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Boar’s Head Festival returns to Trinity Church Jan. 9-11 From Jan. 9-11, the Boar’s Head Festival will take place at Trinity United Church in Springfield. The festival is based on a medieval festival in England celebrating the Epiphany — the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
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DINING & ENTERTAIN MENT
Heartbeat Theater aims to bring more intimate theater to valley A new theater company established by a group of passionate area stage actors and crew is debuting its inaugural production, “Proof,” to kick off the new year .
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Pastor pens book on humility and happiness By Mike Lydick Correspondent
AGAWAM — Daniel Cohen is not your typical pastor. Cohen was born into a Jewish family and was raised in Harlem as a toddler. He also has been a practicing psychotherapist for nearly 10 years. Cohen, the newest pastor at the Agawam Congregational Church, is the author of a recently published book on humility, “It’s Not All About You! The Secret Joy of Practical Humility.” It took him more than a decade to write the book. Cohen, who had a brief stint as a journalist, started writing it about 15 years ago when the pastor at the church he attended suggested he write a book. Cohen said that suggestion was the nudge that spurred him to thinking about writing a book on humility — a subject he approaches as a psychotherapist and a church minister. He said one of the challenges he faced was that he had to start from scratch since he was unaware of a book on humility like what he planned to write. Cohen drew inspiration from the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous’ “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,” The Dalai Lama’s “Essential Teachings” and Michael Singer’s “The Untethered Soul.” Cohen, 63, said his book, which features an essay on consumerism as well as 70 humility paths, is unique and is the culmination of much thinking, researching, organizing, writing and rewriting. “It took 10 years
to write, in part, because there’s nothing like it out there. I spent a lot of time researching and there were times I didn’t write for nine months — I had to wait for the right energy,” he said. According to Cohen, humility is the key to downsizing our fragile egos in a narcissistic age. He adds that countless people have told him how their lives have been transformed by his book. “I’ve had so many compliments and the book has helped both me (I read it regularly) and my psychotherapy clients who I share it with, as well as many others who have bought the book from me,” he said. “It’s a real blessing to make a difference in someone’s life without having to spend a lot of man hours doing so.” Cohen begins the book with an introduction that explains why humility is so essential to our happiness. Following the introduction are four main sections. The first section is an essay describing why — as a global society — we are further from humility than ever before. He also includes a discussion of two questions about why society has been by trying to get us to buy more stuff to make us happy. The next three sections which are the heart of the book. That’s where Cohen lays out the various humility paths — or “mental happiness tools” — that will help readers put themselves in perspective. See PASTOR on page 2
Daniel Cohen, pastor at the Agawam Congregational Church, holds his recently published book on humility, “It’s Not All About You! The Secret Joy of Practical Humility.” Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
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SPRINGFIELD — From Jan. 9-11, the Boar’s Head Festival will take place at Trinity United Church in Springfield. The festival is based on a medieval festival in England celebrating the Epiphany — the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” host Chris Maza sat down with Boar’s Head Festival Artistic Director Steve Hays to discuss the event. Hays said their version of the festival came into fruition in 1984 after one of the initial organizers had been to another festival and realized Trinity United Church would be the perfect place for it. “The architecture, which is kind of medieval, renaissance in flavor, we had a big music program, and we thought it could be a viable program,” he said. “We opened in 1984 with a pretty complete visualization of what it is today. It was quite a crazy time with making hundreds of costumes, organizing the fundraising, but it has paid off.” Hays also explained what attendees can expect from its two-part program and said that the performance is set in 1526 in England in the Cheshire area. “The first, which we call the festival preparation, is the assemblage of a community that is going to put on the presentation. The festival preparation is about how they work together to pull this off,” he said. “Then there is the festival … and it involves a lot of wonderful music, dance, animals, we have three camels coming down the aisle for the arrival of the kings, a horse, sheep goats, chickens, geese.” As the director, Hays discussed one of the challenges of the festival performance. “As director, I’m trying to make it a blend of highly religious observation, but also earthiness. These are very earth-bound people, they are doing their best to make this festival work,” he said. Hays also spoke highly of the architecture in making the festival a “special event.” “We have wonderful stained glass and at the end of the festival when The Wise Men are there at the alter and everybody
Pastor
Continued from page 1
Cohen also proposes a threefold definition of humility: • Humility is not thinking too highly of ourselves, too low of ourselves, or thinking about ourselves too often. • Humility is accepting every-
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A photo from a previous Boar’s Head Festival. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
is presenting their attention to the Christ child, above the altar comes a stained-glass window of Christ and it’s lit from outside in the backyard and it’s a lovely moment,” he said. “It’s a wonderful area to present this kind of a festival.” Each year a committee of eight to 10 people does all of the planning for the festival each year, which can include an average of 200-plus people involved in the performances each day, according to Hays. Hays said that directing the festival is “like directing a circus.” “So much goes on throughout the building, it’s not focused on one particular area, it might be focused on about five or six. And that’s part of the fun of this, is that people who come see something going
on all around and they enjoy it,” he said. The festival also includes a Madame Elixir with potions for attendees to “increase their life and enjoyment,” mind readers, a falconer and free cookies baked by the committee. “We have a lot of ways to interact with the audience and make them feel that they are part of this community that has put on this festival,” he said. Hays said one of the most important parts of the festival is the interaction between the cast and the audience. “My job is to keep that interaction within restraints. I want it to be true to the era, to the purpose of this and remind us all that our job is to create an Epiphany celebration, and I that I think is what ultimately motivates our cast to make it a
religious experience,” he said. One thing that Hays called “sobering” is how long people have been participating in the event for the course of over four decades. “It’s a little sobering — this is the 42nd year I’ve done this — to see people now in their 40s who weren’t born when we started this. Some of them started with children’s roles, teen roles, adult roles and now they’re moving even beyond that,” he said. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online at eventbrite. com/e/boars-head-festival-tickets-1219649948829?aff=oddtdtcreator To listen to the full conversation, head to thereminder.com/ our-podcast or go to your favorite podcasting platform and search “So That Reminds Me.”
thing you don’t like about life that you cannot change. • Humility is being grateful for everything you do like about life. “I believe humility is not only the key to happiness but the key to being a better human being,” writes Cohen in the preface of the book. “While some seek money, they do so in the pursuit of happiness — so their wealth is only valuable in its ability to make them happy. Humility makes you happy as it takes away self-consciousness and helps you accept Life’s difficulties while making you more grateful for Life’s blessings.” Cohen also argues that humility is not weakness and that being humble does not mean letting people walk all over you or letting others mistreat you. He said it’s entirely appropriate to respect
your own boundaries while helping others learn the important lesson that they should respect other people’s boundaries too – as long as this is done out of love. “It’s Not All About You!” focuses on paths that lead to “traditional humility.” It’s also the first book in a three-volume series on humility. Acceptance and gratitude are the basis of his second and third books. “They are in the works, but nothing is coming soon,” said Cohen. “I’m working on the second book, ‘Being Okay — and Being Okay with Not Being Okay,’ but it will take some time to finish.” Cohen said while he self-identifies as a Jewish-Christian with Buddhist tendencies, he made an effort to make his book palatable to atheists and agnostics as well. He explains that “I was once one of you, after all, and so I have
saved most of my ‘God talk’ for the very end.” Once he was ready to publish his book, Cohen discovered that he needed to have “a large following” to get a traditional book publisher. “So, I did an audiobook first because I was told I would never get a regular publisher if I published a paperback or hardcover edition on my own, but that an audiobook (which I recorded myself) wouldn’t hurt my chances,” he said. Cohen tried for several years to get a following on Facebook, but he didn’t have the time or energy to make that work. Eventually, he “bit the bullet” and self-published. The book is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover or Kindle and on Audible as an audiobook. It can also be ordered through Barnes & Noble.
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20 local firefighters graduate from State Fire Academy SPRINGFIELD — State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership on Dec. 19 announced the graduation of 21 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. “Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.” “Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director JP Seivane. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring communities as mutual aid.” The graduating firefighters of Class S43 represent the fire departments of Agawam, Athol, Charlton, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Greenfield, Holyoke, Marblehead, Southampton, Southborough, Southwick and Westfield. Mario Rigali of the Agawam Fire Department was one of the graduates. The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class, was presented to Firefighter William Kipp of the Southborough Fire Department. The award is named for a longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council and reflects the recruit’s academic and practical skills,
The most recent class of graduates from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Springfield. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
testing, and evaluations over the course of the 10-week program. Basic firefighter skills Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Ca-
reer Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Today’s firefighters do much more than fight fires Modern firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are
the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator, or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus. At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits learn all these skills and more, including
the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice. The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.
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TOWN EVENTS www.TheReminder.com
Please email your community listings to: dhackett@thereminder.com Items are printed on a space available basis. •
AGAWAM AGAWAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the Agawam Public Library, located at 750 Cooper St. All events are free and open to the public. Some programs require registration. For more information or to register, head to agawamlibrary.org or call 413-789-1550 ext. 3. • How to Reduce Spending with Jean Deschaine — Monday, Jan. 12, at 6:30 p.m. This workshop explores a variety of options to reduce the amount of money spent in an effort to cover priority expenses and reach goals. Get yourself started on the right path to financial wellness this year. • Virtual Author Talk Series — Tuesday, Jan. 13, at 2 p.m.
•
David Brooks, author of “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply,” will lead a conversation on how to connect with people from all walks of life, and why doing so is paramount to our individual and communal growth. Writers Group hosted by Katherine Anderson — Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6 p.m. This in-person workshop is open to writers of all levels and genres. There will be opportunities for peer and host feedback, finding opportunities for submission to magazines, literary journals, presses and more. Registration is required. Introduction to Genealogy — Thursday, Jan. 15, at 6:30 p.m. A class for beginners looking to unravel the mysteries of their family tree. Learn basic research strategies as well as tips and tricks for getting and staying organized. Registration is required.
WEST SPRINGFIELD WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are orga-
nized by the West Springfield Public Library, located at 200 Park St. For more information or to register for programs, visit wspl.org or call 413-736-4561 ext. 4. Kids programs: • Graphic Novel Bookclub (for ages 8-12) — Tuesday, Jan. 13, 4-4:30 p.m. Registration is required. • Kids Create (for ages 6-12 with some adult help) — Wednesday, Jan. 14, starting at 9 a.m., pick up the materials and directions for making a fun craft for older kids. No registration required, while supplies last. • Arts and Science Rocks (for ages 9-12) — Friday, Jan. 16, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. This group will explore shadow and light and test what we learned with a fun take-home craft. Registration is required. Teen programs: • Teen Monthly Self-Care and Chill — Monday, Jan. 12, from 6-7 p.m. Make a personalized journal and a jar full of thought-provoking prompts to write about as we enter the new year.
•
Teen Advisory Board Meeting — Tuesday, Jan. 13, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The Teen Advisory Board meets on the second Tuesday evening of every month in the teen room. Teens help plan programs, make Tiktoks and more. Contact the library to join, or drop and see for yourself. Adult programs: • Laughter is the Best Medicine! with Robert Rivest — Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 6 p.m. “Laughter is the Best Medicine” is a fun 60 minute show for folks ages 16 and up. Robert Rivest includes humorous stories from his childhood, classic mime skits, and comic improvisation taken from audience suggestions. Rivest also shares some insightful tips on using breathing, movement and laughter, as a way to cultivate more happiness and joy in our lives. Registration required.
WSPL FRIENDS JANUARY MINI BOOK SALES
The Friends of the West Springfield Public Library will be hosting
Mini Book Sales on two upcoming Wednesdays, Jan. 14 and 21, from noon to 2 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Hardcover books and DVDs will be available for $1, and softcover books for 50 cents, with proceeds benefiting the library. The library is located at 200 Park St.
COIN CLUB MEETING
The West Springfield Coin Club will meet on Sunday, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. in the Mittineague Congregational Church, 1840 Westfield Street in West Springfield. A presentation and discussion will include facts about the 1955 Doubled Die Lincoln cent. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871.
WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER JANUARY VIRTUAL SPEED NETWORKING
Join us for a fun morning of virtual networking with our fellow friends. Chat with WRC members about the area’s happenings and make great new contacts with business peers. Register here: tinyurl. com/53f4zpp3.
Red Cross volunteers provide lifeline for families strained by disasters BOSTON — In 2025, local volunteers became a lifeline for hundreds of neighbors reeling from disasters around Massachusetts. In a powerful display of community, volunteers from every chapter in the Massachusetts Region responded alongside partners to provide safe refuge, hot meals, emotional support and basic health services for families devastated by major disasters like the recent fire on Olympia Place, which displaced more than 200 UMass Amherst students and other residents just weeks before the holidays. “We have witnessed a tremendous outpouring of support for the individuals affected by the fire, and the Red Cross has been central to that response,” said Jeffrey Hescock, UMass Amherst’s Emergency Management Executive Director, in a letter of gratitude sent to the Red Cross response team. “Your commitment to the community has made a profound impact, and we deeply appreciate everything you have done — and continue to do — to support those affected.” The Red Cross also distributed more than $1 million in financial assistance directly to thousands of Massachusetts households recovering in 2025 from disasters of all sizes. The need for this support shows no sign of slowing down. In the U.S., Red Cross home fire responses spike nearly 20% during the holidays, when families face increased fire risks such as cooking and heating. Across Massachusetts, an average of 824 people rely on the Red Cross after home fires in a typical November and December alone.
“Disasters don’t take holidays — and neither do our volunteers,” said Holly Grant, CEO of the Red Cross of Massachusetts. “Thanks to generous donations, they have the resources to deliver comfort, hope and support to help people recover. Through these simple acts of giving, we come together as a community to bring light to a family’s darkest days — right when it’s needed most.” This holiday season, visit redcross.org/MA to make a financial donation, or to give back through volunteering. You can also make an appointment to give blood or platelets. The need for blood is constant — and just like disasters, medical emergencies don’t take holidays. How Massachusetts responders helped disaster survivors, hospital patients and military families: • Almost 3,500 Massachusetts volunteers delivered aid for major disasters across the country, including deployments to the California wildfires. As natural
disasters become more frequent and intense in other parts of the country, Massachusetts volunteers are often tapped to deploy to disaster responses to support the local teams on the ground. • Massachusetts donors gave more than 112,000 units of blood and platelets at almost 5,700 blood drives and donor centers. Although Massachusetts hospital needs are prioritized, these units can also be distributed all over the the country to people facing life-threatening conditions like cancer, sickle cell disease, childbirth complications and traumatic injuries. • Massachusetts volunteers and staff supported more than 1,800 members of military and veteran communities by providing emergency contacts and other support and educated more than 5,000 people in health and wellness programs specifically geared towards life before, during and after military deployment.
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from all over the commonwealth helped in 2025.
TREE DISPOSAL INFORMATION WEST SPRINGFIELD — As we wrap up the holiday season, the town of West Springfield will begin Christmas tree disposal starting Monday, Jan. 5 through Friday, Jan. 16. Please review the following guidelines to ensure your tree is collected: trees must be placed curbside by 6 a.m. on your regular collection day, trees must NOT be in plastic bags and all trees must be completely stripped of decorations, lights, and tinselIf your tree is missed during collection, please contact the DPW office for assistance. Thank you for your cooperation and for helping keep our community clean.
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AGAWAM VS MINNECHAUG
HOCKEY
On Dec. 27 Agawam lost to Minnechaug in an ice hockey game played at the MassMutual Center In Springfield. REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY GEORGE SKOVERA CALL 733-1747 OR EMAIL GSKOVERA@COMCAST.NET
Braden Parrelli (L) from Agawam checks Minnechaug’s Andrew Dolaher. Anthony Barbarini looks to score during the first period.
The Brownies Nick Brown attacks as Jameson Murray of Minnechaug defends.
Owen Haubner jostles with Jackson Gagner of the Falcons near the Agawam goal.
Agawam’s Thomas Christopher (L) battles for the puck with Andrew Dolaher of Minnechaug.
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AGAWAM | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
Mason Basile, Jackson Lariviere and Casey Thomas (L-R) stretch out prior to the start of the third period.
Agawam’s Ivan Gonzalez skates after the puck with Jake Moore of Minnechaug.
Goalie Brady Blanchette deflects the Minnechaug shot away from the Brownies goal.
The Brownies Brady Klinakis (R) seeks to move Minnechaug’s William LaPalm out from in front of the Agawam net.
The Brownies Nicco Patuano (R) collides with Ryan Donovan of the Falcons they vie for the puck.
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | AGAWAM | 8 |
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Four more initiative petitions clear hurdle for 2026 ballot By Katie Castellani State House News Service
BOSTON — Four more proposed ballot questions have officially cleared the necessary signatures to move forward on the path to the 2026 ballot, leaving two left to be processed, the state Elections Division announced on Dec. 30. With the latest round of certifications, the secretary of state’s office has now cleared nine initiative petitions to advance toward the 2026 statewide ballot, encompassing proposals to expand public access to records held by the Legislature and governor, restructure legislative stipends, allow collective bargaining for employees of the Committee for
Public Counsel Services, and impose a new cap on annual state revenue growth with excess funds returned to taxpayers. Petitions needed to file 74,574 certified signatures this fall to proceed in the process. The office certified 89,013 signatures for an initiative petition backed by Auditor Diana DiZoglio that would subject most records held by the Legislature and the governor’s office to the Massachusetts public records law. The office certified 96,797 signatures for an initiative petition seeking to overhaul the Legislature’s stipend system. The group backing the petition, the Legislative Effectiveness and Account-
ability Partnership, says legislative leadership use stipends to deliver $5 million to favored legislators, and calls the money “loyalty pay” intended to bind lawmakers to the wishes of leadership. Meanwhile, top Beacon Hill leaders say stipends reflect leadership responsibilities and allow lawmakers to think “about this job as a potential career.” The ballot measure that would permit employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services to collectively bargain had 86,153 signatures certified. The campaign backing the proposal is a partnership between SEIU and the National Association of Government Employees.
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and restoration efforts; and another measure aimed at making it easier for residents to purchase a home by updating zoning rules. The office had a Jan. 7, 2026 deadline to process the remaining two proposed ballot measures and transmit them to the Legislature. After that deadline, the Legislature will have until May 5 to consider the proposals and act on them. If the Legislature does not pass the measure as filed by then, a petitioner must then collect 12,429 more signatures and file them with local election officials for certification by June 17. After enough signatures are filed, the measure is then placed on the ballot for the 2026 statewide general election. Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at kcastellani@ statehousenews.com.
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The office also certified 85,588 signatures for a ballot initiative that would change the limit on how much revenue the state can collect in a given year. The proposal would limit state revenue each year to the net amount of state revenue from the year before, increased by a rate equal to the average growth of wages and salaries in Massachusetts over the most recent three years, according to a summary from the Attorney General’s Office. If revenue collected by the state in a given year exceeds that limit, the excess amount would be refunded to taxpayers the following year. There are two proposed ballot measures remaining that have yet to be certified: one that would steer sales tax revenue from sporting goods like golf clubs, RVs and camping gear into a new “Nature for All Fund” that could generate $100 million annually for water and nature conservation
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Heartbeat Theater aims to bring intimate performances to valley By Trent Levakis
tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — Heartbeat Theater, a new theater company established by a group of passionate area stage actors and crew is debuting its inaugural production to kick off the new year as they will present “Proof,” opening on Jan. 16 in The Blue Room at CitySpace. Set in the early 2000s, “Proof” is a Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn and has received much critical acclaim due to its commanding exploration of truth, authenticity and the fine line between brilliance and instability. Jumping between past and present, the story centers on the family of a recently deceased mathematical genius. Through moments of profound revelation, deep healing, bitter judgement and good humor, “Proof” examines how we reconcile grief, question the future and make peace with the legacy left behind. “‘Proof’ confronts the burden of family legacy and how families can be torn apart by doubt and grief, only to discover deeper ties that bind,” said Director Jason Rose-Langston. “The play examines the struggle to know oneself and the need we all have to be truly known by others.” The cast features local talent, including former Ashfield Community Theater Director William Spademan as Robert, a professor of mathematics at the University of Chicago. Kimberly Gaughan joins him as Robert’s daughter and caretaker, Catherine. Anne Zager plays Catherine’s older sister, Claire. Shelton Windham rounds out the cast as Robert’s former student, Hal. Performances will begin on Friday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in CitySpace’s Blue Room. Following performances will be on Jan. 17, 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., and matinee showings will be on Jan. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at heartbeattheater.org. Rose-Langston and Gaughan both told Reminder Publishing the formation of Heartbeat Theater stems from the recent
Easthampton Theater Company’s production of “On Golden Pond” which the two directed and starred in, respectively. As that production was wrapping up, Gaughan said she remembered asking fellow cast member William Spademan if he was familiar with the play “Proof.” “From my perspective it was sort of a oh, wouldn’t it be nice if the theater company did this play some day and we could be in it, but William being as creative and gung-ho as he is, suggested that we just do it together,” explained Gaughan. “I was really taken aback by that because I’ve been an actor for almost 20 years and you sort of rely on casting directors and production companies to cast you. You’re always kind of at their whim and this idea that we could just do it ourselves and cast ourselves I guess is slightly narcissistic, but it worked really well.” With the motivational push to see what was possible from Spademan, Gaughan said the two of them began discussions on forming a new theater group and brought Rose-Langston into the fold thanks to the “wonderful environment” he facilitated as director of “On Golden Pond.” “They approached me with this idea, and they didn’t know actually that ‘Proof’ was on my bucket list to direct so we had this wonderful conversation over dinner where they thought they had to convince me to direct it and I thought I had to convince them to let me direct it, so it was joyous from day one,” said RoseLangston. “It sort of happened very organically that we developed this new theater company and Heartbeat Theater came out of just the beautiful collaboration we had in ‘On Golden Pond’ and the continued friendship and collaboration that we want to bring into this new venture.” Wanting to be a part of a production of “Proof” since a teenager, Gaughan said this new endeavor was the perfect opportunity to make it happen. As stated by the theater company, Heartbeat Theater’s mission is to present simple, intimate productions of great
plays — one heartbeat in the evolution of human society passing ever forward its stories. “I think part of the reason I was interested once William proposed starting a theater company was that I always envisioned a theater company that produces simple productions of great plays,” explained Gaughan. “I really love to see acting forward productions, so where the focus is on the actors, the narrative, the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love big theatrical things, you know, like ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ but I think that there is a space for more intimate shows in studio spaces with simpler sets where you really get to see the actors in their full glory. And I think ‘Proof’ is a play that really lends itself to that. It’s a forehander. Most of the scenes only have two or three people in them, so there’s a lot of focus on the story and so I thought it was a great play to start with.” Rose-Langston added that for this production, concentration on performances takes highest priority with the show’s intimate venue and story. He called “Proof” “one of those universal stories of family drama.” “The show grapples with the themes of grief, themes of loss, and really delves into the aftermath of legacy, because of the father’s legacy. What does that mean to the people who are left behind? What does that mean in terms of their own identities both connected to the father but also as separate individuals,” said Rose-Langston. He added, “It’s also a story that revolves around mental illness as well, which is one of my specialties as a professional, I’m a psychotherapist. And so that’s one of the things that drew me to the show. It’s one of the few pieces that I’ve found that really handles mental illness very accurately and also very compassionately. It doesn’t devolve into stereotypes or anything like that but really is embedded in the show in terms of mental illness and questioning your sanity is the importance of truth. The importance of understanding truth, recognizing
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truth, and being perceived as a truthful person, being trusted of your own mind, your own will. Those are the things that drew me to the piece.” Both Rose-Langston and Gaughan said they are eagerly awaiting the opening of Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of “Proof” and hope the shows can build momentum forward for the new theater group. “What I think we offer is something that the valley has been missing for quite a while, these very intimate, minimalistic productions that focus in on performance over production value. Production value is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, I love a big splashy show. It’s really beautiful to be part of that and I’m still part of ETC’s board of directors and still heavily involved with their shows as well. But this is something different. I thought it was a nice change of pace for the valley and it really allows us to focus on craft,” said Rose-Langston. Gaughan added, “I think the running joke currently is we’re just trying to get through this first production, but I do have visions for us. We’re such a wonderful community. I feel like we’re a little family of artists who’ve come together and we all have different tastes and preferences, but I think there is a similar goal that we love really strong narratives. We love really strong tight plays, and we like doing them with simplicity.” Gaughan credited Easthamp-
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ton Theater Company for their support in this new endeavor and added Heartbeat Theater is lucky to be based in the Pioneer Valley surrounded by artists who want to come together. “There’s just so much going on [in the area] and I found that people are so eager to be involved and create great art and I’ve never experienced that in my entire artistic career, this community of people coming together and uplifting each other,” said Gaughan, who moved to the area from Boston in the last year. “So, for us to be able to join this theater scene which we’re so grateful to be a part of it was very easy because everyone is so welcoming and helpful.”
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William Spademan as Robert and Kimberly Gaughan as Catherine, in a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’.
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Hampden District Attorney’s Office provides court tours to schools SPRINGFIELD — Court tours have been in full swing the past few weeks as students from schools across the region have received an inside look on how the Hampden County Hall of Justice operates. During Court Tours, students spend half a day touring the Springfield Courthouse as invited guests of the District Attorney. The tours introduce students to a wide range of career paths within the criminal justice system, with victim witness advocates, judges, court officers and other court professionals — as available — sharing insights into their roles. The program welcomes students in grades 6-12, as some of the cases students sit in on can be too mature for a younger audience. The Court Tours are led by the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety & Outreach Unit. CSO Unit Director Tony Simmons and Deputy Director Gina Anselmo recently provided tours to Springfield’s Impact Prep Middle School, Springfield International Charter School,
Westfield’s White Oak School and Springfield’s Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. When Student Council members — a group of 15 sixth and seventh graders — from Springfield International Charter School visited, the day began with Simmons providing an overview of what could be expected to be seen, heard, even smelt, throughout the courthouse. He asked students to be respectful and quiet in the various courtrooms, and to not make any faces or have reactions to the cases. Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Clarke also shared some insight into his work, law, and court operation, before the tour. To kick things off, students sat in on the arraignment hearings. Most of the cases were minor, with offenses such as operating a vehicle with a suspended license. After some time, everyone except for the students was asked to leave the courtroom so that Judge Danielle Williams could talk with them and answer questions. Williams shared insight on what ar-
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raignment court does, what kind of cases come in, and pointed out the different roles in the courtroom, from the clerk to the assistant district attorneys. One of the court officers talked about her role, which she explained is to “keep people in court safe.” When one of the students asked if she ever gets scared, the officer candidly responded, “yes,” adding that it can be especially scary if someone has mental health issues, as their behaviors are unpredictable. Students also had the opportunity to hear from a defense attorney and prosecutor, and asked questions ranging from law school to jails and juvenile court. Next, students made their way upstairs, to sit in on cases involving harassment and restraining orders. After listening to a few cases, Judge William Rooney talked with the students and asked their opinion regarding a decision he made a few minutes prior. The case was between a woman’s ex-husband and her new boyfriend, as the ex-husband was looking to prohibit the boyfriend from attending drop-offs or any school-related events that his children were at, as he said it creates more conflict. After hearing from both sides, ultimately, Judge Rooney decided not to accept the order. When asked if students agreed with his decision, majority of hands went up, however, three or four brave students said they disagreed. Those individuals backed their opinion by sharing facts that were discussed during the hearing and said they thought one of the men was lying based on his body language. Judge Rooney expressed how impressed he was with the students’ questions and attention to detail. Several of the students shared that they are interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice system, whether it be as a lawyer or a judge. With the completion of the tour and an inside look at the operations, these students are now one step closer.
Students from four local schools recently received a tour of the Hampden County Hall of Justice, learning the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Court Tours are one of many free programs offered by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. For more information about the Court Tours, or to request a tour
for your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina. anselmo@mass.gov.
BOUCHARD DENTAL CELEBRATES 20 YEARS — Bouchard Dental had its 20th anniversary on Dec. 23. Dr. Kelly Bouchard has been serving the Western Mass. area for 20 years in her Van Deene Avenue location in West Springfield. The mayor of west Springfield, Will Reichelt came by to congratulate Bouchard and to present her with a citation of recognition. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
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TheReminder.com 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. AGAWAM Phil D. Argiro Linda J. Gagne Joseph W. Weibel Jr. FEEDING HILLS Jeanne M. Macey
Peter O’Keefe William J. Smidt WEST SPRINGFIELD Christopher J. Kastel WESTFIELD Walter J. Beard
Edward G. Fitzgerald David W. Gannon Donald E. Plouffe Jeanette T. Rodriguez Very Rev Joseph H. Soltysiak
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/
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Diane A. Kmec to Raymond Stephen Olko, 82 Dogwood Lane Unit 82 $260,000 Donna M. Moore and Brian N. Moore to Enver Salihi, 92 Dogwood Lane Unit 92 $280,000 Karen L. Withee, Robin L. Stacy and Stuart W. Randall to Kiana Stowell and James R. Hughes, 111 Cottonwood Ln. $475,000 Maritza L. Zavala to Lynnette Trujillo, 420 Main St. Unit 82 $199,000 Mary Rose Sitek to Lindsey Michelle Kiniry, 134 Mallard Circle $315,000 Nathan Charles Auger and Ariana Auger to Jonathan Navarro and Elvira Carrillo, 46 Plantation Drive $240,000 Pah Properties LLC, to Michael J. Serra, 869-871 Main St. $561,000 Robert D. Taupier and Lisa M. Taupier to Michael A. Nigro and Tara Bates, 64 Woodside Drive $475,000 Robert N. Dunn to James Peter Gastringer and Denise M. Gastringer, 15 Forest Ridge Lane $457,000 Samantha Anderson, Samantha Sanocki and Gregory Sanocki to Ryan P. Todesco, 691 Mill St. $285,000
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Western Mass LLC, to Kristin L. Chaffee and Matthew Thomas Dumphey, 3 North Road
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Denis Ukrainets and Inna Ukrainets to Gary Popovich and Heidi Popovich, 7 Sawgrass Lane Douglas Wentworth and Launa Wentworth to Rachel Sutherland and Craig Gay, 16 Grandview St. Kurt S. Shea and Meaghan Shea to Shae M. Harrison and Richard E. Harrison, 2 Gableview Lane Lawrence F. Hallisey, representative, and John P. Lodola, estate, to Jeffrey Carney, 3 Pine Road
SPRINGFIELD
Anthony J. Daniele and Carla M. Daniele to Marie Alberte Joseph, 40 Eldridge St. Campagnari Construction LLC, to JJJ17 LLC, 157 Penrose St. Chamber Investment Group LLC, to Pierre Families Property LLC, 292-294 Orange St. Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Pedro Reyes Figueroa, 39 Morris St. Unit 103 Gretchen Dubbs to Faustino Sanchez Jr., 28 Hazen St.
Don't let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595 Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 12/28/25. 1-844501-3208 MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936 No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details. Peace of mind & early detection - Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life Line Screening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172 Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 833-860-0657 Have zip code ready! Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535 Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 833-860-0811 Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833370-1234 TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277 Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-887-0117. Have zip code of service ready when you call! We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1844-877-5833 Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971
PAINTING & WALLPAPERING ALWAYS CALL FIRST!!! M&M SERVICES 29 Years serving the Westfield area. Painting, staining, house washing, interior/exterior. Wall coverings. Water damage and ceiling/wall repairs. Commercial/residential. Free estimates. Insured. References. Call Carmine at: 413-568-9731 or 413-537-4665 No job too small!!! PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry. Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588
PLUMBING DAVID ROSE PLUMBING & HEATING For ALL your plumbing needs. No job is too small! Veteran Owned and operated MA Licensed and Insured Call Dave 413-579-4073
TAX PREPARATION DO YOU OWE $10,000 OR MORE IN BACK TAXES?! We can help get your back taxes REDUCED. We can solve, tax liens, wage garnishments and more. FREE Call:800-989-1694
TREE SERVICE American Tree & Shrub Removal, pruning, bucket/crane work. Light excavation and tree planting. Fully Insured/Free Estimates. 24-hour Emergency Services. 20+ years Experience 413-579-5619 Cell: 413-530-2982
UPHOLSTERY KEITH'S UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS 40+ years experience for home or business. 25% Discount off all fabrics. Get quality workmanship at a reasonable price. Call (413)562-6639 Monday-Friday, 9-5.
VACATION RENTAL WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-621-7517
WANTED All fishing equipment! Cash paid. Will travel to you! Call Mike the Fishing Guy 413313-5013 Always buying antiques watches jewelry gold coins art military signs posters cameras toys video games action figures Star Wars vintage electronics amplifiers receivers' radios HAM equipment speakers' musical instruments guitars saxophones horns amplifiers sports memorabilia clocks plus more one item or entire estates. 413-206-8688
Jennifer K. Rossmiller and Jennifer K. Klock to Meaghan Elizabeth Cocuzzo, 28 Rencelau St. Jose Ramirez to Maria Del Carmen Maldonado, 88-90 Somerset St. Joseph A. Cleaveland and Lauren J. Holm to Chrismery Gonzalez, 189 Bowles Park, Ladawn Savage and Hayward Burdette to 3Queens LLC, 162 Northampton Ave. Lisa M. Garcia to Jacob R. Motyl and Laura J. Motyl, 28 Collingwood Road Livingwater Capital LLC, to Benjamin Goodman Shapiro, 19 Normandy Road
$275,000 $420,000 $382,500 $205,000 $285,000 $700,000
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Derek Joseph Murray and Siobhan Marie Murray to Karen Anne Pare and Robert Raymond Pare, 139 Upper Beverly Hills $339,900 John W. Read Jr., trustee, and John W. Read Jr. Living TruSt. trustee of, to Vitaliy Redka and Inna Redka, 0 Bear Hole Rd. $56,000 Kenneth Thivierge (REP) and Richard G Thivierge (EST) to Hassle Free Llc, 18 Salem St. $245,000 Michael Theulen and Marjorie Theulen to William Fontaine and Jean Fontaine, 43 Wishing Well Way $540,000 Paul K. Graves Jr., to Alejandro Marrero, 278 Elm St. $399,900 $549,000 Stephen M. Cross and Deborah Ann Cross to Michael Theulen and Marjorie Theulen, 64 Apple Ridge Road $542,000 West Co. Investments LLC, to Siobhan M. Murray and Derek J. Murray, 42 Gregory Lane $560,000
$647,000 WESTFIELD $650,000 Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, to Lanee N. Sutherland and James R. Smith, 444 Loomis St. $1,175,000 Huse Family Realty LLC, to Westfield Falcon 160 LLC, 160 Falcon Drive $460,000 Lynn Ann Morris to Tyler Delgado, 549 Russell Road Unit 15C Mary D. Jez, Mary D. Herzog and Wolf Herzog to J. Sperry Realty LLC, 229 Union St. $272,000 Marybeth Hayes and Andrew C. Hendricks to Jenna Lee-Guiffre and Kyle Guiffre, 40 Heritage Lane $137,000 Pizza Town Holdco LLC, to Kingsbridge Vermont LLC, 286 East Main St. $465,000 R & A Realty Inc., to 82 Medeiros Way LLC, 82 Medeiros Way $227,000 Robert A. Greenleaf Jr., to Eric J. Clarke and Meagan E. Clarke, 243 Holyoke Road $294,000 Talia K. Williams, representative, and Stanislawa Steglinski, estate, to DL Homes LLC, 10 Ethan Ave.
$460,000 $4,000,000 $150,000 $240,000 $491,000 $2,879,984 $576,000 $320,000 $187,500
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | AGAWAM | 12 |
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