TONiGhT: Chance of Showers. Low of 64. Search for The Westfield News The Westfield Search forINDNESSES The Westfield NewsARE EASILY News “K Westfield350.com The Westfield News FORGOTTEN BUT INJURIES ; ! “TIME IS THE ONLY Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns WHAT WORTHY MAN DOES NOT WEATHER CRITIC WITHOUT TONIGHT KEEPAMBITION THOSE.” IN MIND?” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK — WiLLiam makepeaCe ThaCkeray Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com Search for The Westfield News Westfield350.comWestfield350.org The WestfieldNews VOL. 86 NO. 151 Serving Westfield, Southwick, and surrounding Hilltowns “TIME IS THE ONLY WEATHER TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2017 75 cents VOL. 88 NO. 168 THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019 CRITIC75 WITHOUTCents TONIGHT AMBITION.” Partly Cloudy. JOHN STEINBECK Low of 55. www.thewestfieldnews.com VOL.SOLD! 86 NO. 151 Former BentleyTUESDAY, JUNE 27,Billiards 2017 75 cents building sold to private investor By HOPE E. TREMBLAY The building was listed by Century 21 Westfield and in his abilities. Correspondent Hometown Associates as “a prime find in the “He has confidence in the city and the people WESTFIELD — The former Bentley heart of downtown Westfield.” he’s met here,” he said. Billiards building at 89 Elm St. sold July 15 Realtor John Morizio said the sale took “a lot Built in 1890, the building has 22,400 gross after sitting vacant for almost a decade. of optimism and patience.” total square-feet and was assessed by the city at The building was purchased by Eugene “I was given the listing in April 2018 and it $255,200. It was owned by Brian E. Whiteway Borowski Jr. of Chicopee for $275,000. was listed with other very good companies of Las Vegas since 2005. “The City has been made aware that the for- before me,” Morizio said. “We needed the right It was touted as having ample public parking mer Bentley Billiards property has been sold,” price. When we reduced it to $299,000, we on and off-street and included electrical said Community Development Director Peter J. started getting offers.” upgrades, and fire and security systems, as well Miller Wednesday. “One of the new partners Morizio said Borowski has authorized him to as temporary power disconnect ready for gas visited my office this morning. I am pleased that serve as the leasing agent for the space. fired generator. the eight-year logjam of ownership and title “He’s looking at mixed-use,” Morizio said. Once home to Lambson’s Furniture, the issues has been resolved, and we look forward “There’s retail, office and potential housing building has gas service for a full commercial to working with the partnership to bring new life there. He wants to see what Westfield wants and kitchen or housing development. to this significant downtown property.” needs and bring in what makes sense – and busi- Century 21 called the building “an opportu- The former Bentley Billiards building at 89 The building needs renovations and has no ness that will be viable. He’s a builder and will nity for an investor/developer or user who needs Elm St., Westfield, was sold July 15 after handicap accessibility to the second and third build to suit.” being vacant for nearly a decade. (Photo by floors. Morizio said Borowski is confident in See Building Sold, Page 2 Hope E. Tremblay) St. Mary’s Valliere makes seeking personnel moves new pastor in first month Rev. Matthew Alcombright asks for prayers as he leaves priestly ministry as police chief Westfield City Councilors Andrew K. Surprise, Matthew Emmershy By PETER CURRIER By HOPE E. TREMBLAY and Daniel Allie attend the Northeast White House Regional Correspondent Correspondent Conference July 15-16, 2019. (Photo submitted) WESTFIELD — Police Chief WESTFIELD – The Roman Catholic Lawrence Valliere has shifted several Diocese of Springfield is searching for a new personnel around within the police pastor for St. Mary’s. department since he took the position last St. Mary’s Parish Pastor Rev. Matthew Councilors believe city month, a move that he said is to keep the Alcombright has left the church. In a letter department from becoming stagnant. last week, Alcombright thanked parishioners Detective Lt. David Ragazzini has for their prayers during a recent leave of water concerns were been moved to the patrol officer’s divi- absence for what he called health concerns. sion while Lt. Steve Dickinson will take He also announced he was leaving the minis- heard at national level over the Detective Bureau in his stead. try. Dickinson was just promoted to lieuten- “I have begun to address some issues and ant from sergeant in January, and has struggles in my life which has led to healing experience within the Westfield Detective following conference LAWRENCE in mind, body and spirit. During this time, I Bureau. Ragazzini had been the Detective By HOPE E. TREMBLAY VALLIERE have been able to face fears, find clarity and Bureau head for nine years. Correspondent Westfield Police seek spiritual guidance with the help of oth- Valliere also moved Lt. Eric Hall to WESTFIELD — City Councilors Daniel Allie, Matthew Chief ers and, most importantly, my own discern- Emmershy and Andrew K. Surprise spent July 15-16 at the patrol so that Lt. Kevin Bard may take ment with God. It was in this discernment Northeast White House Regional Conference and returned feeling over as head of the Community Policing that I have felt called to leave priestly minis- the city’s concerns about its contaminated wells are being heard. Division. Hall was the head of Community Police for eight years, try at this time and continue to focus on my The councilors met with staff from the offices of U.S. Rep. according to Valliere. own health and wellness,” Alcombright Richard Neal, D-Springfield, and U.S. Rep. James McGovern, Valliere said that there was no wrongdoing on the parts of any wrote. D-Worcester, regarding PFAS water contamination, infrastructure of those who were moved from their positions. Part of his reason- Mark Dupont, spokesman for the Diocese, and more. ing for making these moves was to “get motivation going” within said the search for a replacement is under- Surprise met with McGovern, a member of the Congressional the department. He said he has not received any push back from way. PFAS Task Force, to discuss ways to expedite the Department of any of the affected officers. “The process of finding a new pastor will Defense’s CERCLA process. CERCLA is the Comprehensive Valliere added that he moved Ragazzini and Hall to patrol begin immediately. Until a new pastor has Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, com- because he believes that it is one of the most important divisions been named Fr. John Salatino will continue monly known as Superfund. The city has a claim against the DOD within the Westfield Police Department. as temporary administrator,” said Dupont. “Patrol is the backbone of the department,” said Valliere. See St. Mary Pastor, Page 8 See National Level, Page 8 See Police Chief Valliere, Page 8 Athenaeum Stanley Park offers free summer programs for all ages announces next By AMY PORTER respect and care for the flowers, Correspondent wildlife and our natural spaces,” said WESTFIELD – Stanley Park is in Managing Director Robert C. author talks full bloom, and anyone who has McKean. By PETER CURRIER never visited has no excuse not to Friday Mornings for Children Correspondent take some time to discover what takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. in the WESTFIELD — The Westfield everyone agrees is a gem at the heart Pavilion Annex, and showcases per- Athenaeum announced that it will host of Westfield. formances designed for the youngest more author talks later this summer fol- If viewing the rose garden, visiting family members. lowing the talk given by Irish Author the duck ponds and totem pole, or This Friday, July 19, Kindness Tom Phelan last Wednesday. walking the trail in the Wildlife with Terry A La Berry and Friends The first lecture will be a part of the Sanctuary and spotting the turtles sunning on the will provide an hour of interactive positive mes- Athenaeum’s Adult Summer Reading rocks is not enough of an enticement, there are sages for children and their families through Program. On Aug. 7 from 6:30 – 7:30 plenty of free summer events for families and song and dance. Performances are free of charge, p.m., just a few weeks after the 50th anni- people of all ages. and chairs are provided. versary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, “Stanley Park offers something for all ages. All summer programs are weather-permitting, Tianna Darling will give a presentation Our summer Children’s Programs are free pro- although Events Coordinator Hillary McEwan on why the United States was able to pull grams that bring children together in live and said a light rain won’t necessarily cancel a pro- ahead of the Soviet Union in the “Space educational performances. These programs gram, but heavy rain and lightning will. McEwan Terry A La Berry will perform a Race” of the 1950’s and 1960’s. They engage the children through music, storytelling, asks that people who want to attend an event and free children’s concert for will discuss how the USSR was unable to magic and more. Children sing, dance and inter- aren’t sure about the weather stay tuned to the Friday Mornings for Children put a man on the moon despite having act with one another and the sound of laughter is Stanley Park Facebook page, or go online to this Friday, July 19 from 10 to been the first country to put both a satel- often heard coming from the Pavilion Annex stanleypark.org for the latest posting.