Council questions Flock cameras in Agawam
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — Dozens of residents came to the June 15 City Council meeting to express concerns about Agawam’s use of license plate reader cameras from the company Flock Safety. People were worried about what the cameras were recording and who had access to that data. To quell those fears, the council invited Police Chief Eric Gillis to answer questions about the technology.
Gillis brought police Lt. Edward McGovern, who oversees the cameras, and two representatives of Flock — Public Affairs Manager Karl Bach and Regional Account Executive Scott Braren.
Gillis explained that several communities in the area use Flock, including neighboring Springfield, Westfield and West Springfield. Agawam leased six license plate reader cameras, five of which have been installed since March. “I can tell you, they’ve paid significant dividends thus far,” Gillis said. He recalled incidents in which the cameras were used to identify vehicles involved in crashes and find stolen vehicles. He called the technology “godsent.” Referring to resident concerns, Gillis said, “We’re not tracking everybody. I’m going to be honest with you. We don’t have the time.” He said the department is short-staffed and need “every tool available to us” to close cases. He noted there were 30,000 calls for service last year.
Gillis said he was frustrated with people’s concerns about being tracked by the cameras because cell phones already monitor people’s location and pick up speech. He said, “If you have not been involved in a crime in your vehicle, we’re not going to be looking at that.”
Councilor Christine Rickmon
later said, “I think the difference with people walking around with their cell phones is that we’re choosing to do that. We didn’t choose Flock.”
Bach provided a PowerPoint presentation about the company and the license plate reader cameras. He said 12,000 communications nationwide use Flock technology and it has been involved in 10% of the solved crimes in the country. He said the license plate readers do not record video, only still images of the rear of vehicles. They can capture the plate, make, model and color of a car, but not the people in the vehicle, and there is no facial recognition in use.
Addressing privacy concerns, Bach said data is sent with endto-end encryption and is deleted after 30 days if not used in an investigation. Data is never sold and all requests for data searches must be approved by the Agawam Police Department. Bach refuted a frequent criticism that Flock’s license plate readers violate the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits unlawful search and seizure. He said appellate courts have ruled multiple times that license plate information obtained in public is a lawful method of gathering information.
City Council President Anthony Russo asked if Flock has ever sold data or provided it outside of a police investigation. Bach reiterated that the company does not sell data and said, “We will never share your data without your permission.” Russo asked if there were any laws in place to enforce that, and Bach told him that it would depend on the jurisdiction. But he explained that Flock cannot initiate data sharing. It must come from the Police Department.
Mercadante asked if the Police Department had given permis-
sion to share data, either blanket permission or on a case-by-case basis. McGovern explained that individual law-enforcement agencies must request data and then, Agawam may provide access. “I have currently allowed police departments and police departments only to have access to our cameras in a 50-mile radius,” he said.
Councilor Peter McNair inquired about before the town leased the cameras. “Were... bad guys aware that Agawam didn’t have Flocks?” he asked. Gillis said yes.
“Folks who traffic in narcotics avoid communities that have Flock cameras,” Gillis said, adding that drug couriers were driving through Agawam because they knew there were no license plate readers. “They don’t anymore because they know that they’re here.”
McNair also asked if the cameras were used for traffic enforcement. Braren said, “Our company plays no role in speeding or red light” enforcement.
Councilor Ed Borgatti remarked, “If we had this when Lisa Ziegert was murdered, you would have saved my family, their family, all our friends, 25 years of hell.” Ziegert, an Agawam teacher, was abducted and murdered in 1992. Borgatti added, “If it solves one murder, it’s worth every single bit of invasion that it creates.”
Rickmon asked about the application for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Community Mitigation Fund grant that paid for the license plate reader cameras. She said the application was submitted and then amended to include Flock cameras. Gillis said he was unaware of any amendment.
Rickmon also grilled Gillis about the justification for the application that stated, “Agawam is also the home of Six Flags New England and people drop children off for the day while they patron the casino.” She asked how the
Council passes voter ID resolution
The City Council approved a resolution supporting voter ID requirements.
WEST SPRINGFIELD Stricter solicitation and canvassing rules enacted
The Town Council approved stricter restrictions around soliciting and canvassing.
Agawam Police Chief Eric Gillis speaks about Flock cameras at the City Council’s June 15 meeting.
Photo credit: Agawam Media
Submit your community listings online at thereminder.com/ submit-an-event/ or by emailing dhackett@ thereminder.com. Events are subject to review and printed on a space available basis.
AGAWAM
AGAWAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized
TOWN EVENTS
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.
Local Author Talk with Angela Grout — Monday, June 29, at 6:30 p.m. Angela Grout will discuss her latest novel “Bean in My Breast”.
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 413736-4561, ext. 4.
All ages programs:
• Summer Reading Performer Series: Wingmasters: Bird of Prey — Tuesday, June 30 at 10
a.m. Learn about North America’s birds of prey, like hawks,
owls and falcons, through licensed raptor rehabilitator, Julie Anne Collier. Recommended for ages 6 and up.
Summer Reading Performer Series: Thomas Quirk — Revolutionary Interpreter — Wednesday, July 1, at 2 p.m. Thomas Quirk will portray life in the 18th century with period clothing, goods, weapons, tools and instruments — including a fife and drum demonstration.
Kids programs:
• Summer Storytime — Thursdays in July from 10-10:45 a.m.
Adult and Teen programs:
• Stitch Club for Adults and Teens — Monday, June 29, at 6 p.m. Come knit, crochet, hand sew or embroider with us! Light instruction, some tools and supplies provided and all experience levels are welcome! No registration, just drop in and enjoy.
Don’t purchase clothes decorated with feathers
Before regulatory laws were finally passed in the early 20th century, birds were indiscriminately killed globally for their feathers, to be used for fashion.
Unfortunately, birds are excluded from our present U.S. animal welfare act, and the demand for their feathers in fashion is
again growing. This is partially occurring because the use of fur has plummeted, and people perceive use of feathers as more humane. It is not. Birds such as ostriches and peacocks are farmed and slaughtered for their feathers. These factory type farms are often overseas.
Peacock feathers are often used for cat toys, and can be easily purchased on Amazon. They are even used in animal shelters. The Humane Society does not ap-
prove of the use of these feathers because of the inhumane cruelty the birds must suffer for their procurement.
Please do not purchase clothes decorated with feathers, and don’t use peacock or other feather toys for your cats. If you see them being used in a shelter, please speak up.
Wendy Hollis Agawam
I’m voting for Jeromie
Whalen
I first encountered Jeromie Whalen at a No Kings rally in Westfield back in October 2025. His passion and energy were captivating, and I was surprised to learn that he was running for Congress in the primary against the incumbent, Richard Neal. As he navigated through the crowd, I met him and took a flyer about his campaign. However, once home, I set the flyer aside and forgot about the campaign.
A few months later, while driving down Memorial Drive in Chicopee, I noticed a bright yellow van with a license plate that read “Vanana.” As I approached, I chuckled and then saw Jeromie’s name in blue letters on the side of the van. The memory of meeting him came rushing back, and upon returning home, I visited his website and signed up to collect signatures to help secure his place on the ballot. Shortly after volunteering, I received a text message from Jeromie thanking me for my efforts and informing me that I could reach out to him at any time. Initially skeptical, I replied, and received another response, confirming it was indeed Jeromie. A couple of weeks later, I signed up to volunteer for a canvass in Chicopee and received another thank you text from him. A few weeks after that, I made a donation to his campaign. Within an hour, my phone rang; it was Jeromie, personally thanking me for the donation and inquiring about any issues that were important to me. Over the past few months, I
have continued to volunteer with the campaign because I genuinely believe in Jeromie’s vision and the community he is building. Jeromie is a constant presence at community events, not just for photo opportunities, but because he genuinely cares about the issues facing the people he hopes to represent.
Recently, I spent a couple of hours shadowing Jeromie at the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast in Springfield. During this time, I observed him interact with at least a hundred people, many of whom he recognized by name from previous encounters on the campaign trail. I witnessed a man who is kind not because he is being watched, but because it is the right thing to do. There was a woman volunteering at a table just outside the campaign HQ who expressed her desire to eat but was alone. Jeromie waited in line for her so she could have a plate. We also passed by a table where a young couple was attempting to take a selfie. Jeromie offered to take their photo on their phone. They thanked him, and he walked away without mentioning his congressional run. His gesture was purely out of kindness, reflecting the person Jeromie truly is.
The MA-01 district deserves someone who genuinely cares about its people. We deserve a representative who shows up for us, not to enhance their public image, but because they believe in the power of community. We deserve Jeromie Whalen. Patrick Murphy West Springfield
police know parents go to the casino and if there is any documentation of the connection. Gillis told her it was gleaned from conversations with parents of minors who have had interactions with police at the theme park.
Rickmon quoted Flock Safety CEO Garrett Langley as saying on of 2025 podcast that “Flock writes code and pushes it out without vetting it for errors first” and that “he was personally writing and pushing out code to live systems until his own engineers removed his access.”
Bach said, “We take cybersecurity very seriously,” and noted that Langley has an engineering background.
Because of the Massachusetts
Shield Law, searches for data related to reproductive health and immigration are blocked, Bach said. Councilor Tom Hendrickson asked about how the company ensures out-of-state agencies that are given access to Agawam’s data are adhering to the Massachusetts Shield Law. Braren explained that Agawam’s results would be removed from legally sensitive searches.
Councilor Anthony Suffriti asked about the number of people with access to Agawam’s data. Gillis said the only people with access are McGovern, the department’s detectives and a few traffic investigators. Gillis said he does not even have access because he does not investigate cases. Braren also said credentials identifying the user are logged for every search and those logs are “stored forever.”
2026 Hello Summer More Than Bikes Around Town
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
For many residents of the Pioneer Valley, ValleyBike is a familiar sight: rows of bright bicycles parked and waiting for their next rider. But for the people behind the system, ValleyBike represents something larger than a ride across town. It is part of a long-term effort to expand transportation options, reduce dependence on cars and connect communities throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties.
“ValleyBike Share solves several problems for the area’s residents, but primarily, we are proud to be an accessible, affordable, and convenient transportation option for the Pioneer Valley community,” said Liat Perlman, specialist for community and partner engagement for Drop Mobility, the company that operates the system.
ValleyBike’s electric pedal-assist bicycles serve residents, workers, students and visitors throughout the region. The goal, Perlman said, is to provide an alternative transportation option for people who may not own a vehicle, want to reduce their environmental impact or simply want a more active way to travel.
“We aim to be an alternative and active
Submitted
transportation option for those who may not have a car, want to reduce their carbon footprint, or want to add some fun activity to their daily commute,” Perlman said.
ValleyBike operates across a network of smaller municipalities and college campuses spread throughout the Pioneer Valley. Despite the different geography, usage patterns remain surprisingly consistent.
“Bikeshare provides transportation regardless of the geography,” Perlman said. “The average trip length is around 1.5 miles, and almost all trips end in a different location from where they started, indicating real transportation.”
In the Pioneer Valley, riders also have the ability to travel between municipalities, something that distinguishes the system from many urban bike-share networks.
Since relaunching in 2024 under Drop Mobility’s management, ValleyBike has recorded more than 60,000 rides and served over 12,000 unique users. More than 1,300 riders have purchased equity memberships, which cost just $4 per month for income-qualified residents.
See ValleyBike Share on page 3
ValleyBike bicycles await riders near Springfield’s Forest Park Middle School.
ValleyBike Share
Continued from page 1
Perhaps more telling, she added, is the fact that ridership continues throughout the year.
“As the system operates yearround, we see riders taking advantage of ValleyBike even on the coldest days, indicating that residents in the area truly rely on the system for daily transportation,” Perlman said.
The system’s impact is particularly visible in Springfield, where ValleyBike has become another transportation option for residents navigating the city’s neighborhoods.
Andrew Strniste, Springfield’s director of community planning, said the network has created opportunities for residents who may not own a vehicle or have reliable access to public transportation.
“ValleyBike has opened opportunities for Springfield residents who may not own a car or have reliable public transit by allowing users to move throughout the western part of the city through the various neighborhoods, from Sumner Avenue in Forest Park to Baystate Medical in the North End to AIC in Mason Square,” Strniste said.
With approximately 20 stations throughout Springfield, the system provides another way for residents to travel within the city.
“One notable observation is that one of the stations that is in high demand is Union Station, both as a beginning destination and ending destination,” he said. “This reinforces the idea that Union Station is serving as a successful multi-modal transportation destination in the city.”
Other heavily used stations include those near the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Mill Street and Belmont Avenue, and Mercy Hospital. According to Strniste, the popularity of those locations suggests the
bike share system is helping residents access jobs, services and attractions throughout Springfield.
“The new bikes that are being used in Springfield are lighter, more modern, pedal-assist e-bikes, which makes for a smoother and easier ride for the user,” he said. “We hope these equipment upgrades, combined with surrounding communities continuing to grow the network, will allow users of the bike share program to move more easily in and out of Springfield and throughout the region.”
Still, creating a truly car-light lifestyle in Western Massachusetts remains a challenge.
Perlman pointed to several obstacles, including long distances between communities, inconsistent bicycle infrastructure, limited public transit options and the region’s weather.
“Some of the challenges this region faces in terms of car-light living include weather, additional bike parking needs around apartment complexes, distance between towns, gaps of public transportation in the Hilltowns, inconsistent biking infrastructure between municipalities, and insufficient bus routes,” Perlman said.
The system’s continued growth
has depended on partnerships among municipalities, colleges and regional organizations.
“Partnerships from all participating municipalities have been crucial to the success and expansion of the ValleyBike Share system, as well as with universities in the area, such as UMass Amherst,” Perlman said.
Recent grant funding has also provided a major boost. ValleyBike received a $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to expand access for equity members and support operations. Another $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will fund additional electric bicycles and help cover operating expenses.
Looking ahead, ValleyBike leaders envision both deeper service within existing communities and expansion into new ones.
“In the short term, our vision is to increase the number of stations within the existing communities and expand the number of equity pass users,” Perlman said. “Our long-term vision is to launch into new adjacent communities and install more stations, making the system even more useful for daily commuting and recreation.”
For Drop Mobility Chief Operat-
ing Officer Dipesh Dar, the mission extends beyond transportation itself.
“Programs like ValleyBike are about more than just transportation; they’re about creating more connected, accessible, and vibrant communities,” Dar said. “We’re excited
to expand this system and continue to provide the Pioneer Valley community with a sustainable way to move around the region.”
Summer Concert schedule
Agawam
SummerFest
All shows will take place on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. at School Street Park. In the event of inclement weather, the show may be canceled. *National Night Out on Friday night. Call The Parks and Recreation Department at 821-0513 after 2 p.m. the day of the show for more info about cancellations.
July 1 — Cobblestone Road
July 8 — Ultimatum
July 15 — Project 267
July 22 — Jukebox Heroz
*July 24 — National Night Out, 6-8 p.m. — Movie in the Park at 8:30 p.m.
July 29 — Benny & The Jets
Aug. 6 — Retro Floyd
Aug. 12 — Kix 100.9 Country Show
Aug. 19 — General Gist (6 p.m.)
Easthampton
Arts in the Park Series
There will be music at Nonotuck Park, 1 Dailey Field Rd. on Friday
evenings in July and August. The Easthampton Parks and Recreation Department presents a series of six free summer concerts beginning at 6:30 p.m.
July 10 — Hard Knox
July 17 — Jimmy Mazz
July 24 — Colony Motel
July 31 — Heritage
Pops Orchestra
Aug. 14 — Soiree of Western Mass
Aug. 21 — Soular Eclipse
Northampton
Florence Summer Concert
Series
The 2026 Florence Free Summer Concert Series will take place every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Civic Center and will feature a different food truck each week. Bring your lawn chair.
June 25 — Lisa Bastoni
July 2 — Expandable Brass Band
July 9 — Miss Paula and the Twangbusters
July 16 — Tony Silva Fierst Rumbera
July 23 — The Moon Shells
July 30 — Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze
Aug. 6 — The Pangeans
Aug. 13 — Ozzie’s Basement
Aug. 20 — Frank Manzi
Aug. 27 — Zinka
Sept. 3 — Christa Joy & The Honey Bees
Sept. 10 — Gaslight Tinkers
Bands on Brewster
Concerts Thursday nights, 6-8 p.m. in the plaza between the E. J. Gare Parking Garage and Northampton Brewery
July 9 — Hot Dirt + Goldsetter
July 16 — King Radio, Simple Friend & More
July 23 — Floyd Mercantile: featuring Peter Mulvey and Jenna Nichols
July 30 — Stoner Will and the Narcs + Original Cowards
Aug. 6 — The Fawns
+Gentle Hen
Aug. 13 — Inde
Aug. 20 — Christa Joy and the Honeybees
Aug. 27 — To be announced The performances are weather dependent, however, if the weather is questionable, the public will be informed by 10 a.m. on the day of the show through @nohoarts on Instagram.
Salsa in the Plaza
Monday nights from 7-9 p.m. through Aug. 31 at EJ Garge Plaza.
Salsa in the Park
The public is invited to particpate in free dance evenings at Pulaski Park from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 1, Aug. 28 and Sept. 5. For more info visitnorthamptonartscouncil.org.
South Hadley
Village Commons Summer Concert Series
Free concerts at the Town Common, Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Rain date is the following Sunday.
July 2 — Sound Bridges
July 9 — The Berkshires
July 16 — The Willies
July 23 — Blue Devil Bluez ‘rocknsoul”
July 30 — Union Jack British Invasion Band
Aug. 6 — Cotonwood
Aug. 13 — Midlife Crisis Band
Aug. 20 — Jimmy Mazz
Aug. 27 — Berkshire Hills
Music Academy
Buttery Brook Summer Concert Series
Friday night concerts at the Bandshell in Buttery Brook Park, 123 Willamansett St. Concerts begin at 5 p.m. Food and beverages available; no outside alcohol. No dogs per park rules. For more info, visit facebook.com/butterybrookpark.
June 26 — Mid-Life Crisis
July 10 — Next J. E. N. Band
July 17 — King Kountry
July 24 — Cottonwood
July 31 — Lindsey LaBell
Aug. 7 — Blue Devil Bluez
Aug. 14 — Acousticca
Aug. 21 — Dr. C and the Feel Goods
Aug. 28 — The Berkshires
Sept. 4 — Moos & the High Tops
Sept. 11 — Full Circle
Springfield
Forest Park Summer Concert Series
Free Thursday night concerts in the Forest Park Amphitheater. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or the Route 5 entrances for free after 5 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be moved to the Carriage House tent.
July 9 — Dee Reilly (Carriage House)
July 30 — Petty Larceny Band
Aug. 6 — Skynard Hatchet
Aug. 13 — Zac N Freid
Aug. 20 — Jake Manzi Band
Aug. 27 — Unforgettable Fire
Sept. 3 — Bennie and the Jets
Sept. 11 — Floyd Patterson Band
MGM Free Music Fridays
Live outdoor music at the MGM Springfield Plaza every Friday through Oct 23, from 7:30-9 p.m. Plaza opens at 6 p.m. Beverages at the casino’s two outdoor bars or White Lion Brewery’s outpost, food at an on-site restaurant or one of the weekly local food trucks.
June 25 — Billy and the Jets
July 3 — Heartlands
July 10 — Blizzard of OZ
July 17 — Simply the Bess
July 24 — Malado
July 31 — Raquel & Su
Aug. 7 — Back in Black
Aug. 14 — The Warped Band
Aug. 21— Below Deck
Aug. 28 — E Street Shuffle
Sept. 4 — Moondance
Sept. 11 — Aquanett
Oct. 9 — Cathedral
Oct. 16 — Dookie
Oct. 23 — Johhny Six Gun
The Landing Summer Concert Series
Located adjacent to the Springfield Convention Center Carpark and MassMutual Center, every Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Food trucks, drinks and lawn games.
July 2 — Carol Devine & The Mighty Fine
July 9 — Jarreau Pitts
July 16 — Now That’s ‘90s
July 23 — La Era Del Mambo
July 30 — Trailer Trash
Aug. 6 — Tafari
Aug. 13 — Brass Attack
Aug. 20 — Whiskey Traveler
Aug. 27 — Deep River Ramblers
West Springfield Summer Concert Series
Concerts will take place on Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Morgan Road Pavilion, unless noted. Beverages and food will be available for cash-only purchase.
June 25 — Chalk Dust
July 2 — Union Jack
July 4 — Family Fun The Next JEN Band — Town Common 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
July 9 — Ethel Lee Ensemble — Storrowton Gazebo
July 16 — Dan Kane and Friends -Storrowton Gazebo
July 23 — Richie Mitnick and Friends — Storrowton Gazebo
July 30 — Sarah The Fiddler — Storrowton Gazebo
Aug. 6— Santucci Jazz Quintet
Aug. 13 — Just Go with It
Aug. 20 — David O & the Tone Monsters
Aug. 27— Bad News Jazz and Blues
Sept. 3 — West Side Mike
Sept. 10 — Soular Bears
Sept. 17 — 91 South
Westfield
Stanley Park Sunday Concert Series
Free Sunday night concerts from 6-8 p.m. in the Beveridge Pavilion, accessible by gates 2.3 and 4.Food service provided by The Bubble Mug Café at Pottery Cellar beginning at 5 p.m. Chairs will be available; suggested $5 donation; inclement weather: check the Stanley Park Facebook page or the park website at stanleypark.org.
June 28 — Studio Two
July 12 — Cobblestone Road
July 19 — Sarah the Fiddler: Old time and Irish favorites
July 26 — The Savage Brothers Aug. 2 — The 413s Aug. 16 — The Yacht Rock Band
Westhampton
Field of Dreams Concerts
Friday night concerts begin at 6 p.m., bring your own lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, concerts will take place in the Town Hall.
July 10 — Zyedco Connection July 24 — Little House Blues Aug. 7 — The O-Tones Aug. 21 — The Gaslight Tinkers
For a complete list of area concerts, visit thereminder.com. Compiled by Debbie Gardner
City Council passes voter ID resolution
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — Twenty-nine people took turns speaking for more than an hour and a half on June 15 about a City Council resolution to support “reasonable voter identification requirements” at both the state and federal levels.
The resolution, sponsored by City Councilors George Bitzas and Dino Mercadante, and co-sponsored by Councilors Peter McNair, Cecilia Calabrese, Ed Borgatti and Anthony Suffriti, was opposed by about as many people as those who supported it.
Opponents said the resolution was vague, not specifying what types of IDs it supported or citing any bill in the Legislature or Congress. Others said there was such a small amount of voter fraud that ID laws were unnecessary. Further, many said voter ID requirements disenfranchised people who could not easily obtain one because of the cost, distance to travel, a disability or impairment. Several people said voter ID requirements were designed to limit the ability to vote by people of marginalized communities and said the resolution was an attempt to align Agawam with President Donald Trump’s political position.
The resolution’s supporters stated that voter fraud was an issue. They said voter ID laws
would keep non-citizens from voting and increase trust in elections. Speakers said they were “unsettled” that they were not asked for ID at the poll. Dozens of speakers said people are required to show ID to do everything from buying alcohol to registering for a doctor’s appointment.
“A voter ID is not going to discourage people from voting,” said Mercadante. He said there are plenty of types of identification, including student IDs and passports. The Department of Transitional Assistance will work with organizations to help people obtain identification, he said, declaring, “There is no excuse for not having an identification card.”
While supporters had listed actions people can take to get an ID, Councilor Christine Rickmon said, “Those are barriers that people have to overcome.” She also countered a statistic cited by supporters at the podium and on the council that 80% of Americans support voter ID requirements. She said a study by David Wilson at the University of Delaware showed that most people who already had an ID supported the proposed requirement because “the law feels costless and commonsensical.” However, she quoted, “The moment people learned what it actually cost, support collapsed.” She noted that it is not just about
the monetary cost of the ID, but also the financial and time cost of traveling to get one and the paperwork involved.
Councilor Tom Hendrickson said he would not support the resolution because it was too vague. He said no legislation was cited to support, and various states have different requirements. Also, as an example of how a valid voter could hurt by such a law, he said seniors who no longer drive may not realize their license or state ID has expired. They might try to vote “and now they’re disenfranchised,” he said.
Councilor Robert Rossi defied everyone in the room to cite “documented evidence of fraud that could turn over any vote that was ever taken in this country to date.” He said some current councilors had voted against allowing mail-in ballots in Agawam, and described that as being “disenfranchised.” He said 3 billion mail-in ballots were investigated between 2014 and 2020, and evidence was found in only 31 instances.
Rossi also said the role of the council is to decide the fate of Agawam, and since the city clerk was not in the room supporting the resolution, “he obviously thinks we don’t have a problem.”
As proof that voter fraud happens, Borgatti said a supporter once told him that she had sent her mother to vote for
her because she did not have time. “She thought nothing of it. She didn’t think she did anything wrong,” he said.
City Council President Anthony Russo handed off the gavel to comment on the item. He said there must be a compromise that both sides can agree on. Regarding the cost, he said, “Simple solution: give a free ID.” Because some people in the Hilltowns live far from a Registry of Motor Vehicles location, he asked rhetorically, “Why can’t the state give each town hall an ID machine?” He said the machines can make an ID in “30 seconds.” Some municipalities allow people who do not have an ID to sign an affidavit, instead.
“The reality is that this ain’t ever going to be a law,” because there is not enough support in the Legislature, Russo said. “I’ll vote yes for the resolution. But if there ever is legislation and it’s not a fair one, I’ll do a resolution to condemn that legislation.”
McNair disagreed with Russo that the resolution would not accomplish anything. He said, “I think it’s a time for all of us to think about our values, where we’re going, our conservative values. I think it’s very worthwhile.”
The resolution was approved 7-4, with Hendrickson, Rickmon, Rossi and Councilor Rosemary Sandlin dissenting.
Parker sentenced to state prison after rape convictions
SPRINGFIELD — William Parker, 65, formerly of Agawam, was sentenced on June 3 in Hampden Superior Court after the court found him guilty to three counts of aggravated rape of child, four counts of indecent assault and battery on a person under 14 years, one count of posing a child in a state of nudity and dissemination of matter harmful to minors. Parker was sentenced to 12 to 14 years in state prison for the three counts of aggravated rape of a child, 10 to 12 years concurrently for one count of photographing/posing a child in state of nudity and three years’ probation for remaining counts following his conviction by the jury on June 2.
The commonwealth requested 16 to 18 years to state prison and three years’ probation after incarceration with conditions. The defense requested the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to state prison. When the victim was between 7 and 11 years old, the defendant committed sexual abuse acts on the child on several different occasions, took a photo of them without clothes and showed them pornographic videos. The events were reported by the victim years later to a friend, and ultimately to the Agawam Police Department. Following an investigation by Detective Adam Howe of the Agawam Police Department and a forensic interview of the victim,
Parker was indicted in Hampden Superior Court on Nov. 13, 2023. Parker was arraigned on the charges on Dec. 7, 2023.
The case was tried over three days, resulting in the various convictions on June 2. At the sentencing, the victim submitted a victim impact statement to the court detailing the effect the crime has had on their life.
“My office will pursue cases in which children are harmed with the utmost vigor,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “I thank our great team,
especially ADA Amy Wilson, for their hard work and unrelenting spirit in fighting for child victims. I also commend the victim for their extraordinary courage in coming forward and speaking about how these crimes affected their life. Their voice was heard, and their bravery played a critical role in securing justice.”
The commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorney Amy D. Wilson and Victim Witness Advocate Rebecca Kenniston.
Operations Director: Curtis Panlilio
Executive Editor: Chris Maza
Managing
Staff Writers: Sarah Heinonen,
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
Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro
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Stricter solicitation and canvassing rules enacted in West Springfield
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — West Springfield residents can expect stricter regulations when it comes to solicitation and canvassing that protects the “privacy, peace and safety of residents while preserving constitutionally protected speech,” according to a new ordinance amendment’s language.
The Town Council approved an ordinance requiring solicitors to register with the West Springfield Police Department and establishing time, place and manner regulations for commercial door-to-door activity at its meeting on June 16.
The ordinance describes commercial solicitors as “any in‐person door‐to‐door request to sell, lease, rent or take orders for goods or services for profit, including requests to schedule future sales presentations or to obtain customer information for a commercial purpose. ‘Solicitor’ includes hawkers, peddlers, transient vendors and door‐to‐door salespersons.”
It does exempt non-commercial canvassing from the new regulations, which includes religious, political or charitable door-todoor activity where no goods or services are sold for profit. Town affiliated groups acting on municipal business, federal, state or county officials when on official business and delivery services are also exempt.
Commercial solicitors must first register with the Police Department and obtain an identification card to wear at all times during door-to-door activity. Applicants must pay a $25 fee and submit an application at least one week before the proposed activity.
Activity is prohibited outside of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and solicitors may not enter a property marked with “no trespassing” or “no soliciting” signs. Residents can also opt-in to a “do not solicit” registry with the Police Department, which solicitors will be able to view electronically.
The police chief may conduct a limited records check on applicants for outstanding warrants or disqualifying violent or fraud related felony convictions within the past 10 years.
The language states that the chief has the right to “deny, suspend or revoke an ID card for “material misrepresentation on the application, a disqualifying conviction, repeated violations of this ordinance, violation of a court order or lack of suitability.”
“Lack of suitability” includes
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The spirit of neighbors helping neighbors will be on full display when WestMASSters 2026 returns to the Morgan Road Pavilion on Saturday, June 27, bringing community members together for a day of friendly competition, fundraising and support for two local families facing significant medical challenges.
Presented by Valley Impact Project, WestMASSters has grown from a backyard gathering among friends into one of the region’s most unique charity events. More than 300 attendees and 55 teams are expected to participate in a series of backyard games and activities, with pro-
evidence with credible information that the applicant may create a risk to public safety, facilitate fraudulent or deceptive practices or bring harm, harassment or disruption to residents. Applicants can appeal denials, suspensions or revocations within 10 days at the town clerk’s office.
Councilor Diana Coyne said that she had an experience with a sales representative on her street that led to multiple residents calling the police for harassment. She said “we’ll call the person a sales rep., I don’t think they’re a great one.”
“We actually thought that the person was canvassing the neighborhood to break into houses,” Coyne said. “I had a different sales rep. at my parents’ house. It put me in a mindset that, especially if we have our older residents
ceeds benefiting the Ramos and Auclair families.
This year’s beneficiaries include Cristiano Ramos, a third grader recently diagnosed with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and Lincoln Auclair, a freshman diagnosed with ANCA Vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease that resulted in kidney failure and on-
AGAWAM
Walter A. Garstka
Stephen M. Martin
Geraldine Schilling-Nordal
FEEDING HILLS
Kathleen Earnest Lombardi
William
and if somebody is extremely aggressive, you know, they may try to come into their house … I think it’s gratuitous that this ordinance was actually coming up for consideration, maybe just the luck of the draw in timing. I just wanted to share those experiences because I felt them along with numerous other residents in town.”
Council President Michael LaFlamme voiced his support for the ordinance and said he had heard accounts from multiple residents about poor experiences with solicitors.
“I get people all summer long for pest control, roofing, window, solar, it’s really, kind of, expanded,” LaFlamme said. “I certainly don’t begrudge anybody who’s going out there to do some business and get an honest day’s work, but I think that enough people
going dialysis treatments. Funds raised will help both families manage medical expenses, daily living costs and other challenges associated with long-term treatment and recovery.
“WestMASSters is about more than competition. It’s about showing local families that their community stands behind them during some of the most difficult moments of their lives,” said event founder Thai Bui. “Every registration helps make a mean-
have had negative experiences where it’s time for the town to put in a formal ordinance to do some sort of restriction and put some guidelines on what can take place in town. It can’t outright be banned, I’ve had some people ask that. That can’t be done but we can put some perimeters on here.” LaFlamme added that he views this as a “quality of life issue.”
“When you’re getting your door knocked on at 8-8:30 at night, you don’t know who it’s going to be and it could happen in the winter time at 5 or 6 when it’s dark out,” LaFlamme said. “I had someone knock on my door and they’re yelling ‘delivery’ and it was someone trying to sell me solar.”
He said a lot of work went into crafting the ordinance and that he hopes it will have a positive impact on the community.
ingful difference.”
Participants can register teams or attend to support the cause while enjoying games including cornhole, ladder ball, horseshoes, bucket pong and more.
The event will take place Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Morgan Road Pavilion in West Springfield.
To register or learn more, visit: eventbrite.com/e/ westmassters-2026-tickets-1989968615698.
The West Springfield Town Council listens as President Michael LaFlamme voices support for the ordinance.
Photo credit: West Side Media
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary this July, East Longmeadow is pulling out all the stops with one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations to date.
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” East Longmeadow Rotary Club and 250th Committee members Donna Prather and Adele Hill joined Tyler Garnet and myself to talk all about East Longmeadow’s Fourth of July and 250th anniversary celebrations, dubbed “Celebrating America 250th in 01028 in the USA”.
Hill said people can look forward to “lots of stuff” as a part of the celebration and said it was a group effort with organizations in town.
“Celebrate 250th in East Longmeadow started off as sort of an idea with different groups from the Recreation Department, Rotary Club, as well as the town manager’s office, and it has evolved into this huge amount of coordination for a bunch of different events starting on June 26,” she said.
Hill added that Center Field will serve as the main stage for the events kicking off on June 26, which includes live music and a beer garden put together by East Village Tavern. Beginning on June 26, there will be a car show from 5-7 p.m. with a performance from Just Go With It; on June 27, there will be lawn games, Trivia with Rich and the town’s first ceremonial bonfire, along with live music from Project 267; there will be a cornhole tournament from 3-7 p.m. along with a performance from Aquanett; and on June 29 the Rotary Club will be
offering free meals for veterans followed by a performance from Now That’s 90’s. There will also be food available for purchase every night.
Following the additional four days of events this year, the annual carnival kicks off on June 30 at Center Field, which runs every day through July 4. There will also be live music at the carnival each night starting with Masshats on June 30, Trailer Trash on July 1, the Black Cadillacs on July 2 and 7Roads Band on July 3. Also, on July 3 at Mapleshade Elementary School, Trailer Trash will perform again before the laser light show, which is scheduled for 9 p.m. All the concerts will take place at 7 p.m., and the carnival will run each day from 6-10 p.m.
On July 4, the parade steps off at 10 a.m. from St. Michael’s Church and will continue along the traditional route from Maple Street to North Main Street to Maplewood Street to Elm Street, while the carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. It’s Pat Again will play the last concert that night.
Hill said a new addition to the parade this year is a sensory spot.
“Which will be Elmcrest, which is just at the end of the parade route before the parade route ends at Hanward Hill,” she said.
“The DPW and police, we’re going to set it up so that we have the area cornered off and families can have one-sided parking on that street so they can park close so those with issues with loud noises, loud sounds or loud colors, and lights and such have a more quiet area to actually enjoy the parade.”
Along with the events throughout the week, the club and Historical Commission are still accepting submissions for the time
capsule until June 27. There are donation boxes available in town buildings. Hill also highlighted the first business that submitted for the capsule.
“If you look on Facebook, Jeanie’s Weenies gave a hat, so that was actually the first thing donated,” she said.
Hill also said the laser light show, which has replaced the traditional fireworks because of the construction of the new high school, has been a huge success.
“We are guessing we had thousands of people for the laser light show because everybody else in the area canceled their fireworks because they couldn’t set them off,” she said.
Prather said the new location at Mapleshade was also a success.
“We got a lot of great feedback also about the location of it because of the way it was set up on the field and people were able to walk to it,” she said.
Hill said that putting all the events together is a community effort.
“It’s great to have so many planners from the town, town officials, as well as with the Rec. Department and Rotarians who have all come together to help plan these different events,” Hill said. “For the July 4 parade, we have a lot of community members who come out and help.”
Prather added that the volunteers are a huge part of organizing the events.
“It’s huge, it goes from word of mouth to someone out there hang-
ing a banner, or setting up chairs for an event, we have high school students that help us, this wouldn’t happen without volunteers, both monetarily and sweat equity,” she said. “It’s enormous how many people come out and help.”
Prather said she was most looking forward to people coming out and having fun.
“It’s really about seeing people happy and having a good time; there’s enough to worry about going on in the world right now so let’s just have some fun,” she said.
The following communities also have plenty of events in store for the holiday and anniversary:
• Chicopee is celebrating America’s 250th birthday from 4-10 p.m. at Szot Park on Friday, June 26. Fireworks will take place on Saturday, June 27, with a rain date of Sunday, June 28, at Szot Park.
• Holyoke’s July 4 fireworks celebration will take place at Holyoke Community College on Friday, June 26, and a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The event begins at 6 p.m. There will be food, music and family-friendly activities before the fireworks display at dusk.
• On Saturday June 27, the Thunder in the Valley Concert & Fireworks Festival returns. The event is ran by nonprofit Unbroken Wings Inc and the proceeds for the event go to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital. It is a full day event featuring live bands, food trucks, fami-
ly-friendly games and activities and a fireworks show to end the night.
• The annual South Hadley fireworks celebration will occur on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m., with the fireworks commencing at 9:30 p.m. at the Michael E. Smith Middle School. A potential rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 5. The evening will include food trucks, vendors, rides and games for kids. There will be a DJ in the parking lot, and the South Hadley Community Band will start to play at 8 p.m.
• Westfield will be home to the annual Wyben Fourth of July Parade, which starts at 5 p.m. on July 4 at the corner of North and Montgomery roads. Westfield will also have a fireworks display at Westfield Middle School on July 2 at 9:15 p.m.
• Star Spangled Springfield returns on July 4 from 6-10 p.m. with fireworks to be displayed from the Memorial Bridge.
• Enfield will host its Fourth of July Town Celebration from July 10-12. There will be a 5K at 9 a.m. and parade at 11 a.m. on July 11 along with a car show on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Beginning on July 10, there will be live music and family events throughout the weekend.
To listen to the full episode, head to thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
EAST LONGMEADOW
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