For Swimmers with Mobility Issues
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The Westfield NewsSearch for The Westfield News Westfield350.com The WestfieldNews Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “TIME IS THE ONLY WEATHER CRITIC WITHOUT TONIGHT AMBITION.” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL. 86 NO. 151 TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 75 cents $1.00 TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019 VOL. 88 NO. 243 Lift is a ‘game changer’ for swimmers with mobility issues By LORI SZEPELAK was a water exercise user, “Swimming is a life skill,” nity that have mobility chal- Correspondent those dollars were earmarked said Allard. “Last year we lenges,” noted Lisee in a state- WESTFIELD — For Gloria for the lift as well,” said served over 500 youth through ment. “Improvements like this McMahon, receiving a “lift” Andrea Allard, YMCA CEO, aquatics as well as offered set a great example, hopefully at the YMCA of Greater adding that 90% of the swimming instruction and encouraging other local busi- Westfield has made a marked $102,552 lift cost was covered aquatic activities to a broad nesses to follow suit.” improvement in her swim- by grants and donations. spectrum of the population The original pool at the ming routine. The lift is located on the from infants to seniors 95 YMCA on Court Street was “My severe arthritis has first floor of the YMCA and years of age.” built in 1950 and the Olympic limited my mobility,” said the other level is located in the Allard added that the YMCA pool was built in 1974. With McMahon, who has been an large pool area. works with several organiza- the installation of the new lift, active member of the YMCA “There was a very old lift tions to help provide aquatic people who are wheelchair for more than 25 years. that was installed sometime in opportunities for their clients. bound will have access to a “Before I retired I was walk- the 80’s for wheelchair access “Through collaboration, heated pool as well as a lap ing two miles a day. After I and others had to manipulate organizations that do not have pool. retired I knew I would need to four stairs,” said Allard. their own pool can depend on “Members and guests with stay active and the YMCA has “Access to the pools with the the Y to help deliver a quality limited ability can benefit provided a supportive envi- new lift is a game changer for experience for youth, adults greatly from water exercise ronment.” some who must do or can only and seniors,” said Allard. and swimming,” said Allard, Thanks in part to two grants do water-based exercise to Carissa M. Lisee, Westfield’s adding, “Access for all is part – the George I. Alden Trust help with mobility.” superintendent of buildings of our mission.” and The Beveridge Family McMahon, who particularly and building commissioner, At age 90, McMahon said Foundation – the Savaria enjoys the “therapy swim” noted the city’s Commission the new lift has given her V-1504 universal access lift classes, shared a similar senti- for Citizens with Disabilities another way to enjoy one of was installed by 101 Mobility ment. and its members take pride in her favorite exercises – swim- in September. The lift is built “When my knees started to supporting the community, its ming. to carry a wheelchair and pas- bother me it was hard to use residents and businesses with “When I started exercising senger safely up and down the stairs,” said McMahon. regard to accessibility issues after retiring, I concentrated on one or more levels, driven by “The lift is wonderful for me.” and Americans with the YMCA ‘Going Strong’ a hydraulic system that travels Allard noted that during the Disabilities Act (ADA) com- class,” said McMahon. “Over up and down a rail system grant writing process, it was pliance. the years I switched to the pool enclosed in the lift tower so a important to emphasize that “It is heartwarming to see because of the nice warm machine room is not needed. the YMCA offers a variety of the Westfield YMCA volun- water which is very soothing. Gloria McMahon is all smiles as she can now use a new “Additionally, we were left swimming programs, from tarily making accessibility Also, I’ve met a nice group of universal access lift from the main level to the pool deck at $5,000 in a bequest from one youth swim lessons to a com- improvements to accommo- people so the camaraderie is the YMCA of Greater Westfield. (Submitted photo) of our members and as she petitive swim team. date members of the commu- very enjoyable.” Health board cannot enforce shutoff of wells says Carnes By PETER CURRIER not be activated. In an Aug. the water is being used. avenues she could to keep the PFAS substances do to the Staff Writer 14 letter, Mello cited Public Health Director two wells from turning on. human body. WESTFIELD — The Massachusetts General Law Joseph Rouse and Board of “The leg work for other “You’re only testing for 24 Board of Health informed Part 1 Title 16 Section 122A: Health Chairperson Juanita actions has not been made. So [chemicals]. Non-detect from Kristen Mello during a board Regulation of domestic water Carnes said that this law does we have officially made such 24 doesn’t mean jack when meeting last week that it supply: powers of board of not apply in the manner that a request, and you have offi- 300 went in the water,” said would be unable to fulfill her health: penalties. Mello seems to hope it will. cially given us such an Mello, “So while I appreciate request to have the city not In that section, it says that “Your demand of the health answer, and that’s what we that we have limits, you’re run wells seven and eight. the Board of Health can issue department to step in is not needed to do,” said Mello. telling me eight percent of The wells were shut down a written warning for a busi- warranted. DPW, the water She then reiterated that she what went in there isn’t there due to contamination from ness or homeowner who is department and commission, disagrees with the answer by now, and I’m telling you that firefighting foam and filtra- found to be providing water the mayor, the law depart- the board and said that it is eight percent is not protective tion systems have been to the public that is “unsafe or ment and others have been the responsibility of local of public health.” installed. inadequate.” Those who consumed by this issue and health departments across the Board member Dr. Teresa Mello, who represents receive a warning must seek are doing their jobs well,” state to end problems like Mitchell said work has been Westfield Residents an alternate water supply said Carnes in a statement she this. done on the situation, and that Advocating for Themselves while service is discontinued. read at Wednesday’s meeting. Mello then informed the the Department of Public (WRAFT) had requested to Failure to comply with the Mello responded by saying board that professors from the Health in the city has to fol- the board during the warning can result in a fine of that she accepted the answer University of Massachusetts low the lead of the state September Board of Health $50 and the removal of the but that she only made the would be coming to Westfield KRISTEN L. MELLO meeting that seven and eight occupants of the place where request to explore all possible on Oct.16 to talk about what See Health Board, Page 5 Two bills of area interest to be heard in Boston today By AMY PORTER in Massachusetts where the fication would open up CPA Staff Writer economics and the permitting funds currently available in BOSTON – On Oct. 15, the fights strongly prohibit such 175 cities and town through- Joint Committee on an investment. out Massachusetts. The bill Municipalities and Regional This restriction is currently will be debated on Tuesday at Government will consider blocking the use of CPA funds 11 a.m. Massachusetts H.1790 and to extend the Bruce Freeman Also on Tuesday at 10 a.m., S.83 An Act authorizing Rail Trail (BFRT) in Sudbury the Joint Committee on municipalities to expend cer- and the Southampton Transportation will consider tain funds for the acquisition Greenway. Both segments are Bill H.3011, “An Act of land to be used for rail important connections: The Designating United States trails. BFRT should link to the par- Highway Route 20 as a State According to the tially constructed and envi- Historic Highway,” brought Massachusetts Bicycle sioned 103-mile Mass Central by Rep Farley-Bouvier of Coalition (MassBike), Many Trail from Boston to Pittsfield and Smitty Massachusetts cities and Northampton, and Pignatelli of Lee. towns have used Community Southampton Greenway to The purpose of the historic Preservation Act (CPA) funds the 85-mile mostly construct- highway designation for for rail trail development; ed and envisioned New Haven Route 20 is to recognize the including purchasing land, to Northampton Canal Trail. unique historic character of and paying for studies, design According to former CGRT the highway across the conti- and construction of rail trails. Board member Alice Flyte, nental United States. Community Preservation Act Southampton is directly Municipalities through which funds have been used in affected by this restriction, Route 20 crosses shall be Westfield for city costs for the and is an important link in the given permission to erect sig- central portion of the Northampton to New Haven nage bearing the designation Columbia Greenway Rail trail.