Tuesday, March 14, 2017

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WEATHER TONIGHT Additional snow.

Low of 17.

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

— DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK

www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 86 NO. 60

“The man who does his work, any work, conscientiously, must always be in one sense a great man.”

75 cents

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Online petition started for testing related to water contamination

By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—For city resident Kristen Mello, the desire for knowledge exists because of concern.

That’s why she started an online petition asking for blood testing for residents who may have been exposed to city water that had a possible contamination of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as perfluorinated carbons (PFCs), through the city’s public water supply wells.

“The contaminated wells were taken offline but before that I drank this water for 30 years,” Mello said.

“We deserve to know what our exposure is.”

Over the summer, two of the city’s eight public drinking water wells were taken offline due to both having levels of PFAS or PFCs that was above a lifetime exposure limit advisory given by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

According to the EPA, who lowered the acceptable amount of Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)— types of PFAS—in drinking water from 600 parts per trillion to 70 parts per trillion in June of last year in a

Jonathan Huntley, center, with his parents Dave and Susan Huntley. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher)

Eagle Scout of the Year honored in Westfield

By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—The city can now boast about another notable resident— the American Legion Department of Massachusetts Eagle Scout of the Year Jonathan Huntley.

Huntley, 18, of Westfield, was honored for the award at the American Legion Post 124 last night, in front of family, scout masters past and present and public officials. In addition to honoring Huntley, the Post also made donations to the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield and handed out several certificates of appreciation.

“I’m honored to receive this award and I’m grateful for everyone that made

this possible,” Huntley said to those in attendance last night.

Huntley began his career in the scouts in the first grade, where he started as a cub scout. From there, he entered the boy scouts in the fifth grade, then eventually became an Eagle Scout at age 13.

According to Huntley, he was the youngest ever to reach that rank. He also said this award wouldn’t have happened without the American Legion baseball teams and Gene Theroux, former assistant coach to the team and current commander of the Sons of the American Legion.

According to Huntley, his experiences throughout the program have given him skills that he can use going forward

See Testing, Page 3

Jonathan Huntley poses with Rep. John Velis after receiving a citation from Velis and the state’s House of Representatives. (Photo by Lynn F. Boscher) in life, especially those that he learned while pursuing his 21 merit badges to complete his Eagle Scout training.

One merit badge was more difficult than any of the See Eagle Scout, Page 8

Dollars for Scholars hoping to continue success for students

WNG FILE PHOTO

By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – The annual Southwick Dollars for Scholars event took place in the cafeteria of the Southwick Regional School on Monday night.

Since 1965, Southwick-Tolland Granville high school students, parents, past students, and volunteers help mail envelopes to every home in Southwick.

When Dollars for Scholars started, $100 was presented to the first See Dollars for Scholars, Page 8

Southwick DPW prepared for yet another possible Nor’easter

By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – Just over a month ago, all of New England and the Western Massachusetts region was hit by more than a foot of snow.

Right after that storm temperatures got to the upper 60’s and even into the 70’s and it appeared that spring was upon us. But as is the case in New England weather lore, don’t like the weather, just wait.

See DPW Prepared, Page 8

Parents, volunteers, students, and former students all helped mail envelopes to Southwick residents. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)

Last chance to get a free month—sign up today!

If you live in the East Mountain Road area from Holyoke Road west to Deepwood Drive, the Ridgecrest Drive area north of Bigwood Drive, Montgomery Road area from Edgewood Street to Belleview Drive, or the Meadow Street area between Lewis and Otis Streets get a free month of highspeed internet if you sign up by March 15. Installations are starting now!

www.whipcityfiber.com | 413-572-0100

A photo from the online petition started by Kristen Mello.

‘Stella’ Parts of state brace for up to 2 ½ feet of snow

BOSTON (AP) — Winter Storm Stella could bring up to 2 ½ feet of snow started moving across Massachusetts during the morning commute.

The storm striking Tuesday also brings the potential for winds gusting to 65 mph, coastal flooding and power outages.

School districts across the state canceled classes, cities issued on-street parking bans, and people were urged to stay off the roads.

The speed limit on the Massachusetts Turnpike was reduced to 40 mph and the commuter rail was put on a severe weather schedule that limits the number of trains.

The state Emergency Management Agency says Berkshire County could get as much as 30 inches of snow, with snowfall amounts lessening to the east and southeast. Snow could fall at two to four inches per hour at the storm’s peak.

QUESTIONS ABOUT CUTTING THE CORD?

Whip City Fiber Drop-In Center

Open 8:00 am-5:00 pm | Monday-Friday WG+E Operations Center 40 Turnpike Industrial Road Stay tuned—additional locations opening soon.

Come see Whip City Fiber in action!

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10th annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner Saturday night the First Congregational Church held their 10th annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. The event was sold out and everyone who attended enjoyed an Irish night out with family and friends. (Photos by Don Wielgus)

Filling their plates getting ready to enjoy a plentiful Irish dinner are Beverly Gamble, left and Phyllis French.

Greeting everyone who attended are left, Rita Willard and right, Joan Deacon.

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

Sunny.

Cloudy with snow.

30-32

23-26

WEATHER DISCUSSION Additional snow.

17-18

Today, snow will be heavy at times along with gusty winds. High 31F. Winds NNE at 25 to 35 mph.

Chance of snow 100%. A foot or more of snow expected. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight, snow along with gusty winds this evening.

Then becoming partly cloudy late. Low 17F. Winds NW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of snow 100%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Winds up to 40 mph.

Wednesday, windy snow showers. High 26F.

TODAY 7:04 a.m.

6:56 p.m.

11 hours 52 Minutes

SUNRISE

SUNSET

LENGTH OF DAY

ODDS & ENDS Thief with a sweet tooth admits robbing same store three times NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — It’s three strikes and take your seat — in a cell — for a thief with a sweet tooth.

New Jersey prosecutors say a Newark man pleaded guilty Monday to robbing the same 7-Eleven store three times in four days. Each time, Idris Allen grabbed candy from the store and brandished a knife.

About 14 hours after the last robbery in December 2015, Allen was captured after he went to the back of the store, took merchandise and left. The shift manager followed him and pointed him out to police.

Authorities say Allen was arrested across the street from a police precinct building.

Allen is expected to face seven years in prison when he’s sentenced next month.

LOCAL LOTTERY LAST NIGHT’S NUMBERS

MASSACHUSETTS Lucky For Life 02-09-24-27-40, Lucky Ball: 16 MassCash 04-09-26-29-35 Mega Millions Estimated jackpot: $119 million Numbers Evening 9-1-1-5 Numbers Midday 6-4-3-5 Powerball Estimated jackpot: $123 million

CONNECTICUT Cash 5 03-12-23-34-35 Lucky For Life 02-09-24-27-40, Lucky Ball: 16 Lucky Links Day 04-06-08-10-11-13-15-21 Lucky Links Night 01-03-06-08-12-16-17-22 Play3 Day 8-9-7 Play3 Night 9-7-1 Play4 Day 1-8-2-2 Play4 Night 8-9-8-2

TODAY IN HISTORY

Today is Tuesday, March 14, the 73rd day of 2017. There are 292 days left in the year.

O

n March 14, 1967, the body of President John F. Kennedy was moved from a temporary grave to a permanent memorial site at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia.

ON THIS DATE: In 1794, Eli Whitney received a patent for his cotton gin, an invention that revolutionized America’s cotton industry.

In 1885, the Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera “The Mikado” premiered at the Savoy Theatre in London.

In 1900, Congress ratified the Gold Standard Act. In 1907, President Theodore Roosevelt signed an executive order designed to prevent Japanese laborers from immigrating to the United States as part of a “gentlemen’s agreement” with Japan.

In 1923, President Warren G. Harding became the first chief executive to file an income tax return, paying a levy of $17,990 on his $75,000 salary.

In 1939, the republic of Czechoslovakia was dissolved, opening the way for Nazi occupation of Czech areas and the separation of Slovakia.

In 1951, during the Korean War, United Nations forces recaptured Seoul (sohl).

In 1964, a jury in Dallas found Jack Ruby guilty of murdering Lee Harvey Oswald, the accused assassin of President John F. Kennedy, and sentenced him to death. (Both the conviction and death sentence were overturned, but Ruby died before he could be re-

tried.)

ONE YEAR AGO:

In 1975, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” a sendup of the legend of King Arthur, had its world premiere in Los Angeles. Academy Award-winning actress Susan Hayward, 57, died in Los Angeles.

In 1980, a LOT Polish Airlines jet crashed while attempting to land in Warsaw, killing all 87 people aboard, including 22 members of a U.S. amateur boxing team.

In 1990, the Soviet Congress of People’s Deputies held a secret ballot that elected Mikhail S. Gorbachev to a new, powerful presidency.

In 1991, a British court overturned the convictions of the “Birmingham Six,” who had spent 16 years in prison for a 1974 Irish Republican Army bombing, and ordered them released.

TEN YEARS AGO: The Pentagon released the transcript of a military hearing in which Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (HAH’-leed shayk moh-HAH’med) said he “was responsible for the 9/11 operation from A to Z.” President George W. Bush, speaking from Mexico, said he was troubled by the Justice Department’s misleading explanations to Congress of why it had fired eight U.S. attorneys, but said the firings were “entirely appropriate.”

FIVE YEARS AGO: President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, hosted a White House state dinner for British Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife, Samantha. Earlier, the two leaders announced that NATO forces would hand over the lead combat role in Afghanistan to Afghan forces in 2013 as the U.S. and its allies aimed to get out by the end of 2014.

The Senate voted 49-40 to confirm John B. King Jr. as the nation’s education secretary; King had been serving as acting secretary since Arne Duncan stepped down in Dec. 2015. Europe and Russia launched the ExoMars probe on a joint mission to explore the atmosphere of Mars and hunt for signs of life on the red planet. An Amtrak train traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago derailed west of Dodge City, Kansas, injuring 28 of the 144 people on board.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Singer Phil Phillips (Song: “Sea of Love”) is 91. Former astronaut Frank Borman is 89. Actor Michael Caine is 84. Composer-conductor Quincy Jones is 84. Actor Raymond J. Barry is 78. Movie director Wolfgang Petersen is 76. Country singer Michael Martin Murphey is 72. Rock musician Walt Parazaider (Chicago) is 72.

Actor Steve Kanaly is 71. Comedian Billy Crystal is 69. Former Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., is 69. Actor-writer-comedian-radio personality Rick Dees is 66. Country singer Jann Browne is 63.

Actor Adrian Zmed is 63. Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, is 59. Actress Laila Robins is 58. Actress Tamara Tunie (tuh-MAH’ruh TOO’-nee) is 58. Actress Penny Johnson Jerald is 57. Producer-director-writer Kevin Williamson is 52. Actress Elise Neal is 51. Actor Gary Anthony Williams is 51. Actress Megan Follows is 49. Rock musician Michael Bland is 48. Country singer Kristian Bush is 47. Rock musician Derrick is 45. Actress Betsy Brandt is 44. Actress Grace Park is 43. Actor Daniel Gillies is 41. Actor Corey Stoll is 41. Actor Jake Fogelnest is 38. Actor Chris Klein is 38. Actress Kate Maberly is 35. Singer-musician Taylor Hanson (Hanson) is 34. Actor Jamie Bell is 31. Rock musician Este Haim (HY’-uhm) (Haim) is 31. Actor Ansel Elgort is 23. Olympic gold medal gymnast Simone Biles is 20.

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017- PAGE 3

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

Zumbathon workout The month of March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month and, on Saturday at St. Joseph's Social Center, a Zumbathon workout for colon cancer took place with proceeds donated to Colon Cancer Alliance. Those who attended enjoyed the morning with a fitness workout and friendship get together for a worthy cause. Above, Zumba Fitness Instructors for the event, front row, left to right, Marina Rossi, Kelly Burek, Amy Tenerowicz and Laura Smith. . (Photo

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

BLANDFORD: Assessor’s Meeting at 5 pm

by Don Wielgus)

TOLLAND: Council on Aging at 9 am Conservation Commission Open Office Hours & Business Meeting at 3 pm

Gateway Superintendent’s Corner

WESTFIELD: Housing Authority at 6 pm

The school committee officially adopted the including providing funding in the FY’18 budget FY’18 budget at their March 8 meeting. The for the ongoing implementation of several initiabudget is identical to the one discussed over the tives that would resolve many of the recommenpast three months, except town assessments have dations. changed slightly due to moving from the January The school committee was also given a general 1 to the March 1 student census. Overall, the overview of the MARS report noting where a budget remains at a 1% increase and is able to number of recommendations were similar and build upon student services for the next school could possibly be resolved by some changes in year in various areas. Town assessments show operating procedures. One of these was for the even greater differences with the March 1 stuschool committee to adapt their budget process to dent census, now ranging from a reduction of provide more information, input, and time for 6.92% to an increase of 9.6%. town officials to participate in the development of This completes the first part of the budget the budget by starting the process earlier and askDR. DAVID process in a timely manner and allows the dising town officials to be part of the very initial HOPSON trict to send the official assessment letters to the developmental process. The committee will take towns for warrants at annual town meetings. this issue up over the next few meetings to make While there may be further reductions to town assessments it possible to implement a new process for the FY’19 budget. based upon any increase in educational aid as the state budget It’s also important to note that the MARS study had many is developed, this allows the next phase of the budget process positive commendations regarding the district that cover every to occur: namely, the approval of the 2017-2018 school year aspect of operations. This includes the fact that the district budget by the towns. As the state requires a two-thirds major- “has done well to maintain the breadth of programs currently ity to approve an operational budget, this means that we need offered”; “that the District was conscientious about solving at least four of our six towns to vote in favor of the budget to problems and addressing weaknesses”; that “Gateway has set the budget for next year. We hope that we will not have to achieved an impressive level of technology access”; “Gateway move into the third stage of budget development (the need for is staffed by very caring and dedicated educators”; and “that additional town meetings over the course of several months, the Gateway Regional School District is run quite efficiently.” or the final setting of the budget by the DESE Commissioner).

District staff members are rightly proud of their dedicated In addition, the school committee received an overview of service to our students and our communities but we also recthe MARS (Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools) ognize that we cannot rest on our laurels. We look forward to recommendations. It is important to note that Gateway was further improvements of the district based upon the MARS already working on items that became recommendations, study and the assistance of our community partners.

Testing

Continued from Page 1

health advisory, the compound has a potential to be linked to health issues. According to the EPA’s advisory, studies on laboratory animals that were “informed by epidemiological studies of human populations” showed that certain levels of the substances may result in adverse health effects, including effects on children’s development, livers, kidneys, thyroids and immune systems, as well as risks of cancer.

However, according to the ATSDR’s public health statement on perfluoroakyls: “It is difficult to interpret the results of these studies because they are not consistent; some studies have found associations, but others looking at the same health effect have not found these associations. Even though some studies have found significant associations between serum perfluoroalkyl levels and adverse health effects, it does not mean that perfluoroalkyls caused these effects.

There is no confirmation as to where the PFAS originated, but theories have suggested that aqueous firefighting foam used by the US National Guard at Barnes Regional Airport may be the source, and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Guard are currently investigating. Other sources of PFAS, according to the US Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), include stain-resistant upholstery, nonstick cookware, personal care products and water-resistant clothing.

Mello believes that it is possible that exposure to the PFAS may have occurred to residents as early as the 1950s, when the online petition said the firefighting foam were first used on the airport. If this is true, she wants to know if the levels of PFAS are in residents’ blood streams are elevated above the average level that’s found in people throughout the country.

“We are happy that they took the wells offline but prior to 2015 we didn’t know, so the only way to know is to get the blood testing done,” Mello said.

Testing like this has occurred before, namely in Pease, New Hampshire, which was one of the reasons Mello became inspired to start the petition. According to a New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (NH DHHS) press release, “a positive test result for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) from a well that serves the Pease Tradeport and the New Hampshire Air National Guard base at Pease” was found, and the well in question was taken offline—similar to the situation that occurred in Westfield.

According to the website for the community action group Testing for Pease, the community pushed for blood testing of residents for possible PFCs in their blood after the news came out about the contamination of the water source. The website reported that the NH DHHS eventually “responded to the community’s request to provide blood testing for the people at Pease exposed to contaminated well water (prior to May 2014) by offering two rounds of testing in 2015.”

Obituaries always online at http://thewestfieldnews.com/category/obituaries

Also according to the website, the blood tests for Pease residents came back with a higher amount of PFCs than what was found in a 2011-2012 study that was done by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Mello said that the testing was also facilitated through the ATSDR, who she also reached out to regarding her concerns.

Regarding the testing request, Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan said, “I’ve reached out to the [Westfield] Health Department and heard nothing on requirements or needs for testing.” He added that he was told that testing is “not warranted” at this time.

The city has also been working toward adding carbon filtration to the wells that are contaminated, and they are currently in the process of testing the water to see what level of that filtration is needed.

For more information on the petition, you can visit the change.org website and search for “PFAS Blood Testing for Residents of Westfield, MA Exposed to Contaminated Drinking Water.”

SOUTHWICK: Board of Library Trustees at 7 pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

HUNTINGTON: Veterans’ Agent at 2:30 pm Conservation Commission at 7 pm

BLANDFORD: Board of Health Meeting at 6 pm Fire Department Meeting at 7 pm Finance Committee at 7 pm

CHESTER: Municipal Electric Light Meeting at 7 pm

WESTFIELD: Off-Street Parking Commission at 6 pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

BLANDFORD: Library Trustees Meeting at 7:30 pm

WESTFIELD: Personnel Action Committee at 6:10 pm City Council at 7 pm

West Springfield shooting suspect held on $250,000 bail SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A West Springfield man charged with shooting his girlfriend's ex-boyfriend in the groin and ripping a $500 gold chain from his neck has been held on $250,000 bail.

The Republican (http://bit.ly/2n52aSF ) reports that Jose Marte Jr. pleaded not guilty Monday to seven charges including attempted murder in connection with the shooting last week near a city park.

Witnesses told police that the 21-year-old Marte and his girlfriend pulled into a parking lot where the victim and his friends were. Police say the shooting took place after an argument and struggle.

Marte and his girlfriend then fled the scene and were tracked down later.

The victim was taken to the hospital with a non-fatal wound.

Marte's lawyer retained the right to request lower bail at a later date.

City Street Snow Parking Ban details Please be advised that there will be a parking ban in effect Tuesday March 14, 2017 beginning at 6 AM. The parking ban will remain in effect until further notice. If you have any questions regarding, please call (413) 572-6226.

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, Westfield News Group Facebook page, as well as, TV Stations WWLP22 And WBGY 40 and finally, 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 • Westfield News Group Facebook page

Rubbish & Recycling Notice - Storm Cancellation Due to the inclement weather expected for Tuesday, March 14th trash and recycling will be canceled. Pickup for Tuesday will be on Wednesday, etc. with Friday’s pickup taking place on Saturday. Recycling is on the “B” week schedule. Thank you.

PAGE 4 - TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

COMMENT

Call 572-3999 to leave your comment.

To get the full effect of the PulseLine, listen to the calls at thewestfieldnews.com

Justice Dept. asks for more time on wiretapping evidence WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing a Monday deadline, the Justice Department asked lawmakers for more time to provide evidence backing up President Donald Trump's unproven assertion that his predecessor wiretapped his New York skyscraper during the election. The request came as the White House appeared to soften Trump's explosive allegation.

The House intelligence committee said it would give the Justice Department until March 20 to comply with the evidence request. That's the date of the committee's first open hearing on the investigation into Russia's interference in the 2016 election and possible contacts between Trump associates and Russia.

A spokesman for the committee's Republican chairman said that if the Justice Department doesn't meet the new deadline, the panel might use its subpoena power to gather information.

"If the committee does not receive a response by then, the committee will ask for this information during the March 20 hearing and may resort to a compulsory process if our questions continue to go unanswered," said Jack Langer, a spokesman for Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif.

Trump's assertions have put his administration in a bind.

Current and former administration officials have been unable to provide any evidence of the Obama administration wiretapping Trump Tower, yet the president's aides have been reluctant to publicly contradict their boss.

White House spokesman Sean Spicer tried to clarify Trump's comments Monday, saying the president wasn't using the word wiretapping literally, noting that Trump had put the term in quotation marks.

"The president used the word wiretap in quotes to mean broadly surveillance and other activities," Spicer said. He also suggested Trump wasn't accusing former President Barack Obama specifically, but instead referring to the actions of the Obama administration.

Trump himself has not commented on the matter since his March 4 tweets, in which he said he had "just found out that Obama had my 'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before the victory." He also wrote: "Is it legal for a sitting President to be 'wire tapping' a race for president?"

In two other tweets, Trump described Obama tapping his phones, but did not put the phrases in quotation marks.

The president's accusations against Obama came amid numerous political questions surrounding his associates' possible ties to Russia. The FBI is investigating Trump associates' contacts with Russia during the election, as are House and Senate intelligence committees.

The White House has asked those committees to also investigate Trump's unverified wiretapping allegations against Obama. The House committee has turned the matter back on the Trump administration, setting the Monday deadline for the Justice Department to provide evidence.

In a response Monday evening, the Justice Department said it needed extra time to "review the request in compliance with the governing legal authorities and to determine what if any responsive documents may exist."

Other congressional committees are also pushing the administration to clarify Trump's claims.

Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., asked Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente and FBI Director James Comey to produce the paper trail created when the Justice Department's criminal division secures warrants for wiretaps. The senators, who head the Senate Judiciary Committee's crime and terrorism subcommittee, are seeking warrant applications and court orders, which they said can be scrubbed to protect secret intelligence sources and methods.

Trump's critics have slammed the president for making the wiretapping claim on his Twitter account without evidence.

Wiretapping a U.S. citizen would require special permission See Wiretapping, Page 5

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President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, March 14. Clockwise, from lower left are, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, Vice President Mike Pence, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Energy Secretary Rick Perry, UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the president, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Congress’ analyst: Millions to lose coverage under GOP bill

By ALAN FRAM RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — Fourteen million Americans would lose coverage next year under House Republican legislation remaking the nation's health care system, and the number would balloon to 24 million by 2026, Congress' budget analysts projected Monday. Their report deals a stiff blow to a GOP drive already under fire from both parties and large segments of the medical industry.

The Congressional Budget Office report undercuts a central argument President Donald Trump and Republicans have cited for swiftly rolling back the 2010 health care overhaul: that the insurance markets created under that statute are "a disaster" and about to implode. The congressional experts said that largely would not be the case, that the market for individual policies "would probably be stable in most areas under either current law or the (GOP) legislation."

The report also flies in the face of Trump's talk of "insurance for everybody," which he stated in January. He has since embraced a less expansive goal — to "increase access" — advanced by House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans.

Health secretary Tom Price told reporters at the White House the report was "simply wrong" and that he disagreed "strenuously," saying it omitted the impact of additional GOP legislation and regulatory changes that the Trump administration plans for the future.

Still, the budget office's estimates provide a detailed, credible appraisal of the Republican effort to unravel former President Barack Obama's 2010 overhaul. The office has a four-decade history of even-handedness and is currently headed by an appointee recommended by Price when he was a congressman. Trump has repeatedly attacked the agency's credibility, citing its significant underestimate of the number of people who would buy insurance on state and federal exchanges under "Obamacare."

On the plus side for Republicans, the budget office said the GOP measure would reduce federal deficits by $337 billion over the coming decade. That's largely because it would cut the federal-state Medicaid program for low-income Americans and eliminate subsidies that Obama's law provides to millions of people who buy coverage.

It also said that while the legislation would push premiums upward before 2020 by an average of 15 to 20 percent compared to current law, premiums would move lower after that.

By 2026, average premiums for individuals would be 10 percent lower than under Obama's statute, it said.

The GOP bill would obliterate the tax penalties Obama's law imposes on people who don't buy coverage, and it would eliminate the federal subsidies reflecting peoples' income and premium costs for millions.

It instead would provide tax credits based largely on recipients' ages, let insurers charge more for older people and boost premiums for those who let coverage lapse. It would phase out Obama's expansion of Medicaid to 11 million additional low earners, cap federal spending for the entire program, repeal taxes the statute imposes and halt federal payments to Planned Parenthood for a year.

Administration officials took strong issue with the budget office's projections of lost coverage.

"We believe that our plan will cover more individuals and at a lower cost and give them the choices that they want," Price said.

And House Speaker Ryan said in a statement the GOP legislation "is not about forcing people to buy expensive, one-sizefits-all coverage. It is about giving people more choices and better access to a plan they want and can afford." In fact, on the Fox News Channel, he said the CBO report "exceeded my expectations."

Not in a good way, Democrats said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the projections show "just how empty the president's promises, that everyone will be covered and costs will go down, have been.."

"I hope they would pull the bill. It's really the only decent thing to do," said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

The American Medical Association, which has opposed the Republican bill because it would reduce coverage, said the report shows the legislation would cause "unacceptable" consequences. " Two House committees approved the legislation last week, and Ryan wants to bring it to the full House next week. Though many Republicans back the bill, conservatives say it doesn't go far enough in repealing Obama's law while moderates whose states used the statute to expand Medicaid don't want people losing coverage.

GOP leaders hope the Senate will consider the measure before breaking for an early April recess. Opposition from both ends of the Republican spectrum in that chamber suggests senators might demand significant changes.

The budget office attributed projected increases in uninsured Americans to the GOP bill's elimination of tax penalties for people who don't buy insurance, to reduced federal subsidies for many people who buy policies and to the reductions in Medicaid.

By 2026, the office estimated, a total of 52 million people would lack insurance, including 28 million expected to lack coverage under Obama's statute.

Even though Republican tax credits would be less generous than those under Obama's law, the combination of those credits and other changes to lower premiums would attract enough healthy people to stabilize markets under the new plan, the report said.

The budget office sees federal spending on Medicaid declining by $880 billion over the coming decade — about 25 percent lower than current projections. That would push about 14 million low-income people off the federal-state program.

Though average premiums are ultimately expected to fall, that would vary for people of different ages because compared to Obama's law Republicans would let older people be charged more.

The report estimates that individuals' out-of-pocket costs under the GOP bill "would tend to be higher than those anticipated under current law." That runs counter to another claim from the president, that his health care plan would offer "much lower deductibles."

CBO had predicted that 23 million people would be enrolled under Obama's law, but the number proved to be about 12 million — largely because CBO overestimated the extent to which the individual mandate would prompt them to buy coverage.

Agriculture nominee to distance himself from businesses WASHINGTON (AP) — Agriculture secretary nominee Sonny Perdue says he will step down from several positions at companies bearing his name, restructure family trusts and create blind trusts to avoid a conflict of interest if he is confirmed.

In a written agreement with a government ethics agency, the former Georgia governor said he will also step down from positions at the National Grain and Feed Association and the Georgia Agribusiness Council.

"I will not participate personally and substantially in any particular matter in which I know that I have a financial interest directly and predictably affected

by the matter," Perdue said in the agreement.

The agreement is routine for any member of the Cabinet. Senators have been waiting for more than seven weeks for Perdue's letter, which is dated March 7 but was posted on the Office of Government Ethics website over the weekend.

Donald Trump chose Perdue for the job on Jan. 18, two days before the inauguration, but the formal nomination was only sent to the Senate last week.

A financial disclosure form released by the ethics office shows that Perdue holds substantial assets from agricultural companies, including a grain mer-

chandising company called AGrowStar that is worth between $5 million and $25 million.

The Senate Agriculture Committee has received the paperwork, a final step before scheduling a confirmation hearing. Senate Agriculture Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., said Monday that the committee is reviewing the forms and he hopes to schedule a hearing before the end of the month.

The ethics agreement is required by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, passed after the Watergate scandal.

In the weeks since he was chosen, See Agriculture, Page 5

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Heather White, area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, addresses Rotary Club of Westfield.

Suicide is preventable WESTFIELD - Suicide is preventable, city Rotarians were told Monday, by talking.

“Suicide is one hundred per cent preventable” said Heather White, the area director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention when she brought a version of her ‘Talk Saves Lives’ presentation to the regular weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Westfield.

She reported that suicide is the tenth most common cause of death in America overall but said she is appalled that it is the second most common way for children 10-14 years-old to die.

White said that observing the suicide warning signs - changes in a person’s conversations, behavior and mood - can allow others to help and White said that usually the best way to help is by talking.

She said that talking is helpful even if you are at a loss to know what to say.

“It’s okay to say ‘I just don’t know what to say’ if you don’t know what to do” she said. She went on to say that often “the best thing is to ask them” if they have been thinking about hurting themselves.

“You will not put the idea of suicide in somebody’s head if you ask them” White said and went on to urge that, when talking with somebody at risk, you should take them seriously, avoid minimizing their feelings and, above all, not leave them alone.

White recommends calling the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 800 273 8255.

White said will bring her message to any group in the community willing to listen. “We can do these ‘Talk Saves Lives’ programs any where - and it’s always free of charge” she said.

White said that in addition to her foundation’s outreach efforts to prevent suicide the foundation has a number of

resources for suicide loss survivors.

She said that their programs range from one-on-one peer support from trained volunteer suicide loss survivors to training programs for schools and work places to help larger groups cope with a suicide loss within a specific community.

The Rotary Club of Westfield meets at noon on Mondays in the Carriage House at the Genesis Spiritual Center on Mill Street. Visitors and prospective members are always welcome.

At the club’s 20 March meeting, the guest speaker will be Ronald Bryant, President of Baystate Noble Hospital who is expected to provide an update on the hospital's current standing and insight into the hospital's future.

The speaker at the 27 March meeting will be Karen Leigh, the coordinator for the Westfield Conservation Commission and an authority on wetlands protection

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police have sufficient facts found but continued without a payment until dismissed upon March 6, 2017 payment, as well as charges of refuse to proCarlton B. Hale, 65, of 8 Darby Dr., www.sarahgillett.org Westfield, was released on his personal recog- duce license/registration/plates and tire outnizance pending a May 2 hearing after being side fender dismissed nolle prosequi, brought arraigned on charges of negligent operation of by Westfield Police.

John E. Krzykowski, Jr., 54, of 200 a motor vehicle and operating under the influSouthwick Road, Westfield, was released on ence of liquor, brought by Westfield Police.

Timmy Taskey, 21, of 6 Cycle St., See Court Logs, Page 8 Westfield, had a charge of failing to stop for

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WESTFIELD Major crime and incident log Monday, March 6, 2017 8:28 a.m.: Identity fraud, walk-in. Police received a report from a person who claimed that someone they used to know attempted to open credit cards in their name but was unsuccessful.

12:39 p.m.: Annoying phone calls, walk-in.

Police received a report of harassing phone calls that were being made to a resident in relation to a supposed tax fraud.

3:58 p.m.: Vandalism, Fox Hill Drive.

Wiretapping

Continued from Page 4

from a court, and Trump as president would have the ability to declassify that information.

Sen. John McCain, an influential Republican, said Sunday: "I think the president has one of two choices: either retract or to provide the information that the American people deserve."

"If his predecessor violated the law, President Obama violated the law, we have got a serious issue here, to say the least," McCain said.

Comey has privately urged the Justice Department to dispute Trump's claim but has not come forward to do so himself. James Clapper, who was Obama's director of national intelligence, has said that nothing matching Trump's claims had taken place.

White House counselor Kellyanne Conway sidestepped questions about the lack of proof Monday, saying she was "not in the job of having evidence."

Agriculture

Police received a report of a large picture window that was broken. Police did not note any entry that was made into the home and they did not report a possible cause of the broken window.

8:39 p.m.: Arrrest, Northwest Road. Police reported that they responded to an alleged dispute over a vehicle. After inputting information about those involved into the police computer system, it was found that Robert L. Twining, 31, of Westfield, had a warrant out for his arrest. Police arrested Twining on the warrant.

"That's what investigations are for," Conway told CNN's "New Day." "The president is pleased that the House and Senate intelligence committees have agreed that this should be part of the investigation that already exists about Russia and the campaign, an investigation that apparently has gone nowhere so far."

In a weekend interview with the Bergen Record, a newspaper in her home state of New Jersey, Conway appeared to point toward the recent WikiLeaks release of nearly 8,000 documents that purportedly reveal secrets about the CIA's tools for breaking into targeted computers, cellphones and even smart TVs. "What I can say is there are many ways to surveil each other now, unfortunately," including "microwaves that turn into cameras, et cetera," Conway said. "So we know that that is just a fact of modern life."

Continued from Page 4

Perdue has held several meetings with senators on Capitol Hill. Farm-state senators have mostly praised his nomination, including Democrat Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota, who said she would support him.

Perdue, 70, is a farmer's son who would be the first Southerner in the post in more than two decades. He built businesses in grain trading and trucking before becoming the first Republican governor of Georgia since Reconstruction.

Like Trump, Perdue declined while serving as governor to put his assets in a blind trust, as his immediate predecessors had done. He said then that he did not want to abandon businesses that were still operating. That set the stage for critics to question various land deals and tax breaks and prompted charges of conflict of interest.

While Perdue's nomination is pending, acting Agriculture Deputy Secretary Mike Young is in charge.

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HEALTHFITNESS Senate confirms Trump pick to head Medicare and Medicaid In this Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, photo, Cambridge Hospital first-year residents Samantha Harrington, center, and Vikas Gampa, right, talk during "sign-out" at the hospital in Cambridge, Mass. That's when the rookie doctors exchange information about their patients during shift change. Effective this summer, rookie doctors can work up to 24 hours straight under new extended limits. A Chicago-based group that establishes work standards for U.S. medical school graduates has eliminated a 16-hour cap for first-year residents. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)

Rookie docs can work longer, 24-hour shifts under new rules

By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer CHICAGO (AP) — Rookie doctors can work up to 24 hours straight under new work limits taking effect this summer — a move supporters say will enhance training and foes maintain will do just the opposite.

A Chicago-based group that establishes work standards for U.S. medical school graduates has voted to eliminate a 16-hour cap for firstyear residents.

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education announced the move Friday as part of revisions that In this Monday, Feb. 27, 2017, photo, Cambridge Hospital include reinstating the longer first-year resident Samantha Harrington stands for a photolimit for rookies — the same graph at the hospital in Cambridge, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven maximum allowed for Senne) advanced residents.

An 80-hour per week limit University Medical Center blast her in the face.

Harrington says the gruelfor residents at all levels near Chicago.

But first-year resident Dr. ing hours are "based on a remains in place under the Samantha Harrington thinks patriarchal hazing system," new rules.

Dr. Anai Kothari, a third- it will endanger the safety of where longtime physicians think "'I went through it, so year resident on a council residents and patients.

Harrington says her therefore you have to go panel that recommended the changes, says he only occa- 14-hour shifts this winter at through it too.'" She is a memsionally works 24-hour shifts. Cambridge Hospital near ber of the Committee of The extra hours give him Boston are already plenty Interns and Residents, a union time to finish up with patients long. To stay awake while group that opposes the workinstead of being sent home in driving home after work, she shift changes. So does the the middle of a case, said sometimes rolls down the American Medical Student Kothari, who works at Loyola window to let the freezing air Association.

Dr. Kelly Thibert, the group's president, says putting a 16-hour cap on all residents' work shifts would be a safer way to even the playing field.

There are more than 120,000 U.S. doctors-in-training including rookies.

The accreditation council has for years wrestled with ensuring that doctors are adequately trained but not overworked.

The 1984 death of an Listen at WSKB.org or watch on Comcast Cable CH. 15 18-year-old college student in a New York hospital while •••••••• Mondays •••••••• under the care of medical residents working long hours put 6-8 am: Good Monday Morning! with a national spotlight on the issue. Medication error and Katherine Bentrewicz & Elli Meyer inadequate supervision were 8-10am: Owls on the Air with Michael cited in that case, which prompted a lengthy investiga“Buster” McMahon ‘92 tion and state limits for residents' work hours.

•••••••• tuesdays ••••••• In 2003, the council implemented national standards that 6-8 am: WOW, It’s Tuesday, with Bob Plasse established the 24-hour shift cap and 80-hour work week 8-10am: Ken’s Den, with Ken Stomski for all residents. After an Institute of Medicine report •••••• Wednesdays ••••• raised additional safety concerns about sleep-deprived 6-8 am: Wake Up Wed., with Tina Gorman residents, the council in 2010 shortened work shift caps for 8-10am: Political Round Table first-year residents to 16 hours and strongly recommended ••••••• thursdays •••••• "strategic napping."

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Critics of the shorter limit said it short-changed rookie doctors. Dr. Karl Bilimoria, a Northwestern University surgery professor, said some residents have complained that they've had to leave work in the middle of surgeries.

Bilimoria led a study published last year suggesting that first-year residents could work longer without endangering patient safety or their own well-being. The research was among published findings that helped persuade panel to recommend lifting the 16-hour cap. The council's board approved the recommendation in a vote last month. The group delayed announcing the vote until its annual education conference, which ends Sunday in Orlando, Florida.

"We all agree that nobody wants tired physicians" said Dr. Rowen Zetterman, board chairman.

He said the new rules give training programs more flexibility, help eliminate abrupt handoffs of patients and will enhance teamwork among new doctors and their supervisors.

The rules say rookie doctors must have supervisors nearby, and those more experienced doctors can step in if a new resident is exhausted, Zetterman said.

U.S. doctor training generally includes an undergraduate science-related degree followed by four years of medical school. After that, newly minted doctors pursue several years of on-the-job training as medical residents, usually in hospitals. Fellowships or extra training in medical specialties may follow after that.

——— Online: ACGME: http://www.acgme.org

By RICARDO ALONSO-ZALDIVAR Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's pick to run Medicare and Medicaid won confirmation Monday from a divided Senate as lawmakers braced for another epic battle over the government's role in health care and society's responsibility toward the vulnerable.

Indiana health care consultant Seema Verma, a protégé of Vice President Mike Pence, was approved by a 55-43 vote, largely along party lines. She'll head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, a $1 trillion agency that oversees health insurance programs for more than 130 million people, from elderly nursing home residents to newborns. It's part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Verma, a first-generation American whose parents emigrated from India, takes over at CMS as a House Republican health care bill backed by Trump would make sweeping changes to the agency.

That legislation would roll back key elements of former President Barack Obama's health care law, including its Medicaid expansion for low-income people. More significantly, the GOP bill would limit overall federal financing for Medicaid in the future. Taken together, those changes could leave 24 million more people uninsured by 2026, the Congressional Budget Office said Monday in an assessment that's bound to complicate the bill's already difficult path.

With a background in public health, Verma has said she wants government programs to improve health, not just pay bills. She's been critical of Medicaid, saying "the status quo is not acceptable" for the federal-state insurance program that covers more than 70 million low-income people.

In Indiana, Verma designed a Medicaid expansion along conservative lines for Pence. Most beneficiaries are required to pay modest premiums. And the program uses financial rewards and penalties to steer patients to primary care providers instead of the emergency room. Critics say the plan has been confusing for beneficiaries and some have incurred penalties through no fault of their own.

At her Senate confirmation hearing, Verma defended her approach by saying that low-income people are fully capable of making health care decisions based on rational incentives.

She also said she does not support turning Medicare into a voucher plan under which retirees would get a fixed federal contribution to purchase private coverage from governmentregulated private insurance plans. Her boss, HHS Secretary Tom Price, is a prominent advocate of such an approach.

Medicare covers more than 56 million seniors and disabled people.

Some state officials are welcoming Verma's arrival as a sign that Medicaid has come of age at an agency where it traditionally came in second to Medicare.

With Verma's confirmation and Price as health secretary, Trump has two of the most senior HHS officials in place. Last Friday, the president nominated Dr. Scott Gottlieb to run the Food and Drug Administration. Nonetheless, many senior political appointee positions at HHS remain unfilled.

Yoga for Tweens and Teens at the Westfield Athenaeum Thursdays – March 16, 23, and April 20 from 6:30-7:30pm.

Students in grades 5 and up (with or without an adult) are invited to learn yoga at the library. Yoga fosters acceptance of self and others, understanding and tolerance. Participants will learn to move in ways that benefit the body and mind, foster relaxation, and a feeling of calmness. Beginners to experienced yogis are invited; all positions are modified and adapted to suit individuals’ abilities. Sally Barber from the Westfield Yoga Center will teach these classes. You are welcome to sign up for one, two, or three classes. To register, stop by or call the Boys’ and Girls’ Library 562-6158 x5 beginning February 21st. This program is generously sponsored by a grant from the Westfield Cultural Council.

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Baker: Keeping uninsured rate low is key in Massachusetts BOSTON (AP) — Gov. Charlie Baker says he wants to make sure Massachusetts continues to maintain a health care system that has delivered insurance to about 97 percent of residents.

The Republican governor made his comments Monday after the release of a Congressional Budget Office report which found 14 million Americans would lose coverage next year under legislation proposed by House Republicans.

The number could jump to 24 million by 2026.

The GOP proposal relies in part on cuts to the federal-state Medicaid program.

Baker, a former health care executive, says federal Medicaid dollars are critical to helping insure Massachusetts residents.

He says the state receives about $10.5 billion in federal Medicaid reimbursement each year — about 54 percent of the state’s Medicaid spending.

Massachusetts has the highest insured rate of any state.

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TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017- PAGE 7

FDA OKs new Novartis drug for type of advanced breast cancer

By LINDA A. JOHNSON AP Medical Writer TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — U.S. regulators have approved a new drug as an initial treatment for postmenopausal women with a type of advanced breast cancer.

The drug, called Kisqali and developed by Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG, is a pill that works to slow the spread of cancer by blocking two proteins that can stimulate growth and division of cancer cells.

It's for women who have metastatic breast cancer known as HR+/HER2-. About 40 percent of U.S. women diagnosed with breast cancer have this type, according to the American Cancer Society.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration confirmed the approval on Monday. Kisqali (KISS'-kahl-lee) is taken along with an older cancer drug called letrozole that works differently.

"This is an important therapy for these patients" who have limited options, said Dr. Vas Narasimhan, chief medical officer and head of drug development at Novartis, which has its U.S. headquarters in East Hanover, New Jersey.

Kisqali, part of the drug class called kinase inhibitors, is taken daily for three weeks, followed by a one-week break.

Meanwhile, patients also take either letrozole or another aromatase inhibitor, depending on the characteristics of their disease, for the entire four-week cycle.

A four-week supply of Kisqali, or 21 pills, will have a list price of $10,950 for the strongest dose — 600 milligrams.

In a Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016 file photo, logo of Swiss pharmaceutical company Novartis is seen at the Novartis Korea office in Seoul, South Korea. U.S. regulators have approved a new drug as an initial treatment for postmenopausal women with a type of advanced breast cancer. The drug, called Kisqali, developed by Swiss drugmaker Novartis, is a pill that works to slow the spread of cancer by blocking two proteins that can stimulate growth and division of cancer cells. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

The 400-milligram dose will cost $8,760 and the 200-milligram dose $4,380, Novartis said.

Patients often need to switch doses and the smaller doses will save patients and insurance companies money. Novartis said it will offer patients several types of financial assistance and many won't have to make copayments.

A study of 668 women funded by Novartis found that Kisqali and letrozole together reduced the risk of death or the cancer worsening by 44 percent, compared to those receiving only letrozole.

Kisqali, known chemically as ribociclib, can have side effects, ranging from potentially fatal abnormal heartbeat,

serious liver problems and severe infections to nausea, hair loss and fatigue. It cannot be taken by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Novartis has long been a leader in developing cancer medicines. It developed Kisqali along with Astex Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Japan's Otsuka Group.

Novartis said it's conducting additional Kisqali studies in combination with other treatments, and in women who haven't yet begun menopause.

Two are late-stage studies, usually the last stage before seeking regulatory approval, and results should be available late this year or early next year, the company said.

CDC: Don’t donate sperm in 3 Florida counties due to Zika

In this May 12, 2016 file photo, an obstetrician technician collects a blood sample from newborn in the nursery at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis. Canadians with cystic fibrosis survive about 10 years longer than Americans with the same genetic disease, according to startling new research that raises questions about how to improve care. The Monday, March 13, 2017, study suggests access to lung transplants and health insurance may play a role in the survival gap. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)

Cystic fibrosis patients surviving longer in Canada than U.S.

By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Canadians with cystic fibrosis survive about 10 years longer than Americans with the same genetic disease, according to startling new research that raises questions about how to improve care.

Monday's study suggests access to lung transplants and health insurance may play a role in the survival gap. And it comes as Congress debates health legislation that could roll back Medicaid, a safety net for about half of children and a third of adults with the lung-destroying disease.

"We're about finding the best care wherever it is and trying to understand, if Canada's got better outcomes, how do they do that so we can copy it," said Dr. Bruce Marshall of the U.S. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which funded the study.

More than 30,000 Americans, and 70,000 people around the world, are living with cystic fibrosis, caused by inheriting a defective gene from each parent.

Sticky mucus builds up in their lungs and other organs, leading to life-threatening respiratory infections and improper digestion and nutrient absorption.

Only a few decades ago, children with the disease seldom survived elementary school. Now, thanks to earlier diagnosis and improvements in treatment, more and more live into adulthood and middle age.

But the median age of survival in Canada is almost 51 — meaning half live at least that long — compared to

nearly 41 for U.S. patients, researchers reported Monday in Annals of Internal Medicine.

"These statistics are sobering," said Dr. Anne Stephenson of St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, who led the study.

Researchers analyzed data from national registries of cystic fibrosis patients in each country from 1990 to 2013.

The findings mark "a hard reality we must accept," Drs. Patrick Flume of the Medical University of South Carolina and Donald VanDevanter of Case Western Reserve University wrote in an accompanying editorial. Neither was part of the research.

"Now we are faced with the more difficult task of trying to identify and implement solutions to bridge this survival gap, which seems to be based on fundamental differences in the two nations' health care systems," they said.

Among possible causes: —A higher proportion of Canadian CF patients receive a life-prolonging lung transplant, 10.3 percent compared to 6.5 percent of U.S. patients.

It's not clear why. But the survival gap widened significantly in 2005, the year that the U.S. introduced a new scoring system to prioritize people on the waiting list for lung transplants. Marshall said the CF Foundation is raising concerns with transplant regulators about whether nuances in that system give other lung diseases more priority.

—Canada has universal health coverage. U.S. patients with private health insurance had similar survival to their Canadian counterparts. But

Canadians survived longer than U.S. Medicaid patients and those with no insurance, the study found.

Because Medicaid gives participants important access to specialized CF care centers, Marshall said "our hunch" is that poverty is the real factor. Even with Medicaid it's still hard to take time off work, find child care and travel to a clinic.

One other factor: Canada adopted better nutritional care for cystic fibrosis in the 1970s, a decade before the U.S., a difference likely to be affecting survival only among older age groups.

Survival gap aside, there still is no cure and "in both countries, there are still people who are very, very young who are dying," Stephenson noted.

By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Men from three Florida counties shouldn't donate sperm because of a small risk of spreading Zika, U.S. health officials said Monday.

The guidance had previously applied to Miami-Dade County, the only place in Florida where there's evidence the virus was spread by mosquitoes. But infections were reported in people in South Florida who couldn't clearly be linked to Miami-Dade.

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the advice should extend to two counties north of Miami — Broward and Palm Beach. The recommendation applies to men who lived or traveled in those counties since June 15.

Zika is mainly spread by mosquito bites but it can also be spread through sex. People can be infected without getting sick, and the virus can remain in semen for months.

There is no evidence of a pregnant women being infected by Zika through a sperm donation, and such a risk is considered low, CDC officials said. Infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects The Food and Drug Administration regulates sperm donations, and previously advised sperm banks they shouldn't accept donors if

they had been diagnosed with Zika or had been to an area with widespread Zika within the past six months. Sperm banks should consider the CDC's new advice discouraging donations from men in the three counties, an FDA spokeswoman said.

There are 12 sperm donor banks in the three south Florida counties, CDC officials said. While blood donations can be tested for Zika, there's not a good test for semen, according to the FDA. The last case of mosquito transmission of Zika in Florida was in December. But officials think it's possible the bugs will start spreading it again this summer. Some 221 people got Zika from mosquitoes in the continental U.S. last year, most in the Miami area. There were six case in Texas.

There's no evidence that mosquitoes in Broward or Palm Beach were spreading it, said Dr. Denise Jamieson, who is leading CDC's Zika emergency efforts. She said officials suspect the local infections occurred in Miami-Dade.

"A lot of times people may not realize when they crossed the county line," she said.

Since a large outbreak in Brazil, would-be moms and their sex partners have been told to avoid travel to Zika areas, use condoms or abstain from sex.

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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 Westfield News •

The Original

P ENNYSAVER • Longmeadow News • Enfield Press

PAGE 8 - TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

Eagle Scout

Continued from Page 1

others, though.

“Citizenship in the community was the hardest because we had to interview city leaders and attend city council meetings,” Huntley said, which at age 13 he noted, are very difficult tasks to do.

In addition to the merit badges, Huntley also had to perform a service project. That project ended up being to put up a flag pole at the First Congregational Church in Southampton, as well as retiring over 200 US flags.

“Jonathan is an extremely intelligent and outgoing young man,” Joe Mitchell, former scoutmaster who oversaw Huntley when he first earned his Eagle Scout, as well as Westfield’s city advancement officer, said. “He possesses a level of maturity and natural leadership skills that are unsurpassed for an individual his age.”

Also honored at the ceremony was Kellie Brown, director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield. She was given a certificate of appreciation for her work with the Kiwanis Club at the Park of Honor for veterans in front of South Middle School in Westfield.

Additionally, the Boys and Girls Club was given three $295 checks from American Legion Post 124, Sons of the American Legions Squadron 124 and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 124.

Also given certificates of appreciation that were on hand were Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan and Massachusetts Rep. John Velis.

These two, in addition to state Sen. Don Humason, who was not in attendance, also awarded Huntley with citations from their respective offices.

PHOTOS BY LYNN F. BOSCHER

CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Application Deadline March 18 WESTFIELD - The CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors announces that beginning February 1st high school seniors and college students in undergraduate studies residing in Westfield may apply for college scholarships online through the website, http: //csfwestfield.dollarsforscholars.org. Students will have the ability to create online profiles, which allow them to apply for and be matched to multiple scholarships for the 2017-2018 school year. We encourage prospective college students to begin developing online profiles now to assure that you are alerted of scholarship opportunities in advance of deadlines. CSF awards are need and merit based. Applications must be completed and submitted by March 18, 2017.

Court Logs

Continued from Page 5

The Southwick Dollars for Scholars event helps high school students have a better chance of receiving a scholarship. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)

$500 bail pending a May 4 hearing after being arraigned on charges of breaking and entering for a misdemeanor and assault and battery on a family/household member, brought by Westfield Police.

William R. Welch, 37, of 19 Meadowbrook Lane, Westfield, was held in lieu of $100 cash bail pending a May 4 hearing after being arraigned on a charge of shoplifting $100+ by concealing merchandise, brought by Westfield Police.

Catherine G. Woods, 20, of 38 Thomas St., Westfield, was released on her personal recognizance pending a May 4 hearing after being arraigned on charges of operating under the influence of liquor, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicle lights violation,

Dollars for Scholars

DPW Prepared

Continued from Page 1

award recipient. Last year $27,300 in scholarships was given out to 56 students at the high school.

Everyone involved realizes how it important it is for the community to reach out and help students who have an aspiration to attend college.

“It’s a big help to the kids no matter what size the scholarship,” said Judy Frenette who volunteers and whose children attended the high school in the early 2000’s.

In the envelope that is sent to all residents in town, a minimum donation of $250 is required as Southwick Dollars for Scholars will match the $250 to create the named scholarship for $500 or even more. Southwick residents also have the option to note who they would like to name the scholarship for.

Debbie Patryn, the President of Southwick Dollars for Scholars, emphasized what the

main focus is for the event.

“All of the money that we raise goes back to the students,” said Patryn.

A number of current and former high school students were assisting in mailing envelopes.

Julie Carroll, a freshman in college, received a scholarship for her freshmen year from the result of Dollars for Scholars.

“This was kind of a way to give back and thank the town for the scholarship,” said Carroll.

Chloe Emond, a junior at the high school, likes the number of scholarships that can be presented to students by reaching out for donations from the community.

“It’s good to see ones that really any of us can get,” said Emond.

For more information on Dollars for Scholars, e-mail southwickdollarsforscholars@gmail.com.

marked lanes violation and breakdown lane violation, brought by Westfield State University Police.

Yevgeniy Y. Babinov, 26, of 9 Hedges Ave., Westfield, received a five-month sentence to House of Corrections after pleading guilty to breaking and entering into a vehicle/boat in nighttime for felony, larceny under $250, attempt to commit crime and larceny under $250, with sentence for charges running concurrent, brought by Westfield Police.

Erik A. Hernandez, 27, of 54 Worcester Ave., Springfield, was released on his personal recognizance pending a May 4 hearing after being arraigned on a charge of shoplifting $100+ by concealing merchandise, brought by Westfield Police.

Continued from Page 1

Well, a new day dawned Tuesday and a Nor’easter has been projected to hit a majority of New England with the greater Westfield area expecting anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of snow.

Southwick DPW Director Randy Brown says that his workers spent Monday getting all sorts of equipment ready as they prepared to be in at 5 a.m. on Tuesday morning in order to start pushing snow. Pre-treating on most of the side streets in Southwick has also been done.

“That’ll help minimize any early accumulation on those roads,” said Brown.

With the possibility that anywhere from two to four inches of snow could drop in an hour, every truck will have their own route and will be back over that same route again and again. Salt will also be placed on the

roads as the trucks are plowing to help minimize any ice freezing on the road ways and will help try to keep the blacktop bare or at a slush form.

“That’ll be the entire process throughout the storm,” said Brown.

According to Brown, all of Southwick DPW’s contractors have been put on notice and have been out since the snow began.

The approach that the DPW has taken for this storm is no different than the last one.

“We try to approach each storm in the same general manner and then we will adapt if necessary,” said Brown.

For any questions or thoughts on the DPW’s preparation and plans for the storm, contact Brown and the Southwick DPW at 413-5693040.

Find more LOCAL PHOTOS available at www.thewestfieldnews.com

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017- PAGE 9

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

SPORTS

Westfield goalie Cam Parent gets into position to make a save against Longmeadow in the D3 West Sectional final last Thursday at the Olympia in West Springfield. (Photo by Bill Deren)

History channeled

By CHRIS PUTZ Staff Writer WEST SPRINGFIELD – History is on their side.

When No. 2 Westfield toppled top-seeded Longmeadow in the Division 2 West Sectional boys’ ice hockey championship 4-2 last Thursday night at the Olympia, the Bombers continued to cement their place in Western Mass sports history.

With the win over Longmeadow, Westfield secured it fourth title in five years.

“Every time it happens it trumps the other one because it’s present, it’s current, but they’re all incredible,” said Westfield senior Sean Moorhouse, one of four different players to record a goal in the Western Mass title

game. “The feeling doesn’t change, and it doesn’t get any less any time.”

It was Westfield’s 10th championship since 2002, and the fifth time the Bombers successfully defended a title in 15 years.

Westfield went 15-5 during the 2016-17 regular season before holding off Minnechaug to win in the D3 semifinals, 4-3. The Bombers then skated past the Longmeadow Lancers in the finals to set up a state semifinal against Central Mass champ, Shrewsbury (21-0-1).

As a No. 1 seed, Shrewsbury advanced through the Central Mass bracket with a thrilling 2-1 double overtime victory over fourth-seeded Marlboro and a 4-1 win over second-seeded Wachusett.

Westfield and Shrewsbury will meet in a state semifinal Wed., March 15 at the MassMutual Center in Springfield at 5:45 p.m. The winner will advance to Sunday’s final at the TD Garden in Boston.

Shrewsbury features a trio of high scorers and two fast lines. Westfield does not have a specific go-to scorer, but rather relies on a collection of blue-collar workers who fight for every goal.

“We preach no superstars on this team – we’re a family; we’re a team,” Moorhouse said. “Everybody has a role to play. If someone has got to step up and score a goal, if someone has to step up and block a shot, make a pass, make a save, whatever it is, everyone is going to do whatever they have

to do to fill a void. Everyone understands when their role is, where their role is and when to do it, so anybody can score and we’re just as happy. It’s no surprise to us when someone new scores.”

Westfield coach C.B. “Moose” Matthews voiced his optimism following a last-minute, late-night Monday practice session. The team was forced to plan an “off” day Tuesday with a blizzard expected to overtake the entire state.

“It’s going to be a hard-fought game … that comes down to the wire,” coach Matthews said. “We’re going to need a little bit of luck, a bounce of the puck, and maybe we will bring home a ‘W’.”

Porcello, Price and Wright all have good days for Red Sox

By MARK DIDTLER Associated Press DUNEDIN, Fla. (AP) — The Boston Red Sox had a good day on the mound.

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello threw five scoreless innings Monday in an intrasquad game, five days after being struck on the pitching hand by a batted ball.

Also, David Price is making progress in his recovery from a sore left elbow, and knuckleballer Steven Wright went two hitless innings against Toronto in his first exhibition start after missing the final month last season due to a right shoulder strain.

Porcello was hit on the thumb by Yoenis Cespedes' fourth-inning grounder during his start Wednesday against a New York Mets' split squad.

"Threw the ball very well," Boston manager John Farrell said after the Red Sox lost 4-3 to the Blue Jays. "Got up to 75 pitches. No ill effects from the comebacker the other day against the Mets. A good day, a positive work day for Rick."

In his outing at Boston's complex in Fort Myers, Florida, Porcello struck out six. He was 22-4 with a 3.15 ERA last season.

Farrell said Price has been doing range-of-

RICK PORCELLO

STEVEN WRIGHT

motion drills and throwing into a net in a batting cage for the past few days. There is no date yet for when Price will get on a mound.

"Feels good again," Farrell said. "Given the situation, he's in a good place right now.

The main thrust is still the rehabbing and strengthening, and getting his arm moving."

Entering the second year of a $217 million, seven-year contract, Price reported elbow soreness the day after a two-inning, 38-pitch simulated game on Feb. 28. He met with Drs. James Andrews and Neal

Find the latest Westfield News sports coverage on

ElAttrache on March 3.

Wright, a first-time AL All-Star last year, retired six of seven Toronto hitters. His lone baserunner reached on an error.

"It felt good to finally get back out there in a game situation," Wright said.

"Definitely pleased with the outcome. A little more pleased with how I felt. Today was a huge step in the right direction."

Carson Smith, coming back from Tommy John surgery, threw around 15 pitches during his first bullpen session. Reliever Tyler Thornburg, working on mechanics, will have a mound session Wednesday.

PAGE 10 - TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

High School Tournament Schedules THURS., MARCH 9 DIVISION 3 BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY WEST CHAMPIONSHIP Olympia Ice Center, West Springfield No. 2 WESTFIELD 5, No. 1 Longmeadow 3

Sat., March 11 DIVISION 2 GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY WEST QUARTERFINALS Gallo Arena, Bourne No. 12 Longmeadow (13-5-1) vs. No. 4 MethuenTewskbury (18-1-3), 3:15 p.m.

Sun., March 12 No Sports Scheduled

FRI., MARCH 10 No Sports Scheduled

Tues., March 14 No Sports Scheduled Wed., March 15 DIVISION 3 BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY STATE SEMIFINALS MassMutual Center West Sectional champion Westfield Bombers (17-5) vs. North-South Champion, 5:45 p.m.

Mon., March 13 No Sports Scheduled

N AT I O N A L B A S K E T B A L L A S S O C I AT I O N

EASTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away Conf Cleveland 43 22 .662 — 4-6 L-1 26-7 17-15 29-11 Boston 42 25 .627 2 5-5 W-1 22-9 20-16 27-12 Washington 41 25 .621 2½ 7-3 L-1 26-9 15-16 25-16 Toronto 39 28 .582 5 6-4 W-1 22-11 17-17 23-16 Atlanta 37 30 .552 7 5-5 L-1 19-15 18-15 25-15 Indiana 34 32 .515 9½ 5-5 W-1 23-10 11-22 19-21 Detroit 33 33 .500 10½ 7-3 W-2 22-12 11-21 20-20 Milwaukee 32 34 .485 11½ 7-3 L-1 20-16 12-18 21-22 Chicago 32 35 .478 12 4-6 W-1 19-14 13-21 21-19 Miami 32 35 .478 12 7-3 L-1 18-14 14-21 21-21 Charlotte 29 38 .433 15 5-5 L-2 18-15 11-23 18-22 New York 26 41 .388 18 3-7 L-3 15-17 11-24 17-25 Philadelphia 24 42 .364 19½ 3-7 W-1 15-19 9-23 16-23 Orlando 24 44 .353 20½ 3-7 L-3 12-22 12-22 16-25 Brooklyn 12 53 .185 31 3-7 W-1 8-24 4-29 4-34 WESTERN CONFERENCE W L Pct GB L10 Str Home Away Conf x-Golden State 52 14 .788 — 5-5 L-3 26-4 26-10 31-9 x-San Antonio 52 14 .788 — 9-1 W-2 25-6 27-8 29-9 Houston 46 21 .687 6½ 6-4 W-2 24-9 22-12 27-11 Utah 42 25 .627 10½ 7-3 W-1 23-12 19-13 25-18 L.A. Clippers 40 27 .597 12½ 5-5 L-1 21-10 19-17 23-18 Oklahoma City 37 29 .561 15 6-4 W-2 25-9 12-20 24-18 Memphis 37 30 .552 15½ 3-7 W-1 20-14 17-16 26-16 Denver 32 35 .478 20½ 7-3 W-3 19-16 13-19 19-22 Portland 29 36 .446 22½ 6-4 W-1 17-14 12-22 19-20 Dallas 28 38 .424 24 6-4 L-2 20-15 8-23 17-24 Minnesota 28 38 .424 24 7-3 W-1 18-18 10-20 16-23 New Orleans 26 40 .394 26 4-6 W-1 15-18 11-22 12-26 Sacramento 26 41 .388 26½ 2-8 W-1 14-21 12-20 15-23 Phoenix 22 45 .328 30½ 4-6 L-1 13-21 9-24 9-35 L.A. Lakers 20 47 .299 32½ 1-9 L-2 12-19 8-28 10-30 x-clinched playoff spot Monday’s Games Chicago 115, Charlotte 109 Toronto 100, Dallas 78 Memphis 113, Milwaukee 93 Minnesota 119, Washington 104 San Antonio 107, Atlanta 99 Utah 114, L.A. Clippers 108 Denver 129, L.A. Lakers 101 Sacramento 120, Orlando 115

Dallas at Washington, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Boston, 7:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Miami, 7:30 p.m.

Utah at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Lakers at Houston, 8 p.m.

Memphis at Chicago, 8 p.m.

Portland at San Antonio, 8 p.m.

Sacramento at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Milwaukee at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games Detroit at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Indiana at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Brooklyn, 7:30 p.m.

Portland at New Orleans, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Oklahoma City at Toronto, 7 p.m.

Utah at Cleveland, 7 p.m.

Brooklyn at New York, 7:30 p.m.

Memphis at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.

L.A. Clippers at Denver, 9 p.m.

Orlando at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Charlotte at Indiana, 7 p.m.

Friday’s Games No games scheduled.

N AT I O N A L H O C K E Y L E A G U E

Washington Pittsburgh Columbus N.Y. Rangers Montreal Ottawa Boston Toronto Tampa Bay N.Y. Islanders Philadelphia Florida Buffalo Carolina Detroit New Jersey

GP 68 68 68 70 69 67 69 67 68 68 68 67 69 66 67 68

Minnesota Chicago San Jose Calgary Anaheim Edmonton Nashville St. Louis Los Angeles Winnipeg Vancouver Dallas Arizona Colorado

GP 67 68 68 69 69 68 69 68 68 70 69 68 68 68

EASTERN CONFERENCE W L OT Pts GF GA Home Away Div 44 17 7 95 218 152 27-6-1 17-11-6 15-7-5 43 16 9 95 239 190 27-4-3 16-12-6 15-5-1 44 18 6 94 219 160 25-9-1 19-9-5 15-6-1 44 24 2 90 225 183 19-15-2 25-9-0 13-11-0 39 22 8 86 189 172 20-9-4 19-13-4 12-3-5 39 22 6 84 182 173 19-10-6 20-12-0 11-10-1 37 26 6 80 196 179 19-14-0 18-12-6 16-7-1 31 22 14 76 204 199 17-10-6 14-12-8 13-6-3 33 26 9 75 189 186 19-11-3 14-15-6 12-5-3 32 25 11 75 203 209 20-9-6 12-16-5 9-9-4 31 29 8 70 176 204 19-11-4 12-18-4 6-11-2 29 27 11 69 168 193 15-16-3 14-11-8 9-9-5 28 29 12 68 177 203 17-12-6 11-17-6 9-10-4 28 27 11 67 170 193 19-10-3 9-17-8 8-13-2 26 30 11 63 166 202 13-15-5 13-15-6 6-11-5 25 31 12 62 153 197 13-13-6 12-18-6 8-9-3 WESTERN CONFERENCE W L OT Pts GF GA Home Away Div 43 18 6 92 223 163 23-9-1 20-9-5 15-7-3 43 20 5 91 204 171 23-9-4 20-11-1 17-8-1 41 20 7 89 190 158 22-8-4 19-12-3 13-7-3 39 26 4 82 191 185 20-14-0 19-12-4 10-9-3 36 23 10 82 181 174 22-8-3 14-15-7 12-6-4 35 24 9 79 191 181 16-12-4 19-12-5 12-4-3 34 24 11 79 205 196 20-8-7 14-16-4 14-10-1 36 27 5 77 189 190 20-11-4 16-16-1 11-11-2 33 29 6 72 169 171 19-13-1 14-16-5 9-9-1 30 33 7 67 208 224 16-18-1 14-15-6 16-8-2 28 32 9 65 159 201 18-12-6 10-20-3 11-9-1 27 31 10 64 189 221 18-12-6 9-19-4 8-14-4 25 35 8 58 165 217 16-15-4 9-20-4 9-12-5 19 46 3 41 131 222 10-22-2 9-24-1 6-16-0

NOTE: Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

Sunday’s Games Chicago 4, Minnesota 2 Montreal 4, Edmonton 1 N.Y. Rangers 4, Detroit 1 Anaheim 5, Washington 2 San Jose 5, Dallas 1 Monday’s Games Columbus 5, Philadelphia 3 Tampa Bay 3, N.Y. Rangers 2 Carolina 8, N.Y. Islanders 4 Nashville 5, Winnipeg 4, OT Calgary 4, Pittsburgh 3, SO Arizona 1, Colorado 0 St. Louis 3, Los Angeles 1 Boston 6, Vancouver 3 Tuesday’s Games Winnipeg at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Washington, 7 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Toronto at Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Montreal, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Buffalo at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Arizona at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Pittsburgh at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Calgary, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Colorado, 9:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Anaheim, 10 p.m.

Thursday’s Games Winnipeg at N.Y. Islanders, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Washington, 7 p.m.

Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7 p.m.

Florida at Columbus, 7 p.m.

Minnesota at Carolina, 7 p.m.

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 7:30 p.m.

Chicago at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Boston at Edmonton, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Arizona, 10 p.m.

Dallas at Vancouver, 10 p.m.

Buffalo at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

St. Louis at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

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.)

Find more LOCAL PHOTOS available at www.thewestfieldnews.com

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

2017

First Round March 17-18

NCAA TOURNAMENT

Second Round

1 UConn (32-0)

March 19-20

First Round Second Round

Sweet 16

Sweet 16

March 24-25

March 24-25

March 19-20

16 Robert Morris (22-10) Mar. 20

Sat. 1:30 p.m.

Elite 8

Elite 8

March 26-27

March 26-27

Mar. 19

9 Purdue (22-12) Mar. 25

Fri. 2:30 p.m.

12 Penn (22-7)

12 Western Ky. (27-6)

Final Four

Mar. 20

Mar. 19

Dallas

Sat. 6:30 p.m.

Fri. 2:30 p.m.

Lexington, Ky.

Mar. 27

Mar. 26

13 Belmont (27-5) 6 N. Carolina St. (22-8) Fri. 12 p.m.

11 Auburn (17-14) Mar. 19

Mar. 19

Fri. 12 p.m.

Fri. 2:30 p.m.

Mar. 25

Mar. 24

Sat. 4 p.m.

National Championship

10 Oregon (20-13) Mar. 20

7 Kansas St. (22-10) 10 Drake (28-4) Mar. 20

April 2

Sat. 9 p.m.

15 New Mexico St. (24-6)

1 Baylor (30-3)

1 South Carolina (27-4) Fri. 5 p.m.

16 UNC Asheville (19-14) Mar. 20

Mar. 19

Sat. 9 p.m.

Fri. 7:30 p.m.

9 California (19-13)

9 Michigan St. (21-11) Mar. 24

5 Marquette (25-7)

Sat. 4 p.m.

Sat. 1:30 p.m.

12 Dayton (22-9)

12 Quinnipiac (27-6) Mar. 20

Mar. 20

6 Oklahoma (22-9)

Stockton, Calif.

Mar. 26

Mar. 27

Sat. 6:30 p.m.

6 Missouri (21-10) Fri. 5 p.m.

11 Gonzaga (26-6)

11 South Fla. (24-8) Mar. 20

Mar. 19

All times EDT

3 Florida St. (25-6) Fri. 7:30 p.m.

Sat. 9 p.m.

14 Western Ill. (26-6) Mar. 24

7 DePaul (26-7)

Mar. 25

7 Creighton (23-7) Fri. 7:30 p.m.

10 Toledo (25-8) Mar. 19

2 Oregon St. (29-4) Fri. 5 p.m.

Fri. 2:30 p.m.

Corvallis

Fri. 12 p.m.

10 UNI (24-8) Mar. 19

Tallahassee

Oklahoma City

13 FGCU (26-8)

14 Montana St. (25-6)

Starkville

4 Miami (FL) (23-8) Sat. 4 p.m.

Sat. 1:30 p.m.

13 Chattanooga (21-10)

Seattle

Mar. 25

Coral Gables

Louisville

5 Tennessee (19-11)

2 Mississippi St. (29-4)

8 Arizona St. (19-12)

Columbia

Waco

Sat. 6:30 p.m.

16 Texas So. (23-9)

3 Washington (27-5)

2 Stanford (28-5) Sat. 1:30 p.m.

15 Hampton (20-12)

4 Louisville (27-7)

Manhattan

Sat. 6:30 p.m.

8 LSU (20-11)

3 Texas (23-8) 14 Central Ark. (26-4)

14 Bucknell (27-5)

2 Duke (27-5)

Austin

Bridgeport, Conn.

11 Elon (27-6)

4 Kentucky (21-10) Fri. 12 p.m.

March 31

13 Boise St. (25-7)

7 Temple (24-7) Durham

5 Ohio St. (26-6)

Sat. 9 p.m.

6 West Virginia (23-10) College Park

Mar. 24

Lexington

Los Angeles

5 Texas A&M (21-11)

3 Maryland (30-2)

8 Green Bay (27-5) Fri. 5 p.m.

9 Iowa St. (18-12)

4 UCLA (23-8)

1 Notre Dame (30-3) Fri. 7:30 p.m.

16 Albany (NY) (21-11) 8 Syracuse (21-10)

March 17-18

Notre Dame

Sat. 11 a.m.

Storrs

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 - PAGE 11

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

15 Long Beach St. (23-10)

15 Troy (22-10)

AP

UConn, Irish, South Carolina, Baylor top seeds in NCAAs

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer NEW YORK (AP) — UConn's drive for five will begin at home.

Winners of 107 straight games, coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies won't have to leave the state of Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament until the Final Four as they try for an unprecedented fifth consecutive national championship.

The top seed will open at home on Saturday against Albany and if they advance to the Bridgeport Regional would have a short drive.

"I worry sometimes about being at home. I worry about the distractions that kids have," Auriemma said. "When you are on the road you can just huddle everybody up and you can eliminate a lot of distractions. Sometimes the officials get funny against the home team in the NCAA Tournament."

While the Huskies won't have to leave the state until potentially heading to Dallas for the national semifinals, the other No. 1 seeds aren't as lucky.

South Carolina is the top seed in Stockton, California. The Gamecocks are headed out of the Eastern time zone for the third time in four seasons. The Gamecocks' lone trip to the Final Four came when they played a regional in Greensboro in 2015.

"I don't know what more we can do," South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said. "We won our conference tournament to play closer.

Two years ago, we got sent to Greensboro.

Last year, we had to take the time zone flight, over two time zones. I thought it was our turn to get flipped back to the Greensboro kind of ideology. I'm not going to say it's not fair. But they got to figure out a different way."

Baylor is the No. 1 in the Oklahoma City Regional and Notre Dame is the top choice in Lexington, Kentucky.

NCAA selection committee chair Terry Gawlik defended the choice to send South Carolina out west again.

"It made the most sense for the good of the game and the student-athlete experience to go out to Stockton and have Baylor go to Oklahoma City," she said.

In this March 6, 2017, file photo, the Connecticut women's basketball team pose with the American Athletic Conference championship trophy after defeating South Florida in an NCAA college basketball game tournament final in Uncasville, Conn. UConn finishes the season at No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll for the 14th time in school history. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill, File) All four hope to get to Dallas for the Final Four on Friday, March 31. The NCAA switched the national semifinals back to a Friday-Sunday format this season for the first time since 2002. The Huskies would matchup with Baylor while South Carolina and Notre Dame would play if all four teams advance that far. The Lady Bears are hoping to make the short drive from Waco to Dallas.

That scenario may be unlikely. Last year, the Huskies were the only top team to make

the Final Four as Washington, Syracuse and Oregon State all pulled off upsets to advance.

UConn, which has won a record 11 national championships, is the prohibitive favorite to win again. Unlike the past few years where it almost seemed a foregone conclusion that UConn would win the title, the Huskies weren't the favorite coming into the season with big losses to graduation.

Geno Auriemma challenged his young team with a difficult schedule that saw the

Huskies play most of the other top teams in the country, including Notre Dame, South Carolina and Baylor. Still, they did show some vulnerability with a single digit win over Maryland — the No. 3 seed in their region. UConn also only beat Tulane by three points in February, giving other teams hope that the Huskies are beatable.

Maryland coach Brenda Frese wasn't thrilled at the low seed. The Terrapins were fourth in the final AP poll on Monday.

"We understand it's tournament time. I'm most surprised that being a team ranked top four in the country, (we) earn a three seed," Frese said. "Thirty wins, win your conference regular season and conference tournament at this point it doesn't matter. Put your head down and given the bracket you have, it's the next opportunity."

Duke is the No. 2 seed in the region after missing the NCAAs last year for the first time since 1994.

For the second consecutive season the NCAA is having the top four teams in each region host the opening two rounds. No. 2 Stanford couldn't host because of a conflict in its facility so the Cardinal will head to seventh-seeded Kansas State.

Tennessee isn't one of those 16 teams, but the Lady Vols will be making their 36th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. They've been in the field ever year.

The Lady Vols who have shown they can beat nearly anyone in the field but also can lose to many teams too. They open up against Dayton in Louisville. The Cardinals are the four seed in the Oklahoma City Regional.

Elon and Texas Southern are the lone teams playing in their first NCAAs. The SEC has eight teams in the field while the ACC and Pac-12 each have seven. The Missouri Valley Conference got a second team in with Northern Iowa making the field as a 10-seed. Drake won the conference's automatic bid, going unbeaten in conference play.

Among the teams that got snubbed: Michigan and Virginia.

PAGE 12 - TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

Dear Annie

By ANNIE LANE

Stolen Name Dear Annie: Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve known exactly what I want to name my future children. Wedding plans, career goals, possible boyfriends, even where I’d want to live -- none of these was as clear to me as the names of these future kids. When I played with my Barbies, Barbie and Ken were always renamed “Jane” and “John.” (These are pseudonyms. I don’t want to share the real names for privacy reasons.)

Earlier this year, I married the love of my life, “Keith,” after three very happy years together. Though we’re in no rush to have children, we do want to have a family eventually. Family is important to both of us, and we are lucky to have good relationships with my small nearby family and Keith’s family of two brothers and three stepsisters, all of whom live across the country. Keith’s eldest brother and sister-in-law are expecting a boy, and they just told us that they are thinking of naming him ... “John.”

Though I’m thrilled for them, I am also crushed. Years ago, I mentioned to the soon-to-be parents in passing how I liked the name, and I can’t help thinking they “stole” it from me. I do understand that I don’t have a claim on this name. However, I’m having a tough time letting go of the resentment, and each time I hear people compliment the name choice, it’s like a twist of the knife. I wouldn’t want to be seen as copying them if I were to have a son of my own. What can I do? -- What’s in a Name?

Dear WIAN: Get out the book of baby names and start perusing the millions of other choices available to you. I guarantee you’ll find one that you like even better. And at the end of the day, there’s nothing in a person’s name more important than what’s in his character.

Dear Annie: This is in regard to “Trapped,” who was preparing to leave her emotionally abusive husband.

“Trapped” should be able to work with an attorney to follow the statutes of the state in which she lives regarding how to serve her husband with a petition for dissolution and perhaps simultaneously get an order for protection. There should be no need for “Trapped” to meet with her husband face to face. Law enforcement or a process server could personally serve her husband. Of course, “Trapped” will have to make arrangements for an alternative living situation once her husband has been served. -- Retired Attorney Dear Retired: Thank you for bringing to attention that important point. Though “Trapped” wanted to tell her husband in person, it is, as you said, not necessary or even advisable.

If you or someone you know is in an abusive situation, there is help. Call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800799-7233.

Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators. com. To find out more about Annie Lane and read features by other Creators Syndicate columnists and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

HINTS FROM HELOISE PLACARD PARKING POINTERS Dear Heloise: When a H A N D I C A P P ED - A C C ES S I B LE PLACARD is issued, the guidelines aren’t always clear. This means drivers simply assume that whatever they want to do is OK since they have the placard.

I even saw one woman trying to “bull” her way through a school crossing by pointing to her placard and saying it allows her to do whatever she wants!

1) The placard is meant only for the disabled person, who must be physically in the vehicle.

2) The vehicle must be properly parked within the lines of the parking space.

3) RE: the blue hatched lines: A) These spaces are designed to allow the disabled to open car doors completely to ease entrance and exits when using walkers/wheelchairs.

B) Also, these spaces allow equipped vans to lower a wheelchair lift.

C) These are not “waiting areas” when dropping someone off.

D) These are not motorcycle parking spots.

Please do us all a favor and print these common-sense guidelines. -- Pat in Fort Wayne, Ind. Pat, happy to help! Some people abuse use of the placards.

Maybe they should think twice about doing so, because if they need to use a space, it may be blocked by someone trying to cheat. Also, someone may LOOK healthy, but may have a condition that is not visible, which warrants parking close to an entrance. -- Hugs, Heloise P.S. Readers, visit www.ada.gov or call the Americans with Disabilities Act phone line, 800-514-0301, for more information.

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

TV Sports Tonight Tuesday, March 14 BASEBALL 6 a.m.

MLB — 2017 World Baseball Classic, second round, Cuba vs. Japan, at Tokyo 9 p.m.

MLB — 2017 World Baseball Classic, second round, Dominican Republic vs. Puerto Rico, at San Diego Midnight (Wednesday) MLB — 2017 World Baseball Classic, second round, Netherlands vs.

Cuba, at Tokyo (joined in progress) BOXING 9 p.m.

FS1 — Premier Champions, Sergiy Derevyanchenko vs. Kemahl Russell, middleweights, at Tunica, Miss.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL 6:40 p.m.

TRU — NCAA Tournament, First Four, Mount St. Mary’s vs. New Orleans, at Dayton, Ohio 7 p.m.

ESPN — NIT, first round, UNC-Greensboro at Syracuse 7:15 p.m.

ESPN2 — NIT, first round, Valparaiso at Illinois 8 p.m.

ESPNU — NIT, first round, Oakland at Clemson 9 p.m.

ESPN — NIT, first round, Indiana at Georgia Tech 9:10 p.m.

TRU — NCAA Tournament, First Four, Kent St. vs. Wake Forest, at Dayton, Ohio 9:15 p.m.

ESPN2 — NIT, first round, Richmond at Alabama 10 p.m.

ESPNU — NIT, first round, Boise St. at Utah 11:15 p.m.

ESPN2 — NIT, first round, CS Bakersfield at California MLB BASEBALL 1 p.m.

MLB — Spring training, Atlanta vs. Philadelphia, at Clearwater, Fla. 4 p.m.

MLB — Spring training, San Francisco vs. Cleveland, at Goodyear, Ariz.

NBA BASKETBALL 7 p.m.

NBA — Detroit at Cleveland 10:30 p.m.

NBA — Philadelphia at Golden State NHL HOCKEY 7:30 p.m.

NBCSN — Chicago at Montreal SOCCER 3:30 p.m.

FS1 — UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, Leg 2, Leicester City vs.

Sevilla FS2 — UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, Leg 2, Juventus vs.

Porto

On The Tube

Milo Ventimiglia poured his dad into Jack on ‘This is Us’

By LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — In Milo Ventimiglia's trailer on the set of NBC's "This is Us" hangs a black-and-white photo of himself at maybe 3 or 4, leaning on his dad's knee, father and son smiling in the front yard near a tall tree.

Above and below the snapshot are handwritten signs, reminders that have helped the actor mold his popular character, Papa Jack Pearson, on one of network TV's weepiest family shows of the moment: "Be a Good Father," Ventimiglia penned above, with "Be a Good Husband" below.

"I saw my mom and dad with a great, great healthy marriage," said the kind-faced Ventimiglia, neither father nor husband himself.

"I think I would absolutely love to have that, have a family, have a wife, have a partner. You think about who is that one person that you're going to be with that you can just walk shoulder-to-shoulder with in life, support, and they support you, you know," he added in a recent interview.

Ventimiglia, at 39 already in the business more than two decades, said he poured other aspects of his parents into the character and his on-screen marriage to Mandy Moore's Rebecca, including their very human challenges and flaws as the show headed into Tuesday's first-season finale.

The elder Ventimiglia, Pete, wasn't a crier, for instance, just as Jack is often the dry-eyed stoic while others in the Pearson clan tear up around him. Oddly, tears — and Jack's lack thereof — were a topic of conversation between Ventimiglia and "This is Us" creator Dan Fogelman.

"I didn't see my father cry until I was maybe 21 years old, when his father passed away," Ventimiglia said. "And I thought to myself, 'Wow I've never seen my dad cry, until then. Why is that?' And I started breaking that apart and thinking, 'I believe that my father was trying to give me strength as a young man moving forward in life.'"

While on another NBC hit, "Heroes," Ventimiglia spent time on a USO tour, hanging with veterans who served in Iraq,

This image released by NBC shows Mandy Moore, left, and Milo Ventimiglia in a scene from "This Is Us." The season finale for the popular time-twisting family drama will air Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST on NBC. (Ron Batzdorff/NBC via AP) Kuwait and Afghanistan. He remains committed to the cause of helping vets. His dad was an enlistee during the Vietnam War, in the Army Corps of Engineers. He built bridges and roads and bases.

"I know he was in some pretty hot spots," Ventimiglia said.

"He was 20, 21 years old. To know that my father experienced war, like some of my friends have now experienced war, it gives me a different perspective and care when it comes to just what they've seen at such a young age."

A teaser of Tuesday's season closer revealed that Jack, too, is a Vietnam vet, serving as a mechanic.

"I very much likened that to my father's experiences," Ventimiglia said. "My father, it broke his heart being in Vietnam and seeing what was happening to the people there.

There's gotta be a better way to solve the problems that we have.""

‘Big Bang Theory’ gets spinoff about Sheldon’s early years LOS ANGELES (AP) — "The Big Bang Theory" is getting a spinoff about genius Sheldon's early years.

CBS said Monday that "Young Sheldon" will air this coming season.

The comedy is set during the childhood of Jim Parsons' character on the original series. The precocious 9-year-

old Sheldon is living with his family in Texas and attending high school.

"Young Sheldon" stars Iain Armitage, who's appeared on Steve Harvey's "Big Shots" and in the Nicole Kidman-Reese Witherspoon miniseries "Big Little Lies."

Parsons, as the adult Sheldon, will

serve as narrator.

Chuck Lorre, co-creator of "The Big Bang Theory," created "Young Sheldon" with Steven Molaro. Filmmaker Jon Favreau ("The Jungle Book," Iron Man") is directing the first episode.

An air date for the spinoff was not announced.

This Feb. 7, 2017 file photo shows Iain Armitage at the Los Angeles premiere of the HBO series, "Big Little Lies." Armitage will star in “The Big Bang Theory” spinoff, "Young Sheldon," portraying Jim Parson's character Sheldon Cooper at the age of 9. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

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THE WESTFIELD NEWS

SPEED BUMP Dave Coverly

AGNES Tony Cochran

TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017 - PAGE 13

RUBES Leigh Rubin

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, March 14, 2017: This year you will be more concerned with your daily patterns and will give 100 percent effort. Still, you’ll manage to keep your life exciting. You are likely to succeed in nearly everything you do. If you are single, decide what type of relationship you want. Your popularity soars after the summer. If you are attached, the two of you relate with a newfound intimacy. Work on being on the same page as your sweetie more often. LIBRA can be unusually charming.

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 A power play is likely to backfire, partially because you are involved and can put the kibosh on it. You might be so surprised by someone else’s actions that you could have a knee-jerk reaction.

You will be taken aback by a friend’s words. Tonight: Be receptive to an inquiry.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) HHHH Make some choices for you.

Decide to take better care of yourself.

Whether this resolution means trying out a new exercise routine, scheduling a doctor’s appointment and/or going on a diet, understand that you might need to revise your work schedule. Tonight: Easy works.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) HHHHH You have so many places to go that you might feel overwhelmed.

Don’t worry; this feeling will dissipate as the day goes on. You’ll get much of what you want done easily. A friend’s actions might shock you and give you a lot to think about. Tonight: Let the fun begin.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) HHHH Others could be difficult at best, and you might wonder what they are up to. Understand that you see a personal matter differently from how you have viewed it in the past. Tension builds, mainly because you see that certain decisions are necessary. Tonight: Happy at home.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) HHHH You might feel pressured by others. You’ll wonder what to do and will consider what would be best for everyone involved. Pace yourself when handling your daily responsibilities. Trust that you will come up with a suggestion once you get into a routine. Tonight: Return calls.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) HHHH Your playful side emerges.

Assess what needs to happen, and look for some solutions. A brainstorming session might develop from out of nowhere.

Don’t nix any ideas, and remain openminded. As a result, you will be surprised by what comes up. Tonight: Go shopping.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) HHHHH Go for more of what you want. An opportunity that you have been waiting a long time for is likely to appear.

You might be confused about how to approach this situation. Confirm that your goals are still the same before you decide to take action. Tonight: All smiles.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) HHH If you sense undercurrents, you are right. They always exists, but they might be more prominent than in the recent past. You could feel cornered at the moment. To confirm what you sense, you’ll have to approach a hard-headed individual. Trust your senses. Tonight: Out late.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) HHH Pressured by a demanding financial situation, you might feel as if you need to bend too far to integrate your needs into a workable plan. Another option includes waiting several days to get feedback from a trusted friend or loved one. Tonight: Trust your instincts with a personal matter.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) HHH Be more direct in how you handle a personal situation. Honor a fast change of pace. You are able to meet any demand. Luck surrounds you because of your endurance and ability to manage. A domestic matter could be more volatile than you realize. Tonight: Out till the wee hours.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) HHHHH Apply your imagination, and try to see what it is like to walk in someone else’s shoes. By speaking with those who are more knowledgeable than you, you will gain a new perspective.

You’ll be able to do something you previously deemed impossible. Tonight: Try out a new spot.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) HHHH You might want to head in a new direction. First, speak to a trusted friend whose perspective you value.

Crosswords

Cryptoquip

Know what is impossible and what is doable. You’ll get the confirmation you need to determine which way you should go.

Tonight: Choose a favorite stressbuster.

PAGE 14 - TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

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Villanova NCAA college basketball player Kris Jenkins talks to fans before boarding a bus as the team departs Villanova, Pa., on Monday, March 13, 2017, for a game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, in Buffalo, N.Y. Teams chasing a college basketball title are contending with an unexpected wrinkle that's making last-minute travel plans even tougher: the anticipation of a storm bearing down on the Northeast that's expected to dump snow and wind. (AP Photo/Matt Rourkenam)

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

Villanova NCAA college basketball head coach Jay Wright gestures before boarding a bus as the team departs Villanova, Pa., on Monday, March 13, 2017, for a game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, in Buffalo, N.Y. Teams chasing a college basketball title are contending with an unexpected wrinkle that's making last-minute travel plans even tougher: the anticipation of a storm bearing down on the Northeast that's expected to dump snow and wind. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Winter storm forces basketball teams to alter travel plans

By JOHN KEKIS AP Sports Writer ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Teams chasing a college basketball title are contending with an unexpected wrinkle that's making last-minute travel plans difficult — a fierce storm bearing down on the Northeast that's expected to dump up to two feet of snow in some places and create blizzard-like conditions.

Villanova, the top overall seed in the men's NCAA Tournament, left Philadelphia Monday afternoon for Buffalo, New York, to get ahead of a storm that's projected to last three days. The defending champion Wildcats, who play on Thursday, had an abbreviated press availability with coach Jay Wright, but no player interviews were granted as the team rushed to its flight.

"I'm not really looking forward to leaving right away. But it hits you with reality, you're in it," Wright said. "We're going to be in Buffalo tonight and we're playing and it's on."

On the women's side, top team UConn will play on Saturday morning, giving Albany, Syracuse and Iowa State more time to travel.

U.S. airlines canceled thousands of flights for Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the storm.

Nobody was facing a more difficult week than Princeton, a school new to the scramble.

The Tigers beat Yale on Sunday for the title in the first Ivy League Tournament, where in previous years they would have clinched earlier by being unbeaten in the regular season.

The victory allowed for a brief celebration and not much more for Chris Mongilia, director of basketball operations for the Tigers.

"I kind of enjoyed it for a minute, and then my phone started ringing and emails started firing out, trying to figure out when we were going," Mongilia said Monday. "We found out our flight time this morning. We've been booking buses and hotels.

It's been putting a lot of pressure on us to get everything done and organized. But yeah, it's been crazy."

Crazier still, the school is factoring in midterms for several

players this week, squeezing them in before the team plays Notre Dame on Thursday in Buffalo. The team was scheduled to leave Tuesday.

"A lot of our guys are going to have to take exams proctored by a professor who is going to have to travel with us," Mongilia said. "They are going to have to take them in a conference room up at the hotel in Buffalo. The storm has definitely put a few bumps in our travel plans."

Providence was leaving Monday evening for Dayton, Ohio, for its Wednesday night matchup against Southern California in the First Four, and the Friars had no worries about cancellations because it takes charter flights for away games and can avoid the local airport, athletic director Bob Driscoll said.

"It's good we're getting out tonight because the snowstorm is coming tomorrow. It'll be a different story," Driscoll said.

"People are excited to be in, so we're locked and loaded and ready to leave. We've been working on it all night and all morning."

The winter storm had already begun strafing the Midwest and was projected to begin sweeping through the New York region Monday night. Forecasters said it could dump up to two feet of snow across parts of New York and New Jersey. The National Weather Service issued blizzard watches for New York City and nearby areas, including Connecticut. The storm is expected to last into Wednesday in western New York with as much as 18 inches of snow.

For the NIT, Ole Miss was taking a charter flight on Monday for its Tuesday game at Monmouth in New Jersey. School officials said the storm pushed the travel timeline up a few hours.

West Virginia coach Bob Huggins was delayed getting on the Big 12 coaches weekly media call Monday because he was in a meeting with school officials to discuss the Mountaineers' travel plans to Buffalo.

"Yeah, we are concerned," Huggins said.

The school later announced it would take a bus more than 280 miles north to Buffalo on Monday night rather than leav-

By TOM COYNE Associated Press SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Coach Muffet McGraw is hoping the three losses Notre Dame sustained during the regular season have will have the Fighting Irish better prepared for adversity they will face in the NCAA Tournament.

"We've been in some real battles and I think it really helped. I think the losses that we had, especially the Tennessee game, really made us better," she said Monday evening moments after the second-ranked Irish (30-3) learned they were the top seed for the Lexington Regional.

The three losses are the most the Irish have had entering the NCAA Tournament since they started a run of six straight top seeds with three losses during the 2011-12 season. Sixth-ranked Stanford (28-5), which knocked Notre Dame out of the tournament last season, is seeded second in the regional, No. 14 Texas is third and No. 18 Kentucky (2110) is seeded fourth.

The Irish, who started the season for the first time ever at No. 1 in the AP Top 25, were dominated at home by topranked Connecticut 72-61 in early December, were beaten at North Carolina State 70-62 in the Atlantic

Coast Conference opener later that month and lost 71-69 at Tennessee in mid-January.

Senior point guard Lindsay Allen said she believes losing to Stanford in the regional semifinal last season will help the Irish avoid overlooking anyone this season.

"I think last year we looked ahead a little bit more than we should have. So I think for us we have to take it one game at a time, which is what we preach every year," Allen said.

The Irish will host Robert Morris (2210), the Northeast Conference champion, in South Bend on Friday. The other game in South Bend pits eighth-seed Green Bay (27-5), which is making its eighth tournament in nine seasons, against ninth-seeded Purdue (22-12), which was a bubble team for a second straight season.

Other notes of interest in the Lexington Regional STANFORD'S STREAK: Pac-12 champion Stanford joins Tennessee as the only schools with 30-year NCAA tournament streaks. The Cardinal will

face No. 15 seed New Mexico State (24-6) in Manhattan, Kansas. Stanford was unable to host because it is hosting the Pac-12 women's gymnastics championship.

TEXAS AT 30: Texas will host Central Arkansas on Friday, with the winner taking on the winner of AuburnNorth Carolina. The Longhorns are the fourth team to earn 30 tournament berths, joining Tennessee (36), Georgia (32) and Stanford (31).

RUN IT BACK: The Lexington Regional could include three teams that were in Lexington Regional semifinals last year (Notre Dame, Stanford and Kentucky). Stanford advanced. It also marks the second straight season Kentucky could play its first four tournament games at home, starting Friday against Belmont (27-5), which will be making its third NCAA tournament appearance.

OHIO STATE-WESTERN KENTUCKY: Fifth-seeded Ohio State (26-6) faces No. 12 seed Western Kentucky (27-6) in Lexington. The Lady Toppers are making their 19th tournament appearance and have won at least one game in half of their appearances.

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Notre Dame seeded No. 1 in Lexington, Stanford is No. 2

ing on Tuesday. West Virginia plays Thursday afternoon against Bucknell.

Virginia Tech also opted to leave after classes Monday, a day earlier than normal. The Hokies were to take a bus to Roanoke and fly to Buffalo before their game Thursday night against Wisconsin.

Airport officials in Buffalo said they would be able to handle the conditions.

"We're always ready to do our best," said Douglas Hartmayer, spokesman for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which oversees the Buffalo-Niagara Airport. "We have a history of being prepared and keeping those runways open and safe."

Syracuse also is in the storm's path, predicted to receive more than one foot of snow, but the Orange aren't going anywhere. Syracuse hosts UNC-Greensboro in a first-round game in the NIT on Tuesday night. The visit from the Spartans comes after Orange coach Jim Boeheim said there was "no value" in the Atlantic Coast Conference holding its postseason tournament in Greensboro.

——— AP Sports Writers Tom Canavan in New Jersey, John Raby in West Virginia, Hank Kurz in Virginia, David Brandt in Mississippi, Doug Feinberg and Brian Mahoney in New York, Dan Gelston in Philadelphia, and John Wawrow in Buffalo contributed to this report.

——— For more AP college basketball coverage: http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_Top25

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

Reporting to the COO, as part of the Sr. Leadership Team, this person must possess strong leadership and organizational skills. They will be an integral part of the strategic planning and implementation of innovative programs. The right candidate will be highly motivated, enthusiastic & have the ability to think creatively. This position directly oversees all agency Day Habilitation Programs, the Adult Family Care Program and Family Support Centers. This position requires networking with other colleagues and provider agencies on the local, regional and state level who provide similar services and supports.

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.)

Looking for a Unique Gift?

Qualifications: Master’s Degree in human service or related field. 5 yrs of recent experience working with disabled individuals.10 years of supervisory experience.

Strong program development experience. Knowledge of MassHealth regulations relating to Dept of Medical Assistance funded services is a plus. Ability to motivate others and work within a multidisciplinary team. Strong family work is essential. Flexibility a must!! Travel required.

Burr Hand 1st & 2nd Shift: Ability to use hand/motorized Deburr equipment & work to fine finishes required by customers. Must be able to work independently with minor supervision. 5+ yrs. experience deburring complex aerospace parts.

Assembly 1st & 2nd Shift: Must be able to assemble products w/established standards using hand & assembly tools, follow instructions from work orders, prints and verbal orders. 5+ yrs. exp.

HELP WANTED

Excellent benefit package.

Send resume and cover letter to: Attn. Human Resources at Berkshire County ARC, 395 South Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Put a picture of someone you love on a keepsake.

Can You Help Sarah?

These are pictures the staff at The Westfield News Group have taken at events throughout our communities.

35 Turnpike Industrial Road, Westfield, MA 01085

Local Business Bulletin Board

FOSTER CARE:

You can help change someone’s life. Can Provide a safe home for children and teens who have You been abused or neglected.

MandatHelp ory training beginning in Sarah? mid-April. $1000 Sign on www.sarahgillett.org bonus.

Call:

www.sarahgillett.org

Devereux Therapeutic Foster Care at: 413-734-2493

How Did This HouseHelp Seniors?

Want To Know A Secret?

Go to www.thewestfieldnews.com visit “Photos” look for your Ask Sarah. favorite photo, then click the “Buy” icon located at the top. www.sarahgillett.org

EOE - M/F/Disabled/Vet

Who Does It?

The Town is seeking interested candidates for the positions of Lifeguard, Gate Attendant, and Assistant Manager for the Park & Recreation Department at the Southwick Town Beach, 14 Beach Road, Southwick. All positions are required to work holidays and weekends as the beach is open 7 days a week. Positions are approx.

16-32 hrs. a week for approx.

9 weeks. Lifeguards must have Standard First Aid and CPR Certification and Life Guard Certification. Preferred Requirement: Open water certified; if currently not certified, employee will need to be by the opening day of beach. If hired as a lifeguard P&R will have a class set up for employee to get open water certification (at the expense of employee). A copy of the job descriptions and employment application can be obtained at www.southwickma.org or by contacting the Board of Selectmen’s Office @ 569-5995. Applications must be submitted to the Board of Selectmen’s Office @ 454 College Highway, Southwick, MA 01077 by end of business April 10, 2016.

The Town of Southwick is an ADA/EOE/AA employer.

Sarah Helps Seniors

413-499-4241 AA/EOE

telltool.careers@ cadenceaerospace.com Fax 413-562-7237, mail or in person at:

Lifeguards, Gate Attendants, and Assistant Manager

GARAGE DOORS Sales • Installation Service & Repair

Residential & Light Commercial

Certified, Licensed, Insured • Free Estimates 413-289-6550 • 413-626-1978 • www.menardgaragedoors.com New or Repair

Brick-Block-Stone

SOLEK MASONRY

Chimneys • Foundations • Fireplaces (413) 569-6855 (413) 569-3428

Free Estimates

C &C

Zoning New Installations Heating & Cooling, INC Replacements Air Filtration Fully EPA Duct WorkCleaning Insured Certified Tune-Ups Steve Burkholder, Owner - License #GF5061-J Maintenance 18 Years Experience Gas Piping FREE (413) 575-8704 ESTIMATES Humidifiers

❄

Carleton’s

Custom Lamp Picture Repair Framing 38 West school st. and and Restoration Westfield, MA Repair Appointments anytime

(413) 568-2339

(413) 537-5842

PERRY’S

Sewer & Drain Cleaning 413-782-7322 No Job

Lic. #26177 • AGAWAM, MA

since 1984

COMPLETE

BATHROOM & KITCHEN

R E N O V AT I O N S

Fully Insured MA Lic #072233 MA Reg #144831

Too Small!

373 College Hwy., Southwick, MA 01077 (413) 569-6104 (413) 998-3025

DAVE DAVIDSON (413) 569-9973 www.davedavidsonremodeling.com

FULLY• INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES LONG TRUCK •LOADS fully insured • free •estimates CORD WOOD • LOTS CLEARED • TREE REMOVAL • EXCAVATION

Celebrating 27 Years In Business

David Rose Plumbing & Heating

1990

Serving Western Mass

Veteran Owned & Operated Westfield, MA

2017

(413) 579-4073

MA Lic # PL33191-J Fully Licensed & Insured

413-562-1973

NEW CUSTOMER SPECIAL 8 WEEKS FREE SERVICE CALL FOR DETAILS

Weekly/BiWeekly Curb-Side Residential Pick-Up Area’s Best Prices Free Wheeled Trash Cart

FREE ESTIMATES

FULLY INSURED

Residential & Commercial Permanent Dumpsters

BAKER MASONRY Residential & Commercial

MICHAEL J. CADELLO Owner

FIREPLACES • CHIMNEYS • STEPS • SIDEWALKS • PATIOS CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS • BILCO HATCHWAYS

www.mjcrubbishremoval.com

BOBCAT SERVICES

BRICK - BLOCK STONE - CONCRETE

(413) 569-3172 (413) 599-0015

Alex Home Improvement CUSTOM TILE SHOWERS • CUSTOM MASONRY REMODELING

Home Repair Services 413-206-6386

Dennis Mayboroda 413-579-2761

The Safe, Guaranteed Solution to Your Home Repair and Maintenance Needs

90 Putnam Drive • Westfield, MA • Dennis@AlexHomeImprovement.com

Connect with us! Visit us online at

PLUMBING & HEATING

• Livestock Sales • Logloads • Lumber www.sarahgillett.org • Cordwood 50 Hastings Rd. • Southwick, MA 01077 • 413-569-0777

thewestfieldnews.com

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

he

T

Press room

Coffees • edibles • News 62 School St. • Westfield

To Advertise Your Business & What You Do in this section Call (413) 562-4181

PAGE 16 - TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM

CLASSIFIED

THE WESTFIELD NEWS

DEADLINE: 2PM THE DAY BEFORE To Adver tise call 413-562-4181 Ext , 118

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

Email floram@thewestfieldnewsgroup.com

HELP WANTED

Advertise Your

ESTATE

SALE Call (413) 562-4181 Ext. 118

Cobble Mountain Landscape, Inc. Seeking responsible and enthusiastic male or female for Part-time or Full-time work; flexible schedules. All phases of landscaping including construction, irrigation, plantings. Experience a plus.

Willing to train. Good wages and some benefits.

Send resume to: P.O. Box 8102 Westfield, MA 01086

HELP WANTED

Drivers Wanted: Class A and B Full-time/Part-time Flexible Hours Local Deliveries Call T.J Bark Mulch Inc. at 413-569-2400

PETS THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME PET SITTING SERVICE Vacation care, over night sittings, daily dog walks.

(413)667-3684

Business Directory 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.

CLEANING Quality Cleaning Professional cleaning service, with a personal touch. Residential & Commercial Contact Mariya at 413-262-6985 mariya@westernmass qualitycleaning.com westernmassquality cleaning.com

DOG SERVICES SUSAN'S DOG SERVICES Insured pet care provider.

Providing personalized walking, 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.

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

Free estimates. (413)569-3066.

FIREWOOD

AFFORDABLE FIREWOOD 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

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

Volume discounts Call for pricing Hollister's Firewood 860-653-4950 or 860-250-4869

HAULING A DUMP TRUCK Attic, cellars garages cleaned out. Wood and brush removal.

Handy-Man services plus painting. Snowplowing.

(413)569-0794 (413)374-5377

HOME IMPROVEMENT JD BERRY GENERAL CONTRACTING Full Service Contracting Framing, siding, windows, doors. Site work, additions, garages and decks. Trim work and drywall.

Fully Insured CS 077728 H.I.C 129700 37 Years Experience Call Jim: 413-530-5430 or 413-569-6920

PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Low, low prices! Residential & Commercial. Interior/Exterior painting. Sheet-rock repair.

Ceilings, walls and Light carpentry.

MASTER ELECTRICIAN 40 years experience. Insured.

Reasonable prices. No job too Free Estimates small. Lic# A7625.Call Tom 413-333-6321 or 860-741-5588 Daly, (413)543-3100.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE _________________________

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.

Hagger's Landscaping Services LLC All your landscaping needs, Residential & Commercial ----Spring cleanups, seeding, plantings, mulching, topsoil, patios, walkways, lawn mowing and more!

----Now offering 5 step fertilizing programs! Sign up now for our program get the 5th application FREE!!

----Call today for your FREE estimate!!!

FULLY INSURED (413) 626-6122 or visit: www.haggerscape.com _________________________

HOUSE PAINTING

LOGGING

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

LETOURNEAU & SONS PAINTING ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! 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.

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

LANDSCAPING & LAWN CARE

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

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.

413-835-5491

MASONRY ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING 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

PAINTING

JOHNSON'S PAINTING SERVICES

Interior & Exterior

ACCURATE LAWNCARE Leaf & Brush Removal Gutter Cleaning Trimming & Mowing, Snow Removal with Sanding Family owned & operated Call (413)579-1639

25 years experience Including aluminum siding.

Commercial & Residential.

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

accuratelawncare2013 @gmail.com

FOR FREE ESTIMATE call: Ken 568-5146

A & J LANDSCAPING Spring & Fall Clean-ups; mowing, trimming, mulching, planting and landscape design.

Arborvitaes for sale.

Quality work & service.

Bobcat services also available (Call Mike @ 562-6502)

Call Tony 413-519-7001

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

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

CONSTRUCTION OR MULCH HAY $2 per bale; 40 bale minimum.

413-535-6732

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.

APARTMENT HUNTINGTON- 2 Bedroom, 2nd floor. Stove, refrigerator & dishwasher included. $750 413-667-3149

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

ARTICLES FOR SALE

WESTBRIDGE MANOR WESTFIELD: 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath, full basement. W/D hookup. $825/month plus utilities.

(413)562-2295.

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

FREE pick-up & delivery.

Same day service available.

786-0022

TRACTOR SERVICES JIM'S TRACTOR SERVICES Spruce up for Spring!

Grading & leveling of trap rock, dirt driveways & short roads; loader or backhoe work. Mowing of fields & lots with large rotory mower. Equipment transportation. (9 tons or less).

Trucking available. Removal or filling old pools. Insured (Div. of JD Berry Contracting) (413) 530-5430 (413) 569-6920

TRUCK SERVICE TOP TRUCK SERVICES CORP.

WESTFIELD- 2ND FLOOR, one-bedroom, kitchen and bath.

No Pets. $700 per month includes utilities. First, last, security. 413-250-4811.

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

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. $275,000.

Family Owned Servicing Western Mass since 1998

Call Peter at 413-354-6593

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

LAND

NAPA Truck Service Budget Truck Rental Location 24-Hour Emergency Service Fleet Repair MA Inspection Station

Beautiful Mountain-top Lot

"No truck or job too big or too small"

MONTGOMERY, MA Panoramic views. Fully cleared, de-stumped and graded. Ready to build.

Minutes to Westfield. 5.69 acres. Asking $130,000.

Call (413)562-5736.

165 Bliss St. West Springfield, MA

413-788-6787

MOBILE HOMES

TREE SERVICE

Springfield: Two bedroom home. Handyman special. Finish to suit yourself. Great opportunity.

413-593-9961 DASAP.MHVILLAGE.COM

top-truck.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.

WINDOW CLEANING

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOWS Cleaned inside and out!

Including storms and screens.

Fully insured. Free estimates.

Call Paul NOW for your SPRING appointment.

413-237-2053

SERVICES A DUMP TRUCK Attic, cellars garages cleaned out. Wood and brush removal.

Handy-Man services plus painting. Snowplowing.

(413)569-0794 (413)374-5377

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

JIM'S TRACTOR SERVICES Spruce up for Spring!

Grading & leveling of trap rock, dirt driveways & short roads; loader or backhoe work. Mowing of fields & lots with large rotory mower. Equipment transportation. (9 tons or less).

Trucking available. Removal or filling old pools. Insured (Div. of JD Berry Contracting) (413) 530-5430 (413) 569-6920