HOLYOKE — Jackie Glasheen is about as Holyoke as it gets. She’s originally from the city, graduated from Holyoke High School, had children who graduated from the Holyoke Public Schools system and will now lead that same district as its next superintendent.
“I’ve never left,” Glasheen said in an interview with Reminder Publishing Before taking the HPS superintendent job, Glasheen served as the district’s assistant superintendent since June 2025. Before that, she spent three decades at Holyoke Public Schools educating students as a substitute teacher, special education teacher, assistant principal, school supervisor and principal.
After interviewing three finalists, the Holyoke School Committee selected Glasheen as the district’s next superintendent during a meeting on Feb. 12.
The position became available after interim Superintendent Anthony Soto did not want the permanent role. Instead, Soto was granted a three-year contract to become the School Department’s chief of finance and operations.
“When he made it clear to me that he was not going to pursue the superintendent seat, for his own reasons, I was like, ‘I’m doing it,’” said Glasheen, who officially became superintendent on July 1. “For me, it was the right time. I still get to pick his brain and all his knowledge.”
Glasheen’s tenure as superintendent will mark the first time in more than a decade that HPS is led by a superintendent who was selected by the Holyoke School Committee following an intensive search and interview process. HPS is approaching its second school year under local control this September.
Glasheen said that she, Soto
and the rest of the administration team created a strong strategic plan that they plan to follow for this upcoming year. Concurrently, she acknowledged that she needs to spend the next five months listening and learning from the community.
“I need to hear from schools, from teachers, from principals, from community partners. What’s going really well, what’s not going so well; do you see some gaps that you would like the new superintendent to address? And really gather some data so that we can then create a new strategic plan to address the needs we’re seeing as we move out of [receivership].”
Although she has been rooted in the community and district for a long time, Glasheen’s first few weeks have been about learning systems and policies that she was not aware of in her previous roles.
So far, she’s leaned on experts such as Soto, School Committee Chair Yadilette Rivera Colón and School Committee member Devin Sheehan for answers to her questions.
“The first few weeks have been daunting, but I know I am right for the role,” Glasheen stated. “I know that we’re going to work together to move the Holyoke Public Schools forward, and I’m really excited.”
Regarding the current budget landscape, the new Holyoke superintendent said she feels very good about where the district currently is fiscally. She acknowledged that there will probably be some tough decisions in fiscal year 2027, FY28 and beyond, but she is hopeful that she and her team will fill any potential gaps that the district may have with the funds they currently possess.
“Any physical decisions that we’re making in budgets to come are gonna be driven by what we need for students,” Glasheen
explained. “Defining what we do [and what] we need in order to make students successful and funding those first.”
After year one, Glasheen said she would love to see Holyoke’s student achievement numbers increase, and the gap between Holyoke’s students with disabilities and Holyoke’s general education students get smaller.
“We institute our priority of high-quality instruction that includes inclusive practices, which is a priority of ours this year, and we are focused on that,” Glasheen stated.
She also said it would be a success if the district could launch a new strategic plan by next spring, “so that my community [and] the School Department are very clear on where we are, where we are going and how we are going to know if we are successful.”
Glasheen said that a huge positive at Holyoke Public Schools is the staff that’s already there, whether it’s the custodial staff, the food service staff, the paraprofessionals, the teachers and
the administration team.
“I am 100% convinced we have the right people in the right seats, so that is definitely a plus for us,” Glasheen said. “Every parent I talked to would say the same. They’re pleased with their teachers, they like the staff that works with their students, but they would also like us to ensure that all kids get what they need, whether it’s a behavioral need or an academic need or a social-emotional need.”
In a message to the community, Glasheen said it’s important for her to hear feedback from students, staff and families about what they need to succeed. She said that her door is always open.
“I have sat in parent seats. I’ve been a partner, I’m an employee and I know how important it is to have your concerns heard or also have the celebrations heard,” Glasheen said. “I encourage this community to reach out to me and tell me what they think is going really well, and then also let me know if they see a gap that needs to be filled.”
IN THIS EDITION
CHICOPEE
Chicopee Farmers Market returns Aug. 19 after one-year hiatus
After taking a year off, Center Fresh Farmers Market is returning to Chicopee for a shortened schedule at The Hub at Market Square. Page 3
HOLYOKE Rosa takes over as OneHolyoke’s executive director
OneHolyokeCDC will have a new leader at the helm. Page 4
New Holyoke Public Schools Superintendent Jackie Glasheen. Reminder Publishing file photo
New partnership to strengthen Chicopee’s cybersecurity
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — As cyberattacks continue to pose growing risks to municipalities nationwide, Chicopee has teamed up with the Air Force Reserve to test and strengthen its digital infrastructure through an Innovative Readiness Training mission.
The Air Force Reserve hosted a Cyber Chicopee Innovative Readiness Training distinguished visitors day on July 21 to discuss the program, the scope and how other communities can apply.
The Cyber Chicopee mission was led by the Air Force Reserve, in partnership with the city of Chicopee, and supported by the Active-Duty Air Force and Massachusetts Air National Guard Components from July 13-24.
Innovative Readiness Training delivers opportunities for service members to train in a joint or total force environment to enhance military readiness, while building civil-military partnerships and providing key cybersecurity services with lasting benefits for the city of Chicopee, according to organizers of the event.
SMSgt. Cassie Beauchene, who served as the Cyber Innovative Readiness Training project lead, gave a presentation on the overall program.
The Innovative Readiness Training program originated in 1992 under the Rebuild America Initiative. Beauchene said the cybersecurity program is not meant to produce any offensive or defensive cyberspace operations.
“We’re not here to go attack an attacker,” Beauchene stated. “We’re not here to attack a threat after or someone within your network. We’re strictly here to help you defend it, to train, to learn and to assess.”
TSgt. Garrett Pinto served as the mission lead for Cyber Chicopee and gave a scope on the work that was done. He stated that it was a full-scope vulnerability assessment, both for the city’s network and the physical side of Chicopee’s infrastructure.
Pinto said that they conducted stress tests to bolster the city’s organizational security posture. The estimated service value is $420,000.
He added that there were about 50 operators across two teams dispersed at six sites within the city. “We have cyber, we have communications, we have intelligence. They’re all bringing a unique perspective to add value back to the community partner and share amongst themselves things they bring from their workplace,” Pinto stated.
SSgt. Steven Orozco was the site lead for Cyber Chicopee. He gave a presentation on the command control server that helped perform the tests in Chicopee.
Mayor John Vieau talked about how the IRT mission helped bolster the security in Chicopee.
“It’s a safer day in Chicopee,” Vieau stated. “A much safer day because of our partnership. For decades, our partnership with the Air Force base has been a cornerstone of our local identity, but today, we aren’t just celebrating a geographic partnership; we’re celebrating a pioneering modern alliance that keeps our city safe”
Over the past week, Vieau stated that the city has had the privilege of working alongside members of the military, including the United States Air Force, the reserves and the National Guard.
“These elite teams have dedicated their times, specialized skills and cutting-edge expertise to proactively cyber test our local, municipal infrastructure and our cybersecurity systems. They stress tested our networks, evaluated our defenses and helped
us fortify the vital systems that keep our clean water flowing, our power running and our public services operating securely.”
Vieau stated that this collaboration has ensured that Chicopee remains a safe, stable and secure place to live, work and raise a family.
“The threat of cyberattacks on local government is no longer a distant headline; it’s a daily reality. Our city’s information and management system is attacked thousands of times a day. Protecting a community now requires a collective, proactive shield,” he said. “Westover depends on Chicopee Electric Light for power and Chicopee Water Department for fresh, clean, potable water, and on infrastructure of the city that travels to the base; we want to make sure it happens safely
and efficiently.”
For any communities looking to get involved in the Innovative Readiness Training, they can apply at irt.defense.gov.
The community can request a specialty area, describe their idea for a mission, and explain how it will benefit their community while keeping in mind what materials and other resources they can provide. The military provides licensed professionals, who serve at no cost to the community, by using existing training budgets.
Different types of IRT missions or projects that communities can apply for include civil engineering, medical and cybersecurity. If the community application meets military training requirements, it will match with an IRT mission.
Hyundai Motor America donates $10K to HCC food pantry
HOLYOKE — Representatives from Hyundai Motor America visited Holyoke Community College on July 17 to deliver a $10,000 check to benefit the college’s food pantry.
This is the fifth consecutive year Hyundai Motor America has donated to the HCC food pantry through the company’s Hyundai Hope Initiative. This year, Hyundai doubled its annual donation to $10,000, bringing their total contributions over five years to $42,500.
“We’re incredibly grateful,” said Julie Phillips, HCC exec-
utive director of development.
“You help make HCC a place where our students can focus on their education and on their career goals and not just on the next obstacle that life throws in their way.”
The annual donation adds to other gifts made throughout the year by local auto dealer Gary Rome, owner of Gary Rome Hyundai and a member of the HCC Foundation Board of Directors, whose efforts on behalf of HCC brought the Thrive Center and Food Pantry to the attention of the Hyundai corporate
offices in California. Rome accompanied Hyundai officials to the check presentation ceremony.
Ben Ostiguy, Thrive Center senior programs coordinator, said HCC food pantry requests had more than doubled from 483 in fiscal year 2025 to 1,162 in fiscal year 2026, which ended June 30.
“That’s a remarkable increase,” he said, “and we distributed a mind-boggling 26,808 pounds of nutritious food and household goods, compared to 9,658 the previous fiscal year. That’s nearly triple the output of giving that we were able to do.
And a big part of that was because of the generosity of Hyundai Hope and Gary Rome Hyundai.”
Hyundai Hope is Hyundai Motor America’s corporate social responsibility initiative that provides support in the area of health.
“Research has shown the number one concern for Americans is food insecurity, and basic needs are essential for these students,” said Brandon Ramirez, director of corporate responsibility for Hyundai Motor North America.
The HCC Thrive Center manages the college’s food pantry and provides services, such as food and housing assistance, that help address students’ basic needs.
SMSgt. Cassie Beauchene discusses the Innovative Readiness Training program and the work that was completed in Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
Representatives of Hyundai Motor America joined HCC staff and auto dealer Gary Rome in the college food pantry for a check presentation ceremony on Friday, July 17.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
CHICOPEE
Chicopee Farmers Market returns on Aug.
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — After taking a year off, Center Fresh Farmers Market is returning to Chicopee for a shortened schedule at The Hub at Market Square on 31 Springfield St.
The market will relaunch on Wednesday, Aug. 19, and take place on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 2-6 p.m. until Nov. 18. Food trucks will open at 1 p.m. for lunchtime.
Center Fresh Farmer’s Market Manager Anna Brittan said that now that The Hub at Market Square is newly renovated, the Farmers Market can utilize the indoor and outdoor space.
The city of Chicopee, which
now coordinates the market, said that the event is a way to give back to the local businesses and contribute to a vibrant community downtown. The market used to be operated by the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce.
Each week, there will be anywhere from 15 to 20 vendors who sell locally grown produce, agricultural products, prepared foods, baked treats and crafts.
Food trucks and live music will also be a part of the market this year.
Brittan said the vendor list is still being finalized, but readers should be on the lookout for any updates at Center Fresh’s Facebook or Instagram page as well as at chicopeema.gov. The vendor application is still open for any businesses that are looking
to get involved. She added that it feels great to bring different vendors and stakeholders together by relaunching the market.
“I’m super excited for the opportunity to help relaunch the market,” Brittan said. “I think it’s been kind of a hole in Chicopee Center without it, and I know a lot of people have been wanting to come back and celebrate the energy of our downtown and support local business.”
Brittan explained that the market is a way for people to get out of the house and discover new businesses.
“There’s going to be a bunch of different vendors. There’s going to be a few new ones every single market. We’ll have live music and also activities for kids
19 after one-year
as well, and food trucks,” Brittan stated. “It’s going to be a lot of fun. [It’s] also an opportunity to bring your family, connect with your neighbors. Everyone is welcome.”
The market also aims to address food security, which is something that City Hall and the Planning Department take seriously, Brittan added.
Because the management of the market changed from the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce to the city of Chicopee, Brittan said the Farmers Market will have to reapply for SNAP authorization as well as HIP and WIC payments.
To apply, the Farmers Market needs to be eligible by carrying enough fresh produce and enough eligible products that
hiatus
fall under those categories that one can use EBT benefits on.
Brittan said they are also recruiting farms and food vendors to become eligible. She said she is hoping that the market becomes eligible before the season ends, but if not, she said they will have authorization by next season.
“It’s my top priority to be able to provide EBT and SNAP payments at the market,” Brittan stated.
Although the Chicopee Farmers Market cannot yet accept EBT payments marketwide, Brittan said they just had a fresh produce vendor, who individually accepts SNAP, apply. She added that she is still working to recruit more farms for SNAP Retailer Authorization.
Chicopee’s National Night Out returns at a new location Aug. 10
By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — For its 32nd year, Chicopee will host its nationally-recognized rendition of National Night Out with the help of multiple vendors, organizations, businesses and public safety units.
Because of ongoing construction at Sarah Jane Park, the event will occur at Szot Park, 687 Front St., on Monday, Aug. 10, from 6-9 p.m., and the rain date will be Aug. 13. Nearly 16,000 communities across the country participate in National Night Out, an event that promotes “neighborhood camaraderie” by having public
safety officers available to talk with the public.
It’s an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make neighborhoods safer and a more caring place to live.
Aside from featuring multiple vendor booths, the event will also feature K9 demonstrations, a wing-eating contest and performances from different school musical groups. It will conclude with a candlelight vigil and flashlight walk starting at approximately 9 p.m.
Along with the Fire Department’s annual egg drop, there will also be a vehicle extrication
demonstration.
Last year’s event featured a record 120 vendors, making it the largest National Night Out in the city’s history.
Officer Travis Odiorne, public information officer for the Chicopee Police Department, said the event currently has close to 70 vendors scheduled to attend, and the layout will be similar to the city’s Spooktacular events.
Some vendors will have free giveaways while others will offer information on different resources that community members can benefit from, including housing, food or other social needs. He added that he thinks this year’s night out will be a great time.
“This year’s National Night
Out, much like all those in the past, is a collaboration from Chicopee police and other first responders from our communi-
ty to give back to our community and also provide them with
The community enjoying the various vendors featured at Chicopee’s 31st annual National Night Out event last year. Reminder
Rosa takes over as OneHolyoke’s new executive director
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — OneHolyoke
CDC will have a new leader at the helm. Nayroby Rosa has been appointed as the next executive director, taking over for outgoing Executive Director Michael Moriarty, who served in the role since 2013.
The thought of Rosa as Moriarty’s successor was first conceived three years ago. At that time, and to better prepare herself to lead the organization, Rosa was accepted into the NeighborWorks America Strong Leaders Program. There, she was provided a mentor to develop a strategic plan for her community engagement department and learn what it means to be a leader. Rosa also went back to school and earned a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership from Bay Path University.
“Once I did those two things, I felt [like] ‘okay, now I’m ready to lead, now I’m ready to make the transition,’” Rosa stated in an interview with Reminder Publishing Rosa started at OneHolyoke
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College is offering a special one-hour noncredit class that will explore digital fraud and cybersecurity risks to small businesses in the artificial intelligence age.
The standalone class will run over Zoom from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
The course is led by Bryan Shapiro, founder of Retina Advisors, a fraud consulting business, with support from cybersecurity consultant Michael Narducci.
“Fraud isn’t what it used to be,” Shapiro said. “Criminals are no longer sending obvious,
in 2018 as director of community engagement and resident services. She then became the chief operating officer in March before becoming the executive director on July 1.
“It’s been so humbling,” Rosa said about taking the helm. “The amount of support I’ve received from my board, from my current executive director, from my predecessor, from my staff, has been amazing.”
Rosa said her priorities are achieving solvency in the organization and reviewing the organization’s current portfolio to make sure it has everything it needs to function properly. She also plans to study whether OneHolyoke is providing residents with what they need to live in a safe, affordable and dignified home and attractive neighborhoods.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration and community engagement, areas that she said have been strong points at OneHolyoke during her time with the organization.
Rosa developed a strategic plan with five focus areas within the organization that will al-
poorly written emails asking you to wire money overseas. Today, they’re using AI to clone voices, impersonate executives, and send messages that look exactly like they came from your bank, a trusted vendor or even a colleague. Small businesses have become a primary target, and many don’t realize the risks until it’s too late.”
In this one-hour class, Shapiro and Narducci will discuss the threats causing the most damage to small businesses today. Through real-world examples and practical guidance, attendees will learn how these scams work,
low OneHolyoke to address the needs of the community. The focus areas are: health engagement, community and family engagement, public safety, education engagement and making the Flats community building a hub for its community engagement work.
Regarding the community engagement portion, Rosa said this is where the organization gets the opportunity to explore what the needs of the community are and then figure out who they can collaborate with in the city to address those needs. So far, she’s already heard some concerns from residents, including food insecurity, home safety, children’s education and access to certain health needs.
Rosa said, “She isn’t thriving unless her entire community is thriving and we’re all OneHolyoke.”
The change in leadership was announced at OneHolyoke CDC’s second annual “Building & Sustaining Livable Communities” event on June 29.
Moriarty announced he will continue to serve OneHolyoke as legal counsel going forward.
what they look like in action and the steps people can take to protect their businesses.
Topics include AI-powered phishing, business email compromise, deepfake impersonation, ransomware and multi-factor authentication.
“You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to recognize warning signs, what to do when something feels off, and how to reduce risk, without needing a technical background,” he said.
The cost of the class is $25. To sign up, go to: hcc.edu/AI-risks
A Zoom link will be sent to participants before the class begins.
“Nayroby showed her capacity for leadership as soon as she started working at OneHolyoke CDC eight years ago,” Moriarty said in a statement to Reminder Publishing. “She quickly transformed from an employee to a pillar of the Holyoke community. For some time, I have partnered with her, developing her knowledge and skills about nonprofit leadership, with the capstone being the master’s degree in nonprofit leadership and negotiation she earned from Bay Path University in 2026. This has been a planned transition, and now is the time. She will bring a lot to the table for our agency and for Holyoke.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll presented Moriarty with a Governor’s Citation recognizing his leadership and service.
Founded in 1971, OneHolyoke CDC has created over 160 new homes in the Flats, Churchill and South Holyoke neighborhoods, rehabilitated hundreds of apartments and provided thousands of home improvement grants to homeowners through the Neighborhood Improvement program,
of
according to its website. Rosa said the best way to get in touch with OneHolyoke CDC is by calling its main office at 413-533-7101 or by visiting its website at oneholyoke.org. Its office is located at 70 Lyman St.
Night Out
Continued from page 3
some services that they may not be aware of that our community offers,” Odiorne said.
Although National Night Out is a family-friendly and neighborhood event, Odiorne talked about the importance of residents getting the opportunity to meet and speak with their public safety officers.
“It’s always important for us to be out front with our community [and be] very approachable,” Odiorne said. “A lot of times, we don’t really get to interact with the community as much as we like to because we’re answering calls for service, so it’s just our opportunity to get out and get to see the name of the face with the officers and interact with a more personal level, as opposed to a crisis level.”
Odiorne said the event usually brings in around 3,000 people
each year to interact with different law enforcement agencies and businesses.
Last year, Chicopee was a National Night Out award winner in the category for areas with a population of 50,000-100,000.
In 2024, Chicopee’s National Night Out event climbed to 13th place in the country, after being ranked 22nd in 2023.
The award recognizes the population of the city and how many people show up to the event. The achievement reflected the hard work and dedication of city departments, community members and organizers who collaborated to make the event a success.
“It ultimately comes down to the community coming out and supporting us,” Odiorne said. “If they don’t show up to support these events, we don’t get nationally recognized. I think it’s good for the community to see that they come out and support us and that gets recognized throughout the nation.”
BOSTON — The Massachusetts State Police “clearly has a misconduct proliferation problem,” its leader said on July 19, responding to a volley of questions about recent scandals at the agency.
Those issues began “obviously before I got here, and will continue and has continued through my time here, and I believe that’s why I’m here, to come in and give a fresh perspective. I don’t believe that it’s a culture problem,” Colonel Geoffrey Noble said on WCVB’s “On the Record.”
Noble was brought on as the superintendent of the State Police in October 2024 after a career in New Jersey State Police, marking the first time the agency hired a leader from outside its internal ranks. He was heralded as a reformer and arrived after a series of scandals that deeply tarnished the agency’s reputation, including an overtime pay scandal uncovered via internal audits, the Karen Read investigation and the death of academy recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia during a boxing training exercise at the State Police Academy in New Braintree.
However, headlines have continued about controversies at the agency that have fueled questions about accountability.
Sgt. Scott Quigley remained on duty for months after allegedly drunk driving in an unmarked cruiser and crashing into a van in Woburn in 2023, a collision that killed passenger Angelo Schettino. He pleaded not guilty and his criminal trial is on track to begin in early 2027. The agency also came under intense scrutiny after racist, sexist and homophobic text messages sent by former Trooper Michael Proctor during the Karen
Read investigation became public, ultimately leading to his firing.
Most recently, the department was again thrust into the spotlight last week after reports that two off-duty troopers were involved in a violent altercation at a Quincy bar in June, with one trooper relieved of duty as the incident remains under investigation.
Following the most recent news, the News Service asked Noble last week about ongoing scandals and whether the agency is discussing reforms or retraining troopers.
“Every day. Every day, every day,” he said. “We understand that the commonwealth expects the Massachusetts State Police to operate at the highest levels. We expect the Massachusetts State Police to operate at the highest level.”
The News Service asked Noble about the ongoing problems following a press conference in Gov. Maura Healey’s office on July 16 related to creating a new license plate honoring the memories of fallen law enforcement officers.
That same day the Essex County District Attorney’s Office released its final report on the investigation into a wrong-way crash in May that resulted in the death of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor.
When Noble emerged from the press conference to speak to reporters, his spokesperson said he would only take questions on the DA’s report about the trooper’s death.
When the News Service caught up with him after to ask about reform, Noble said, “Every single day, we’re evaluating our operations, where we’re doing well. We’re building off it and enhancing, and where we can do better, we are learning from it. But that conversation occurs every day with a great team in place, and I’m very confident that we’re continu-
ing to make significant progress.”
A few days later on WCVB’s “On the Record,” he faced more questions about the issues at the agency.
WCVB anchor Ed Harding asked about the Quigley case, saying “The allegation that Quigley was drunk did not come to light until this year. The victim’s family is suing, claiming a police cover-up. Forgive the simple nature of the question, but was it a cover-up?”
Noble responded that there are multiple ongoing investigations, and he can’t comment on the specifics.
“That said, this is a very serious allegation,” he said. “Since I have been here, I have had zero tolerance for misconduct. I will continue to have zero tolerance for misconduct.”
Since he started, the agency has been “incorporating internal controls to monitor and manage our own performance to ensure that we are operating at the highest standards possible.”
Reporters also asked about the Read investigation. A recent lawsuit cites a series of audio messages where Proctor used derogatory slurs for Black people, demeans women and makes homophobic and antisemitic comments.
WCVB played an audio message for Noble, attributed to Proctor, which the Read lawsuit alleges Proctor said to another trooper following a car crash, “Actually, take your time, I saw a [expletive] was involved, so I wouldn’t rush if you’re working. Let them die.”
“You’ve called the messages disturbing. Now, how can people trust what happened here isn’t happening with other troopers?” reporter Karen Anderson asked. “Well, first, I have been a state trooper essentially my entire life. That recording and the messages
that we have seen are just repulsive and repugnant for me on a very personal level,” Noble responded. “That said, as the colonel of the state police, that seeing them comes with a reality and a reminder of the obligation that I have and this department has to continue to do everything that we can do to ensure that that type of behavior, that type of bigotry, does not exist in a modern-day police force.”
Proctor had worked on “hundreds and if not thousands of cases” Noble said, so he said the agency has been proactive in working with district attorneys to “be out front on this” in “reviewing our cases” that Proctor was involved with, which might now be challenged in light of his alleged comments.
Noble delayed the start of the 93rd recruit training class at the New Braintree State Police Academy following the death of trainee Enrique Delgado Garcia in 2024. He said the pause allows the agency to implement 103 safety reforms recommended after the deadly incident.
Asked on July 19 about the timeline for a new training class, Noble said the agency has identified 31 priority recommendations “to ensure that before we start the next class that we have the safest training environment possible.”
“I’m very confident that we will be able to give the green light to start the 93rd training academy in short order. I’m not there yet.
I won’t do so until I’m confident those 31 recommendations are in place. That said, I’m very confident that we will be able to get there very soon,” he said.
Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
CHICOPEE VS LUDLOW
SOCCER
In the Pioneer Valley Summer Soccer League, Chicopee Pacers lost 6-2 to Ludlow Ideal July 20 at Chicopee High.
Chicopee Pacers vs Ludlow Ideal on July 20.
A couple of Chicopee Pacers players fight for possession with a Ludlow Ideal player.
A Chicopee Pacers player goes up for a header.
Austin Lind (1) watches as goalkeeper Zachariah Yarovoy (50) flies to save a goal.
PVSSL action: Chicopee Pacers vs Ludlow Ideal July 20.
Above: A Chicopee Pacers player wins possession.
Zachariah Yarovoy (50) makes
Pacers player
Chicopee Pacers’ Ayad :Hamid (6), Mohanad Aljashaam (11), Lucas Lima (16), and Antonio Marques move the ball up the pitch at their July 20 game with Ludlow Ideal.
Ludlow and Chicopee players go head-to-head for control of the ball.
Two Chicopee Pacers players wait for the ball to come down.
‘Blue Star’ license plate coming for families of fallen officers
By Katie Castellani State House News Service
BOSTON — Massachusetts has a new license plate honoring the memories of fallen law enforcement officers.
Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation (S 2903) on July 15 directing the Registry of Motor Vehicles to offer a “Blue Star Families” plate for free to family members of law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. The RMV is also tasked with creating a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.
“This is about the families,” Healey said during a bill-signing ceremony where she was surrounded by law enforcement officers, state officials and family members of those who have died in the line of duty.
The bill was signed on the eighth anniversary of the death of Weymouth Police Sergeant Michael Charles Chesna, who was reportedly shot and killed with his own service weapon while responding to reports of an erratic driver near South Shore Hospital.
Healey said. “And that’s why this legislation, this act, is so, so important. And I know it doesn’t bring your loved one back, and there will be forever that void every minute, every hour of the day. Today is a way to acknowledge that and also to celebrate lives of service, lives of courage, lives of sacrifice, and the families who support and enable all of that.”
The House and Senate unanimously passed the legislation on July 13.
“This is a great token of appreciation for the families that will be gone forever, and more so, it sends a message to our men and women in law enforcement that someone does care in our Legislature,” said Frank Frederickson, director of governmental affairs for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police.
John Nelson, legislative director and first vice president of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police, said the law has been in the works for more than a decade. Nelson said the legislative process “takes its time” and this year families of law enforcement officers reaching out to representatives and senators helped push
“To all of the families in the room, I want you to know that I understand that this is a pain that you carry with you every single day. You feel that loss. You feel that void. And one of the things we want to do is make sure that others understand the sacrifice that your family has made,”
SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals is holding its 10th Annual Pets Rock event, on Saturday, Aug. 8, from noon to 5 p.m., at the Springfield Elks. Join the festivities for an afternoon of live music with the bands Project 267, Tough Customer and the Berkshires. The event also fea-
tures food trucks, raffles, vendors, games and more. Admission is $25 per person. All registrations include one raffle ticket for a special lottery basket door prize. While online registration is encouraged, tickets will be available at the gate for $30, with event t-shirts available for pur-
for family
officers
the bill onto the governor’s desk.
Nelson added the new license plate is “simplistic, but at the same time, very meaningful.”
“I know that when I see that plate, that’s going to mean some-
chase while supplies last. Register: bit.ly/4nSUsHe
Dogs who are comfortable with the chaos of noise, people and other dogs are allowed to attend. Pups who attend should be on a leash at all times. No Flexileads. No coolers or outside alcohol permitted.
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
Theodore Francis “Todd”
Bouchard Jr.
Sandra M. Bronner
Anna Ladeau
EAST LONGMEADOW
Patrick M. Connors
Thomas “Tom” Flanagan
Marilyn Lindahl
Janice S. Provost
Barbara Speer
HOLYOKE
William R. Ainey
Barbara Harris Dr. Robert S. Mausel
LUDLOW
Marguerite R. Surprenant
SOUTH HADLEY
Barbara A. Blank
David F. Hurley
René Proulx
Carolyn C. Topor
SPRINGFIELD
Judith A. Barry
Harold J. Chapin
James E. Denning
Donald Anton Keinath
Joyce Livingston
Francisco V. Lopes
Christopher J. Sullivan
Richard A. Tulloch
WILBRAHAM
Donna L. Streeter
thing extra special as they ride by, knowing that their family made the ultimate sacrifice,” Nelson told the News Service.
Healey said the RMV is opening applications on Wednes-
All proceeds from Pets Rock go directly to the Foundation for TJO Animals to benefit the animals in need at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. Event sponsors include Kitchen & Bath Design, Florence Bank and Heather Heeb
ST. JUDE’S NOVENA
day for families to get the license plate.
Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com.
— Keller Williams. Rock 102’s
Pat Kelly has donated his time and talent to promote Pets Rock day of and in advance of the event. In addition, the foundation will be collecting donations for the Reese Pet Food Initiative. Bring a pet food donation and receive an additional raffle ticket for the lottery basket door prize! Limit one raffle ticket per person, regardless of the amount donated. Make it a spa day: Hydrodog will be on hand for a fresh wash and grooming for four-legged friends. More information about Pets Rock is available by contacting the Foundation for TJO Animals at 413-306-5161 or info@tjofoundation.org. This is a rain or shine event.
Gov. Maura Healey hands a pen to Frank Frederickson, director of governmental affairs for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police, after signing a bill that establishes a “Blue Star Families” license plate
members of
killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 15. State House News Service photo by Katie Castellani
African Community Festival returns to Marshall Roy Park
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Marshall Roy Park will be filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of African traditions on Saturday, Aug. 8, as the African Community Festival connects cultures and generations.
The festival began four years ago as a community cookout to bring together members of the African diaspora living in Western Massachusetts. A year later, Naefia Padi founded the nonprofit Unity Hearts Foundation and rebranded the event as a festival.
“People typically see Africa as one place, not as a collection of different countries and cultures,” said Event Coordinator Evelyn Ansah. However, the continent is composed of 54 countries, each with unique aspects of its culture.
Padi added, “Our aunties, our uncles, our parents, they wear a rich cloth.”
Ansah said there will be food from a variety of different African cultures, as well as American food, and include a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The festival will feature a friendly tasting competition around jollof rice, a common dish in many African countries, which is prepared differently depending on the cultural tradition. In the “Jollof Wars” contest, versions of the dish from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia will compete to be crowned the best.
The festival will provide music from Orchestre Moto, a live Congolese band specializing in rumba, soukous and ndombolo rythyms. Entertainment will include a Ugandan dance ensemble
by AfroDiamonds, a Senegambian Kankourang masquerade dance and an afrofusion fashion show. There will also be free face painting, family-friendly activities, cultural games, virtual reality experiences, a raffle, a marketplace and resource vendors. Additionally, Unity Hearts Foundation is hosting a backpack giveaway while supplies last for students ahead of the start of school. This year, the free festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. at the park, 162 El Paso St. It is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Spark Good, Mass Cultural Council and Springfield Community Resources. Referring to the region’s African diaspora, Ansah said, “We kind of live in tiny little pockets.” Because people live in those pockets, she said the festival provides a
sense of wider belonging for many.
“It is a time we can come together and share our culture. It is very important to educate our children in this. We can bring our culture for them to see,” Padi said. Among the cultures represented at the festival are those from Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia and South Africa. “Last year, there was somebodies from Uganda. We didn’t even realize there was that many Ugandans in Western Massachusetts,” Ansah said. Ansah, who was born in Ghana, but whose siblings were born in the United States, said the festival allows young people to connect with their heritage. “It allows them to know their cultures. I can see how attending the festival year after year, they have pride in their cultures,” she said.
While children may have grown up hearing stories about their family’s culture, it has a different impact when they can taste the food and listen to the music, Ansah said. “For a lot of young adults, it is a way to better understand where their culture comes from,” she said. “It’s so beautiful,” Padi said. She said she knows Black Americans, who do not identify as African, who were inspired to take a vacation to an African country after attending the festival. She said she would like to invite everyone in Western Massachusetts to attend the festival, regardless of whether they are of African descent. “Experience different cultures,” said Padi. “One community, one love. That’s what Unity Hearts Foundation is about — to bring everyone together.”
Big E partners with local high schools for design contest
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The
Big E has recruited five local high schools from the Pioneer Valley and tasked their students with designing and executing a creative reimagining of the fair’s agricultural mascot, Chick-E, minding the 250th anniversary of the United States’s independence. The patriotic Chick-E statues, which have each been carefully hand-painted by high schoolers, will be on display during The Big E, Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, where fairgoers can vote for their favorite design.
Participating high schools include Agawam High School, Holyoke High School, Westfield High School, West Springfield High School and Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. Fair organizers contacted the heads of each school’s art department to coordinate and provide detailed instructions for weather-proofing student designs, a stipend for supplies and expectations given the mission of fair presenter and host site, Eastern States Exposition, and the America 250 motif.
Agawam High School’s Chick-E is titled “Agawam HER-story.” A total of 18 students contributed to the completion of the statue, which they designed as a “visual representation of the women who have, are and continue to be the foundation of our community,” explained Amber Waters, an art teacher at Agawam High School.
“This includes farmers, teachers, artists, coaches, veterans, entrepreneurs, students, innovators and mentors,” said Waters. “The women of Agawam are always striving to make our community great, and the work of these strong women has created a thread that is woven into the diverse tapestry of our great country. We acknowledge and applaud them as the United States celebrates 250 years.”
Holyoke High School’s painting team consisted of 12 students. Their Chick-E, “Peep,” was inspired by their city’s own history.
“Holyoke was originally home to the Nonotuck, an Algonquin-speaking people,” said Giuseppe Duran, a fine arts teacher at Holyoke High School North.
“To honor the Native Americans who first lived in our city, Peep’s wings are painted with feathers traditionally worn by indigenous peoples, and Peep is depicted as a bald eagle, one of America’s most recognized symbols of freedom.”
Additionally, Peep’s tail is painted to resemble an American flag, painted with broad stripes and white stars. A peace sign shines in the statue’s left eye, and fireworks are reflected in the right eye, inspired by the National Anthem’s mention of “the rocket’s red glare.” The entire design is bursting with symbols of independence to celebrate the courage it took to earn our country’s liberation from the British crown.
Westfield High School’s Karen Kane supervised the creation of their Chick-E, “Bomber,” whose name is a nod to their school mascot, but the design takes the reference a step further; Bomber is painted like a pilot in a display of appreciation for the National Guard that works at Barnes Airport in Westfield. Karen Kane of the school’s Art department oversaw the four students — Rylee Rumplik, Kara Sweeney, James Thompson and Eric Villafane — who worked diligently to complete their school’s statue.
West Springfield High School said they had a lot of fun naming their Chick-E when students opened the decision to a schoolwide vote. The winning name?
Ben Chick-man Franklin, named for one of the country’s Founding Fathers.
However, the democratic feedback did not end with the naming of the statue; the painters and larger Art department polled students to find out where their families hail from. Ben Chickman Franklin was designed to ensure that the more than 20 nationalities represented by the student body each had a place on the statue.
“Ben Chick-man Franklin embodies West Springfield High School’s superpower: the many cultures and languages of our school,” said Anne Charron, fine and applied Arts department head at West Springfield High School.
“His superhero cape was painted by a dedicated crew of more than 20 students from countries like
Rwanda, Ireland, Syria and Kyrgyzstan. Our hope was to make Ben a friendly, welcoming representation of The Big E while celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.”
Jacqueline Boudreau-Kinsey, Art department head at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, Mass., is the point person for their school’s Chick-E.
The statue was designed and started upon by the rising upperclassmen in Boudreau-Kinsey’s Advanced Placement Art class at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, and their vision will be executed and expanded upon by the juniors that remain as seniors and additional AP Art students at the start of the 20262027 year. The statue is sure to be a shining example of creative collaboration.
The statues will be on display in the New England Center among other Creative Arts contest entries throughout The Big E, Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Follow us on social media, @TheBigEFair, for more details about how you can cast your vote for your favorite design.
Jacqueline Boudreau-Kinsey of Pope Francis Preparatory School stands at far right with some of her students upon the delivery of their school’s Chick-E statue.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
AGAWAM
Agawam Properties LLP, to Amat Victoria Curam LLC, 643 Suffield St.,
$3,050,000.
Agawam Properties LLP, to Lachenauer LLC, 408 Meadow St., $3,000,000.
Aspasia Arvanitis to Timothy Czerniejewski, 4 Ash Lane, Unit 4, $277,000.
Brendan Reed and Sarah Reed to Erika Theriaque and Michael Richards, 181 Southwick St., $595,000.
Daniel Garcia and Cassandra R. Garcia to Sean Michael Forsyth, 7 Plantation Drive, Unit 7, $253,935.
Dmitriy Sidoryuk to Brendan McCarthy and Hannah Provost, 712 Cooper St., $450,000.
Dmitriy Sidoryuk to Colin McLean and Jessica McLean, Cooper Street, Par A, $20,000.
CHICOPEE
D&G Realty LLC, to Carew Street Properties LLC, 70 North Chicopee St., $500,000.
Dennis J. Cahalan III, to Adai Estrada and Tiago Dias, 89 Homer Ave., $320,000. Emtay Inc., to Daniel Ankiewicz and Grace Kimball, 157 Sunnymeade Ave., $447,000.
Gary Wilkinson to Jared D. Hawk and Morgan Hawk, 32 Yorktown Court, Unit 32, $219,000.
George Gosselin, representative, and Thomas J. Dobitsky, estate, to Jason Rosado-Burgos, 582 Broadway St., $300,000.
George R. Bruso and Linda R. Bruso to Riccardo Albano, 103 Chapel St., $275,000. Hema Devi Tiwari and Bianca Vinita Tiwari to Sammy Tan, 79 Beaudry Ave., $490,000. Jane F. Sakiewicz, representative, and Carol Ann Sakiewicz, estate, to Sylvia Wodecki, 76 Mitchell Drive, Unit T7, $190,000.
Joseph E. Conroy to Noah J. Bielat and Penelope J. Bielat, 97 Pondview Drive, $373,700. Joseph Lynskey and Katherine Paul to Hassan Aldirani, 26 Wintworth St., $290,000.
JTT Realty LLC, to Cesar A. Alfaro Lopez, Jennifer B. Lacan Cifuentes De Alfaro and Jennifer B. Lacan Cifuentes De Alfaro, 51 Beaumont St., $320,000. Katelyann Z. Rivera Soto and Alberto S. Diaz to Edna Ivette Santiago-Flores, 54 Shaw Park Ave., $325,000.
Leo E. Fugler Jr., and Paula J. Sawtelle to Jorge Guzman and Maritza Hernandez, 44 White St., $350,000. Lisa J. Genetelli to Alexander Maurizio Gagliardo, 55 Empire St., Unit 52, $225,000. Moose Creek Realty LLC, trustee, and 40-42 High Street Realty Nominee Trust, trustee of, to HP Rum LLC, 40-42 High St., $1,325,000. Richard Neveu, representative, Robert Neveu, representative, Sandra Suska, representative, Dorothy Margaret Neveu, estate, and Dorothy M. Neveu, estate, to Nikaylo Mercier and Casondra M. May, 200 Royal St., $315,000. Robert Lane to Dana Dupuis and Kathleen Dupuis, 156 South St., $363,000. Skibinski Family Realty Trust, trustee of, Suzanne T. Skibinski, trustee, and Robin J. Berube, trustee, to Mark M. Ducharme, 28 Clairmont Ave., $350,302.
Susan Morrie to Rachel Lindsay, 200 Lambert Terrace, Unit 30, $276,000.
HOLYOKE
ABKG Enterprises LLC, to Sharon Ann Farmer and Roxana Farmer,
