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Resident writes book in honor of late son By Trent Levakis
tlevakis@thereminder.com
EDITION EASTHAMPTON
Council denounces ICE with resolution The council approved a resolution holding ICE agents accountable for criminal violations.
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Tenants call for negotiations
Tenants want to negotiate after rent increases.
ly found that Brad was suffering from a rare genetic disorder called chronic gastral and intestinal dysrhythmia. The disorder affects the heart and the digestive system and impairs the rhythmic muscle contractions that propel food through the intestines, causing a digestive See BOOK on page 5
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Gary explained that at 5 years old, Brad suffered a stroke and eventually was in and out of the hospital as doctors tried to identify the cause at hand. Initially, doctors concluded that Brad was suffering from restrictive cardiomyopathy, and he was given a pacemaker because the illness causes stiffness to the heart. But years later, doctors ultimate-
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Brad Nadeau (left) and father Gary Nadeau (right).
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EASTHAMPTON — The loss of his son from a chronic illness inspired an Easthampton man to find the beauty in the pain and put it into writing. Easthampton resident Gary Nadeau wrote “I Love You Mostest” to highlight his son’s optimistic and mindful attitude, and hopefully give inspiration to others dealing with or grieving over similar experiences. The memoir explores the bond between Gary and his son Brad Nadeau as they confronted the challenges of “chronic illness, shattered dreams and unimaginable loss,” according to the book’s synopsis. “My son went through a lot of health experiences, that’s what’s spelled out in the book, and as a young man at a very young age, he seemed to develop a really healthy sense of resilience and emotional intelligence,” said Gary. “Brad quite often would sit there and say, ‘you know what, I’m only here for a short time, so I’m making the best of it.’ He knew that he had a choice to make. He could be woe is me about it, or he could accept the way it is and that he’d live his life to the fullest every moment he could. And I believe because he chose that, that’s what gave him that charismatic personality that drew people in.” Brad died in 2022 from chronic atrial and intestinal dysrhythmia at 25 years old. From a young age, he dealt with health
struggles, but Gary said he somehow stayed consistently optimistic through it all. This special trait in Brad needed to be shared with the world, Gary thought. “At the time, my son was somewhere around 20 years old, and I mentioned to him would you be willing to write a book together? He a lot of times would say, ‘We should do a podcast dad. A lot of people could learn from the things we discuss and how we talk about stuff.’ Because Brad and I would talk a lot about philosophical, deep things and why people do what they do and how people react to things the way they react to, even though I myself struggle with emotional intelligence sometimes and am very reactionary,” Gary said, “That’s kind of one of the paths in the book, I actually learned a lot from my son.” Aside from highlighting Brad’s resilience, Gary said that the book aims to be a guide for all who want to find light in the face of adversity. He said readers will discover valuable lessons about living in the present moment, embracing acceptance, and stubbornly holding onto hope, even when darkness seems overwhelming. “This story may resonate strongly with families dealing with stress, caregiving, grief, and mental and emotional coping. I firmly believe this book will make a difference,” said Gary. “I promised him a legacy, and that’s when I really said I’m going to sit down and write a book about this.”
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Event celebrates 100th anniversary of hockey in area By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Hockey players and fans from the United States and Canada are set to gather at West Springfield’s Better Living Center in the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds to celebrate 100 years of professional hockey in Western Massachusetts at the Springfield Hockey Heritage Society’s annual “Hockeyday” on July 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for members of the heritage society and $18 for non-members, available at hockeyday2026.eventbrite.com or in-person at West Springfield’s Steve’s Sports, 94 Front St. The Springfield Hockey Heritage Society is a nonprofit that strives to “preserve the history of hockey in Springfield,” according to a press release. Hockey in Western Massachusetts dates back to 1926 when the Springfield Indians, named after the Springfield-based Indian Mo-
torcycle Company, began playing for the American Hockey League at the Eastern States Coliseum. “Hockeyday” will take place just a building away from the Coliseum, and features raffles, an auction for hockey-memorabilia and non-hockey related items, cornhole and other games, vintage jersey and equipment displays, and exclusive merchandise and apparel with past Springfield hockey logos. Former Springfield Kings player Mike Corrigan said in the release that the event grows each year and includes more former professional players coming back to reminisce on their Springfield playing days. The Springfield Indians temporarily rebranded to the Kings from 1967-1975. “The Springfield Hockey Heritage Society really cares about preserving the history of hockey in Springfield and it shows,” Corrigan said in the release. “This gathering is first-class all the way.” Springfield Hockey Heritage
Society Executive Director Steve Bordeaux said around 20 former Springfield players will be in attendance to share stories and sign autographs. He added that the Springfield Thunderbirds’ team bus will be there, along with mascots from the Thunderbirds and possibly the Worcester Railers. “It’s a good day, all in all,” Bordeaux said. “Just lots of stuff going on … The Springfield Thunderbirds bring their inflatable shooting game, there is cornhole for the kids and whomever to play.” The event is going back to Springfield hockey’s roots, and Bordeaux said the heritage society found the family of a player from the 1926 Springfield Indians and invited them to the event. “There was one player on the 1926 team, his name was [Henry ‘Buddy’ Maracle],” Bordeaux said. “We’ve actually tracked down his descendants up in St. Catherines, Ontario, and we’re bringing four of his descendants down. They couldn’t be more
Hockeyday is back on July 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
excited to come down and see where Buddy played 100 years ago. I think that’s gonna be super special for them and for us.” He added that the heritage society is just trying to have a great event for its attendees. “It’s more about the people that want to go and be part of it,
that they have a good time,” Bordeaux said. “We’re behind the scenes putting it all together, and it could get stressful, and it does get stressful, but it’s more about the people having a good time.” More information on the heritage society can be found at hockeyspringfield.org.
Brew at The Zoo blends craft beer, conservation and community By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD — For one afternoon each summer, The Zoo in Forest Park trades children’s laughter for the clink of tasting glasses as hundreds of adults gather to sip local craft beer while supporting animal care and conservation. Now in its eighth year, Brew at The Zoo has become more than a popular summer tradition. The Aug. 1 event is The Zoo in Forest Park’s largest annual fundraiser, helping provide daily care for more than 200 animals while supporting the zoo’s award-winning wildlife education programs throughout the community. For Assistant Executive Director Gabry Tyson, the event also
offers an opportunity to remind residents that the zoo depends heavily on community support. “One thing many people don’t realize is that The Zoo in Forest Park is an independent, nonprofit organization located within a city-run park,” Tyson said. “We are not owned or operated by the city of Springfield, so we rely on the support of our community, guests and fundraising events like Brew at The Zoo to allow us to continue to serve as a resource within our community and for animals in need.” This year’s event, presented by PeoplesBank, runs from 1:305 p.m. and features samples from more than 20 breweries, live music by Stillwater Band, three food trucks, two dessert vendors, a raffle and the chance to explore the
zoo after hours. While many fundraising events remain largely unchanged from year to year, Tyson said Brew at The Zoo has evolved steadily by listening to both guests and participating vendors. “Brew at The Zoo has definitely evolved over the past eight years, and much of that growth has been driven by guest and vendor feedback, she said. “We’ve worked to enhance the experience while keeping the event true to what it is.” Among the changes are an extended VIP hour, the addition of a VIP non-drinking ticket option and relocating the popular homebrew competition to a larger space that encourages more interaction among brewers and attendees. Returning guests, Tyson said,
can expect “all of their favorite elements like great local breweries, live music, animal encounters and a fun afternoon supporting a great cause, along with the welcoming community atmosphere that has made Brew at The Zoo one of our signature events.” A highlight of the event remains the VIP experience, which offers early admission, keeper talks and up-close encounters with ambassador animals, including birds, reptiles and small mammals. But Tyson emphasized those memorable moments never come at the expense of the animals’ well-being. “The well-being of our animals will always be our highest priority,” she said. “While we love creating memorable experiences for our guests, every animal’s participation is completely voluntary.” Before each encounter, animal care staff evaluate whether an ambassador animal is interested in participating. “If an animal shows us through their behavior or body language that they aren’t interested in participating that day, we don’t force them,” Tyson said. To reduce stress, the VIP experience is limited in length, and the animals are handled by the keepers and educators who know them best. Tyson said the zoo also intentionally keeps participating species a surprise until the day of the event. “This is also why we never announce in advance which animals will be participating in events or programs,” she said. “It allows our team to make decisions based solely on each animal’s behavior and well-being that day.” Although Brew at The Zoo is centered on craft beer, Tyson hopes visitors leave with something far more lasting than mem-
ories of a favorite brew. “We hope first-time guests leave with a new appreciation for both our animals and our mission,” she said. “Many people think of the zoo as a place primarily for children, but Brew at The Zoo gives adults an excuse to return to The Zoo either for the first time or for the first time in a long time.” She added that the zoo hopes visitors rediscover their curiosity about the natural world. “While they’re here, we hope they’re reminded that you’re never too old to learn something new. If guests leave feeling more connected to nature and inspired to become advocates for wildlife in their own backyard, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.” The event also features the return of its popular Homebrew Competition, where guests vote for their favorite amateur brew. Among the returning participants are Nick and Maddy Bednaz, owners of StrongHaus Brewing, who have competed for more than five years. “Brew at The Zoo is one of our favorite beer events,” the couple said in a statement. “The atmosphere is always fun and supportive; from sharing brewing tips with fellow homebrewers to getting feedback and chatting with the attendees.” Tyson offered one final reminder for prospective attendees. “Brew at The Zoo is strictly a 21 and up event,” she said. “It’s the perfect reason to hire a babysitter and come explore nature, with a drink in your hand, of course.” Brew at The Zoo will be held Saturday, Aug. 1. Advance tickets are required, and guests must present a valid photo ID for admission.
SO THAT REMINDS ME — On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” Staff Writer Trent Levakis joined hosts Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre to talk about Easthampton’s override vote and subsequent recount. To listen to the episode, head to thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform. Reminder Publishing photo by Dennis Hackett
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Council approves federal immigration officials resolution By Tina Lesniak
cia Jadczak spoke of her mother being an immigrant and how brown people are treated in this country, noting that this “impacts our neighbors,” and that is why she supports the resolution. Councilor James “JP” Kwiecenski noted that they “have an obligation” to show their support for the resolution and for the people affected and that he looks “forward to when we don’t need to do this.” Councilor Nathan Markee spoke of the need to hold agents accountable for criminal violations and called ICE “a rogue federal agency,” while
Correspondent
EASTHAMPTON — At its July 15 meeting, the Easthampton City Council unanimously voted to support a resolution “holding federal immigration agents accountable for violations of criminal law.” Council members who spoke in support of the resolution noted that although it has no legal implications, it is important to voice support for the people who are being harmed by ICE agents. Council Vice President Feli-
President Koni Denham noted the need to support the resolution for the “people who have been silenced.” Of the dozen community members who spoke about the resolution at the meeting, 10 spoke out in support, discussing the kidnapping and disappearance of people into ICE custody, the people who have been killed by ICE agents and how future generations will view current societies that let this happen. Two people spoke against the resolution, saying that ICE agents are doing their job and expressing concern about illegal
immigrants who have harmed or killed citizens. The council also heard from Stephen Desaulniers, chair of the Licensing Board, about the resignation of the clerk after the council recently denied a $1,500 stipend for his work. Desaulniers explained that the clerk does most of the work of the board and processes a heavy paperwork load, calling the amount that the mayor requested for the position “ridiculously small.” He asked the council to reconsider the request. He also asked the council for a formal apology for the way
that it openly discussed the job performance of the clerk at that meeting. Desaulniers said that members of the council had questioned his character and said that there were complaints filed against the clerk, but Desaulniers said none had been filed that he knew of. Some council members responded that there may have been some confusion surrounding the stipend and seemed open to reconsidering a new request from the mayor. Kwiecenski said he would like to rewatch the meeting to see exactly what happened.
CitySpace announces latest Pay It Forward Program cohort By Trent Levakis
(Greenfield) • The Maison of Saint Mort, dance, fashion and performance (Springfield) • Devi Badea, theater (Chicopee) • Leo Harrison, music (Easthampton) • Scott Hsu, music (Amherst) • Kate Ciolkowski-Winters, theater (Northampton) • Ken Harris, theater (Springfield) • Bella Levavi and Ang Buxton, theater (Greenfield/Springfield) Performances will take place inside the Blue Room at Old Town Hall from August 2026 through February 2027, and many of the works will be presented as part of an ongoing creative process developed during each artist’s residency. The program was founded five years ago by CitySpace Board President Burns Maxey, along with other board members, in response to the question of how
tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — Now in its fifth year of expanding opportunities for local artists and performers, CitySpace’s Pay It Forward Program has announced its latest cohort for 2026. The program is a residency and performance initiative supporting creative performers across Western Mass. with rehearsal space and performance space inside CitySpace’s Blue Room, stipends, professional development, and opportunities through peer learning, mentorship and coaching. Artists from Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties are supported as they develop new work and share it with audiences in an accessible, community-centered performance space. The 2026 awardees include: • Sable Island Pony, music, , OCAL BUY L FRESH! BUY
to utilize the Blue Room to its full potential while giving artists from the region access to the performance space for free. The program was soon born as a way to share the city’s resources inside Old Town Hall and connect with performers in the community seeking a platform for their work. “This is my third season now running the Pay It Forward program as the venue and program manager, and it has been so special to see where our cohorts go next,” said Venue and Program Manager Zoe Fieldman. “As part of the Pay It Forward program, we aim to create long-lasting connections with cohort members and the CitySpace community.” Fieldman said that multiple past program members have gone on to work on CitySpace’s Artist Advisory Committee and its Review Committee. They have also worked with past cohort members
CitySpace’s 2026 Pay It Forward program cohort. Photo credit: Darian Gonzalez
after the completion of their projects to co-produce other shows at CitySpace through its Partners in Performance series, and many artists have gone on to join similar programs like the Community Foundation of Western Mass. ValleyCreates cohort.
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“We have really seen that this program acts as a launchpad for artists to take their work to the next level,” Fieldman said, adding that it’s been impressive to see the diversity and uniqueness
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126 King St. tenants, union call for negotiations By Trent Levakis
tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — After experiencing rent increases and maintenance concerns, tenants at 126 King St. stood outside the Hampshire Property Management building to demand that their landlord and property managers negotiate in good faith. The gathering was part of a press conference with the Northampton Tenants Union during a scorching hot day on July 10. Tenants at the property claimed that the rent increases they experienced this year are unfair and will push many of them out of the city. In June, tenants demand that their landlord, Michelle Sun, negotiate with them in an effort to roll back rent increases, set a reasonable schedule for when future increases might come, and establish inspection and maintenance standards for the air conditioning systems. Hampshire Property Management Group declined to comment to Reminder Publishing about the claims made by tenants at the press conference, and Sun could not be reached for comment. Tenants claim that Sun has skirted tenant law, entered apartments without warning and avoided negotiations regarding the increases. “I’m here today because stable, functional affordable housing is a right, and because landlords will almost never respect that right unless they are made to do so,” said Colin Weinstein, a member of the Northampton Tenants Union. “King Street tenants knew that to afford to live in the town where they work and not get hit with unexpected rent increases, they were going to have to negotiate with their landlord … That is all we are here today to ask: that Michelle Sun sit down and negotiate with the people that pay her thousands of
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among the cohorts accepted. “No one year looks the same, and each show is a standout experience. This year, I am excited to be welcoming so many musicians to the Blue Room, including our first show of the season on Aug. 22 featuring Sable Island Pony — who plays haunted, lo-fi folk and indie music,” Fieldman said. “In addition to concerts, audiences can expect puppets, theatre, drag and so much more. We also really have a spectrum of one-person shows to larger devised works.”
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dollars a month.” Tenants said that after previously being ignored by Sun, Hampshire Property Management finally agreed to a meeting on July 2. When meeting time came, however, Sun did not physically show up, and she instead had another employee put her on speakerphone during the meeting. According to tenants, after only a few minutes, Sun Hong hung up while a tenant was speaking. Specifically, many tenants have been faced with a 6-9% increase to their rents. Tenants also noted that a vacant 2-bedroom unit that was posted for $1,600 in 2025 has now been posted for $2,250, which tenants say is another example of the unfair hikes to rent pricing they’ve been presented with. Tenant Milla Wenick shared claims during the press conference that Sun had at one point entered into their apartment to inspect the property without any notice and walked into Wenick’s bedroom while they were sleeping in their boxers. “At the time, I didn’t want to be labeled the troublesome tenant for complaining, so I moved on,” Wenick said. “When our tenants association formed several months later, organizing with my neighbors taught me that this incident felt violating because it is a violation of my rights to privacy and security in my own home.” Wenick’s roommate, Maia Penuel, shared the same claim and said that tenants of 126 King St. want Sun to sit down with them to negotiate new lease terms instead of leaving them in the dark. “All of our proposed lease terms, including predictable rent increase schedules, clear communication about repairs, yearly HVAC inspection, come directly from real issues that we have been affected by. We’ve repeatedly asked her to work with us, and we have told her that we are
open to good-faith compromises on our ask. Yet after trying again and again, I still have only seen her face that time when she barged into our bedroom,” said Penuel. “We’re not just negotiating for ourselves, but so that future neighbors and tenants of our building can have more housing security as well.” Tenants also made claims that a property manager has entered multiple units to perform unannounced, non-urgent fire alarm testing, which set off alarms throughout the building. They also said that the property manager used their key to unlock tenants’ homes when they did not immediately answer the door. Tenants said they are demanding recognition of their rights to reasonable notice and privacy in their own homes. One tenant named Elsa read a statement on behalf of her neighbor, Silas, who could not attend. In the statement, Silas reiterated the call for both Sun and Hampshire Property Management Group to come to the negotiating table and to stop avoiding these
concerns from tenants. “Today, we’re here to ask for a simple thing. The ability to talk to our landlord face to face and negotiate a fair lease and fair rents,” the statement read. “When I received a $150, or 9% rent increase earlier this year, I did not even know the name of the person who was asking me to pay so much more of my grad student income in rent. Instead, our landlord pays Hampshire Property Management Group to act as a middleman so she doesn’t have to face the people she’s pushing into housing precarity.” Despite the repeated requests for a bargaining meeting, tenants said Sun and Hampshire Property Management have refused to negotiate collectively with tenants in good faith. Tenants also said that the property manager denied having the authority to negotiate and emphatically refused to set up a meeting with Sun. In another recent meeting on
Musician Sable Island Pony will take the stage for the first performance in this year’s Pay It Forward series. “Pay It Forward comes at exactly the right time for me,” she said. “As I prepare to release my first single and work toward my first album, this opportunity feels like a meaningful vote of confidence in the work. I’m especially excited to collaborate with other artists to transform the room into an immersive space where the songs, paintings, stories and community that have grown together over the years can all exist side by side.” The performance series will once again feature the “Pay It
Forward Punch Card” to encourage audience members to come to as many of the performances as they can to cultivate more of a series feeling to the cohort’s shows. This initiative will offer audience members the option to buy a punch card up front for four or eight shows that they can bring as their ticket to any of the performances. For more information about the Pay It Forward program, this year’s cohort and performance schedule, visit cityspaceeasthampton.org/pif. “This program is one of my favorite parts of my job. By working one-on-one with the performers who have been offered access
and resources, we can focus on the artistry in a way that is so rare in this field. Removing the barriers of cost and access allows talented and deserving artists to realize their dreams, and that alone inspires me every day,” said Fieldman. “It is such a gift for us at CitySpace to partner with such dedicated and talented artists from across the region. I am especially grateful to all the Pay It Forward artists who have trusted us to help present their work and to bring their communities to CitySpace. And we wouldn’t be able to offer this program without our program sponsors’ support and the audiences who keep the program’s name alive.”
BLINDS • SHADES • DRAPES • SHUTTERS • HOME AUTOMATION
Northampton Tenants Union members and tenants of 126 King St. gathered on July 10 to demand that their landlords negotiate in good faith following recent rent increases. Reminder Publishing photo by Trent Levakis
See TENANTS on page 8
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Annual Mt. Carmel Society Italian Festa returns July 31 By Dennis Hackett
dhackett@thereminder.com
ENFIELD — Enfield’s Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society is pulling out all the stops for its 100th annual Italian Festa, which takes place July 31 to Aug. 2. This year’s three-day event includes homemade Italian food, a carnival, performances from local musicians, religious observations and special guest appearances from Deana Martin and Tony Orlando. The Mt. Carmel Society was founded in 1926 by Italian immigrants that came to the Thompsonville section of Enfield. “They came here, they were willing to work hard, they brought their culture, their faith in God and they wanted to be good Americans and their kids to be Americans, so they’d have opportunity,” Mt. Carmel Society President Carl Sferrazza said. “And they brought most of all, their faith in God, in this case the Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.” Sferrazza added that there is a connection between current and former members because they were their parents, aunts and uncles. “We carry forth their memory and the values that they brought to America 100 years, which is our faith in God, our love of the United States, a love of family and friends, our food and our music,” he said. “And those values were what they built their life upon, the foundation 100 years ago, and I’d like to think that
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condition called intestinal pseudo-obstruction. The heart and digestive issues develop at the same time, usually by age 20. Eventually, the illness spread to impact Brad’s lungs before his passing. “His stomach and intestine basically started to stiffen and stopped processing food and stopped working. So, he lost a lot of weight, ended up with constant chronic pain,” explained Gary. The illness meant Brad needed to use Parenteral Nutrition, a medical treatment that delivers liquid nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream through an IV. While he could technically still eat on occasion, the use of PN became the main source of daily nutrition for Brad. “Even though Brad had this
today they’re not antiquated ideals, that we still continue today to honor them by living our life that way and I know they’d be proud of us.” Sferrazza said people can look forward to homemade Italian food throughout the festival. “All the food that we serve here, there are no food trucks, we won’t allow it. We want to control the quality of the food as well as the price,” he said. “We know that we are catering to our family and friends and residents, so all the food here is prepared in our kitchens upstairs by the members of Mt. Carmel, so it’s not a food truck thing like the Big E. If I can brag a little bit, we are known for the quality of our Italian food.” Sferrazza added that while attendees can expect traditional Italian food like spaghetti and meatballs, the society’s fried dough is “legendary.” For desserts, Sferrazza said people will be able to try food from “Cake Boss,” as the festival is partnering with Maurizio Belgiovine, the director of operations at Carlo’s Bakery. The festival kicks off on Thursday, July 30, with a religious candlelight procession followed by free coffee, soda and Italian pastries. On Friday, July 31, Johnny Six Guns will perform, Brat Pack will perform on July 2. Sferrazza said Saturday’s performance is the “pinnacle” with Martin’s appearance. “Deana Martin, the daughter of Dean Martin, who performed here 2006 until 2016, every year,
will be returning to perform that night. Those years that she was here, as a gesture of goodwill to Mt. Carmel, she always called on one of her celebrity friends,” he said. Some of those celebrity friends include Mary Wilson, Bobby Rydell and Joe Piscopo. This year, Sferrazza said the celebrity friend is Tony Orlando, who is coming out of retirement for the festival. Sferrazza said his wife suggested getting Martin to perform for the first time in 2006 after seeing she was going to perform at Foxwoods. He then picked up her book “Through my Father’s Eyes,” and found out that his favorite food was pasta fazool. His wife then made pasta fazool to bring to a meet and greet following her Foxwoods performance. “I asked her if she’d come here and I explained that our resources are limited and her husband John stepped in and said it’s not always about the money, it’s about relationships. As I was leaving, John says, ‘you know maybe some time we can come,’ and Deana said, ‘nope, we’re going this year,’” he said. On Sunday morning, there will be an outdoor mass at 9 a.m. “This particular mass, because it’s 100 years, will be celebrated by the archbishop of Hartford. The mass is a combination of a traditional mass, but some of the readings are in Italian and it’s just a great opportunity for people to come and see,” he said. Following the mass, the society will take the statue of the
Blessed Mother and put it on a float and process with the float through the streets of Thompsonville. Alongside the procession, a Boston-based Italian marching band will perform. While Sferrazza said Thompsonville initially was the Italian section of Enfield, he said the society continues the tradition in honor of the society’s founders and religious beliefs. He added that preparations for the festival are done entirely by the members of the society. “What you’ll see is, usually starting right after the Fourth of July, our members will get out of work, change into their clothes and come and we work together to make this happen,” he said. Reflecting on the 100th anniversary, Sferrazza said he wanted to honor the society’s founders with the festival. “It’s a celebration — not just of the current members — but we really want to pay homage and respect to our founders, pretty heroic people. Uneducated, but hard-working, brick layers, stone masons, carpenters, they left their country, they left their family behind to come to America, so their children could be Americans and have a better way of life,” he said. “I think they’d be pretty proud that 100 years have gone by and the seeds that they planted back in 1926 continue today.” Sferrazza said the society is a 501c3 nonprofit and they give back to the community by allowing people to use its field as a town park, offering its hall for the town to use for ceremonies and
events, hosting a dinner fundraiser for Wreaths Across America in Enfield and much more. The society also hosts a “Mt. Carmel style” pasta supper once a month. “We’re very community oriented and that’s what we want to do is we want to be good neighbors and help all those different charities,” he said. Everything the society does is catered to families. “Coming into Mt. Carmel, I feel that time stands still, it still feels like may the 1950s, 1960s, by design,” he said. “We all know the reality of our world today, but it’s a reprieve from what’s going on outside, and you come here and you see your neighbors or people you went to high school with, you get a folding chair, you sit in front of the band stand, you eat some great food, it’s local, it’s safe, everything we do here is catered for families.” Sferrazza said the festival is an opportunity for the public and members of the society to celebrate the society’s values. “It’s a very special place, certainly for me and for a lot of people that grew up in town. For the people that didn’t grow up in town, it’s a great opportunity to come and try something here that’s a little different,” he said. Tickets for the festival are $5, and children under 12 get in for free. The festival runs from 5-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 5-10 p.m. on Sunday. Enfield’s Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Society is located at 93 Park Ave.
situation where he’s told, ‘hey, you can’t eat for the rest of your life,’ he was still the type of person, if he came into a room with a group of people, you’d want to meet him because his personality was just so very strong, positive, upbeat,” said Gary. “He was a caring person. He wanted to help people. He wanted to care for people, and he just exuded that. People just got to know him. He was just a really charismatic young man, and even though he suffered more in his short life than most people I’ve ever known, he was still the happiest, most positive, upbeat guy you could ever meet.” That sentiment on Brad’s life and experience is what eventually inspired Gary to write a book about his and his son’s experience living with the illness. After Gary shared stories with family, friends and community members in passing, many came to the same conclusion: he needed
to share this story of resilience with the world. Gary said he was amazed at his son’s resilience and ability to stay positive through episodes. After one episode mentioned in the book, Brad told his father how he was able to stay grounded through it all and still have a positive outlook on life. “He said, ‘Actually, you taught me that dad. One of those times we were talking about stuff and you talked to me about learning about impermanence and what it’s about, and that one of the reasons that people suffer is because we don’t realize things are impermanent and we hang on to things that we want to keep which keeps us tight and we’re greedy we want to hold onto these things, so if we lose them then we suffer,’” Gary said. Gary said Brad’s maturity and mindfulness throughout his struggles were always inspiring.
Through philosophical discussions with his son, Gary began learning more about himself as a father, an experience the book also addresses. “I was still doing what I needed to do, but internally burying the anger that I had over the hand that life dealt my family, and in the second half of the book, I talk about how I developed a mindfulness practice and how that mindfulness practice helped me to deal with things better, the discussions that I would have with Bradley,” said Nadeau. “I’m still to this day trying to work that mindset into my life to be able to use it on a regular basis. Because we talked about this stuff and he actually modeled it and showed it right in front of me, he kept it present for me. He made it easier for me to stay present and be more mindful.” As of press time, the book has over 50 five-star reviews on
Amazon since it was published in April, indicating to Gary that people are resonating with the memoir. Gary said that the positive response confirms that writing this book was a worthwhile endeavor. “My son, in the last few years of his life, all he ever wanted to do [was] help people. He went to Framingham State University because he wanted to become a dietitian, and his goal was to work at Boston Children’s Hospital to help individuals that were on PN [parental nutrition] like him, and because he understood that experience and thought he’d be a great asset to that kind of thing,” said Gary. “His story and the life that he lived was just monumental. It’s so special that people need to know about it because it will help them deal with a variety of things.” “I Love You Mostests” by Gary Nadeau is available on Amazon.
SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THIS EDITION. ALL PUZZLES & SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.THEREMINDER.COM/PUZZLE-CORNER/
JULY 23-29, 2026 | HAMPSHIRE
Wesley Adamski fouls the ball back to the backstop.
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Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour celebrates 20th year with eight studios By Trent Levakis
tlevakis@thereminder.com
Eight nationally recognized potters will open their studios in the Hilltowns of Western Mass. to guest artists and visitors on the last weekend of July for the Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour, which returns to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The tour, which began in 2005 highlighting six local potters in several studios, has grown into a beloved and unique art experience that offers visitors a rare chance to step inside the creative spaces where functional and sculptural pottery is made. Visitors will witness firsthand live pottery demonstrations courtesy of the host potters and the guest artists featured during this event. The weekend tour, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Saturday, July 25, and Sunday July, 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eight local pottery studios will participate within a 20-to-45-minute radius of Northampton, drawing ceramics enthusiasts, pottery collectors and curious first timers from across New England. The tour includes stops in Ashfield, Cummington, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington and Windsor, where potters have worked for decades. Each potter will bring a distinct voice and approach to their work — from functional tableware to sculptural art — making the tour as much a journey through different artistic visions as it is a tour of the Hilltown landscape, according to organizers. Maps, pottery bios, demonstration schedules and directions are available at hilltown6.com. “Potters tend to be tucked away in these little quiet hidden places, by in large working on their own. So, you would never even know we were here, but we tend to like beautiful places,” featured potter Christy Knox told Reminder Publishing. “At the beginning, it was little and like starting any kind of event or business or whatever, you start out with nothing,
Christy Knox works around her studio and showcases how she incorporates plants and flowers from her garden into her work. Her studio in Cummington is one of the eight locations attendees can visit in this year’s Hilltown 6 Pottery Tour. Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
and you build from there. We are really fortunate though. I can’t believe it’s been 20 years.” Knox is one of the hosting potters involved in the event and has been actively involved in it since its origins. Fellow host potters will include Robbie Heidinger, Maya Machin, Michael McCarthy, Hiroshi Nakayama, Mark Shapiro, Constance Talbot and Sam Taylor. Across the different host studios, 20 guest artists from around New England and as far away as Georgia will be present, leading demonstrations and sharing their own personal work. The tour was born two decades ago after Shapiro and other potters came together to brainstorm how they could recreate a local version of a popular pottery tour they learned of and visited in Minnesota. Knox quickly joined in on the effort and as a frequent seller at craft fairs, was looking for an opportunity to essentially cut out the middleman and bring people in direct contact with potters and their work. Knox explained that when people purchase an item from a gallery, they only know so much about the piece and its creator. When people buy from an artist at a craft fair like the Hilltown tour, there’s more of an intimacy to that experience. “If you come to an artist’s studio and buy a piece of pottery, you now have the opportunity to have the full story of what went
into that pot,” said Knox. “You can have a friend that you always meet somewhere else, but when you go to their house, you know so much more about who they are and how they live and what they want around them. And it’s like that in an artist’s studio. You can see where the work was made, how it was made, the kilns that were used. The environment in which that artists lives and thinks and creates.” She added, “It’s just the best opportunity because I do think with handmade pots, an artist lives inside of this. When you go home then and use that pot, every time you pick it up — I can’t tell you how many people tell me, ‘Christy, I live with you every day. Your mug is my favorite mug, and you greet me in the morning every day.’ I live in these pots.” Knox added that potters will showcase various techniques and materials to attendees during the scheduled demonstrations and participatory events throughout both days. One of the unique features of Knox’s work is how she utilizes her home garden in Cummington by incorporating different plants. She said she’ll take different plants and mold the different textures and patterns into her clay and onto her work. “My work is hand built as opposed to being thrown on the potter’s wheel. The surface decoration that I use incorporates
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Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly. EASTHAMPTON David Brakey
GOSHEN Robert A. “Butch” Bushee
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similar sentiments, adding that without protections, tenants are left vulnerable to predatory rent increases. “Michele Sun is one person who is in charge of so many people’s lives. She determines whether we get to live here and work here. She can’t even be bothered to meet with us. Apparently, we don’t get that right,” said Emily, another tenant of 126 King St. “She and Hampshire Property Management Group have dodged us, ghosted us, ignored us, and lawyered up instead of negotiating with us for incredibly reasonable asks. We are here to put public pressure on Michele. Apparently, us asking nicely for our landlord to negotiate with us is not enough.”
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Zoom, tenants say that Sun’s lawyer declined to negotiate lease terms while Sun herself watched with her microphone and camera off. Also in attendance and speaking at the press conference were members of Springfield No One Leaves and the Easthampton Tenants Union, who were in support of the King Street tenants. At the conference, they called for continued efforts in bringing rent control to the state following the state’s Supreme Judicial Court’s decision to block a rent control ballot measure. Northampton tenants shared
potters are constantly growing and developing our work. If you came to my studio five years ago, you’re going to see more developed work now. But with our guest potters that are always changing, you get to see new potters every year.” Keeping in that tradition, potters and other artists will donate a portion of their proceeds to local food pantries. “Giving back to the community just seems like a great opportunity when we do an event like this. We’ve supported local arts programs in schools for a long time, but the last few years it seemed like the place that is most in need is the food bank, more so than ever before. Through the pandemic and now through government cuts in funding, if you ask any food bank, their need just continues to skyrocket,” Knox said. Knox said the opportunity for attendees to purchase work on site is a great economic driver because the money stays within the communities these potters call home. She added that she is very thankful to have been involved in the pottery tours since its beginnings and is excited to celebrate 20 years of the event. “I most appreciate the beautiful community of pottery collectors who come through these doors that are in many cases old friends, some new friends, but all lovers of pottery. We all share this passion in one way or another, and you can feel it. It’s palpable in this room during that weekend. Everyone is so thrilled,” Knox said.
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plants and flowers from my garden,” explained Knox. “I’ve been following that line of thinking all of these years, just drilling down into the idea, developing different forms along the way and developing my embossing technique.” She credited one of the event’s co-founders, Mark Shapiro, for creating an emphasis on education around pottery, and she added that the event has grown over the last two decades. “I think one of the things that really differentiates us is that Mark really pushed to have an educational component in the tour, which is brilliant. So, we have free demonstrations that are scheduled on the website throughout the weekend in all the studios,” Knox added. “It’s endless. You could study ceramics full-time your entire life and at the end, you would only know the pie shape of what you were able to study. You would never know everything about ceramics. It’s what keeps me constantly fascinated.” During the tour, visitors will witness clay artists crafting teapots, vases, pitchers and more from start to finish. They will also see artists throw pots on a foot-powered treadle wheel, walk inside a giant wood-burning kiln and taste fresh bread baked in a ceramic flame-proof cloche. “It’s self-guided so you can see what there is this year. You can decide where you want to go and whether you want to go to four studios in one day or go to all of them and spend the whole weekend doing it. It’s up to each person,” Knox said. “The host
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CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON. LEGAL NOTICES INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HS26P0453EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampshire Division Estate of: Marc W. Abel Also Known As: Marc Abel, Marc William Abel Date of Death: May 04, 2026 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Donald W. Abel, Jr. of Easthampton, MA Donald W. Abel, Jr. of Easthampton, MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (July 23) INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HS26P0440EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampshire Division Estate of: Francis Charles McClellan Also Known As: Francis C. McClellan Date of Death: March 01, 2026 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Steven F. McClellan of Westerly, RI A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Steven F. McClellan of Westerly, RI has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (July 23)
LETTERS OF AUTHORITY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Docket No. HS26P0364 Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampshire Probate and Family Court 15 Atwood Drive Northampton, MA 01060 (413)586-8500 Estate of: William Parrish Noel Also known as: Bill Noel Date of Death: 12/31/2025 To: Margaret L. Lucey 777 Bridge Rd. Northampton, MA 01060 You have been appointed and qualified as Personal Representative in Unsupervised administration of this estate on July 03, 2026. These letters are proof of your authority to act pursuant to G.L. c. 190B, except for the following restrictions if any: I certify that it appears by the records of this Court that said appointment remains in full force and effect. IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said Court. Date: July 3, 2026 Mark S. Ames, Register of Probate (July 23)
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AMHERST
Catherine A. Olds to Lijun Kuang, 26 Greenleaves Drive Gertrude G. Swain to Catherine A. Olds, 26 Greenleaves Drive
BELCHERTOWN
Joanne M. Borkowski and James V. Borkowski to Colt D. Foster, 60 Bay Road
TAG SALE AD
Special
PLACE YOUR TAG SALE AD IN THE REMINDER AND GET 3 TAG SALE LAWN SIGNS! Can be picked up at our East Longmeadow or Westfield offices.
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Cole T. Boisvert to John T. Boisvert Jr., and Bridget R. Boisvert, River Drive Off $220,000 John T. Boisvert Jr., and Bridget R. Boisvert to Cole T. Boisvert, 224 River Drive $350,000 Hadley Center Rentals LLC, to Mt. Warner LLC, 130 West St.
$100 $100 $599,900
$350,000 Amy E. Fleig to Old Mill Enterprises LLC, 83 School St.
$460,000
HATFIELD
HUNTINGTON
CHESTERFIELD
$100 Benjamin Vega to Jose Ramirez, 18 Blandford Hill Road Nadine S. Mathews and Nadine S. Sterste to Rene St. Amand, 6 County Road CUMMINGTON Nichole E. Santiago and Destiny Santiago to Veteran Stan LLC, 7 Stanton Ave. Ronald E. Wolf and John P. O’Leary to Deborah Waldinger and James Timothy Thompson, 609 Berkshire Trail $350,000
$289,900 $255,000 $162,500
EASTHAMPTON
$437,000 $313,000 $1,225,000 $630,000 $535,000
Marilyn P. Davidson and Lynn D. Martus, attorney-in-fact, to Lynn D. Martus, 211 Sugar Hill Road
NORTHAMPTON
Cap 1 Sweat LLC to Aslk Real Estate LLC, 97 Union St. $1,865,000 David Arbeitman and Rachael Naismith to Ethan Pope and Estelle Pope, 6 Prospect St. $485,000 Sovereign Builders Inc., to Sycamore Lane at Whispering Pines LLC, Loudville Road and Torrey Street $250,000 Steven E. Ansanitis and Louise K. Ansanitis to Sycamore Lane at Whispering Pines LLC, 279R Loudville Road $75,000 Dara Forleo and Curtis Lee Simpson to Sycamore Lane at Whispering Pines LLC, 283 Loudville Road $450,000
GOSHEN
Virginia M. Danforth and Daryl R. Danforth, attorney-in-fact, to Fort River Real Estate LLC, 35 Pine Road
GRANBY
James Niedbala and Sharon Niedbala to James Niedbala, 134 Cold Hill Road
HADLEY
Geraldine T. Clark to John T. Boisvert Jr., Bridget R. Boisvert and Cole T. Boisvert, 224 River Drive
Liya M. Akoury and Nader S. Akoury to Nathaniel P. Hanson and Bridget Hanson, 231 Main St. Helen J. Dufresne and Walter D. Dufresne to Melanie Pepper and Maya Joshua, 7 Pine Valley Road Ext. Robert Martin and Gretchen Herringer to Nancy Thomas and Christopher McLean, 66 Maynard Road Kate H. Miller and Adam C. Miller to Molly Hickok, 51 Phillips Place John C. Owens and Jaime L. Kubik to Jeffrey Browning, 492 Elm St.
SOUTH HADLEY
Kristin M. Phelan and Danica M. Belber to Tova Mustacich and Peter Mustacich, 40 Pittroff Ave. $62,500 Cynthia A. Parentela and David R. Laramee to Michael McKenna, 14 Hillside Ave. Wendy Mailhott and Steven Mailhott to Ryan Knoechelman and Haley Dusseault, 1 Dover Road David A. Macko and Susan A. Macko to Kevin Spiteri and Laurel Carpenter, 119 Brockway Lane $100 Joshua M. Bauer and Sheryl Bauer to Devin D. Egan and Hannah Pancione, 23 Kimberly Drive
SOUTHAMPTON
$380,000 Gil Farm Road Estates Inc., to Giberson Construction Inc., Gil Farm Road
$605,000 $290,000 $284,000 $575,000 $425,000 $240,000
JULY 23-29, 2026 | HAMPSHIRE
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