TONIGHT Cloudy Skies. Low of 53. Search for The Westfield News The Westfield “A BURNINGSearch forPURPOSE The Westfield News TODAY IN WESTFIELD News Westfield350.com The Westfield NewsATTRACTS OTHERS WHO “TIME IS THE ONLY HISTORY: Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns ARE DRAWN ALONG WITH WEATHER 1811 Permission granted CRITIC WITHOUT IT AND HELP FULFILL IT.” TONIGHT AMBITION to erect “Hay Scales” — Margaret .” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK near “The Green” SearchB OforURKE-WHITE The Westfield News Westfield350.comWestfield350.orgLow of 55. The www.thewestfieldnews.comWestfieldNews Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “TIME IS THE ONLY WEATHERVOL. 86 NO. 151 VOL. 87 NO. 112 THURSDAY,TUESDAY, MAY 17, JUNE 2018 27, 2017 CRITIC75 CentsWITHOUT 75 cents TONIGHT AMBITION.” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com City Engineers VOL. 86 NO. 151 TUESDAY,Police JUNE 27,struggle 2017 video spurs comments 75 cents By CARL E. HARTDEGEN dent and that the people com- address Correspondent menting know practically noth- WESTFIELD – A snippet of ing about the incident. video depicting part of a call for In response to questions about Water FAQs police services was posted on the incident, Capt. Michael By AMY PORTER social media Wednesday morn- McCabe, the department’s usual Correspondent ing and has resulted in dozens of spokesperson, initially declined WESTFIELD – The Westfield News sat Systems Engineer Heather Stayton comments from the public – and to comment pending his routine down with Department of Public Works and DPW Director David Billips. one from the city police depart- review of calls for police ser- Director David Billips and Systems (Photo by Amy Porter) ment’s public information offi- vices and an opportunity to Engineer Heather Stayton this week to cer. speak with the officers involved. discuss the $13 million water filtration ence in biological and environmental The ten seconds of cell-phone However, later in the day, bond, and some of the persistent questions engineering from Cornell University, video, captured by and provided An image captured from video McCabe posted a comment on that have been raised over more than two from which she also received a profes- to The Westfield News by Alex taken by Alex Perez shows Facebook addressing the inci- months of debate. sional license in civil engineering. She Perez, was shot through the win- Westfield police officers dent. The first question for them both was started working for the Engineering dows of a moving vehicle and attempting to restrain a com- McCabe said that the incident about their credentials in the field. Department in 2012 as a utility engi- shows two officers struggling bative individual. (Photo courtesy was a response to a call for ser- Billips has a bachelor’s of science in neer, until becoming systems engineer with a person on the ground. The of Alex Perez) vice regarding a subject of a chemical engineering and physical chem- following the retirement of Woody view of the scene is intermit- the person. Section 12 order, an order requir- istry from UMASS Amherst, which he Darling, the previous systems engineer tently blocked as the videogra- Comments on Facebook were ing involuntary hospitalization calls a “top-notch” engineering school. He and water superintendent. pher’s vehicle moves past a divided between those who because of a concern that the has worked for the city of Westfield for 15 “He’s a brilliant man. We were all parked police cruiser. In two assume the worst and are critical person in question, in this case a years. lucky to learn under him,” Billips said, brief glimpses, an officer’s hand of the officers and those who six foot tall stocky man in his Stayton (formerly Miller – she was mar- appears to be moving up and point out that the video only ried in January), has a bachelor’s of sci- See Water FAQs, Page 3 down as if the officer is striking shows a small part of the inci- See Video, Page 3 Southwick Forum focuses Police Chief St. Mary’s High School David Ricardi spoke about on opioid issue his recogni- chooses new principal tion on WESTFIELD – In a statement Tuesday released by St. Mary’s parish pastor and hope night. (Photo by Fr. Frank Lawlor this morning, he Greg Fitzpatrick) announced the choice of long time Westfield resident, Matthew Collins for change as their next principal. By GREG FITZPATRICK Collins, currently Assistant Correspondent Southwick residents vote on Principal at Hampshire Regional SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Rotary High School since 2015, will be Club hosted an opioid forum on personal watercraft, marijuana returning to an environment he knows Wednesday night at the Southwick Town well having attended St. Mary’s Hall. By GREG FITZPATRICK the appropriation of $240,000 for the The forum featured a panel of nine MATT COLLINS Correspondent purchase of a new dump truck for the See New Principal, Page 3 guest speakers and headlining the panel SOUTHWICK – Residents in Department of Public Works. was Hampden County Sherriff Nick Southwick had the opportunity to DPW Director Randy Brown gave Cocchi. Alongside Cocchi was Southwick vote on 27 warrant articles at the the crowd an overview of the item, Police Chief David Ricardi, Sgt. Det. annual town meeting on Tuesday noting that the department is in dire Robert Landis, school resource officer night. need of replacing their current 2000 Joe Taggart, Schools Superintendent Jen There were a number of articles Sterling truck that has 94,000 miles Town officials holding Willard, Southwick Regional School that prompted further discussed than on it. The truck has had issues and others. Article 6 was one of several See Opioid Issue, Page 5 lake cleanup day well-discussed topics as it addressed See Southwick Vote, Page 3 By GREG FITZPATRICK Correspondent SOUTHWICK – Citizens Restoring Congamond, in conjunc- Celebrating 30 years of work in the Westfield community tion with the Lake Management Committee, is hosting a Congamond By JEFF HANOUILLE will also be tours, a slide port provided by the festival,” Lake cleanup day on June 2. People Correspondent show, food, a silent auction, Langmore said. “Both of these are meeting at the gazebo near the North Pond on WESTFIELD – Forum and member art for sale. organizations have supported North Pond boat ramp at 9 a.m. Congamond Lake. House, a program for people Peter Langmore, chairman the festival over a period of An event that has been going on for with mental health conditions of the GLSF Committee, said many years by providing vol- more than 20 years, volunteers have typically cleaned the that was established in scheduled to speak around 2 the non-profit organization is unteers to run both the gate and canal, as well as the shorelines on all three ponds of the lake. Westfield in 1988, will host p.m., and at 4 p.m. the formal pleased to make the donation. the Celtic Pub. Without this Members of both organizations noted that this is open to an open house from 2-6 p.m. speaker lineup will begin. Over the last 25 years, more volunteer help, we would not the public and they’re encouraging anyone in the community on Thursday, May 17 at its 55 State Rep. John Velis (D– than $200,000 has been be able to hold the festival. The to come help on June 2. Broad St. location to cele- Westfield) is also expected to donated from the GLSF to brate 30 years of work in the be at the open house for 5 support local non-profit orga- See Community, Page 3 See Lake Cleanup, Page 3 Westfield community. p.m., when the Glasgow nizations. Westfield Mayor Brian P. Lands Scottish Festival “We recognize that these Sullivan and Greater Committee presents a check two organizations provide Westfield Chamber of for $10,000 to Forum House vital services and support for Commerce Executive and River Valley Counseling their clients and wisely uti- Arts Beat Extra: Springfield Symphony DirectorWOW! Kate Phelon It’s... are lize all of the financial sup- Center in Holyoke. There Orchestra Announces 75th Season By MARK G. AUERBACH Correspondent Classical blockbusters, works WeekendA Showcase of Great street Performers closures by women composers, pieces WESTFIELDfrom – NewDue to York the annual and Run New Westfield England event taking place this coming Saturday, by local composers, and other May 19, several streets in the city will experience closure. innovations make The Please note that Elm Street will be closed from Springfield Symphony Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 8pm Franklin Street to Court Street from 7:00 am to Orchestra’s 75th Anniversary CANOE: THE7:00 MUSICAL pm on Saturday. This is due to the post race Season, announced today by Starring Mary Brown Bonacciblock andparty Bob event. Plasse The span of Elm Street from Maestro Kevin Rhodes, one of School St to Court St. is expectedWith Michael to re-open Rheault by and 3pm. James Homan its most exciting and eclectic Run Westfield begins at WestfieldAudiences State love this University’s irresistible look atSouth a Lot and heads east on Western season in years. modern marriage, using the songs of Hollywood, “In planning our 75th Avenue into downtown where theBroadway course and turnsthe American north Songbook. on Elm Street with the finish line located in the vicinity of Park Square Realty. Anniversary Season,WOW! I wanted It’s... There will be short term intersection closures along the route during the race. to bring back the most popular MessageSaturday, boards Junewill be 23, out 2018in the Westernat 8pm Ave/Court Street area to notify those that travel works we’ve done over the and live in the area about the closure. The same message boards will be moved to Elm Street area by mid/endJUKEBOX of day Friday to U.get additional reminder notification out about the Elm Street See SSO 75th Season, Page 5 MAESTRO KEVIN RHODES closureStarring and no Samirah parking.