WFD Chief Regan Set to Retire
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
TONIGHT Clear Sky. Low of 70. Search for The Westfield News TODAYThe IN WESTFIELD Westfield O GREATSearchMA forN TheLIVES Westfield News Westfield350.com The WestfieldNewsNews “N HISTORY: IN VAIN. THE“TIME HISTORY IS THE ONLY Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns OF THE WORLD IS BUT WEATHER CRITIC WITHOUT 1853: Westfield THE BIOGRAPHY TONIGHT AMBITION Savings Bank OF GREAT MEN .” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK.” Low of 55. opens for Business. www.thewestfieldnews.com — SearchThomas for The Carlyle Westfield News Westfield350.comWestfield350.org The WestfieldNews Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “TIME IS THE ONLY WEATHERVOL. 86 NO. 151 TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 75 cents VOL. 87 NO. 152 MONDAY, JULY 2, 2018 CRITIC75 CentsWITHOUT TONIGHT AMBITION.” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com Old cell VOL. 86 NO. 151 TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 WFD Chief 75 cents phones can be Regan life savers set to retire By LORI SZEPELAK By LORI SZEPELAK Correspondent Correspondent WESTFIELD — The WESTFIELD-For lifelong resident Mary Westfield Police Department Regan, being an integral part of the Westfield is among more than 400 Fire Department for 31 years has been “a call- locations nationwide that ing.” host a Secure the Call locked “It’s a calling, no question,” said Fire Chief cell phone collection barrel. Regan in her office during a recent morning “The barrel display has interview. been here for about two Regan, who officially retires July 6, has a years,” said Delia Liquori, unique distinction with the Westfield Fire domestic violence coordina- Department (WFD) – in 1987 she was the first tor and principal clerk for female firefighter hired and in 2011, she the police department. “The became the city’s first female chief. program has been successful Throughout the years she rose through the to date because we have filled the barrels several See Chief Regan, Page 5 times.” Secure the Call, estab- lished in 2003 and based in Takoma Park, MD, is a national nonprofit organiza- tion with a mission to pro- vide those who currently do not have a cell phone with a free 911-only service phone. Community partners range from police and sheriff departments and domestic violence shelters to senior citizen groups that demon- strate a need for emergency Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan will wrap 911-only cell phones. up her career with the Westfield Fire Once the donated phones Department July 6. She stands next to Engine are refurbished and all infor- Fireworks for Freedom at the South Middle School fields Saturday. 4 – the latest in the WFD’s fleet. mation has been deleted, they are reprogrammed for 911-only service and sent back to the coalition part- Fireworks ners who can distribute them Well wishes for free. Secure the Call accepts all used and unwanted cell for Freedom phones, regardless of their abound for condition, and as part of its At left, Charlotte Harlow is ready for loud mission of being environ- fireworks while on dad Chris’ shoulders. mentally friendly, notes that Below, Emma D’Allasandro, Elivia Pease, retiring Fire keeping all cell phones out and Caitlynn Thomson show off their sum- of landfills is an important mer smiles. See additional photos Page 8. initiative. (Photos by Marc St.Onge) When Liquori has an indi- Chief Regan vidual who is in need of a By LORI SZEPELAK 911 emergency-only cell Correspondent phone, she makes a request WESTFIELD-As Westfield Fire Chief to Secure the Call. Mary Regan soon closes the door on her “All donated phones are career that has spanned 31 years with the refurbished and go through Westfield Fire Department, many in the com- a three-point clearance to munity are extending a heartfelt thank you as ensure all information is well as warm wishes for a fruitful retirement. Mayor Brian Sullivan said Regan has been See Cell Phones, Page 5 a “pioneer” representing Westfield for many years. “It has been an honor to work with her and See Well Wishes, Page 5 Summertime fun in Southwick By GREG FITZPATRICK Southwick and organizer of the Extra Correspondent event, there is expected to be any- SOUTHWICK – Having the rep- where from 75-100 boats in the effort utation as a recreational community, parade. Southwick always has outdoor The parade will take off at Babbs Westfield’s Allie activities to offer during the summer Beach, go through Middle Pond, Rehor scores the time. Early into the summer of 2018, under the tunnel and down to Louie game-winning run there is a lineup of events that will B’s restaurant, and then back to against Agawam be offered to the public throughout Babbs Beach. in Saturday’s the warm and sunny months. There will also be a boat costume Little League Delia Liquori, domestic vio- This coming weekend the annual contest, as owners of the boats can Softball 12U lence coordinator for the boat parade on Congamond Lake dress up their vessel in a patriotic District 2 Westfield Police will take place on Saturday, July 7 at and red, white, and blue theme. First Championship at Department, and police 6pm. People with boats have the place will receive a $150 gift certifi- Sadie Knox. See officer John Blascak, stand opportunity to decorate and have cate to Nora’s. Second place earns a story and photos next to the cell phone dona- their vessel on display and on the $100 gift certificate at Saunders, Page 9. (Photo by tion barrel in the entrance parade route. According to Ron Chris Putz) to the police station. Greene, a long-time resident of See Southwick Fun, Page 2 PAGE 2 - MONDAY, JULY 2, 2018 WWW.THEWESTFIELDNEWS.COM THE WESTFIELD NEWS Southwick Fun Continued from Page 1 followed by a $50 gift certificate at Crabby Joe’s for third place. Greene pointed out that each boat participating in the con- test will have a number on it in order to be identified. There will be three viewing stands for judges at Saunder’s Boat Livery, Louie B’s, and Babbs Beach. Greene and the Southwick Police Department want to remind the public that there will be three patrol boats on scene for the event. Squirt guns and water balloons will not be tolerated during the parade. Water balloons are especially an item that the police will be looking out for. “They’re really bad for the wildlife and it’s dangerous for people,” said Greene. “You will be ejected from the parade.” Just a few days later, the Southwick Summer Concert Series will be kicking off on Wednesday, July 11. Hosted by the Rotary Club, the concert will take place at Whalley Park from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Truck Stop Troubadours, a classic The annual boat parade on Congamond Lake will take place on Saturday. (WNG File Photo) country band, will be performing. The event has free admis- sion and free parking, Food, beer, wine, and other refreshments After seeing how successful the concert at Whalley Park was will be offered for purchase. last summer, it was decided to offer a number of concerts this The concert on July 11 is one of three confirmed concerts at summer. Whalley Park that will make up this year’s summer concert “We decided to do more this year,” said Rotary Club mem- series in Southwick. The next concert at the park will be on ber Bob Fox. Wednesday, August 8, featuring two exciting bands. Another The Southwick Civic Fund will be hosting the annual fire- classic country artist, David Neill will be performing along works on July 21 around 9 p.m. Prior to that, a bonfire will be with Dixie Land Stomp, who is a Louie Armstrong tribute taking place around 7 p.m. near the track tower on the moto- band. The Savage Brothers Band will headline the third con- cross track. Individuals can park at Whalley Park and go cert on August 15. through the gate onto the motocross grounds. The festivities While coolers are not allowed, the Rotary Club is encourag- leading up to the fireworks will also include food and music. ing the public to bring their chairs to relax and enjoy the music. Throughout the summer, the town beach will also be open to In order to fund the concert series, the Rotary Club was the public. Open seven days a week, the beach is open from given a grant through the Southwick Cultural Council. The 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Besides offering a refreshing time grant will fund the first two concerts. The Rotary Club is fund- on the water, the town beach provides a snack shack along with A view of past Southwick Fireworks at Whalley Park. ing the third concert on their own. newly renovated bathrooms and changing rooms. (WNG File Photo) ODDS & ENDS LOCAL LOTTERY LAST NIGHT’S NUMBERS Indiana police MASSACHUSETTS TUESDAY WEDNESDAY MassCash TONIGHT 03-14-20-22-33 say they seized Mega Millions Estimated jackpot: $256 million Numbers Evening ‘Trump-shaped 2-0-2-5 Numbers Midday 0-8-6-1 ecstasy pills’ Powerball PERU, Ind. (AP) — Some drug traffick- Estimated jackpot: $70 million Cloudy, Stray Shower. Coudy, T-storms. ers appear to be using President Donald Trump’s image to brand their illegal wares. An Indiana State Police news release about 129 arrests in a series of drug busts in 89-91 89-91 northern Indiana includes a photo of what WEATHER DISCUSSION police describe as “Trump-shaped ecstasy pills.” Today, sunny. High 98F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight, Clear Sky. a clear sky. Low near 70F.