United Way Delivers 83 Backpacks
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JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL.United 86 NO. 151 Way delivers 83TUESDAY, backpacks JUNE 27, 2017 75 cents By AMY PORTER Staff Writer WESTIELD – On Friday, the United Way of Pioneer Valley and Peter Pan Bus Lines delivered 83 backpacks filled with donated school supplies to the Westfield Middle School for students in need in the district. The donation was among 2,200 delivered throughout Western Massachusetts in Jen Moulton of the United Way checks Westfield off her list anticipation of the start of after backpacks are unloaded at WMS. (Photo by Amy Porter) school. Backpacks Christopher J. Rogers, are filled with Westfield’s administrator of school supplies, student interventions and and will be safety, said the backpacks, given to stu- which are being stored at dents in need WMS, will be distributed of assistance throughout the district. throughout the “We will distribute them to Volunteers from United Way, Macy’s, Westover Job Corps, Peter Pan with WMS staff. (Photo district. (Photo by Amy Porter) students who are homeless, in by Amy Porter) foster care, and to any student in the district that is economi- Jen Moulton of the United unteers from Macy’s. She “Our main goal here with cally disadvantaged,” Rogers Way of Pioneer Valley said said they were amply reward- Stuff the Bus is to ensure that said. volunteers from Macy’s and ed because at the first stop at every child in the Pioneer Rogers said the backpacks Westover Job Corps did all Six Flags, they were given Valley has the chance to start are filled with needed school the work from the beginning passes for the park, and will their school year off on the supplies, such as pens, pen- to the end of the drive. get to spend the day there right foot, no matter their cir- cils, pencil sharpeners, high- Alice Buckner, business later in the season. cumstances, and the commu- lighters and notebooks. The and community liaison with “We are extremely grateful nity’s help makes that possi- Westover Job Corps Center to once again work with our ble.” Holyoke, South Hadley, and Amy Porter can be school supplies were collect- West Springfield. Westfield reached at ed all summer at various loca- said her students were happy region to make this event pos- Backpacks were also deliv- to volunteer to deliver the sible,” United Way of Pioneer ered on Friday to locations in was the final stop of the day. amyporter@thewestfield- tions throughout the Pioneer ——— news.com. Valley by the United Way. backpacks alongside the vol- Valley CEO Paul Mina said. Springfield, Chicopee, Southwick reserve officers retire By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Assistant Managing Editor SOUTHWICK – Southwick Police Department reserve officers Keith Stomgren and Jesse Rizzo were honored last week for their years of service. The two men retired after 39 and 27 years, respectively. Police Chief Kevin A. Bishop said Stomgren began his career with the SPD in 1978 working in maintenance, then became a dispatcher and joined the reserve force in 1980. Bishop touted Stomgren’s “outstanding achievements and dedication” last week when Stomgren and Rizzo Southwick Reserve Officer Keith received certificates of appre- Stomgren, Police Chief Kevin A. ciation form the Southwick Bishop and Reserve Officer Jesse Rizzo Select Board. stand together after a recognition of Stomgren thanked every- the two reserve officers’ retirement. one and recalled the early (Photo by Hope E. Tremblay) years when he would bring his children with him to work on road details before school. Stomgren said he looked forward to retirement. “I’m going to get some things done that I’ve neglected the past 39 years,” he joked. Rizzo worked as a Connecticut corrections officer and auxiliary police officer in Springfield and West Springfield before joining the SPD in 1994 as a reserve officer. Bishop said he could always count on Rizzo. “He was one of my ‘Go-to’ guys,” he said, noting that when a police officer was out on medical leave Rizzo stepped in as a provisional police officer to help the town. Rizzo noted that since Bishop became chief last year, he sees smiles Food Fest Fun as he walks through the station. Tink Hartdegen hands Wendy Cottengim a beverage Friday night. The Westfield Rotary kicked-off its “I consider it a privilege and pleasure to work with a small family annual Food Fest last night. Visitors played cornhole, listened to live music on two stages and enjoyed food unit,” Rizzo said. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve, honestly.” and drink from Westfield eateries. See additional photos Page 8. (Photos by Hope E. Tremblay) ——— Hope E. Tremblay can be reached at [email protected]. Streaming Workshop at Another way we earn your trust. 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Seating is limited and tickets blues, country, Celtic, and “More than 16 million at $5 per person will go on soulful originals and are Americans provide unpaid sale at the senior center on “generously donating their care for people with Aug. 29. musical talents” for the cause, Alzheimer’s and other “Each year, participants noted Gorman. dementias,” said Gorman. and staff at the Westfield Gorman said the featured “These caregivers provided Senior Center hold some type attraction – the chili – will be an estimated 18.5 billion of fundraising event in order made by Senior Safety hours of care valued at nearly to support our local chapter Officer Mark Carboneau $234 billion.” of the Alzheimer’s using his “secret” recipe. Gorman said the Westfield Association,” said Tina When Carboneau, a mem- Council on Aging representa- Gorman, executive director, ber of the community police tives regularly utilize the edu- Westfield Council on Aging. unit, was recently asked about cational, respite, and advoca- In past years, Gorman his chili concoction, he sim- cy resources offered through noted fundraisers have ply replied, “As far as my the local chapter. included a walk on the Park chili recipe, like a good “The Alzheimer’s Square Green, a Sip and Paint reporter, never give up your Association supports both party, and forming a special source or recipe.” individuals with the disease team for Run Westfield. After attendees finish their as well as their families and “This year we’re shifting chili, ice cream sundaes will caregivers,” said Gorman. gears,” said Gorman. “With be served by members of the “They help with providing the opening of the Senior police force. A host of top- valuable information about Safety Office last November, pings will be available, rang- diagnosis, the progression of members of the Westfield ing from syrup, whipped disease, communication and Police Department have had cream, sprinkles, and nuts to behavioral strategies for liv- more of a presence in the a cherry on top. ing or working with someone building. It just made sense to A 50/50 drawing is also with Alzheimer’s, legal Westfield police officer Mark Carboneau, who also works in the Senior Safety Office at the pool our resources in order to planned during the event. issues, and respite options.” Westfield Senior Center, will be making chili for a unique fundraiser Sept.