With the Budget Task Forece set to give its report on Feb. 9, the Selectboard discussed the possibility of hosting a Special Town Meeting to determine solutions regarding tax override options.
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CHICOPEE
Mayor, School
Committee mourns the loss of “Chet” Szetela Public officials and offices across Chicopee mourned the loss of Chester “Chet” Szetela.
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HOLYOKE
Unions call for Rivera’s resignation after arrest footage released
Two police unions are calling for the resignation of City Councilor Israel Rivera from the City Council.
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Garcia wants to build on previous progress
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Heading into his second term, Mayor Joshua Garcia shared his goals and upcoming projects for the city of Holyoke in a sit-down with Reminder Publishing
Although he ran unopposed, Garcia was reelected by Holyoke residents to serve another term at the November election and was officially sworn in on Jan. 5.
Garcia said that the new year in Holyoke is off to a “brilliant” start thanks, in large part, to the results of the most recent city elections.
“The newly elected and reelected city councilors have indicated a willingness to move forward on an array of initiatives to address community concerns,”
Garcia said. “What we did is we created a race. We expressed urgency on having a supportive council. The residents responded, and to me, the outcome of that election makes me feel like there’s a mandate, makes me feel like we are going in a good direction.”
The Holyoke City Council saw longtime councilors Kevin Jourdain and David Bartley lose their seats. Besides a few incumbents, the City Council also welcomed newcomers Nicole Maisonet, Anne Thalheimer and Richard Purcell.
Garcia highlighted that one of his top priorities for this new term is the passage of the Municipal Finance Modernization Act.
“After well over a year of council resistance, delays and postponements, we are finally positioned to implement a suite of changes to city ordinances and the charter to modernize the way our financial resources are managed,” Garcia said. “The changes will be systematic and will align
with our vision to strengthen internal controls, reduce liability and maximize on our resources to better support services for constituents and reduce harm.”
If passed by the City Council, the changes will result in departments realigned to meet modern needs, rename key positions, reassign duties and address concerns raised in decades of independent audits.
The overhaul would be budget neutral in fiscal year 2026, but the changes would bring about over $100,000 in cost savings in FY27 while reducing reliance on contractors to perform basic functions, and ensuring timely year-end closing and filing of all state and federal documents.
Garcia also said the city is looking forward to zoning and special permitting reforms to “facilitate sensible and responsible development by eliminating inefficiencies that have contributed to Holyoke being maligned
as business unfriendly.”
Also high on Garcia’s agenda is the continuation of the city’s work to resolve blight and housing needs, and strengthen code enforcement to protect tenants.
“Thanks to the leadership in our Police and Fire departments — as well as our building department, Board of Health and the DPW — we continue to maintain our commitment to aggressively respond to code infractions that contribute toward community concerns around public safety and quality of life.”
Garcia also talked about Holyoke’s continued efforts to boost economic development.
“We continue to leverage our economic development strengths, inexpensive, clean energy; spacious buildings ripe for repurpose, and helpful, knowledgeable staff in our Office of Planning and Economic Development, who work every day to promote the assets that make our
city competitive,” Garcia said.
Although former Director of Planning and Economic Development Aaron Vega left Holyoke’s office to pursue a new role to lead the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, Garcia said he looks forward to working with the city’s new planning and economic development director, Eric Nakajima. Garcia also highlighted the School Department. He acknowledged its goals and progress, but also stated how more work can be done.
With Holyoke Public Schools now under local control, Garcia said the city continues to make investments in its schools. He mentioned the noticeable gains in student outcomes and attendance rates as well as the city’s goal of building a new middle school as noteworthy items of focus. Garcia said the city will sup-
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia
Reminder Publishing file photo
See GARCIA on page 2
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
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Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada
SOUTH HADLEY — With the Budget Task Force set to give its report on Feb. 9, the Selectboard discussed the possibility of hosting a Special Town Meeting to determine solutions regarding tax override options.
For the past few months, the town of South Hadley has discussed potential budget deficits and complications due to increasing costs, such as health insurance.
Town Administrator Lisa Wong gave an update to the Selectboard on Jan. 20 about the fiscal year 2026 budget. She also provided a preview of the FY27 budget.
For the FY27 operating budget, a level service budget, $67.7 million, will yield a budget deficit of about $3.5 million, largely due to a $1.7 million increase in health insurance. There is also a $1.7 million increase needed for school budget to offset grant losses.
Wong said the School Department could see a $1.5 million reduction, which would lead to cuts to three administration positions, 20 student-facing positions, sports, extracurricular activities, transportation options and some electives at the middle and high school.
In her presentation, Wong said they are projecting to have the budget cut by $1 million. Those cuts would force the town to close Gaylord Library, she said.
The reduction would also impact the Senior Center and Town Hall. Both would have to reduce staff, causing both buildings to have to close on Fridays. There could also be a reduction to health and safety inspections and a reduction to staff in the Police Department and Department of Public Works. The spray parks may also close.
To balance the budget, Wong said the town is looking to increase the local receipts by $400,000. The town would only
contribute $300,000, instead of $500,000, to Other Post-Employment Benefits. The town may also use $200,000 in free cash on top of what the town has already been using.
The Budget Task Force, after meeting for months, is reviewing the need for a potential override and will produce a report by Feb. 9. They have hosted three listening sessions with the public and produced a community survey that has garnered thousands of responses.
There will be a multi-board meeting on Feb. 10 to discuss the Budget Task Force report. The boards will also discuss potentially hosting a Special Town Meeting for Feb. 25 to discuss the budget, problems and potential solutions.
Readers can find more information and past meetings at southhadley.org.
The presentation also included override options that the town and Budget Task Force are reviewing. “These are far from be-
ing set in stone,” Wong stated.
The task force looked at raising the tax levy by $3 million, $6 million or $9 million, which is based what the town needed to level service the budget for a five-year projection.
If the tax levy limit is raised by $3 million, the average single family would see a $40-permonth raise to their taxes.
Selectboard member Andrea Miles, who also serves on the Budget Task Force, said she has “so much concern” with the $3 million tax levy being an option at all because it still results in “devastating cuts that we’re trying to avoid.”
The $6 million option includes raising the tax levy by $2 million over three years. If the town went this route, the average single family would see a $27 increase per month to their tax bills in years one, two and three.
This option would limit cuts between FY27 and FY29. There would be an estimated $1 million deficit in FY30 and a $3.4
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port its educators and other public service providers in the local government through ongoing contract negotiations to make sure its workforce remains competitive, while ensuring quality services for the public.
Lastly, the mayor said the city will continue to invest in infrastructure that will transform neighborhoods in a way that improves mobility and safety, and enhances community pride.
“One of the joys of living,
million deficit in FY31. Schools would be funded $1 million below level funding.
Wong said her recommendation is raising the tax levy by $2.5 million in year one, $2 million in years two through four and $500,000 in the final year.
If this occurred, single families would experience a tax increase of $33 per month in year one, $28 per month in years two through four and $8 per month in year five.
This option would limit cuts from FY27 to FY30. There would also be an estimated $1 million deficit in FY31, and schools would be at level funding with a 3% increase per year.
Wong said the Budget Task Force website has calculator where residents can estimate what their impacts would be based on what their home value is.
Nothing was finalized at the meeting, Future updates and meetings will be covered by Reminder Publishing
working and governing here is the stubbornly-love our citizens have for Holyoke,” Garcia said. “That love unites this city of immigrants and migrants. You see it our endurance through challenges, in the proud celebrations of the many cultures and ethnicities that contribute to the Holyoke brand, from the St. Patrick’s Parade to the Fiestas Patronales, from our celebrations of Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Polish Independence, to our Pride festival, citywide cleanups and back-toschool festivities. 2026 is shaping up to be our best year yet.”
Town Administrator Lisa Wong (left) and the Selectboard discuss the town budget and potential solutions
Photo
Mayor, School Committee mourns the loss of “Chet” Szetela
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Public officials and offices across Chicopee mourned the loss of Chester “Chet” Szetela, a longtime School Committee member and pillar of the Chicopee community who passed away on Jan. 12 at 88 years old.
During the School Committee meeting on Jan. 21, Mayor John Vieau asked for a moment of silence for Szetela.
“We’re going to take a moment of silence in honor of one of our colleagues, the beloved, the epitome of what it means to be a member of the Chicopee School Committee, and to care and have so much passion about the school district and what we stand for,” Vieau said.
Superintendent Marcus Ware echoed the mayor’s sentiments and offered his condolences to School Committee member Susan Szetela-Lopes, one of Szetela’s children.
He continued, “I was happy to be a part of the celebration that they did but he will be sadly missed.”
The Chicopee mayor’s office
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — The Westover Air Reserve Base recently obtained a $3.7 million grant to provide a new concrete taxiway surface capable of supporting eight permanently assigned C-5M aircraft and transient aircraft to support global airlift missions.
The money is part of $30,774,000 from Congressionally Directed Spending that was secured by U.S. Senators Edward Markey and Elizabeth Warren through the fiscal year 2026 appropriation cycle. The federal funding awards will support 28 critical infrastructure, justice, science, environmental and rural development projects in commonwealth communities.
Director of Mission Sustainment and Community Partnerships Karen “Jack” Magnus talked with Reminder Publishing about the grant.
She explained that the $3.7 million will allow Westover to complete planning and design for the construction of a parallel 4,000-linear-foot extension to Taxiway Golf. Taxiway Golf currently runs two thirds of the length of the primary runway.
Once planning and design are complete, the project will be ready to compete for Military Construction funds in upcoming fiscal years.
“Westover ARB appreciates the tremendous support we receive from our congres-
made a Facebook post remembering Szetela, saying that he “was an extraordinary pillar of the Chicopee community whose legacy of service, compassion and dedication will never be forgotten.”
For more than 22 years, Szetela served on the Chicopee School Committee with a “deep sense of purpose and commitment,” according to the mayor’s office. His efforts “strengthened student achievement, expanded Advanced Placement opportunities, advanced bullying prevention initiatives, promoted curriculum innovation, and championed school safety and quality education for every child.”
Szetela stepped down from his at large School Committee position in October 2024 after serving on the School Committee for 22 years.
He was the first member of his family to graduate from college and received a bachelor’s in arts and master’s in education.
Aside from growing up and going to school in Chicopee, Szetela had over 40 years of experience as a teacher, counselor and administrator. He started his career in Chicopee Public Schools at Bel-
lamy Middle School working as a school adjustment counselor. He spent 34 years with CPS.
He also has seven children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Szetela’s leadership and influence extended well beyond Chicopee, according to the mayor’s office. He was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, “a recognition that reflected his profound commitment to students, educators and the integrity of public education.”
The mayor’s office also said he was always championing for teachers and staff, “always valuing their dedication and understanding the vital role they play in nurturing and guiding students.”
“As an educator for decades, Chet believed in children,” the mayor’s office said. “He understood that students are the future, and he devoted his life’s work to ensuring they were safe and always supported. His decisions were guided by what was best for students, and his legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his service.”
sional delegation, the commonwealth and local government and community partners,” Magnus stated.
Since the taxiway does not run the full length of the runway, the assigned C-5M aircraft will use either the back taxi on the runway or Taxiway Sierra, owned by the civil airport authority, to access the main runway.
Taxiway Sierra is classified as a primary taxiway and should have the full 200-foot clearance surface. The 162-foot clearance surface that currently exists, the minimum requirement for a C-5, hampers the civil airport’s ability to fully utilize their property.
Magnus said that the extension would eliminate the need for C-5s to use Taxiway Sierra and therefore solves the clearance issue for the civil airport.
She also talked about how the grant and project can help the air base.
“Eliminating the use of an active runway for back taxi purposes greatly increases the margin of safety by reducing exposure between arriving air traffic and taxiing aircraft,” Magnus said. “Decreasing the likelihood of runway incursions and reducing the need for additional Air Traffic Control de-confliction clearances, will ultimately enhance aviation safety.”
Magnus also said that by eliminating the need to back taxi, which reduces the life of the runway and increases the cost of maintenance, the air base will save fuel and time and reduce
the risk of an aircraft incident.
She added that the money will help properly support existing C-5M aircraft operations and transient military aircraft scheduled for isochronal maintenance.
“It will significantly increase the efficiency and safety of the organic civil airport authority that hosts a wide variety of civil and commercial aircraft operations,” Magnus said.
Markey talked about securing the funding for each project, stating, “I’m proud to have secured over $30 million in funding this year for projects that will make our water cleaner, our environment healthier, our workforce stronger and expand justice in our communities.
From Provincetown to Williamstown, from Chelsea to Chicopee, it’s more important than ever to bring federal resources to our communities to make life better for everyone who calls the Bay State home.”
Warren also shared how it felt to secure the funding for these important projects.
“I fought hard to secure this $30 million in funding because Massachusetts families deserve safer roads and flood infrastructure, cleaner water, a strong fishing economy and programs that protect our youth,” Warren said. “This funding will also preserve Massachusetts’s leadership in cutting edge research. I’m grateful for our Massachusetts leaders’ partnership in securing this funding.”
Chester “Chet” Szetela
Photo credit: City of Chicopee – Mayor’s Office
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Two police unions that represent the Holyoke Police Department are calling for the resignation of City Councilor Israel Rivera from the City Council after receiving the body cam footage of his recent arrest.
The call for Rivera’s resignation comes after members of the Holyoke Police Supervisor’s Union, Local #409, and the Holyoke Police Patrolman’s Union, Local #388, formally requested an advisory ethics opinion from city officials regarding Rivera’s continued participation in matters directly affecting the Holyoke Police Department.
Rivera caught the attention of the two unions that represent the Holyoke Police Department after his OUI arrest on the night of Dec. 20 into early Dec. 21.
Rivera was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded not guilty to the OUI and two civil motor vehicle infractions, failure to stop at a red light and speeding.
According to police, Rivera also veered onto a sidewalk to avoid a barricade on Appleton Street. Rivera was pulled over after veering onto the sidewalk.
Rivera will have a pretrial hearing on Jan. 26.
The letter from the unions on Jan. 5 cited that Rivera’s incident on Dec. 20 is documented in an official Massachusetts State Police report and was captured on Massachusetts State Police bodyworn cameras.
The letter was delivered to Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, City Solicitor Lisa Ball, City Councilor President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti and Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan to ask their opinion if Rivera should still be serving on the Public Safety Committee or making any decisions relating to the Holyoke Police Department.
The letter cited that during the encounter, Rivera allegedly made statements invoking his elected position and mentioning his authority over police funding. The police report states, in part, “I’m a City Councilor, you can’t really work with me? and “That’s fine, I’ll just cut the budget,” and “Everyone else gets a pass, but I don’t?”
It was also reported that Rivera used offensive racial slurs during this incident, including statements that are deeply troubling and inconsistent with the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, according to the letter
from the unions.
The new letter on Jan. 19 from both unions stated that although the letter was hand delivered to multiple city officials, they received no guidance, no acknowledgment and no response.
The unions said, “With the city’s refusal to act, we were left with no choice but to file a formal ethics complaint and submit a public records request for the body-worn camera footage related to this incident.”
The footage confirmed reported behavior from the unions.
Holyoke Police Department Lieutenant Andrew DiNapoli, who also serves as the president Holyoke Police Supervisors Union, Local #409, talked to Reminder Publishing after the original letter that was sent.
DiNapoli said at the time that they did not want Rivera removed from the City Council, but they want to see him removed from the Public Safety Committee and any other committees that may have direct dealings with the Police Department. They also did not want to see him allowed to vote at all on any Holyoke Police Department matters.
After receiving the dash cam and body cam footage and sending it to multiple news outlets,
the unions are now calling upon Garcia and Murphy-Romboletti, all members of the local government, and Holyoke residents to join the unions in urging Rivera to resign from his position on the City Council.
The letter stated, “Having received and review the footage of this incident, we are appalled by Councilor Rivera’s behavior. We believe all city officials should agree that his actions fall well short of the standards expected of someone entrusted with representing the citizens of Holyoke on the City Council.”
Unions call for Rivera’s resignation after arrest footage released Auditor
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — An audit report released by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s office on Jan. 14 found violations and oversight gaps at the Holyoke Veterans’ Home that resulted in the deaths of nearly 80 veterans during the coronavirus pandemic. The home is a long-term care facility that provides health care services to eligible veterans in the state. DiZoglio’s office found these violations after her office con-
The letter said that Rivera repeatedly and deliberately used the racial slur, commonly referred to as the “N-word”, during his interaction with members of the Massachusetts State Police.
“This was not a single utterance taken out of context. It was repeated, unmistakable and offensive,” the letter stated.
Rivera did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reminder Publishing The City Council met on Jan. 20, after press time. Reminder Publishing will have more updates if they arise from that meeting.
state regulation violations at Veterans’
ducted a review period between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023.
The audit found multiple deficiencies at the Holyoke veterans’ facility that jeopardized veteran safety and quality of care, including inconsistent nursing practices and gaps in emergency preparedness. The audit reported the facility could not ensure that nurses consistently perform check-ins, increasing the risk of falls, injuries and other health complications.
The audit also determined the facility violated state regulations
by failing to conduct emergency drills across all shifts and by not posting required emergency operation plans throughout its buildings. As a result, the facility could not adequately test or ensure the effectiveness of its emergency response during disasters.
Additionally, emergency operation plans were incomplete, missing critical information such as alarm locations, fire extinguishers and evacuation routes. The audit further found Holyoke does not use an electronic health record system, limiting real-time access to medical information and increasing the risk of errors, delays and compromised patient care.
In spring 2020, at least 76 military veterans who lived at the Veterans’ Home at Holyoke died of COVID-19. These deaths prompted multiple investigations, terminations and resignations, regulatory reforms and lawsuits.
The commonwealth’s office of the inspector general investigated during the period between May 2016 and February 2020. This investigation was prompted due to a complaint that the Office of the Inspector General received about the leadership of the Holyoke superintendent, who was in charge leading up to and during the initial phases of the COVID-19 outbreak in Holyoke.
The OIG determined that there were issues concerning the over-
sight and management of the Holyoke facility. The governor’s office also commissioned McDermott Will & Emery, LLP to conduct an independent study, now known as the Pearlstein Report, which focused on the COVID-19 outbreak that led to the deaths of veterans.
The report highlighted errors and failures of leadership that likely contributed to the elevated death toll during the outbreak.
The state auditor’s office requested access to interview notes and other records that contributed to the development of the Pearlstein Report. Those documents and records were unlawfully withheld, according to a press release sent to Reminder Publishing
While the state auditor’s office examined other issues related to safety, the withholding of requested documentation prevented the office from conducting its audit as intended concerning these matters.
The state auditor’s office is pursuing litigation to force the withheld documents and records connected to the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home tragedy to be made public.
“Either this was an independent investigation, as was claimed, in which case attorney-client privilege does not apply, or this was legal representation on behalf of the governor, where Pearlstein was providing legal advice in anticipation of lawsuits,” DiZoglio’s press release stated. “Both
Home
can’t be true simultaneously.”
Although the state auditor’s office said it respects the sanctity of attorney-client privilege, it said that these records are not protected under attorney-client privilege. In a June 26, 2021 article, the Boston Globe reported that Pearlstein himself stated he did not provide private legal advice to the governor’s office. Therefore, these records are subject to audit, according to the press release.
“The governor unlawfully blocked our office’s access to records connected to the tragedy that resulted in over 70 veteran fatalities,” DiZoglio said in a statement. “Lives were lost and families were devastated. It’s unacceptable to hide these records from auditors who have the legal authority to review them.” DiZoglio said she is calling on the attorney general to authorize her office’s appointment of an attorney of their choosing. “It’s critical that this matter be adjudicated and litigated by an attorney who is not beholden to this administration, or the one prior. Anything less is a denial of justice to all impacted by this tragedy,” DiZoglio said.
“We hope that our audit recommendations are adopted to help ensure that the mission is the reality for every veteran relying on these necessary services,” she concluded.
CHICOPEE
Dcn. Gerald S. Campion
Jean J. Croteau Sr.
Nora Bridget Healy
Robert J. Hopkins
Teresa A. Perlak
France E. Talbot
Carol Voyik
Antoni Wieczorek
Donna M. Woods
John J. Zajdel
EAST LONGMEADOW
Brian A. Falk
William R. Fielding
Rose B. Lupi
Antoinette M. Maccarini
HOLYOKE
Patricia Curran
Richard Guyott Sr. Susan Sheehan Helen M. Werenski LUDLOW
Daniel D. Bator
Patricia Faulds
Irene M. Smith
Kevin R. Woods LONGMEADOW Eugene G. Loncrini
Janice G. Orszulak
to it weekly.
Jeffrey
A. Costello Gloria M. Fernandes
Nicolina Ferullo
Margaret M. “Peggy” Fitzgerald
Frank A. Gentile Jr.
Sheryl L. Karolinski
John S. Musiak
John Naberezny
Jean L. Provost Jordan H. Rosenkrantz
Phyllis Ann Skorka
WILBRAHAM
City Councilor Israel Rivera talks at a recent City Council meeting on Dec. 16.
Photo credit: Holyoke Media
A delectable breakfast style pizza comes to Indian Orchard
By Ryan Feyre rfeyre@thereminder.com
The diabolical blend of mushrooms on a pizza is about as common as snow this winter, but a breakfast style pizza is somehow rarer than witnessing a polar bear crossing the Massachusetts turnpike. Eggs, cheese and bacon on any kind of crust is a breakaway layup, a meatball down the middle, a 75-yard touchdown with nothing but green grass in front of you. But for whatever reason, the scrumptious concoction is typically nowhere to be found. Truth be told, I kind of understand why. There are many factors restaurant owners must reckon with, including demand, price of ingredients and if the style of pizza even makes sense within their brand or hours of operation. Maybe everything does make sense for them to have the item on the menu, but they’d rather be 2012 Nick Young than 2018 Jayson Tatum dunking on LeBron in Game 7. I don’t know, maybe I’m just clueless and there is a plethora of locales that serve it.
In any event, my lamenting recently ceased when one of my colleagues sent me a press release about a newly minted restaurant in Indian Orchard called “Taste of Traditions.” My interest in the establishment piqued when I was apprised of their win at the Latino Economic Development Corporation Cook-off competition, but my curiosity reached its apex when I saw that the new diner-style restaurant featured the coveted breakfast pizza on its menu. My head perked up like a dog that just heard its owner lock their car.
The item’s original makeup is scrambled eggs with melted provolone and mozzarella on naan bread, topped with arugula and tomatoes. But my eating habits are questionable, so I substituted the tomatoes with bacon. My short-term memory isn’t always sharp, but it was probably the best decision I made that day.
The texture clash was what I wanted. The eggs’ fluffy perfection runs up against the tantaliz-
ing crisp of the bacon bits; the melted provolone and mozzarella counterbalances that texture dichotomy by offering a buttery sweetness to the dish’s base. And although the naan bread could’ve maybe been a tad crispier, I found the flatbread to be the ideal canvas to buttress the flavors above it. Hunger abated, I had finally found the coveted breakfast style pizza I’ve been looking for.
As for the ambience, Taste of
Traditions provides an extremely welcoming space, as evidenced by the bevy of plants and many puzzles available for customers to ostensibly solve. The spot, located at 174 Main St. in Indian Orchard, invokes a classic diner feel, but there’s an added tranquility and warmth to how everything is presented. When I have the time, I’ll have to bask in its glow a little more. And when I do, I’ll also have
to explore its menu. Aside from the pizza, Taste of Traditions serves a breakfast sandwich, Cuban sandwich, a brisket biscuit, grilled cheese, kafta and much more. The restaurant is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day and also cater for larger events.
Birthplace of Volleyball Corporate Classic comes to YMCA
HOLYOKE — To celebrate its history of inventing the sport of Volleyball, Greater Holyoke YMCA is hosting the Birthplace of Volleyball Corporate Classic on Thursday, Feb. 5th from 5-8 p.m. at Holyoke Community College. This experience will feature a 12-team round robin style tournament whereas businesses will enjoy team building, business networking, lighthearted competition, and all proceeds will directly benefit sports and recreational programming at Greater Holyoke YMCA. The event is open to the public with no entrance fee and thus Greater Holyoke YMCA
encourages the community to come cheer on local businesses as well as celebrate the game of volleyball. In 1885, as the physical education director at Greater Holyoke YMCA, William G. Morgan invented the sport of volleyball.
The game is now the 5th most popular sport with more than 800 million people who play volleyball worldwide at least once a week, with numbers potentially nearing one billion when including fans and various formats like indoor, beach, and sitting volleyball. The sport is played by people of all ages and back-
grounds, supported by colleges, universities, 220 national professional federations and prominently featured at Olympics.
Greater Holyoke YMCA extends sincere appreciation to our local business team spon-
sors: Liberty Bank, Westfield Bank, Polish National Credit Union, bankESB, PeoplesBank, Alera Group, Dowd Insurance, Conklin Office Furniture, ML Schmitt, Holyoke Health Center, BHN and the city of Holyoke.
Press is encouraged to join the kickoff of the tournament between 5:30-6 p.m. For more information, please contact Greater Holyoke YMCA CEO, Conor Bevan at cbevan@holyokeymca.org or 413-534-5631.
Reminder Publishing photo by Ryan Feyre
Chicopee High's girls basketball coach Mark Smith reviews team strategy during a break.
Chicopee High's Gisele Rivera goes up for a basket guarded by Holyoke's Janessa Torres and Julianna Pirela.
Kiyah Price takes a shot over Holyoke defenders.
Sophia Moreira works to get past Juliana Pirela and Genesis Rivera.
Sophia Moreira and Julianna Pirela drive down the sideline.
Holyoke's Krystal Champagne, guarded by Nylah Francis, tries for a 3-pointer.
Juliana Villalobos and Sujelyz Peralta vie for a rebound.
Cassidy Pytel makes a move to the basket guarded by Zaniah Kani.
Chicopee's Nylah Francis cuts around Holyoke's Michaela Guzman.
CHICOPEE
Alfredo A. Cunha and Terry B. Cunha to Francisco Rivera and Sonia M. Rivera, 320 Fairview Ave.
Carol Ann McCarthy, Michele St. Germain and Michael A. Justice to Meera Nadeem, Donahue Road Lot C
Jacqueline Giguere and Paul E. Giguere Jr., to Christine Marie Horan, 71 Greenwood Terrace, Unit 6052B
Percy Brown and Bonnie S. Clark to Daryl Beaumier and Candace Hope McFarLane 55 Bromont St. $269,000
Robert W. Moritko, representative, and John J. Czerapowicz, estate, to Emtay Inc., 157 Sunnymeade Ave. $230,000
Thomas A. Duda to CGO LLC, 41 Ellerton St.
Wanda Lockett to Christopher J. Guz and Angela M. Guz, 47 Dorrance St.
GRANBY
Hilary N. Piquette to Kyle Johnston and Karin Eichelman, 84 Batchelor St.
HOLYOKE
David B. McKenney to Nora Wine, Route 5
Dylan A. Bradford to Lincoln Allis, 42 Arnodale Ave.
Equity Trust Co., custodian, Armando Roman and Armando Roman IRA, to Yaphet Marinez, 12 St.
Josephine B. Nartowicz to Kevin J. Moskal and Bridget M. Moskal, 66 St James
Jozef Wrzesinski and Barbara Wrzesinski to Nelson A. Balvin, 63-65 Mosher
Homes LLC, to Alexandre P. Pereira and
EAST LONGMEADOW - HOOK DELIVERY
THURSDAY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Tracey Ln., Pembroke Terr., Abbey Ln., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln.,
Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Mereline Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
