With budget season in full force, the School Department is getting a major boost from the city to supplement its financial outlook this upcoming fiscal year.
Page 2
Fire Dept. announces emergency response services upgrades
The Chicopee Fire Department hosted a press conference with the mayor’s office on April 14 to announce a major upgrade to its emergency medical response capabilities through a new Emergency First Response certification.
Page 4
HOLYOKE
City gives Municipal Modernization Act update
Mayor Joshua Garcia joined Human Resources Director Kelly Curran and interim Treasurer Rory Casey to provdie the City Council’s Finance Committee with a comprehensive update on the implementation of the Municipal Finance Modernization Act.
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By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
SOUTH HADLEY — The South Hadley voters have spoken. According to unofficial results, they chose not to support the $9 million and $11 million tax override options at a town election on April 14.
The ballot featured the two tax override options, and residents had the opportunity to vote for or against each question independently. If both passed, the town would have opted to go with the higher override.
Based on the unofficial results presented by the town clerk’s office, 2,505 voted for the $9 million override while 3,852 voted against it. Meanwhile, 2,085 voters were in favor of the $11 million override option while 3,989 voters were opposed, according to the unofficial results.
With neither override passing, the public schools are set to lose sports, extracurricular activities, administrative and teaching positions, as well as a reduction in electives. The School Department will also likely eliminate middle school and high school music and reduce or eliminate honors and Advanced Placement classes.
Support services for seniors, multiple town positions and the Gaylord Library are also at risk of being eliminated.
At the time of publication, Town Clerk Sarah Gmeiner said there are a few provisional ballots the clerk’s office is waiting to see if they will count, “but as of this moment, we’re at a 46% turnout.” There were 13,467 registered voters for this election.
Gmeiner said the unofficial results include the advanced processed and election day tabulator tapes for all precincts. They did not include hand-counted ballots
21 S. Broad St. Westfield, MA
South Hadley voters oppose tax overrides
and ballots received from the ballot box before 8 a.m. and not counted at the polls.
Town Administrator Lisa Wong commented on the results in an email to Reminder Publishing “I’m not surprised at the results,” Wong said. “It was definitely a big ask of voters who are dealing with a lot. We will regroup and continue to communicate with the public on the changes ahead. We will also focus on advocacy for policy changes and support at the state and federal levels.”
At the March 17 Selectboard
meeting, the board approved sending the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to the Appropriations Committee.
The South Hadley School Committee approved a $27.5 million budget at its March 25 meeting. The budget will go to Town Meeting on May 13.
The other question listed on the ballot was a nonbinding question to see if the town would support the construction of a $36.5 million South Hadley Electric Lighting Department facility. The voters also opposed this question with 1,864 in favor and 3,982 against.
Although the item was listed on the ballot as a nonbinding question, the project has advanced through the approval process, and the town hopes the project will be completed in 2027. The Municipal Light Board has submitted its notice of intent to the Conservation Commission, and SHELD will appear before the commission on April 15 for a continued public hearing. The election also featured two contested races: the Selectboard and the Housing Authority. The Selectboard will welcome
South Hadley Town Hall.
Council approves $8.13M transfer to balance school budget
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — With budget season in full force, the School Department is getting a major boost from the city to supplement its financial outlook this upcoming fiscal year. The City Council approved an order that transfers $8.13 million to the Stabilization for Education Purposes account to help balance the school district’s fiscal year 2027 budget.
The appropriation comes from available funds in the school year prior salaries account — approximately $5.95 million — and the school year prior expenses account — approximately $2.18 million. The council approved the appropriation during its April 7 meeting.
Mayor John Vieau explained that this is a rollover of funds from multiple years that will be used to balance the budget moving forward. “This would be using and expending all of our rollover accounts to balance this up-and-coming budget,” he stated.
Vieau also shared that the appropriation combats the budget cliff that Chicopee Public Schools is facing in its FY27 budget. The school district’s low-income status has been reclassified, which has impacted the funding from the state for Chapter 70.
At the March 18 School Committee meeting, Chicop-
ee Public Schools’ Budget and Finance Director John Miarecki discussed the reclassification and loss of funding to the district.
For FY27, the number of low-income students decreased by 217 students. This caused the low-income percentage to drop to 69.34%, which is below the group 11 minimum threshold of 70%. This moved Chicopee into low-income group 10, and the difference is about $1,071 per student.
According to Miarecki’s presentation, $5 million will not be coming to Chicopee because it went under the 70% threshold when the low-income classification was reevaluated. He also added that Chicopee and “270 other districts across the state” are also facing this challenge.
Superintendent Dr. Marcus Ware joined the meeting to discuss plans past this current budget cycle and focus on sustainability in the future.
Ware said that he will continue to communicate the process and plan with the School Committee. “Each year, we go through the budget cycle, and we actually present options to the School Committee that they vote upon.”
Ware also said that in the past, rollover funds were discussed with the School Committee, where they then decided to expend all or expend a certain amount of the funds.
Due to the designation change
in Chicopee’s schools’ low-income status, they are expecting a budget cliff.
“What we are planning for is to present a budget that will be advised through the School Committee with certain drivers, including how much stabilization to use, and then from there, we’re going to have to have conversations,” Ware stated.
Ware did not have specifics beyond 2026 and 2027 but said that there will be conver-
sations with the School Committee to make the necessary adjustments.
Vieau stated that the city is talking to its state delegation, the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education, the federal Department of Education and the governor’s office about the cliff Chicopee is facing when it comes to funding future years.
Vieau said that while he cannot predict the future, the $8.13
million will at least balance the budget for next year.
“We will be able to hopefully get through this year’s budget season,” Vieau said.
“We’re comfortable with that, but there’s some real challenges ahead that Dr. Ware and I have been talking about, and I know that the School Committee has some real challenges ahead.”
The City Council unanimously approved the appropriation.
Habitat for Humanity to support veteran home preservation
CHICOPEE — Laugh for a cause with Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity at a comedy night celebrating Military Appreciation Month and supporting Veteran Home Preservation. The event will take place on Friday, May 15, from 6-9:30 p.m. at AMVETS Post 12, 754 Montgomery St, Chicopee. Doors
two new faces after Priscilla Marion and Kevin Hennessey were the top two vote-getters, gathering 2,909 and 2,721 votes, respectively. Incumbent Nicole Casolari fell short of her reelection attempt with 2,226 votes
open at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $25 per person.
The night will feature performances by Steve Nagel of Rock 102 FM and acclaimed comedian Marty Caproni, promising an entertaining lineup while supporting a meaningful cause.
Proceeds from the event will
and will not return to the Selectboard. Selectboard member Andrea Miles did not run for reelection after serving on the board for nine years.
Regarding the Housing Authority, John Duda defeated Richard Matteson 2,750 votes to 2,025 to secure a five-year term.
The remaining races on the ballot were unopposed. Tracie Kennedy will return to the
directly fund Habitat’s Veteran Home Preservation projects, which provide critical repairs and accessibility modifications to help local veterans live safely and independently in their homes.
“This event is a wonderful way for our community to come together in support of those who have served our country,” said Aimee Giroux, executive director of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. “By combining laughter with impact, we’re not only honoring our veterans during Military Appreciation Month — we’re also ensuring they have safe, stable homes for years to come.”
School Committee, and Nicholas Prentiss also secured a seat on the committee. Incumbent Karen Walsh Pio was voted back on the Board of Health for another three-year term, while the second vacancy will come down to a write-in vote because no one was listed on the ballot. The leading write-in candidate has not been determined yet, according to unofficial results.
John Hine was reelected to the Municipal Light Board in an uncontested race. Kevin Taugher also ran unopposed as an incumbent with the Board of Assessors for another three-year term.
Sponsorship opportunities are available at bronze, silver and gold levels, offering local businesses and organizations a chance to support veterans while gaining visibility in the community. For tickets, sponsorship details, or more information, please visit: habitatspringfield.org/comedy.
Susan Crowther, David Morrell and Gillian Woldorf were all elected to serve the three, three-year term Free Public Library Trustee positions. David Solender-Clark secured the oneyear trustee position. The Planning Board will welcome back its chair Diane Supczak-Mulvaney after a successful reelection campaign. The writein will also determine who will fill the second vacancy after no one was listed on the ballot.
Voters in each precinct also voted for their respective Town Meeting members to represent them.
Superintendent Dr. Marcus Ware talks about a proposed $8.13 million to the School Department to help balance its FY27 budget.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
Libretto Café opens for business in downtown Holyoke
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Libretto Café, an Italian café and bakery, hosted a grand opening ceremony on April 15 to introduce themselves to the community at the historic Mill 1 at Open Square in downtown Holyoke.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia and the Greater Holyoke Chamber interim Director Lisa Totz joined the celebration to commemorate the special occasion. Garcia stated, “This ribbon cutting is a symbol because I know it’s been a journey, and not an easy one, I’m sure, but from what I’m hearing, it sounds like so far it’s exceeded your expectations in the soft opening.”
Co-owners Liz LaBrocca and Tim Scott said they bring a shared passion for food and community to Libretto Café.
“We are so excited to open our café in Holyoke,” LaBrocca said. “Having lived here since 2018, I truly love this city. Opening a café has long been my dream, and I’m thrilled to realize it in this beautiful mill.”
Libretto Café is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., serving breakfast, lunch and coffee. Catering services are also available, with custom menu options to suit any event.
Libretto Café’s journey began in 2023, when LaBrocca and Scott launched Poco Riso, specializing in fried risotto. After earning third place at EforAll Pioneer Valley’s Pitch Contest and completing the 2024 Business Accelerator program, they spent a year delighting customers at farmers’ markets and pop-up events.
“Got to work with some good local mentors,” Scott stated. “I am just ready to go.”
Inspired by strong community support and positive feedback, they rebranded as Libretto Café and opened their brick-and-mortar location in 2026.
LaBrocca and Scott also shared that when they first got going with the shop, LaBrocca was diagnosed with cancer. However, she has since beaten it, and the ribbon cutting was two years to the day when LaBrocca started
HOLYOKE — The return of warm weather has initiated the return of the Holyoke Flex Squad.
The squad has been patrolling Holyoke neighborhoods since March, working to ensure the city remains clean, safe and welcoming for residents and visitors. As of today, the squad has conducted numerous sweeps and issued citations to property owners who are in violation of city ordinances.
One hundred and twenty seven properties have been cited by the Flex Squad for violations of city cleanliness ordinances. The Holyoke Board of Health has received 35 trash and litter complaints. Not all citations result in issuance of fines if the violation is addressed in a timely manner. There are now 21 active fines for noncompliance, with additional fines expected as reinspections continue in the coming weeks.
“While these numbers reflect a strong start, they also highlight the importance of continued account-
ability,” said Mayor Joshua A. Garcia. “Our community has made meaningful progress in shifting the culture around cleanliness. Now, we must continue building on that momentum by holding each other accountable and doing our part.”
City ordinances require that all property owners, occupants, and business tenants maintain clean and safe premises. This includes:
• Keeping your property free of trash, debris and excessive vegetation.
• Maintaining adjacent sidewalks, grass strips and rights-of-way.
Cleaning and maintaining onehalf of any abutting alley.
Residents are encouraged to report cleanliness issues through the city’s SeeClickFix platform. Reports can include both private and city-owned properties. Accountability applies to everyone.
The Flex Squad will continue weekend sweeps and enforcement efforts citywide. As reinspections increase, additional fines will be is-
chemotherapy.
“This is exactly where we want to be, and we’re really happy,” LaBrocca stated.
Libretto Café will be more than a place to eat, according to the owners. The café serves as a creative and social hub, featuring local artwork for sale, with no commission taken, and a “Leave a Book, Take a Book” space for sharing favorite reads. The owners said they are committed to hosting music, art and cultural events to foster a vibrant and inclusive community in Holyoke.
sued for continued noncompliance.
Relevant City Ordinances:
• Section 74-2 (f)(1): Requires all property owners, occupants and
Many features set Libretto Café apart from the rest, according to the owners. The café is dedicated to a “fatto a casa” or “made in house” philosophy. Libretto Café offers scratch-made Italian specialties such as focaccia bread, cornetti, meatballs, supplì and hummus.
The café also focuses on collaborations with Pause & Pivot Farm and Monsoon Roastery, which highlight the café’s commitment to supporting local producers.
As part of our grand opening, Libretto Café hosted its first me-
tenants to maintain their property and adjacent areas in a clean, litter-free condition. Section 74-98: Requires proper-
dia swap. Guests were invited to bring books, movies or music they’d like to rehome and add to Libretto’s Free Library, a growing “take a book (or CD or DVD), leave a book (or CD or DVD)” space that encourages reading and celebrates physical media and the arts.
Readers are welcome to drop off contributions to the Free Library anytime.
For more information about the cafe, readers can visit librettocafe. com or follow Libretto Café on Instagram, Facebook and Substack.
ty owners to keep premises free of litter and maintain vegetation (maximum height of 6 inches) to prevent public health hazards.
(Left to right): Greater Holyoke Chamber Interim Director Lisa Totz, Libretto Café co-owner Tim Scott, co-owner Liz LaBrocca and Mayor Joshua Garcia celebrate the grand opening of Libretto Café.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
CHICOPEE
Fire Dept. announces emergency response services upgrades
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Fire Department hosted a press conference with the mayor’s office on April 14 to announce a major upgrade to its emergency medical response capabilities through a new Emergency First Response certification.
At the gathering, the city announced that all six engine companies, two aerial apparatus and two reserve engines are now licensed at the Basic Life Support level.
The enhancement allows fire apparatus to carry advanced medical equipment and administer critical treatments on scene, similar to BLS ambulances, further strengthening emergency response across the city.
“We want the general public of Chicopee to know that we’re a little safer today,” Mayor John Vieau stated. “When you call, someone will come, and they’re going to be prepared to help you any way they can. It’s something we’re all really proud of here.”
The upgrade was made possible through a collaboration between Chicopee Firefighters Local 1710 and the mayor, with equipment funding unanimously approved by the Chicopee City Council.
The fire apparatus now includes a CPAP for severe respiratory distress, albuterol treatments for asthma-related bronchospasms, epinephrine and Benadryl for severe allergic reactions. It will also include pain management with ibuprofen and acetaminophen, glucose monitoring
and administration for diabetic emergencies and manual suction during CPR.
Vieau expressed excitement for the new initiative and shared how safe he personally feels as a parent of someone with type one diabetes.
“Knowing now that they’re carrying sugar, which is simple glucose, can really make a difference for someone whose sugar is low, and having the opportunity to also test their blood sugar is just something really special,” Vieau explained.
Extensive training was conducted in partnership with Baystate Medical Center, the EMT Academy and the department’s EMS coordinator, with licensing approved by the Massachusetts
Holmes recognized by Chicopee for achieving Eagle Scout rank
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Bryce Holmes was recognized at the April 7 City Council meeting by Mayor John Vieau and the city of Chicopee for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Holmes, who is currently a senior at Chicopee Comprehensive High School, earned his Eagle rank on Jan. 29. Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts program. According to the Boy Scouts of America website, scouts need to accumulate at least 21 merit badges before earning the Eagle Scout rank, demonstrate leadership within their group and complete a community service project. Not only did Holmes complete
the requirements, but he did so while also undergoing three years of chemotherapy for inoperable brain tumors.
Vieau presented Holmes with a certificate of recognition “in honor of his outstanding achievements as a lifelong resident of Chicopee and dedicated member of the Western Massachusetts Council Scouting community,” the certificate read.
Holmes began his scouting journey in the first registered Lion Scout in Cub Scout Pack 138 and has continued his leadership in Boy Scout Troop 303 in South Hadley, serving as a quartermaster, troop guide and Order of the Arrow representative. Holmes is also a brotherhood
member of the Order of the Arrow, the national honor society of the Boy Scouts of America, which recognizes scouts who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law through leadership, service and camping skills.
For his community service project, Holmes raised $6,000 to construct a permanent Gaga pit at Lambert Lavoie Elementary School.
Gaga is like dodgeball, but players are in a hexagon or octagon shape, fenced-in area with a foam or rubber ball. Players hit the ball at each other with their hands and are eliminated if the ball strikes them on or below the knee. The goal is to be the last player standing.
Vieau stated, “Bryce’s Eagle Scout service project demonstrated his commitment to community, raising over $6,000 to construct a permanent Gaga ball pit at Lambert Lavoie Elementary School, leaving a lasting legacy for students and families.”
Holmes not only raised the funds to build the Gaga court at Lambert Lavoie, but his team of other scouts, scoutmasters, family and friends of almost 30 peo-
ple spent six hours building the outdoor pit.
“For his perseverance, his leadership, and his service, we proudly recognize Bryce’s attainment of the Eagle Scout Award and commend his dedication to making a positive impact on the community, presented with gratitude and admiration,” Vieau said. “Thank you for just enhancing the student experience by creating a Gaga pit at the elementary school.”
Mayor John Vieau presented Bryce Holmes with a certificate of recognition at the April 7 City Council meeting for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
Fire Chief Dan Stamborski discusses the upgrades that will enhance emergency medical response services for Chicopee residents at a press conference on April 14.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
City gives Municipal Modernization Act update
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua Garcia joined Human Resources Director Kelly Curran and interim City Treasurer Rory Casey to provide the City Council Finance Committee with a comprehensive update on the implementation of the Municipal Finance Modernization Act. The group also illustrated ongoing efforts to bring the city’s financial audits fully up to date.
Following months of discussions, the City Council approved provisions to the city’s Municipal Finance Modernization Act during its Feb. 3 meeting. Garcia officially signed the Municipal Finance Modernization Act into law on Feb. 9.
“Holyoke is doing the hard but necessary work to modernize how we manage public finances,” Garcia stated in a recent press release. “For too long, outdated systems, staffing gaps and delayed reconciliations made it difficult to provide the level of transparency and accountability our residents deserve. We are changing that, methodically and responsibly.”
Curran reported significant progress in recruiting for key leadership positions established under the Municipal Moderniza-
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Representatives from the Greater Holyoke YMCA and Comcast were joined by state Rep. Patricia Duffy on April 2 to celebrate the opening of the organization’s STEAM tech center, along with a recently awarded $15,000 grant from Comcast.
Through this support, the Greater Holyoke YMCA’s STEAM tech center provides access to devices, digital literacy training, coding, digital arts and online safety.
YMCA programs serve over 500 youth annually and will integrate platforms such as ST Math, Cricut design and E-gaming embedded with healthy screentime habits and teamwork.
Marc Goodman from Comcast stated, “This is truly a tech oasis for Holyoke students, giving them access to an array of devices, digital literacy training, coding, digital arts and online safety to serve 500+ youth.”
The grand opening event included a T-shirt design through Cricut and heat press, E-gaming and VR challenges, and AI skill development. The event also featured members of the Comcast Tech Titans teaching the community leaders 21st century tech skills.
According to those in at-
tion Act. The roles are designed to strengthen internal controls, improve coordination across departments and ensure long-term financial stability.
At the top of the Finance Department will be the mayor, just like any other department in the city. Underneath the mayor in the organization chart is the chief administrative and financial officer, a newly created role that the state has urged Holyoke to create for nearly 20 years, according to Garcia.
There were 16 finalists screened for the CAFO position, and two finalists have advanced to the mayor for interviews.
Besides adding the CAFO position, the act also consolidated the treasurer and collector positions to one and introduced a comptroller and financial analysts to the department.
Sharon Bittner-Willis was appointed to serve as a comptroller.
Bittner-Willis is also currently serving as the interim auditor. For the vacant auditor position, 13 candidates have been screened, with one candidate advancing to the City Council for an interview and vote, according to the city.
The auditor position became vacant in November 2025 after former City Auditor Tanya Wdo-
wiak announced that she is resigning from her current position to take another opportunity nearby.
Laura Wilson was appointed to the newly combined treasurer/collector position. She will assume the combined role upon the appointment of a permanent auditor.
There were also six applicants reviewed for the director of technical assistance, and three have advanced to the Screening Committee interview.
“I would like to thank the councilors who have supported these efforts to modernize. For far too long, we have faced the same challenges and only provided band-aid solutions. I’m confident that the work being done now will set Holyoke up for financial success in the decades to come,” Garcia added.
Last year, Holyoke faced challenges with cash reconciliation due to a lack of proper financial documentation. The state halted local aid payments because Holyoke had not completed cash reconciliations from fiscal year 2023 to the current fiscal year.
A press release from the city gave an update on the audit and reconciliation process. Fiscal Year 2023 reconciliation has been completed, and documentation has been turned over to the city’s
external auditor, CBIZ. Current work is focused on closing FY24 and FY25 and certifying free cash before the end of the fiscal year.
City Councilor Patti Devine, who also serves as the Finance Committee chair, provided an update from the city’s accounting partner, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, regarding critical reconciliation work, which included the following:
“With three different general ledger systems, city, school and gas/electric, over 60 bank accounts, and work being performed years after the fact, the project is time-consuming and challenging, but great progress is being made. Our work will also include templates, instructions and best practices moving forward so that the city will have these resources in place going forward,” Devine explained.
Looking ahead, FY26 financial documents are being reviewed internally, and staff are being trained on processes the city has traditionally outsourced, an approach that has been costly and contributed to delays. These efforts will enable more timely filings, keep the audit process on track, and improve overall efficiency compared to past years, according to the city.
tendance, the Greater Holyoke YMCA is a Comcast Lift Zone, which enables it to provide complimentary high-capacity WiFi to its patrons throughout its community center.
Greater Holyoke YMCA CEO Conor Bevan talked about how the partnership with Comcast has benefited the opening of the tech center.
“Comcast has been an incredibly generous and dedicated partner of the Greater Holyoke YMCA, and their continued support has been instrumental in helping us open the tech center,” Bevan stated.
Comcast’s support is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the internet and create digital opportunity through digital programs such as internet essentials, lift zones and digital navigators.
Comcast’s New England Region Senior Vice President Carolyne Hannan shared her thoughts on the partnership with Holyoke.
“Comcast is proud of its longstanding commitment to Holyoke and the relationships we’ve built with local organizations like Greater Holyoke YMCA, which are opening doors to transfor-
mative digital skills building and workforce development opportunities,” Hannan said. “We recognize the critical role that the internet plays in achieving economic mobility and personal growth, which is why we’re investing in partnerships that empower residents to shape their own futures.” Internet Essentials provides high-speed Internet to qualifying low-income households for as low as $14.95/month. Since 2015, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected more than 801,000 low-income Massachusetts residents to broadband service at home.
Photo credit: Comcast
Jayna Jones beats out the throw to first base.
Isabella Harper scores a run for Chicopee High.
Comp Colt Audrey Mosko focuses on the ball.
The Chicopee High softball team
befo
Chicopee High’s Isabella Harper makes a safe steal at second base.
Raelyn Loud zeroes in on the ball.
Comp starting pitcher Ashlyn Warwick delivers a pitch.
Outfielder Jayna Jones snags a high fly ball.
Aviah Blankenship gets the out on Arianna Bird at first base.
Gabriela Cormier blasts out a double that brings in a Pacer run.
Chicopee High starting pitcher Raelyn Loud in the windup.
Holyoke Medical Center Pediatric Care opens new location
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center Pediatric Care has a new location at 596 South St. in Holyoke. This new location is allowing Holyoke Medical Center to provide more convenient parking and accessibility to patients.
“This is a great new location for our patients, especially families that are coming in with multiple children and/or strollers with an expansive, dedicated parking lot. The families we have seen at the South Street location have appreciated the move,” said Beth Laton Brown, pediatric medical director at Holyoke Medical Center.
The move is part of a comprehensive strategy by Holyoke Medical Center for continued growth and expansion to meet the needs of our community. With the move of Pediatric Care to a nearby, convenient off-site location, the community can expect to see further growth on the hospital campus.
HMC Pediatric Care is accepting new patients. To make
Fire Dept.
Continued from page 4
Department of Public Health.
This initiative marks an important step in strengthening pre-hospital care, helping to en-
an appointment, please call 413-534-2800.
About their Pediatric Care physician and providers:
Beth Laton Brown, MD
Dr. Beth Laton Brown is the pediatric medical director at Holyoke Medical Center. She received a bachelor of arts in psychology from Vassar College before attending the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Beth Brown then completed a pediatric residency with Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong, University of Rochester.
Beth Brown has held an academic appointment at the University of Rochester since 2001 and was previously an assistant professor at University of Massachusetts Medical School — Baystate. She is a Board Certified Fellow with the American Academy of Pediatrics. Beth Brown has been on the medical staff at Holyoke Medical Center since 2019.
Kimberly Brown, PA-C
Kimberly Brown, PA-C, is an
sure Chicopee residents receive effective treatment and support during emergencies, even when hospital transport isn’t required.
“They can do everything an ambulance crew can do in our city with the expectation of transporting patients,” Fire Chief Dan Stamborski said.
experienced physician assistant with over 18 years of experience, 17 of which include working with pediatric and adolescent patients. She received a bachelor of arts in biology from Saint Anselm College. Kimberly Brown then attended Lock Haven University for a master of science in physician assistant studies. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Kimberly Brown has been on the medical staff at Holyoke Medical Center since 2023.
Bethany Williams, PA-C
Bethany Williams, PA-C, received a bachelor of science in Biology, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Performance Music from Westfield State University. She then attended Bay Path University for a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. She is certified by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants and a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants. Bethany has been on the
Stamborski explained that a firefighter relies heavily on a lot of different vendors and outsources paramedic services when they get too busy.
“[When] all of our ambulances are out on the streets, we have to rely on mutual aid and private ambulance services,” Stamborski said.
With the contracts now in place, the new licenses allow the Chicopee Fire Department to do diabetic treatments, breathing treatments and more.
Stamborski said that, in his management meetings, the group has talked about this initiative as a way to improve operations. Stamborski credited one of his lieutenants for bringing this to his attention and explaining how the department could change its licensing to implement the initiative.
“From every step, the mayor was right on board, the council immediately approved the funding, and now we’re at this pinnacle right now,” Stamborski stated.
The fire chief also highlighted how important this new initiative is, because the city receives a lot of medical response calls. Stamborski said his department responded to over 15,000 calls last year, two-thirds of those calls being medical responses. “I think this is going to be a great enhancement to our city and to what we provide to the citizens,” Stamborski said. “My hat is off to every male and female firefighter in this department for what they accomplish on a yearly basis.”
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
Gerald F. Deady
Joyce L. Duquette
Jeannine M. Martell
Suzanne J. Morrissette
Barbara K. Parent
Jeffrey Phaneuf
EAST LONGMEADOW
Thomas Cocchi
Mildred D’Amato (Cangro)
William J. Jamieson
Peter A. Kumiega
Thomas D. Stevens
Norman R. Tremblay
HAMPDEN
Thomas Franco
HOLYOKE
Marilyn J. Angers
Edward F. Dupont
Jane E. Masse
LONGMEADOW
Adele Barden
Rolland A. Rivest III
LUDLOW
David M. Fernandes
Daniel J. Jurkowski
Robert MacGregor Gonzaga “Tina” Teles (Dos Santos)
Shirley A. Webb
SOUTH HADLEY
Charles A. Boulais Jr.
Marilyn A. Kenney
Rosemary Lane
Roland W. Laramee
Monica M. Lindberg
SPRINGFIELD
Shirley B. Berard
Sean C. Driscoll
Susan B. Mantoni
Gilbert F. Rua
Maureen E. Thorpe
WILBRAHAM
David E. Chapman
Joan Davis
Jean M. Hirsch
Anna C. Murphy
Raymond “Rick” Recor
medical staff at Holyoke Medical Center since 2016.
Left to right: Bethany Williams, PA-C, Beth Laton Brown, MD, Kimberly Brown, PA-C.
DEERFIELD — As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Historic Deerfield’s 2026 season is centered on bringing the Revolutionary era to life as a lived, local experience in Western Massachusetts.
Starting April 18, visitors can explore the era through a new series of exhibitions that examines the Revolutionary period from multiple perspectives: political, cultural, aesthetic and deeply personal.
Drawing from its extensive collections and the stories of local residents, Historic Deerfield’s upcoming exhibitions illuminate how the Revolution was experienced, debated and understood both in New England and across the Atlantic world.
The three exhibitions include “Picturing the Revolution, Dressing the Revolution, Fashion and Politics 1760-1789” and “A Town
Divided, Deerfield in the Age of the Revolution.” The first two exhibitions will run from April 18 to Jan. 3, 2027 while the third exhibition will run from April 18 until Jan. 2, 2028.
Together, the exhibitions reveal how images shaped political narratives across the Atlantic world; how garments, textiles, and adornment became declarations of allegiance; and how one rural Massachusetts town grappled with the upheaval transforming an empire into a republic. According to organizers, by placing Deerfield within the wider currents of Revolutionary thought and commerce, these exhibitions illuminate Western Massachusetts’ essential role in the birth of the nation.
Historic Deerfield Marketing and Communications Director Danaë DiNicola said that during the spring and summer, Historic Deerfield is offering hands-on and immersive programs that connect visitors directly to 18th-century life. These programs include weekly trade demonstrations like blacksmithing, tailoring and pottery; hearth cooking programs featuring historically significant foods like election cake; and family-focused activities at the Discovery Center that explore Revolutionary espionage through coded messages and invisible ink.
Special events include Wooly Wonders in early May, which highlights the agricultural and textile traditions that underpinned the colonial economy, and a Juneteenth Witness Stones Walking Tour that expands the Revolutionary narrative by honoring the lives of enslaved people in Deerfield, including Prince, an enslaved man who sought self-emancipation.
Later in the season, Historic Deerfield is collaborating with Plays in Place to present “A Stake in the Ground: 1774,” a series of outdoor, site-specific performances set on the eve of the Revolution.
Above, from left: “Picturing the Revolution.” A blacksmithing exhibit taking place during Historic Deerfield’s 2025 season. At right: a silversmithing demonstration taking place at Historic Deerfield last year.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
“Altogether, the season invites visitors to explore the Revolution not as a distant story, but as something that unfolded in homes, workshops and communities like Deerfield,” DiNicola stated.
Historic Deerfield is a museum of early American life located in an authentic 18th century New England village in the Connecticut River Valley. Through its preserved historic houses and extensive collection of decorative arts, it offers visitors a chance to engage directly with the material and cultural history of early America.
DiNicola said Historic Deerfield generally offers a robust lineup of exhibitions, demonstrations, and public programs, but has unified the theme of the American Revolution into a lot of its offerings this season. “Recognizing the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution was quite important to Historic Deerfield, particularly because this region played a meaningful role in that history,” DiNicola stated. “Our goal is not just to commemorate the anniversary, but to encourage thoughtful engagement with it.”
She continued, “This 250th anniversary of the Revolution has given us the opportunity to unify our offerings and allowing us to explore a topic from unexpected angles.”
DiNicola said most of Historic Deerfield’s daytime offerings, including exhibitions, trade demonstrations, hearth cooking programs, and Discovery Center activities, are included with general admission and do not require advance registration.
Historic Deerfield is open
Wednesdays through Sundays, as well as Monday holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can purchase tickets upon arrival at the Hall Tavern Visitor Center or at the Flynt Center of Early New England Life.
However, certain special programs and events, such as “A Stake in the Ground: 1774,” do require advance tickets, which can be purchased through Historic Deerfield’s website. Readers can find more information at his-
toric-deerfield.org.
General admission is $20 for adults and $5 for youth ages 1317; children 12 and under receive free admission as do Historic Deerfield members and Deerfield/South Deerfield residents.
