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WEATHER TONIGHT Clear Skies. Low of 57.
The Westfield News Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 85 NO. 181
“Let me tell you the truth. The truth is what is, and what should be is a fantasy. A terrible, terrible lie
that someone gave to the people long ago.” — LENNY BRUCE
75 cents
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2016
This is the image Vinny Caruso submitted to the Weather Channel contest. The image is from the July 2026 fireworks over Otis Reservoir with a lightening bolt piercing the sky in the background. (Photo by Vincent Caruso)
Southwick man in national photo competition By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent SOUTHWICK–Vinny Caruso was just doing what he always does when he’s traveling–taking pictures. And that has led to a chance at $15,000. Caruso, who owns Vincent Caruso Photography in Southwick, submitted a photograph that he took to the “It’s Amazing Out There” photo contest from The Weather Channel. His photo, “Bolt of Fireworks,” is among the finalists competing for the $15,000 grand prize. “I usually travel around with my camera because that’s what I do for my business, and we were visiting friends in Russell,” Caruso said. “Lo and behold a storm started in the distance and the storm struck when the shutter closed. “It was a once in a lifetime shot and I was extremely lucky to get it.” See Caruso, Page 3
Local golf courses adjusting to heat wave By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – Western Massachusetts has experienced its fair share of hot weather that is expected during the summer days. It is the constant hot days that can sometimes make the people of New England feel like they are thousands of miles away experiencing a whole other kind of dry heat. Just last week, communities throughout Western Massachusetts experienced a seven-day heat wave. July 2013 was the last time that a heat wave of seven days struck this area. As the heat has periodically been appearing throughout the summer, it has affected a number of industries that include a high majority of their business being outside. The golfing industry is one business that has certainly been affected by the heat. Public or The Ranch Golf private, golf courses in the Course. (Photo by Greg Southwick community have Fitzpatrick) noticed the extremely warm weather. “When you get into 90 degree temperatures, there isn’t anything that’s bringing them (golfers) out,” said Southwick Country Club Owner Bill Najam. As afternoons have been unbearable at times for golfers to be out in the sun for numerous hours, the obvious change is that a big increase in sales have risen in the early mornings as well as in the late afternoons.
The Herb Garden at Grandmothers’ Garden.
Residents worry about Grandmother’s Garden By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD — While Grandmother’s Garden has become a peaceful place to gather and play Pokemon Go for some, others are finding that the park is being vandalized since people have come to catch Pokemon. Residents in the area have voiced concerns to Ward 3 City Councilor Andrew Surprise, saying that multiple incidents of vandalism have happened in the park since the game came out. Police however, say that there is an increased volume of people at the park due to it reportedly being a “Pokestop,” which is an area where players of the Pokemon Go game can go and gain bonuses within the game, and have received just one report of vandalism, which happened July 12. “They were showing me issues of vandalism but only one was
reported,” Surprise said. “In the gazebo they have wiring that has been cut, benches being ripped out of the ground and flower beds being disturbed.” Surprise also brought up a concern of possible drug peddling, which he told police about. Police were unable to verify any drug dealing in the area and although they understand the concerns of the residents, both police and Surpise said that if it isn’t reported then there is no proof that anything wrong has happened. “They’re not doing anything wrong,” Westfield Police Captain Michael McCabe said. “There’s increased activity but as far as we know they aren’t doing anything wrong.” Still, McCabe said that in light of Surprise’s comments there has been an increased effort to secure See Garden, Page 3
A bench vandalized by the violent removal of the armrest and part of a leg waits for repair, again, in the gazebo at Grandmother’s Garden. (Photo ©2014 Carl E. Hartdegen)
See Golf Courses, Page 3
Superintendent Czaporowski Meet & Greet Westfield Schools Superintendent Stefan Czaporowski (left) speaks with Rev. Elva Pawle, pastor of the First Congregational Church and church member Jim Yesu at the Meet and Greet in Park Square Pavilion on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Amy Porter)