Search for The Westfield News
WEATHER TONIGHT Mostly cloudy. Low of 32.
The Westfield News
“A dollar
saved is a quarter earned.”
Serving Westfield, Southwick, and the surrounding Hilltowns
www.thewestfieldnews.com
— OSCAR LEVANT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2014
VOL. 83 NO. 301
75 cents
Southwick’s 2015 Year in Review By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer
JANUARY
Education Secretary impressed with Southwick school project State Secretary of Education Matthew H. Malone toured the Southwick-TollandGranville Regional schools this month and was impressed with the unique campus renovations. Before the tour, Malone met with Superintendent John D. Barry and State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, and was later joined by State Sen. Donald F. Humason while touring Granville Village School. Malone said he frequently visits schools across the state. “The oldest and most successful high school in America is a 7-12 school – Boston Latin,” said Malone. “The new model we are seeing is this 7-12 school. What systems are getting rid of is middle school.” Malone said it makes sense to move toward K-6 and 7-12 schools, and K-8 and 9-12 schools. “Middle school is a great concept but it’s not providing the connections we want,” he said.
Southwick fire chief accredited Southwick Fire Chief Richard Anderson was granted accreditation from the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission this month. The honor is a declaration of Anderson’s training, education and certifications and recognizes that he has demonstrated the required fire service experience. Anderson submitted proof of training and certifications to the Commission for review. “This validates my experience and knowledge of fire service,” Anderson said. “It goes to all of the training you’ve had, and for me it’s 37 years.” The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission is a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for fire chiefs.
Southwick Superintendent of Schools John D. Barry, left, explains an illustrated drawing of the newly redesigned Woodland Elementary School to Massachusetts Secretary of Education Matthew H. Malone, center, and State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga during a tour of the school district yesterday. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
Edward Sullivan, along with state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga and Michael Finn, and State Sen. Donald Humason’s chief of staff. Southwick officials were not informed of the meeting until the day before, so Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox asked Humason and Boldyga to represent Southwick’s interest in the issue. “My personal opinion is that it should be completed,” said Fox. “I told the senator that I hope the Commonwealth would consider giving due consideration to Southwick.” Fox said Humason and Boldyga indicated the meeting went well and were surprised to learn that just one day later a letter was sent to WMECO. “It wasn’t very good news,” said Fox. “I think someone needs to explain what transpired.”
DOT administrator: State ‘not interested’ in Route 57 It came as a big surprise to town and state officals this month when Administrator of the MassDOT Highway Division Frank DePaola wrote in a letter that the state was “not interested” in land where Route 57 is supposed to be extended. The letter was sent to Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO), owners of the land. WMECO has been holding the property for the state, which promised to complete the Route 57 project decades ago and took homes along the path of the extension. A meeting took place in Boston regarding the future of Route 57. The meeting with DePaola was attended by Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen and West Springfield Mayor
l l l l l l l l l l
Police train for active shooter
The start of the new year has brought the start of a new era for Motocross 338. New lease holder Michael Grondahl is making plans to begin a new season and the first order of business involves the town and school department. According to an article on www.vitalmx. com, Grondahl is hoping to lease a parcel of land from the town which has been used for parking in the past.
to Southwick Owners of the Westfield River Brewing Company are looking to expand with a move to Southwick. Sergio Bonavita, owner of the company, is turning the former Chuck’s Steak House at 707 College Highway into his new brewing facility. “We love Westfield and we’ve been very successful here, but we recognize that building has a lot to offer,” said Bonavita. Among the changes will be a hops farm behind the building. “We have been growing a half-acre of hops for two years now.” said Bonavita. “Now we’re ready to start two acres this year.”
Board continues fight for Rt. 57 Despite the state’s recent acknowledgement of a lack of interest in completing the Route 57 project, the Board of Selectmen said it wants to send a reminder of the commitments made in the past. “I would still like [to send a letter] with one or two sentences about the obligation and commitment made to these people,” said Board Chairman Russell Fox, who referred to homeowners who were forced out of their homes to make room for the project.
FEBRUARY Unshoveled hydrant leads to fire loss Although Southwick firefighters were able to contain a garage fire in early February, they
Granville Village School was turned into a training facility for local and state police this week. Members of the Southwick and Granville police departments trained with State Police for active shooter situations yesterday and again today. With the school empty for winter break, police were able to simulate real-life situations and use hallways and classrooms for training. “Active shooters are today’s reality,” said Southwick Officer Greg L. Burt. “The Southwick Police Department is committed to being ready to address the active shooter threat.”
Southwick Police Officers Gregory Burt, foreground, Jerry Cain, rear right, and Rhett Bannish, rear left, work their way down a hallway in the Granville Village School as part of an active shooter exercise sponsored by the Massachusetts State Police. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
No machines allowed on trail Users of the Rail Trail are being discouraged from using snowmobiles on the trail. Police Chief David Ricardi said while it is not a huge problem, the department does respond to some calls about the sleds on the trail. “People will call every now and then when they see them and we’ve been able to get out there and stop them,” he said, adding that most people are cooperative and move along. Ricardi said the trail is not plowed and snowmobile drivers often use the trail as a short cut while out riding. Snowmobile and ATV tracks are clearly visible at the Congamond Road Rail-to-Trail location despite a large sign indicating otherwise. (Photo by Frederick Gore) “But they’re really not supposed to be there – it is a Parks and Recreation Commissioner Daniel Call said use of any motorized vehicle, including snowmobiles and ATVs, is prohibited on the Rail Trail. “All four kiosks along the six mile trail have signs posted that no motors are allowed,” said Call, noting that security and maintenance vehicles only are allowed on the trail.
Woodland School renovations ahead of schedule Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional Schools Superintendent John Barry updated the School Committee this month on the campus construction progress. He said Woodland Elementary School renovations are moving along rapidly and they should be completed ahead of schedule. “Woodland will mostly be done at the end of
MoFroYo will be Closing Thier Doors on December 31st! Please come in to use any gift Certificates or Coupons or to just say goodbye before we close and enjoy some MoFroYo.
F F O % 0 5 ! g n i h t y r Eve )
u 12 /31 (now thr
Little River Plaza • 617 E. Main St., Westfield • www.mofroyo.com
the summer,” Barry said.
Cesan, Hill clash over complaint Selectwoman Tracy Cesan and Town Clerk Michelle Hill clashed during a complaint hearing in February. Hill filed a complaint against Cesan, who waived her right to an executive session and chose to address the complaint in open session. Town Counsel Ken Albano was asked by Board of Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox to conduct the hearing. Albano allowed both women to speak, uninterrupted and without questions, then allowed for rebuttal. Hill filed the complaint Jan. 27 and accused Cesan of being unprofessional with regard to a Freedom of Information request from a citizen.
MARCH
Motocross exec hopes to lease land
Motocross organizers meet Brewery plans to move
A group of men interested in taking over Motocross 338 met with the Board of Selectmen in Jnuary. Mike Grondahl is leading the group and funding the operation. Gary Yelin, Travis Loucks and Peyton Stevenson also met with the board. Loucks offered a written history of the track and the group’s vision for the track’s future. The MMX 338 track is on property owned by the American Legion Post 338. Grondahl is the potential lessee of the track. One of the concerns of both Grondahl and the board is the use of property owned by the town. When asked, Grondahl said he was not looking to make money. “I’m doing this out of love of the sport,” said Grondahl. “I don’t want to make a dollar off of this – I’ve been fortunate.” Grondahl said as long as the track staff can be paid, he was “all for making it a nonprofit.”
may have been able to save more of the structure if a nearby hydrant was shoveled out from the snow. Fire Chief Richard Anderson said the fire on College Highway by the Granby, Conn. line engulfed and totaled the garage and mudroom that connected the garage to the home. “The only reason it didn’t get in the house is two firefighters worked in between the fire and house to contain it,” Anderson sad. The fire was started by accident when a hanging light fell into gasoline and ignited. Anderson said when they arrived on scene, the hydrant to the north was not working and they couldn’t find the hydrant to the south. “It was buried, and we knew where it was but we still couldn’t get to it,” he said.
l l l
HOLIDAY & YEAR END HOURS: 12/24: 2-4pm • 12/25: CLOSED • 12/26: 2-10pm 12/27: 12-10pm • 12/28: 12-9pm • 12/29: 12-9pm • 12/30: 12-9pm • 12/31: 12-9pm
Officials discuss community preservation A working session on the town’s Community Preservation Act expenditures was an eyeopener for some in attendance. The meeting was held at Town Hall this week with members of the Board of Selectmen, Conservation Commission, Community Preservation Commission, Planning Board, Finance Committee, Cultural Council, Historic Commission, and more. Conservation Coordinator Dennis Clark gave a presentation on the use of funds. “We were pleased that the selectmen gave us the opportunity to bring the facts and figures of the CPA to light,” said Clark. “There has been a lot of misunderstanding and false information circulating around town. I was even surprised to see how much has been done with CPA funds, and how much the state has contributed to the town’s CPA projects. It is fair to say that none of these projects would have happened if the CPA was not in place.”
Brewery sample size questioned The Westfield River Brewing Company is getting closer to moving into the former Southwick Feed Warehouse and longtime Chuck’s Steak House property. The topic came before the Board of Selectmen and Chairman Russell Fox said he had some questions in regard to the license. “It would be a Farmer/Brewers license,” said Fox, “and would allow them to have samples to sell. I have some questions.” Selectmen Joseph Deedy said he attended last week’s planning board meeting on a permit request for the brewing business and The Westfield River Brewing Company is getting closer to moving into the former Southwick Feed Warehouse and longtime Chuck’s Steak House property. The topic came before the Board of Selectmen this week and Chairman Russell Fox said he had some questions in regard to the license. “It would be a Farmer/Brewers license,” said Fox, “and would allow them to have samples to sell. I have some questions.”
Board approves pavement program The Board of Selectmen unanimously approved contracting with Beta Group for a $16,700 pavement program. Department of Public Works Director Randy Brown said he solicited quotes from three companies for pavement programs. Only two returned bids. The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission proposal was $9,400 and Beta Group was $16,700, said Brown. “Despite the higher cost, I feel the Beta Group program is superior,” he said. “The town would own it and we could use it not only for one year but in the future.”
Track trumps tradition Students at Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional High School look forward each year See Southwick, Page 6
l l l
Thank You For Your Business!