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TREMBLAY Correspondent WESTFIELD – Westfield Residents Advocating for Themselves co-founder Kristen Mello was among the signers on a statement criticizing the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed cleanup goals in communities across the coun- try with PFAS in their drinking and ground water. More than 40 groups from 14 states signed the unified state- ment that asserted the EPA’s goals are not protective of public health, especially for infants and young children. KRISTEN MELLO Mello said the Westfield High vs. Agawam EPA needs to know they’re not doing enough. Westfield completes a successful pickoff at first base. See additional photos and story in today’s Sports Section. (Photo by Chris “These proposed recommendations do not Putz) take into account any previous PFAS expo- sure,” she said. “Obviously this is not health protective for those living in PFAS contami- nated communities with higher than average body burdens. “ The letter states that “The Agency’s pro- posal is not protective of human health par- ticularly infants, children and expectant Picnic setting opens doors for businesses mothers as it fails to incorporate critical risk By LORI SZEPELAK Westfield Bank’s Southwick branch factors including placental and breast milk Correspondent will be sponsoring and hosting the next transfer to baby nor the potential for trans- WESTFIELD-For businesspeople After 5 Connection on June 17 with a generational body burden as evidenced by seeking networking opportunities, the casual summer cookout from 5 – 7 p.m. the ever-growing, undeniable body of scien- Greater Westfield Chamber of at 462 College Highway. Hamburgers tific research and health studies.” Commerce has just announced a change Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) vice president and chief banking officer, echoed and hot dogs with all of the fixings will to its After 5 Connection – offering the gather- be served, as well as salads, chips, onions and are a large group of man-made toxic chemi- ings for free. those sentiments. “Westfield Bank hosts several events for the peppers. Beer and wine will also be provided. cals used to make consumer products resis- “Two committees have been discussing this During the event a host of lawn games will tant to water, grease or stains. According to issue for a few months,” said Kate Phelon, the Chamber and the annual picnic which is always popular is multipurpose,” said O’Connor. “For also be featured, from cornhole and giant the letter, research has shown probable links Chamber’s executive director. “Since the Connect Four, to Jenga and Kan-Jam. between PFAS exposure and cancer, thyroid Chamber’s executive and membership commit- Westfield Bank, we want to present networking support for Chamber members and nonmem- “We are so appreciative of Westfield Bank’s disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, tees were in agreement, we decided to change generosity and hospitality as they put on a great and pregnancy-induced hypertension. our policy of having our After 5 Connections bers as well as promote economic develop- ment.” cookout under a huge tent (in the event of The EPA’s proposed Preliminary free for everyone.” rain),” said Phelon. Remediation Goals will inform site-specific Phelon noted that this change is “significant” O’Connor added that networking and attend- ing functions including the After 5 Connection With a diverse Chamber membership, Phelon cleanup levels for two PFAS chemicals for several reasons. is hopeful that members as well as nonmembers “We wanted to be able to show nonmembers introduces business professionals to new busi- (PFOA and PFOS) in groundwater that is a nesses in the Greater Westfield area. take time out of their schedules to enjoy the that they are welcomed and can network with comfortable, relaxed environment of the picnic current or potential source of drinking water. other businesses without a cost tied to this “We encourage member-to-member support “As communities impacted by PFAS con- as well as learning about each other’s busi- setting to network. Also, employees of Chamber opportunity,” said Phelon. “We are also hoping members are welcome to attend. tamination, we object to the EPA’s prelimi- this will show nonmembers what a great policy nesses,” said O’Connor. nary remedial goals for groundwater as a Phelon concurred. “At these events, we also offer our members for a Chamber to have and I believe we are an opportunity to have marketing tables and/or source of current or potential drinking water, trendsetters in this area by doing so.” “We want our members to buy from each and recommendations extrapolated from the other and this is one way in which they get to use a Member Spotlight opportunity,” said Phelon added that when businesses have Phelon, adding a business will have its logo discredited lifetime health advisory level of exposure to Chamber events the encounters can know each other and can build professional 70 ppt – all which assume no prior expo- relationships,” said Phelon. promoted on the email invitation, a marketing also be a catalyst for new membership. table and banner, and presentation time. During sure,” states the letter. “For our current members, this is a great Phelon noted that making connections is not According to the EPA’s website, today always about a sale, that sometimes members the cookout, Your CBD Store is the Member opportunity for them to bring business associ- Spotlight sponsor. marks the final opportunity for public com- ates, customers and vendors to come and net- and nonmembers can make a connection for other reasons. Persons attending the cookout are asked to ment on proposed interim recommendations work for free,” said Phelon. “We are very RSVP by calling the Chamber office at (413) for addressing PFAS contamination under a excited and happy to offer this benefit to every- “We don’t always know what connections they make, but the Chamber gives them this 568-1618. wide range of federal cleanup programs, one.” For more information on other Chamber including the Comprehensive Environmental Kevin O’Connor, Westfield Bank’s executive opportunity that they might not otherwise have,” said Phelon. events, visit www.westfieldbiz.org. Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA or Superfund) and corrective action under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). “EPA’s institutional failure to protect pub- ArtWorks members plan public forum for input lic health is reflected in the much lower PFAS standards and advisories set by a By LORI SZEPELAK Westerlind said the open forum is a way to gather growing number of states that recognize the Correspondent input, suggestions and ideas about the path forward in much larger intake rates for infants and the WESTFIELD-Members of ArtWorks Westfield are the growth of the arts and cultural experiences in the observed biological activity of these chemi- encouraging area residents to attend an open forum on city. cals even at very low exposure levels,” the June 13 to discuss new ideas and suggestions to expand “We consider the next series of open meetings the groups emphasized. “Moreover, these fail- the cultural scene in the city. next step in our evolution,” said Westerlind. ures have the unavoidable effect of targeting The gathering is planned in the main conference room In addition to ideas, ArtWorks members are hopeful less resilient communities and those most at Western Massachusetts Hospital, 91 East Mountain that area residents will also consider becoming an vulnerable to harm.” Road, beginning at 7 p.m. The evening’s theme is active volunteer. The groups are from impacted communi- “Westfield’s Future – Art & Culture in Our City!” “Along with feedback and input, we are also seeking ties in 14 states including Alaska, California, Bill Westerlind, ArtWorks president, noted that the the public’s involvement in the group,” said Westerlind. Delaware, Arizona, Florida, New York, organization brings together “creators, community, and commerce,” “The operating costs of the majority of our activities are relatively Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North which is a “winning combo.” low and supported by grants, sponsorships and annual memberships. Carolina, New Mexico, Michigan, Tennessee, More than three years ago, after a series of open forum informa- What we need most right now are lots of volunteers to help us exe- Wisconsin and West Virginia. tional meetings, ArtWorks Westfield was launched. Westerlind said cute a broader and more diverse mix of artistic and cultural experi- In addition to Mello, fellow Massachusetts from the beginning, the mission has been to provide opportunities ences.” resident Sue Phelan, director of GreenCape for local and regional creators – artists, authors, musicians, dancers, Westerlind added that with more public involvement, ArtWorks out of West Barnstable, also signed the state- poets, sculptors, and performance artists (to name just a few) – to Westfield and the cultural scene can be taken to the next level. ment. Mello hopes the group voice will be share their talent with the community via cultural experiences “We’ve grown exponentially since our very first cultural event heard.