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2026 New England Mosaic Project underway in Western Massachusetts Agawam Community Artists and Artisans are calling beginner and experienced Western Massachusetts artists to participate in their Mosaic Project. The theme this year is “New England Treasures,” showcasing what artists love about living in New England.

Page 4

City Council passes resolution supporting state audit efforts The Agawam City Council unanimously approved a resolution asking the state Legislature to comply with an audit by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD

Town hears public opinion on proposed general ordinance amendment A resident called a general ordinance amendment ‘taxation without representation’ during a public hearing at the West Springfield Town Council meeting on March 16.

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Spiritual magic show coming to Agawam

By Mike Lydick Correspondent

AGAWAM — A Connecticut pastor who is well-known in the region for his performances as a magician will bring his show to Agawam Congregational Church on Saturday, March 28.

Pastor and magician David Reed-Brown of Simsbury will present a show designed to give people “hope through the art of magic.”

Along with “astounding and fun magical wonders,” he will share meaningful stories that inspire and touch the heart, especially in tough times said Daniel Cohen, pastor at ACC. He added that the show is for people of all ages, not just adults.

Cohen, who was installed as pastor at ACC in September 2025, said he met Reed-Brown about six years ago when Cohen was asked to preach at a church in New Haven, Connecticut. Cohen learned that Reed-Brown was a magician through a friend and fellow pastor.

“When I wound up getting a pastor position in Connecticut at the Congregational Church of Burlington, I invited David to perform. The performance was spectacular and the number of children that came was very impressive. It was both spiritually enlightening and the magic was top-notch,” said Cohen.

Reed-Brown has performed at the Big E, First Night Hartford as well as many shows for companies, community organizations, weddings, all-night graduation parties and private events.

Reed-Brown also has been an instructor at Jeff McBride’s Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas — where faculty train many of the magicians seen on TV and in

theaters around the world.

Reed-Brown was a curious 7-year-old when he discovered a secret magic set in an aged wooden jewelry box, high atop a dusty old piano. Inside were small wooden magical wonders that immediately filled him with joy.

When he was around 19, Reed-Brown was working at his church camp when he noticed that if he first told a spiritually meaningful story from his life with some of his magic skills a number of amazing things happened.

“First, people paid very close attention. Second, magic gets practically all of people’s senses firing all at once. When I shared something inspiring, healing or insightful at the moment of astonishment, it was extremely effective and people remembered the experience for a long time,” he said.

People have been telling magical stories about life, death and the meaning of life around a campfire for millennia, said Reed-Brown. “The wandering preacher, healer and teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, frequently taught through parables: simple every-day stories from everyday life, usually with a surprising twist at the end to get your attention — a kind of joke in some ways,” he said.

Reed Brown said magic functions in a very similar way. “It’s a way to talk about spiritual things not directly, but on an angle — in a way that people are comfortable without all the religious jargon.”

A certified transitional minister, Reed-Brown most often goes in between long-term settled pastorates to help congregations transition between the

David Reed-Brown, a pastor and a magician, will present a magic show at the Agawam Congregational Church this Saturday, March 28. The Simsbury, Connecticut, pastor used his magician skills to create this candle photo — not artificial intelligence or Photoshop.

Photo credit: David Reed-Brown

two. “Sometimes I simply help people grieve the loss of their previous leader, help them get in touch with who they are at this point and time, their identity, discern some of what God is calling them to do and transition

them to new leadership,” he said.

The show will begin at 3 p.m. Admission — which includes free popcorn — is $5 for adults and $3 for children and teens. The church is located at 745 Main St.

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Area resident stranded in Lebanon aids humanitarian efforts

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

BEIRUT, LEBANON — It is hard to be away from home for extended periods. Harder still when one is in a war zone. Hassan Mourad, a Springfield resident who traveled to Lebanon on business in late February, became stranded in the country amid the Iran War. However, he has turned his circumstances into action, working to help displaced people however he can.

On March 17, Reminder Publishing reached out to Mourad via Zoom. He stood in front of a wall of windows. In the background, the setting sun cast a warm, hazy glow over the skyline of Beirut.

The haze, he explained, was from the plumes of smoke that rise from the hourly air strikes in Douha, Lebanon, a couple miles south of Beirut. Throughout the course of the interview, Mourad repeatedly looked behind him into the distance as the sound of air raids carried across the city.

Mourad, a first-generation Lebanese American, is a 33-yearold business owner and father of two who was born and raised in Springfield. He went to Lebanon to strike distributing deals for his uncle’s line of hair care products. Less than 48 hours later, the United States and Israel launched surprise attacks against Iran. After Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the first wave of attacks, Hezbollah, a Lebanese political party and banned paramilitary group, launched missiles at its neighbor and long-time adversary, Israel.

Israel responded by stepping up its attacks against Lebanon and launching a ground invasion.

Many Americans left Lebanon immediately after the war began, Mourad said, but a few days later when the American embassy closed, commercial flights largely stopped. The only flights available now are through Beirut-based Middle East Airlines.

He had booked a flight to Turkey, but it was canceled. He said if he were able to successfully catch a

From left: Hassan Mourad hands food to a child whose family is sheltering at a school. Hassan Mourad talks about the humanitarian need in Lebanon. Smoke rises from a nearby airstrike in Lebanon.

Photo credit: Hassan Mourad

flight, it would likely take him to Cyprus or Egypt, and he would need to make his way to the United States from there.

Mourad is less concerned with fleeing the country, though, and more focused on helping people in Lebanon, much to the dismay of his family. He said his parents are worried, particularly when they hear reports of aid workers killed in air strikes. His mother calls him every day asking him to come home. “I tell her, ‘I have to help our people,’” he said.

Mourad’s children also fear for their father. While he tries to assure them that he is safe but said they are old enough to understand news reports. “They tell me, ‘No one is safe. Look at what happened in Gaza.’ Once I feel like my mission here is complete, I’ll be more focused on getting home.”

When asked how he is faring, Mourad said, “I’m still alive, so that’s good. It’s a surreal experience for me.” He admitted, “It takes a lot of courage to be out here.”

This is not Mourad’s first time in Lebanon while the country is at war. Israel crossed into Lebanon in October 2024, and despite a ceasefire signed roughly two months later, there have been consistent air strikes since. Mourad’s parents left Lebanon to escape war with Israel, which has been recurring since 1978.

“In 2024, I was very unhap-

py with the situation in the Middle East. It bothered me to pay taxes and have that money go to weapons used to kill people here in the Middle East,” Mourad said of Israel’s use of American-made arms to strike Lebanon. He began a GoFundMe campaign to raise money and then distributed food, diapers and baby formula to the people who were displaced by the fighting.

“Maybe it’s God’s plan putting me back here,” Mourad wondered aloud, and not for the first time.

Mourad said the current air strikes have once again displaced the same people who fled their homes in 2024. Given just 30 minutes of warning, many did not have time to gather possessions, Mourad said. Pushed north to the Litani River, up to 35 miles from their homes near Lebanon’s border with Israel, an estimated 1 million people — 19% of the country’s population — are displaced, sheltering in schools, sleeping in cars and camping in tents.

“In winter in Lebanon, it rains,” Mourad explained. The few belongings of people living in tents along the side of the road are often washed away in rainstorms.

That is why Mourad has focused on providing people with blankets and pillows. “My parents raised us to give to the poor,” he said.

He is also focusing on making and delivering meals to people, as

it is the Islamic holy month of Ramadhan. During Ramadhan, observant Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Each evening, Mourad distributes the meal to break the fast, called Iftar. He also hands out food for Suhoor, the meal that is eaten before the fast begins again at sun-up.

“It’s the month when you recalibrate. You might get off the path of God, but in Ramadhan, you are with family, you celebrate and you get back to God,” Mourad said, tearing up. After a moment, he collected himself and said, “They turned what was supposed to be one of the best times of the year for Muslims into hell, honestly.”

Mourad has been working with local social media influencers to help share the situation on the ground in Lebanon. He has also worked alongside organizations, including Amity Foundation, Banin Charity Association and Wish Foundation, to help provide displaced people with necessities.

While the current fighting has led to the displacement, Mourad said the people he sees have grown used to the danger they have faced over the past few years. “I just feel like everybody’s numb here. They’re just waiting to die,” Mourad said. As the father of an 11-year-old and 7-year-old, he said it is “heartbreaking” to watch fathers try to comfort their young children.

Mourad said the narratives he hears from United States politicians and pundits about people in Lebanon hating Americans is not true. “That doesn’t exist, and it upsets me,” he said. Referring to people who spread such narratives, he said, “I don’t think they know who we are, how the Lebanese people are. They love us, to be honest.” He said that he walks around wearing a shirt emblazoned with “USA” and has never faced any negativity around it. “People don’t hate Americans. They hate American foreign policy. I think Americans hate American foreign policy, too. I have friends in the Army. I don’t want to see them die in Iran.”

Mourad insisted that the issue is not a partisan one. “I voted for Trump. All I cared about — that he sold me on — was stopping wars.

Now, we’re seeing the opposite of what we voted for. Why do we not, as Americans, extend compassion to other people? We’re very more similar than different.” He added, “I just want people to live in peace here.”

People can follow Mourad’s humanitarian efforts and see updates from Lebanon at instagram. com/hassan.mourad. Donations to Mourad’s crowdfunding campaign can be made at tinyurl.com/ lebanese-aid-alliance-2026. As of press time, he has raised $8,794.

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AGAWAM | MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

Area chambers of commerce partner to Fill the Food Bank

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

For the past few years, six area chambers of commerce have banded together to address a need that affects the people they serve across Hampden County — food insecurity. This year, the Greater Westfield, Greater Holyoke, West of the River, ERC5/East of the River, Springfield Regional and Greater Chicopee chambers of commerce are working together again for the third annual Fill the Food Bank event.

The fundraising and networking event, taking place on Tuesday, March 31, benefits the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, a nonprofit which sources, stores and distributes foodstuffs to many of the local food pantries across the four counties of Western Massachusetts. In 2025, the pantries in the Food Bank’s member network served more than 122,000 people.

For every $1 donated, the Food Bank is able to supply three meals to the people who visit food pantries. Jillian Morgan, director of development for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, explained that the Food Bank’s return on investment is possible due to partnerships with the US. Department of Agriculture, the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program and local grocery stores and businesses.

The event is designed to bring together local leaders, businesses and the community. The proceeds from ticket sales go directly to the Food Bank. Food donations are also collected at the event.

In each of the past two years, the roughly 150 guests have collected close to 2,000 pounds of food ahead of the event. Each year has had a theme regarding what types of foods to collect.

The first year was focused on rice and beans. Last year, there was a peanut butter and jelly theme.

This year, donations are centered around soup and pasta. Diana M. Szynal, president and CEO of the Springfield Regional Chamber, said the chambers check with the Food Bank prior to the collection to determine what goods are most needed. Monetary donations are also welcome. Last year’s event raised $10,511 and “several hundred pounds” in food donations were collected, Morgan said.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to network with businesses in Hampden County.” Morgan said. It gives people an opportunity to take a tour of the facility and meet the staff. Morgan said, “We just make it a really fun environment.”

Szynal said it is a relaxed setting with brief remarks. Partners Restaurant & Catering will provide a baked/mashed potato bar. There will also be raffles, which feature prizes donated by members of each chamber.

The raffle proceeds will benefit

the Food Bank.

“It’s a great opportunity for six chambers to work together,” Szynal said. “All chamber events are networking events, but this is next level because you’re networking with people from other chambers.” Reflecting on the cyclical nature of organizational networks, Szynal said many of the nonprofits supported by the Food Bank are chamber members.

“We do a lot of third-party events throughout the year,” Morgan said. Collectively, these fundraisers contribute about $1 million to the Food Bank’s operating budget. “When other businesses fundraise for the Food Bank. It amplifies our success.

We’re taking advantage of their network,” Morgan said, “so we’re not always going to the same people” for donations.

Morgan said food insecurity continues to grow.

Szynal shared a similar sentiment, “Things are getting so ex-

pensive for people, people who may not normally find themselves coming up short.”

Citing the rising cost of living, Szynal said the number of people using the Food Bank now is equal to or surpasses figures from the coronavirus pandemic.

She said the Food Bank is bracing itself for even more users in summer 2026 when federal cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program take effect and policy changes make it more difficult to apply.

Szynal thanked the sponsors of the event: Baystate Health, Country Bank, People’s Bank, Canopy Management Group, GoNetSpeed and All States Materials Group. “They step up.

They want to support the chambers; they want to support the Food Bank,” she said.

To purchase tickets, visit tinyurl.com/fill-the-food-bank.

gas, a young Springfield woman who lost her life following a crash on Interstate 91 in Longmeadow in 2023. The incident underscores how quickly a routine drive can turn fatal and the devastating ripple effects these crashes have on families, friends and the broader community. By sharing her story, with the support of her loved ones, the program aims to put a human face to the consequences of impaired and distracted driving and reinforce the importance of making safe decisions behind the wheel.

Following the documentary, an assistant district attorney who specializes in motor vehicle homicide cases will speak about the legal consequences of impaired and distracted driving, as well as the long-term impact these incidents have on victims, families and entire communities.

“This event is not just for stu-

Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni poses for a photo with teenagers at the 2025 Stop the Swerve event.

DA’s office encourages parents to attend Stop the Swerve event SPRINGFIELD — Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni is encouraging parents and guardians across Hampden County to attend the upcoming Stop the Swerve prevention event alongside their high school, driving-age students.

The free event will take place on Thursday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. Stop the Swerve is focused on addressing the dangers of drunk, drugged and distracted driving for our community’s teenagers. The initiative brings together students, families, law enforcement and community partners with one shared goal: preventing tragedies on our roadways before they happen.

A central component of the evening will be a new, locally produced documentary that examines the devastating impact of a real crash in our community.

The documentary centers on the tragic death of Jemyliana Var-

Reminder Publishing submitted photos

See SWERVE on page 5

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ACAA’s 2026 New England Mosaic Project underway

By Peter Tuohy

artists and artisans, while also engaging with the community by sharing art in many different formats. “Mosaic Project” co-Chair Karen Conkey said the group also engages with people who may not have experience in art at all.

The project had over 200 participants last year.

“There’s all levels of art on it,” Conkey said. “You don’t have to be a great artist, you can just be very simple, you know, art. You can do whatever you want to do.”

Conkey said it’s nice to see everyone bring their families to see their work because for some people, it’s the first time they’ve seen their art displayed. She added that there’s a good mix of beginner and experienced artists.

Canvases are also sold at the events for $25, with a part of the proceeds benefiting the Gloria McLellan Scholarship, in memory of the lifelong Agawam resident and one of ACAA’s founding members.

Since 2022, the project has raised $7,600 for the scholarship, which benefits Western Massachusetts students who look to study visual arts, across disciplines like painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, pottery or graphic design.

Graduating seniors from any Western Massachusetts high school or current college students can apply for the scholarship at

ptuohy@thereminder.com

AGAWAM — Agawam Community Artists and Artisans are calling beginner and experienced Western Massachusetts artists to participate in their Mosaic Project. The theme this year is “New England Treasures,” showcasing what artists love about living in New England.

The public is invited to paint, draw or apply anything, such as clay or glass, to a 6-by-6-inch canvas that represents New England, such as sports teams, the beaches of Cape Cod or scenes from Vermont and Maine.

Canvases will then be added together to form a 24-foot display, shown at the project unveiling on Aug. 5 from 5-7 p.m. at the Agawam Municipal Golf Course, or at the sixth annual Pioneer Valley Arts Festival on Aug. 21 and 22 at the Polish American Club in Feeding Hills.

Those who would like to be involved can pick up a free canvas with instructions included at the West Springfield Senior Center or libraries in Agawam, West Springfield, Westfield, Southwick, East Forest Park, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow and Chicopee. Finished Canvases can be returned back to the site of pickup by the May 15 deadline.

ACAA’s mission is to promote

The final 24-foot display will be composed of works from Western Massachusetts artists.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

agawarmarts.com by May 1, with a completed application form, a personal essay, images of three original works of art and one letter of recommendation from an art teacher or creative mentor. Three students were awarded

$1,200 each in 2025.

Conkey said she is excited for the amount of people who are participating this year and who are going to try art and support the project. She said some libraries have already run out of can-

vases and are asking for more.

“It’s that full circle moment of someone trying art, someone donating art, us selling the art and then giving money to students to pursue art,” Conkey said. “I love that concept.”

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City Council passes resolution supporting state audit efforts

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

AGAWAM — The Agawam City Council unanimously approved a resolution asking the state Legislature to comply with the law adopted via a 2024 ballot question allowing State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to audit the way taxpayer dollars are being used by the state Senate and House of Representatives. Since approved by the referendum, state Senate President Karen Spilka and Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano have pushed back on the constitutionality of the issue, and the matter has become mired in controversy.

The lead sponsor of the resolution, Councilor George Bitzas, presented the resolution at the March 16 council meeting, and

said the issue is about honoring the will of the voters, 72% of whom approved the ballot question. Bitzas described it as a “clear and overwhelming mandate from the people for greater transparency and accountability in state government.”

Councilor Tom Hendrickson explained that the Legislature audits itself, rather than letting it be done by the auditor’s office.

Councilor Edward Borgatti said allowing the Legislature to audit itself was a conflict of interest.

During the citizen speak period, five members of the public spoke in favor of the resolution, citing many of the same reasons that were included in the resolution. Resident John Bok said Spilka’s and Mariano’s position that an audit by DiZoglio would violate the state constitution’s

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separation of powers, “doesn’t hold much weight” because other governmental entities, including the courts, are audited by her office. Borgatti echoed Bok’s sentiment that if the Legislature continues to refuse DiZoglio’s audit, “you just got to vote these people the hell out of there.”

Residents also emphasized that the issue was not a partisan one, pointing out that DiZoglio, Spilka, Mariano and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, who has filed motions on behalf of Legislature leadership, are all Democrats.

Borgatti disagreed with the idea that it is not a partisan matter. He said that when the state representatives voted on implementing the ballot question, all 135 Democrats voted against it, while 10 of the 25 Republicans

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Councilor Robert Rossi emphasized that he agreed with the sentiments of his colleagues, but because resolutions are not binding, he said, it is not the right method to address the audit. “So many resolutions have come through the City Council and, to be honest with you, I haven’t seen much progress with any of them.” Instead, he said it is up to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, which is considering a court case filed

by DiZoglio.

Referring to Rossi’s point about the nonbinding nature of resolutions, Borgatti said, “If you want to change anything, you’ve got to go to your representatives or to Boston and that’s where I think you’re going to be most effective.”

However, in Councilor Cecilia Calabrese’s opinion, the resolution was about sending a message. She said it would tell the Legislature, “No, we’re not just going to sit here and take it and let you get away with whatever it is.” She acknowledged that it is not known that legislators are engaging in anything inappropriate.

Campbell has filed a motion to dismiss DiZoglio’s suit, arguing that her office is the only one that can enter litigation on behalf of the people of Massachusetts. DiZoglio has asked the Supreme Judicial Court to assign special assistant attorneys general to represent her side.

Judge Dalila Argaez Wendlandt had rejected the request but, on March 19, referred the matter to the full seven-member court.

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AGAWAM | MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

TOWN EVENTS

The Agawam Reminder is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC.

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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.

• Stitched Journal Workshop — Monday, March 30 at 6 p.m.

Local artist Lisa Hersey will guide participants through the process of creating a pamphlet stitch journal with a pocket on the back. This is a beginner friendly class and no prior bookbinding skills are necessary.

• DIY Bath Fizzers — For grades 5-6. Wednesday, April 1 at 6 p.m. Create your own spa night supplies with simple materials. Registration is required.

• Teen Take & Make Craft — For

•

grades 7-12. Available starting Wednesday, April 1. Stop by the Teen Space to pick up a Take & Make Craft kit. They’ll be available until the library runs out of supplies. No registration necessary.

Baby Story Time — For birth to 18 months. Thursday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. Drop-in.

WEST SPRINGFIELD WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following events are organized 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: • Pajama Story Time (for ages birth to 5 years old) — Monday, March 30, 6-6:45 p.m., Come join us with your favorite jammies and stuffy for this in-person program.

Adult and teen programs: • Stitch Club for Teens and Adults — Monday, March 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. Bring any stitch or fiber-related craft to the library’s fun and social stitch club. Light instruction and some basic supplies provided for beginner crafters.

The Agawam Reminder is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year.

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‘Liberty Tree’ to be dedicated at Thomas Smith House

Swerve Continued from page 3

dents, it’s for families,” said Gulluni. “Parents play a critical role in shaping safe driving behaviors. Stop the Swerve is an opportunity to come together, learn from real life events, and have conversations that can ultimately save lives.”

In addition to the presentation, students will have the opportunity to participate in interactive safety activities, including driving simulators, impairment-goggle exercises and a pedal cart challenge designed to demonstrate the effects of impairment and distraction behind the wheel.

While students engage in these activities, parents will have the opportunity to attend a presentation by an assistant district attorney about the risks and liabilities associated with underage drinking and hosting teen gatherings.

The evening will also include the announcement of winners

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Operations Director: Curtis Panlilio Executive Editor: Chris Maza Managing Editors: Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre Staff Writers: Sarah Heinonen, Deb Gardner, Amy Porter, Trent Levakis, Cliff Clark, Tyler Garnet, Peter Tuohy Graphic Design Manager: Beth Thurber Graphic Design Department: Leigh Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio Sales Manager: Scott Greene

Agawam’s Liberty Tree was generously donated and planted on the grounds of the historic Thomas Smith House in November 2025 by Agawam’s Cascio Company: from left are Lucas Blackak and Kyle Pilon. The tree will be dedicated by the Agawam Historical Association at a ceremony on Sunday, 19 April 2026.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

from the 2026 Stop the Swerve Public Service Announcement and Billboard Challenge, recognizing local students who have created impactful messages promoting safe driving.

All attendees of driving age can enter a raffle for free driving school tuition through AAA. The Stop the Swerve event is free and open to all Hampden County parents and high school students. No registration is required.

More information can be found at hampdenda.com/ or on the Facebook event page: facebook.com/share/1L2NxFqEPV.

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AGAWAM — Inspired by, and in remembrance of Boston’s original Liberty Tree — and those found throughout the colonies in the years leading up to, and during, the war for independence — the Agawam Historical Association will dedicate “Agawam’s Liberty Tree” at the historic Thomas Smith House, 251 North West St., Feeding Hills at 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon April 19, in hopes of inspiring future generations of patriots to endeavor toward a “more perfect union.”

After remarks by historical association president David Cecchi, the national anthem will be sung

by Chelsea Casamento, a member of the Agawam High School Chamber Choir. Members of the 25th Continental Regiment will provide a color guard & musket salute. Refreshments and tours of the 1757 Smith House and 1920 Delmore Hawthorne garage will follow.

The tree, an American Elm, was planted on the grounds of the National Register-listed property last November. The Agawam Historical Association wishes to thank the Cascio Company, a third-generation landscaping and lawn irrigation business located on Meadow Street, Agawam, for generously donating and planting the tree.

This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited; guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

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Council hears from public on general ordinance amendment

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A resident called a general ordinance amendment ‘taxation without representation’ during a public hearing at the West Springfield Town Council meeting on March 16.

First proposed to the council by Mayor William Reichelt on Jan. 6, the ordinance looks to delegate rate-setting authority for water and sewer fees to the director of the DPW with a purpose of ensuring “rates, fees and charges are sufficient to meet the operational and capital needs of the water and sewer enterprise funds,” according to the proposal.

“This approach will also help depoliticize the rate-setting process, which has become increasingly difficult in recent years,” Reichelt said in the proposal.

“Allowing the director to make rate adjustments based on professional assessment and financial analysis and subject to public hearing, reporting and oversight, will promote consistency, transparency and fairness in rate determination. In short, this ordinance provides a sound, policy-based framework to ensure that water

and sewer rates are neither overinflated nor insufficient, but rather properly balanced to meet the town’s present and future infrastructure needs.”

West Springfield resident Linda Parent used the term, popularized in the 18th century against the British Parliament’s taxation of American colonists, because the water and sewer fee-setting was included in the town taxes prior to Proposition 2½.

“It’s the City Council’s job to set rates and set fees and set taxes,” Parent said. “I’d hate to see this abandoned.”

Resident Todd Steglinski said he’s concerned about the checks and balances with “putting all the power into one pot.”

“Not that I don’t have any faith in what our Department of Public Works does,” Steglinski said. “They know our infrastructure like the back of our hand, but like [Parent] said, you guys are the ones that have historically set all kinds of different fees, overseen a lot, and now to take that away from you guys and recreate the wheel, type of thing, I’m kind of concerned about that.”

Steglinski said he knows the town has a lot of costs related to

aging infrastructure and the DPW knows what priorities there are and should still have input. However, he said the final decisions should remain with the council.

“I think you guys are pretty reasonable, as far as considering town department head input, I don’t see why that would change,” Steglinski said. “I think, it’s like eliminating the council, ‘alright, we’re not going to have a council anymore, we’re going to put all the power in the mayor and his subordinates to call the shots.’ I mean, that’s just not the way our government system is set up to work.”

He added that he’d like to see more engagement with the council and public involvement to make it a little bit more fair.

West Springfield Chief Financial Officer Sharon Wilcox said the ordinance calls for a public hearing before any kind of rate change, which is “more than what’s happening right now.”

“The council sets the sewer rates and the mayor sets the water rates,” Wilcox said. “This ordinance would have a public hearing where the DPW director would explain the process and why the fees are increasing, what

Chief Financial Officer Sharon Wilcox speaks on the ordinance.

Photo credit: West Springfield Access

the increase would be and take public input at that point in time.”

She added that changes are a part of the budgeting process, which the council has to approve.

The council wouldn’t be able to directly change the rate but

can change the operating budget, which can lead to the cut of whatever is making the rate change justified.

The council voted to continue the public hearing on the ordinance on April 6.

West Springfield leaders visit sister city in Dingle, Ireland WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Dingle Tourism Alliance and the Kerry County Council welcomed Mayor Will Reichelt of West Springfield, the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England Board of Directors, Eastern States Exposition President and CEO Gene Cassidy, Chief of Police Jay Gearing, Fire Chief C.J. Bartone and more leaders from West Springfield to Ireland to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The trip included the unveiling of a plaque dedicated to the Sister City Agreement and participation in four parades throughout the Dingle Peninsula beginning at dawn on Tuesday, March 17.

Irish immigration to New England peaked in the 1840s when the Potato Famine made the quality of life on the island intolerable.

People immigrated from every corner of Ireland, but those from County Kerry flocked to Western Massachusetts in troves. This is why so many of the diaspora in West Springfield hail from the now-evacuated Blasket Islands and the rocky Dingle Peninsula along the southwestern coast.

When individuals from the Dingle Tourism Alliance visited The Big E in West Springfield nearly three decades ago, they recognized a shared history with the region and the opportunity for Irish vendors to prosper at the popular 17-day Fair. The Irish tourism group partnered with Eastern States Exposition to create the Dingle Peninsula Showcase. The exterior of this cultural hotspot mimics the quaint retail row along Strand Street in Din-

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gle, and the interior hosts businesses and tradespeople directly from Ireland.

In 2017, Mayor Reichelt signed a memorandum of understanding with the Kerry County Council to form the “Sister City Agreement” with Dingle, Ireland, to bridge the geographic and generational distance between the 20% of West Springfield’s populace that hails from Ireland. Since the memorandum’s inception, the implementation of the Dingle Peninsula Showcase and the annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day programming at The Big E, we have witnessed a substantial increase across tourism, retail and communication between both regions.

Programming for the Sister City Plaque Dedication was organized and hosted by the Kerry County Council at Dingle Pier.

Among the attendees were Mayor Reichelt, ICC President Sean Cahillane, ICC co-Vice President Ed Sullivan, ICC Treasurer Stephanie Joyce, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and Caroline Boland of the Dingle Tourism Alliance.

Throughout the week-long trip, West Springfield’s town officials, St. Patrick’s Parade Committee members and other figureheads also visited historic spaces such as the Blasket Island Centre, the Gallarus Oratory and the Gaelic Athletic Association Club to learn more about the heritage of their hometown. On St. Patrick’s Day, the entire contingent was invited to march in four parades: the Dingle Dawn Parade, the Ballyferriter Parade, the Dingle Parade and the Castle-

Left to right: In attendance at the Sister City Plaque Dedication on a rainy day in Dingle, Ireland: Cathaoirleach Norma Moriarty, Tommy Griffin and Breandán Fitzgerald of the Kerry County Council; Ed Sullivan, Co-vice President of the ICC; Mayor Will Reichelt of West Springfield; Caroline Boland of Dingle Tourism Alliance; ICC President Sean Cahillane; and ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy.

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‘No-show’ rep says committee process ‘rotten at its core’

By Sam Drysdale

State House News Service

BOSTON — A state representative who says legislative committees are “where democracy goes to die” has not attended a single hearing this session — an attendance record that his opponent is highlighting as an example of why his Western Massachusetts district is underrepresented.

Republican Rep. Nicholas Boldyga of Southwick is not shy about standing up against Beacon Hill leadership and systems. By not attending committee hearings where people have a chance to offer opinions and lawmakers can ask questions, he’s refusing to participate in part of the lawmaking process that he calls a “sham.”

“The committee process is rotten at its core and the only purpose it serves is to provide cover for the corruption, secrecy and closed-door decision making on Beacon Hill that shuts out the public and rank and file members,” he said in a statement to the News Service.

Tom Hendrickson, a Democrat running for the seat that Boldyga holds, argues that the hearings are a critical forum for lawmakers to hear directly from the public.

An Agawam city councilor, Hendrickson said Western Massachusetts has to fight hard for representation on Beacon Hill and that Boldyga owes an explanation to his constituents for not showing up for one of the most direct ways the public interacts with the legislative process.

He published a press release Wednesday that called Boldyga’s attendance record “disgraceful.”

“We need strong representation in the State House, advocating for our community, representing us. And our current representative is not providing that,” he said.

The 3rd Hampden District that Boldyga has represented since 2011 sits is in the southwestern part of the state, west of Springfield and bordering Connecticut. It includes the towns of Blandford, Chester, Granville, Montgomery, Russell, Southwick, Tolland, Huntington, Middlefield and parts of Agawam.

Boldyga’s profile on the Massachusetts Legislature’s website doesn’t list a phone number at the State House, and the site directs visitors to his district office phone number, and notes that his district office in Southwick is his preferred mailing address.

“Our community has serious needs around education funding, health care, cost of living — major issues,” Hendrickson said. “Western Massachusetts is already outnumbered in the State House, and that issue gets exasperated when our representatives don’t even show up to work.”

In a statement, Boldyga pointed to reporting from The Boston Globe that found 12 committees held no hearings last session and considered no legislation, though those panels still offered “exorbitant stipends” on top of

base pay to its chairs “as rewards for loyal allies.”

“Thousands of bills are filed and hearings are held for show — almost all of them never reach the floor,” he said. “Leadership decides behind closed doors what advances, ignoring testimony, silencing members, and even ignoring committee votes.”

Boldyga said Hendrickson is “pushing this as a gotcha.”

Hendrickson raised issue with Boldyga accepting a $29,907.95 stipend for travel and office expenses while not attending State House hearings.

“It’s almost 30 grand,” Hendrickson said. “I don’t know what his explanation or excuse is going to be in terms of him not — if it’s that he doesn’t want to travel across the state, he gets paid directly for those travel expenses, so there should be no excuse.”

The state treasurer’s office, which distributes legislator pay, confirmed Boldgya accepts the allotments for travel and office expenses.

Lawmakers who live 50 miles or more from the State House receive higher office and travel payments, adjusted every session. This session, lawmakers who travel a farther distance to Beacon Hill get an extra $29,907.95 on top of their $82,044.31 base pay; those living within a 50-mile radius receive $22,430.96.

Asked how he uses the allotment and to respond to Hendrickson’s claims about his district being underrepresented, Boldyga replied, “Even though the committee process is a complete sham and it’s where democracy goes to die… I’ve still voted in nearly every committee poll. Regardless of that, Democratic leadership rarely advances any of those bills to the floor for a vote.”

He continued, “My focus remains on the issues that matter most to my constituents: fighting for a full audit of the Legislature that Democrats have denied, lowering sky-high utility bills that Democrats have caused, and making Massachusetts more affordable. My district is well-represented against these continued failures of Democrats on Beacon Hill.”

Boldyga sits on the Joint Committees on Aging and Independence, Agriculture and Fisheries and Revenue. Between them, the committees have held 19 hearings this session. According to legislative records, Boldyga did not attend any of them.

Senators are allowed under their chamber’s rules to participate remotely in committee hearings, but the House requires its representative to be physically present in the hearing room.

Unlike members of the public or the Senate, Boldyga could not have joined the hearing over video call.

Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at sdrysdale@ statehousenews.com.

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AGAWAM | MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026 | AGAWAM | 8 |

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‘Frustrated by the extremes,’ lawmaker urges rent control talks

By Katie Castellani State House News Service

BOSTON — State Sen. Cindy Friedman heard enough of the arguments over what will really help the state’s housing affordability crisis on March 17 and pressed the opposing sides to get to the bottom of it themselves.

After hearing testimony for and against a ballot initiative (H 5008) capping annual rent increases, she urged proponents and opponents to get together and find a middle ground. That scenario could yield the kind of compromise that could take the ballot question off the table for November.

“I am just so frustrated by the extremes,” Friedman, the Senate chair of the Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions, said during a hearing Tuesday.

The proposed ballot question would limit annual rent increases to the Consumer Price Index or 5%, whichever is lower.

Opponents have said it would stymie housing production in the state while proponents say the reform is crucial to keep residents housed comfortably and from fleeing for less expensive states.

“Somewhere in the middle is the truth. What would be really wonderful for the Legislature is if you all got together and figured out what a middle ground is,” Friedman said. She added, “This is why it is so hard to figure out how to solve these problems. It would be incredibly helpful if these two groups got together and said, ‘You know what, let’s find a way to do some of both,’ and I

urge you to do that.”

Friedman’s comments reflect lawmakers’ hesitation to adopt the controversial measure.

State Sen. Paul Feeney said the issue of housing affordability is nuanced and there are “a lot of questions” that need to be addressed.

“It is evident to all of us in the Legislature that we need to act boldly, but we need to do it and vet these issues so that we don’t affect housing growth downstream,” Feeney told the News Service after the hearing. “That is kind of that sweet spot: How do we make the commonwealth affordable for people, but at the same time increase production.

And that is something that I think a lot of us are grappling with. Today’s hearing showed that for everyone to see.”

During the hearing, Feeney noted he was not passing judgement on the measure when he asked proponents how to make sense of the fact that investors have said they will no longer fund projects in Massachusetts while it’s widely agreed the state needs more supply.

Mark Paul, an associate professor of economics at Rutgers University, responded by saying there is no peer-reviewed study published in the U.S. that shows rent control leads to a drop in housing supply and new construction. He related the issue to debates from decades ago over whether establishing a minimum wage would cause employers to layoff workers.

“The same thing is happening with rent control,” Paul said.

“When we see states considering it, developers are saying ‘we’re going to leave’ but that really hasn’t played out.”

Whitney Airgood-Obrycki, senior researcher at the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies who testified as a neutral expert, said studies have found regulations on rental prices are associated with a drop in rental supply. She also said evidence suggests the policy has little effect on new construction and, in Massachusetts, the end of rent control in 1994 didn’t have a significant impact on building trends. However, the concept has been shown to deter new construction when newer buildings are not exempt from rent caps.

The ballot measure this year includes an exception for units built within the last decade and is somewhat stricter compared to those recently passed in other states like Washington, California and Oregon. In those states, rents are capped at the lower of 10% or the CPI plus 5% to 7%, and there are exceptions for units built within the last 12 to 15 years, according to Airgood-Obrycki.

While they agree boosting the housing supply is important, proponents say residents facing steep rent hikes can’t afford to wait years for new homes to be built.

“This is a fair policy that will create stability for residents, protect communities from displacement, and ensure that Massachusetts remains a place where working families can afford to live, while allowing landlords to operate and profit and preventing

the worst corporate actors in the housing market,” said Carolyn Chu, executive director of Homes For All Massachusetts, the campaign backing the proposed ballot question.

State Sen. Barry Finegold said Denver and Raleigh, North Carolina, have seen a drop in rents and asked supporters: “Shouldn’t those be the models that we follow to have rents actually fall and make it more affordable for people?”

Tram Hoang, a senior associate at PolicyLink, said it’s important to look at rental price changes by sub-market because rents are dropping for high-income earners, as opposed to lower-income residents, because vacancy rates for higher-end rental units are rising.

Also, it’s rare for someone’s rent to drop and it’s more likely a resident may move to a different unit with a cheaper rent, she said.

“Building at the top is very great because it adds housing supply. But if we want immediate benefits to those who are in most dire conditions, then building at all levels in every sub-market is critical,” Hoang said.

Along with concerns about diminishing housing supply, opponents said the measure would shift costs onto small property owners.

Tony Lopes, a small property owner and vice president of the Small Property Owners Association, said more than 60% of housing providers in the state are small property owners, many of whom own two- or three-family homes and have another full-time job.

“We are not corporations. We

are your neighbors,” Lopes told lawmakers while testifying against the measure.

Feeney asked opponents “what is the answer then” to the state’s housing crisis if it’s not rent control. The panel of opponents said building more units is crucial as well as reducing red tape and making it easier to rezone properties.

Finegold also asked opponents what they believe would happen to housing production in communities that border other states if Massachusetts passed the measure.

“It’s already happening, senator, with the rumors of rent control, [developers] are already crossing over to New Hampshire,” responded Neily Soto, chair of Methuen City Council and board member of Massachusetts Housing Coalition.

Soto’s testimony aligns with observations from the Federal Reserve Banks’s Beige Book and top Beacon Hill leaders.

During an event held by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce two weeks ago, Gov. Maura Healey – who is staunchly opposed to the initiative petition — said that when the idea of rent control going on the ballot came out she got calls from six developers who had lost investment funds.

“Investors are afraid,” the governor said. “It’s totally at odds and counteractive to what we’re trying to do.”

Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at kcastellani@ stateaffairs.com.

Freedom Credit Union appoints DePaola as West Springfield branch officer WEST SPRINGFIELD — Freedom Credit Union recently announced that Debbie DePaola has been appointed Branch Officer for its West Springfield location.

DePaola joined Freedom in 2023 as an assistant branch manager, bringing more than a decade of experience in the banking industry. In her new role, she leads

the daily operations of the branch with a focus on service, efficiency and member satisfaction. She oversees branch performance, coaches and develops staff, ensures regulatory and compliance standards are consistently met and supports business development and community relations efforts throughout the region.

A graduate of the College of Central Florida with an associate degree in business administration, Debbie has been recognized for her dedication, leadership and commitment to Freedom’s mission. In 2025, she received the Freedom Credit Union President’s Award.

“I am excited to take on this

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 Alice Ann Angelo Joseph E. Cincotta Margaret Faust Talmadge M. “Thelma” Gross William M. Pawlin FEEDING HILLS Joseph Nicolas Gilberti

William J. Lambert SOUTHWICK Karen A. Brzezinski Larry Veprauskas WEST SPRINGFIELD Roger H. Bilodeau Daniel J. Callahan

James E. Finnie Norma M. Gumlaw James F. Martin WESTFIELD Eric J. Clarke Frances E. Noyes David Sullivan

new role at the West Springfield branch,” said DePaola. “My focus will be on delivering exceptional service to our members, supporting our team and strengthening our connections within the community.”

Glenn Welch, president of Freedom Credit Union, added, “Debbie’s leadership, experience and dedication to our members make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident she will continue to elevate the branch and provide outstanding service to the West Springfield community.”

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|9|

AGAWAM | MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

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Back Porch Festival returns March 27 for its 12th year

By Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com

NORTHAMPTON — More than 60 artists will perform at 12 walkable venues in the city’s downtown when the 12th annual Back Porch Festival returns to Northampton from March 27-29.

The Back Porch Festival is a collaborative effort between Signature Sounds and the Parlor Room Collective. Founded in 2014 as a one-day event at the Academy of Music Theater in Northampton, the event has since grown into a multi-venue celebration featuring the best in American roots music. Each year, the festival includes a live broadcast of the Back Porch radio show before a live audience, and this year’s will take place on March 29 at 9 a.m. at The Iron Horse.

Back Porch Radio host Jim Olsen has been on the airwaves of WRSI since 1984, serving as the station’s program and music director from 1985 to 1996. When the station moved to Northampton in 1996 and became 93.9 The River, the Back Porch came with it.

In the first year of the Back Porch Festival, Olsen and organizers were looking to put on a one-day concert for the community, and when their booked act canceled at the last minute, organizers improvised and turned the single show into split performances between three different artists.

The festival officially expanded to the format that is currently celebrated in 2023.

“In this day and age, when you book so many bands, it’s kind of inevitable that something will happen with someone and they can’t make it. We haven’t had one yet this year, but you never

know,” said Olsen. “Part of putting on an event like this is just having the flexibility and the foresight to have a plan when problems arise.”

The lone multi-day winter musical festival in New England will kick off the festivities on March 27 with the first headliner show at the Academy of Music featuring BERTHA: Grateful Drag, the world’s first Grateful Dead Drag band. The show begins at 8 p.m. and includes an all-star collective of queer and allied East Nashville talent coming together in full force for a good cause, according to organizers.

Headlining the second day of the weekend is the Back Porch Bluegrass Spectacular featuring Peter Rowan and Sam Grisman Project playing music from Old & In The Way and more. Old & In The Way was a short-lived but groundbreaking bluegrass band featuring Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, Vassar Clements, John Kahn and Peter Rowan.

The show will celebrate their influences and classic repertoire. It begins at 7 p.m. inside the Academy of Music.

I’m With Her, the harmony-rich, Grammy-winning supergroup of Aoife O’Donovan, Sarah Jarosz and Sara Watkins, will close the weekend as the final headliner with a performance inside the Academy of Music on March 29. Special guest Olive Klug will also be featured.

“The thought process in planning this is, let’s do this at a time of year where everyone could really use it. You never know in New England what you’re going to get with the weather. You can’t rule out a snowstorm during the last weekend of March,” Olsen said with a laugh. “I feel like March is just that month where

it’s sort of no longer winter, but it’s also not really spring yet. So, it’s this long month where you’re kind of waiting to get back outside, and this is a little emphasis to get back outside and enjoy.”

Special to this year’s Back Porch Festival will be the debut of the new concert film, “You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine.” Playing March 29 at 11 a.m. at the Academy of Music, the tribute concert film captured in October 2022 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium honors the legendary songwriter’s enduring legacy.

The film brings together family, friends and acclaimed artists like Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Tyler Childers, Lucinda Williams, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell and Bob Weir to celebrate Prine’s life and music on the iconic stage.

The film screening is included with a Ramble Pass, which grants access to every show at the festival except for the evening headlining shows at the academy.

“This film has been released this year, and they’re doing select premieres in certain markets, so we’re lucky here in Western Mass. to show this film at the Academy of Music,” Olsen said.

“It’s a cool new wrinkle we have this year that we haven’t had in the past.”

Also new to this year’s festival is Secret Planet, a community-supported music group bringing borderless, underground artists to Western Mass. Olsen said the group gathers bands from all over the world to the region and that they will be featured on Saturday through a new “Global Back Porch” performance at 33 Hawley St. “We’re always looking for interesting ways to shake things up,” Olsen said.

When it comes to booking artists, Olsen explained that the festival’s lineup is filled with a good mixture of national touring and local acts. He said that around 4,000 tickets are typically sold for the event, which therefore brings additional business to downtown.

“The reason we do this is to give it more of a festival feeling. That idea that usually when you go to a music festival it’s an open field or somewhere where there’s a lot of things happening around the ground so we just use downtown Northampton as our festival grounds. It makes for a more social event because rather than sitting in a seat and watching a show, you’re up and moving around,” said Olsen. “You have so many choices of different things to go see. Having a walkable downtown in Northampton and having everything within walking distance just makes it so that not only do you go to different venues and see music, but you might stop at a café and get a coffee or stop at a restaurant for some food or check out a store.

It really enlivens the whole city,

which was the idea.”

Olsen said it is rewarding for him and fellow Back Porch Festival organizers to see the event’s growth over the years and what it has turned into most recently. He added they look forward to another great festival weekend.

“It means a lot because when we started this, it started very small and humbly, and we’ve been able to grow it a little bit every year. Now we’re getting recognition all around the U.S. for it and from artists that really want to come and play it. It’s just exciting,” said Olsen. “For many years, our group produced Green River Festival, which is and was a wonderful festival that has become a really big deal. It’s fun to get to sort of grow another festival with a totally different format and feel into something that’s exciting and that people are really enjoying, so it’s been great.”

For more information on this year’s Back Porch Festival, its schedule, full lists of performers and venues, or to purchase tickets or a ramble pass, visit backporchfest.com.

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MUSIC

Friday 3/27/26

Tuesday Nights 6:30-8:30

Alex Rohan 6-9

MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026 | AGAWAM | 10 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Brody Sheehan launches from 3-point land.

Dylan Jorgensen contributed 11 points for the Brownies.

Gavin Cruz led the Brownies with 17 points.

AGAWAM VS NORWOOD

BASKETBALL

On Feb. 24, Agawam lost to Norwood 60-56 in a state D-2 preliminary round boys basketball tournament game played at Agawam High School.

REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY GEORGE SKOVERA CALL 733-1747 OR EMAIL GSKOVERA@COMCAST.NET

Grace Cavanaugh and her cheerleading teammates stand for the national anthem.

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| 11 |

AGAWAM | MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

Matthew Letellier muscles his way to the basket for two giving Agawam a 24-17 lead.

Caeden Roeder drives, then dishes via a behind-the-back pass.

Yusuf Ebrahim battles for the rebound.

Trevor Moynihan takes it to the hoop against Norwood’s Roman Coras.

classifieds

MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026 | AGAWAM | 12 |

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TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD CALL 413-213-6178 • CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON

community

tag sales

LEGAL NOTICES INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2352EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-8600 Estate of: Yvonne M. Deschaine Also Known As: Yvonne Deschaine Date of Death: September 7, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner France Chatis of Somers CT a Will has been admitted to informal probate.

France Chatis of Somers CT 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.

(March 26)

APPLIANCE REPAIR ALLEN ST. JEAN APPLIANCE Repairing all major brands of appliances.

New Appliance Sales!

A+ BBB Rating. Feel free to leave a quote on our services! www.allens-appliance.com Senior/Military discounts available.

413-562-5082

AUTO SERVICES CASH FOR JUNK AND REPAIRABLE CARS Free Towing! Friendly, Fast, Same Day Service!

Call/Text 413-219-6839

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

BUSINESS PROPERTY FOR SALE: 35,000 square foot office/light industrial building on 4.5 acres of land in Concord, Massachusetts. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this property is 15 minutes from Rte. 128 and 20 minutes from Rte. 495. Not only is there town water and sewer but the town of Concord has its own electric company.

In addition, Concord has underground Concord fibre optic internet. 7 minutes from historic Concord center, enjoy Walden pond, Louisa May Alcott's house and many other historic sites as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Use the entire building or keep some of the tenants already occupying the building. Mowing, plowing, and other maintenance already in place could remain. Call with any questions: 978.580.1895

ELECTRICIAN FLOREK'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE Fully experienced for all your electrical needs, in your home or business. No job too small or too big. Electrical service upgrades, new construction or additions, emergency generators; new installation and maintenance service. Fully insured/licensed.

Call Jason, Master Electrician 413-568-6293

JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN Lic.#E16303

Insured. 50 yrs. experience.

No job too small.

Call 413-330-3682 POEHLMAN ELECTRIC All types of wiring.

Free estimates. Insured.

SPECIALIZING IN PORTABLE AND WHOLE HOUSE KOHLER GENERATORS, SERVICE UPGRADES, SMALL JOBS, POOLS. Gutter de-icing cables installed. All calls answered!

Best prices, prompt service.

Lic. #A-16886 (413)562-5816

FIREWOOD AFFORDABLE FIREWOOD Seasoned and green. Cut, split, delivered. Half-Cords/FullCords/Multiple-Cords.

Now ready for immediate delivery.

Senior, Veteran and Bulk discounts apply!

Call: 413-530-4820

GENERAL SERVICES A-1 A DUMP TRUCK Attic, cellars, garages cleaned out.

Wood and brush removal.

Scrap metal removal.

Snowplowing/Removal (413)569-0794 (413)374-5377

A.R.A. JUNK & FURNITURE REMOVAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DEMOLITION SHEDS/PATIOS HOUSE CLEANOUTS Appliances & Garage We Recycle & Donate

PETE 413-433-0356

Free Estimates Credit cards accepted Same day service!

RICHIE’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Contractor/Mechanical Services/ Handyman Replacement windows, vinyl siding, roofing, gutters installed/cleaned, remodeling, painting, flooring/carpeting, masonry, carpentry, powerwashing & ceramic tiling. Residential/commercial. No job too small. Lic#148425/Insured 413-746-2171/413-246-0927 OLD SCHOOL WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Offering Roof Raking/Snow Removal!

Gutter Cleaning $85 any home; Power washing starts at $99; Call Bob 413-8966442. FULLY INSURED www.windowcleanup.com

HANDYMAN Four Seasons Handyman Services 40-years experience in carpentry. Recently retired but want to stay busy helping you with any job you are afraid to ask help for.

Todd 413-433-5319

HEALTH & MEDICAL Attention patients with Diabetes. Manage your Diabetes better. Get your insurance covered GCM today. Call US MED NOW: 855-680-2173 Get help now with a drug or alcohol problem?

Insurance may cover the cost. CALL The Detox and Treatment Helpline at (800)478-0435 Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with d e t a i l s !

1 - 8 5 5 - 5 2 6 - 1 0 6 0 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

HELP WANTED

Seeking experienced and passionate team members to join us in delivering quality, relationship-based care to young children and families. All positions offer competitive salaries and outstanding benefits, supervision and training. Head Start & Early Learning Programs is a Brazelton Touchpoints™ Site! Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply. $5,000 Sign on Bonus for all below positions!

Itinerant Lead Teacher (Across our Service Area) Provide high quality educational services to Head Start classrooms across our service area, supporting consistency of relationship-based care for children. Duties are varied and may include long-term teaching assignments and behavioral support for children with special needs. Itinerant Lead Teachers will be prioritized for eventual transition to a single classroom placement, if desired. EEC LT certified and minimum AA in Early Childhood Education or related field required, BA and Special Education experience preferred. 37.5 hours a week/full year. Salary Range: $26.61$31.62/hour Lead Teacher Preschool (Westfield) Provide relationship-based care to young children and families while supervising and mentoring a team of Teacher and Assistant. EEC LT Preschool certified and minimum AA in Early Childhood Education or related field; BA preferred. 35 hours a week/school year. Salary Range: $26.61-$31.62/hour Teacher Assistant Infant Toddler (Westfield): Experience meaningful relationships with infants and toddlers while earning your CDA for free! EEC Teacher Certification preferred, High School/GED required. 32.5 hours/week/full year. Salary Range $18.42$19.55/hour Teacher Infant Toddler (Amherst): Join our collaborative team providing relationship-based care and education to infants and toddlers. Excellent ratios. Minimum Infant Toddler CDA, or degree with EEC Infant Toddler Lead Teacher certification. Full time (37.5 hours a week); full year. Salary Range: $22.14-25.59/hour + bilingual differential, if applicable.

Teacher Assistant Preschool (Amherst): Experience meaningful relationships with preschoolers while earning your CDA for free!

EEC Teacher Certification preferred, High School/GED required. 37.5 hours/week/full year. Salary Range $18.42-$19.55/hour Teacher Assistant Preschool (Northampton): Experience meaningful relationships with preschoolers while earning your CDA for free! EEC Teacher Certification preferred, High School/GED required. 37.5 hours/week/full year. Salary Range $18.42$19.55/hour All positions have the option of a $.50-$1/hour bilingual differential We offer Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Retirement Plan, Flexible Spending Plans, Vision Insurance, Long-Term Disability Insurance, Sick, Vacation, Float time and 12.5 paid Holidays. Community Action is a qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background investigation, including CORI, DCF, SORI, and fingerprintbased national CORI, NCOR, and out of state checks if applicable, and driving record check.

To apply please go to: https://www.communityaction.us/job-openings for a full job description and information regarding benefits Community Action is committed to a diverse workforce. AA/EOE/ADA

Tell them you saw it in The Reminder! Let our advertisers know that this is where you found them. They appreciate it, and so do we!

AGAWAM

A&H Legacy LLC, to Tacettin Arici, 1730 Main St. $580,000 Ana Kaletina and Oleg Kaletin to Danylo Verbakhivskyi and Svitlana Kovalchuk, 491 South West St. $385,000 Ba Van Tran and Jenny Ly to Ky Nguyen, 40 Nolan Lane $560,000 Benjamin A. McCormick and Amanda M. McCormick to Ruslan Yankevych and Nadiia Yankevych, 32 Lealand Ave. $295,000 LHT Realty LLC, to Hmood Aljashaam, 304-306 Cooper St. $500,000 MS Homes LLC, to James Stellato Jr., Harvard Avenue $65,000

SOUTHWICK

MHI Properties LLC, to Eric Dziewit and Cheri Costa, 2 Lakemont St. $455,000 Tanya Kellogg, trustee, and Constance K. Kellogg Trust, trustee of, to Jesse Sobczyk, 371 Rear North Loomis St. $52,000

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CHAMELEON REMODELING & PAINTING

When it's time for a change

- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR -

Remodeling Kitchens, Baths, and so much more!

Residential/Commercial

Fully Insured · Free Estimates

413-351-1147

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade. 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-299-7135

DALE'S STRUCTURAL Termite damage, sagging floors, rotted beams, basement columns, foundation repairs, homes, garages, barns. Small jobs welcome.

413-667-3149

HOME MAINTENANCE JOSEPH'S HANDYMAN COMPANY Carpentry, remodeling, kitchen, baths, basements, drywall, tile, floors, restoration services, doors, windows, decks, stairs, interior/exterior painting, plumbing. Small jobs ok. Projects designed to fit your needs, all types of professional work done since 1985.

Call Joe (413)364-7038

HOUSE PAINTING LETOURNEAU & SONS PAINTING ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! Family owned and operated, painting/home improvements. Serving Western MA since 1986.

Specializing in residential/commercial , exterior/interior painting and staining. Exterior home repairs/carpentry of all type.

Call Bill for your FREE no obligation estimate (413) 977-9633 or (413) 562-5727 www.Ls-painting.com

LANDSCAPING Trimming Edge Lawncare Will Beat Quoted price Lawn mowing, Spring and Fall Cleanup, Brush Removal, And More...

413-551-9653

Juan G. Perez to Herman Lee Pittman IV, 11 Cheyenne Road Karina Curl to Hugo Guzman and Dinorah Nolberto, 658 Sumner Ave. Lachenauer LLC, to D & A Home Construction Inc., 0 W S Fort Pleasant Ave. Lillian G. Habin to Ryan J. Kelder and Krista Efantis, 865 South Branch Parkway Marc A. Mercado to Michael Masciadrelli, 63 Granger St. Mark R. Pellerin, representative, and Patricia A. Pellerin, estate, to Skyspec LLC, 85 Bircham St. Megan C. Masse to Xiomara Perez, 552 Dwight Road Melvin Coleman to Raquel Hernandez, 44 Border St. Mik Wedel to Christiane Bitar and Michael Bitar, 30 Jerilis Drive

WEST SPRINGFIELD

151 Capital Drive LLC, to 151 Capital LLC, 151 Capital Drive Cheryl Ocana to Lockhouse Development LLC, 28 Colony Road Unit 28 Aisha T. Williams-Garcia, Ivan G. Garcia and Ivan Garcia to Damarys Ocasio, 83 Gilman St. $280,000 Kate Dinatale, Kate MacDougall and Matthew J. Dinatale to Andrew Crory, 53 Warren St. Amjad Real Estate LLC, to Eduard Yanyuk and Anastasia Yanyuk, 52 Price St. $346,900 Scott M. Blair to Richard M. Kuras and Cheryl A. Kuras, 210 Wolcott Ave. Amjad Real Estate LLC, to Eduard Yanyuk and Anastasia Yanyuk, 54 Price St. $346,900 WESTFIELD Cig2 LLC, to Victor L. Rivas III, and Yanayra Morales Perez, 16-18 Haumont St. $397,000 Brian S. Marshall and Karen A. Marshall to Oleg Kaletin and Ana Kaletina, 153 Prospect St. Extn, Elizabeth M. Labb, representative, Hilda A. Krol, estate, and Hilda Krol, estate, to Mario Coplin, 80 Jean Dr. $275,000 Jerry Peake and Nisa Peake to Vivette S. Thompson, 29 Sunrise Terrace Emilio Arroyo II, to Webster Units LLC, 20 Webster St. $230,000 Olga Misiruk and Neyla Misiruk to Olena Nimets, 13 Madison St. Emtay Inc., to Onstar Properties AA LLC, 273 Orange St. $523,000 Rene J. Soucy to Denise A. Dulude, 19 Sherwood Ave. Fabiola Santana Romano De Meuses to Jose Martinez, 34 Wellesley St. $185,000 Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Cruz N. Perez Ortiz, 62 Central St. Unit 402 $227,000 WILBRAHAM Geoffrey Frost and Haleigh Frost to Arimendi Batista, 55 Gardens Drive $299,000 AC Homebuilding LLC, to David T. Martins and Deborah A. Martins, Sandalwood Drive Unit 111 Ivelisse Morales to Pine Hill Management LLC, 27 Middlebrook Drive $245,000 Frank Kulig to Neil Horner, 22 Brainard Road James W. Fiore to Cesar J. Reyes and Sharelys N. Concepcion, 42 Talmadge Drive $299,900 Michael Tetreault Jr., and Melissa A. Tetreault to Arlana Kaye Cordeiro, 1 Conifer Drive Juan C. Crespo to Keanu Mercado, 320 Oakland Ave. $350,000 Paul Henry, Beth Henry and Beth Seretta to Robert F. Engel and Kristy Leigh Smith, 225 Maynard Road

SPRINGFIELD

$305,000 $429,000 $53,000 $275,000 $290,000 $152,000 $329,000 $365,000 $315,000 $4,120,000 $140,000 $308,000 $250,000 $438,000 $475,000 $240,000 $350,000 $554,356 $365,000 $445,000 $490,000

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

MASONRY / CONCRETE ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation.

All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866 DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devic-es. HBO Max included for 3 mos w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 866-859-0405

All brick, block concrete; concrete steps & walk-ways; new paver walk-ways; paver patios & retaining walls. Chimneys, foundations, hatchways, new basement windows installed and repaired. New hatchway & bulkhead doors. Sump pumps and french drain systems installed. Foundations pointed and stuccoed.

Free estimates (413)569-1611 or (413)374-5377

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

TMR MASON CONTRACTOR All types of masonry and concrete: brick, block, stone stucco. Chimney repairs, foundation repairs, bulkheads, concrete sidewalks, stairs and patios, Fully licensed/ insured.

Todd: 413-575-3839

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

MISCELLANEOUS

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208

Lean how to reduce your Credit Card to fraction of what you owe. Call the Debt Help Line now for free advice. Call (800)245-1567 DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1888-305-7286 today!

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855925-2643 SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 800-311-2199 REPLACE YOUR ROOF with the best looking and longest lasting material. Steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer up to 50% off installation and Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs 1-844-463-4077 Attention timeshare owners. We're offering you a way to legally get rid of your timeshare. Call right now to qualify and receive a free consultation. You can terminate your timeshare legally and permanently. Call The timeshare exit hotline now – (800)298-5026 AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work.

Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1833-640-4753. Have zip code of property ready when calling!

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1877-543-9189 Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds.

Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-833-8901612

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 Need cash quickly? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours!

Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 833-359-4707

| 13 | 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 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!

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

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) 537-4665 No job is too small!!!

DAVID ROSE PLUMBING & HEATING

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

For ALL your plumbing needs.

No job is too small!

Veteran Owned and operated MA Licensed and Insured

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!

Call Dave 413-579-4073

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 TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars!

Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “DOWNWARD TREND”

TREE SERVICE

WANTED

American Tree & Shrub Removal, pruning, bucket/crane work.

Light excavation and tree planting.

Fully Insured/Free Estimates.

24-hour Emergency Services.

20+ years Experience

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

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.

WANTED TO BUY

Call (413)562-6639 Monday-Friday, 9-5.

Wanted! CASH for: Machinist, Specialty, and Mechanic Tools, Electronics/Audio, Sports Cards, Vintage Toys, Antiques/Collectibles, much more!

Call/Text Sam 413-531-5381

VACATION RENTAL

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING

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.

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

AGAWAM | MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026

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

Tell them you saw it in The Reminder! Let our advertisers know that this is where you found them. They appreciate it, and so do we!

PLUMBING

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

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TO PLACE YOUR LEGAL AD CALL:

HATFIELD

Roxanne: 413.213.6178

HADLEY

sspada@thereminder.com EAST LONGMEADOW, ENFIELD/SOMERS, AND SPRINGFIELD REMINDERS

Evan: 413.213.6170

GRANBY

SOUTH HADLEY

SOUTHAMPTON

NT

GO

HOLYOKE

ME

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OTIS

PTON

WESTHAM

GTON

MO

RY

LUDLOW CHICOPEE

RUSSELL

TOLLAND

emarcyoniak@thereminder.com FOR: HAMPSHIRE REMINDER AND CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

HUNTIN

CHESTER

NORTHAMPTON

EASTHAM

Shannon: 413.735.1660

PTON

rmiller-longtin@thereminder.com FOR: AGAWAM REMINDER, THE PENNYSAVER, AND WESTFIELD NEWS

AMHERST

WESTFIELD

GRANVILLE

MASSACHUSETTS

SOUTHWICK

WEST SPRINGFIELD

WILBRAHAM SPRINGFIELD

AGAWAM LONGMEADOW

CONNECTICUT

EAST LONGMEADOW

HAMPDEN

SOMERS ENFIELD

443B SHAKER ROAD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA • 413.525.6661 (DENSLOW ROAD ENTRANCE)

181 ROOT ROAD • WESTFIELD, MA • 413.562.4181

CARRIERS & PART-TIME SUBS NEEDED! WE ARE OFFERING A BONUS INCENTIVE TO NEW CARRIERS AFTER COMPLETING 4 WEEKS!

EAST LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd. 129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St. 166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only) 131 Papers: Shawmut St., Mayfair St., Westminster St., Thompkins Ave., Partial-Gates Ave 64 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir. 327 Papers: Melwood Ave., Chestnut St., Bluegrass Dr., Maple St., Powder Hill Rd., Fairhaven Dr. 174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St. 150 Papers: Breezy Knoll Rd., Elm St., Mapleshade Ave., Pleasant St., Oak Bluff Cir.

LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St. 84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St. 109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St. 54 Papers: Bliss Rd. 87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd. 157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.

96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd. 99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd. 100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd. 157 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd. 115 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St. 42 Papers: Lynwood Dr., Duxbury Ln., Elizabeth Cir. 67 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd. 65 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy Rd., Partial-E. Greenwich Rd., Colony Rd. 149 Papers: Prynne Ridge Rd., Wyndward Rd., Wildwood Glen, Maplewood St., Partial-Maple Rd.

WILBRAHAM - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd. 61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr. 228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.

Call Holly @

413.788.1316

443B SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA · 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA

MARCH 26 - APRIL 1, 2026 | AGAWAM | 14 |

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