Tuesday, August 11, 2015 by The Westfield News

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WEATHER TONIGHT Partly cloudy. Low of 61.

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

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— ROBIN WILLIAMS

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

VOL. 84 NO. 200

75 cents

Election options should be clearer tomorrow

Brad Shepard on Pioneer Valley Radio By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent WESTFIELD — Reinvention. Whether it is a city like Westfield experiencing a renaissance, a business needing to adapt to the 21st century market, or an individual seeking clarity on one’s path, there can be trials and tribulations along the way. Brad Shepard, a longtime radio personality in our region, thrives on reinvention. “I’ve seen so many colleagues go by the wayside because they couldn’t understand the changes,” said Shepard during a morning interview on Aug. 8 at Barnes & Noble in Holyoke. Shepard, who had been a familiar voice on WMAS-FM 94.7 for years, and as of last year, WHYN-AM 560, noted that when one door closes, another door can open. “You’ve got a choice to make,” he said. “Individuals have to get past their ambitions and consider new opportunities in the 21st century market.” When Shepard departed WHYN last summer due to Clear Channel Media & Entertainment’s morning team revamp, he had no inkling of how his life was about to change. “I’d been pretty stable over the years and I wasn’t sure what the next step would be,” he said. “I took a deep breath and that’s when I heard from Michael Harrison.” Harrison, president of Goodphone Communications, Inc., a national company based in Longmeadow, specializes in syndicated radio production and trade magazine publishing. Goodphone manages the operations of radio journals TALKERS magazine and RadioInfo. “I was thrilled when Michael Harrison called me,” said Shepard, noting Harrison had taken an interest in the ancillary events that Shepard had done. “The work that Brad Shepard has done for more than two decades as morning personality on WHYN and before that, WMAS here in western Massachusetts, is nothing short of legendary,” said Harrison in a prepared statement. “He is one of the most recognizable names and locally treasured, ‘plugged-in’ figures in this region … and well known and respected for his outstanding work here in Springfield all across the American radio broadcasting industry.” Harrison added that it was a “shame” that a local voice of Shepard’s influence for good had been silenced because of conditions in today’s highly corporate

“You will have bad times, but they will always wake you up to the stuff you weren’t paying attention to.”

By DAN MORIARTY Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The deadline to turn in nomination papers for city elected office is 5 p.m. today which should give city residents a clearer picture of who is running for which office, although there will still be some ambiguity as the election season begins to heat up this fall. One candidate, incumbent City Councilor At-large David Flaherty, is causing much of that ambiguity because he has submitted nomination papers for two City Council seats, one as the Ward 6 Councilor and the other as an At-large Councilor. City Clerk Karen Fanion said that Flaherty’s action is not unprecedented. “It’s happened in the past where a candidate has turned in papers for two different posts,” Fanion said. Flaherty will have until Aug. 27, the deadline for withdrawing nomination papers for one of the seats, to decide on which of the two City Council races in which he will participate. Flaherty could join the crowded field of At-large See Election, Page 3

One-day suspension for second liquor violation

Brad Shepard, above, a familiar voice over the years on WMAS-FM 94.7 and WHYN-AM, 560, recently launched Pioneer Valley Radio with Michael Harrison, president of Goodphone Communications, Inc., which manages TALKERS magazine and RadioInfo. (Photo by Lori Szepelak) radio business. As collaborative conversations continued over several months, both Shepard and Harrison embarked on a joint venture which has now become a reality – Pioneer Valley Radio. Shepard is also owner of the Brad Shepard Entertainment Group. Pioneer Valley Radio serves as a free online home for what Shepard describes as “a wide variety of talk shows and informative conversations about what’s happening here in western Massachusetts.” On Aug. 5, Westfield News Group LLC President Patrick Berry was interviewed by Shepard on how the newspaper business continues to evolve and how the City of Westfield is also experiencing its own renaissance. To hear Berry’s interview, visit www. PioneerValleyRadio.com under the Aug. 5 link.

During the 90-minute interview, Shepard stressed that the new online “media station” is not in competition with traditional 24-hour news gathering outlets. He will be hosting a variety of talk shows, available on demand 24/7, as well as featuring his own commentaries and calls from listeners. Pioneer Valley Radio will also provide live coverage of special events considered “too niche or small” to be given time on traditional over-the-air stations. “I am looking for information on events that are positive to life in western Massachusetts and that make life a little better for all,” he said. Shepard noted there are a multitude of topics to discuss in the Pioneer Valley that are not being addressed today in con See Brad Shepard, Page 3

By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Staff Writer SOUTHWICK – Lucky Stop convenience and package store was issued a one-day liquor license suspension last night by the Southwick Board of Selectmen. Owner Subhash Patel and his son/manager Kalpit Patel appeared at a hearing Monday night during the selectmen’s meeting. Police Det. Sgt. Robert Landis also appeared and spoke about the incident where a minor was served. The minor was a regular customer, said Kalpit, who was the clerk the alcohol was sold to the minor. Kalpit told selectmen he served the young man in the past after checking his ID but he did not ask for an ID the day of the violation. Landis said the minor’s identification showed a New York address. “That’s a red flag,” said Landis, adding the customer “definitely looked under 21 years of age.” This was the second violation for selling alcohol to minors at Lucky Stop. After the first violation, which occurred during a sting operation, the Patels were supposed to attend a TIPS training. “Had you taken the TIPS class you were supposed to, you might have picked up on something on the ID,” said Landis. Kalpit said he and his father attended a TIPS training last week. “We spoke in June and I told you to do it immediately,” Landis said of the TIPS training. According to Kalpit, he scheduled the class immediately but there were no openings until last week. See Suspension, Page 3

Pioneer Valley communities on track for grant money SPRINGFIELD – Over the last 10 years, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission has helped 41 communities in the Pioneer Valley develop hazard mitigation plans, making them eligible for grant opportunities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Through the hazard mitigation planning process, communities assess their vulnerability to natural hazards, such as flooding, snowstorms, hurricanes, tropical storms, and tornadoes. They also prioritize a set of mitigation strategies that will help eliminate the long-term risk to human life and property from these hazards. Common mitigation strategies that are eligible for grant funding from FEMA and MEMA include localized flood reduction projects, structural retrofitting of existing buildings, culvert improvements, installation of emergency backup generators, and infrastructure retrofits. PVPC provides guidance in all aspects of the development See Grant Money, Page 3

Some unsure on Iran in Obama stronghold By STEVE LeBLANC Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — With just over a month before the deadline for Congress to act on an international nuclear deal with Iran, more than half of Massachusetts’ all-Democratic delegation is still on the fence, according to a poll of the state’s 11 members of Congress by The Associated Press. The Obama administration is relying on political strongholds of support like Massachusetts — if not to help approve the deal, then to block an override of a veto by President Barack Obama if the GOP-led House and Senate reject the deal. Helping to sell it is Secretary of State, and former Massachusetts senator, John Kerry. In this July 30, 2015, file photo, Sen. Elizabeth Sen. Elizabeth Warren came out early in support of the international Warren, D-Mass., left, accompanied by Sen. agreement. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP See Iran, Page 3 Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Together we will deliver a higher state of caring... for you. 115 West Silver Street • Westfield, MA • baystatenoblehospital.org For a physician referral or appointment call 413-572-5070.

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The Athenaeum Remembers the Flood of 1955 on its 60th Anniversary WESTFIELD — In Westfield, Massachusetts an incredible one-day total of 19.75 inches of rain fell during the Flood of 1955. The Flood came from the residual rain of two hurricanes: Hurricane Connie, and Hurricane Diane. The ground became saturated with rainwater, and the rivers, streams, and ponds out-grew their banks and took property and lives downstream. Sixty years later, the Westfield Athenaeum remembers the Flood of 1955. Please join us for two special events: FILM SHOWING - FIVE FEET AND RISING Tuesday, August 18, 2pm & 6pm Lang Auditorium DISCUSSION OF THE FLOOD OF 55 WITH DR. ROBERT BROWN Wednesday, August 19, 6:30 pm Lang Auditorium Registration is required for this event : please call the library at 413-568-7833 to sign-up. Mark your calendar these events are free and open to the public!

ODDS & ENDS

LOCAL LOTTERY LAST NIGHT’S NUMBERS

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Mostly sunny.

70-73

76-80

WEATHER DISCUSSION

Partly cloudy.

61-63

Today, showers and thunderstorms. A few storms may be severe. High 73F. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Tonight, thunderstorms in the evening will give way to partly cloudy skies overnight. Low 61F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.Wednesday, a few passing clouds, otherwise generally sunny. High 81F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Wednesday night, clear skies. Low 57F. Thursday, mainly sunny. High around 80F.

TODAY 5:54 a.m

7:58 p.m.

14 hours 03 Minutes

SUNRISE

SUNSET

LENGTH OF DAY

Police: Man in clown costume swings ax at woman HICKORY, N.C. (AP) — Police say a man wearing a clown costume swung an ax at a woman, but she wasn’t hit. Authorities say the man came to the woman’s house about 4:30 a.m. Friday wearing a clown mask and a multicolored wig. Authorities told the Hickory Daily Record that the man didn’t hurt the woman, and she was able to remove his mask and recognized him as an acquaintance before he left. Authorities say the woman decided to go to a judge and request an arrest warrant after talking to officers. Police have not released the suspect’s name. A motive for the attack was not immediately clear.

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TODAY IN HISTORY Today is Tuesday, August 11, the 223rd day of 2015. There are 142 days left in the year.

n August 11, 1965, rioting and looting that claimed 34 lives broke out in the predominantly black Watts section of Los Angeles.

ON THIS DATE: In 1786, Capt. Francis Light arrived in Penang to claim the Malaysian island for Britain. In 1860, the nation’s first successful silver mill began operation near Virginia City, Nevada. In 1909, the steamship SS Arapahoe became the first ship in North America to issue an S.O.S. distress signal, off North Carolina’s Cape Hatteras. In 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island (a former military prison) in San Francisco Bay. In 1942, during World War II, Pierre Laval, prime minister of Vichy France, publicly declared that “the hour of liberation for France is the hour when Germany wins the war.” In 1954, a formal peace took hold in Indochina, ending more than seven years of fighting between the French and Communist Viet Minh. In 1956, abstract painter Jackson Pollock, 44, died in an automobile accident on Long Island, New York. In 1964, the Beatles movie “A Hard Day’s Night” had its U.S. premiere in New York. In 1975, the United States vetoed the proposed admission

of North and South Vietnam to the United Nations, following the Security Council’s refusal to consider South Korea’s application. In 1984, during a voice test for a paid political radio address, President Ronald Reagan joked that he had “signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes.” At the Los Angeles Olympics, American runner Mary Decker fell after colliding with South African-born British competitor Zola Budd in the 3,000-meter final; Budd finished seventh. In 1993, President Bill Clinton named Army Gen. John Shalikashvili (shah-lee-kash-VEE’-lee) to be the new chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, succeeding the retiring Gen. Colin Powell. In 1997, President Bill Clinton made the first use of the historic line-item veto, rejecting three items in spending and tax bills. (However, the U.S. Supreme Court later struck down the veto as unconstitutional.)

TEN YEARS AGO:

President George W. Bush expressed sympathy for war protesters like Cindy Sheehan, the mother camped outside his Texas ranch demanding more answers for her soldier-son Casey’s death in Iraq, but said he believed it would be a mistake to bring U.S. troops home immediately. A one-day strike by British Airways baggage handlers and other ground staff forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights to and from Heathrow Airport.

FIVE YEARS AGO:

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, police and FBI agents captured

Michael Francis Mara, suspected of being the so-called “Granddad Bandit” who’d held up two dozen banks in 13 states for about two years. (Mara later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 25 years in prison.) Dan Rostenkowski, a former Illinois congressman who’d wielded enormous power on Capitol Hill for more than 30 years, died at his Wisconsin summer home at age 82.

ONE YEAR AGO:

Robin Williams, 63, a brilliant shape-shifter who could channel his frenetic energy into delightful comic characters like “Mrs. Doubtfire” or harness it into richly nuanced work like his Oscar-winning turn in “Good Will Hunting,” died in Tiburon, California, a suicide.

TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS:

Actress Arlene Dahl is 90. Songwriter-producer Kenny Gamble is 72. Rock musician Jim Kale (Guess Who) is 72. Magazine columnist Marilyn Vos Savant is 69. Country singer John Conlee is 69. Singer Eric Carmen is 66. Computer scientist and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak is 65. Wrestler-actor Hulk Hogan is 62. Singer Joe Jackson is 61. Playwright David Henry Hwang is 58. Actor Miguel A. Nunez Jr. is 51. Actress Viola Davis is 50. Actor Duane Martin is 50. Actor-host Joe Rogan is 48. Rhythm-and-blues musician Chris Dave is 47. Actress Anna Gunn is 47. Actress Ashley Jensen is 47. Actress Sophie Okonedo is 47. Rock guitarist Charlie Sexton is 47. Hip-hop artist Ali Shaheed Muhammad is 45. Actor Nigel Harman is 42. Actor Will Friedle is 39. Actor Rob Kerkovich (TV: “NCIS: New Orleans”) is 36. Actress Merritt Wever is 35. Actor Chris Hemsworth is 32. Rock musician Heath Fogg (Alabama Shakes) is 31. Singer J-Boog is 30. Rapper Asher Roth is 30. Actress Alyson Stoner is 22.

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Iran

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 - PAGE 3

GOVERNMENT MEETINGS

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“A negotiated solution is our best chance to hold Iran to no nuclear weapons and we have worked hard with other nations of the world to develop an accord that will accomplish that goal,” Warren told reporters a week after the deal was announced. “If others have an alternative path that they want to spell out, a military solution, they have to put it on the table.” Congressman Stephen Lynch also was quick to support the deal, arguing that the agreement doesn’t rely on trusting Iran’s leaders, but instead on inspections and monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency. He said the election of the more moderate Hassan Rouhani as president is an indication of the Iranian people’s desire to move in a new direction. “We should not fall into the trap of thinking that every Iranian citizen agrees with their former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad,” Lynch wrote in an editorial in The Boston Globe, referring to the hardline leader. “We must seek their better angels.” Other members of the delegation say they’re still reviewing the agreement. A spokeswoman for Sen. Edward Markey, who won election to Kerry’s old Senate seat, says he’s receiving briefings from experts about aspects of the agreement, including inspections, sanctions and enforcement. Other undecided members of state’s delegation include: Reps. Niki Tsongas, Michael Capuano, William Keating, Joe Kennedy, Richard Neal and Katherine Clark. None have opposed the deal and some appeared to be leaning in favor. “For me, the most important question is — if this deal is not acceptable — then what does the United States do next?” Capuano said when the deal was announced, calling its outlines “reasonable and encouraging.” Obama, vacationing with his family on Martha’s Vineyard, continued to focus much of his attention on GOP lawmakers. “Unfortunately, a large portion of the Republican Party, if not a near unanimous portion of Republican representatives, are going to be opposed to anything that I do,” Obama told NPR News. The White House has conceded Congress likely will pass legislation opposing the deal, which Obama will veto. Obama’s

Brad Shepard

TUESDAY, AUGUST 11 WESTFIELD Conservation Commission at 6:30 pm Cultural Council at 7 pm

BLANDFORD Assessor’s Meeting at 5 pm U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, left, listens as Qatari Foreign Minister Khaled al-Attiyah speaks during a press conference following a meeting with foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Monday, Aug. 3, 2015 in Doha. Al-Attiyah backed the deal on Iran's nuclear program as the best available option, after talks in Doha with US Secretary of State John Kerry. (Brendan Smialowski/pool photo via AP)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12

goal is to secure enough Democratic votes to prohibit Congress from overriding his veto. One of those Democratic votes belongs to Rep. Seth Moulton, an Iraq War veteran and freshman member of Congress from Massachusetts. Moulton said after listening to constituents, including leaders in the Jewish community, and consulting with military and civilian experts he’s decided the best way to prevent a nuclear Iran is to support the deal. “It is not a perfect deal, and it is easy to point out the many ways in which it could theoretically be stronger,” Moulton wrote. “That being said, it is by far the best viable option before us.” Also supportive is Rep. Jim McGovern who said the deal must be judged on whether it’s the strongest available option to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He said he it is. Congress must vote by Sept. 17. Both House and Senate Republicans have set the stage for votes on a resolution of disapproval, which Obama has promised to veto. Congress would then have to vote within 10 days on whether to override the veto. Massachusetts has been a refuge of support for Obama. A majority of Massachusetts voters supported him in the past two presidential elections, including when he ran against former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney.

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temporary on-air broadcasting. “This platform will fill a dangerously huge void and be dedicated to serving the public good,” he said, adding that topics including the MGM casino, the economy, crime, education, race relations, and public transportation are just the tip of the iceberg for this veteran broadcaster to address in the coming months. “The list is endless,” he said. “We will be doing audio shows and some video about politics, civics, health care, high school sports, you name it. The key is localness and the goal is to serve the interests of the people of this region.” Shepard added that Pioneer Valley Radio will not embrace or target any specific political ideology or bias. “We can leave that to traditional, on-air talk radio,” he added. As general manager and program host, Shepard now wears many hats – and he relishes each one of them. “I now have creative freedom which allows my instincts to guide me rather than an established format,” he said. “The feeling is very fulfilling. I never saw this door opening.” Since Pioneer Valley Radio is free to listeners and funded by local advertising, Shepard is confident that more businesses will soon be on board. “Since our soft opening earlier this year, we are doing quite well with advertising,” said Shepard. “Because we are online and not restricted by enormous technical and regulatory burdens, we will make amazingly affordable and effective advertising packages available to local businesses seeking to get their messages out to the public in a manner that won’t clutter up the programming while giving these good businesses clear sailing in really getting their full stories and services valuable exposure. This is the kind of thing to which intelligent, creative use of the Internet lends itself.” When Shepard isn’t preparing his daily Brad Shepard Today segment, or tackling the latest issues across the region, he will also be acquainting listeners with a passion of his – the arts. As a prominent local arts and entertainment figure, Shepard welcomes the opportunity to showcase regional productions and to go behind the scenes to introduce area residents to the joy of acting. He is currently in final rehearsals for “She Loves Me” which will be staged in September by the Opera House Players at Broad Brook in Broad Brook, Conn., and will have a featured role in November during the player’s production of “Man of La Mancha.” Additionally, Shepard recently had a feature role in the Theatre Guild of Hampden’s first production of “On The 20th Century,” and is proud of being awarded the Massachusetts Critics Circle Award for Best Actor in a Musical earlier this year for his role as Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof” with the Opera House Players. Shepard is also a tireless champion of area charities and causes. “From breaking news to the arts, cultural events and charitable causes, I’m always wondering what is on people’s minds,” said Shepard. Shepard also noted that plans for growth are already in the works, hinting that media expansion into television is in the offing. “I now have more at stake,” said Shepard. “There is no coasting. You sink or swim.” By all accounts, Shepard’s drive and motivation will keep Pioneer Valley residents plugged in to what is happening regionally for years to come. “I have a broad canvas to paint on and I hope it is something people will enjoy,” he said.

Grant Money

SOUTHWICK Sewer Implementation Committee at 7 pm

BLANDFORD Fire Department Meeting at 7 pm Finance Committee at 7 pm Historical Commission Meeting at 7:30 pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 13 HUNTINGTON Huntington: ZBA at 5:30 pm

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 TOLLAND Men’s Coffee at PSC Building at 7:45 am Planning Board at 7 pm

LOST & FOUND LOST — RED BACKPACK OFF MOTORCYCLE IN BETWEEN MONTGOMERY & WYBEN ON AUGUST 1ST. CALL ANN @ 413-834-0439 REWARD!!!

State spends heavily on college president searches BOSTON (AP) — The Massachusetts public higher education system is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars to conduct national searches for new chancellors and presidents, yet often turning to internal candidates, a process being defended by many. The search for a new president of the five-campus University of Massachusetts system cost $148,000 for a recruitment firm, yet trustees selected UMass-Lowell chancellor Marty Meehan. UMass-Lowell, Bridgewater State University, and Massachusetts Maritime Academy also chose internal candidates to fill the position of president. Four more public college presidential searches are under way, all led by paid recruitment firms. UMass board of trustees chairman Victor Woolridge tells The Boston Globe (http://bit.ly/1gXD2qi ) even though an internal candidate may be best, a thorough selection process is necessary. Others point out that the best candidates rarely apply to a position.

If you would like to run a Birthday Announcement in The Westfield News contact us at: 413-562-4181

Suspension Continued from Page 1

of hazard mitigation plans, including identification and mapping of natural hazards, collaboration with municipal officials to prioritize mitigation strategies, and public outreach PVPC has recently completed plan updates and/or the development of new plans for Agawam, Easthampton, Granville, Hampden, Longmeadow, Montgomery, Northampton, Southwick, Tolland, Wales, Ware, and Wilbraham. PVPC is actively working with Amherst, Belchertown, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Chicopee, Cummington, East Longmeadow, Goshen, Granby, Hadley, Hatfield, Holland, Holyoke, Huntington,

Mak’hela announces 13th season NORTHAMPTON — Mak’hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts, announces the launch of our 13th season, starting with our annual Open Rehearsal on Tuesday, September 29th. Join us as we welcome new members and reunite with returning singers. Mak’hela members come from a variety of musical backgrounds. Some are experienced singers and music readers; others learn by rote and simply love to sing! Auditions are quick and extremely painless. If you think you might be interested in joining, feel free to contact our Membership Coordinator, Bonnie Mikesh (bpmikesh@ comcast.net), or our conductor, Elaine “Lainee” Broad Ginsberg (Lainee123@aol. com). Mak’hela rehearses on Tuesday nights from 7:30-9:15 p.m. at the Lander-Grinspoon Academy, 257 Prospect Street in Northampton. We perform a variety of music, from toe-tapping arrangements of Yiddish tunes, to contemplative melodies from the Jewish liturgy, to more serious concert music (such as Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms” and Bloch’s “Sacred Service”) and everything in between. We hope to see you at the Open Rehearsal on September 29th!

Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, South Hadley, Southampton, Westfield, Westhampton, and Williamsburg on their plans. Hazard mitigation plans must be updated every five years. As a result, hazard mitigation planning work is continually underway in PVPC’s 43 member municipalities. Area businesses, residents, and surrounding communities are encouraged to participate in the local community planning process. For more information, please contact PVPC’s Catherine Ratté at cratte@pvpc.org or (413) 781-6045.

Election candidates, which would have 14 names on the November 3 general election ballot if he withdraws from the Ward 6 race. Flaherty could withdraw from the At-large race and join the Ward 6 Councilor campaign which currently has two other candidates, Cheryl L. Crowe and William J. Onyski, who are both currently Planning Board members Flaherty’s decision to join the Ward 6 Council race would trigger a preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 22 to decide which two candidates will appear on the General Election ballot in November. The mayoral race could move into a preliminary as two of the three possible candidates have returned nomination papers for certification. The third potential mayoral candidate, Harold A. Phelps, has yet to submit nomination papers, which if certified, would trigger a city-wide preliminary election to reduce that number to two for the November ballot. City Council President Brian Sullivan returned his nomination papers on June 24 and those documents have been certified,

Continued from Page 1

Selectman Chairman Joseph Deedy said if it was up to him, he would impose a one-week liquor license suspension because it was a second violation. Selectman Douglas Moglin asked what the board’s options were as a consequence of the violation. “You can give a written warning, or a suspension,” said Chief Administrative Officer Karl Stinehart. “You can draft it and they can appeal it.” Selectman Russell Fox said he did not want to hurt their livelihood, but some form of punishment was needed.

“It’s for your benefit and the town’s benefit,” said Fox. “We don’t want to see anybody get hurt.” Fox said the board had to “take some action to send a message” and made a motion to suspend the Lucky Stop liquor license for one day. Fox asked for clarification that the suspension was on alcohol sales only. “Yes, that permits them to open and sell non-alcoholic items,” said Stinehart. The Patels indicated they would likely just close the store for a day, which the board said could be a Monday or Tuesday because those are slower days at the store.

Continued from Page 1 while Michael L. Roeder, who was narrowly defeated by outgoing Mayor Daniel M. Knapik two years ago, returned his papers on Aug. 5. Ward 4 residents will have to wait until November to decide who will represent that ward in City Council. It appeared there that a preliminary was possible, with two new challengers attempting to unseat longtime incumbent Mary O’Connell. One of those potential challengers, Mark Butler, who had drawn papers for both posts, returned the At-large documents on July 27, 2015. O’Connell will now face Katherine Z. Bentrewicz, a Juniper Park School parent, in the November election. The issue of transporting children, who had attended Juniper Park Elementary School, to Russell, where the city has leased a former school building, may be the focal point of the Ward 4 race. Ward 1 Councilor Christopher Keefe, who had also drawn both ward and At-large papers, returned the Ward nomination documents on Aug. 5. That sets up a rematch of

the Ward 1 race two years ago in which Keefe turned aside the challenge of Mary Ann Babinski in a race that was so close it required a recount to declare Keefe the winner by 11 votes. Incumbent Ward 3 Councilor Brian R. Hoose returned his documents on Aug. 6. Hoose ran unopposed two years ago but will face the challenge of Andrew Kevin Surprise, who returned his papers on Aug. 4, 2015 in the November General Election. Ward 2 Councilor Ralph J. Figy and Ward 5 Councilor Robert A. Paul, Sr., will not face an opponent on the November ballot, but there is still the potential of a Ward 2 or 5 resident initiating a write-in campaign. Currently the field of At-large City Council candidates includes: Carl Vincent; Muneeb Moon Mahmood; Rudolph Musterait; John J. Beltrandi III; Steve Dondley; Dan Allie; Matthew T. VanHeynigen; Brent B. Bean II; Flaherty: Butler; Daniel M. Knapik; Cindy C. Harris; Kevin P. Medeiros; and Richard S. Holcomb.

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Hillary Clinton’s Bernie Sanders’ Black Lives Matter problem cruel summer He was already having trouble Black Lives Matter protesters take over the microphone after Sanders had begun speaking at an event in Seattle. (AP Photo)

The candidate works to overcome attracting minority voters. Now he’s got a real problem. the noise surrounding Trump By GABRIEL DEBENEDETTI Politico.com EXETER, N.H. — Hillary Clinton unveiled a wide-ranging and meticulously planned $350 billion higher education proposal this morning at an energetic, jam-packed event at an early-state high school. Later in the day, she spoke to voters on a picturesque ski slope in Manchester, where the soft optics of hay bales under a nearly cloudless sky were an advance team’s dream. Yet it was easy to miss amid the day’s wall-to-wall Donald Trump media coverage and news that the 185,000-member National Nurses United union endorsed Bernie Sanders for the Democratic nomination. Welcome to Hillary’s summer, a season chock-full of rough national headlines about her slipping poll numbers, her email controversies, Sanders’ surging popularity, Joe Biden’s presidential ruminations — and Donald Trump. On Monday, Clinton got a taste of what the GOP field is contending with when she made two stops during a brief twoday New Hampshire swing. In a gaggle with the national press she faced questions about Biden’s intentions; the NNU’s endorsement of Sanders; the Democratic National Committee’s debate schedule (the one her party rivals are angry about); but mainly about Donald Trump. She had to explain that she barely knew the billionaire — despite attending his wedding. His candidacy was “troubling” and his comments about Fox host Megyn Kelly were “outrageous.” Clinton saw an opportunity, however, and seized it, using the moment to level an attack on the Republican presidential field, and Marco Rubio in particular — providing the GOP with a fresh reminder of the perils of a Trump candidacy. “I thought what he said was offensive, and I certainly think that it determines the kind of reaction that it’s getting from so many others,” Clinton told reporters. “But I think if we focus on that, we’re making a mistake. What a lot of the men on that stage in that debate said was offensive.” Trump’s language, she said, “may be more colorful and more offensive, but the thinking, the attitude toward women, is very much the same.” The Trump and Sanders backdrop managed to distract from her proposal for student loan reform, an otherwise significant and detailed policy plank that her campaign is hoping to use to energize students and millennial voters. It’s one of a handful of policy proposals that the campaign has sought to advance this summer. “There is a lot of voter enthusiasm around Bernie Sanders right now, and part of that coalition is young voters — college students. And the Clinton campaign realizes that they need that kind of enthusiasm behind them as well,” explained the Monmouth University Polling Institute’s Patrick Murray. “She doesn’t want that headline to be out there that Democrats are losing enthusiasm for her. This is clearly a very good, direct appeal to a part of the Democratic base that tends to be the loudest.” The timing of Monday’s event — the looming beginning of the school year — and the venue — Exeter High School — were no coincidence. It’s one of the campaign’s clearest steps to speak to the youth vote, as strategists within Clinton’s team and aligned with her effort remain concerned about her ability to turn out those voters at the same rate as Obama did. “This is a real political organizing opportunity,” a senior campaign official told POLITICO over the weekend. “We have heard everywhere Hillary Clinton goes — literally everywhere she goes — we’re hearing from young people who are being held back or families who have no idea how they’re going to See Cruel Summer, Page 8

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By DANIEL STRAUSS Politico.com Bernie Sanders has a Black Lives Matter problem, and it doesn’t look like it’s going away anytime soon. Sanders makes an appealing target for the grass-roots movement — the surging presidential candidate has been drawing monster crowds on the campaign trail, giving protesters highimpact moments when they disrupt his events. And the activists say that since he holds himself out as the most progressive candidate, he is the logical champion for their cause. But for Sanders, the headlines of hijacked events risk casting further doubt that the self-described democratic socialist can make it all the way to the White House. While he’s been winning over crowds with his fiery message of income inequality, minority voters aren’t biting. In late July, a Gallup poll showed that only 25 percent of nonwhite Democratic or Democratic-leaning voters view Sanders favorably, compared with 80 percent for front-runner Hillary Clinton. Despite his history as a young radical promoting the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Sanders is struggling to shake his persona of a 73-year-old white guy from Vermont, a state that is 95 percent white. “This is something that the Sanders campaign is going to have to solve because it’s going to be problematic if he has any chance of winning the nomination,” Democratic strategist and pollster Cornell Belcher said. “Because the truth is if you can’t compete and win black votes in a Democratic primary, you are not going to be the Democratic nominee. If you can’t compete for black voters this means you can’t win South Carolina, you can’t win NC, you can’t win GA, you can’t win Louisiana, you can’t win Mississippi.” So far, the Black Lives Matter movement, which gained momentum during a series of shootings of unarmed black men by white police officers, has interrupted two major Sanders events, demanding that he more directly take on issues related to institutional racism in housing, education and criminal justice. On Saturday, Sanders was awkwardly driven off the stage at a Social Security Works event in Seattle by activists who demanded to address the crowd about police brutality against African-Americans. He tried to regain the microphone, but ultimately had to leave the stage in the confusion. Sanders spokesman Michael Briggs declined to talk overall about the incident or Sanders’ plan to address the growing impact of the movement. He did say, though, that the campaign had little control over Saturday’s event. “It wasn’t our event. He was the last of many speakers,” Briggs said. Activists from the group say that it’s not anything personal against Sanders. “It’s not that we’re targeting him specifically,” California State University-Los Angeles professor Melina Abdullah, one

of the leaders and an organizer of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Los Angeles said of Sanders. “I think it’s just really important to understand that these things didn’t happen because there’s some grand plan. It just so happened to pan out that way that Sanders has been on the receiving end twice.” Abdullah said there’s no candidate on the Republican or Democratic side of the 2016 cycle who has made racial injustice or police brutality against African-Americans “a centerpiece of the campaign.” Another Democratic strategist who’s worked with activists in the Black Lives Movement, and asked for anonymity to speak candidly, said white progressives such as Sanders serve up liberal rhetoric but do little to tackle the more insidious forms of racism in this country. It also helps the protesters that Sanders is drawing huge crowds in mostly liberal strongholds like Madison, Wisconsin or Seattle — something Clinton is not doing. “Her events are not commanding 18, 15, 24,000 people in these ultraliberal places,” the strategist said. While Sanders took a passive approach during the weekend disruption and a prior one at the Netroots Nation conference in Arizona last month, he hasn’t been ignoring the activists’ concerns or minority outreach. A week before the conference, the Sanders campaign installed Marcus Ferrell as African-American outreach coordinator. After the conference, where Sanders became visibly frustrated trying to direct his answers back to income inequality and economic issues, he made sure his social media messages were stocked with mentions of the topics the Black Lives Matter protesters were referring to. “We want a nation where young black men and women can live without fear of being falsely arrested, beaten or killed #blacklivesmatter,” Sanders wrote in one tweet a day after the Netroots forum. He continued: “Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Freddie Gray and too many others.” Sanders’ campaign also announced on Saturday that it had brought on African-American activist Symone Sanders, who has been a volunteer organizer with the Coalition of Juvenile Justice, as its national press secretary. The campaign wasted no time in highlighting her support of the presidential candidate. Symone Sanders introduced him Saturday night before a crowd of 12,000 people at an event at the University of Washington. On Sunday night, she again introduced Sanders, telling the roughly 28,000-strong crowd, “I have some good information that says there might be a little disruption tonight. So, I wanna be very clear. This campaign is about bringing people together. If there happens to be a disruption tonight, I want everyone in this stadium to respond with a chant.” She guided them to yell, “We! Stand! Together!” Abdullah said there were no immediate plans for the next disruption of a presidential event. As far as what the movement wants to hear, she said it’s as simple as making black lives a real priority in their campaigns. “I think that there’s also an opportunity on the Sanders side — when the Black Lives Matters activists came to the stage he had an opportunity to say ‘in my presidency there’s going to be a place for black people on the stage,’” Abdullah said. “I think that’s what all candidates need to take from this.”

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Police Logs WESTFIELD Major crime and incident report Friday, August 7, 2015 12:25 a.m.: motor vehicle violation, Springfield Road, Pedro Juan Santiago, 24, 351 Central St., #10, Springfield arrested on charges of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license, two outstanding warrants and speeding; 1:55 a.m.: accident, Falley Drive, Michael F. Wynn, 31, of 10 Oak St., arrested on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor and negligent operation of a motor vehicle; 6:26 a.m.: motor vehicle violation, Springfield Road, Giselle Vannessa Lopez, 22, of 231 Grove St., 2nd Fl, Chicopee, arrested on charges of outstanding warrant and speeding; 6:54 a.m.: accident, Swiss Village Apartments, 82 S. Maple St., resident reported someone hit her car overnight; 7:55 a.m.: two-vehicle accident, North Elm Street at Holyoke Road, no injuries; 8:43 a.m.: accident, 587 E. Main St. at 8 Little River Road, no injuries, two vehicles towed; 11:21 a.m.: animal complaint, Hampton Ponds State Park, 1048 North Road, injured snake on side of road; 11:58 a.m.: two-vehicle accident, S. Maple Street at Pleasant Street, no injuries, two vehicles towed from scene; 12:29 p.m.: accident, vicinity of 43 Fowler St., no injuries; 12:30 p.m.: motor vehicle theft, Elm Electrical, Inc. 68 Union St., caller reported that a company vehicle was stolen from their lot between 8:30 a.m. and noon; 12:53 p.m.: accident, vicinity of Golf Acres, 315 Union St., one driver transported to Noble Hospital with wrist injury, one vehicle towed; 4:39 p.m: three-vehicle accident, Mr. Phipps, Inc., 113 N. Elm St., one driver transported to Baystate Medical Center with lacerations, two vehicles towed; See Saturday’s Westfield News for full story; 4:43 p.m.: accident, 2 Dartmouth St. at 16 Columbia St., no injuries, minor property damage; 5:23 p.m.: animal complaint, caller reported seeing a black bear on Shaker Road, the bear had a red tag in each ear; 5:29 p.m.: burglary/breaking and entering, Bates Street, resident reported apartment had been entered, nothing missing; 7:22 p.m.: identity fraud, resident reported his checking account was hacked; 9:39 p.m.: two-vehicle accident, 57 Pleasant St. at 41 W. Silver St., no injuries, one vehicle towed. Saturday, August 8, 2015 4:35 a.m.: accident, Long Pond Road at Old State Road, vehicle struck telephone pole and wires were down, vehicle fully engulfed, no driver at scene, owner located and reported that vehicle had been stolen; 9:39 a.m.: accident, Circle K – Irving, 1400 Russell Road, patient refused transport, minor property damage; 11:56 a.m.: breaking and entering motor vehicle, John Williams Asphalt Paving, 373 N. Elm St., caller reported one of the trucks was broken into overnight; 1:26 p.m.: accident, Walmart, 141 Springfield Road, minor property damage; 2:09 p.m.: found property, E. Silver Street, wallet found; 2:51 p.m.: shoplifting, Walmart, 141 Springfield Road, investigated; 4:13 p.m.: accident, Rest area, Springfield Road, no injuries, no tows. Sunday, August 9, 2015 6:22 a.m.: reported death, Arbors Apartments, 40 Court St., 92-year-old female found deceased; 11:26 a.m.: property found, Hampden Street, Samsung Boostmobile cell phone turned over to police; shoplifting, Walmart, 141 Springfield Road, violator escorted off property without incident; 4:52 p.m.: shoplifting, Walmart, 141 Springfield Road, violator escorted off property without incident; 6:06 p.m.: accident, vicinity of Westfield Middle School South, 30 W. Silver St., patient(s) transported to Noble Hospital, two vehicles towed; 7:21 p.m.: disturbance, 78 Cranston St., accident lead to disturbance between two operators, Nathan P. Czerniak, 23, of 98 Montgomery Road, arrested on charges of disorderly conduct and interfering with a police officer; 8:41 p.m.: two-vehicle accident, 97 S. Maple St. at 77 Mill St., no injuries, minor property damage; 10:46 p.m.: accident, 551 Southwick Road, vehicle hit a porch, James N. Merati, 25, 1 Oak Terrace, arrested on charges of possessing a Class A drug, inhaling glue/toxic substance, negligent operation of a motor vehicle.

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Governor Baker leads ALS ice bucket challenge BY BOB SALSBERG Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — A deep freeze fell briefly upon Beacon Hill on a warm August day as Gov. Charlie Baker, members of his staff and other top state officials took the ice bucket challenge to help find a cure for Lou Gehrig's disease. "One, two, three," Baker shouted on Monday from the top of the great front steps outside the Statehouse, giving the signal for him and dozens of others to dump blue buckets filled with ice water over their heads. The Republican, who later described the water as "wicked cold," raised his arms triumphantly and immediately issued an ice bucket challenge to a pair of Democrats, Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo and Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. He said both appeared ready to accept as part of the effort to draw attention to the disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. "As you know, we are here today to celebrate Round 2 the second chapter of the most successful public awareness and fundraising campaign in the history of the fight against ALS," Baker said. Watching nearby from a wheelchair was former Boston College baseball player Pete Frates, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 and was the inspiration for the ice bucket challenge, which began last year and raised more than $220 million globally for ALS research. Baker's attire for Monday's challenge suggested his strong support for a second cause of import to local sports fans. He wore a T-shirt that read "Free Brady," with a picture of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. "Free Brady" has become a rallying cry for Patriots fans upset with the fourgame suspension handed to Brady by the National Football League because of underinflated footballs at a Patriots playoff game. Brady is appealing his suspension over what's become known as Deflategate. Frates' mother, Nancy Frates, said he was told by a doctor that it would take at least $1 billion in research to find a potential treatment for ALS. "We raised a quarter of it last year, a quarter of a billion, so we are hoping we can raise another quarter this year or the other three-quarters this year," she said. "It takes a lot of money to get a treatment or therapy to market." Baker has gotten to know Frates' son and has stopped by their Beverly home

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker participates in the Ice Bucket Challenge with its inspiration Pete Frates, seated at left, to raise money for ALS research Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, at the Statehouse n Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa) for breakfast at least twice since becoming governor, she added. Baker, who said he made an online donation for ALS research prior to Monday's event, served in the administration of former Gov. Paul Cellucci, who died after battling the disease in 2013. Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, state Treasurer

Deb Goldberg, state Auditor Suzanne Bump and several lawmakers were among those joining in the challenge. Gehrig, one of the New York Yankees' greatest players, played in 2,130 consecutive games, earning the nickname The Iron Horse. He retired after being affected by ALS, and he died in 1941 at age 37.

Man dies in Northampton NCCJ ANYTOWN training youth to become leaders of head-on collision NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (AP) — Authorities say a man involved in a head-on collision in Northampton died after going into cardiac arrest. The district attorney’s office says 57-year-old Michael Sims, of Northampton, was driving south shortly before 11 a.m. Sunday when his vehicle crossed over the center line and collided with a northbound vehicle. A Northampton Fire Department spokesman tells The Daily Hampshire Gazette EMTs found the man in the midst of cardiac arrest and attempted to revive him at the scene. The woman driving the other vehicle told responders she tried to avoid the man’s car when he swerved into oncoming traffic, but could not. Both were taken to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Sims was pronounced dead there. The woman’s injuries are not considered life threatening.

Court date set for teen charged in fatal shooting PITTSFIELD, Mass. (AP) — A teen suspected in a fatal shooting in Berkshire County is scheduled back in court next month. The Berkshire Eagle that 18-year-old Thomas Lee Newman Jr. has also been assigned an attorney. Newman pleaded not guilty last week to charges of murder and armed assault to murder in connection with a shooting in Pittsfield that killed an 18-year-old man and wounded a 17-yearold youth. Authorities say he fled the city after the shootings and was arrested days later in Utica, New York. He was ordered held without bail. He is due back in court on Sept. 14.

Court Logs Westfield District Court

Friday, August 7, 2015 Michael F. Wynn, 31, of 10 Oak St., was released on his personal recognizance pending an August 24 hearing after being arraigned on charges of negligent operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of liquor, brought by Westfield police. Parise J. Williams, 28, of 140 Union St., Apt. C48, was released on $1,000 personal surety pending an October 15 hearing after being arraigned on charges of violating an abuse prevention order and assault and battery on a family/household member, brought by Westfield police. Pedro Santiago, 24, of 351 Central St., Springfield, received four months probation and ordered to pay $50 per month while on probation after charges of operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license were continued without finding and was fined $105 after being found responsible for speeding, brought by Westfield police. Christian Serrano, 25, of 34 Dearborn St., 2nd Fl, Springfield, received three months probation after charges of unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle were continued without finding, with charges to be dismissed upon payment of $150, brought by Westfield police.

tomorrow and today

Connecticut/Western Massachusetts — NCCJ (The National Conference for Community and Justice of Connecticut and Western Massachusetts, Inc.) will host its premier youth residential camp, NCCJ ANYTOWN designed to educate, liberate and empower youths from Connecticut and Western Massachusetts to advance social justice in their schools and communities. The program focuses on prejudice reduction through a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the differences in people. During the week, youths ages 14 – 18 spend 6-days covering all areas of social justice e.g., racism, sexism, antiSemitism, heterosexism, genderism, ageism, classism, ableism and privilege. Through experiential activities, workshops and discussion groups, students begin to break down barriers, deal with biased behavior and gain insight into their own lives and values. NCCJ ANYTOWN strives to overcome prejudice and discrimination among area teens and support the development of youth leadership in their ongoing efforts to challenge all forms of bias, bigotry and racism. NCCJ ANYTOWN equips students with the tools that are essential to ensuring that each member of our increasingly diverse society is valued equally and the students begin to participate responsibly as world citizens. Cynthia Martin, NCCJ Program Director stated; “At NCCJ ANYTOWN, each young person is seen and celebrated for exactly who they are and they find a place where they fit in. At the end of each program, I see every delegate and staff member leave transformed, joyous, motivated to take action and with new lifelong friends.” The August 2015 NCCJ ANYTOWN will be held at Greenwood Trails in Winsted, CT from August 16, 2015 through August 21, 2015. The program is funded through donations from area foundations and corporations. NCCJ Mission: NCCJ is a human relations organization that promotes inclusion and acceptance by providing education and advocacy while building communities that are respectful and just for all. Celebrating the diversity of races, religions, cultures, genders, abilities, and sexual orientations. Visit www.nccj.org for more information.

Researchers spot more than a dozen great whites off Cape Cod CHATHAM, Mass. (AP) — Researchers say they spotted more than a dozen great white sharks off the coast of Cape Cod last week. Atlantic White Shark Conservancy president Cynthia Wigren says 17 great white sharks congregated off Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge in Chatham on Thursday. That's nearly double the number researchers typically see during a trip at this time of the year. Wigren says it was the biggest day of the season in terms of the number of sharks that were identified. The conservancy tracks sharks by plane and boat twice a week in the summer. Wigren says the number of sightings could grow in September due to the high activity they've seen this season.

PAGE 6 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015

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HEALTHFITNESS

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The Carson Center for Human Services Celebrating 50 Years of Real Help with Real Life 1963-2013 Before I talked to my Carson therapist today, my whole chest felt hot. My family had come to get me when I was released. I know it was good that they came to get me. I didn’t mean to overdose. There they were, not saying anything. My chest was hot from two different feelings I had, looking at my family as they said nothing to me in that hospital room: I’m glad you came, was one feeling. The other was: I spent so long trying to get all these people out of my life and here the overdose brought them right back in the middle of it. My Carson therapist says that it is not so unusual for someone like me, who is addicted to heroin, to have powerful feelings and mixed relationships with my family. They said it can be different for me. I want it to be different. I’ve always wanted it to be different. I didn’t mean to overdose. I feel that there might be something to look forward to now, to work for. I also feel like everything is dying, changing. The old me drifted out to sea with this overdose. Now I need to find a new me. I’ve always loved my little brother. I want to find a new way for myself, and for him, too. New England Mid August does not entertain May’s fools, drunk on lilac. The corn is high and the morning carries a single pointing finger of Northern air reminding you to love your family and make a big splash when you dive in the lake because every season keeps on coming. I’m ready to learn how to swim, how to face all the seasons ahead. by JAC Patrissi

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Heart attack survivor David Ahearn credits hospital teamwork for saving life GREENFIELD — The early morning of Dec. 30, 2014, seemed like any other, well, except for the strange pressure in my upper chest. I popped a couple of Tums, to no avail and had the same result with a baby aspirin. We’ve all heard that a heart attack feels like someone standing on your chest and that is shockingly accurate. I immediately called my wife to get up and dressed as we had to get to the hospital at once. Oddly, neither of us thought to call 911, but since we live a five-minute drive from Baystate Franklin Medical Center (BFMC), it seemed like a good move. I have been assured it was not! Nevertheless, we made it to BFMC in less than five minutes, and amazingly, there was no one in line at the ER. I announced I was having a heart attack and was led into a treatment room immediately. In the time it took for my wife to move the car 50 feet and come in, I was already being hooked up to the EKG machine and IV needles inserted into each hand. Nitroglycerin did not alleviate the chest pain, but two shots of morphine quickly did the trick. I had no other symptoms, and even my color was good, so I guessed that I had dodged a bullet. The doctor read the EKG, however, and immediately left the room to call the Cardiac Unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. She came right back and informed us that the EKG was “quite concerning” and that I needed to get to Springfield by ambulance (lights and siren included). Since by now I was in no discomfort, I had no idea how serious my condition was. Upon arrival at the Cardiac Catheterization Lab in Springfield, I was greeted by Dr. Giugliano, director of the lab, and Dr. Beall. I still had good color and was in no pain whatsoever. After a few questions and listening to my heart and lungs, we adjourned to the Cath Lab, in no particular rush, “to see what was going on.” As I was being prepped for the cardiac catheterization, I was told to be sure and speak up if I was in any discomfort. A small army of doctors and nurses was going through the routine of what they do many times each day when the intense chest pressure suddenly returned. I let them know at once, and the pace of their activity suddenly increased to that of a NASCAR pit crew. No one spoke to me for the next 45 minutes, which seemed rather odd, but I now know that they had their hands full trying to keep me alive. I was wide awake, but really unaware of what was going on around me. As it turned out, the main artery supplying blood to my heart had suddenly become completely blocked. Such a situation calls for immediate bypass surgery, but my heart was so starved for blood that there was no time to move me to the operating room and begin the procedure. Dr. Giugliano had to immediately place a stent into the blockage to resume the blood-flow, alleviating the condition commonly known as the “widow-maker.” He later characterized my situation as being akin to winning the lottery. I was in the right place at the right time, with the right team working to keep me in the land of the living. Had I

DAVID AHEARN not been there when I was, I would not have survived. It’s just that simple. I truly cannot say enough about the professionalism of the staffs of the Baystate Franklin Emergency Department and the Cardiac Care Unit at Baystate Springfield. Everyone was not only caring and pleasant, but constantly made you feel that you were the most important patient in the place. On Feb. 3, I returned for another stent placement that there had not been time for initially. The procedure was done quickly, by the same team, and I returned home in just over 24 hours, feeling great. To ensure that heart patients work to regain any lost strength and adopt a healthier lifestyle, a 12-week course in cardiac rehab is conducted three days per week right here at BFMC, most ably led by nurses Cheryl May and Patti Bliznak. Although dragging oneself out of bed for a 7:45 a.m. class in below-zero weather is no picnic, you leave the session invigorated and feeling markedly better than when you came in! Pretty amazing. Last, but surely not least, regular follow-up by a cardiologist, in my case, Dr. Timothy Egan, is conveniently available right here in Greenfield, making periodic trips to Springfield unnecessary. Now for the really important part … Baystate Franklin has just launched a capital campaign, and I obviously urge everyone to be as generous as possible when invited to participate. It is far too easy to take our local hospital for granted until we need their assistance in possibly saving our lives when we least expect it. As you drive by the hospital, notice that the ongoing construction of a huge new surgical suite is proof of their commitment to Franklin County. Let’s make this capital campaign a clear message of our investment in BFMC as well! By DAVID AHEARN Greenfield resident Published in the June 1, 2015 edition of The Greenfield Recorder

Health and wellness is important in every season There’s nothing worse than noticing that your favorite jeans suddenly seem a little tight. “While summer vacations are the perfect time to take a break from busy routines, it should not be a time to abandon your healthy habits,” said Dr. Samson Hanka, board certified Internal Medicine physician who cares for patients at the Monson Medical Center. “Not only during the summer but any time of year it’s easy to get off track.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) carrying those extra pounds puts you at risk for many other health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and certain cancers. Diseases like sleep apnea and osteoarthritis of the knees are, in many cases associated with excess weight and can simply be treated by losing weight.”

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Noble Hospital

SAMSON HANKA, MD “Losing excess weight can make you feel better both physically and emotionally and can help you live a longer, healthier life,” said Dr. Hanka. “But diets aren't the way to go when it comes to losing weight. They often create temporary eating patterns that can lead to temporary results. Successful, long-term weight control should focus on your overall health, not just on what you eat.” “The first step to address-

ing weight issues and maintaining a healthy lifestyle should begin with a visit to your healthcare provider,” said Dr. Hanka. “People become overweight for many reasons; weight issues can run in families, be caused by unhealthy behaviors, a person's environment, certain health conditions and even some medications. By getting to know my patients I can help them create a plan that will work best for them. Effective weight-loss programs, promote healthy behaviors that help you lose weight and that you can stick with every day.” “Body mass index (BMI) measurement is one of the screenings tools used to identify potential health problems,” said Dr. Hanka. “BMI is a number calculated using your height and weight, and is a fairly reliable indicator of body fat for most adults. BMI is one of the key measures

involved in weight and health risk assessment, the others being diet, physical activity, and family history.” “Helping my patients improve their health and quality of life is what I enjoy most in my role as a primary care physician,” said Dr. Hanka. “Changing your lifestyle is not easy, but adopting healthy habits can help you manage a healthy weight in the long run.” Dr. Hanka, is currently accepting new patients. He joins the team providing care at the Monson Medical Center, located at 2 Main Street in Monson, which include Dr. John Diggs, Dr. Joanna Preibisz, and physician assistant, Lindsey Marchand, in adult medicine; Dr. Lori Trask in pediatrics; and registered dietitian, Christine King. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 413-2679101.

Baystate is proud to welcome Noble Hospital to our health-care family. For years, we have partnered in many areas including rehabilitation, lab services, heart & vascular care, women’s services, and neurology. We know that a closer relationship will only be better for patients and for our community. Together, we will keep the best care local. We will provide a well-coordinated, cost-effective and high-quality regional system of care. Together, we will deliver a higher state of caring…for you.

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TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 - PAGE 7

Cardillo receives recognition as Alzheimer’s champion

In this Aug. 10, 2015, photo, Christine Jelinek, a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University, works alongside a tray of vials containing cerebral spinal fluid in Baltimore. Dr. Akhilesh Pandey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, said his research analyzes both adult and fetal tissue, and by identifying which proteins are present, he can get clues that could be used to help detect cancer in adults earlier. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Medical researchers say fetal tissue remains essential By COLLIN BINKLEY and CARLA K. JOHNSON Associated Press BOSTON (AP) — The furor on Capitol Hill over Planned Parenthood has stoked a debate about the use of tissue from aborted fetuses in medical research, but U.S. scientists have been using such cells for decades to develop vaccines and seek treatments for a host of ailments, from vision loss and neurological disorders to cancer and AIDS. Anti-abortion activists set off the uproar by releasing undercover videos of Planned Parenthood officials that raised questions of whether the organization was profiting from the sale of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood has denied making any profit and said it charges fees solely to cover its costs. University laboratories that buy such cells strongly defend their research, saying tissue that would otherwise be thrown out has played a vital role in lifesaving medical advances and holds great potential for further breakthroughs. Fetal cells are considered ideal because they divide rapidly, adapt to new environments easily and are less susceptible to rejection than adult cells when transplanted. "If researchers are unable to work with fetal tissue, there is a huge list of diseases for which researchers would move much more slowly, rather than quickly, to find their cause and how they can be cured," Stanford University spokeswoman Lisa Lapin said in an email. From 2011 through 2014 alone, 97 research institutions — mostly universities and hospitals — received a total of $280 million in federal grants for fetal tissue research from the National Institutes of Health. A few institutions have consistently gotten large shares of that money, including Yale, the University of California and Massachusetts General Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard. The U.S. government prohibits the sale of fetal tissue for profit and requires separation between researchers and the women who donate

In this Aug. 10, 2015, photo, Christine Jelinek, a postdoctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University, prepares to load a tray of vials containing cerebral spinal fluid into a liquid chromatograph in Baltimore. Dr. Akhilesh Pandey, a researcher at Johns Hopkins University, said his research analyzes both adult and fetal tissue, and by identifying which proteins are present, he can get clues that could be used to help detect cancer in adults earlier. (AP Photo/ Patrick Semansky)

the chief public benefits of fetal tissue research. Vaccines for hepatitis A, German measles, chickenpox and rabies, for example, were developed using cell lines grown from tissue from two elective abortions, one in England and one in Sweden, that were performed in the 1960s. German measles, also known as rubella, "caused 5,000 spontaneous abortions a year prior to the vaccine," said Dr. Paul Offit, an infectious-disease specialist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "We wouldn't have saved all those lives had it not been for those cells." Fetal tissue was "absolutely critical" to the development of a potential Ebola vaccine that has shown promise, said Dr. Carrie Wolinetz, an associate director at NIH, which last year handed out $76 million for work involving fetal tissue, or 0.2 percent of the agency's research budget. Scientists are also using fetal tissue to try to identify substances in adults that could be early warning signs of cancer, said Dr. Akhilesh Pandey, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins University. Experts at MIT and other research centers use fetal tissue to implant the human

fetuses. Some schools go further, requiring written consent from donors. Many major universities declined to make scientists available for interviews about their fetal tissue work, saying they fear for the researchers' safety because the issue is so highly charged. The Planned Parenthood uproar led to a failed attempt by Republicans to strip the organization of federal funding. Researchers use fetal tissue to understand cell biology and human development. Others use it to look for treatments for AIDS. Research on spinal cord injuries and eyesight-robbing macular degeneration involves transplanting fetal cells into patients. European researchers recently began putting fetal tissue into patients' brains to try to treat Parkinson's, a strategy that previously had mixed results. Some scientists are looking for alternatives to fetal tissue, such as using adult cells that have been "reprogrammed" to their earlier forms. But those techniques are still being refined, and some fields are likely to remain reliant on fetal tissue, such as the study of fetal development. Vaccines have been one of

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