big shoulder-toshoulder body check along the boards on David Pastrnak.

Krug answered seconds later with an elbow to the head on Andrew Shaw in open Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask makes a save against Montreal Canadiens' Andrew ice in the neutral zone. The Shaw (65) as Bruins' Adam McQuaid defends during first period NHL hockey action in Habs winger went straight to Montreal, Monday, Dec. 12, 2016. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP) the dressing room but was back for the start of the sec- now 6-15-3 in his career ver- goals. on Wednesday night. ond period. There was no pen- sus the Canadiens. ... Pastrnak UP NEXT Canadiens: Host San Jose alty on Krug on the play. leads the Bruins with 18 Bruins: Play at Pittsburgh on Friday night.

"It was a good hit," Julien said.

Montreal's Brendan Gallagher disagreed.

Gallagher took matters into his own hands, dropping the Classified Department • 62 School Street • Westfield, MA 01085 gloves with Krug with five Call: 413-562-4181 ext. 118 minutes remaining in the first.

"When you see your teamfloram@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com mate get up the way Shaw did, he had blood coming from his face, Shaw would have done that for every guy on this team," Gallagher said. "It's 15¢ each addt’l word over 15 words tough whenever you play this team. A lot of emotions Longmeadow/Enfield involved."

Circle your selection.

Austin Czarnik also scored 1x Pennysaver for the Bruins, and Tuukka 1 edition • 5.85 2 editions • 9.60 Rask made 30 saves while 3x Westfield News 3 editions • 11.25 4 editions • 14.30 Boston handed Montreal a rare home loss.

Paul Byron scored late in the third period to salvage a 1x Pennysaver 4x Pennysaver point for the Canadiens. Carey Price stopped 27 shots in 6x Westfield News 24x Westfield News defeat, just his fifth loss in 21 starts this season.

David Krejci appeared to give the Bruins a victory 59 1x Pennysaver BUSINESS DIRECTORY seconds into overtime, but officials determined Pastrnak 1x Longmeadow/Enfield 24x Westfield News had interfered with Price.

6x Westfield News PLUS 4 weeks Pennysaver The loss was only Montreal's third at the Bell Centre this year (14-1-2).

The second period featured fewer dust-ups and was more about Price and Rask repeatedly frustrating their oppo1 2 3 4 5 nents.

Price denied Czarnik on a partial break early in the frame. The Canadiens net6 7 8 9 10 minder then made a big pad save on Patrice Bergeron later on in the period.

Rask's biggest stop in the 11 12 13 14 15 second was when he went down and stacked the pads on Extra Words Tomas Plekanec, just seconds after Pastrnak hit the post at 16 17 18 19 20 the other end of the rink.

Czarnik broke the deadlock with 1:05 remaining in the middle frame. The 24-year21 22 23 24 25 old beat Price for his third goal of the season when he fired a shot between Price's Name: pad and blocker while on a 2-on-1. Nathan Beaulieu was Address: the lone defenseman back, but his sliding effort just missed City: Czarnik's shot.

"The last time I went up State: Zip: high and he got it with his stick," Czarnik said. "So I Telephone: figured I would just shoot it These at The low, just get it on net and creStart Ad: are pictures the staff Number of Words: ate something and it went in."

Westfield News Group have taken at Bold Type (add $1.95) Rask kept his shutout bid alive until 16:48 of the third events throughout our communities. period when Byron scored on Total: Montreal's 29th shot on goal.

Check After a scramble in front of Card #: Rask's net, the goalie lost track of the puck as Byron Exp. Date: backhanded home his 10th of Go to www.thewestfieldnews.com visit “Photos” look for your the campaign. favorite photo, then click the “Buy” icon located at the top.

NOTES: Price was denied his 250th NHL win. ... Rask is

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

November 29, 2016 December 6, 13, 2016

December 13, 2016 (SEAL)

NOTICE OF MORTGAGEE’S SALE OF REAL ESTATE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by Marc A. Allen and Nicole L. Allen to National City Mortgage a division of National City Bank, dated October 31, 2007 and recorded with the Hampden County Registry of Deeds at Book 17000, Page 426 as affected by a modification agreement recorded with said records at Book 20560, Page 202, of which mortgage the undersigned is the present holder , for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing, the same will be sold at Public Auction at 3:00 p.m. on December 21, 2016, on the mortgaged premises located at 1430 Russell Road, Unit 23, The Building Boston, College Village Condominiums, Westfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, all and singular the premises described in said mortgage, TO WIT: The real estate located in Westfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, bounded and described as follows: Unit 23 (twenty-three) of The Building Boston, College Village Condominiums created by Master Deed dated January 15, 1986 and recorded with the Harnpden County Registry of Deeds in Book 5990, Page 173.

The Post Office Address of the Condominium is 1430 Russell Road, Woronoco, Massachusetts.

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS LAND COURT DEPARTMENT OF THE TRIAL COURT 16 SM 010526 ORDER OF NOTICE TO: Viktor Lezhnyak a/k/a Victor Lezhnyak and Svetlana Ryabchukova and to all persons entitled to the benefit of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act:, 50 U.S.C. App. § 3901 (et seq): Bank of America, N.A. s/b/m BAC Home Loans Servicing, LP claiming to have an interest in a Mortgage covering real property in Westfield, numbered 232 Russellville Road, given by Victor Lezhnyak and Svetlana Ryabchukova to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Countrywide Home Loans, Inc., dated May 22, 2006, and recorded at Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 15914, Page 532, and now held by the plaintiff by assignment, has/have filed with this court a complaint for determination of Defendant’s/Defendants’ Servicemembers status.

If you now are, or recently have been, in the active military service of the United States of America, then you may be entitled to the benefits of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. If you object to a foreclosure of the above-mentioned property on that basis, then you or your attorney must file a written appearance and answer in this court at Three Pemberton Square, Boston, MA 02108 on or before January 16, 2017 or you will be forever barred from claiming that you are entitled to the benefits of said Act.

The Unit conveyed is subject to and with the benefit of the obligations, restrictions, rights and li- Witness, JUDITH C. CUTLER, abilities contained in General Chief Justice of said Court Laws Chapter 183A, the Master on December 1, 2016 Deed and the By-Laws filed in Attest: the Hampden County Registry of Deeds Deborah J. Patterson The Condominium and each of the units is intended for residential purposes and other uses permitted by the applicable zoning ordinances and as set forth in the Master Deed.

Recorder December 5, 13, 2016 City of Westfield Planning Board NOTICE OF

PUBLIC HEARING The undivided interest of the unit conveyed hereunder in the comThe Westfield Planning Board mon areas and facilities is will conduct a Public Hearing on 02745040.

December 20, 2016, at 7:00 PM,

BEING the same premises conveyed to Marc A. Allen and Nicole L. Allen by deed of Loretta P. Libardi dated October 18, 2007 and recorded in the Hampden County Registry of Deeds herewith.

For mortgagor's(s') title see deed recorded with Hampden County Registry of Deeds in Book 17000, Page 424.

These premises will be sold and conveyed subject to and with the benefit of all rights, rights of way, restrictions, easements, covenants, liens or claims in the nature of liens, improvements, public assessments, any and all unpaid taxes, tax titles, tax liens, water and sewer liens and any other municipal assessments or liens or existing encumbrances of record which are in force and are applicable, having priority over said mortgage, whether or not reference to such restrictions, easements, improvements, liens or encumbrances is made in the deed.

TERMS OF SALE: A deposit of Five Thousand ($5,000.00 ) Dollars by certified or bank check will be required to be paid by the purchaser at the time and place of sale. The balance is to be paid by certified or bank check at Harmon Law Offices, P.C., 150 California Street, Newton, Massachusetts 02458, or by mail to P.O. Box 610389, Newton Highlands, Massachusetts 02461-0389, within thirty (30) days from the date of sale.

Deed will be provided to purchaser for recording upon receipt in full of the purchase price. The description of the premises contained in said mortgage shall control in the event of an error in this publication.

Other terms, if any, to be announced at the sale.

PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK Present holder of said mortgage By its Attorneys, HARMON LAW OFFICES, P.C. 150 California Street Newton, MA 02458 (617) 558-0500 201602-0074 - TEA

in City Council Chambers, Municipal Building, 59 Court Street, Westfield, MA on the application of Oleksak Revocable Trust for a Special Permit, Site Plan Approval and Stormwater Management Permit per Zoning Ord. Sec. 3-170.7, 6-10 & 4-110 to allow an accessory storage building at 798 Airport Industrial Park Rd., zoned Business B and Water Resource. The application is available for public inspection at the Planning Office and at: www.cityofwestfield.org/applications

AUTO FOR SALE TIMOTHY'S AUTO SALES. Stop by and see us! We might have exactly what you're looking for, if not, let us find it for you! Bartlett Street, Westfield.

(413)568-2261. Specializing in vehicles under $4,000.

MOTORCYCLES & ATV’S MOTORCYCLE FOR SALE '09 Triumph Bonneville SE 865CC, New. 47 Miles. $5,500.

413-388-0113 - Westfield

HELP WANTED

Phoenix Manufacturing Progressive and expanding aerospace machine shop in Enfield, CT is seeking qualified candidates for immediate openings on first and second shifts.

CNC Milling and CNC Lathe Machinists (1st and 2nd Shift) Min of 5+ years experience and capable of performing set-ups 1ST Piece/ Final Inspector (1st Shift) Capable of using all inspection equipment including CMM. DQR Experience a plus Quality Engineer (1st Shift) Minimum of five years experience in quality engineering in manufacturing with strong background in AS9100, ISO9001, FMEA, PFMEA, and PPAP. CNC programmer (1st Shift) MasterCam experience a plus Health Insurance, vacation plan and matching IRA programs available.

Send resume via email jobs@phoenixmfg.biz or fax to: 860-745-3430 176 South Rd, Enfield, CT

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

CLASSIFIED

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2016 - PAGE 15

DEADLINE: 2PM THE DAY BEFORE Email floram@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com

To Adver tise call 413-562-4181 Ext , 118

Available online 24/7 at http://thewestfieldnews.com/classifieds

thewestfieldnews.com

HELP WANTED

Who Does It?

Local Business Bulletin Board

Are you a people person?

Do you like sales & advertising?

Are you goal-oriented = $$$

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BASE --PLUS-COMMISSION

Westfield & Southwick #1: Radisson Lane Southwick Rd, American Inn, Jarry Dr. Morningside, Rosewood Lane Sawmill Park, South Village, Wynnfield Cir. #2 Allen Ave. Jefferson St. Smith Ave. Bates St. Chestnut St. Fremont St. Grand St. High St. King St. King Ave. W. School St. Washington St. Duane St. Ellsworth St. Franklin St.

All positions require a valid US Driver’s license, CORI and National Fingerprint Background Check. We offer an excellent benefit package. Visit our website at www.bcarc.org.to apply online or stop in Monday-Friday between 9:00am – 4:00pm or for a complete job listing and to complete an application.

AA/EOE. You may also send resume and cover letter to: Attn. Human Resources at Berkshire County ARC, 395 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201, 413-499-4241.

The Westfield News Group

is seeking sales professionals to market our four print publications & websites to businesses in the Pioneer Valley.

#3 Berkshire Dr. Fairfield Ave. Highland View St. Ridgeway St. Dana St. Russell Rd.

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Submit Your Resume To: resumes@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com

The Department of Public Works is seeking an employee for a Heavy Equipment Operator. Candidates must be able bodied, 18 years of age, have an active Massachusetts Driver’s License, Class B CDL License and 2B Hoisting License and Heavy Equipment Operator License.

Candidate must also be willing to work at outdoor job related activities. Interested individuals may obtain a copy of the Town Employment Application online at:

Do you have a carrier who goes above and beyond in their delivery of The Westfield News? If so– we want to hear about it!

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or Position Description and Town Employment Application by contacting the Select Board’s Office @ 569-5995, 454 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077.

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So shoot us an email at melissahartman@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com or write to us at 62 School St, Westfield, MA 01085 and tell us what your carrier has done to make your day just a little bit better. (If you don’t have their name, that’s fine– we can always look it up by your address.)

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To advertise on our website call (413) 562-4181 The Westfield News 62 School St. Westfield

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To Adver tise call 413-562-4181 Ext , 118 PETS

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Purchasing standing timber and specializing in land clearing. Local company in business for 20+ years.

Green firewood. Cut, split & delivered. Free delivery in Westfield area. Mixed hardwoods. $180 p/128 cf.

FEED & STABLES CANADIAN HORSE HAY. Top Quality. Please call Roger (860)684-7428.

ARTICLES FOR SALE Harmon Pellet Stove Used 2 winters. Excellent condition. Will heat 2k sq. ft. $2500 or BO. Call 860-716-6528

413-835-5491 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!!!

OVER STOCK SALE 2 Year Seasoned Cut, Split, Delivered $150 per cord Wholesale Wood Products 304-851-7666

Business Directory

WANTED TO BUY Buying junk or wrecked cars and light trucks.

Call Mark's Auto Parts, E. Granby, CT 860-653-2551

PAYING CASH FOR COINS, stamps, medals, tokens, paper money, diamonds and jewelry, gold and silver scrap. Broadway Coin & Stamp, 144 Broadway, Chicopee Falls, MA. (413)5949550.

floram@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com • PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • To Advertise call 413-562-4181 Ext. 118

APARTMENT CHIMNEY SWEEPS

A STEP ABOVE THE REST! JMF CHIMNEY SERVICE Repair your chimney before winter wreaks havoc. We do brick repair, crown seals and repairs. We also do stainless steel liner installs, as well as stainless rain caps. We sweep all flues. Free estimates provided.

Call: 413-330-2186 HENTNICK CHIMNEY SWEEPS. Chimney repairs and rebuilds. Stainless steel caps and liner systems. Inspections, masonry work and gutter cleaning. Free estimates. Insured.

Quality work from a business you can trust. (413)848-0100, (800)793-3706.

DOG SERVICES SUSAN'S DOG SERVICES Certified and insured dog trainer.

Providing personalized walking, training, pet-sitting services in the comfort of your own home.

Servicing Westfield and most surrounding communities.

Call for your free consultation.

413-302-1940 www.susansdogservices.com

DRYWALL T-BEST DRYWALL. Complete professional drywall at amateur prices. Our ceilings are tops!

Call Mike 413-821-8971. Free estimates.

ELECTRICIAN JIM FERRIS ELECTRIC Senior discount. No job too small! Insured, free estimates.

40 years experience. Lic. #16303. Call (413)330-3682.

POEHLMAN ELECTRIC All types of wiring. Free estimates, insured. SPECIALIZING IN PORTABLE AND WHOLE HOUSE KOHLER GENERATORS, SERVICE UPGRADES, SMALL JOBS, POOLS. Gutter de-icing cables installed. All calls answered! Best prices, prompt service. Lic. #A-16886.

(413)562-5816.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN 40 years experience. Insured.

Reasonable prices. No job too small. Lic# A7625.Call Tom Daly, (413)543-3100.

FLOORING & FLOOR SANDING A RON JOHNSON's Floor Sanding, Installation, Repairs, 3 coats polyurethane.

Free estimates. (413)569-3066.

FIREWOOD

HOUSE PAINTING

LOGGING

AFFORDABLE FIREWOOD

ALWAYS CALL FIRST!!!

M&M SERVICES 29 Years serving the Westfield area. Painting, staining, house washing, interior/exterior. Wall coverings. Water damage and ceiling/wall repairs.

Commercial/residential. Free estimates. Insured. References.

Call Carmine at: 413-568-9731 or 413-537-4665 No job too small !!

WEIDLER LOGGING

Seasoned and green. Cut, split, delivered. Any length.

Now ready for immediate delivery. Senior and bulk discount.

Call (413)530-4820 or 413-626-3888

--------------------------FIREWOOD SEASONED FIREWOOD Forest Management 61 Plans Available 5 Generations of Forest Management & Service to the Community We deliver.

Run by veterans.

Green Meadow Lumber

568-0056

---------------------------

860-653-4950 or 860-250-4869

FORESTRY JML FORESTRY Seasoned Firewood for Sale 1/2 to Full Cords Delivered 413-575-8900 Westfield

HAULING A.R.A. Junk, Furniture & Appliance Removal Full house clean-outs.

Basements, attics & garages.

Demolition: Patios, sheds and swing-sets. You name it...we take it! Senior discounts. Free estimates on phone. Credit cards accepted. 7 days a week.

Emergency, same day service.

Call Pete 413-433-0356

HOME IMPROVEMENT AFFORDABLE BUILDING CONTRACTOR 20 Years experience.

Licensed & insured.

Repairs, Renovations & Construction. Specializing in Decks, Roofs, Garages, Additions & Log Cabins and Basement conversions Call Dave: 413-568-6440

DAVE DAVIDSON: Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling "GET IT RIGHT THIS TIME" Complete Bath Renovations.

Now serving CT. Insured. Quality Work on Time on Budget Since 1984. MA. License #072233, MA.Registration #144831. CT. HIC. #0609568 569-9973. www.davedavidsonremodeling. com JOSEPH'S HANDYMAN COMPANY Carpentry, remodeling, kitchen, baths, basements, drywall, tile, floors, suspended ceilings, restoration services, doors, windows, decks, stairs, interior/exterior painting, plumbing. Small jobs ok. All types of professional work done since 1985. Call Joe, (413)364-7038.

413-835-5491

LETOURNEAU & SONS PAINTING

MASONRY

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

We are a family owned and operated, painting and home improvement company serving the Westfield area since 1986.

We specialize in residential/commercial, interior/exterior painting and staining, ceiling and drywall repairs, water damage repair, exterior home repairs, and carpentry of all types including roof repairs.

SEASONED FIREWOOD 100% hardwood Stacking available Cut, split, delivered (128cu.ft.)

Volume discounts Call for pricing Hollister's Firewood

Purchasing standing timber and specializing in land clearing. Local company in business for 20+ years.

Green firewood. Cut, split & delivered. Free delivery in Westfield area. Mixed hardwoods. $180 p/128 cf.

Call Bill for your FREE no obligation estimate (413) 977-9633 or (413) 562-5727 www.Ls-painting.com

JOHNSON'S PAINTING SERVICES

Interior & Exterior 25 years experience Including aluminum siding.

Commercial & Residential.

Water damage repairs, ceiling, wall and exterior repairs. Power washing.

FOR FREE ESTIMATE call: Ken 568-5146

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

Fall Clean-ups & Leaf pick-up.

Fully insured. 26 years experience. 413-575-1016

All brick, block, concrete.

Chimneys, foundations, hatchways, new basement windows installed and repaired.

Sump pumps and french drain systems installed. Foundations pointed and stuccoed.

Free estimates (413)569-1611 or (413)374-5377

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING HOME DECOR has been making beautiful new rooms for over 16 years. From cabinet makeovers to faux finishes, staging for sales and decorating advice for a new look. Call Kendra now for all your painting needs. Fully insured.

Free Estimates (413)626-8880 or (413)564-0223 RAIN GUTTERS

RAIN GUTTERS CLEANED & REPAIRED Chimneys repaired and chimney caps installed.

Antennas removed. Roof leaks repaired, vent areas sealed.

Senior citizen discount. Insured.

Free estimates.

H.I. Johnson Services (413)596-8859 (before 9pm)

SNOWPLOWING A-1 SNOWPLOWING Affordable Building Contractor Residential & light commercial Westfield Only 21 Years Experience Call Dave 413-568-6440

WESTFIELD: 1st Floor, 2 Bedroom, Living Room, Kitchen & Bath. 1st/Last/Security. $825 p/month + utiities. 413-250-4811

G&G Services Plus

Westfield - 2nd Floor, 1 Bedroom, Kitchen & Bath. $650 p/month includes utilities.

1st/Last/Security. No pets.

413-250-4811

SNOWPLOWING. Free Estimates Sidewalks & Walkways Residential Only.

Westfield Area Service You Can Trust!

Call Greg: 413-210-3024

WESTFIELD- 3RD FLOOR, 3bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bath. $950/month plus utilities. First, last, and security.

413-250-4811.

STORAGE

STORAGE Camper, Boat, Trailer outdoor storage yard.

Year-round discounts.

Safe and secure.

Lockhouse Rd. Westfield, MA JML 413-575-8900

TRUCK SERVICE TOP TRUCK SERVICES CORP. Family Owned Servicing Western Mass since 1998

Truck & Trailer Repair We repair Pick-ups, Vans, SUVs & Campers in addition to light, medium, and heavy duty diesel trucks.

NAPA Truck Service Budget Truck Rental Location 24-Hour Emergency Service Fleet Repair MA Inspection Station "No truck or job too big or too small" 165 Bliss St. West Springfield, MA

413-788-6787 top-truck.com

TREE SERVICE

Westfield: 3 Bedroom, 1 Bath.

Down-town $1200 + utilities.

Available Immediately.

413-454-8308 Call or Text

Westfield: Close to center. Refreshed, updated, spacious 2nd floor apartment. This very clean, 5 Room, 3-bedroom unit is very inexpensive to run. First/last & security. Key fee required. No pets. Call 413-569-8877 for appointment.

ROOMS HUNTINGTON 1 room with heat, hot water, cable TV, air conditioning, refrigerator and microwave included. $475p/month. Call (413)531-2197.

OFFICE SPACE Open Space Office Available 82 Broad St., Westfield Call for appointment 562-2295

PLUMBING & HEATING Hagger's Landscaping Services LLC

Fall Clean-ups, Curb-side leaf pick-up, hedge trimming.

NICK GARDNER PLUMBING, WELDING & MECHANICAL SERVICES. Reliable service, Professional. Certified Welding.

Insured. MA Lic. #PL31893-J. Call (413)531-2768 Nick7419@comcast.net

Specializing in Hardscaping of patios/walkways/fire pits.

SNOWBLOWER REPAIR

We now provide junk removal and basement / attic clean-outs!

AFFORDABLE Snowblower/Lawnmower Service. Tune-ups/Repairs.

FREE pick-up & delivery.

Same day service available.

786-0022

Timely and dependable snow removal commercial & residential

All your Landscaping needs.

Residential & Commercial Fully Insured/Free Estimates 413-626-6122 or visit www.haggerscape.com

A1 ODD JOBS/HANDYMAN Debris removal, landscaping, Fall yard cleanup, interior and exterior painting, power washing, basic carpentry and plumbing. All types of repair work and more. (413)562-7462 ACCURATE LAWNCARE Leaf & Brush Removal Gutter Cleaning Trimming & Mowing, Snow Removal with Sanding Family owned & operated Call (413)579-1639 accuratelawncare2013 @gmail.com

SNOWPLOWING Specializing in COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL property plowing, snow removal, de-icing, sand and/or salt.

Reliable and experienced.

NO DRIVEWAYS Call Tom: 413-244-3028 Horticulture Services 2 Snowblower Crews in Westfield area.

Average driveway $40.

Very dependable & reliable.

Call Doug: 413-887-9129 www.turf-plants.com

A BETTER OPTION GRANFIELD TREE SERVICE Tree Removal, Land Clearing, Excavating. (413)569-6104

American Tree & Shrub: Removal, pruning, bucket/crane work. Stump grinding, light excavation and tree planting.

Firewood Available Fully Insured, Free Estimates.

24-hour Emergency Services.

Veteran Owned 40 yrs. Experience 413-569-0469

UPHOLSTERY KEITH'S UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS 30+ years experience for home or business. Discount off all fabrics. Get quality workmanship at a great price. Free pickup and delivery. Call (413)562-6639.

BUSINESS PROPERTY STORE / PROPERTY FOR SALE A&L Market, Chester, MA, since 1840. Grocery, meat, dairy and liquor. Turn-key, with current inventory. Includes 2 apartments (currently occupied); 2 bedroom & 1 bedroom. $295,000.

Call Peter at 413-354-6593

MOBILE HOMES CHICOPEE: 2 Bedroom. Centrally located home. Needs TLC. Air, Appliances. Nice yard.

Shed. $57,900 593-9961 DASAP.MHVILLAGE.COM

WINDOW CLEANING CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOWS Cleaned inside and out!

Including storms and screens.

Fully insured. Free estimates.

Call Paul NOW to book December appointments and save 10%.

413-237-2053

SERVICES A1 ODD JOBS/HANDYMAN Debris removal, landscaping, Fall yard cleanup, interior and exterior painting, power washing, basic carpentry and plumbing. All types of repair work and more. (413)562-7462