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VOL. 90 NO.16
Westfield Mayor
talks COVID-19,
Chapter 90 and more
By AMY PORTER
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD — Mayor Donald F. Humason, Jr. met with the outgoing and incoming directors of Governor Charlie D. Baker’s Western Massachusetts office in City Hall last week and advocated for funding for the city.
Humason advocated for a timely state bud-get, increased local aid for city departments and schools, more Chapter 90 funding for road projects, state assistance for PFAS
miti-gation and cleanup, and for a regional Covid testing center in Westfield on the campus of Westfield State University.
Humason met with former Director Patrick Carnavale, who is leaving the position to return to his post with the Mass Emergency Management Agency, and incoming Director Jose Delgado, who has worked in govern-ment and most recently for the MGM Casino in Springfield.
The Westfield News asked the mayor about some of the issues he brought to the forefront with the governor’s staff.
Regarding testing sites, Humason agreed with Public Health Director Joseph Rouse’s recent statement that additional free testing sites in the city would cost $50,000 per day,
See Funding, Page 6
Mayor Donald F. Humason, Jr. met this week with Patrick Carnavale (L) outgoing director and Jose Delgado (R), incoming director of Governor Charlie Baker’s Western Massachusetts office. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
By AMY PORTER
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD – The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce has announced the schedule for upcoming Morning Brew and After 5 Connection meetings on Zoom for
its members.
The networking meetings are opportunities to meet new people,
make new connections & create new business prospects, while sup-porting the Chamber ’s Member2Member initiative. Members will have the opportunity to tell the group about their busi-nesses in a short 1-2 minute pitch.
Upcoming Morning Brews are scheduled for Jan 28, Feb. 25 and Mar. 25 at 9 a.m.
After 5 Connections are sched-uled for Feb. 8, and March 8 at 5 p.m.
Virtual Coffee Hours with Mayor
Don Humason are also scheduled for the first Monday of the month on Zoom at 8 a.m. through June 2021.
For more information or to regis-ter for these events, visit westfield-biz.org or call 413-568-1618.
Westfield Chamber to host Zoom networking meetings
Humason advocates
for state funding
By CHRIS PUTZ
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD – Although it has been a long, long, loooooooong offseason, it appears that the Saint Mary’s Saints winter sports program is finally about to tip off after much delay due to the coronavirus.
Even that statement may not be an accurate account as there are no tip-offs this basketball season as one of several modifications made to the sport to adhere to PVIAC and MIAA guidelines and restrictions put in place to fight COVID-19.
St. Mary’s will field a boys and girls bas-ketball team, as well as a girls and boys ski team.
“We are prepared to go forward with a sea-son,” St. Mary’s High School athletic director Matt Collins said. “It will all depend on who we will be able to play, which city is in in the red or who is paused when it comes to game time.”
St. Mary’s actually has more basketball players signed up this year than in years past. A total of 23 student-athletes make up the girls program while the boys currently field 19. To meet Covid restrictions, those numbers will have to be adjusted to trim the numbers
back for varsity squads.
“It’s just nice getting back to some type of normalcy,” said Collins, whose students have been in the classroom since Aug. 31. “Kids need an outlet. If I didn’t truly believe it was safe, I would make the decision not to partici-pate. I think the kids will benefit from inter-scholastic athletics, the chance to play and compete. The lifelong skills that they will learn through sports with all of the guidelines in the place will still be a big benefit to the kids.”
See Winter Sports, Page 3
Saints prepare to
‘tip off’ 2021 Season
WINTER SPORTS
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Editor
SOUTHWICK — Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson and Police Chief Kevin Bishop are gathering information on the town’s dispatch services to present to the Southwick Select Board.
Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin said the presentation will be in the coming weeks during a public meeting.
Last week, WestComm Regional Dispatch Center Director Erin Hastings presented the board with a pitch to join the center. Located in Chicopee, the center includes Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Monson. In addition to redundancy of per-sonnel and services, Hastings said Southwick would benefit from state-of-the-art equip-ment, state grants to the center and cost sav-ings over time. The Jan. 11 presentation is available on the Southwick YouTube channel.
Select Board members and both town chiefs have said that while the cost savings are attractive, it’s more about service, safety and what is best overall for the community.
“Our goal is to improve service to the pub-lic and increase safety for our first
respond-ers,” said Anderson.
Whether or not those goals can be met in-house or by regionalizing is still up in the air. Financially, it would cost the town approx-imately $100,000 per year in the long-term to join WestComm. The current dispatch budget for personnel and benefits is $270,000, according to the police budget. The board and chiefs agree that the town’s radio system and console need to be replaced, which is esti-mated at just over $1 million, and the dis-patch center, located at the police station, needs an update. There are also concerns with a lack of redundancy with the current “single-seat” dispatch, which means that there is one dispatcher per shift. To make it a double-seat dispatch, the budget would double and there is not a consistent daily need for two dis-patchers, however there are often times when a second seat is needed.
After last week’s WestComm presentation, Moglin received “a few emails” and “a cou-ple of phone calls” from residents concerned about losing dispatch services in town and what would happen to the current staff, which
See Dispatch, Page 3
Southwick chiefs gathering
dispatch service information
Southwick Police dispatcher Peter Coe is seen at work in the dispatch center. (THE WESTFIELD NEWS PHOTO)
By HOPE E. TREMBLAY
Editor
SOUTHWICK — The new Southwick Fire Department roof is nearly complete and has passed the test of snow and rain.
The previous roof was faulty and caused water damage to the building for nearly two decades. A year ago, engineering consultants Tighe & Bond recommended the roof and gutters be replaced.
“We’ve only had one snowstorm, but we’ve had significant rain and all is dry,” said Fire Chief Russ Anderson.
The $1.1 million project has just one com-ponent left – the oval window.
“We are 99% complete,” Andrson said.
“We had a couple of punch list items that were done in the last month but the oval win-dow in the front of the building had some issues, so the flashing is being redesigned.”
Anderson expects it will be complete this spring.
The roof is a polyvinyl chloride member-ane roof that has the look of a metal roof. Its life expectancy is 30 years. The station, which was built in 2000, had roof concerns almost immediately.
Anderson said in addition to the roof and gutters, all lights at the fire headquarters were converted to LED. He added that the building is now in good shape for the foreseeable future.
Construction workers install a new roof at the Southwick Fire station in the fall of 2020.
(HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
Southwick fire station
roof nearly complete
Major crime and incident report
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021 WESTFIELD
3:46 p.m.: assist motorist, Union Street, a caller reports that the traffic lights on the intersection of Union Street and Springfield Road are stuck and causing traffic to back up, the responding officer reports that the traffic controls were reset and the lights began working properly;
5:17 p.m.: suspicious, Kellogg Street, a caller reports that two youths are firing BB guns in the area, the responding offi-cer reports that contact was made with the two youths firing airsoft guns, the officer reports that the youths were informed of the laws surrounding airsoft guns and they were sent on their
way for the night;
7:40 p.m.: traffic complaint, Southampton Road, an ambu-lance driver reports that he pulled out of the Southampton Road fire station to find that another vehicle accidentally dumped debris into the roadway and caused a traffic hazard, dispatch reports that the debris was cleared from the roadway.
SOUTHWICK
9:28 a.m.: officer wanted, Fred Jackson Road, a resident reports an Amazon delivery driver was bit by a dog, the victim stated he was bit by a pit bull on Klaus Anderson Road, the bite broke the skin but he declined medical services and said he would seek treatment, the animal control officer advised the
Police Logs
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
ON THIS DAY
250 – Pope Fabian is martyred during the Decian persecution.
649 – King Chindasuinth, at the urging of bishop Braulio of Zaragoza, crowns his son Rec-ceswinth as co-ruler of the Vi-sigothic Kingdom.
1156 – Freeholder Lalli slays the English missionary-bishop Henry with an axe, on the ice of Lake Köyliö in Finland (according to legend).
1265 – The first English parlia -ment to include not only Lords but also representatives of the
major towns holds its first meet -ing in the Palace of Westminster, now commonly known as the "Houses of Parliament".
1320 – Duke Wladyslaw Loki-etek becomes king of Poland.
1356 – Edward Balliol surren-ders his claim to the Scottish throne to Edward III in exchange for an English pension.
1523 – Christian II is forced to abdicate as King of Denmark and Norway.
1567 – Battle of Rio de Janeiro: Portuguese forces under the command of Estácio de Sá
de-finitively drive the French out of
Rio de Janeiro.
1576 – The Mexican city of León is founded by order of the vice-roy Don Martín Enríquez de Al-manza.
1649 – The High Court of Justice for the trial of Charles I begins its proceedings.
1783 – The Kingdom of Great Britain signed preliminary articles of peace with France, setting the
stage to the official end of hostili -ties in the American Revolution-ary War later that year.
1785 – Invading Siamese forces attempt to exploit the political chaos in Vietnam, but are am-bushed and annihilated at the
Mekong river by the Tây Sơn in the Battle of Rạch Gầm-Xoài
Mút.
1788 – The third and main part of First Fleet arrives at Botany Bay. Arthur Phillip decides that Port Jackson is a more suitable loca-tion for a colony.
1839 – In the Battle of Yungay, Chile defeats an alliance be-tween Peru and Bolivia.
1841 – Hong Kong Island is oc-cupied by the British.
1877 – The last day of the Con-stantinople Conference results in agreement for political reforms in the Balkans.
1887 – The United States Sen-ate allows the Navy to lease Pearl Harbor as a naval base.
1921 – The British K-class sub-marine HMS K5 sinks in the Eng-lish Channel; all 56 on board die.
1921 – The first Constitution of
Turkey is adopted, making fun-damental changes in the source and exercise of sovereignty by consecrating the principle of na-tional sovereignty.
1929 – The first full-length talking
motion picture filmed outdoors,
In Old Arizona, is released.
1936 – King George V of the United Kingdom dies. His eldest son succeeds to the throne, be-coming Edward VIII. The title Prince of Wales is not used for another 22 years.
1937 – Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Nance Garner are sworn in for their second terms as U.S. President and U.S. Vice
President; it is the first time a
Presidential Inauguration takes place on January 20 since the
20th Amendment changed the dates of presidential terms.
1941 – A German officer is killed
in Bucharest, Romania, sparking a rebellion and pogrom by the Iron Guard, killing 125 Jews and 30 soldiers.
1942 – World War II: At the Wannsee Conference held in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee, senior
Nazi German officials discuss
the implementation of the "Final Solution to the Jewish question".
1945 – World War II: The provi-sional government of Béla Miklós in Hungary agrees to an armi-stice with the Allies.
1945 – World War II: Germany begins the evacuation of 1.8 mil-lion people from East Prussia, a task which will take nearly two months.
1949 – Point Four Program a program for economic aid to poor countries announced by United States President Harry S. Tru-man in his inaugural address for a full term as President.
1954 – In the United States, the National Negro Network is estab-lished with 40 charter member radio stations.
1961 – John F. Kennedy is in-augurated the 35th President of the United States of America, becoming the second youngest
man to take the office, and the first Catholic.
1972 – Pakistan launched its nuclear weapons program, a few weeks after its defeat in the Bangladesh Liberation War, as well as the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971.
1973 – Amílcar Cabral, leader of the independence movement in Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde, is assassinated in Conakry, Guinea.
1981 – Twenty minutes after Ronald Reagan is inaugurated as the 40th President of the United States of America, Iran releases 52 American hostages.
1986 – In the United States, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is cel-ebrated as a federal holiday for
the first time.
1990 – Protests in Azerbaijan, part of the Dissolution of the So-viet Union.
1991 – Sudan's government im-poses Islamic law nationwide, worsening the civil war between the country's Muslim north and Christian south.
1992 – Air Inter Flight 148, an Airbus A320-111, crashes into a mountain near Strasbourg, France killing 87 of the 96 people on board.
2001 – President of the Philip-pines Joseph Estrada is ousted in a nonviolent four-day revolu-tion, and is succeeded by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
2009 – Barack Obama is inau-gurated as the 44th President of the United States of America,
be-coming the first African-American
President of the United States.
2009 – A protest movement in Iceland culminates as the 2009
Icelandic financial crisis protests
start.
2017 – Donald Trump is inaugu-rated as the 45th President of the United States of America; at the time he was the oldest person to
assume the office.
2018 – A group of four or five
gunmen attack The Inter-Conti-nental Hotel in Kabul, Afghani-stan, sparking a 12-hour battle. The attack kills 40 people and injures many others.
TODAY'S
BIRTHDAYS
1958 – Lorenzo Lamas, American actor, director, and producer
1959 – Tami Hoag, American author
1959 – R. A. Salvatore, American author
1960 – Apa Sherpa, Nepalese-American mountaineer
1960 – Scott Thunes, American bass player
1960 – Will Wright, American video game designer, co-found-ed Maxis
1963 – James Denton, American actor
1963 – Mark Ryden, American painter and illustrator
1964 – Ron Harper, American basketball player and coach
1964 – Jack Lewis, American soldier and author
1964 – Fareed Zakaria, Indian-American journalist and author
1965 – John Michael Montgomery, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
1966 – Rainn Wilson, American actor
1967 – Stacey Dash, American actress and television journalist
1967 – Kellyanne Conway, American political strategist and pundit
1969 – Patrick K. Kroupa, American computer hacker and activist, co-founded MindVox
1970 – Edwin McCain, American singer-songwriter and guitarist
1970 – Skeet Ulrich, American actor
1971 – Derrick Green, American singer
1971 – Questlove, American drummer, DJ, and producer
Wed., Jan. 20, 2021 is the 20th day of the year. 345 days remain until the end of the year
Court Logs
Westfield District Court
Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021
No defendants charged with offenses brought by local law enforcement agencies were arraigned nor were any such cases adjudicated.
CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars elects officers
WESTFIELD - The Board of Directors of CSF Westfield Dollars for Scholars held an election of officers during a Zoom meeting. The following members were voted into positions: Cynthia Neary, president; Nan Pease and Kathryn Milligan, vice presidents; Michael Rockwal, treasurer Laurie Millikan, recording secretary; Laurie Lombardini, corresponding secretary; Christine Swords, assistant corresponding secretary; Betsy Ogonis, selection chair; Diane Chambers, assistant selection chair; Laurie Lombardini, publicity chair; Valerie Tettemer, website coordinator and Board Directors as follows: Tori Denton, Joanne Fouche, Richard Holcomb, Amy Jacobson, Kate Wailgum, and Samantha Whalen.
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue
Service announced that the nation's tax season will start on Friday, February 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and pro-cessing 2020 tax year returns.
The February 12 start date for individual tax return filers allows the IRS time to do addi-tional programming and testing of IRS sys-tems following the December 27 tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other bene-fits.
This programming work is critical to ensur-ing IRS systems run smoothly. If filensur-ing season were opened without the correct programming in place, then there could be a delay in issuing refunds to taxpayers. These changes ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.
To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the infor-mation they need. People can begin filing their tax returns immediately with tax software companies, including IRS Free File partners. These groups are starting to accept tax returns now, and the returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting February 12.
"Planning for the nation's filing season pro-cess is a massive undertaking, and IRS teams have been working non-stop to prepare for this as well as delivering Economic Impact Payments in record time," said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Given the pan-demic, this is one of the nation's most impor-tant filing seasons ever. This start date will
ensure that people get their needed tax refunds quickly while also making sure they receive any remaining stimulus payments they are eligible for as quickly as possible."
Last year's average tax refund was more than $2,500. More than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year, with the vast majority before the Thursday, April 15 dead-line.
Under the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law pro-vides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, including to identity thieves.
The IRS anticipates a first week of March refund for many EITC and ACTC taxpayers if they file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns. This would be the same experience for taxpayers if the filing season opened in late January. Taxpayers will need to check Where's My Refund for their personalized refund date.
Overall, the IRS anticipates nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically with direct deposit if there are no issues with their tax return. The IRS urges taxpayers and tax professionals to file electronically. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid fil-ing paper returns wherever possible.
Tips for taxpayers to make filing easier
To speed refunds and help with their tax fil-ing, the IRS urges people to follow these simple steps:
File electronically and use direct deposit for
the quickest refunds.
Check IRS.gov for the latest tax informa-tion, including the latest on Economic Impact Payments. There is no need to call.
For those who may be eligible for stimulus payments, they should carefully review the guidelines for the Recovery Rebate Credit. Most people received Economic Impact Payments automatically, and anyone who received the maximum amount does not need to include any information about their pay-ments when they file. However, those who didn't receive a payment or only received a partial payment may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return. Tax preparation software, including IRS Free File, will help taxpayers figure the amount.
Remember, advance stimulus payments received separately are not taxable, and they do not reduce the taxpayer's refund when they file in 2021.
Key filing season dates
There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year's filing sea-son:
January 15. IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File part-ners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
January 29. Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – includ-ing the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
February 12. IRS begins 2021 tax season.
Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
February 22. Projected date for the IRS.gov Where's My Refund tool being updated for those claiming EITC and ACTC, also referred to as PATH Act returns.
First week of March. Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and ACTC (PATH Act returns) for those who file elec-tronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns.
April 15. Deadline for filing 2020 tax returns.
October 15. Deadline to file for those requesting an extension on their 2020 tax returns
Filing season opening
The filing season open follows IRS work to update its programming and test its systems to factor in the second Economic Impact Payments and other tax law
changes. These changes are complex and take time to help ensure proper processing of tax returns and refunds as well as coordination with tax software industry, resulting in the February 12 start date.
The IRS must ensure systems are prepared to properly process and check tax returns to verify the proper amount of EIP's are credited on taxpayer accounts – and provide remaining funds to eligible taxpayers.
Although tax seasons frequently begin in late January, there have been five instances since 2007 when filing seasons did not start for some taxpayers until February due to tax law changes made just before the start of tax time.
2021 tax filing season begins Feb. 12; IRS outlines steps to speed refunds during pandemic
dog owner to quarantine the dog and took control of the inci-dent.
Take the ‘Plunge’ for Amelia Park
Children’s Museum Feb. 27
WESTFIELD – The annual Penguin Plunge to benefit the Amelia Park Children’s Museum is Feb. 27 at Hampton Ponds.
Participants can register online now at ameliaparkmuse-um.org or can download the registration form and pledge sheet, fill out the registration form and either email it to [email protected] or print it out and mail it back.
If you would like to run a
Birthday Announcement in
The Westfield News contact
us at: 413-562-4181
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WEEKLY WINNERS:
WEEK 1: Doug Lamont WEEK 2: Greg Masciadrelli WEEK 3: Doug Lamont WEEK 4:
Lisa Dee WEEK 5: Norma Coogan WEEK 6: Lorna Farrington WEEK 7: Nancy Skowyra
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The St. Mary’s ski team is set to hit the slopes at Berkshire East in Charlemont on Thurs., Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. The Saints boys and girls hoops teams’ openers against Smith Voke have been postponed by the City of Northampton due to high numbers of COVID cases in the Northampton area.
St. Mary’s first basketball games are likely to come against Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School with the girls play-ing on the 25th and 26th, and the boys on the 26th.
ST. MARY’S SAINTS - 2021 WINTER SPORTS SCHEDULE
Jan. 21
St. Mary’s skiing @ Berkshire East, Charlemont, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s boys basketball vs. Smith Vocational, 5 p.m. (PPD)
St. Mary’s girls basketball @ Smith Vocational, 5 p.m. (PPD)
Jan. 22
St. Mary’s boys basketball @ Smith Vocational, 5 p.m. (PPD)
Jan. 25
St. Mary’s girls basketball @ Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, noon
Jan. 26
St. Mary’s boys basketball @ Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s girls basketball vs. Pioneer Valley Chintest Immersion Charter School, 5 p.m.
Jan. 28
St. Mary’s skiing @ Berkshire East, Charlemont, 5 p.m.
Jan. 29
St. Mary’s boys basketball vs. Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s girls basketball @ Gateway Regional HS, 5 p.m.
Feb. 1
St. Mary’s boys basketball @ Gateway Regional HS, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s girls basketball vs. Gateway, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 2
St. Mary’s boys basketball vs. Gateway, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
Winter Sports
Continued from Page 1
Feb. 4
St. Mary’s skiing @ Berkshire East, Charlemont, 5 p.m.
Feb. 9
St. Mary’s girls basketball vs. Westfield Technical Academy, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 11
St. Mary’s skiing @ Berkshire East, Charlemont, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s boys basketball vs. Westfield Technical Academy, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s girls basketball @ Westfield Technical Academy, 5 p.m.
Feb. 12
St. Mary’s boys basketball @ Westfield Technical Academy HS, 5 p.m.
Feb. 16
St. Mary’s boys basketball @ Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, 5 p.m.
Feb. 18
St. Mary’s girls basketball vs. Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 19
St. Mary’s boys basketball vs. Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 22
St. Mary’s boys basketball vs. Southwick Regional, Westfield Intermediate School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 23
St. Mary’s girls basketball vs. Southwick, Westfield Intermeidate School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 25
St. Mary’s skiing @ Berkshire East, Charlemont, 5 p.m.
St. Mary’s boys basketball @ Southwick Regional School, 5 p.m.
Feb. 26
St. Mary’s girls basketball @ Southwick Regional School, 5 p.m.
Dispatch
Continued from Page 1
Moglin said is “phenome-nal.” Southwick has four full time dispatchers and three part time. Three of the dis-patchers are able retire in the next few years.
Hastings said if Southwick joined it would create five full time positions that cur-rent dispatchers could apply for. They would lose their current seniority, however two years is the most seniori-ty among WestComm staff.
Lead Dispatcher Robert Eak said last week he, too, had questions and concerns but was confident that the decision-makers would do what was best for the com-munity, whether it is to keep and expand the current dis-patch unit or regionalize.
“I trust that the select board and whomever else is making this decision will do what is best,” Eak said.
One important factor in the decision and need for more than a single-seat is the emer-gency medical dispatch (EMD) mandate. When patching a medical call, dis-patchers – which WestComm calls telecommunicators – have a large list of questions they must ask. There are addi-tional requirements created by the pandemic. So, if there is a single dispatcher on a medical call and a second medical call comes in, or there is an accident or other emergency, one person is try-ing to field all those calls while meeting EMD require-ments. A second dispatcher – or more if the town
regional-izes – would alleviate that situation.
“The EMD part of this has put a tremendous burden on single-seat dispatch,” Anderson said.
Some residents expressed concerns on social media that the town dispatchers know the town and its landmarks, particularly older landmarks that have changed over the years. However, Moglin said that most calls are made by cell phones which have sophisticated GPS systems so that would not be a concern. Hastings also stated that the current dispatch data – including all notes on land-marks and residents – would transfer if they town joined the center.
This is not the first time regionalizing dispatch has been studied. Longtime Selectman Russell Fox said it has been considered more than once over the last decade but was not advantageous in the past.
Moglin said this time could be different because the state is moving toward regional centers and is funneling
grants to regional dispatch services. In the past, it was financially a wash and service would not improve.
“We’re at a crossroads,” Moglin said. “Regional dis-patch is something we have to evaluate and if and when Southwick joins . . . there is a lot to discuss.”
Moglin said if regionaliz-ing is best, it may or may not be with WestComm, although he noted that Southwick would have an equal seat on its board of directors along with all center members. Some regional groups do not have equal say for its mem-bers, but base it on what the community contributes.
Anderson noted that regionalizing with Westfield and Agawam would be ideal, however both cities have “regionalized from within” by combining their own police and fire dispatch ser-vices into one in-city center.
Anderson and Bishop are reaching out to WestComm as well as its members for answers to a long list of ques-tions before they meet with the board.
YMCA offers
free MIGHTY
Pediatric Weight
Management Program
WESTFIELD) – The YMCA of Greater Westfield, in collab-oration with Baystate Health, is offering the MIGHTY (Moving, Improving, and Gaining Health Together at the YMCA) pro-gram; Now enrolling children between the ages of 8-10. Classes will be held on Tuesdays from 4-6 pm.
MIGHTY, funded by a grant from Kohl’s Cares, is an evi-dence-based, multi-component pediatric weight management program for children with a body mass index above the 95th percentile. This free pro-gram meets twice per month, over a six-month period.
During each two-hour ses-sion, children and their families engage with exercise special-ists, nutritionists and behavioral health workers in classroom instruction and group exercise sessions.
To be eligible for the MIGHTY Program, partici-pants must be at or above the 95th percentile for body mass index (BMI), provide a medical clearance form signed by their health care provider and attend a registration session, Thursday, Feb. 4 at 4p.m. with the child at the YMCA of Greater Westfield. Registration is now open. Space is limited while adhering to the social distancing guideline. To register, contact YMCA of Greater Westfield Health & Wellness Director Cindy Agan at 413-568-8631 or cagan@ westfieldymca.org.
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COMMENT
The West
field News
A publication of The Reminders Publishing, LLC
James Johnson-Corwin Multi-Media Manager Marie Brazee Business Manager Chris Putz Sports Editor Lorie Perry Director of Ad Production Fran Smith General Manager
181 Root Road, Westfield , MA 01085 (413)562-4181 www.thewestfieldnews.com Barbara Perry Sales Manager Hope E. Tremblay Editor Mike Dobbs Managing Editor
Thank you Westfield
Gas + Electric
To the Editor,
As we all know, Covid-19 put a damper on many things this year. At Southampton Road Elementary School, we were struggling with providing fun family nights while maintaining safety. After having to cancel so many in-house events, our hearts were aching at the thought of skipping our annual Cookies and Cocoa with Santa; a night that brings joy through-out the halls of SRS as families gather and celebrate the magic of the holiday.
The PTO had an idea to put on a Holiday Drive Thru to see Santa but it was not within our budget and required some man power that we just didn’t have. Westfield Gas + Electric was ready and willing to help! They sponsored our Drive Thru and we can’t thank them enough. The event was scheduled for Friday, December 18th, the day after we were notified that students would not be returning to Hybrid learning. Children, teachers and families were all heartbroken upon hearing the news. Luckily, we were able to continue with our event because it was outside of school, but we weren’t sure of how the turn out would be. Much to our surprise, the cars never stopped! Everyone was looking for some holiday cheer! At check in, I had the pleasure, along with fellow PTO moms, of asking cars to turn their interior lights on so the teachers could see inside the cars. The excited squeals and beaming smiles that took over the children’s faces as they heard teachers were up ahead was priceless!
Lights strung from trees, dancing polar bears and penguins, Elf, and a variety of Holiday Blow Ups lined the path to the teachers, Santa and Mrs. Claus. All of whom were standing by the most beautiful lit tree I’ve ever seen! If you had the plea-sure of driving by SRS throughout December, you know just what I’m talking about! We have been calling Kevin, the WG+E lineman who strung the lights, ‘THE light guy’ ever since. He not only strung them perfectly – but he went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed and put in so much extra time to make the drive-thru special for our families. He really embodied what WG+E stands for in our community – not only helping, but always going the extra mile. Your time and energy was appreciated by so many Kevin – THANK YOU!!
I often say ‘Westfield is the best field’ for the great sense of community, whether its city wide events, school pride or within organizations and neighborhoods. Westfield Gas + Electric is always going above and beyond to help all of those – A true connectivity source for Westfield! You kept the magic of the holidays alive for us during the most uncertain of times. So from the bottom of our hearts, and on behalf of the Southampton Road PTO – THANK YOU Westfield Gas + Electric!
Kaitlyn Bruce Westfield
Law addresses police
interactions with individuals
on Autism Spectrum
By COLIN A. YOUNG
State House News Service
BOSTON — Though it was not often discussed or debated when major policing reform legislation bounced around Beacon Hill before becoming law late last month, advocates said one provision of the law could help improve interactions between police and people with autism and disabilities.
The new law is centered around certification of law enforce-ment officers and a process to decertify any officer who violates the state's policing standards, but it also calls for the state's Municipal Police Training Committee to instruct new officers "in appropriate interactions with persons on the autism spectrum and those with other intellectual and developmental disabilities" (I/ DD) as part of the recruit basic training curriculum.
"Police interactions with people with I/DD and autism can be difficult and potentially dangerous due to communication and anxiety issues. This legislation will educate police recruits in recognizing the behavioral symptoms and characteristics of an individual with I/DD and autism and learn appropriate and safe response techniques," Leo Sarkissian, executive director of The Arc of Massachusetts, said.
About one out of every five young adults with autism will be stopped and questioned by a police officer before the age of 21 and "civilian injuries and fatalities during police interactions are disproportionately common" among people with autism or other disabilities, according to researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Arc had worked with Rep. Paul Tucker and Sen. Michael Moore, both former law enforcement officers, over the last two legislative sessions to advance a standalone bill dealing with mandated training for police officers. A key portion of Tucker's bill was incorporated into the policing bill that Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law on Dec. 31.
While the new law calls for training for new officers, The Arc plans to file a bill in February to begin to expand the mandated training to officers currently on the force.
By COLIN A. YOUNG
State House News Service
BOSTON - More single-family homes were sold last year in Massachusetts than in any other year since 2004, despite a once-in-a-century pandemic that threatened the financial secu-rity of thousands of residents and dramatically changed the process of buying and selling a home.
There were 61,469 single-family home sales in 2020 – a 3.9 percent increase over the sales total of 2019, according to The Warren Group. The median sale price for those homes climbed 11.4 percent from 2019 to hit $445,500 last year.
"In the wake of the first COVID-19 lockdown way back in March, single-family home sales took a nosedive for the entire second quarter," Warren Group CEO
Tim Warren said. "If you told me back then that by the end of the year that the total number of sales would surpass 2019,
there's no way I would have believed you ... yet here we are. Another record-setting year in the books for Massachusetts real estate."
Warren said an unprecedented December helped to boost the 2020 totals. December 2020 saw 6,410 single-family home sales in Massachusetts -- the most ever recorded for the month and up 28.6 percent from December 2019. The median sale price for the month jumped 14.4 percent to $455,000, an all-time high for the month and the sixth consecutive month with a median sale price greater than $450,000, Warren said.
"The hot market has continued right into December, four straight months of sales gains of 25 percent or more," driven by low interest rates and people spending more time at home. "The more time they spend at home, the more they think about the
See Home Sales, Page 6
Slow start follows frenzied finish to last session
By CHRIS VAN BUSKIRK
State House News Service
BOSTON - For the foreseeable future, the House will continue to meet in informal sessions until Democratic leadership releases and decides to debate a rules package. At the moment, members are busy filing bills with the House clerks and so far, over 270 pieces of legislation have been posted as House dockets. House leadership could cherry-pick a low-level bill to take up and move quickly at the outset of the session, but most substantive policies will be kept in waiting until committee assignments have been made. While both House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have committed to again taking up a climate and greenhouse gas emissions bill from last session that was vetoed by Gov. Charlie Baker, action on that appears to be pushed until at least next week as the House is back on Thursday in an informal session. A spokesperson for Mariano's office was not immediately available for comment on the House's schedule.
The News Service features gavel-to-gavel summaries of all sessions and audio of formal sessions on our web page: http://www. statehousenews.com.
As pandemic rages, some signs of improvement
By CHRIS LISINSKI
State House News Service
BOSTON - Although public health offi-cials confirmed the first case of the new COVID-19 variant on Sunday, Massachusetts notched some improve-ment in its overall pandemic outlook over the long weekend.
The Department of Public Health reported a total of 8,172 new coronavirus cases over the three-day weekend along-side 251,214 new tests, pushing the aver-age positive test rate down from 6.45 percent on Friday to 5.91 percent on Monday.
Since peaking at 8.7 percent on New Year's Day, the rolling average positivity rate in Massachusetts has dropped more than 2.5 percentage points, which could be a sign that spread is gradually slowing in parallel with the first phase of vaccine rollout.
However, the number of COVID cases deemed active continued to climb over the weekend to 98,750 on Monday, more than the population of Brockton, the state's sixth-largest city. Hospitalizations fluctu-ated slightly day-to-day, and five more patients in hospitals had COVID on Monday than did on Friday.
DPH reported 193 new confirmed deaths and another three probable deaths across Saturday, Sunday and Monday, pushing the cumulative death toll count-ing both confirmed and probable cases to 13,705.
The impact of the new COVID-19 vari-ant, first detected in the United Kingdom, is not yet clear. The U.S. Centers for Disease Controls warns that the new strand, B.1.1.7, "spreads more easily and quickly than other variants," and state health officials had said it might have been present in Massachusetts before the first confirmed case on Sunday.
Obituaries
Contact roxanne@thewestfieldnewsgroup • 413-562-4181 / Ext. 118 Obituaries online at: westfieldnews.com/categories/obituaries
Send your local briefs to The Westfield News
WESTFIELD — Now, more than ever, our readers want to know about your business. As we slowly bring back local businesses, it is important to share what you offer, when and how people can make purchases or utilize your services and just know that you are open.Are you hosting online events or offer remote services? We want to know! Send briefs, photos to press releases@thew-estfield news.com
The Westfield Police Department
reminds you to Lock It or Lose It!
WESTFIELD — Criminals often target cars that have per-sonal items left in plain view or vehicles left unlocked. There are a few easy steps that will help you from becoming a victim of a vehicle burglary:
• ALWAYS lock your car door; this includes when it is parked in your driveway or in front of your home.
• NEVER leave items of value, such as your purse, wallet, briefcase, laptop or cellphone in plain view. Secure your valuables inside the trunk before arriving at your destination or bring them with you.
• NEVER leave your keys and/or key fob inside the car. Thieves can just press the start button and drive away.
If you see anything suspicious, MAKE A CALL, MAKE A DIFFERENCE at 413-562-5411 or DIAL 911 in case of an emergency.
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Linda Thatcher (Swanson)
WESTFIELD — Linda Thatcher(Swanson), 1944-2021, would like to let you know that her work here is done. She received a call at 76 years old for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a huge sign-on bonus, a reunion with fam-ily and friends she has not seen in a long time. She will see her late husband, William Thatcher, her sis-ter Janice Dewing and her parents Edward and Lillian (Woods). Job security is exactly 110 percent. Her
new mission takes her to a wonderful place where she will be playing cards, drinking the best scotch on the rocks, eat-ing her favorite carbs, and driveat-ing where there are no idiots on the road. Music, laughter, crude jokes, and love are guaranteed. Food is delicious and you never gain an ounce. She left detailed instructions for us to go to every tag sale we can, only buy items on clearance, and always have the cake. Low adherence to this instruction will not be toler-ated. We want to let her know that she did a great job and wish her a safe journey. We will remember her unique sense of humor, her race car driving skills, her energy, her love for life, family, and friends.
Her family still here: son Jason Schrecke, wife Michelle, grandson Jordan, step-grandchildren, brother Doug Swanson (Shirley), and sister Sandy (Larry Wilcox). Linda was born in Orleans, VT. She left there as a young adult and resided in western MA for most of her adult life. She retired from Noble Hospital. She worked very hard all her life, up until the very end. She made a difference in the lives of many.
We invite you to join us and celebrate when COVID has settled so we can party just like she wanted. Fill a glass with ice and add some Dewers – raise your glass to an amazing woman. www.firtionadams.com
Angela (Bell) Ciborowski
WESTFIELD — Angela (Bell)Ciborowski, 99, (1921-2021) passed away peacefully on January 16, 2021 surrounded by her family. Mom was born December 19, 1921 to the late Alexander and Bridget (Foy) Bell. Angela worked for the Rexam Manufacturing for many years, retiring in 1986.
Angela is survived by her lov-ing children Paul A. Ciborowski and his wife Beverly and Angela M. Cyrankowski and her
hus-band Robert, all of Westfield, a brother Alan Bell and sister Sylvia Carol, both of England and two cherished grandchil-dren Michael Cyrankowski and Elizabeth Deauseault, six great grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Sadly, she was predeceased by her siblings James Bell, Frank Bell, Jack Bell and Elizabeth Cannon, also an infant brother Alec Bell.
Mom was born on a wintry morning December 19th at St. Luke’s Hospital Manchester, England. Growing up in Manchester with her dog Tippett, she was given the task of riding her bicycle out to the countryside to release her father’s homing pigeons. Mom shared many stories about World War II Air Raid Shelters, the bombing of Manchester, and black-outs. She met her future husband, an American GI, Paul Ciborowski, and in March of 1946 sailed to America aboard the Queen Mary. Mom missed her family in England very much! Angela’s passion was singing. There’s not a song she could not remember the words to. At 16, she became Rose Queen and wore a beautiful gown handmade by her mother. She continued to share her love of music wherever she had the opportunity, joining the Westfield Senior Center’s “Do Re Me’s”. She could be seen at Stanley Park concerts wearing her unforgettable blue hat. She said she wore her hat so she wouldn’t get lost. Mom was so recognizable, she was asked to run for city council by a gentleman in the grocery store. She spent many happy years at the Arbors of Westfield sing-ing and dancsing-ing her way into their hearts. She had such a “sparkle”, everyone knew her. Mom had a sweet, joyful spirit. She always told me, “Never gossip or speak ill of any-one. It will always come back to you.” She lived by these words, and I never heard her say a bad word about anyone. The word LOVE defines mom the best! She turned the other cheek and spread joy and happiness wherever she went. She will be missed but not forgotten….LOVE NEVER DIES.
A service will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at Firtion Adams. Visiting hours will be from 1-2 pm with a service immediately following. Donations in Angela’s name may be directed to Talin Ganemian, The Arbors Reflection Unit Activities Fund, 40 Court Street, Westfield, MA 01085
Eleanor Clapp "Trink"
CONNECTICUT — Eleanor Clapp, a.k.a. "Trink" passed away surrounded by her loving family after her 2nd courageous battle with cancer on 01/14/2021. She was born October 13, 1952 to Angelo and Jean (MacDonald) Curro. She grew up in Russell, MA. She left us with many memo-ries of love and lots of laughter. She loved her family, her friends, her neighbors of Winsted, CT, and her cats.
She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved nephew Kenneth Dean. She leaves behind her loving sister Nina Dean and Radames Lopez of Westfield, lov-ing brother Mac Currro and his
wife Terri of FL, Nephew Kevin Dean of Westfield, Niece Ashley Hawkins her husband Tommy and boys Landon and Chase of Westfield, Nephew Matthew Curro of Northampton, Great Nephews Nate and Greg Dean of Westfield , Dominic Dean his girlfriend Cara and soon to welcome Eleanora of Springfield VT, Uncle Harold MacDonald and wife Judy of CA, Uncle James Macdonald of Palmer, Aunt Jeanette Fish of Ludlow, she also leaves behind many cousins on the Curro and MacDonald sides. Step nieces and nephew Tasha Hamberg, Kellyana Lopez, Natali Pilecki, Chris Lopez and many more extended family and friends.
The funeral will be at a later date. Firtionadams.com
Gertrude M. (Brueno) Tenerowicz
FLORIDA — Gertrude M.(Brueno) Tenerowicz, 95, (1925-2021) passed away on January 16, 2021 at Mont Marie Health Care Center. She was born in Russell, MA to the late John and Rose (Desabrais) Brueno. Gert was employed as a shipper for Kellogg Brush and as an assembler for Digital. She was a life member of the VFW #6645 in Russell and enjoyed to knit, crochet and do crossword puzzles. Gertrude
lived in Bradenton, FL for over 35 years.
Sadly she was predeceased by her beloved husband John Tenerowicz in 2008, a son John Tenerowicz, Jr. in 2016 and by her sister Blanche Willey. Gert is survived by her loving children, Robert Tenerowicz and his wife Cindy of Bradenton, FL, Melanie Cannata and her late husband Joe of Westfield and Thomas J. Tenerowicz with Linda Jerard of West Springfield, and a daughter-in-law Elizabeth Tenerowicz of Bradenton, FL. She also leaves her cherished grandchildren, Robert A. Tenerowicz and his wife Amy of Southwick, John J. Tenerowicz and his wife Tabitha of Louisville, KY, Bryan Tenerowicz of North Carolina, James Tenerowicz and his wife Susan of Granville, Jan Sohan and her husband Richard of Louisville, KY, Crista Cannata-Jones and her husband Chris of Fitchburg, Melissa Raymond and her husband Brian of Wakefield and Michael Campos and his wife Valerie of Hadley, thirteen great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren and many nieces and neph-ews.
A Funeral Mass for Gertrude will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021 at 11AM in Holy Trinity Church 335 Elm St., Westfield, MA. Visiting hours will precede the Mass from 9-10:30 AM in the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA 01085. Burial will be held in the spring in St. Thomas Cemetery, Huntington. www.firtion-adams.com.
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Steven W. Hezik
WESTFIELD — Steven W. Hezik, 87, (1933-2021) was called home on Sunday, January 17th 2021. Born on September 30, 1933 in Three Rivers, MA to the late John W. Hezik and Sophie (Siok) Hezik of Westfield, MA. Steven is also predeceased by his brother, John S. Hezik of Westfield. Steven graduated from Westfield High School Class of 1951, and upon graduation immedi-ately joined the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served his country during the Korean War as an Aviation Electronics Technician, Petty Officer3rd Class. He was honorably discharged in 1956 with the fol-lowing medals: National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, China Extended Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal. Steven met the love
of his life, Jeanette, while attending a Polish dance at the Roselynn Ballroom in Holyoke,
MA, whom he would later marry on May 25th 1957, at Sacred Heart
Church in Northampton, MA. From that day forward they created a life of love in the home that Steven built, and raised their four daughters in. Steven proudly provided for his fam-ily while working within the electri-cal engineering field at Hamilton Standard, Cole Morgan, and General Electric as an instrumentation and calibration specialist. He attended Western New England College to further his education in electrical engineering. Steven was a quintessential family man. If asked what he was most proud of in life he would reply with a smile, “My wife, and chil-dren.” He was an adoring husband, father, and grandfather who valued his family above all else. Steven enjoyed spend-ing time with family and friends, campspend-ing near the ocean, and taking road trips up north. Holidays, fish fries, and card games were frequently hosted at their home, and all were welcome. Some of his other favorite pastimes included: gardening, play-ing cribbage, playplay-ing the harmonica, accordion and piano, as well as hunting, fishing in his younger years.
He leaves behind his loving wife of 63+ years, Jeanette R. Hezik, of Westfield, 4 daughters: Barbara Sullivan of Deerfield, MA and her lifetime partner William Sullivan of Whatley, MA, Patricia Hezik-Amos and her husband Kenneth Amos of Holyoke, MA, Elaine Hezik of Ware, MA, and Dawn Tuttle and her husband Raymond Tuttle of Westfield, MA. He also leaves behind 8 loving grandchildren; Jessica Cernak, Heather Amos, Christopher Sullivan, Alyssa Gillis, Jonathon Sullivan, Sarah Dahlquist, Virginia Brouillette, and Samantha Tuttle, and 10 great-grandchildren; Zackary, Nickolas, Sophia, Benjamin, J.P, Olivia Sophia, Anna, Olivia Grace, Brooke, Jameson, as well as an 11th due in March. Steven was a long time member of Holy Trinity Parish in Westfield, MA.
A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Holy Trinity Church, 335 Elm St., Westfield, MA at 9:45 a.m., followed by a service at the Veterans memorial Cemetery, Agawam MA. Steven’s family will be celebrating his life later this year.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in honor of Steven W. Hezik to the American Heart Association; www2.heart.org/goto/StevenWHezik
email [email protected]
Grab & Go Meals schedule continued to Jan. 29
By AMY PORTER
Staff Writer
WESTFIELD – Food Services at the Westfield Public Schools will continue to offer free hot Grab and Go meals for students during remote weeks, and has posted the schedule for Jan. 19 to Jan. 29.
Rachel Kania, director of food services said the only change is that Westfield Technical Academy will no longer be offering grab and go meals.
During remote learning days through Jan. 29, all of the schools except for WTA will be giving out bagged meals of one breakfast and
one lunch during the times listed on the schedule below. Children don’t have to be present to pick up the meals, and families may go to any of the schools during the listed hours – they don’t have to go to their child’s school. No identifica-tion will be required.
Night time meals, available at Westfield Intermediate School and Westfield Middle School during remote learning days, will be served cold and will need to be reheated. All food should be refrigerated immediately and disposed of after five days.
Kania said food services will stick
to the menus on the website and on their Facebook page at Westfield EATS.
Kania said to date, since the first COVID closure in March, Food
Services has served over 300,000 meals. “The staff have done a phe-nomenal job, I couldn’t ask for any-thing more,” Kania said, adding, “We’re happy to do it.”
THE SCHEDULE FOR MEALS IS AS FOLLOWS:
Dates of operation:
Jan. 19 to Jan. 22, and Jan. 25 to 29
HOT Grab & Go Meals will be offered at the following locations:
Westfield High School 11 a.m. to noon
Westfield Middle School 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.
Franklin Avenue, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Abner Gibbs, 11;30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Paper Mill, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Southampton Road, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Westfield Intermediate School 11 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m.
Munger Hill, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Highland Elementary, 11 a.m to 12:30 p.m.
Families can go to any of these schools for the meal pickup.
Children with food allergies may contact the Food Services office at 413-572-6493 to make arrange-ments. Medical documentation will be required by their school nurse.
home and some ask what they want to change," he said on The Warren Group's podcast. Almost everyone who sold or purchased a home in 2020 probably had to deal with COVID-19 restrictions and safety measures in one way or another. Packed spring open houses gave way to virtual showings and eventually to tightly-scheduled and timed windows for prospective buyers to tour homes for sale.
But despite the new hurdles COVID-19 imposes on buying or selling a home, the virus and its accompanying shift towards remote work helped to fuel a migration away from cities and towards "vacation" areas in Massachusetts like Cape Cod and the Berkshires, Warren said.
He said that he expects the housing market will "continue to sell well" in 2021 but saw a concerning trend emerge at the end of 2020.
"The one thing I worry about is the rapidly-rising median price across the state," Warren said. "For six straight years, we saw a very good market but with restrained growth in price -- just two to five percent. The tail end of 2020 saw huge changes and prices rose by 14 percent or more for five straight months. For the year as a whole, prices rose 11.4 percent. I consider that to be unsustainable."
He added, "I hope we see the market cool and consolidate its gains before we create a bubble in prices as we did in 2005. The collapse of the market in 2006 and beyond was very painful."
Gov. Charlie Baker last week signed an economic development bill that included a housing production measure anchored to local zoning changes, and another initiative designed to boost housing near MBTA stations.
Home Sales
Continued from Page 4
and he would rather focus on vaccines and the distribu-tion.
“If the state is looking to set centers up, as I guess they are in my conversation with Pat and Jose, Westfield State could be a great location,” Humason said. He said the uni-versity has offered their parking lot for testing, if the state would pay for it.
Humason said this topic was one among many they talked about.
“Most importantly, I don’t want the state to do a repeat of this year and finish the budget in December,” he said, adding that as mayor he needs to start setting up his budget now, and will need to know the local numbers for state aid.
Humason said he would like to see the governor increase Chapter 90 funding to cities and towns for roads and infra-structure. “For years, the governor has done $200 million a year. I’d like to see it increase to $300 million or more,” he said, adding that Gov. Baker did increase Ch. 90 to $300 million only one time in his first year in office, some-thing Humason as a legislator along with his fellow legis-lators had been advocating governors in Massachusetts to do for years.
“Now the budget has gotten even bigger, and there’s room to increase Chapter 90 money to cities and towns,” Humason said, noting that Westfield, a 350 year old city has over 300 miles of road. “That’s why I’m asking the representatives of the governor’s office for multi-year funding for larger construction projects that last for more than one year,” which he said is something he also fought for as a legislator.
During the meeting, Humason also extended an invita-tion to the Governor and Lt. Governor and their cabinet officials to visit the Whip City. He said he hasn’t seen them in awhile, and wants to make sure they know they’re wel-come.
One idea he has is to invite them for the summer opening of the Rail Trail’s central section downtown.
“We’re going to be unique in New England and on the East Coast with an elevated Rail Trail,” Humason said, adding that it will be the best view around, one that he relished as a kid when he used to walk the train tracks. He said the Rail Trail will bring people into Westfield from all over the place, and he wants to draw attention to the city as a place for people using the trail to stop in and spend time.
“My goal is to promote Westfield as a destination to shop, eat, go to the breweries, take pictures along the Rail Trail. It all ties in – good roads, good schools, safe streets, good extracurricular activities – all of those have been hampered (by COVID). There is light at the end of the tun-nel – the vaccine is out there and spring is coming. As we move beyond the pandemic, I want to be ready for what comes next,” Humason said.
He said he held an online meeting with department heads to talk about that point. “I just want us to be ready to hit the ground running when this is over. The minute the governor or federal government says you’re good to go, then business is open. Come to Westfield. It’s a great place to live, work and play, and we want to make it better. Every mayor and councilor has the same goal. We’re lucky, because we start from a good place, but we’re always improving,” Humason said.
The mayor said he is also meeting in a couple of weeks with Sen. John Velis and Rep. Kelly Pease to talk about what he hopes they can do to help municipalities as legisla-tors. “I want to communicate (all this) with them, too, so we’re all on the same page,” Humason said.
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Dave CoverlyHAPPY BIRTHDAY for Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021:
Intensely alive, improvisatory and kind, your resilience is all the stronger due to your good humor. This year, you stage a spectacu-lar comeback, and it is extremely successful. Be patient, and it will do even better. If single, so freewheeling are you that you’re a better friend than a spouse. If attached, you share your hopes and dreams intimately, and it’s a mutually generous bond. LIBRA enchants you.
The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Today should be especially happy and upbeat. You tend to act spontane-ously, and business and pleasure combine gracefully. Pathways open to make life more comfortable and beautiful in many ways. Relationships stabilize. Tonight: A family member needs encouragement.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Today finds you more introspec-tive than usual. A dream brings insight. There is a strong focus on enhancing your public image and good name. Keep the importance of credibility in mind, and all will be well. Tonight: Enjoy a long herbal soak in the tub.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
Today introduces new and novel ideas as well as some intriguing and bright acquaintances. Travel and adventure will beckon. Your vitality and enthusiasm will be high. A controversial issue can be success-fully addressed. Tonight: Easy, clever expres-sion of ideas.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
Expect some changes in your finances. Avoid risks. Seek bargains. If those around you are in need, offer advice and encouragement instead of financial resources. Make a game plan for your future work. Tonight: Reach out to fellow colleagues.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)
Problem solving and exchang-ing information are favored today. Meetexchang-ings can be exceptionally productive. Attachments and relationships are in a state of transforma-tion. Unexpected events are pending, perhaps an upcoming job change. Strong influences affect your sector of foreign places. Tonight: Especially memorable.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
New long-term financial strategies are worth considering. A settlement could go your way. You’ll feel pensive and ready for something fresh and novel. The ideas of oth-ers offer a shift in poth-erspective. Tonight: Accents the value of cooperation and support.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
A partner is unpredictable. Do not worry. Others voice positive thoughts and plans that impact you. Cooperate and examine opposing viewpoints. It’s a good day for building relationships with friends and for expressing creative ideas. Tonight: Sorting it out with your partner.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Old patterns are breaking. You might experience a sense of reinventing your-self. Dispel confusion with stronger light to work under. Getting organized is important as your daily agenda is busy. Others are more responsive to what you say. Tonight: Your social prospects brighten.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Passions are strong today. You may feel the need to right a wrong or to confront a problem. The past foreshadows the pattern of present events. Cultivate a creative outlet to focus your energy in a productive way. Tonight: A sense of deja vu.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Today evokes sentiment and mem-ories. This can involve contact with someone you knew long ago. A real estate transaction, home repair or decorating project needs your attention. Family members share their thoughts regarding the future. Listen closely to them. Tonight: Stay open.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
Today brings some restlessness. Double-check facts and instructions. Verify plans. There’s a rushed quality prevailing. Much is happening simultaneously, yet you thrive on the fast pace. Tonight: Multitasking and examining new information affects your status quo.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
Opportunities to add to your income are presented to you. Hone your sal-able job skills or learn a new trade to enhance your financial prospects. Shop for an item you’ve longed for. It will make you feel bet-ter. Tonight: Reach out to an elderly relative.
BORN TODAY
Guitarist Lead Belly (1888), naturalist Joy Adamson (1910),
comedian Bill Maher (1956)
C
rosswords
C
ryptoquip
C
ontraCt
B
ridge
JACQUELINE BIGAR’S STARS
YOUR
Dear Annie
Dear Heloise: With so many of us spending time indoors due to health concerns, we’re not getting enough vitamin D, and this is especially true for the elderly. Besides pills, what foods are rich in vita-min D that we can add to our diets? -- Adell D., Newport, R.I.
Adell, vitamin D is important in our diets. Here are some of the foods that you can eat to help keep that vitamin in your daily intake of food:
-- Cod liver oil -- Herring -- Swordfish -- Salmon
-- Egg yolks from range-free chickens -- Fortified foods, such as cow’s milk -- Orange juice
-- Some breakfast cereals -- Heloise
WEDDING SOUP
Dear Heloise: When I make wedding soup, I shred my carrots and cut my celery into small piec-es. After my escarole greens are cooked, I put them in a flat freezer bag to freeze.
When I start making my soup, I cut my greens fine so I don’t have to cut my greens in my soup at the table before I eat them.
Restaurants often have big hard greens in their soup that you must cut up before eating, which can be dangerous and messy. -- Reader in Canfield, Ohio
WAR CAKE
Dear Heloise: I think one of my all-time favorite recipes of yours is your War Cake. We remodeled our kitchen recently, and now I can’t find the reci-pe. Would you please re-print that recipe? -- Sophia P., Darby, Mont.
Sophia, this is one of my most requested recipes,
and it is so easy to make. Here it is. WAR CAKE
Using a medium to large cooking pot or pan, mix together 2 cups brown sugar, 2 cups hot water and 2 teaspoons shortening. Add 1/2 to 3/4 cups raisins, 1 teaspoon each of salt, cinnamon and cloves. Boil for 5 minutes after the mixture begins to bubble. When the mixture is cold (and it MUST be cold), add 3 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of baking soda that has been dissolved in a couple teaspoons of hot water. Mix well. Pour into a greased tube pan and bake for about 1 hour at 350-375 degrees.
If you like this recipe and wish to have a copy of Heloise’s Cake Recipes, visit www.Heloise.com or send $3 along with a stamped (70 cents), self-addressed long envelope to: Heloise/Cakes, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. -- Heloise
FREEZER HINT
Dear Heloise: I read your column daily in the Pasadena Star News. I often purchase meats in value packs then separate portions for the freezer. To prevent freezer burn, I find it’s best to store them in heavy-duty, freezer-safe zip-top bags. However, I’m trying to cut down on non-reusable plastics. So instead of putting all of the portions into individual bags, I wrap them in earth-friendly wax paper then put all of the portions into one zip-top bag. While this does not eliminate the bags, it cuts down greatly on the number used. Since the portions are wrapped in wax paper
