SOUTHWICK – In many ways, 2013 was a year of growth and rebuilding for Southwick.
With big changes in major departments and a longtime selectman opting not to seek re-election, 2013 was also a year of change.
Selectman Arthur Pinell ended his nine-year service to the board this past year.
“When I first got involved in the selectmen I didn’t think it was a great idea to stay forever,” he said. “Change isn’t a bad thing.”
Pinell said he would miss the fast pace of the board and continues to serve as a volunteer in town.
The second major change came for Southwick when Police Chief Mark Krynicki announced he would retire in May, ending his nine years serving the town as chief.
Krynicki said he was proud of the accomplishments achieved while he served as chief, including a grant award of $250,000 from former U.S. Rep. John Olver for renovations to the dispatch area.
“I am really proud that over the past few years when the economy was terrible, we have been able to maintain the services we provide,” said Krynicki. “And, with the approval of the budget at town meeting, we’ve increased the staffing by two officers.”
Not one to relax for too long, Krynicki said he planned to enjoy some down time before considering taking on any more work.
“I have mixed emotions about leaving,” he said last spring, “but I like the excitement of what may come down the road. I will really miss the people here. Yes, that’s what I will miss the most.”
Krynicki’s retirement opened up the chief’s position for longtime officer David Ricardi, who served as Krynicki’s lieutenant and has been a police officer for 26 years.
Ricardi officially took the reins of the Southwick Police Department as chief on June 1, 2013 and has been making small, but important, changes ever since.
Ricardi said last June he wanted to “continue the training we’ve been going through and maintain our community relationships – and building more.”
Reaching out to the public – especially senior citizens – was a priority. To that end, Ricardi has overseen the implementation of a new, more interactive police website and Facebook page, and reinstitution of the Citizens Police Academy.
“We just want people to feel safe within the community,” Ricardi said. “If they don’t feel safe we are not doing our job.”
Filling Ricardi’s former shoes is newly appointed Lt. Kevin Bishop, a former sergeant and longtime Southwick officer.
Another department change came with the resignation of former Department of Public Works Director Jeffrey Neece.
Neece resigned in a letter dated May 10 and stated it was “a personal decision based on conditions and circumstances of my employment with Southwick.”
A replacement was not found until this fall when town resident Randal Brown was hired. Brown, a civil engineer, was previously employed with Tighe & Bond and has extensive background in water systems.
Brown told the board during the interview process that he sees the DPW director as wearing three hats, including those of an engineer and supervisor. Brown said in 10 years he sees himself as the Southwick DPW director.
“I’m from this town and I’m not going anywhere,” he said. “I see myself in this position for a long time.”
Brown told the board he did not have “baggage or any hidden agendas” and truly wants to serve Southwick.
“I would do what’s best for the town and would like to be part of some big decisions to move this town forward,” said Brown at that time.
The Southwick Council On Aging also saw turnover for the first time in many years when former director Jeanne Margaritas retired after 24 years.
Margaritas said she would miss her friends, but looked forward to retirement.
“I want to travel and play golf,” said Margarites. “I don’t have anything planned – just want to get in our RV and go.”
Cynthia Sullivan was selected as the new Council On Aging director. The Westfield resident and member of the Westfield School Committee was chosen from among three finalists.
During the interview, Sullivan was asked about what experience she would bring in managing employees and volunteers while simultaneously caring for seniors and overseeing programs. Sullivan, a social worker, said her ability to multi-task and go with the flow would serve her well at the COA.
“I’ve spent the last 20 years as a social worker and no day is the same,” she said. “You have to multi-task and prioritize for that day.”
Sullivan also said listening to people and giving them an opportunity to speak is one area she has learned makes a big difference.
“You have to listen to people who are right in front of you because what they have to say is important,” Sullivan said.
Southwick also benefited in 2013 from the generosity of its residents. Robert Polverari donated to the town a brand new animal control facility and an anonymous donor offered the school department $400,000 toward a new track.
Robert and Barbara Polverari are an animal-loving couple who not only donated the funds for the $300,000 facility, but Robert, a builder for 50 years, served as the designer and contractor and put in long days at the site.
Polverari said the facility is energy efficient, using LED lighting throughout. With the help of Town Planner Alan Slessler, Polverari designed a trough system for cleaning kennels. Each kennel will be six feet tall, have a divider to block the view from other animals, and an aluminum door that will allow access outdoors. A large play area – fenced with donations from Tyler Granfield’s family – will allow dogs to run and play.
“We also have a fenced area outside for cats,” said Polverari.
The cat room includes perching shelves mounted high on the walls for cats to nap.
“We will use Velcro to cover them with carpet for easy cleaning,” Polverari said.
The building is made from grey textured concrete blocks and includes a carport for easy transition of animals. A lobby, separate office, adoption area, kitchen/wash area, and quarantine room are all part of the facility.
Residents hope the momentum of 2013 continues into the New Year, with more good things to come on Southwick’s horizon.
