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The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
Clear Skies. Low of 43.
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 84 NO. 271
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015
See Academy, Page 3
WTA Aviation Instructor Galen Wilson, student Nathaniel Spiller and Principal Stefan Czaporowski spoke to the School Committee about the Aviation program Monday night. (Photo by Amy Porter)
— JOSIAH ROYCE
75 cents
Westfield Technical Academy programs presented to board By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – Monday’s School Committee meeting in the City Council chambers opened with a presentation by staff and students of the Westfield Technical Academy. WTA Principal Stefan Czaporowski introduced Aviation Instructor Galen Wilson to the committee members. Wilson then gave an update on the new Aviation Maintenance Training (AMT) program at the school, and the fleet of six planes the program has already obtained, with another one in the works. Wilson said students are currently going through the “one weeks,” during which they spend one week at each of their top four shop picks. He said students coming to AMT are being introduced to atmospheric conditions, principles of flight, and flight stability. They are also building model airplanes, which they get to fly in the auditorium at the end of the week. “It is a lot of fun,” Wilson said. “I’m really trying to pick up the kids that really want aviation.” When asked how many students he will take, Wilson, a 30-year veteran of the Air Force, said, “Twelve to fourteen students is a comfortable range. This is my first year.” He said the number of students is not firm. “I’m really excited about this program,” School Committee member Jeffrey Gosselin said. Also speaking on behalf of the program was freshman Nathaniel Stiller, who Wilson said scored 103 on the exam during “one weeks.” Stiller said he has been interested in aviation since the seventh grade. “Everything I’ve learned through Wright Flight,” he said. Wright Flight is the Aviation Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) program housed at Barnes Airport, which introduces students in grades 7 through 12 to the field of aviation. Also presenting for Westfield Tech were senior Karina Shevchenko, business technology, and junior Douglas Kapinos, information technology, who reported on upcoming events at the school. They announced that the Tigers Pride restaurant is serving lunch and dessert on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10:45 to 12:15, and invited the
“Love is never merely an amiable tolerance of whatever form human frailty and folly may take.”
Proposals sought for Southwick’s Old Library
Westfield Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Scallion announced her plans to retire June 30. She will turn in her letter of resignation to Human Resources Director Jennifer Willard (right) on Tuesday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Westfield Schools Superintendent to retire By AMY PORTER Correspondent WESTFIELD – After serving what she called “five great years,” Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Scallion officially announced to the School Committee Monday night her plans to retire at the end of June 2016. Saying that she had a heavy heart and mixed feelings, Scallion said to committee members, “I want to give you time to begin a search, and announce my intention to retire on June 30.” She said she would be turning in her letter of resignation to Human Resources Director Jennifer Willard on Tuesday. Ramon Diaz thanked Scallion for her service and said, “We will have to start putting a subcommittee together tomorrow.” Kevin Sullivan also thanked her for the warning, and giving them time to find a replacement. “We have eight months to say goodbye,” Sullivan said. “Basically, I have loved coming to work
every single day,” Scallion said after the meeting. “It was such an honor to be the superintendent of such a great group of people.” She added that under the School Committee and chair Mayor Knapik, “I saw a lot of investment in the schools.” Her plans for the moment center on spending time with her 92-year-old father. Her mother passed away this fall. Scallion said her father still lives at home on Cape Cod, and goes out to breakfast every day. She hopes to have some fun with him. “I’m going to take some time and figure out what I want to do for my next career,” Scallion said. Other plans include following the Lewis and Clark trail for the second time, and visiting former exchange students in Europe. “Travel and time, and most importantly time with my Dad…” Scallion said. “I’m pretty lucky to still have him around.”
‘Falling’ into healthy eating habits By ELIANA LAKRITZ MS, RDN, LDN Now that fall is back, the coziness of the fireplace, a cup of tea, blankets, and comfort food tend to draw you inside during the fall and winter seasons compared to summer, when you might normally be found on the bike trail. The weather is often an easy excuse to opt out of healthy eating and to remain on the couch, paving the way toward excessive weight gain. How do we combat this seemingly inevitable “winter fat layer” and maintain a healthy lifestyle when the temperature begins to drop? Luckily, fall and winter bring plenty of healthy food options and creative opportunities for exercise that help us stay healthy. One common downfall that many experience during the colder seasons is a more sedentary lifestyle. There are many outdoor activities to experience during these months. Fall is a fantastic time to enjoy a hike outside among the changing
ELIANA LAKRITZ foliage, walk around town for some colorful photo opportunities, go for a trail run, or even try mountain biking. During winter, consider cross-country skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, or if you are really winterphobic, consider an indoor exercise program. There are always ways to incorporate physical activity, regardless of the season. There are also many ways to stay on track with healthy eating during fall and winter. Despite what you may believe, fall and See Eating Habits, Page 3
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – The Board of Selectmen hope to find a partner to help refurbish the Old Town Library. The Board met with the Historical Commission to discuss reuse of the building and how to go about finding the right tenant for the historical building. Selectmen Chairman Joseph Deedy said he is not looking to sell off the building for $1 – or to sell it at all. “It’s not about having someone come in and knock it down, ” Deedy said. Selectman Russ Fox agreed. “We’re considering looking for proposals and seeing if someone is interested in the building and reusing it,” Fox said. Deedy said his hope is that a professional, such as an attorney, would help the town revitalize the space while remaining true to its historic nature. “Let’s go forward and within the next couple of months I hope to have a plan to ask for proposals,” said Fox. The first Southwick Library was established in 1891 and a purpose built building was built shortly thereafter and used until 1999 when the new library opened. The Old Town Library building is still located on College Highway at the intersection with Granville Road. It is not currently open to the public but is still owned by the Town of Southwick.
OLD SOUTHWICK LIBRARY
Westfield Boy Scouts host Survivorman Adventure By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD – Boy Scout Troop 109 of St. Mary’s Parish welcomes boys in grades five through eight to join them Sat., Nov. 7 for a fun-filled “Survivorman Adventure Day.” The annual event, planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Camp Moses, General Knox Road, Russell, is free and open to all boys across the region. Boys do not have to be a Cub Scout or Boy Scout to participate, according to Dave Flaherty, scoutmaster. “Kids will have a great time in the outdoors in activities that are created and run by our boy scouts,” said Flaherty. Boys will cross a rope bridge, make primitive survival shelters, use an obstacle course, throw tomahawks, build fires, and participate in other outdoor challenges. Additionally, all boys will make a paracord bracelet to take home. “It’s a lot of fun,” said Flaherty. “The rope bridge, fire building contest, and obstacle course are always big hits.” Registration is required by Wednesday at 8 p.m. at http://www. SurvivormanAdventure.info to ensure there is ample food and supplies for the day’s events. Parents are asked to read all pre-event registration details on the website. A “roadkill chili” lunch is planned which includes “rough bread and pollywog pudding.” Boys are also welcome to bring a bag lunch if they do not like chili. Hot and cold drinks will also be provided throughout the day. “The roadkill chili lunch is also an attraction,” said Flaherty. The event will be conducted rain or shine. Boys are encouraged to dress for the weather which includes bringing a hat, gloves, and boots since sneakers will get wet and muddy. Also, boys are asked to bring a folding chair for lunch since there are a limited number of stumps and logs to sit on. Every boy makes a paracord bracelet to take home during the Survivorman Adventure Day.