Transition Underway at Veterans Services Office
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TONIGHT Mainly Clear. Low of 59. Search for The Westfield News The WestfieldNews “THESearch WORLD for The Westfield IS ROUND News , Westfield350.com The Westfield News AND THE PLACE WHICH IME IS THE ONLY Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “T MAY SEEM LIKE WEATHER CRITIC WITHOUT THE END MAY ALSO TONIGHT BE THE BEGINNINGAMBITION.” .” Partly Cloudy. —Search IVYJOHN BAKER for STEINBECKThe Westfield PRIEST News LowWestfield350.comWestfield350.org of 55. Thewww.thewestfieldnews.com WestfieldNews Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “TIME IS THE ONLY VOL.WEATHER 86 NO. 151 75 cents VOL. 87 NO. 138 TUESDAY,SATURDAY, JUNE JUNE 27,16, 20182017 CRITIC75 CentsWITHOUT TONIGHT AMBITION.” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL.Transition 86 NO. 151 underwayTUESDAY, at JUNEveterans 27, 2017 services office 75 cents By LORI SZEPELAK to Callahan. Office hours are weekdays in the military for 27 years and is cur- Correspondent from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and inquiries can rently serving in the Connecticut ANG WESTFIELD – As a member of a be made by calling (413) 642-9314. as their mission support group superin- “strong military family,” Julie Barnes is During a recent morning interview, tendent/chief,” said Barnes, adding that eager to start her new role on Aug. 1 as Barnes said the transition is going well her husband, Brian Paul Barnes, is a director of veterans services for the city. and she knows Callahan is a “hard act to former A-10 pilot who retired with 28 Barnes has been working part time follow.” years in the service and finished his alongside Bobby Callahan since March, “I know the veterans who visit the career as the wing commander of the learning all of the intricacies of the office love him,” said Barnes, noting the Connecticut ANG. office which is located within the new role will be a challenge at first. “It’s Barnes started working as the office Westfield Senior Center complex. a lot to learn but I enjoy learning some- secretary in the recruiting department at Callahan will officially retire on July 31 thing new.” Barnes Air National Guard in 1989 when while James Jordan, veterans services Barnes grew up in Granville and she was 18 and within six months, she officer, will continue to serve in the attended Southwick High School. Her enlisted. office with Barnes. military family includes her grandfather, “I signed up as a supply technician and The Westfield Department of Veterans Arthur Daigneau, and his brothers, and went to basic training in Texas and Tech Services is responsible for assisting vet- her father, Alan Daigneau, who all served School at Lowry Air Force Base in Bobby Callahan will be retiring as director of the Westfield erans residing in the city on issues on the in the Navy. Department of Veterans Services and is currently training federal, state, and local levels, according “My sister, Jeanne Daigneau, has been See Transition, Page 3 Julie Barnes to take over his duties. Strawberry Kick-off Festival a meeting for highlight of 250th set for Thursday’s Monday night By GREG FITZPATRICK market Correspondent By LORI SZEPELAK SOUTHWICK – The Select Board will be Correspondent hosting the introductory meeting for the 250th Students from each grade spoke about their projects before showing them at an WESTFIELD-There are many reasons anniversary committee on Monday at 6:30 to visit the Westfield Farmers’ Market on assembly with environmental educator Ted Watt. Thursdays, according to Debbie Randzio, p.m. in the auditorium of the Southwick Town market co-manager. Hall. “Our market is unique in a number of The kick-off ways,” said Randzio. “We are blessed to Russell Elementary holds meeting is open to have an entirely volunteer crew who all interested resi- enthusiastically and tirelessly support the dents in town to market, and we offer live music every final assemblies, starts attend. The Select week. We also have a playground, acces- Board is hoping to sible restrooms, a cooling room, free have numerous parking, and all in a friendly atmosphere packing and thanks the civic organizations, and in a beautiful central location.” faith-based organi- The market is conducted Thursdays zations, non-profits, and civic groups attend from noon to 6 p.m. on the grounds of the town for being gracious hosts and give their thoughts on the 250th anniver- Episcopal Church of the Atonement on sary. Court Street. By AMY PORTER According to Select Board Clerk Russ Fox, On June 21, among more than 25 ven- the hope is to have a member of the Park and dors, the 156th annual Strawberry Correspondent RUSSELL – On Wednesday, students at Recreation Commission, the school district, Festival will take place from 4 to 6 p.m., police and fire departments, as well as the and then move to the Park Square Green Russell Elementary School held an assem- bly to speak and show the projects they from 6 to 9 p.m. The menu is strawberry See 250th, Page 7 shortcake and strawberry sundaes. worked on with Ted Watt, an environmen- A portion of the festival proceeds will tal educator from the Hitchcock Center for benefit the Genesis Spiritual Life Center’s the Environment in Amherst. This was the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren third year in a row that Watt, who all the Healing Hearts Program, as well as students call Mr. Ted, came to the school Ascentria Care Alliance’s “Celebrating thanks to a $5,000 STARS grant (Students Community Cookbook.” and Teachers Working with Artists, The Queen Also on June 21, the art of chainsaw Scientists and Scholars) from the woodcarving will be demonstrated by Massachusetts Cultural Council. Jeff Bellefleur of Agawam, who special- Before the assembly, Russell principal izes in carvings of stools, wood spirits, Alison Hamilton spoke about the final and mushrooms. Retires weeks at Russell Elementary. She said the “Vendors who are accepted support staff will be busy packing everything up, By LYNN BOSCHER our mission,” said Randzio, noting that before the lease runs out at the end of Retiring Russell Elementary principal Special contributor vendors and their products must “pro- June. Alison Hamilton and administrative WESTFIELD – The Queen of Fitness, a.k.a. mote healthyWOW! living” It’s...and crafts must use “The town has been so gracious, I loved assistant Tina Howe, who will be going Carol Palmer, retired after 34 years of service “natural, agricultural, organic or repur- to Franklin Avenue school next year. to the Westfield Y.M.C.A. posed materials and that are produced working with them; they’ve been great landlords. Anything I’ve ever asked of (Photos by Amy Porter) About 100 people gathered on Friday morn- locally by hand.” ing to honor Palmer on her last day of work. For the latest schedule of events and a them, they’ve done,” said Hamilton. She with the Hampshire Education said she called them on Monday to ask if list of vendors to check out, visit west- Collaborative in Northampton.WOW! In It’s... See Palmer, Page 3 fieldfarmersmarket.net.A Showcase of Great Performersthey could mow in advance of the field Westfield, she has had nine superinten- from New York and New Englandday on Thursday, and they came right out. dents in nine different positions at six Hamilton became visibly moved as she different schools. “I’m so glad I ended showed a large framed photo that Ray here,” she said. Saturday, May 19, 2018Gouley, at a 8pmphotographer working with the Hamilton has made the most of the Russell Electric Company, had taken of lovely Hilltown surroundings. Besides the CANOE: THE MUSICALall the students, teachers and staff in front work with Watt, there were two owl Starring Mary Brown Bonacciof and the Bob school Plasse and presented to her. She A Showcase of Great Performers With Michael Rheault and James Homan releases at the school by Bird of Prey made 190 copies of the photo to give to Rehabilitation Facility owner Thomas Audiences love this irresistible look at a from New York and New England modern marriage, using the songseveryone of Hollywood, as a parting gift. “The kids and Riccardi. They also had the Enchanted Broadway and the Americantheir Songbook. families and the staff love it here,” Circle Theatre troupe in to work with the she said. kids. Their final program was held on Hamilton will also be retiring at the end Friday. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 8pm Jeff BellefleurSaturday, of AgawamJune 23, will 2018 demon at- 8pm of the year after 40 years in education. Past Executive Directors, Harry Rock, John Barclay and Andrea Allard and Vinnie strate how to carve wood with a chain- She took her first teaching job in 1978 See Russell Elementary, Page 7 CANOE: THE MUSICAL JUKEBOX U. Olinski honor Carol Palmer (center, on saw this Thursday at the Westfield Starring Mary Brown Bonacci and Bob Plasse Farmers’Starring Market. Samirah Evans and The Jazz Professors throne). (Photo by Lynn Boscher) A century of great music, re-imagined by an With Michael Rheault and James Homan internationally known jazz and blues artist and a Audiences love this irresistible look at a quintet of musicians with pedigree! Super fun! modern marriage, using the songs of Hollywood, WOW! It’s... BANQUET HALL OF THE SHORTSTOP • 99 SpringfieldBroadway and the Rd, American Westfield Songbook. BANQUET HALL OF THE SHORTSTOP 99 Springfield Road, Westfield RESERVATIONS: 413-579-5967 or online at Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 8pm FOR RESERVATIONS westfieldonweekends.com 413-579-5967 or online at westfieldonweekends.com $ 00 JUKEBOX U. Theatre seating $30 per individual show or both for $55 Theatre Seating 30 A Showcase of Great Performers Starring Samirah Evans and The Jazz Professors Cocktail hour with savory and sweet hors d’oeuvres from 7pm.