CHA-20260305

MARCH 5, 2026 | FREE

IN THIS

EDITION CHICOPEE

Chicopee first in state to launch bus stop-arm program Starting April 1, any vehicle that fails to stop for a bus in Chicopee will be caught on camera and later fined a minimum of $250.

Page 4

SOUTH HADLEY

South Hadley residents support potential tax override With town-altering cuts proposed for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, South Hadley residents met on Feb. 25 during a Special Town Meeting to voice their support for a Proposition 2 1/2 override.

Page 5

HOLYOKE

Neal announces federal funding for wastewater system On Feb. 27, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Mayor Joshua Garcia, state Rep. Patricia Duffy, and local officials at the Holyoke Water Pollution Control Facility to announce $800,000 in federal funding for the city’s combined sewer overflow system and sewer separation project.

Page 6

Officials, advocates clash over rent control

By Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — Lighthouse Holyoke’s Divine Theater was the site for a Feb. 25 press conference hosted by leaders from Holyoke and Springfield to share their opinions about the rent control initiative that looms across the state this year.

The conference was led by Housing for Massachusetts, a broad coalition of state residents, small property owners, family-owned real estate companies, affordable housing developers, housing advocates, and business leaders concerned about the housing affordability and availability across the state.

Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, Springfield City Councilor Mike Fenton, small property owners and Pioneer Valley Developers joined the event to speak out against the proposed rent control ballot question and highlight unintended consequences from the statewide proposal.

The current statewide ballot initiative proposes a cap on annual residential rent increases at 5%, or by the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower. If passed, the policy would repeal a law passed by Massachusetts voters in 1994 to ban rent control and would apply to virtually all privately owned rental housing across the Pioneer Valley that is not owner-occupied, a point expressed repeatedly by speakers during the press conference.

Members of Springfield No One Leaves and other local protesters attended in response to the campaign, arguing the ballot question is one of the few protections available for tenants facing drastic increases to rent. According to a recent Bay State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, 56%

of respondents either somewhat or strongly support the proposed ballot question.

In December, Gov. Maura Healey told Boston Public Radio she was against the initiative and said that rent control was not going to solve the state’s housing affordability crisis, arguing that the current proposal would “effectively halt production.” Healey also noted then that she has noticed that investors in housing are already pulling out of the state due to concerns with the looming ballot question.

During the conference, Chair of Housing for Massachusetts Conor Yunits explained that while the initiative was well intentioned, it was not a solution to the state’s housing crisis. Instead, he argued that in order to really start combating the issue, the state simply needs to develop more housing.

“Everyone here is concerned about housing. We know there is an affordability crisis, and that’s why many of us have been working with the governor, with the Legislature, with mayors, city councilors and policy leaders for years, to build more housing.

Because when you look around the country and you see where housing prices are falling, like in Austin, Texas, where rents are down 6%, or in Phoenix, where rents are down 4%, it’s because they are building housing,” said Yunits. “They have more supply than demand, here, we have significantly more demand than we have supply. Cities and states that build new quality housing see prices fall.”

Yunits also pointed out that the cap of rental rate increases does not include any exceptions for building renovations and no appeal process for property owners to recover costs for upgrades or

Chair of Housing for Massachusetts Conor Yunits explained that while the initiative was well intentioned, it was not a solution to the state’s housing crisis.

Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis

improvements. He noted that if increases could only match the rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, most rent increases would fall well below the 5% cap, based on the average 2.6% seen over the last 20 years in inflation.

“We all know that we need to pick up the pace of housing creation, and that’s why we all support solutions that remove barriers to affordable and market rate housing, and [we] would welcome new ideas that spark construction. But we also know that any policy that constricts supply will take us backwards, and that’s what this ballot question will do,” added Yunits.

Yunits said similar efforts for rent control across the country have yielded negative consequences. Proponents of the measure have said “this is not your father’s rent control,” to which Yunits said, that is correct, it is a worse policy.

“This question, with some

minor exemptions, will apply to every single residential dwelling unit that is rented out in Massachusetts. Not just every apartment building, not just housing in every city, every single residential dwelling unit in every community in Massachusetts,” Yunits said.

He shared that the measure would leave landlords unable to cover rising costs of upkeep and would give no incentive for a property owner to manage or invest, and that these issues could also lead to an eroded local tax base from reduced property values.

“And what happens when rents are capped? The value of the property is also capped. Then the property tax revenue that the property generates for the local community is also capped,” said Yunits.

Garcia added similar sentiments, saying that rent control would only discourage rent deSee RENT on page 2

MARCH 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

|2|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

STRM: Gionfriddo and Sullivan discuss the upcoming Big Broadcast

By Tyler Garnet

tgarnet@thereminder.com

SOUTH HADLEY — On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Dennis Hackett sat down with Mount Holyoke College Jazz Ensemble Director Mark Gionfriddo and Maureen Sullivan, who handles public relations for the Big Broadcast, to discuss the upcoming event on Saturday, March 7.

According to the organizers, performances for the event are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in Chapin Auditorium at Mount Holyoke College, 50 College St. This year marks the 21st year of the showcase, which Gionfriddo started because he thought it would be fun to do something “a little bit different.”

“We were noticing that there was really nothing like this around, and especially for a college jazz program to put something like this on is really kind of unusual right from the bottom up of writing the whole thing and costuming it, and they do the hair and the makeup and all of that stuff,” he said.

Gionfriddo, who is reprising his role as bandleader “Matt Morgan,” and the college’s jazz ensembles are polishing the best Big Band songs, solos and com-

Rent

Continued from page 1

velopment, something a Gateway City like Holyoke cannot afford.

“We face big city challenges with small town revenue,” said Garcia, adding the city relies heavily on responsible private investment to rebuild neighborhoods and expand its tax base.

“Development slows, revenue slows, and that limits our ability to invest in public spaces, infrastructure and our schools,” he said.

Garcia shared that Holyoke is number one in the state when it comes to housing stock per capita dedicated to affordable housing.

He highlighted one protester standing in the back of the room with a sign saying, “The Rent is Wicked High.” Garcia said it was a statement that he agrees with and that there are dramatic rent increases that communities face all over the state, but while this ballot question was well-intended, he argued that there needs to

mercials from the 1940s.

“It’s kind of our idea of what it would be like to be in the audience of a 1940s radio variety show; this one particularly happening at a remote location,” Gionfriddo said when describing the show.

The idea was conceived after students approached Gionfriddo about how the theater department at the college only conducts a musical every four years. They asked if he ever thought of doing a semi-theatrical production.

Gionfriddo used to produce a show with a cabaret group in the 1990s called “Puttin on the Ritz,” which was a fictitious radio variety show that took place at a radio station where singers would appear as “stars” of that era to sing on the air.

After he began directing in the Jazz program at Mount Holyoke College in 1999, Gionfriddo said he felt like himself, and his students were ready to take on a similar project. The Jazz Ensembles produced the first “Big Broadcast” in 2006.

Regarding the location of the broadcast, Gionfriddo said Chapin Auditorium looks “very, very period.” He later found out that The Glenn Miller Band performed on the same stage as the Big Broadcast in February 1939.

The Glenn Miller Band and Andrew Sisters are two bands that Gionfriddo says he focuses on for the production, among other artists of the time period.

Besides the music from the 1940s, Mount Holyoke College students help write the show, including the introductions and outros for TV22 meteorologist Brian Lapis, who emcees as “Fred Kelly.” The students also select period commercials and news stories from the period for the production.

Gionfriddo mentioned how it is a great way for the students to learn about music and stories from the 1940s.

During the first few years of the show, he said a majority of the crowd were those who grew up in the time period of the 1940s and 1950s, but as the years have gone on, more students have attended the performance, with some expressing interest in helping.

Sullivan talked about the audience and atmosphere from the past few years, sharing, “I have to say that over the years being in the front of the house that people, when they come in, that they’re just in such great moods. People are happy to be there, and it’s always a great audience.”

She added, “Some of these songs from the Great American

Songbook have been done by a lot of artists over the years, so I think that younger people would be surprised to hear some of them and realize, ‘oh actually I know that song.’”

Gionfriddo also talked about why the focus of the production is on the 1940s. “We like the [1940s] because big hairstyles, and there was a lot of stuff going on,” he stated. “Obviously it’s very, very different from contemporary times, so it’s very interesting because some of the student, they’re kind of like, ‘oh, wow there’s a lot of stereotyping, there’s a lot of provincial, some of it is rather offensive,’ but they

all understand that it’s kind of a historical piece, like a typical theatre piece.”

At the beginning of the program, the Big Broadcast makes sure to note that they are not glorifying or promoting the themes of the time period, according to Gionfriddo.

Tickets are available at the Odyssey Book Shop in South Hadley, and online at mhc.ludus. com and at the door.

To hear the full episode, visit thereminder.com/our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.

be a different approach.

“The real question for me comes down to, how do we work together to establish better rent control, and the real answer is not as simple as it sounds, but it is what it is: we do need more housing development here in our community and across the commonwealth,” said Garcia.

“Families, they’re all feeling the pressure [from the housing crisis] across the spectrum, and we must acknowledge that reality, no question. But this issue is a rather complex one.”

Garcia added that the pressures may be shared, but the conditions for each community vary.

“We need thoughtful, balanced solutions, not policies that are risky for communities already working hard to rebuild, and I’m talking in particular about gateway cities like Holyoke,” said Garcia. “There’s no guarantee that a rent-controlled unit would go to a low-income family or our most vulnerable residents. And this just kind of speaks to when I say there’s always unintended

consequences.”

Fenton said Western Massachusetts has an affordability crisis.

He argued that the idea of rent control is an admirable one, but the problem with the referendum was in the nuances of the details.

“For cities like Springfield, we’re trying to grow and maintain our market rate housing. We can’t afford uncertainty and discouragement of investment in housing,” Fenton said. “There’s nothing in this proposal that incentivizes property owners to reinvest in the maintenance and repairs of their homes. We can all agree that we need solutions to the housing crisis, but this proposal will not solve it.”

Despite this opposition, not everyone at the press conference was against the measure. Katie Talbot, an organizer with Springfield No One Leaves told Reminder Publishing the rent control measure is needed because it serves as a “tourniquet” for the larger housing crisis.

“Our larger housing crisis stems from the ability of corpo-

rate and LLC landlords to make egregious profit. That’s where it stems from; when we started allowing corporations and companies to buy out homes and make a profit off it, things shifted,” said Talbot. “I don’t think rent control is the say all, be all, end all of the housing crisis. It’s not.

But it allows our people to stop hemorrhaging money, to actually be able to adjust to a reasonable rent increase annually, and it also keeps our people in our communities.”

Talbot said that, while working with Springfield No One Leaves, she has heard from various tenants that they have had to move out of their communities after facing large increases in monthly rent from landlords. She said that she feels there is a disconnect from those who don’t understand what it’s like to rent in the current landscape.

“I think there’s a real out-oftouch analysis from the opponents of rent control. None of them on that stage are renters, none of them have been renters

for a long time. So, I think there are a lot of folks that are pushing back against rent control that really don’t know what it’s like to be a renter these days,” said Talbot.

Talbot said it has been encouraging to see things, like the passage of the Affordable Homes Act last year, and some investments made by the state into municipal housing. She argued that more effort should be made in these areas alongside the rent control initiative.

“Tenants need it. Homeowners are identifying the need for rent control because they’re having their adult children move back home because of rent increases.

We’re seeing across the country home ownership is not happening until people are 40, and that’s because they can’t save money because of rent,” said Talbot. “The folks that are opposed to it are the landlord lobby, the developer lobby and the real estate lobby, who all profit off housing, so I think it’s just a very telling and a very stark difference.”

Maureen Sullivan (front left) Mark Gionfriddo (back left) sits down with “So That Reminds Me” hosts Ryan Feyre and Dennis Hackett.

Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|3|

CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | MARCH 5 - 11, 2026

Moulton would focus on affordability, abolishing ICE

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

The Chicopee-Holyoke Herald is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year.

To subscribe visit TheReminderbymail.com

News Deadline Friday, 10 AM

Display Ad Deadline Friday, 4 PM

Classified Deadline Thursday, Noon

U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, who is running for Senate, speaks with voters at Socialite Coffee Bar in Springfield.

HATFIELD

EASTHA

MO

legislation he had introduced that would prohibit federal troops in polling places without congressional approval, as Trump ally Steve Bannon has pushed for.

Federal law already prohibits this and punishes anyone who “has under his authority or control any troops or armed men at any place where a general or special election is held” with a fine and not more than five years in prison, as well as disqualification from holding office.

Moulton said he is “absolutely” concerned that the Trump administration may try to invalidate or otherwise influence the 2026 election. “I think it’s a very legitimate threat. And that’s why I’m proposing legislation to address this. We’ve got to be all on our toes and doing what we can to fight it.” He admitted it would be hard to secure enough votes to pass it but said making elected officials declare their position furthers the discussion. “It’s very hard to argue that we should have troops in our election centers,” he said.

Taking a poll of the room, Moulton asked how many people could describe the Democrats’ immigration policy. No hands went up. He laid out his ideas, including streamlining legal immigration as an alternative for those who would otherwise come into the country through other means.

For those already in the United States, particularly those brought here as children, he was in favor of a pathway to citizenship.

When asked by a voter what he would do differently from Markey, Moulton said Markey and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer have not put forward “an aggressive agenda on affordability.” He said, “It’s all next generation leaders coming up with these ideas.” Among them, he named himself, New

York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and newly elected Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger.

“We also, as Democrats, have to look ourselves in the mirror and said, ‘Why are we losing touch with working people?’” He said many people see the Democratic party as being for the “ultra-rich and the ultra-poor.” He said the party only began talking about affordability in the past year.

“I am not going to get elected on a platform of next generation leadership in Massachusetts and go to Washington and support Chuck Schumer,” as leader of the Senate, Moulton said. “I don’t think people look at Chuck Schumer and think, ‘He’s going to figure out AI,’” Moulton said, adding that he is concerned with the issue because it will affect future generations, including his young children. He said, “I’m thinking about where we’re going to be in a century, not just where we’re going to be in six years.”

Moulton does not think that an emphasis on “next generation leadership” will split the Democratic party. “I think Democratic unity really matters, and I’m very proud to have a lot of voices in the Democratic party,” he said.

“If we really want to win, we need to reach out to some of these independents who do feel alienated who used to vote Democratic, you know, a lot of these union guys who voted for Obama and then voted for Trump, and say, ‘Hey, you’re welcome back in, we want you.’” Democrats may not agree on everything, he said, but it is important to “build a team.”

In 2018, Moulton started the Serve America political action committee to support Democrats running for congressional seats held by Republicans across the country. Since its inception, 24 See MOULTON on page 5

GO

RY

LUDLOW CHICOPEE

RUSSELL

TOLLAND

HOLYOKE

ME

BLANDFORD

OTIS

GRANBY

SOUTH HADLEY

SOUTHAMPTON

NT

cy and outcomes. He said, “We need that force in the market because health insurers, frankly, are extracting way too much out of the system.”

Moulton also spoke about eliminating pharmacy copays, saying their purpose is to ensure people don’t abuse medicine.

“But we should trust our doctors to just give you the medicine that you actually need,” he said, adding that there is inequality built into how much people pay based on what insurance they have.

Moulton later told Reminder Publishing, “I think the reality is a lot of Republicans look at Democrats and say, ‘All they want is Medicare for all.’ And this is a compromise. A public option is not Medicare for all. I actually think it’s a better compromise because it preserves competition.”

A teenager asked Moulton about the dismantling of the Department of Education. While not in favor of eliminating the department, he told them that the 50-year-old department has not changed much even though education has. He said he was in favor of universal preschool and expanded vocational training, because people ask for it. While computer programmers might have jobs taken by artificial intelligence, he said plumbers would always be needed. When rebuilding the department, he said, “We got to rebuild it for the future, for the jobs for the next 30 years.”

The representative also called for the abolition and prosecution of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “You can’t be above the law if you think you can enforce the law,” he said. He touted legislation he has sponsored to allow people to sue ICE officers for violating their constitutional rights and to impeach Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem.

Moreover, Moulton pointed to

AMHERST

NORTHAMPTON

MPTON

CHESTER

Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

WESTHAM PTON

HADLEY

HUNTIN GTON

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton wants the Pioneer Valley to know that he has a plan.

Moulton, who is running to unseat U.S. Sen. Ed Markey this fall, visited three cities in the Pioneer Valley as part of a listening tour. The Feb. 20 stops in Holyoke, Springfield and Westfield gave Moulton a chance to present himself to voters outside of the 6th District, which includes Salem, Gloucester and Andover.

Roughly 35 people gathered at Socialite Coffee Bar in Springfield to hear Moulton’s positions and share their concerns.

“I don’t think we can afford to wait six more years for new leadership,” Mouton told them.

While he said that he had “great respect” for Markey, he added, “There comes a time to pass the torch to a new generation.” Markey was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1976, two years before Moulton was born.

He has served in the Senate since 2013. Moulton was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014.

Moulton laid out the issues he sees in the country. “There’s really two Americas,” he said.

“There’s an America for the wealthy and the well connected, with the airline miles and the hotel perks and the tax loopholes, and if you’re really wealthy, you get to fly your private plane to Washington and get a pardon for any law you break.”

He continued, “And then there’s America for everyone else.

That’s struggling to pay rent, that maybe has a college graduate that just moved back home because he or she can’t get a job, that’s turning down their thermostats as it gets cold out because they can’t afford their electricity bills or their gas or oil bills.”

Moulton presented himself as a more progressive candidate than Markey with messaging that will resonate with voters. “Everyone knows we’re opposed to Trump,” he said. “But we also have to stand for something ourselves.”

His three-pronged affordability platform focuses on housing, health care and education, which he said are “human rights.”

Referring to President Barack Obama’s signature legislation, the Affordable Care Act, by its nickname, Moulton said, “Obamacare dramatically expanded health care. Millions of Americans have health care, so it’s a huge step in the right direction, but it’s not perfect.” Moulton is in favor of a public option. “That means that you can have Medicare if you want it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to force you onto Medicare,” he said, adding that a public option would drive down the cost of commercial health insurance plans and improve the efficien-

The Chicopee-Holyoke Herald is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC.

WESTFIELD

GRANVILLE

MASSACHUSETTS

SOUTHWICK

WILBRAHAM

WEST SPRINGFIELD

SPRINGFIELD

AGAWAM LONGMEADOW

EAST LONGMEADOW

CONNECTICUT

HAMPDEN

SOMERS ENFIELD

 AGAWAM REMINDER  CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD  EAST LONGMEADOW REMINDER  ENFIELD/SOMERS REMINDER  HAMPSHIRE REMINDER  THE “ORIGINAL” PENNYSAVER  SPRINGFIELD REMINDER

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 Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro Classified Account Managers: Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan Financial Department: Nancy Banning Circulation Department: Holly Mulligan, Whitney Conlon

HOW TO REACH US CALL

413.525.6661

NEWS DEPARTMENT 413-562-4181

DISPLAY ADS 413-525-6695

CLASSIFIED ADS

413-213-6178 • 413-213-6170 413-735-1660

LEGAL NOTICES 413-213-6170

CIRCULATION CALL

413.788.1316

hmulligan@thereminder.com

Online

TheReminder.com

Reminders Publishing, LLC accepts no financial responsibility for errors that inadvertently happen in advertisements, but will reprint that part of the advertisement in which the error occurred.

EAST LONGMEADOW OFFICE 443B SHAKER ROAD

(DENSLOW ROAD ENTRANCE)

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028

WESTFIELD OFFICE

181 ROOT ROAD •WESTFIELD, MA 01085 (ROOTS ATHLETIC CENTER, LOWER LEVEL)

MARCH 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

|4|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

CHICOPEE www.TheReminder.com

TO LEARN ABOUT THE PRESS CLUB, GO TO REMINDERPRESSCLUB.COM

REMINDER PRESS CLUB SUPPORTED ARTICLE

Chicopee first in state to launch bus stop-arm program

By Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com

CHICOPEE — Starting April 1, any vehicle that fails to stop for a bus in Chicopee will be caught on camera and later fined a minimum of $250.

One year after Gov. Maura Healey signed into law a bill that allows video monitoring for school bus safety enforcement, the city of Chicopee says it is the first in the commonwealth to take advantage of the program.

“We’re launching a new school bus stop-arm safety program to better protect the students and families here in Chicopee,” Mayor John Vieau said at a Feb. 25 press conference introducing the new technology.

“School buses in Chicopee will now be equipped with school bus violation detection monitoring systems. So, when that [stop sign] bar pops out and a vehicle passes it, that person will be receiving a ticket.”

The city, along with various community leaders, officially announced the signing of a contract with BusPatrol, the North American school bus safety program that partners with school districts, municipalities, and law enforcement to “reduce illegal stop-arm violations and protect students on their journeys to and from school.”

According to its website, the program uses AI-powered stoparm and fleet safety technology to catch people who aren’t stopping for school buses.

Although Chicopee says they are the first in the state to officially utilize BusPatrol’s technology for this program following Healey’s bill, this is not the first time BusPatrol has worked with municipalities in Massachusetts.

During the 2024-25 school year, the organization partnered with Peabody and Salem on a pilot program where 18 buses were equipped to capture data on how many vehicles were unlawfully passing stopped buses.

Mayor John Vieau (left), CPS Superintendent Marcus Ware (middle) and Chicopee interim Police Chief Eric Watson announce a new technology that aims to stop drivers from illegally passing school buses during a Feb. 25 press conference at Chicopee Comprehensive High School.

Reminder Publishing photo by Ryan Feyre

In just the first six weeks of the school year, around 1,800 vehicles failed to stop for school buses between the two cities, which means there were an average of three illegal passes per day during that time period.

“That’s scary,” Vieau said, in response to the numbers.

“Each illegal passing represents a moment where a child’s life is needlessly put at risk, and we can’t ignore that here.”

According to people with BusPatrol, when a vehicle illegally passes a stopped bus, cameras on front, side and back of the bus will capture the plate and vehicle. Once that happens, BusPatrol will process that information and get it to the Police Department so the proper citation can be issued.

The technology never cap-

tures people’s faces, and only the person whose name is registered under the vehicle will receive the citation, according to BusPatrol. News outlets witnessed a demonstration of the camera’s capabilities during the Feb. 25 press conference.

“As superintendent, there are many responsibilities that come with leading the school district,” said Chicopee Public Schools Superintendent Marcus Ware. “Academic achievement, staffing, budgets, facilities, but none of them carry more weight than the safety of our children.”

During the press conference, which was held at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, Ware emphasized the importance of the new technology.

“This technology is not about punishment. It’s about

prevention,” Ware said. “It’s about accountability. And it’s more importantly about protection. By adding this layer of safety, we are sending a clear message. When that red stop sign is extended, our children are crossing.”

According to BusPatrol, the cameras are only triggered when the stop sign arm is extended on the bus. Vieau said a “warning period” will begin on March 3 so Chicopee residents can get acquainted with the new program. Enforcement will officially begin on April 1.

He also said that the program is fully violator-funded, which means that it is coming at no cost to the taxpayers or the school district, and that the full 74-bus fleet will have the cameras by summer. As of

right now, cameras have been implemented on 10 of the city’s school buses.

Violators of the bus stop arm safety program will have to pay a minimum of $250 for a first offense, according to Massachusetts state law. Before these cameras, Vieau said the only way people could get caught illegally driving past a bus is if police officers caught them in real time.

As of right now, the new program is not associated with Chicopee’s Real Time Information Center, according to Vieau.

“This program is about changing behavior, raising awareness and sending a clear message,” Vieau said. “In Chicopee, you know what we do?

We stop for our school buses every single time.”

C&C

HEATING & COOLING, INC.

Two Great Cruises aboard Norwegian Breakaway!

June 9-12, 2026 4-Day Boothbay Harbor Vacation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $899 June 27, 2026 Lake George Cruise & Lunch . . $185 July 11, 2026 Provincetown by Fast Ferry . . . $220 July 19, 2026 8-Day Bermuda & Halifax Cruise . . . . . . . .from $1699 August 30, 2026 8-Day Nova Scotia Cruise . .from $1699 SHARE THE ADVENTURE WITH US SOON!

413.575.8704 Zoning • New Installations • Replacements Air Filtration • Duct Work Cleaning • Tune-Ups Maintenance • Gas Piping • Humidifiers

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY INSURED EPA CERTIFIED Lic# GF5061-J

FREE ESTIMATES

Like us on Facebook

For further information call Randall at (413) 436-5357 adventuretours@att.net or visit adventuretoursofwarren.com for details.

LOWER PRICES TO BOOST YOUR BUDGET!

Steve Burkholder, Owner

facebook.com/ReminderPublishing

INFLATION

USDA INSP. FRESH BONE-IN

Beef Ribeye Steaks

PRICES IN RED ARE AT OR USDA INSP. FRESH $ 66 LB BELOW LAST YEAR’S PRICES! CHICKEN WINGS 10 LB BAGS

1

. .

¢ 77 COUNTRY STYLE PORK RIBS 2 9 Lenten Specials $ 22 $ 99 PORK SIRLOIN CUTLETS 2 Beef Chuck Roast 14" CHEESE PIZZA 2 $ 99 or Steaks $ 19 $ 99 PORK SHOULDER PICNIC 1 6 TILAPIA FILLETS 3 $ 99 3 $ 99 COOKED SHRIMP 16 $ 44 Ground Beef 4 $ 99 3 6 $

USDA INSP. FRESH

22 LB

. . . .

USDA INSP. FRESH

LB

. . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

99

CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS 10 LB. BAG

LB

USDA INSP. FRESH BONE-IN

FROZEN RED EXPRESS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

TURKEY BREAST

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LB

LB

USDA INSP. GROUND FRESH DAILY

USDA INSP. SLICED IN OUR DELI

PROVOLONE CHEESE

USDA INSP. FROZEN

CUBED GOAT MEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. FROZEN

SOUP CHICKEN (FOWL CHICKEN) . .

$

69

80% LEAN

LB

USDA INSP. IQF FROZEN

21/25 COUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 LB. BAG

EACH

90 Avocado St .

Springfield

LB

LB 7 LB . BAG

LB

SALE DATES: 3/5-3/11/26

499

$

EACH

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LB

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35 OZ.

USDA INSP. FROZEN

LB

USDA INSP. SLICED IN OUR DELI

LB

. . .

USDA INSP. SMOKED

. . . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. FRESH

HOURS

MON .-WED . 8-4 • THURS . 8-6 • FRI . 8-6 • SAT . 8-3

737-1288

www .90meat .com We reserve the right to limit quantities.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|5|

CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | MARCH 5 - 11, 2026

South Hadley residents support potential tax override

By Tyler Garnet

tgarnet@thereminder.com

SOUTH HADLEY — With town-altering cuts proposed for fiscal year 2027 and beyond, South Hadley residents met on Feb. 25 during a Special Town Meeting to voice their support for a Proposition 2 ½ override to save jobs, town buildings and extracurricular activities.

For months, South Hadley has warned the public about the upcoming budget deficits that would potentially cause the elimination of positions within town services and the School Department. Additionally, the potential cuts could lead to the closure of municipal buildings and the removal of extracurricular activities from the school system, including all sports.

In an effort to find solutions to the town’s budget deficit, South Hadley formed the Budget Task Force to gather data, gain public input and construct a report with problems and recommended/potential solutions.

The budget gap for FY27 is approximately between $3.15 million and $3.55 million. The executive summary from the Budget Task Force stated, “the budget deficit is not attributable to a single issue, rather, it is the cumulative result of several decades of contributing factors.”

An override would allow the town to increase property taxes beyond the 2.5% annual increase cap enforced by Proposition 2 ½.

After presenting the report to the Selectboard and other town departments on Feb. 9 and 10, which included solutions to increase revenue, a no override option and different tax override options,

Moulton Continued from page 3

of those candidates have been elected and another four are mounting challenges in the 2026 race. Moulton said, “We can have better leadership here in Massachusetts, but if we don’t win majorities in the House and Senate, we’re not going to be able to advance this agenda.”

Moulton, who is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, was asked how he feels about Trump’s use of the

the town decided to host a Town Meeting to get the public’s input.

At Town Meeting, South Hadley voters weighed in on whether to raise the tax levy further than currently allowed, and by how much. The decision, however, will ultimately be made by the Selectboard.

Town Administrator Lisa Wong talked with Reminder Publishing after the Special Town Meeting and shared her thoughts on the process, the meeting and the next steps.

She said, “I thought there was very robust conversation from a lot of residents who feel very deeply engaged and will feel the impact either way, so, if there is an override that doesn’t pass or there is an override, they really shared how much they’ll be affected by the lost services.”

Over 90% of Town Meeting members voted against Article 2 at Special Town Meeting. which would’ve allowed Town Meeting to approve the budget without fully funding services at the Annual Town Meeting in May. A budget without an override would have resulted in the loss of five school district administration positions and 17 student facing positions, the reduction of two police positions, the loss of six full-time and two part-time dispatchers, the reduction in hours of 10 positions at the library and two positions at the Town Hall, the reduction of two staff members at Town Hall, the reduction of two staff members at the Senior Center and the reduction of two public works employees.

It also would have eliminated town services, including sports, extracurricular programs, advanced

military and how his actions have “eroded” NATO. “It’s hard to think of something that frustrates me more,” Moulton told the person. He said the trust in the military has fallen since Trump’s first term began in 2016. “He is directly abusing the military for his own purposes,” he said, referring to National Guard troops being sent into American cities. He referenced a 2018 quote by the president, who said the American soldiers buried at Aisne-Marne American Cemetery were “losers” and the Marines who died in the World

CONTRACTED SUB WANTED FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DELIVERY OF THE REMINDER NEWSPAPER. Call Holly at

413-788-1316

Why Wait?

People who have trouble hearing often wait several years before they decide to get help. But life is happening now!

Hearing loss affects your work, your family and your social life.

Don’t let a hearing problem keep you from enjoying life.

WE CAN HELP.

Jamie Conti, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

Jennifer Lundgren Garcia, Au.D. Doctor of Audiology

The Finest Hearing Care by Doctors of Audiology —— SINCE 1984 ——

200 North Main St., North Building Suite 103, East Longmeadow, MA

413-525-7979

hampdenhearing.com • info@hampdenhearing.com

South Hadley Town Meeting members vote for their preferred potential tax override scenario in the town.

Photo credit: SHCTV15

placement courses and some school support services. Furthermore, a budget without an override would increase class sizes, close spray parks, reduce highway and parks maintenance, increase response time to public safety calls and/or increase in overtime to offset reduction in patrol officers, reduce customer service facing staff in public buildings as a result of reductions of clerical positions, eliminate a school resource officer and close Gaylord Library.

There were 86 representative Town Meeting members who voted for a tax override preference: 66% voted for the $11 million override option, 19% voted for $9 million override, 9% voted for $6 million override and 6% voted for $3 million override.

Wong did not say which option she prefers.

“I think my role is really just supervise as much information as possible and no matter what the outcome is, is to run the town the best I can with the resources we have,” Wong said. “I’m prepared for every possible scenario.”

All the reports can be found at southhadley.org. The chart breaks down how much an average single family household is projected to pay and what each override scenario looks like.

The Selectboard will discuss placing an override question or questions on the ballot during its meeting on March 3. The annual town election is April 14.

The Annual Town Meeting, which is set to take place in May,

is “when this body will actually appropriate a budget for the following year based on the levy limit that is either going to stay the same or increase if there is an override vote,” Wong stated.

Looking ahead to other important budget dates in March, the Selectboard will host a budget public hearing on Tuesday, March 3 and a budget vote on Tuesday, March 17. The School Committee will host their budget public hearing on Wednesday, March 11 before voting on Wednesday, March 25.

There is also a community meeting scheduled for Saturday, March 28. Wong said the meeting will serve as an opportunity for residents to hear more extensive reports on the budget and provide comment.

War I Battle of Belleau Wood were “suckers.”

“What’s lacking in Washington isn’t intelligence, it’s just courage. It’s the courage to take the right vote, to do the right

thing, even when you’ve got political pressure in the other direction,” Moulton said. “And it really pisses me off, frankly, when I see colleagues of mine show a lot less courage in a very com-

fortable seat in the Senate or the House of Representatives than our 18-year-old soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, guardsmen show every single day on the front lines.”

MARCH 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

|6|

HOLYOKE

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

www.TheReminder.com

Neal announces federal funding for wastewater system

By Tyler Garnet

tgarnet@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — On Feb. 27, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, state Rep. Patricia Duffy and local officials at the Holyoke Water Pollution Control Facility to announce $800,000 in federal funding for the city’s combined sewer overflow system and sewer separation project.

The funding will be applied to the city’s ongoing combined sewer overflow projects, including consideration for capital improvements in both the wastewater treatment plant and sewer collection system.

Garcia said the plan is to invest in “critical upgrades,” including purchasing a new centrifuge. “This advanced equipment will significantly reduce our power and sludge disposal costs, improve operations at the plant [and] enhance our systems resiliency,” he explained.

The award recognizes the significant financial commitment the city’s ratepayers have already made and will help ease the burden placed on residents, according to the city. Investments supported by this funding will strengthen the city’s infrastructure, ensure compliance with the city’s consent decree, maintain water quality and protect public health.

Garcia added, “Most importantly, it will help us better control CSO [Combined Sewer

Overflows] overflows, protecting our environment and community health.”

The allocation was made possible through congressionally-directed spending from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and will help support vital upgrades to the city’s wastewater and sewer infrastructure.

Neal included funding for this project in the fiscal year 2026 spending bill.

Garcia thanked Neal for his continued partnership and stated how this funding will help support Holyoke’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve its wastewater treatment plant and sewer collection system.

“It’s a big step forward for environmental stewardship and public health,” Garcia said. “Today’s announcement of federal funding for our combined sewer overflow system, what we call CSOs, mark an important step forward, not just for our city, but communities downstream of the Connecticut River.”

Neal shared how investments like the one in Holyoke are essential to modernizing aging infrastructure and protecting water quality in the Connecticut River.

He explained, “It’s generally not a topic, as you know, is front and center in everyday conversations, but 100 years ago, the valley was the most prosperous part of America, singularly, the valley, all the way to Hartford, and it was because of the Connecticut River,

Congressman Richard Neal (right) joined Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia (middle) and state Rep. Patricia Duffy (left) to discuss federal funding the city will receive to improve its sewer overflow system.

Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet

but the outcome in part was also that as more and more factories located near the valley and the Connecticut river, it lent itself to a lot of discharge, and part of it is wat we’re still dealing with 100 years later.”

Holyoke has shown progress in addressing its sewer and stormwater challenges, according to Neal.

“This is why I am pleased to support the city’s continued work to build a cleaner, healthier future,” he said. “Clean water and reliable infrastructure are fundamental to a strong community, and these investments will help Holyoke continue building the strong, resilient infrastructure that families and businesses de-

serve and rely on every day.”

Garcia and Neal also thanked U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren for their support of the funding for this project.

In October 2025, the city of Holyoke and Veolia North America entered into a new 10-year contract to continue to operate Holyoke’s wastewater treatment plant for the city, providing high standards of environmental security and professional operation.

Veolia has served Holyoke since 2005, and the new contract will continue Veolia’s partnership with the city and its DPW through 2035. The organization emphasizes energy recovery, economic development, investment in the existing infrastructure and

incentives for Veolia to work with the city to identify new revenue sources.

David Connors, the president for contract operations for Veolia, shared his appreciation for the federal help with the project.

“We’re proud to be the operating partner of the facility in the city,” Connors said. “The needs are critical here, and we’re very thankful that the representatives and congressmen here that have spoken previously have recognized that and happy to be a part of this.”

Following the announcement, Neal joined Garcia and others for a tour of the city’s Pollution Control Facility, located at 1 Berkshire St.

City of Holyoke Office for Community Development Draft FY2026 Annual Action Plan Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Holyoke-Chicopee-Westfield HOME Consortium (HOME) Public hearing, review and comment of the draft prior to submission to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development on how the City of Holyoke and the Consortium intend to allocate Federal funds.

Public Hearing on Monday March 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84266843088 OR +13017158592,,84266843088# US (Washington DC) Public Hearing on Monday March 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

In Person: Holyoke Public Library, Community Room 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke MA Draft available at www.holyoke.org, in person by appointment, or will be emailed upon request starting March 9, 2026. Public comment on the draft is welcome until April 13, 2026 at 4:00pm EST. Send comments to zoellera@holyoke.ma.us or call 413-322-5610.

Translation or accessibility services upon request.

Borrador del Plan de Acción Anual para el año fiscal 2026 de la Oficina de Desarrollo Comunitario de la Ciudad de Holyoke Subvención Bloqueada para el Desarrollo Comunitario (CDBG) Consorcio HOGAR Holyoke-Chicopee-Westfield (HOGAR) Audiencia pública, revisión y comentarios del borrador antes de su presentación al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos sobre cómo la ciudad de Holyoke y el Consorcio pretenden asignar fondos federales.

Audiencia pública el lunes 16 de marzo de 2026 a la 13:00 horas. Virtual: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84266843088 OR +13017158592,,84266843088# US (Washington DC) Audiencia pública el lunes 16 de marzo de 2026 a las 17:00 horas.

En persona: Biblioteca Pública de Holyoke, Sala Comunitaria 250 Chestnut Street, Holyoke MA El borrador está disponible en www.holyoke.org, en persona con cita previa, o se enviará por correo electrónico a solicitud a partir del 9 de marzo de 2026. Se aceptan comentarios públicos sobre el borrador hasta el 13 de abril de 2026 a las 16:00 EST. Envíe sus comentarios a zoellera@holyoke.ma.us o llame al 413-322-5610.

Servicios de traducción o accesibilidad bajo solicitud.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|7|

CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | MARCH 5 - 11, 2026

Soto agrees to three-year contract as schools’ chief of finance

By Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com

HOLYOKE — In what was a relatively swift Feb. 23 meeting, the Holyoke School Committee granted a three-year contract to Anthony Soto that allows him to begin his tenure as the School Department’s chief of finance and operations on July 1.

Soto, who currently serves as the interim superintendent for Holyoke Public Schools, will be the department’s permanent chief of finance from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029, according to the contract approved by the committee. The unanimous approval came with no discussion by the committee or any comments from

Soto during the Feb. 23 meeting, which was held remotely as the region was recovering from a major snowstorm.

The new contract comes just over one year after Soto was named the interim superintendent of HPS and almost five years after he last served in the chief of finance role. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education appointed him as the receiver in 2021, a title he held onto during his time as interim superintendent. According to past Reminder Publishing reporting, he was the department’s third receiver during HPS’s 10 years under state receivership.

He took the role of interim superintendent last July when local

governance of the school district was restored. Soto chose not to apply for the permanent superintendent position when it was posted in December 2025.

The School Committee embarked on an “intensive search” and interview process that included three finalists for the permanent superintendent role. After a round of interviews across three days, current Assistant Superintendent Jackie Glasheen was appointed by the School Committee as the district’s next superintendent, a position she will helm on July 1 after contract negotiations ensue and a salary is finalized.

Aside from serving as receiver and interim superintendent, Soto was previously the School De-

Anthony Soto Reminder Publishing file photo

partment’s chief financial and operations officer from 2016-2021.

He also worked in Springfield Public Schools for 10 years prior to coming to Holyoke, where he began as a financial analyst

before he was promoted to budget director.

According to the contract that the School Committee approved, Soto will have an annual salary of $190,000.

Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice mini grants mark 15th year HOLYOKE — Local nonprofits and individuals are invited to apply for funding between March 9 and the April 20 deadline, by completing the application form available at www.carlosvegafund.org. All applicants must have either 501c3 status or be fiscally sponsored by a 501c3 organization.

For more than 40 years, Carlos Vega fought for social justice in the Greater Holyoke area. In 2010, a small group of family

and friends started the fund to support the kind of social justice initiatives that were important to Carlos.

This year the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice will provide grants amounting up to $2,000 to be used for one-time programing or project that focuses on the fundamental primary causes of injustice, fosters change, and promotes self-help and empowerment.

The purpose of the grants is to

support the efforts of those who are addressing issues of poverty and oppression, and involve people who are socially and economically marginalized in the Greater Holyoke area.

Previous mini grants have supported a variety of organizations including: Girls Inc. of the Valley, Granby Public Schools, The Gray House, Holyoke Public Schools, Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative, Holyoke Senior Center, Home City Devel-

opment, OneHolyoke CDC, The Performance Project, Lorraine’s Kitchen in Chicopee, Common Wealth Murals, Seeds of a Father, The Care Center, Eagle Eye Institute, Wellspring Cooperative and Wistariahurst Museum.

The Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice is administered through the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and is overseen by an advisory committee.

Since 2012, the fund has

awarded more than $90,000 to more than 50 organizations in the greater Holyoke area.

Grant Awardees and the 2026 Social Justice Award recipient will be publicly announced at an event on May 28.

For further information and/ or to obtain an application, visit the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice website at http:// www.carlosvegafund.org or contact Aaron Vega at carlosvegafund.413@gmail.com.

Auto dealer Gary Rome joins HCC fundraising campaign for sixth year HOLYOKE — Auto dealer Gary Rome is again partnering with the HCC Foundation for a one-day campaign to raise money for student support programs and academic resources at Holyoke Community College.

The sixth annual “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives” campaign is set for Wednesday, March 4, and will run for 24 hours from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. With a goal of 500 donors, this year’s success would put the campaign’s six-year cumulative support total over $1 million.

“What makes this campaign special is seeing all our community members come together in a single day to tell our students, ‘We see you, we believe in you, and we’re invested in your success,’” said Julie Phillips, HCC executive director of development.

Donations can be made through a secure portal on the HCC website: hcc.edu/drive.

The campaign supports six critical areas that directly support HCC students: academic excellence and innovation; scholarships; the Thrive Center and Food Pantry; the President’s Student Emergency Fund; the President’s Fund for Opportunity; and the HCC Foundation’s general fund.

The campaign has already received pledges for challenges and matching funds in excess of $125,000.

Rome, who is a member of the HCC Foundation’s Board of Directors, has pledged an additional $50 for every first-time donor. To

help promote the event, Rome will be visiting the “Together HCC” celebration on campaign day from 11 a.m. to noon on the second floor of the HCC Campus Center.

“My father always said that no one can ever take away what you put between your ears,” said Rome.

“That lesson has stayed with me my whole life, and it’s exactly why community college matters so much to me. HCC gives people the chance to build something no one can take away — education — and that’s worth showing up for, year after year.”

Additionally, longtime supporters Peg Wendlandt ‘58 and Gary Wendlandt will provide $100,000 in challenge gifts throughout the day. Alumni Myke Connolly ‘04, founder of the Launch and Stand Out marketing agency, and Dylan Pilon ‘12, founder of Cloud 9 Marketing Group, have pledged $10 each for every alum who makes a gift.

The HCC Foundation launched “Together HCC: A Campaign for Caring” in March 2020 to build community support and raise money for students experiencing financial distress during the pandemic. As part of that campaign, members of the HCC community — students, staff, faculty, alumni, relatives and college friends — were asked to use the hashtag #TogetherHCC to share stories and images on social media that demonstrated the resilience of the college community in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

In its first year, the campaign

The local news coverage you love brought to you in a new way.

SO THAT REMINDS ME A podcast from The Reminder Find it on your favorite streaming platform

raised $40,000 for the president’s Student Emergency Fund and was selected as a finalist for a national Bellwether award. In 2021, with Rome signed on, HCC added the “Drive to Change Lives” theme and has so far raised more than $900,000 for student support programs over the past five years.

“Our students are driven, and they are just getting started,” said Phillips. “A gift to ‘Together HCC’ will help make sure nothing gets in their way.”

2025’s “Together HCC: Drive to Change Lives.”

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

MARCH 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

|8|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Curtis Blake Day School announces upcoming closure

By Miasha Lee Correspondent

HOLYOKE — The Curtis Blake Day School, a private educational day school that has helped students with language-based learning disabilities, will close at the end of the current school year.

The Positive Regard Network, who’s been in partnership with the school, made the announce-

ment. Chief Operating Officer Chris Duff said, “Curtis Blake Day School has been through a bunch of transitions. Throughout the years, the school has experienced a decline in the number of students referred out of districts for this specialized programming.

As a result of this shift, the decision was made to close the school at the conclusion of this academic year. It was home to many fam-

ilies, so we’re going to take our time and do everything that’s right by our students and staff.”

For over 40 years, the Curtis Blake Day School has supported generations of students and families by providing specialized academic and language-based instruction focused on reading, writing, math and social-emotional development designed to help students achieve success in

their educational journeys. The school was founded in 1981 by the late co-founder of Friendly’s Ice Cream/philanthropist Curtis Blake. The school first partnered with American International College in Springfield. Then moved to the Children’s Study Home in Springfield and later relocated to Holyoke in 2022, partnering with the Positive Regard Network as part of the Center School campus.

The Curtis Blake Day School recognizes the significant impact this closure will have on communities and will assist families with transition planning, including placement support, records transfer, and access to additional resources. Families, staff, and sending districts will receive detailed information regarding timelines, resources and next steps in the coming weeks.

Resilient Valley Coalition celebrates community in Holyoke HOLYOKE — On Wednesday, Feb. 11, more than 70 nonprofit leaders, donors, and community advocates gathered at De La Luz in Holyoke for the Resilient Valley Community Lunch.

The event was a celebration of collective power, marking a major milestone in a grassroots movement to unlock philanthropic dollars for the valley.

Resilient Valley was born from a simple but urgent realization — organizations are stron-

ger when they collaborate rather than compete for dwindling resources. During the lunch, the coalition announced that its “Match My DAF” (Donor Advised Fund) campaign received 73 grant submissions totaling $228,810 — with $91,610 of that being eligible for matches — to support the critical work happening across Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties. More than $100,000 has been raised so far for the matching pool thanks

to individual donors, Greenfield Savings Bank and PeoplesBank.

“Resilient Valley grew out of a potluck lunch and a shared fear of losing federal funding, but it has turned into a powerful statement of community resilience,” said Julia Riseman, director of philanthropy for CET, a coalition member. “Today wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the energy in the room and the firm belief that we can keep our valley’s communities, landscapes and shared future thriving if we act together.”

The campaign’s first lottery, held on Feb. 2, distributed just under $75,000 in matching funds. The recipients represent a diverse cross-section of our communities, spanning environmental conservation, food justice, education, the arts and social services.

One such recipient, the Amherst Survival Center, was able to turn its $1,000 gift into a

$6,000 gift through the matching pool lottery.

“This kind of collective generosity strengthens our entire community,” said Bianca Walker, Development Director at the Amherst Survival Center. “It allows us to meet growing needs with dignity and consistency, and it reminds us that when people come together, the impact is far greater than any one gift alone.”

The organizations that won a match award include: Abortion Rights Fund of Western MA, All Out Adventures, Amherst Survival Center, CET: Center for EcoTechnology, Center for New Americans, Community Foundation of Western MA, Community Legal Aid, Conway School of Landscape Design, Downtown Amherst Foundation, Family Diversity Project, Franklin County DIAL SELF, Friends of Forbes, Grow Food Northampton, Hampshire County United Way, Hampshire Support Alliance, Historic Northampton, Hitchcock Center, Jewish Family Services of Western MA, Kestrel

ST. JUDE’S NOVENA

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.

CHICOPEE Ronald N. Gilpatrick Louis A. Lajeunesse Roger D. Landry Alice P. Forget Cary Gray Christos Lolos Sheila C. Moore Carol Ann Sakiewicz Dorothy E. Sinkowski Ronald A. Shunaman EAST LONGMEADOW Antoinette Caliento Gerard Josef De Blok Earl A. DeRusha Jr. Marcia M. Kessler Margaret A. Miller Dolores M. Scibelli

HOLYOKE Janet C. Douyard (Powers) John Alan Kelleher INDIAN ORCHARD Stacia J. Falkowski Gloria M. Mitchell LONGMEADOW Janice S. Boyer Joanne M. Carroll Barbara E. Morrison Frank S. Podgurski Stephen A. Wichrowski Jr. LUDLOW Kathleen V. Garand David Henriques Sr. Ruth F. Pancotti SOUTH HADLEY Dr. Francis M. Croke

Thomas Norman Hazen Hugh Parker Hutton Kelli Theresa Quesnel Charles H. Turner III SPRINGFIELD Carl Robert Cadogan Dennis Anthony Clarke Sr. Raymond N. Dagenais Jr. Leon A. Lemieux Sandra J. Murray Gail A. O’Brien Joan E. Rhone Dolores P. Santinelli Linda A. Scibelli Sandra A. Sullivan WILBRAHAM Terris J. Burnor Nancy P. O’Neill

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day. By the eighth day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you St. Jude for granting my petition.

S.S.

Land Trust, Manna Soup Kitchen, Inc., Massachusetts Audubon Society, New England Public Media, Northampton Center for the Arts, Northampton Community Arts Trust, Northampton Community Music Center, Northampton Education Foundation, Northampton Musical Booster, Northampton Survival Center, Perugia Press, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Red Gate Farm, Scarlet Sock Foundation, Tapestry Health Systems, The Literacy Project, Transhealth, Western Mass Asylum Support Network, Young at Heart Chorus and Young Scholars Fund.

Resilient Valley is continuing the momentum as they build toward the final matching lottery after May 1. All remaining matching funds will be distributed to organizations randomly selected for dollar-for-dollar matches of up to $5,000. They are encouraging people to support local organizations through their DAFs and nominate those gifts for a match.

Any DAF gifts given to a valley organization from Dec. 2, 2025, until May 1, 2026, could be eligible. They are also continuing to raise funds for the matching pool.

The coalition includes: All Farmers, Amherst Survival Center, Cancer Connection, CET (Center for EcoTechnology), CISA, Grow Food Northampton, Hilltown Land Trust, Hitchcock Center, Kestrel Land Trust, Northampton Survival Center, Nuestras Raices, Peace Development Fund and the Stone Soup Café.

Celebrate Life

With a Lasting Gift of Light VISIT US IN OUR SHOWROOM!

413.731.0610

138 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA

THE ONLY MEMORY LAMP STORE IN WESTERN MASS! Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm • Saturday: 9am - 1pm Closed: Sunday

www.MemoryLaneLamps.com

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THIS EDITION. ALL PUZZLES & SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.THEREMINDER.COM/PUZZLE-CORNER/

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|9|

CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | MARCH 5 - 11, 2026

DINING ENTERTAINMENT www.TheReminder.com

Agawam Cinemas to premiere new cult horror movie ‘Dark Places’

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

AGAWAM — On March 14, the local independent film production company Xposse Productions will be premiering “Dark Places” at Agawam Cinemas at 7 p.m.

Tickets can be found for $9.75 on Agawam Cinemas’ website.

The film follows college student Natalie Parker, who grew up homeschooled and is now nervously on her own for the first time. When she meets and begins dating another introverted student, Jason Evans, college professors begin to be murdered.

The two team up to figure it out, which leads to an attempt to take down the cult behind it all.

Writer and Director Geno McGahee is an award-winning filmmaker based out of Western Massachusetts and is the mind behind “Dark Places.” He first picked up a camcorder at 12 years old and released his first feature-length film, “Evil Awakening,” in 2001.

“I was always a writer, so I ended up seeing a film called ‘Galaxy Invader,’” McGahee said. “It’s a terribly low budget film, but it’s terribly charming as well … it’s really silly but it made me want to film.”

He got the idea while working on the set of one of his friend’s films, a romance comedy, where he also met the star of “Dark Places,” Lindsey DeLand.

“This idea came into my head of something darker, of putting them into a scenario where there was a looming force,” McGahee said. “It was a moment of inspiration. I’ve always wanted to do a good cult movie. Many years ago, I made a cult movie, but I wasn’t experienced enough to really get the message out that I wanted.”

McGahee said he’s always been a fan of horror movies and cult films like “Race with the Devil,” so making a film like this has always been in the back of his mind. As far as his approach went,

Scenes from “Dark Places.”

Reminder Publishing submitted photos

he said it was “Scream” inspired.

“Directing and shooting it, it was such a great experience,” McGahee said. “I have the best team in the world. We’ve worked together now for five years, this great group of people I’ve assembled. Every shoot we do is just like, I won’t say a party atmosphere, but it feels like a family atmosphere.”

He added that putting a film together is always a crazy process with the ups and downs,

from getting the schedules right and shooting in the forest through 20-degree weather. At one point during filming, the person in charge of the film’s gore couldn’t make it to the set. This led McGahee and the team to get creative with how certain things were shot, resulting in “the most impactful death scene that I’ve ever shot,” according to McGahee.

McGahee utilized places to film all over Western Massachusetts, such as a Holyoke school,

as well as the Enfield Mall in Connecticut. He said he is a low budget guy, making films out of his own pocket, so he relies on the kindness of other people allowing him to use their homes or businesses.

He said he is super excited for the premiere and to have something to present to an audience.

He also looks forward to getting back with the team behind “Dark Places” to see it on the big screen.

“It’s open to the public, so it’s

nice to get feedback from people that weren’t involved,” McGahee said. “It’s a super exciting night.

I love premieres because it’s just a party, you don’t have to do anything. You don’t have to set up lights, you don’t schedule anything, you just get to show up.”

He thanked the entire team behind “Dark Places,” and Agawam Cinemas for their generosity in holding the premiere. The film will stream on Tubi, Fawesome and Amazon Prime Video.

Women composers, performers to be celebrated at SSO’s March 14 concert SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra will offer a celebration of women at its next performance during Women’s History Month, “MendelSpringfield Symphony Orchestrahn, Gershwin, & A Woman’s Voice,” on Saturday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall.

Tickets for the March 14 concert are now on sale, starting at $25, online at SpringfieldSymphony.org, or by calling the box fffice at 413-733-2291.

At the March 14 performance, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will hold its fourth annual Fearless Women Awards, honoring local women who embody courage, resilience and empowerment. Since its inception, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Fearless Women Awards have recognized more than 20 women in the region, nominated by their peers. A pre-concert reception will be held in the Mahogany Room at Symphony Hall, and the Fearless Women awardees will be recognized on-stage at the start of the performance.

This concert will feature women composers and performers celebrating Women’s History Month.

Guest conductor and Springfield Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor Mei-Ann Chen will appear for her second performance of the 2025-26 season and will include the return of a Springfield favorite, pianist Claire Huangci, to Symphony Hall.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s nonprofit community partner for the March 14 performance is The Gray House, and concertgoers are encouraged to bring diapers, wipes, gift cards and monetary donations, all much-needed items to help families in the community. The Gray House is a small neighborhood human service non-

profit located in Springfield whose mission is “to help its neighbors facing hardships to meet their immediate and transitional needs by providing food, clothing and educational services in a safe, positive environment in the North End of Springfield.”

The concert will open with Fanny MendelSpringfield Symphony Orchestrahn Hensel’s “Overture in C major,” her sole surviving orchestral work that only in recent years has earned well-deserved recognition in the symphonic musical world. Huangci will also perform George Gershwin’s “Piano Concerto in F” to close out the first half.

The second half will feature a piece by Fanny MendelSpringfield Symphony Orchestrahn Hensel’s younger brother, Felix MendelSpringfield Symphony Orchestrahn, “Symphony No. 3, Op.56, A minor.” He was inspired to create a masterwork after visiting the ruins of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, lived and loved.

According to Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony

Orchestra, “March 14 is a celebration in the truest sense. It is a night where the brilliance, strength and artistry of women fill every corner of Symphony Hall. From the extraordinary music of Fanny MendelSpringfield Symphony Orchestrahn to the dynamic leadership of Mei-Ann Chen and the breathtaking artistry of Claire Huangci, this program reflects what happens when talent and vision are given the space they deserve. And when we honor our Fearless Women from right here in our community, we are reminded that leadership, resilience and creativity are alive all around us. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra is proud to be a stage where women are not an afterthought. They are the story.”

Chen, an internationally-acclaimed conductor and one of Musical America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers, began serving as Artistic Advisor for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra in its 202425 season. In this position, Maestra Chen serves as the Orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists and facilitating other artistic needs. In addition to this performance, Chen con-

Saturday March 7 – Desmond Burke and Friends

FOOD & SPIRITS

80 Jarvis Avenue Holyoke, MA DonovansPub.com

ducted the season’s Opening Night concert on Oct. 11.

Chen has served as Music Director of the MacArthur Award-winning Chicago Sinfonietta since 2011, and her contract has been extended through the end of the 2028-2029 season. She is also Chief Conductor of Austria’s Recreation — Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte. Highly regarded as a compelling communicator, Chen is a sought-after guest conductor, and has appeared with distinguished orchestras throughout the Americas, Europe, Taiwan, The United Kingdom, and Scandinavia, (over 150 orchestras to date). Chen is a recipient of a League of American Orchestras Helen M. Thompson Award, a Taki Concordia Fellowship, several ASCAP awards and is the only woman in the history of the Malko Competition to have been named First Prize Winner.

Renowned for her “radiant virtuosity, artistic sensitivity, keen

interactive sense and subtle auditory dramaturgy” (Salzburger Nachrichten), American pianist Claire Huangci showcases her versatility across a wide range, from Bach and Scarlatti to German and Russian romanticism, and contemporary works by Bernstein, Amy Beach and Samuel Barber. Huangci has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious halls, including Carnegie Hall, Suntory Hall Tokyo, Paris Philharmonie, Vienna Konzerthaus and more. Huangci’s extensive discography showcases her artistic versatility. Her newest recording, “HEROINES,” with Alpha Classics, features the virtuosic music of female composers Fanny Hensel, Amy Beach, Clara Schumann and Florence Price, and is scheduled for release in January 2026. A Springfield favorite, this performance will mark Huangci’s fourth time performing with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

Yankee Magazine’s Choice for Best New England Cuisine!

The Hexmark Tavern is open Thurs. & Fri. 4-8

Reserve now for Easter Sunday April 5th

St. Patrick’s Celebration

Begins Thurs March 12 with Billy Eagan 6-9 6 Straight Days of Live Music Corned Beef and Cabbage Served Daily

Fri 3/13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kilishandra 7-10 Sat 3/14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corner Boys 7-10 Sun 3/15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Caledonian Pipe Band 12-2 & Dee Reilly 3-6 Mon 3/16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Blaney Bros. 6-9 Tues 3/17 . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy McArdle & Jerry Murphy 12-3 & The Healys 5-?

Join the fun!

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Dining Room Hours: Thurs.-Sat. 4-8 · Sun. 12-5

www.salemcrossinn.com

508-867-2345

MARCH 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

Trinity McCarthy shoots over St. Mary's defenders.

| 10 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Sheyenne Santiago tries to stop Leilani Baez Montanez' shot.

St. Mary's Saints and Chicopee Comp Colts battle during their February 13 game.

Caitlin Belanger is guarded by Maddie Szemela.

Trinity McCarthy shoots high, guarded by Genieva Cataldo.

CHICOPEE COMP VS ST. MARY’S

BASKETBALL

Chicopee Comp Colts girls basketball team played St. Mary's Saints Feb. 13, winning 59-36.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

| 11 |

CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | MARCH 5 - 11, 2026

Caitlin Belanger completes a layup.

Sheyenne Santiago snags a rebound for the Colts.

Addison Foley brings the ball up the court.

Caitlin Belanger brings the ball up the court.

REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARC ST. ONGE Taeghan LaPorte looks to pass the ball.

MARCH 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

| 12 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

classifieds

CALL 413-213-6170 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY!

community

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HS26P0099EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 15 Atwood Drive Northampton, MA 01060 (413)586-8500 Estate of: David R. McKenna Date of Death: 01/03/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Mary E. Meon of South Hadley, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Mary E. Meon of South Hadley, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration.

IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 03/25/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Diana S. Velez Harris, First Justice of this Court.

Date: February 25, 20226 Mark S. Ames, Register of Probate (March 5)

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON.

LEGAL NOTICES

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HS26P0099EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 15 Atwood Drive Northampton, MA 01060 (413)586-8500 Estate of: David R. McKenna Date of Death: 01/03/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Mary E. Meon of South Hadley, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Mary E. Meon of South Hadley, MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration.

IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help a written appearance and objection at this and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398 Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 03/25/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an Affidavit of Objections within thirty (30) days of the return day, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from rmiller-longtin@thereminder.com the Personal Representative and may petiFOR: AGAWAM REMINDER, CHESTER tion the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets THE PENNYSAVER, AND WESTFIELD NEWS and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Diana S. Velez Harris, First MO NT GO Justice of this Court.

ME RY BLANDFORD Date: February 25, 20226 OTIS sspada@thereminder.com Mark S. Ames, RUSSELL Register ofENFIELD/SOMERS, Probate EAST LONGMEADOW, (March 5)

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

JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN

BUSINESS PROPERTY

Insured. 50 yrs. experience.

No job too small.

Call 413-330-3682

Call/Text 413-219-6839

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

CEILINGS PRIME PAINTING

Ceiling repairs, texturing, plastering, texture removal and skim coating. Fully insured, free estimates. 594-4479

DRYWALL

AUTO SERVICES

ROGER'S DRYWALL & Home Improvement 413-364-3157

REMINDER PUBLISHING & THE WESTFIELD NEWS! AFFORDABLE RATES AND PERSONAL SERVICE!

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

PTON

AMHERST

NORTHAMPTON

EASTHAM

PTON

WESTHAM

GTON

HUNTIN

HADLEY

GRANBY

SOUTH HADLEY

SOUTHAMPTON HOLYOKE

LUDLOW CHICOPEE

WESTFIELD

AND SPRINGFIELD REMINDERS

GRANVILLE

MASSACHUSETTS

Dry Firewood Oak/Maple Cut Split and Delivered $300 per cord Edwin Wrobelewski Logging 413-824-0731

GENERAL SERVICES 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

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

HELP WANTED Dentist is needed at Holyoke Family Dental, Inc. Job location: Holyoke, MA. Salary: $250,000/yr. Must have valid MA Dental License. Send resume to: Dr. Sunit Jain, 25 Breakneck Hill Road, Southborough, MA 01772.

Data Analyst (Advanced). Springfield, MA. Salary Range: $128,000-$168,000/yr. Review and coordinate with business application teams on data delivery requirements. Develop estimation and proposed delivery schedules in coordination with development team. Develop sourcing and data delivery designs for business data initiatives. Review data model, metadata, and delivery criteria for solutions, including data management. Review and coordinate with team on test criteria and performance of testing. Complete in-depth data analysis and access using SQL and Python, and contribute to strategic efforts. Maintain understanding of how the company manages data, with focus on improvement of how data is sourced and managed across multiple business areas.

May telecommute 50-100% of the time. Req: Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering or related plus one (1) year of progressively responsible experience involving data analysis working with business data initiatives. In lieu of a master’s degree and one year of experience, employer will accept a bachelor’s degree plus six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the specialty field. Apply to: hrcompliance@massmutual.com Please Reference Job ID: P_10024338

Love Horses? Part-time reliable barn worker, Monday-Friday 9:00-1:00, weekends and/or weekdays. Suffield, CT 860-874-8077.

Continued on next page

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE

HATFIELD

Roxanne: 413.213.6178

Evan: 413.213.6170

FIREWOOD

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

“PEOPLE WITH CONNECTIONS”

TO PLACE YOUR LEGAL AD CALL:

TOLLAND

Lic.#E16303

HEALTH & MEDICAL

PLACE YOUR LEGAL ADS WITH

Shannon: 413.735.1660

ELECTRICIAN

SOUTHWICK

WEST SPRINGFIELD

WILBRAHAM SPRINGFIELD

AGAWAM LONGMEADOW

EAST LONGMEADOW

CONNECTICUT

HAMPDEN

SOMERS ENFIELD

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

181 ROOT ROAD • WESTFIELD, MA • 413.562.4181

You’ve Got It. Somebody Else Wants It!

Got something special you no longer use? Sell it in the Classifieds.

It may just be the perfect item to fill somebody else’s need.

To Place Your Ad Call 413.213.6170

443 Shaker Road, Suite B I East Longmeadow, MA • 181 Root Road I Westfield, MA

Provide technical leadership for complex, long term initiatives. Provide communication to leadership on progress & gaps. Provide authoritative expertise to others by advising on prioritizaWE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM tion, planning, and execution of projects within the subdomain. Collaborate with colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to the overall success of the group by enforcing software engineering standards. Leads research and initiatives pushing the boundaries for solutions solvContinued from previous page ing technical problems. Lead the team on technical decisions and coach other members on Technology Systems Consultant Position availcreating efficient and high performing frameable in Springfield, MA. Salary Range: works. Lead and implement best practices for $122,096 - $131,000/yr. May telecommute continuous delivery and continuous integration from any location within the U.S. Work with (CI/CD) frameworks. Req: Bachelor’s Degree teams to implement and maintain the Creative in Computer Science, Engineering, or related suite of technology product portfolio. Present field, plus six (6) years of progressively reproblems and solutions associated with techsponsible experience in the job offered or a renology requests. Develop creative, differentiatlated occupation involving architecting and iming solutions to meet business needs. Collect, plementing fully automated DevOps solutions review, and analyze technical requirements in secure, reliable, scalable & resilient multithrough both formal and informal communicacloud/hybrid-cloud solutions. At least three (3) tions with key stakeholders. Work with externyears must include working hands-on with a al vendors and stakeholders and serve as escloud provider such as AWS/Azure. Direct apcalation point for all critical and urgent incidplications to: hrcompliance@massmutual.com; ents. Requires: Bach in Computer Engineering, Please Reference Job ID P_10029150 Computer Information Systems or a related field plus 5 years of progressively responsible exp involving developing and executing on technical solutions; and experience with technical product management, technical analysis or related. Apply to: hrcompliance@massmutual.com Please Reference Job ID: P_10024055

HELP WANTED

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CHAMELEON REMODELING & PAINTING

Azure Cloud Platform Engineer. Springfield, MA. Salary Range: $128,000- $168,000/yr. Architect and implement fully automated (IaC/Terraform), secure, reliable, scalable & resilient multi-cloud/hybrid-cloud solutions. Ensure designs align with technical and business direction across the company. Write clean, high-performance, well-tested infrastructure code (Terraform) with a focus on reusability and automation (i.e. Shell, Python, Ansible, etc.). Engineer Azure cloud infrastructure. Support platform delivery lead on the prioritization of the product backlog, refining product roadmap, reporting, KPIs & releases. Research new ways of developing complex solutions; be able to freely challenge solutions.

Provide authoritative expertise to others by advising on prioritization, planning, and execution of projects within the subdomain. May telecommute from any location in the U.S. Req: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related, plus five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the job offered or related occupation involving architecting and implementing fully automated (IaC/Terraform), secure, reliable, scalable & resilient multicloud/hybrid-cloud solution and three (3) years of experience with Azure cloud infrastructure engineering. Direct applications to: hrcompliance@massmutual.com Please Reference Job ID: P_10028955

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 Joseph’s Handyman Company. Carpentry, remodeling, interior/exterior painting, floors, tile, stairs, drywall, cabinets, plumbing. Professional artist. Small jobs ok. Home improvement. Projects designed for your needs. Since 1985. Call Joe, 413-364-7038

DevOpsK8 Cloud Infrastructure Engineer.

Springfield, MA. Salary Range: $152,100$199,600/yr. Architect and implement fully automated DevOps solutions in secure, reliable, scalable & resilient multi-cloud/hybridcloud solutions, working hands-on with cloud providers such as AWS/Azure. Work closely with solution architects, enterprise architects, cloud engineers and provide support to product Baker Mason Contractors, Inc. manager, ensuring designs align with technicChimneys, concrete & paver walkways, al and business direction across the company. patios, stonework, steps, Bilco hatchway Write clean, high-performance, well-tested indoors installed. Foundation repairs & cellar frastructure code (CloudFormation or Terrawalls repaired. Licensed & insured. 40+ form) with a focus on reusability and automayears experience. 413-599-0015; 413-569tion (i.e. Shell, Python, Ansible, etc.). Publish 3172 articles or demo technical advancements to the team and the larger organization. Help others troubleshoot and resolve complex issues.

TMR MASON CONTRACTOR Provide technical leadership for complex, long All types of masonry and concrete: brick, term initiatives. Provide communication to leadblock, stone stucco. Chimney repairs, foundership on progress & gaps. Provide authoritatation repairs, bulkheads, concrete sidewalks, ive expertise to others by advising on prioritizastairs and patios, Fully licensed/ insured. tion, planning, and execution of projects within Todd: 413-575-3839 the subdomain. Collaborate with colleagues, share ideas, and contribute to the overall success of the group by enforcing software engineering standards. Leads research and initiatives pushing the boundaries for solutions solving technical problems. Lead the team on technical decisions and coach other members on creating efficient and high performing frameworks. Lead and implement best practices for continuous delivery and continuous integration (CI/CD) frameworks. Req: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the job offered or a reCHICOPEE lated occupation involving architecting and imAnthony R.fully Witman to Jessica Ramirez, 1640 Westover Road plementing automated DevOps solutions inAnthony secure, Raymond reliable, scalable resilient multiCorrea to&Olga Torres, 572 Springfield St. cloud/hybrid-cloud solutions. At least three (3) years include working hands-on a K. Flynn, estate, to Xuan Le, 17 Yorktown Court Arthurmust F. Flynn Jr., representative, and with Brenda cloud provider such as AWS/Azure. Direct apDouglas V. Skinner and Sandra D. Skinner to plications to: hrcompliance@massmutual.com; Heather Beth Gagat, 481-483 East St. Please Reference JobInc., ID P_10029150 Dreamwake Homes to Rudy Schoonover, 27 Cortland St.

MASONRY / CONCRETE

| 13 |

MISCELLANEOUS 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 las 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 1844-463-4077 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 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 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

Carolyn A. Schoedel to Heather Emma Louise Moggio and Rathdenny Keo, 1205 Northampton St. Michelle Monett to Kadesha Collins-Fletcher, 58-60 Brookline Ave. OneHolyoke Community Development Corp., to Nashly Martinez Lopez, 291-293 Walnut St.

$425,000 $414,600 $225,000 $272,000

SOUTH HADLEY

Nicholas Fielding to Nicholas Fielding and Laura Bowman, 160 North Main St. Martha J. Dunn to Timothy E. Dunn, Heather L. Hackett, and Gregory C. Dunn, 15 Columbia St. Carole A. Ibsen and Carole Ibsen to Carole A. Ibsen, trustee, and Revocable Indenture of Trust of Carole A. Ibsen, 98 Mountain View St. David P. Dec to Kerry M. Ruckman, trustee, and Dec Family Irrevocable Trust, 20 Lawrence Ave. Peter B. Webster and Sharon B. Webster to Pheasants LLC, 17 Woodbridge St.

SPRINGFIELD

Anna Callahan to Abra Properties LLC, 85-87 Forest Park Ave.

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans.

Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208 MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away.

For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936 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 No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details.

Peace of mind & early detection - Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life Line Screening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172 Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable.

For service or inspection today! 833-860-0657 Have zip code ready!

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535 Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control.

Free quote. Ask about first application special!

833-860-0811 Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network!

For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products

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

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING CHET & SON PAINTING

Interior and exterior painting, wallpaper, removal. Free estimates. Insured. Reliable.

413-772-9819 PRIME PAINTING Fully insured, interior/exterior, carpentry, drywall, cabinet finishing and detailing. References upon request. Free estimates. 594-4479 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry.

Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588

TANK REMOVAL UNDERGROUND ABOVEGROUND BASEMENT TANK REMOVAL Oil removal available. Permits obtained. Fully licensed/insured. Ground Breakers 566-2250; 530-2266

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

VACATION RENTAL WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare!

Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews.

Call 877-621-7517

WANTED All fishing equipment! Cash paid. Will travel to you! Call Mike the Fishing Guy 413313-5013

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

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

TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars!

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

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

facebook.com/ReminderPublishing

HOLYOKE

Alan A. Hunt and Judith C. Hunt to Teresa Becerra, 655 Center St. Unit 311

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

Like us on Facebook

$308,000 $335,000 $155,000 $325,000 $339,000 Lotus & Hawk Properties LLC, to Iris Ward and Syonah Seabrooks, 16 Collins St. Unit 16 $265,000 Michael Cormier and Jennifer Kenny to Douglas V. Skinner and Sandra D. Skinner, 1183 James St. Unit 1183 $250,500

LUDLOW

CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | MARCH 5 - 11, 2026

$100 $100

Bernadette Perla to Dnepro Properties LLC, 15 Van Dam Place Carlos A. Colon, Janet Colon and Janet Rivera to Carlos A. Colon, 245 Starling Road Cristen L. Munsell-Ward to Michelle Hiersche, 57 Jean Drive David F. March, representative, and Marie T. March, estate, to Sade Briana Harris, 97 Lancaster St. Douglas Dichard to Steven Whelihan and Heidi Whelihan, 15 Verge St. Elisabeth Risch, trustee, and Elisabeth Risch Trust, trustee of, to Carolyn A. Schoedel, 52 Smithfield Court, Unit 52 Kathleen E. Ollmann, representative, Kyle David Ollmann, estate, and Kyle D. Ollmann, estate, to Derrick L. Figueroa, 3-5 Noel St. Kenny Emerson Manguinuri Cuevas to Giovanny Zuniga and Abigail Alers, 140 Chestnut St. Unit 304 Carrington Mortgage Services LLC, to AJ Capital Inc., 93 Cooper St. Manuel Rivera to Shonda Lee Pete, 25 Pheland Ave. Naples Home Buyers Inc., to Kerson Belizaire, 371-373 Oakland St. Paul G. Bowden II, to Viva Holdings LLC, 58 Greene St. Pinevale Properties LLC, to Andre Ferdinand and Dieula Cherival, 63-65 Pinevale St. Rose Bud Enterprises LLC, to Bryan Tat and Tran B. Nguyen, 65 Fair Oak Road Italian Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts Inc., to Ilonna Cyloh LLC, 56 Margaret St.

$120,000 $60,000 $255,000 $260,000 $211,500 $275,000 $370,000 $80,000 $232,750 $322,500 $320,000 $70,000 $445,000 $385,000 $500,000

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Nino Valentino to Wesley A. Bryon and Diana P. Willis-Moriarty, 17 Laurence Drive $393,500 $100 AEI Net Lease Income Fund 36 LP, and AEI Income Fund Manager Inc., to L D H Royal LLC, 208 Ashley Ave. $4,300,000 $100 Scott Trueman, Gordon S. Trueman and Karyn Lynn Trueman to Naples Home Buyers Inc., 30-32 Fox St. $332,500 $390,000 Thomas M. Martin, Carolina I. Martin and Carolina I. Albano to Stephanie Lecrenski, 167 Wolcott Ave. $355,000 William J. Fontaine and Jean M. Fontaine to Thomas Michael Martin and Carolina Inez Martin, $20,000 283 Forest Glen $530,000

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 5 - 11, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

| 14 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS