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Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visits Chester to celebrate $1M MassWorks grant By AMY PORTER Correspondent CHESTER – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito visited Chester on Thursday, accompanied by Michael Knapik, director of the Baker-Polito administration’s Western Massachusetts office in Springfield. Also visiting were Francisca Heming, district highway director for MassDOT, and Jacqueline Furtado, project manager for MassWorks Infrastructure Program. The occasion for the visit was to celebrate a $1 million grant for a 5 ½ mile stretch of East River Road awarded by the MassWorks infrastructure grant program in partnership with MassDOT. Before the Lt. Governor’s arrival, Chester highway department assistant Rosanne McClaflin said she wrote the grant with the assistance of many who came before her seeking funds to repair
One person sent to hospital following early Friday morning crash By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD–An early morning accident Friday on Mill Street sent one person to the hospital, according to Westfield Police. The accident occurred in the area of 74 Mill St. along a bend in the road Friday morning, around 1:30 a.m. According to Westfield Police Capt. Michael McCabe, the vehicle had struck a stone retaining wall of a home on Mill Street. One person, the operator, was transported to Baystate Medical Center via Westfield Fire ambulance and personnel for treatment following the accident. According to McCabe, the operator appeared to have attempted to overcompensate for the turn, which may have contributed to the accident. Police reported no signs of impairment of the operator but noted that the operator was cited.
the road. “If you didn’t put it together, this wouldn’t be happening,” responded Chester selectman Rene Senecal to McClaflin. Upon her arrival, Polito greeted the various town officials who were present, many of whom she has met in previous visits to the hilltowns. She said having a home base in Worcester allows her to give a voice to Western Massachusetts. “This is a great project that will really make a difference for a road that’s deteriorating,” she said. McClaflin then gave a brief presentation on the East River Road project. She showed photos of severe deterioration around the edges of the roads, and severe drop offs. She said the edges of the road were filled with sand. Temporary concrete barriers also lined a portion of the road which borders the Middle Branch of the Westfield River that was
washed out in flooding during Tropical Storm Irene. Other areas of the road were laden with potholes, cracking, deteriorated and really dangerous, McClaflin said. She said the plan is to do a full depth reclamation of the road, which is the longest lasting repair. Polito, who said her family’s business has been in road work and utility work for three generations, asked whether there were any under surface utilities along the road. John Murray, Chester Highway Supervisor said they would have to replace some culverts along the way. The original estimate for the job, following a study for scenic byways done a few years ago was $6.5 million, including overlooks and pulloffs. McClaflin said they had eliminated those features, and are going to resur-
Rosanne McClaflin of the Chester Highway Department and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. face and reclaim within the footprint. She said the new estimate is $968,000, and if they go over the $1 million grant, will be able to supplement the work with Chapter 90 funds. She added that she is a little worried about the guard rails. McClaflin estimated the job would take 2 ½ weeks. Senecal said with drainage, six to eight weeks. The town plans to start the work in early spring. See Chester, Page 8
South Broad Street business fire update Gregory John Maichack will lead a free adult workshop Nov. 9 at the Westfield Athenaeum. (Submitted photo)
Athenaeum plans free pastel paint workshop
By DAN DESROCHERS Correspondent WESTFIELD—A fire Thursday night left a business with significant damage, according to the Westfield Fire Department. The fire occurred around 11:25 p.m. Thursday at 66 South Broad St., according to Westfield Fire Deputy Chief Eric Bishop. The business, JC Danczak, Inc., a company that specializes in packaging and manufacturing, as well as re-purposing and recycling wax for items like fire starters, sustained significant damage from the fire. However, no injuries were reported and the building itself was saved, according to Bishop. “The Westfield Fire Department, in conjunction with a functioning sprinkler system, saved the building,” Bishop said. Bishop said that the department was aware while responding to the scene that there were possible combustible fuels on site and in instances like that, he said firefighters take extra precautions. This information was available due in part to previous visits to the location by the department, as part of their attempt to have annual visits to businesses in the city, See Fire Update, Page 8
By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD-Adult artists of all skill levels are encouraged to participate in a free pastel painting workshop at the Westfield Athenaeum Nov. 9. The workshop, titled “Pastel Paint the 45-MillionDollar Flower,” is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Lang Auditorium. The event is supported by the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum. Award-winning pastel artist Gregory John Maichack, of Holyoke, will lead the informative hands-on workshop. “All will have a hands-on experience pastel painting Georgia O’Keeffe’s namesake flower, the calla lily,” said Maichack, noting he will share “fascinating” information about O’Keeffe to broaden the cultural and historical experience of the event. See Paint Workshop, Page 8
Ash and small cups, some of which were filled with wax, located at the scene post-fire at 66 Broad St. Friday morning.
Rotary Club presents opportunity to join service organizations By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspodent SOUTHWICK – On Nov. 1 from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. the Southwick Rotary Club will be offering a new program to the community for people to learn more about the different service organizations offered in town. Along with the Rotary Club, the Southwick Lions Club and Southwick Recreation Center will be a part of the program having information about their respective organizations. The CRC (Citizens Restoring Congamond) has also been invited to participate in the program. The Rotary Club sees this event as a great opportunity for individuals in the community to make an impact and join one of these organizations. “There are organizations out here that are doing an awful lot and they could always use the extra help,” said Rotary Club member Bob Fox. Rotary Club President Chris Boyd added that the event can have a benefit for people attending. “Our clubs is always looking for new members,” said Boyd. According to Fox, the Rotary Club is still seeking any other service organizations to join the event. If any group is interested in being part of this program, contact Fox at 413-579-4585.
Candidate ForumS
Hosted by The Westfield News, Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce and The Westfield Senior Center
Monday, oct. 30
6:30 City CounCil at large
Dan Allie; Brent B. Bean II; John J. Beltrandi III; Jeffrey Chagnon; Steve Dondley; Matt Emmershy; Dave Flaherty; Cindy Harris; Matthew VanHeynigen, Muneeb Mahmood; Nicholas Morganelli; Gary D. Wolfe At the Westfield Senior Center, 45 Noble Street, Westfield. Doors open at 6:00 for Candidate Meet and Greet.