An average residential customer, defined as using 700 kilowatt-hours of power a month, pays $109 a month now, spokeswoman Sandra Ahearn said.

File photo by Dave Roback / The Republican11/05/11-Westfield-Staff Photo by Dave Roback- Chris Scott of Greenville Utilities of Greenville, North Carolina works on Russell Road in Westfield on Saturday.

SPRINGFIELD – Western Massachusetts Electric Co. electricity bills could go up about $5 a month for an average residential customers assuming a pair of rate adjustments go into force in early 2012.

An average residential customer, defined as using 700 kilowatt-hours of power a month, pays $109 a month now, spokeswoman Sandra Ahearn said Wednesday. Under the new rate structure, that will increase to about $114 a month.

The rate changes are still under review by the state Department of Public Utilities, said Catherine Williams, a spokeswoman for the department. Williams said she had no timeline for a decision.

Ahearn said electric delivery rates, the cost of wires and equipment that gets power to homes and businesses, will decrease Feb. 1 for all customers. But, for customers who also buy power from Western Massachusetts Electric Co., that decrease will be offset by an increase in the cost of electricity that will go into force Jan. 1, Ahearn said.

From January 1 to June 30, Western Massachusetts Electric Co. residential customers on basic service will see a supply rate of 7.741 cents per kilowatt hour, compared with 6.998 cents per kilowatt hour for the previous six-month period.

Small commercial and industrial customers will see a supply rate of 8.264 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to 7.498 cents per kilowatt hour for the previous six month period.

National Grid, the region’s other large investor-owned power utility, said its rates have already gone up. Effective Nov. 1, National Grid’s new rate is 8.2 cents a kilowatt hour, up from 7.3 cents a kilowatt hour in the previous six months.

Investor-owned utilities in Massachusetts are required to go to the electricity market and bid for power twice a year, according to both companies. Deregulation of electricity utilities meant that the investor-owned utilities cannot own generating capacity except for a limited amount of renewable generating capacity, such as solar panels.

“This rate change is driven primarily by the supply rates that we don’t have any control over,” Ahearn said. “A lot of this is seasonal changes. As the price of natural gas changes, so does the cost of power.”

Natural Gas prices drive electricity costs because about half the region’s power is generated by burning natural gas.

Municipal utilities can avoid those seasonal changes by buying power on longer contracts and maintain ownership stakes in power-generating plants, said Sean P. Fitzgerald, energy specialist and customer liaison for Westfield Gas & Electric.

“That’s the problem with investor owned utilities. They have to buy twice a year in big chunks,” he said.

Electricity rates in Westfield won’t change next year, he said.

David F. Touhey, director of communications for the Ludlow-based Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Co., said the cooperative has been getting good deals for its member municipal utilities for power in 2012, 12013 and 2014.

“Now we are working to fill in the gaps for 2015,” he said.

Chicopee resident Mary Graham had the June 1 tornado on her mind when she wrote out a $200 check to Toy for Joy.

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – Chicopee resident Mary Graham had the June 1 tornado on her mind when she wrote out a $200 check to Toy for Joy.

“My heart goes out to Springfield and Monson, and this was my way of showing it, by contributing to the Toy for Joy fund,” Graham said.

Graham, who grew up in Springfield, said she intended her message – “In honor of Springfield and Monson” – to recognize how the entire region has endured the wrath of Mother Nature this year beginning with the ice storms last winter; “The tornado, the hailstorms, the ice storms, the hurricane, oh man, golly,” she said.

Her contribution to the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign leads today’s list of donations as registration continues through Friday for families to receive holiday toys and gifts for their children. By mid-week, nearly 1,400 in Springfield alone had registered for assistance.

“It’s going great,” said Maj. Thomas D. Perks, adding that nearly 900 families registered at the Greater Springfield Citadel on Monday and another 500 were anticipated to do so by day’s end on Tuesday. “We had a strong morning.”

Jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, Toy for Joy is working to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve. Last season, the holiday toy campaign brought toys to nearly 20,000 children from Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.

Registrations for Toy for Joy will continue here and at Salvation Army units in Westfield and Greenfield through the end of the week. Times vary by unit.

The Holyoke Citadel will continue to accept registrations on weekdays through Dec. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The most recent batch of contributions tally to $575, bringing the total raised so far to $4,333. That leaves $145,667 to be raised.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army with registration of families and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

For more information, call (413) 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23 at noon.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

In honor of Springfield and Monson, $200
Mike, $50
In loving memory of Richie from wife Patricia, $25
In memory of Manser Hapcook, love your grandchildren and great grandchildren, $20
In memory of Aldo and Tom Cipriani and Charles Allen, $50
In loving memory of father Louis and sister Linda, $50
In memory of my Mom, Barbara Kupec, $25
In loving memory of my beloved family and precious pets, $10
In memory of Dwight and Elva Viggers, $25
In memory of Renzo and Chiara Vedany, Agawam, $20
Barbara, $15
In loving memory of Sid Harvey from his family, $25
In loving memory of James Borgo, $15
Betty, $25
In memory of Lola and Godfrey, $20

RECEIVED, $575
TOTAL TO DATE, $4333
STILL NEEDED, $145,667

Work in the Depot Square area will continue on parks and other phases of the project. Watch video

The Republican | Mark M. Murray12.01.2011 | WESTFIELD - Vehicles pass over the newly re-opened Great River Bridge Thursday morning.

WESTFIELD -- The original Great River Bridge reopened to traffic this morning, two years and change after it was closed for rehabilitation.

The original bridge was built in the late 1930s. A new bridge, built along side the original, allowed traffic to pass over the Westfield River during the rehabilitation project.

With today's reopening, the original bridge will carry southbound drivers over the river while the newer bridge will serve those heading north.

The bridge work was part of a $77 million downtown infrastructure project that began four years ago and has included work on the railroad viaduct, a redesign of the intersection of Elm, Broad and Main streets, and the installation of a $500,000 clock tower paid for with state and federal funds.

The bridge work alone -- including the rehabilitation of the original Great River Bridge, the construction of the new bridge, the reconstruction of the Pochassic Street Bridge and the reconstruction of the existing railroad viaduct structure -- saw an initial construction estimate of $50,050,428.00, according to records from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Work in the Depot Square area will continue on parks and other phases of the project. The remaining work involves the completion of three parks, a traffic island and a rotary.

The focus will be on city property at Elm and Arnold streets.

WESTFIELD – The downtown, specifically Elm Street, will become the focus of a new study to determine the extent of Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus service and commercial development.

Mayor Daniel M. Knapik is asking the City Council to support the new $400,000 study, set to launch in early 2012, by the state Department of Transportation and regional transit authority when it meets in regular session Thursday.

That study, financed by the state, will address current and future bus transportation needs in the city along with the extent of commercial and other development or redevelopment of the downtown.

The focus will be on city owned property located at Elm Street and Arnold Street along with other buildings along Elm Street currently owned by Hampden Bank. Also, the long-vacant lot where J.J. Newbury store once stood and some off-street parking areas to the rear will be included in the study, Knapik said.

City Advancement Officer Jeffrey R. Daley said the study will determine what can be done with that area at which time the Westfield Redevelopment Authority will direct development of the area.

That section of Elm Street had been considered a prime site for an intermodal transit center and hotel complex for more than 10 years up until 2007.

but, in June 2007, developer John E. Reed, owner of Mestek Inc. on North Elm Street, withdrew his plan to invest $12 million in the hotel project, claiming it was no longer viable because of another developer’s plans to build a Holiday Inn Express near the Massachusetts Turnpike here.

The Holiday Inn, a $6.5 million project by Springfield developer Robert L. Bolduc, owner of Pride convenience stores and service stations, opened.

“The purpose is to look at the bus terminal and other demands such as public purposes that could be supported by the project,” the mayor said.

The City Council is also expected to take an active role during the latest study process, Ward 3 Councilor Peter J. Miller said Monday.

“Things have changed many times over the years since the first study that considered an intermodal center and hotel complex,” said Miller.

in 2008 off Southampton Road near Exit 3 of the turnpike.

Intermodal centers have been created in Holyoke and Greenfield but the focus in Westfield will be on a smaller scale, Knapik said.

City officials said earlier this year about $1.8 million in federal funding is available for the project and state funding can also be sought to support the new concept.

“The City Council will have a lot to say in what new direction should be taken,” Miller said.

The proposal is aimed at support of a new 15,000-square-foot building on Elm Street that will include the bus terminal, Knapik said.

The new focus is expected to be towards an Elm Market Place concept with focus more on commercial and retain rather than a large intermodal center for transportation. The PVTA interests will be served because of Westfield State University and its emphasis on downtown student housing, Knapik said.

The university and city, two years ago launched a partnership aimed at revitalizing the downtown and currently 216 students reside at Lansdown Place on Thomas Street. The university also maintains a downtown art gallery at 105 Elm St..

Recently Westfield State Foundation opted to sell its building, the former Westfield Normal School, on Washington Street to University Housing LLC, owned by Springfield’s Peter A. Picknelly, for creation of new apartment style housing for students.

The now-southbound Great River Bridge, originally built in the late 1930s, officially opened to the public at 8 a.m. Thursday morning. Handling northbound traffic is the bridge built parallel to it. That bridge opened and carried north and southbound traffic since the Great River Bridge closed for renovation in August 2009. Watch video

WESTFIELD – After being closed to traffic for two years, the Great River Bridge has reopened, part of a $77 million project of traffic improvements and parks creations in the Elm Street area.

John J. Zelez headed to work 6 a.m. Thursday morning by crossing the one open bridge carrying traffic over the Westfield River. He returned home traveling south on the reopened, refurbished original span.

“I love it. I’m so happy to see this open,” said the Westfield resident at about 4:30 p.m. “I’m really excited. There’s no traffic, and it’s not one lane anymore.”

The now-southbound Great River Bridge, originally built in the late 1930s, officially opened to the public at 8 a.m. Thursday morning. Handling northbound traffic is the bridge built parallel to it. That bridge opened and carried north and southbound traffic since the Great River Bridge closed for renovation in August 2009.

The discovery of greater deterioration in the bridge than expected helped raise the cost of the project and delay the bridge’s original expected opening in summer 2010.

While work in the Depot Square area will continue on other phases of the project, including the completion of three parks, a traffic island and a rotary, the opening of the bridge relieved much of the congestion that notoriously snarled downtown traffic, and any inconveniences that remain will work themselves out with time, said another motorist.

“This is wonderful,” Joseph Wagner, of Westfield, said just after crossing the bridge. “We might have to wait a little while for everything to get solved, but it will all work itself out.”

Robert Pellerin, project supervisor for general contractor J.F. White Construction Co., of Framingham, said the opening went smoothly and as planned with the exception of those motorists coming from Meadow Street who were not aware of the change and attempted to turn into oncoming traffic.

“We had signs, arrows and police officers directing traffic, and there was still some confusion.” Otherwise, it went smoothly, and people were honking their horns and giving us the thumbs-up.”

Thursday was also the first time in four years that school buses carrying high school students were able to travel through the area without having to be detoured through Notre Dame Street, which resulted in a smooth transition with no reported delays, school officials said.

The only problem, said Pamela J. Kotarski, director of transportation for Westfield Public Schools, involved buses serving Westfield High School and St. Mary’s students.

“Congestion was holding buses back, so the drivers were told to go straight then left on Bartlett Street to get to St. Mary’s,” she said. “Other than that, there were no issues today. Things ran pretty well and went better than expected. There have been no complaints yet.”

The big test, Kotarski added, will come today when traffic is historically heavier in the afternoons.

The bridge work was part of a downtown infrastructure project that began four years ago and has included work on the railroad viaduct, a redesign of the intersection of Elm, Broad and Main streets, and the installation of a $500,000 clock tower paid for with state and federal funds.

The bridge work alone – including the rehabilitation of the original Great River Bridge, the construction of the new bridge, the reconstruction of the Pochassic Street Bridge and the reconstruction of the existing railroad viaduct structure – saw an initial construction estimate of $50 million, according to records from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

A formal request to spend about $1 million will be sent to the City Council next month.

Daniel M. Knapik

WESTFIELD – The city’s free cash balance from fiscal 2010 totals slightly more than $2.4 million but Mayor Daniel M. Knapik said nearly half that amount is already spoken for.

The state Department of Revenue has certified the city’s left over funding at $2,453,013 from last year.

“We will try not to spend some of that but some of the available funding has been spoken for,” Knapik said noting several capital items need funding.

Included is an estimated $500,000 that will allow the city to proceed with plans for a central dispatch involving police and fire emergencies.

“That amount is needed to hire four dispatchers and upgrade some equipment,” the mayor said.

Also, more than $400,000 is needed for municipal vehicles such as command vehicles and a mechanic vehicle for the Fire Department and two sanitation trucks for trash collection, he said.

The trash vehicles are estimated at more than $230,000 each but the intent is to allocate $95,000 to finance a one-year lease for the vehicles, officials said.

Department of Public Works director James M. Mulvenna said the city operates five rubbish trucks, all are 2004 models, and three recycling vehicles. The plan is to lease one of each for one year and then include the purchase in next year’s budget, he said.

Knapik said his plan is to replace two such vehicles annually. “We must to develop and planned replacement process to address vehicle needs,” he said.

The mayor said he plans to send about $1 million in spending requests to the City Council for approval next month.

The city’s current fiscal 2012 budget totals $120.9 million.

City Council president Christopher Keefe said Friday he believes the council will support the mayors request “especially if we can pay cash for these items.

“The central dispatch is something the city has considered for awhile and the time to do this is now,” the president said.

Remaining free cash from the last budget year is expected to be deposited in the city’s stabilization fund for use later.

That fund has a current balance of $6.2 million.

This time last year DOR notified the city of $3.7 million in free cash from fiscal 2009. The balance from fiscal 2008 was $1.9 million.

The new rate represents an increase of about 73-cents over last year’s tax rate for homeowners and about $1.23 more for business owners.

WESTFIELD – The City Council has approved a new fiscal 2012 property tax rate that will add about $111 to the annual bill for an average homeowner and $430 for the average business owner this year.

The new tax rate was adopted Thursday in a council effort to correct a November vote on property taxes that did not secure the necessary majority vote of the full City Council. The council approved a different rate last month on a 6 - 5 vote. But, such action requires a majority seven votes, of the 13-member council.

Homeowners will now pay $16.13 per $1,000 valuation in property taxes while the rate for businesses will stand at $30.36 per $1,000 valuation.

The new rate represents an increase of about 73-cents over last year’s tax rate for homeowners and about $1.23 more for business owners.

The rate approved last month was $16.16 per $1,000 in valuation on the average home and $30.29 per $1,000 valuation on the average business.

Property taxes will raise some $59.1 million this fiscal year to help finance the city’s $120.9 million budget.

City Collector Michael J. McMahon said the new rate will be reflected on bills that will be sent to taxpayers in January.

Based on the new rate, the owner of a home valued at $231,300 will receive a tax bill of about $3,730 this year. The owner of a business valued at $550,000 will receive a tax bill of about $16,980 for the year.

Councilors voting in favor of the new rate were Patti A. Andras, John J. Beltrandi III, Christopher M. Crean, David A. Flaherty, Nicholas J. Morganelli Jr., Mary L. O’Connell and Richard E. Onofrey Jr.

Opposed were councilors James E. Brown Jr., Brent B. Bean II, Peter J. Miller, Brian P. Sullivan and Christopher Keefe.

The $59.1 million that will be raised by taxes represents a 2.5 percent increase over last year, the maximum allowed under Proposition 2 1/2, councilors noted.

This mark's Toy for Joy's 89th year.

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – A full slate of volunteers kept Toy for Joy registrations running smoothly all week this week.

“Things have been going very well,” said Maj. Thomas E. Perks, co-commander of the Greater Springfield Salvation Army Citadel.

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign, jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Dec. 23 to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

Hasbro employees Helen Van Tassell and Judy Buoniconti were among those taking Toy for Joy registrations on Friday, the last formal day of registrations here.

“It’s very important for the children, especially with the economy the way it is,” said Buoniconti.

“This is part of the Hasbro culture,” said Van Tassell. “We have a long history of giving.”

In all, some 103 volunteers helped with the week’s registrations here, including personnel from Springfield Technical Community College and Sodexo, Perks said.

Toy for Joy registrations also ended this week in Westfield, Greenfield and Northampton. They will continue at the Holyoke Citadel through Friday.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army by unloading the toys when they arrive and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

The most recent batch of donations tally to $650, bringing the total to date to $6,298. That leaves $143, 702 to be raised by Dec. 23.

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Here’s a list of the latest contributors:
In loving memory of Roland and Gary Deyette from your family, $20
In memory of Charlotte LaCoste and Vivian Godek, love Paul and Debbie, $100
In loving memory of Cheryl Ann Levy, $25
The Douglas family, $10
For my dear friend Mary from Phil, $25
In memory of Mark E Sandow, $60
In memory of Emile and Ginny Grenier, missed more each year, who made Christmas a musical time from Sandy, $25
In memory of Maddog, Pojke and Gus from Jo and Pete, $25
Merry Christmas and enjoy from Roger and Shirley, $15
In fond remembrance of my loving wife Fran from Phil, $25
Loving memory of Bill and Theresa Chadwick, $100
With love on behalf of our grandchildren Tara, Eric and Troy, $30
Quinn and Rowan, $50
In remembrance of my mother Viola Dubee, $10
Dot, Ted, Roy and Dick, we miss you, love FAB, $20
In memory of our grandson Joshua Bailey, $25
Merry Christmas from Gary and Lynn, $50
In memory of George from Marge, $10
Harvey and Jackie, $25

RECEIVED, $650
TOTAL TO DATE, $6,298
STILL NEEDED, $143,702

Twenty-two merchants and organizations welcomed visitors during Saturday's Third Annual Dickens Days Village Stroll, a Victorian-era themed event that celebrated the holiday season and local businesses.

WESTFIELD – In what is quickly becoming a downtown holiday tradition, 22 merchants and organizations welcomed visitors during Saturday’s Third Annual Dickens Days Village Stroll, a Victorian-era themed event that celebrated the holiday season and local business.

Presented by the Westfield Business Improvement District and Westfield on Weekends, the Dickens Days Stroll, which bestowed literary titles on most merchants in keeping with the Dickens theme, was deemed a great success by business owners and organizers alike.

“Business was beyond good today,” said Ezra’s Mercantile owner Lou Sirois. “I saw a lot of new faces.”

“There were people coming in here who had no idea I was here,” she added of her shop located at 35 Elm St.

Lori Lisheness-Hooten, owner of My Favorite Place, which on Saturday was called, “Miss Havisham’s Treasures,” echoed the sentiments expressed by Sirois that the event attracted shoppers and visitors that may not have normally noticed her consignment shop.

“This is my favorite time of year,” Lisheness-Hooten said. “I wait all year for this. A lot of people have been coming through the door today.”

The same was true for Rennata M. Tropeano, an artist with the Gaslight Gallery, or “Tiny Tim’s Art Emporium,” who said the event not only attracted browsers, but buyers as well.

“It’s been a great day,” she said. “Lots of people have come through, and we’ve made lots of sales, too. People seem really excited about downtown.”

Meanwhile at Flowers by Webster at 52 Court St., dubbed “Partridge Wreath and Flower Shoppe” for the occasion, owner Gail M. Kelly said she took advantage of the event to host an open house as well.

“I love to open my doors and get to know customers,” she said in her festively decorated shop where cupcakes from Mama Cakes (“Maggie’s English Tea Cakes”), chocolates from Miss Sweet’s (“Miss Larkin’s Sweet Shoppe”) and beer and wine from The Grape Crusher (“Murdstone and Grinby Wine Dealers”) were served.

While downtown merchants were part of the “Old Curiosity Shop Tour,” from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., “Fezziwig’s Holiday Faire” craft fair was being held at the YMCA at 67 Court St., and a noon Queen Victoria’s Honors Ceremony was held at Amelia Park Children’s Museum where girls and boys received tiaras and medals, respectively, from the queen in a royal ceremony accompanied by the pomp and circumstance expected of such an occasion.

Westfield on Weekends President Robert A. Plasse, dressed for the day in exact costume as the WOW collectible caroler, said the overwhelming success of this year’s Dickens Days Stroll is a testament to the positive energy surrounding the rebirth of downtown Westfield.

“This is really beginning to take on a tradition that brings people back,” he said. 

The marks the 89th season for Toy for Joy

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – The philosophy of giving back to the community has prompted the law firm of Alekman DiTusa to once again contribute to Toy for Joy.

“The community has been very good to this firm and at different times of the year it is important for us to recognize that and give back to the community,” said Robert DiTusa, a partner at the downtown Springfield firm. “We have tried to make giving back a part of our firm’s culture.”

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign; jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Dec. 23 to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

Alekman DiTusa’s $250 check is part of $1,886 in recent contributions to Toy for Joy. Those contributions from readers of The Republican and Masslive.com tally to $8,184, leaving $141,816 to be raised.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army with registration of families and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

Toy for Joy registrations formally ended last week in Springfield, Westfield, Northampton, Greenfield. They will continue weekdays through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Salvation Army’s Holyoke Citadel, 271 Appleton St.

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:
Happy Holidays from the French family, $50
In memory of Tom and Jeanne and Bill and Catherine from J and B, $50
In memory of Grammy, $40
In memory of Ann O’Brien, the love of my life from Steve, $500
With love from Cambi and May, $10
In loving memory of my husband Frank Orszulak, love Shirley, $25
Anonymous, $75
In loving memory of my beloved husband Mitchell Swienton, $20
Anonymous, $36
In memory of George and Bridge Fitzgerald, $50
In memory of Minnie, $25
This is for you Carrie, in loving memory, from Mom and Dad, $15
In memory of my loving husband Teddy, love Barbara and family, $25
In memory of our parents Paul and Rita Tessier, $100
The Thomas family, $40
Merry Christmas and Happy 2012 from Edward, $10
In memory of my parents John and Viola Swider, $30
In memory of Salvatore and Filomena Ragone, $20
Remembering Laura, Eunice, Jim, Edith and Roy, $25
In loving memory of George and May Burgess, $25
Thank you to Jesus, his Blessed Mother and St. Jude for favors received, WS, $25
In memory of Stanley Melanson, $15
In memory of our parents from Roger and Barbara, $40
Best wishes from the 1951 Agawam High School class reunion, $15
In loving memory of Alice M. Ward from her sister Jean, $50
Merry Christmas to all from Ernest and Suzanne, $25
In memory of my dear sister Robin Helen Welch, love Annie, $15
In memory of my dear friend Pat Moriarty Appleton, love Annie Paige, $15
In memory of Frank B. Paige, who made the holiday fun, love Cindy, Frank and Steve, $15
Anonymous, $250
Happy Holidays from the attorneys and staff at Alekman DiTusa, $250

RECEIVED, $1,886
TOTAL TO DATE, $8,184
STILL NEEDED, $141,816

Here is a list of major municipal meetings for the coming week: Agawam Mon.- Agawam Small Business Assistance Center Board of Directors, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall. City Council, 7 p.m., Roberta G. Doering School. Thu.- Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Agawam Public Library. Amherst Mon.- Board of Assessors, 6 p.m., Town Hall. Select Board, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall. Tues.- Disability...

Republican file photoAmherst Town Hall

Here is a list of major municipal meetings for the coming week:

Agawam

Mon.- Agawam Small Business Assistance Center Board of Directors, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall.

City Council, 7 p.m., Roberta G. Doering School.

Thu.- Conservation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Agawam Public Library.

Amherst

Mon.- Board of Assessors, 6 p.m., Town Hall.

Select Board, 6:30 p.m., Town Hall.

Tues.- Disability Access Committee, 11:30 Stavros Center.

Local Historical District Study Committee, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Historical Commission, 7:15 p.m. Town Hall.

Wed.- Personnel Board, 5 p.m.

Planning Board Zoning Subcommittee, 5 p.m., Town Hall.

Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Chicopee

Mon.- Chicopee High School Renovation Committee, 6 p.m., 820 Front St.

Library Board of Trustees, 6:15 p.m., 449 Front St.

Tues.- City Council, 7:15 p.m., City Hall.

Wed.- School Committee, 7 p.m., 180 Broadway.

Thurs.- Claims and Accounts Committee, 6:30 p.m. City Hall.

Easthampton

Wed.- City Council, 6 p.m., 50 Payson Ave.

Housing Partnership, 6:30 p.m., 50 Payson Ave.

Greenfield

Mon.- Council on Aging, 2 p.m.;, 54 High St.

Town Council Committee, 6 p.m., Police Station.

Cultural Council, 6:30 p.m., 355 Main St.

Tues.- Library Director Search Committee, 5:15 p.m., 402 Main St.

Board of License Commissioner, 6 p.m., 14 Court Square.

Wed.- Historic Commission, 4:30 p.m., 114 Main St.

Board of Health, 6:45 p.m., Town Hall.

Hadley

Tues.- Planning Board, 7 p.m., Senior Center.

Board of Health, 7 p.m., Town Hall.

Holyoke

Mon.- Board of Public Works/Sewer Commission/Stormwater Authority, 5:30 p.m., Department of Public Works, 63 Canal St.

School Committee, 6:15 p.m., Dean Technical High School, 1045 Main St., Fifield Community Room.

City Council Finance Committee, 6:30 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Tues.- Holyoke Geriatric Authority, board of directors, 6 p.m., 45 Lower Westfield Road.

Soldiers’ Memorial Commission, 7 p.m., War Memorial, 310 Appleton St.

City Council, 7:30 p.m., City Hall, City Council Chambers.

Wed.- Fire Commission, 4 p.m., Fire Department headquarters, 600 High St.

Holyoke-Chicopee Consortium, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Annex, Room 403.

Monson

Mon.- Tornado Victims Relief Fund, 6 p.m., Hillside School, Thompson Street.

Board of Health, 6 p.m., Hillside School.

Tues.- Community Preservation Committee, 7 p.m., Hillside School.

Wed.- Council on Aging, 7 p.m., Senior Center.

Thur.- Park and Recreation Commission, 6:30 p.m., Hillside School.

Northampton

Mon.- Committee on Public Safety, 6 p.m., Council Chambers.

Tues.- Charter Drafting Committee, 6 p.m., City Hall.

Smith Vocational High School Board of Trustees, 5 p.m., Smith Vocational High School.

Agricultural Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Wed.- License Commission, 4 p.m., Council Chambers.

Youth Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Thur.- School Committee, 7:15 p.m., John F. Kennedy Middle School.

Palmer

Mon.- Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Building.

Town Manager Search Committee, 6 p.m., Town Building.

Southwick

Mon. - Board of Selectmen, 6 p.m., Town Hall

Tues. – Planning Board, 7 p.m., Town Hall

Warren

Tues.- Board of Selectmen, 9 a.m., Police Station.

West Springfield

Mon.- Planning and Construction Committee, 7 p.m., municipal building.

Town Council, 7 p.m., municipal building.

Westfield

Mon.- Fire Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall.

License Commission, 7 p.m., City Hall .

School Committee, 7 p.m., 22 Ashley St.

Tues.- Planning board, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Wed.- Arts Council, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Zoning Board of Appeals, 7 p.m., City Hall.

Municipal Light Board, 7 p.m., 100 Elm St.

Thur.- Airport Commission, 7 p.m., Barnes Regional Airport, Appremont Way.

This marks the 89th season for Toy for Joy.

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – Ludlow resident Claire Bachand honors her family every holiday season with a donation to Toy for Joy.

Bachand’s $100 contribution is made in memory of her late mother, father and brother, Rene Bachand.

“Christmas was always special to us,” Bachand said. “Now that I am alone, I of course miss them very much, but, I want to help others....I do it from my heart.”

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign; jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Christmas eve to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army with registration of families and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

Toy for Joy registrations formally ended last week in Springfield, Westfield, Northampton, Greenfield. They will continue weekdays through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Salvation Army’s Holyoke Citadel, 271 Appleton St.

The Greater Springfield Citadel on Pearl Street will hold a make-up registration session on Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bachand’s $100 check is part of a batch of contributions that tallies to $810. The total raised to date so far is $8,994, leaving $141,006 to be raised.

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.
Here’s a list of the latest contributors: Â
In loving memory of Timothy P. Martin by his family, $25
In memory of our dogs Bingo and Kerry, $30
In thanksgiving and remembrance, Merry Christmas from Terry, $20
In loving memory of Robert and Shirley Pummell and Joe Desrosiers, $15
In loving memory of Richard Petzold from Marilyn, $25
In loving memory of Nonnie from Richard and Lee Anne, $25
Philip and Marjorie, $35
God bless the children, $35
In loving memory of Charles, Jessie, Ellen and Mark Dinnie, love Liz, $25
In memory of Nicholas and Victoria DiVirgilio and Robert Quink, $25
In memory of my Mom, Dad and brother Rene, love Claire, $100
Judith, $25
In memory of Gary Lockwood, $15
In loving memory of Albert Bailey IV, from Mom and Dad, $25
Memory of Bill Burke, miss you, Friday morning bowling league, $25
Loving memory Tim and DJ from the Bassett family, $25
In memory of Joey Pike from Aunty Dee and Uncle Wade, $50
For Chuck, $25
Hoping to make Christmas a little brighter, $25
In memory of Rose Malo, our aunt from Michigan, $25
Peace and good will to all, Rudy, $10
In loving memory of Steve Pacholec, love Jeanine, $25
In memory of my friend Barb, $25
Sunny, $50
From Kenn and Kathy, $100

RECEIVED, $810
TOTAL TO DATE, $8,994
STILL NEEDED, $141,006

This marks Toy for Joy's 89th season.

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – Many contributors to Toy for Joy have been doing so for years as a way to remember and honor loved ones who have passed on.

One such donor is Springfield resident Lillian G. Habin who has been doing so since 1967, when her father, Napolean J. Before, passed away. “He just loved Christmas and he loved doing it for everyone,” Habin said.

Since then, Habin, now 85, honors the Dec. 6 date of her father’s passing with a donation to the program. Every year Habin requests that her donation appear on Dec. 6.

Sadly, the number of family members that Habin now honors in her annual holiday ritual has grown to include her mother, Albertine; her brother, Robert; her husband, Maurice, and her nephew and niece, Kevin and April.

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign; jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Dec. 23 to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different. By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees helped with the registration of families last week and will help with toy unloading and distribution in the weeks ahead.

Toy for Joy registrations formally ended last week in Springfield, Westfield, Northampton and Greenfield. They will continue weekdays through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Salvation Army’s Holyoke Citadel, 271 Appleton St.

The Greater Springfield Citadel will hold a makeup registration day Friday for those who were unable to do so last week. Registrations will be taken from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Habin’s $100 contribution, part of a batch tallying to $945, brings the total raised to date to $9,939. That leaves $140,061 to be raised.

For more information, call (413) 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23. Here’s a list of the latest contributors:

In loving memory of Napoleon, Albertine, Robert, Kevin and April Before and Maurice Habin, sadly missed by Lil Habin, $100
In loving memory of Dad, Mom, Mel and Stella, $25
In loving memory of Pa, Ma, Gwen, Bob, Doug and Cay, $25
Have a very Merry Christmas Neka and Jacob, $15
In memory of Captain Dave Piquette, miss you buddy, Mike, $50
In memory of my son Brian, missing you, love Mom, $20
In loving memory of my husband Hal McLean and my brother Billy Schramm, love Nancy, $20
Loving memory of Jill Stefanik from Cioci June and Uncle Eddie, $25
In loving memory of John and Josephine Szumny from their family, $25
Families of Joseph Boigjoli, Stella and Chesier Szklarz, $50
In memory of Janice Rochford Chmiel, $50
In memory of “Little Al”, love forever Annie, $25
Sandy and Laird, $200
In memory of my Mom, Tillie Kingsbury, $25
In memory of Ma and Daddy K, Mom and Dad B., Ragz, Shy, Sparky and Tuney from L and S B, $20
Merry Christmas from Grandma and Bubba, $25
In memory of Jud, Es, Lois, Jack, Julian and Teddy from Nola and Gene, $25
Sandra, $25
Gail and Joe, $25
Merry Christmas from Paulette, $50
In memory of Emily Witaszek, missed by daughter and friends, $25
Patricia, $25
Luke and Caleigh hope Santa fills every wish, $50
Merry Christmas from Joan and Bill, $20

RECEIVED, $945
TOTAL TO DATE, $9,939
STILL NEEDED, $140,061

School Choice funds were used to balance the School Department budget last year.

WESTFIELD – The School Committee is reviewing a proposed policy that establishes guidelines for spending School Choice funds that may include some direct funding to schools that participate in the program.

The guidelines will include authorization for the superintendent of schools to spend up to $5,000 on emergencies and other urgent matters without seeking School Committee approval.

The policy was drafted by School Committee's legal counsel, the law firm of Sullivan and Hayes in Springfield, and is under review by the committee’s finance committee.

Kevin Sullivan

Finance Chairman Kevin J. Sullivan said Tuesday consideration is being given to “dedicate some School Choice” funds to the schools that accept students from other districts.

That has the support of School Committee member Mary Beth Ogulewicz Sacco, who has voiced concerns about choice funds being used for emergencies and to balance the School Department budget.

Mary Beth Ogulewicz-Sacco

“The point is that choice is not for emergencies. It is there to enhance educational services,” she said.

A recent memo from the state Department of Education, Sacco said, indicates School Choice funding be used to enhance education quality and benefit students.

Currently schools that participate in School Choice receive funds only from tuition payments upon specific request. Sullivan said “We have, in the past, tried to get some money to those schools who accept School Choice students. Currently there are no set amounts but the new guidelines may establish a formula that will allow these schools to enjoy some benefit.”

The committee indicated this week it wants to allocate such funding at the beginning of the school year. Choice funds are currently spent toward the end of the school year.

“There is some amount we should be able to allocate at the beginning of the school year so these schools can have some benefit,” Sacco said.

“We have in the past used funds to balance the budget and as a reserve for unforeseen expenses. We need to change that,” she said.

Westfield High School has received funds in previous years, but only after filing specific requests. The high school has received funds, around $20,000, for purchase of a van and other equipment and library materials.

The high school accepts the most students under School Choice here with a current enrollment of 66 high school students from surrounding communities.

The Westfield School Department receives $5,000 annually per choice student.

No new elementary school students were accepted this school year under School Choice. But, elementary schools that have participated are Juniper Park and Munger Hill schools.

Both city middle schools also accept School Choice students. There are 22 kindergarten to grade eight School Choice students enrolled here.

Currently there is about $700,000 is in the choice account. School Chief Finance Officer John E. Kane said about $350,000 is received annually, he said.

In June, the School Committee appropriated about $300,000 in choice funds to help balance its Fiscal 2012 School Department budget that totals $51 million.

This marks Toy for Joy's 89th season

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – The Toy for Joy campaign relies on donations big and small to ensure that its mission of providing holiday toys to thousands of Western Massachusetts children runs true every year.

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign. Jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by noon on Dec. 23 to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

The most recent batch of donations include a $15 donation made in the name of two young children from Blue Bell, Penn.

The donor, Mary Matejczyk, of the Thorndike section of Palmer, said she gave her gift to honor her 4-year-old granddaughter and 7-year-old grandson, Robert and Maggie Matejczyk.

“My husband and I feel very fortunate that we have enough money,” said Mary Matejczyk. “We just want to give a little something to people that are less fortunate.”

The Matejczyk family donation is part of $1,157 recently sent in to The Republican. Donations to date tally to $11,096, leaving $138,904 to be raised.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees were also among the volunteers who aided the Salvation Army with registration of families and will help the unloading and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

For more information, call 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23.

Here’s a list of the latest contributors:
In memory of John Rosati, Cheryl Polak and Darlene Shea, $100
In memory of someone special, $25
For those without, $50
Anonymous, $25
Merry Christmas to all from Liz and Steve, $100
In memory of Mary Lee from sister Cathy, $25
In memory of Mae Egan, $10
Merry Christmas children of God from friends, $30
God bless the children everywhere with peace, hope and love, $20
Happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence, Aristotle, $25
The Bureks, $50
Merry Christmas from Sarah and Collin, $10
Merry Christmas to all from Norman and Ethel, $25
In loving memory of my wonderful parents Rena and Mike Panetta, $50
In memory of family members and friends, we love you from Cindy and Joe, $50
In memory of my wife Rita, $10
From Maggie and Robert Matejczyk of Blue Bell PA, $15
In loving memory of my parents Grace and Henry Partridge from Mary, $22
In memory of my husband Hank Goldthwaite, $10
In memory of Harry, Sam, John and Peter Pellegrino, sister Mary Pellegrino, Vale and Annie, $25
Merry Christmas from Sara and Mandi Florian, $50
In memory of the Harpins and the Bernards, $10
Remembering my dad, Bud Pederzoli, who loved children, $25
Happy Holidays from Sharon and Ron, $25
In loving memory of my son Richard Briggs and Grandma Little, love Mom, Marilyn and family, $15
In loving memory of Mama and Daddy, Agnes and Eddie Miller, love Marilyn and family, $15
In loving memory of my brothers, Bobby and Mickey Miller, love Marilyn and family, $15
In loving memory of my parents Earl and Odette Benjamin from Renee, $25
Thank you for my wonderful family, especially Ben, Cameron, Hannah and Ellen from Roj, $50
Thank you for prayers answered, RJ, $25
In loving memory of Frances and Joseph Macri, Maria and John Valego and Tessie and Mike Pasquini from Walter, Chickie and family, $10
In memory of Clover 10/20/11, sadly missed and love, Bailey, $5
Great grandparents we never met, Jack and Dot Bellew, love Jake, Troy and Owen, $10
Parents sadly missed, Bernie and Arlene Drewnowski, love Butch and Joan, $10
In memory of my sister D. Jeanne Bledsoe, wish you were here especially at Christmas, love Joan, $5
In memory of my mother and father Benta and Joseph Moura from Rosa Moura, $5
In memory of my brother AcAcio Moura from Rosa Moura, $5
In memory of my godmother Isabel Moreno from Rosa Moura, $5
In loving memory of Dr. and Mrs. Francis M. Austin, $30
From Kiltie II, a Scotch terrier who loves children of all ages, $20
In loving memory of my husband Herb Curry and daughters Maureen, Susan and Tracy, $10
In thanksgiving for my grandchildren Caelin, Brenna and Ronan from Nanie Curry, $10
In memory of John Martone and Walter Kasheta from wife and sister, $20
In memory of Francis, Marty, Sis Theresa, Joe, Tom, Jim and Madeline Martones from Eve M, $80

RECEIVED, $1,157
TOTAL TO DATE, $11,096
STILL NEEDED, $138,904

Ceremonies in Easthampton and Springfield also observed Pearl Harbor's 70th anniversary. Watch video

Photo by John Suchocki / The RepublicanPaul W. Nimchick, left, American Legion Post 124 chaplin, watches as Pearl Harbor survivors Charles Lockhart, center, of East Longmeadow, and Robert A. Greenleaf of Westfield, left, drop a wreath of flowers into the Little River in a ceremony to honor those who lost their lives in the Dec. 7 1941 attack on the Pearl Harbor. Members of various veterans organizations took park in the ceremony Wednesday at the Pearl Harbor Memorial at Little River Road and and Route 20.

WESTFIELD – A steady rain Wednesday was “a small sacrifice” for those who attended ceremonies marking the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

“This is but a small sacrifice for us as we remember the 2,388 military and civilians who lost their lives that day and the 2,000 wounded during that sneak attack,” Walter J. Zarichak, past commander of Westfield’s American Legion Post 124 told veterans and other who gathered at the Air National Guard Bridge for the city’s annual remembrance.

Memorial ceremonies were also held in Springfield and Easthampton Wednesday.

In Springfield, the city conducted a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, and also presented the annual “Daniel P. O’Sullivan Award” to Robert J. Shonak, a city employee for more than 40 years.

The ceremony was conducted at the Greenleaf Community Center on Parker Street in Sixteen Acres.

“We should always remember the quote that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said: ‘a date that will live in infamy,’” said Springfield Veterans Affairs Director Thomas M. Belton Sr. “We should take time out to just to remember what happened this date 70 years ago.”

In Easthampton, members of Easthampton American Legion Post, Northampton Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8006 and the Northampton Veterans Council tossed a wreath off the Pearl Harbor Veterans Bridge on Route 5 in honor of the Pearl Harbor anniversary. The tribute was tied to coincide with a similar event in Hawaii at 7:55 a.m., the time the attach took place.

Gerry Clark, a Vietnam veteran who is president of the Northampton Veterans Council, said he was glad to see such a turnout in the rain.

“A lot of places don’t think about it,” he said.

Only a handful of the veterans in attendance served in World War II, and none were at Pearl Harbor. Walter Sliz, 90, of Easthampton, who was in the Coast Guard during World War II, said Pearl Harbor was the event that made him enlist.

“I was going to play soccer and they nailed me,” he said of joining the service. “What are you going to do?”

Fran Perrier, 81, was only 11 on the “day of infamy,’ too young to enlist, although he served in Korea. Perrier said he was so upset by the bombing that he took a hammer and smashed his mother’s collection of salt and pepper shakers.

“I thought she was going to kill me,” he said.

Westfield’s guest speaker Paul J. Barabani, superintendent of Holyoke’s Soldiers’ Home, noted that “ceremonies like this demonstrate the Commonwealth’s support of veterans from all eras. The Commonwealth treats its veterans with the respect they deserve.

“They have preserved our freedom and those who have come home keep our country moving forward,” said Barabani.

Mayor Daniel M. Knapik promised “Westfield will never forget this day nor our veterans.”

Robert A. Greenleaf, 89, Westfield’s living survivor of Pearl Harbor, was joined by East Longmeadow’s attack survivor Charles Lockart, 88, to drop a memorial wreath in the waters of Little River below the Air National Guard Bridge.

Greenleaf said he is looking forward to the return of the remembrance to the Great River Bridge next year once the total $77 million bridge construction and replacement project is complete. That project includes creation of a new Frank P. Wojtkiewicz Park. Wojtkiewicz was killed with the sinking of the battleship USS Arizona. Wojtkiewicz’ sister-in-law Jane E. Wendell of West Simsbury, Conn. continued her annual attendance at Westfield’s ceremony. She was joined by niece Nancy Krause of Torrington, Conn.

The O’Sullivan Award is named in memory of a 29-year Springfield city employee, code enforcement commissioner and Vietnam Veteran who died in 2001. The award is presented annually to a veteran employed by Springfield who “has continued diligence in their work and has consistently practiced courtesy and fairness in dealing with the public and fellow employees.”

The award was presented by Belton and Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.

Shonak works for the Human Resources and Labor Relations Department as the city’s safety and health training manager, and is also deputy director of emergency preparedness. He has worked for various city departments and the school system.

He served in the U.S. Navy and Navy Reserve and did active duty in Vietnam in 1970-71.

“It’s kind of overwhelming,” Shonak said of the O’Sullivan Award. “There are so many other veterans who are employees of the city. I am humbled and feel like I represent them today.”

Staff writers Peter Goonan and Fred Contrada contributed to this report.

This marks Toy for Joy's 89th year.

Michael Gordon / The RepublicanDecember 6, 2011 - Granby - Some of the maintenance and custodial staff of the Granby Public Schools who contributed to Toy for Joy are from left: Richard Florence, Robert Dudley, Mark Normand, Steve Dudrick, Chester Roguz and Mark Dufault. Mr. Dudley works in maintenance; all the others are custodians. Contributors not present for photo are Anna Schmitt and John Dudley.

View full size

SPRINGFIELD – Granby’s school custodians started what they anticipate will become an annual holiday tradition this season with a $50 donation to Toy for Joy.

“The way things are, everybody is hurting,” said Chester Roguz, a custodian at Granby Junior Senior High School. “This will probably be a yearly thing now.”

This marks the 89th annual Toy for Joy campaign. Jointly sponsored by the Salvation Army and The Republican, the campaign is working to raise $150,000 by Dec. 23 to bring toys and gifts to children in need this holiday season.

Roguz said that he and his co-workers, members of the Granby, Mass. Custodial Union, proposed and then formally voted on the donation.

Meanwhile, the office staff at Harry Grodsky & Co. Inc. continued their longtime tradition of giving to Toy for Joy with a donation of $250.

These donations, part of a recent batch of nearly 60, tally to $2,288, bringing the total raised to date to $13,384. That leaves $136,616 to be raised.

Hasbro, Inc. is joining Toy for Joy as a partner, providing some of the toys which will be distributed. Hasbro has a long history of helping families in Western Massachusetts during the holidays and this year is no different.

By teaming with the Toy for Joy campaign, Hasbro, The Republican and the Salvation Army bring over 100 combined years of experience managing programs that help families in need give their children a toy or game to unwrap on their holiday. Hasbro employees will also be among the volunteers who aid the Salvation Army with registration of families and with distribution of the toys and gifts.

Toy for Joy registrations in Greenfield, Westfield and Northampton formally ended last week. The Salvation Army’s Holyoke Citadel will continue to take registrations through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Greater Springfield Citadel will hold a make-up registration day this Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call (413) 733-1518. To make a contribution to the Toy for Joy fund, write: Toy for Joy, P.O. Box 3007, Springfield 01102. Contributions may also be dropped off with the coupon to The Republican, 1860 Main St., Springfield, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Dec. 23. Here’s a list of the latest contributors:
In memory of my wife Barbara Leonard with love from Donald, $25
In memory of George S. Liptak Sr., $25
Harry and Lynne, $100
For our moms, $25
Merry Christmas from John and Vivian, $25
Merry Christmas from Heather and Heidi, $25
Blessings to all from Linda, $10
Anonymous, $20
In loving memory of Grandpa Ray and Grandma Pat from Eric, Amy Beth and Sarah, $10
In loving memory of great-grandpa from Patrick and Erin, $10
In memory of Grandpa Donaldson from Jan and Steve Selden, $25
From our grandkids, Nathan, Dominic, Sam, Landon and Sydney, $25
In memory of loved ones, $50
Anonymous, $25
Happy Holidays from the Minor family, $20
In loving memory of our son Chris from Joe and Mary, $25
Bea, $35
In memory of Ed Cwieka from his family, $15
In memory of Irene and Joan Martin, love Charley, $25
In loving memory of Ralph Jocelyn, $25
Merry Christmas from Lauren, Lee, Andrew, Kaitlyn and Loretta, $50
Thank you Dr. Paist for a job well done from Pathfinder Regional Voc Tech High School Committee, $110
Happy Holidays from Sam, $10
In memory of Nan and Pops from MLD, $50
To our lost loved ones, $100
In memory of our grandpa Bob Wheeler, love Ryan, Nicole, Brandon and Bobby, $25
Merry Christmas from Ron and Tara Magrone, $20
So thankful for Sophie from Pe Paw and Grammie, $25
In memory of my husband Lew Smith who loved kids and Christmas, $20
In loving memory of Steven Bacon whom we miss very much from Mom and Charlotte, $20
Nicholas, $10
Forever in our hearts Mom and Dad, love Margaret, Linda and Bette, $50
In memory of Mary and John, Sandy, Louise and Brian, $25
In memory of Peg Brochu, $100
In loving memory of Andrea and Santina Rizzo, $25
Anonymous, $25
Loving memory of Theda-Rae, Bon B and family, Merry Christmas, $20
Thank you for your care, $25
In memory of Sally Drucker, $18
In honor of Pokey, Cocoa, Eris, Dixie and Ellie Mae, $25
In memory of Grandma and Grandpa Albano, $50
For our niece Theresa, $20
In memory of my father Thomas H. Taylor 12/1/11, $100
Thank you St. Jude FSG, $10
SAC, $20
In loving memory of my father Peter E. Pappas, $25
In loving memory of Tom Grimaldi, Greenleaf Drive Santa Claus, $25
In memory of my husband Richard from wife Flo and family, $20
In memory of CND and GMD from GEF, $10
In loving memory of my son Joseph A. Sokoloski, $50
In memory of Elaine, June and Joe Calabrese, we miss you dearly sis, Mom and Dad, love Nancy and Darcy, $50
James, $100
Peter Schmidt and Pat Kaboray, $25
In memory of Fred and Eleanor Albano, Albert and Marie Laplante, love Paul and Jan, $25
In loving memory of Michael Lefebvre and all the wonderful holidays we shared from Candi Lefebvre, $25
Gerard, $100
In loving memory of Kimberly Anne Cannata, love Nana, $10
In memory of deceased members of the Whalen, Provost and Kelly families, $25
From the members of Granby Mass. Custodial Union, $50
On behalf of the office staff at Harry Grodsky and Co., Inc., $250

RECEIVED, $2,288
TOTAL TO DATE, $13,384
STILL NEEDED, $136,616

Completion of Thomas Street off-street parking lot should also improve the neighborhood, officials say.

WESTFIELD – Travel will soon become a little easier on Monroe Street following City Council approval last week to make the short street one-way.

Council approval followed the recommendation of the city’s Traffic Commission which review travel flow on the downtown street at the request of Ward 3 City Councilor Peter J. Miller.

Police Chief John A. Camerota said Monday the change will take place shortly, after he received formal notification of council action and the Department of Public Works installs the necessary signage.

“The neighborhood has been asking for action for some time,” Miller said. “This should satisfy their concerns and improve the neighborhood. We can always re-visit the issue if necessary,” he said.

Monroe Street is located between Chapel and Thomas streets and the roadway was deemed too narrow to support continued two-way traffic.

Also, during the past year more vehicles were parked on the sides of Monroe Street, the result of Westfield State University students assigned to housing at Lansdown Place located on Thomas Street. There are currently 216 students living at Lansdown Place.

“That street has really become congested with more people parking on the street than ever before,” Miller said. “But, it was a problem before the university students became downtown residents,” he explained.

The city recently completed reconstruction at the Thomas Street off-street parking lot which will also provide relief to Monroe Street residents.

The traffic pattern change will be northerly from Thomas Street to Chapel Street, officials said.

The goal of the fund drive is to provide toys to the more than 9,000 children treated at Baystate Children's Hospital each year.

Christopher K. Bizilj

SPRINGFIELD – Baystate Children’s Hospital and its patients will be recipients of funds raised and toys collected for the 2nd annual Christopher Bizilj Memorial Fund.

The fund, started last year, is held in memory of the 8-year-old Ashford, Conn. boy killed during a Machine Gun Shoot and Firearms Expo at Westfield Sportsman’s Club Oct. 26, 2008.

Year-long activities and collections are held “in an effort to associate his memory with something positive,” organizer Lisa J. Wargo, said of her nephew.

“Baystate Children’s Hospital was so good to us at that tragic time. Everyone there is so good at their jobs. The goal of this memorial fund is to provide toys for its patients and to help continue the hospital’s bereavement box program to help parents deal with their loss,” said Wargo.

Wargo will be at Jake’s Wayback Burgers at 1375 Carew St. Saturday to complete this year’s fund raising effort.

“Christopher’s birthday is Dec. 13 and that is when I cut off the fundraising and bring the toys and money collected to the hospital,” Wargo, a Feeding Hills resident, said.

Saturday’s fund-raiser will provide 20 percent from each meal sold to the Christopher Bizilj Memorial Fund. Similar events were held during the past year in Agawam at the library and business locations, she said.

Last year’s inaugural effort raised more than $2,000 for toys for patients at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Jake’s owner Bethany M. Smith characterized her participation in the fund-raiser as “awesome. I remember hearing about Christopher and what happened and this is something we can do for our community, especially kids.”

Smith said “20 percent of every bill Saturday, lunch or dinner, will go to this fund.”

A spokesman for Baystate Children’s Hospital said more than 9,000 children are patients each year at the hospital.

Bizilj was killed while attempting to fire a 9mm Micro UZI machine gun at a pumpkin during the annual show that was organized by Pelham Police Chief Edward B. Fleury.

The youngster was at the event with his father Charles Bizilj and his older brother Colin.

A Hampden Superior Court jury, in January, acquitted Fleury of involuntary manslaughter in Bizilj’s death.

The Sportsman’s Club settled criminal allegations in 2010, agreeing to pay a $1,000 fine and donate $10,000 to children’s’ charities.

Charges of furnishing automatic weapons during the Firearm’s Expo against two Connecticut men were dropped by the Hampden County District Attorney’s office following Fleury’s acquittal.

The tornado caused an estimated $106 million in damages in Springfield.

The Republican | Mark M. MurrayAt the six-month anniversary of the June 1 tornado, houses along Roosevelt Avenue in the East Forest Park section of Springfield are being repaired. The house at the right was razed and a new one was built in its place.

Springfield and Wilbraham will share $5.9 million in federal reimbursement for expenses related to the June 1 tornado, and more money is expected to be coming to Massachusetts communities soon.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal announced Thursday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has awarded Springfield $3.97 million and $1.94 million to Wilbraham to reimburse the communities for some of the cost of cleanup after the storm.

The announcement came three days after Monson learned it has been awarded $2.9 million in reimbursement for some of the cost of picking up debris left when a cluster of tornadoes tore a 39-mile swath across the region, killing three people, destroying houses, schools and businesses and uprooting trees.

The money is the first be sent to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, which will distribute it to the three communities.

“We expect it in the very near future,” said Thomas T. Walsh, spokesman for Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. He said he does not know exactly when the money will be deposited in Springfield’s general fund.

“I believe the check is in the mail. I hope the check is in the mail,” Monson Selectman Edward A. Maia said, adding he is expecting to use the money to pay part of a $4.3 million bill the town owes a contractor hired to pick up tree debris.

Community officials, who are strapped after dealing with the tornado, the June 26 microburst, the August tropical storm and the most recent Oct. 29 snowstorm, said they are happy to receive the money but said it is a small portion of the federal assistance they hope to receive.

FEMA will reimburse communities 75 percent of costs related to storms in areas declared a federal disaster. Those declarations were made after the tornado, Tropical Storm Irene and the October snowstorm.

Springfield has estimated the cleanup from the tornado alone will cost $106 million, which includes repairing or replacing two elementary schools. Its cost of cleaning up tree debris from the tornado alone was $16.5 million, Walsh said.

The cost of the debris cleanup from the October snowstorm is expected to be three times that amount. After the tornado, the city collected about 160,000 cubic yards of fallen limbs; it collected more than 500,000 cubic yards of tree debris after the October storm, he said.

Communities apply for federal assistance in a number of different categories. The money that has come to Springfield, Wilbraham and Monson this week is for cleanup of tree debris, said William Tranghese, spokesman for Neal.

“It will come in bits and pieces. We do expect continued announcements of more reimbursements,” Tranghese said.

The federal agency is also expected to announce money to be granted in different categories, such as repair to public buildings, in the upcoming weeks, he said.

In early November, Western Massachusetts saw a total of $1 million in reimbursements shared by six communities. The agency approved payments of $481,109 for West Springfield; $300,199 for Monson; $202,185 for Wilbraham; $148,181 for Sturbridge; $18,606 for Holland; and $6,517 for Brimfield.

Some officials said they expect reimbursements for the October storm as well as the tornado to take eight months to a year, but Tranghese said Neal has been working with communities to help them submit the proper documentation and forms so they can receive the money as efficiently as possible.

“The congressman has asked them to expedite the process,” Tranghese said.