Four Longtime Volunteers Reappointed
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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 SATURDAY, MARCH 07, 2020 VOL. 89 NO. 056 Velis, Cain, continue Senate campaign as March 31 special election approaches By HOPE E. TREMBLAY Westfield’s mayor. compelling was the theme have cultivated and built rela- Editor Velis started campaigning that it’s time to move away tionships with leadership on WESTFIELD — The can- nearly a year ago when from the negative, partisan both sides of the aisle that didates for the 2nd Hampden Humason announced his politics that has plagued our have been productive. My and Hampshire State Senate mayoral campaign. In that great nation at all levels. It record clearly demonstrates, I District seat are kicking their time, Velis has visited every has caused bitterness among am a bipartisan lawmaker campaigns into high gear as community in the district. so many and has seriously who has a demonstrable his- the March 31 special election “In the past few months of undermined the problem- tory of doing what is right approaches. this campaign, we have made solving process.” and best for the people I Republican John Cain, a contact with over 15,000 citi- Since his election to the serve, not dictated by any Southwick resident and busi- zens of the Senate district. House in 2014, Velis has political party. I vow – as my ness owner, is facing That experience has been – crossed party lines many past has shown – to put peo- JOHN C. VELIS JOHN CAIN Democrat John C. Velis, and will continue to be – times, joining his Republican ple over politics.” Westfield’s current state rep- highly important to me, in colleagues on votes. Cain joined the race in increasing skilled trade train- are addicted, healthcare resentative. that I heard directly from the “We need more public ser- December, but hit the ground ing opportunities within the workers, and the broken sys- Both candidates have been people about matters that vants, not party servants,” he running and has been meeting district, as well as working on tems that are currently in knocking on doors to get to concern them most. I have said. “The people of Western with constituents around the eliminating sanctuary poli- place. “I have been personal- know the constituents that always listened to the people, Massachusetts need and district. He said each commu- cies that have many adverse ly impacted by the losses of comprise the 11 communities and will continue to do so,” deserve an experienced, nity has its own needs that effects on each community the opioid crisis, but I have in the district. The seat repre- Velis said. bipartisan voice at the table.” “must be met in a temperate and spend money that should also had the opportunity to sents Agawam, Granville, The importance of biparti- Velis said his experience and diligent manner.” be used for citizens such as help close friends and family Easthampton, Holyoke, sanship was a major take- will serve the district well. Cain plans to address the veterans and seniors,” said whose lives have been severe- Montgomery, Russell, away from Velis’ conversa- “Experience has proven to issues facing individual com- Cain. “City specific issues, ly impacted by Opioid Use Southampton, Southwick, tions with residents. always be our greatest teach- munities as well as across the such as the water in Westfield Disorder,” said Cain. “My Tolland, Westfield and a por- “We have learned so much er,” he said, “I have that expe- district. will also be my focus.” wife is an emergency room tion of Chicopee. The seat from the residents of the 2nd rience, and I’ve learned so “My main concerns for our Cain said the opioid crisis nurse at Baystate Noble became vacant when the for- Hampden & Hampshire dis- much from the people that I district are the opioid crisis, is a “very dynamic issue” that Hospital and many of my mer senator, Donald F. trict regarding issues that represent. In my last six years small business growth, infra- requires lawmakers who have Humason Jr., was elected concern them,” he said. “Most as a state representative, I structure improvements, and experience with people who See Election, Page 4 Four longtime Free POPS Concert and volunteers Lunch for seniors By AMY PORTER reappointed Staff Writer WESTFIELD – The Westfield High School Band is offering its annual abbreviated POPS concert and lunch By AMY PORTER president. He was recently for seniors March 13 at the school. Staff Writer instrumental in gifting the Lunch will begin at 11:15 a.m. and the concert will be WESTFIELD – At-large city a new scoreboard for from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Councilor Cindy C. Harris, Sadie Knox field. TIckets for the concert, which are free to senior citi- who chairs the Personnel Harris said LaBombard zens and made possible by a grant from the Sarah Gillett Action Committee, brought shows continuing concern MIchael Tirrell, at left, listens to fellow Parks and Recreation Services for the Elderly, are available at the Westfield forward four reappoint- for keeping youth active Commission member Scott Labombard during the Feb. 10, 2020 Senior Center. Tickets are limited to two per older adult. ments of long-time volun- and engaged in various pos- meeting. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THE WESTFIELD NEWS) “We would encourage people if they want to get them teers to the City Council on itive activities and has been to come earlier in the week. We actually had people ask- March 5. a valuable member of the LaBombard out on the baseball is highly respected,” Harris said. ing about the tickets before we ever got them this year,” Scott LaBombard, Robert commission. “I personally field. “He is very passionate “There are not many people said COA Executive Director Tina Gorman. She said Veronesi and Vincent have attended many Parks about our parks and recreation who have put in as much time many seniors plan to attend every year. Olinski of the Parks & & Recreation meetings, and areas. I look forward to taking and energy,” said Ward 5 “It’s a great concert and we get a lot of positive feed- Recreation Commission, it is an extremely well-run him on in pickleball this spring,” Councilor John J. Beltrandi, III. back about it. They love the music and the free meal,” and Ronald Cole of the and conscientious commis- Morganelli said. “He’s just a dedicated guy; Gorman said. She said as of Friday, there were about 40 Water Commission were all sion,” Harris said. Harris said Veronesi has been you’re not going to find any- tickets remaining. unanimously confirmed for “An absolutely fantastic on the commission since 1987 body better,” he added. The theme for this year’s POPS Concert is “20/20 reappointment by the City group of people and they and has “a wealth of knowledge Harris said Olinski is a life- Vision: Eye Tunes Through the Years.” There will be a Council until February should all be reappointed,” and history that is most impor- long resident of Westfield and variety of music with eyes or seeing in the lyrics. “Eye” 2023. said At-large Councilor tant to this commission.” She was employed by the Westfield inspired tunes include “Eye of the Tiger,” the “Look of Harris spoke about each Dave Flaherty, adding, “Mr. noted that he is a lifelong resi- YMCA before becoming direc- Love,” and a “Salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes,” featuring some before the Council separate- LaBombard is also one heck dent of Westfield, is retired from tor of the Holyoke YMCA. She of Frank Sinatra’s biggest hits. ly voted them in. She said of a pickleball player.” the U.S. Postal Service and has said he has a BA in physical The full POPS concert on March 13 and 14 will also LaBombard has been a Ward 1 Councilor served as a long-time basketball, education from UMass. “Mr. feature the Dixieland Band, solo and small group perfor- leader in the Babe Ruth and Nicholas J. Morganelli, Jr. baseball and softball official in Olinski is very charismatic, mances, light band classics, pop and jazz numbers and Westfield Little League, said he has also had per- the city. “He is well-known the traditional grand finale, “Sentimental Journey.” which he now serves as sonal contact with throughout our community and See Volunteers, Page 3 “The seniors really enjoy themselves every year, and it’s something different,” Gorman said about the concert. The Westfield Senior Center located at 45 Noble St. is License Commission, Parks and Recreation open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. among boards meeting Monday Quarter Auction to By PETER CURRIER Pepek, who was originally Staff Writer expected to begin working on benefit youth sports WESTFIELD — March 9 April 11. A new start date By LORI SZEPELAK will be a busy day at Westfield should be determined by acad- Correspondent City Hall, with several munic- emy availability. HUNTINGTON-Area residents who enjoy ipal boards and commissions The Police Commission will auctions – and supporting local causes – are set to meet. also conduct the annual sought by Sarah DaSilva for this spring’s quarter The Council on Aging will appointment of Westfield’s auction at Stanton Hall. meet at 1 p.m. in room 201, Special Police Officers and “My goal is to raise $500 for the Gateway during which the Highland recognize the retirement of Youth Athletic Association (GYAA),” said Valley Elder Services report Det.