SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | FREE
Council discusses battery storage, data centers By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
IN THIS
EDITION
HAMPDEN COUNTY
Communities split on PROTECT Act policies Holyoke and Chicopee were split on enacting PROTECT Act related policies.
Page 2
CHICOPEE
Barry School project funding awaits vote POSTAL CUSTOMER
Funding for the new elementary school project awaits City Council approval.
should take its time drafting regulations. He stated that he is not necessarily against data centers. “If we’re going to have the artificial intelligence revolution that Chicopee is not going to stop, then there’s going to need to be data centers to do these things.” See ENERGY on page 2
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lem discussing the rough draft with the Planning Department and determining what should be in the amendment. The ordinance will go to the Planning Department and Zoning Subcommittee before a public hearing with the Ordinance Subcommittee. Being that this is a new process, City Councilor Joel McAulife also said the City Council
ECRWSS
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POSTAL CUSTOMER
Westfield residents Mary Lanza and Mary Ann Babinski holding signs on Southampton Road a couple days before the Westfield Planning Board delayed a decision on a data center special permit extension. The city currently has a one-year moratorium on the centers. Chicopee is currently having its own discussion about regulating data centers.
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 142
CHICOPEE — The City Council and subcommittees are seeking to define and potentially regulate renewable energy storage, battery energy storage and data centers within the city. A preliminary conversation began on Aug. 4, when the City Council discussed a proposed amendment to a city ordinance that would define renewable energy storage and battery energy storage. The amendment was referred to the Planning Department, Zoning Subcommittee and Ordinance Subcommittee for separate public hearings. City Council President Frank Laflamme proposed the amendment, which looks to provide safeguards and regulations for those facilities. The Ordinance Committee met on Sept. 14 to discuss the ordinance, but during the Sept. 15 City Council meeting, City Councilor Bill Courchense said the ordinance still has a few more steps before it gets back to the full body. City Councilor Mary Beth Pniak-Costello said, “This is a big, big deal to have an ordinance with guardrails in the city of Chicopee dealing with renewable energy.” At the same meeting on Aug. 4, the City Council discussed a data center ordinance amendment proposed by Courchense. The amendment, which includes regulations on data centers, was referred to the Planning Department, Engineering, Zon-
ing Subcommittee and then Ordinance for final approval before it can be submitted to the attorney general’s office for consideration. The amendment delineates what a data center is, where it can be built throughout the city and the different sizes of data centers. For example, the proposed ordinance states that tier-1 low-impact data centers require a special permit from the City Council and can be built only in industrial districts. Additionally, the proposed ordinance requires that data centers do not place an “undue burden” on municipal services, including fire, police, public works, water, sewer and electric systems. Courchense said the amendment was a rough draft and included areas that the Planning Department may want to change. He acknowledged that it mixes different ordinances based on research. Courchense said he tried to do his best “to help us legislate this to a point that it meets our needs and not the state’s needs.” City Councilor Sam Shumsky said he opposed the order and listed many reasons for his dissatisfaction. “I understand that in the future there are going to be some regulations, but I would rather have the experts up in the Planning Department office do this so that we could adopt anything that’s legally vetted,” he said. Laflamme said he, Courchense and Planning Director Lee Pouliot have discussed the proposed ordinance amendment. Laflamme said Pouliot has no prob-
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Communities split on PROTECT Act policies The Chicopee-Holyoke Herald is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC. The Chicopee-Holyoke Herald is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year. To subscribe visit TheReminderbymail.com
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By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
Holyoke now has a new policy in case any law enforcement agent attempts to make a civil arrest at schools, but Chicopee’s policy did not pass the School Committee. On Aug. 5, Gov. Maura Healey signed into law the PROTECT Act, which, in part, amended MGL Chapter 71 and requires that all school districts have, as of Sept. 1, a policy that prohibits civil law enforcement activities on school property absent a judicial order or judicial warrant. The policy also addresses student and staff safety when interacting with law enforcement agents engaging in civil law enforcement activities on school property, including, but not limited to, federal immigration authorities. The Massachusetts Association of School Committees sent a model policy to each School Committee to enact, according to Attorney Becky Bouchard, who was at the Chicopee School Committee meeting. Chicopee The Chicopee School Committee did not approve the PROTECT
Act policy at its Sept. 16 meeting after approving the first reading on Sept. 2. The policy needed eight votes to pass, but it received six votes for approval, two votes against and one abstention. Superintendent Dr. Marcus Ware read the policy aloud to the School Committee during the meeting. The PROTECT Act states that civil arrests made by civil law enforcement, including federal immigration enforcement, are not allowed on school grounds during school hours, student dropoff and pickup windows, before and after school programming and at school-sponsored events without a judicial warrant or judicial order. The act also states that the school superintendent will implement PROTECT Act procedures consistent with the model procedures and guidance for K-12 schools regarding interactions with civil law enforcement issued by the governor’s office, the executive office of education and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The procedure can be implemented wherever applicable and aligns with the district’s emergen-
cy operation plans. If the policy passes the School Committee in the future, at least one senior staff member would be in each building, and those staff members would be educated on the policy and procedures in case a situation arises. They would also serve as the primary contact with the law enforcement agents. The policy provides procedures for contacting the school’s district attorney, the senior administrator or the district superintendent if a civil law enforcement agent arrives on school grounds. Additionally, the policy includes language for requesting information about a student or staff member and information about documenting all interactions with law enforcement agents. It also contains information about notifying a student’s parents or guardian and plans to share the policy on the school’s district site. Ware said that if the act were adopted, he would begin to identify individuals to serve as the point of contact in each building. He said the district currently has other policies in place, but the PROTECT Act would replace those. Reminder Publishing reached out to the mayor’s office and su-
perintendent’s office about next steps after the School Committee failed to pass the proposal. Vieau had no comment on the matter, and the superintendent’s office did not respond before press time.
Healey also directed state agencies to require data centers to comply with her comprehensive Data Center Framework, including bringing their own clean energy supply, protecting water resources and engaging transparently with the surrounding communities. Courchesne said that he proposed this ordinance because someone needed to get the ball rolling. “We listen to constituents, we look at the future, we see what’s
going on, and we protect ourselves but also encourage people to come and do business with us,” he explained. “Every single word in this ordinance is approved by the attorney general because every single ordinance I pulled this from is an attorney general-approved ordinance.” City Councilor Joe Pasternak, who has worked within the energy field for 40 years, including at Chicopee Electric Light, said the topic has been discussed for over a year and he has read plenty of
stories on data centers. “This is going to be the wave of the future,” he stated. “I feel very sad about some of the communities local to us that have made very rash and very quick decisions. We have to be so careful. This could be something that could help Chicopee, but we should be guided; we should be purposeful, and we should most certainly be watchful of anything that might be an adverse or a negativity towards our neighborhoods, our constituents.”
Holyoke The Holyoke School Committee met on Sept. 14 to approve the first and second readings of its policy. The committee suspended its normal rules and approved both readings during the same meeting. Holyoke Public Schools Superintendent Jackie Glasheen explained that before the PROTECT Act, administration worked with the district’s attorney to put procedures in place that mirror the requirements of the newly signed act. Glasheen said Holyoke’s procedures make it so staff are trained and everybody is aware of who the point person is in the event a civil arrest occurs on school grounds. With the new policy adopted, Glasheen said the district will review the updated procedures to ensure they are exactly aligned with the state’s. The district will share them with the School Committee after that process is complete.
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Energy
Continued from page 1
Since the Aug. 4 meeting, Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order giving communities a voice and protecting them against irresponsible data center development and higher energy bills. According to mass.gov, under Healey’s executive order, state permitting agencies will not advance the project if a data center doesn’t have local approval.
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CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026
Barry School project funding awaits City Council vote By Tyler Garnet
grade 5, plus pre-kindergarten, on an alternative site adjacent to the Szetela Early Childhood Center. Initially, there was a proposal on Garrity Grove, but due to deed restrictions, wetland restrictions and a provision in Article 97, Szetela offered a more viable option. The estimated total project budget is approximately $106.7 million. Chicopee started at the highest eligible reimbursement rate of 80% of eligible costs. After reviewing the project, MBSA approved a maximum reimbursement grant of approximately $57.6 million, which means the district share will be about $49.1 million. The MSBA Board of Directors voted to approve a grant of up to $56.6 million for a new Anna E. Barry Elementary School on Aug. 26. The vote also moved the project toward design development. Gardner said the final numbers are not official until construction is complete. He also stated that due to inflation, delaying the $106 million project by four years could increase the cost by $64 million. According to Gardner, some residents have shared concerns about exhaust, air pollution and traffic because of the placement of two schools on a single site. He noted in his presentation that there will be an increase in traffic on the site, but the state and Chicopee both have idling laws in place, which the police can enforce.
tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Funding for the Anna E. Barry Elementary School project currently awaits City Council approval, but the School Committee recently backed the project. During its Sept. 16 meeting, the committee endorsed the final project scope, schematic design and total budget for the new school’s construction as recommended by the Building Commission and approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The City Council now must approve the necessary funding for the project. Caolo and Bieniek Architects Principal and Project Architect Bert Gardner said if the vote fails, the MSBA process will have to restart, which can cause cost increases and delay the project’s completion by nine to 12 years. Students are currently expected to move into the new building in September 2029. Mayor John Vieau said the City Council will discuss and vote on the item during its Oct. 6 meeting. Gardner joined the Sept. 16 School Committee meeting to update the body on the project, answer questions and discuss the next steps. The proposed project will replace the existing Anna E. Barry Elementary School with a new two-story building serving 340 students in kindergarten through
He also said that Chicopee has pursued a $2.39 million grant to begin replacing existing buses with zero-emission electric buses, which are much quieter. The plan also includes tree buffers to absorb carbon dioxide emissions and filter airborne pollutants, provide privacy and dampen sound transmission. As part of traffic mitigation, Gardner said they don’t want any traffic spilling into Granby Road while parents drop off their children. To that end, the proposed plan includes an extensive parent dropoff loop to make sure both schools can be accommodated on the site without any backup. School traffic will also be removed from the residential neighborhoods because a new entrance will be built on the property. The project also includes sidewalks near the school entrance to increase pedestrian safety and either a signalized intersection or a roundabout to slow the traffic. The roundabout solution is currently preferred by the city and most stakeholders, according
The current Anna E. Barry Elementary School. Reminder Publishing file photo
to Gardner. Vieau said he does not lobby for projects that are not within the purview of the mayor’s office or the city of Chicopee. “Private projects are not lobbied by me, but this is a legacy project,” Vieau stated. “This is our first of 10 elementary schools that need to be replaced. This is the school that has come closest to reaching the end of its useful life.” In the district’s statement of interest, Chicopee identified numerous deficiencies in the existing
facility associated with mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, the building’s envelope and accessibility issues. In addition to the physical plant issues, the district reported that the existing facility does not support the delivery of its educational program. Vieau also stated the city is equipped to handle the debt service, and the project won’t put a huge burden on taxpayers. He said he does not anticipate needing a Proposition 2 ½ override to fund the project.
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Committee exploring permanent metal detectors at high schools By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Holyoke high schools may add an extra layer of security after Mayor Joshua Garcia proposed that the school administration explore options for installing permanent metal detectors at both high schools. During the Sept. 14 School Committee meeting, Garcia explained that there is no current position for or against adding the metal detectors. Rather, this is an exploration phase to analyze potential permanent infrastructure, costs, policies and procedures. The order came after a “swatting call” placed Holyoke High School into lockdown on Aug. 27. On that day, a 911 call from an unidentified source reported that someone may have a firearm in the school. The Holyoke Police Department found no evidence of that, however, and all students and staff were reported
safe after a lockdown and search of the school. Garcia shared that his proposal was partially in response to the recent incident, but he also added that metal detectors have been discussed in the city for years. “Obviously, there was an incident that took place; there was a lot of speculation of what should of, would of, could of, how come, why not,” Garcia said. “This has come up multiple times over the past some odd years I’ve been involved in this community, so I think this is just an opportunity to expand that conversation, explore options.” Garcia also said the decision will come down to the information the school administration finds and whether the School Committee deems metal detectors to be feasible and beneficial. “If it turns out to be something that is not feasible or something that we don’t value, that’s a de-
The School Committee, along with Mayor Joshua Garcia and Superintendent Jackie Glasheen, discuss adding permanent metal detectors at both high schools in the city. Photo credit: Holyoke Media
cision of the body,” Garcia said. “It’s something that maybe we find that it’s good; it’s going to be helpful depending on the result. That’s a decision of the body, but that’s the intention is to show the community that we’re taking this concern seriously; we’re looking under the stone; possibility, practice, and we’re talking about it at minimum.” School Committee member Patty Lubold amended the motion, adding that the Holyoke school administration explore options for improving school safety and security at the high schools, including adding permanent metal detectors. The amend-
ment, which was approved, also said the administration will share options with the School Committee for discussion. Garcia said he liked the change because it allows the district to not only study metal detectors, but alternative options as well. Holyoke Public Schools Superintendent Jackie Glasheen said the district currently has portable metal detectors that can be utilized if there is a threat or if a threat was made. She explained that the principals at each high school will conduct random searches the next day if
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 Barbara E. Boron Sr. Constance Cawley SSJ Edith H. Gaudreau Irene A. Horak Jane H. Krupa Margaret A. Metcalf Elizabeth Mitchell EAST LONGMEADOW Dorothy B. Moreau Henry Earl Record II HAMPDEN David J. Deroche Barbara Shea
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a threat occurs. In that instance, kids will line up, have their backpacks checked and walk single file through the portable metal detector. If the detector beeps, someone can check that student with a wand for further investigation. Glasheen said the problem with that method is it delays the start of school because 880 kids must go through a single metal detector. Glasheen shared that other schools have weapon detectors that don’t go off for a belt buckle or phone but will go off if someone has a weapon. “There are schools that do use that, and kids just walk through, and it doesn’t hold up the whole start of the school day,” she explained. The item was referred to the Finance and Operations Subcommittee for further discussion and investigation.
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Twisted Sister 50th anniversary tour comes to Big E Oct. 2 By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — If you wanna rock this fall, the Big E has the show for you. Legendary ‘80s heavy metal band Twisted Sister is slated to take the Big E Arena stage at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 for the only Northeast stop on their 50th Anniversary Tour. And it’s a tour with its own twist, as Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach will be replacing the band’s longtime lead singer Dee Snider. Snider had to pull out of the tour shortly after the tour dates
were originally announced due to health issues. “It was doing it, then not doing it, then doing it, to contacting Sebastian,” founding guitarist and Twisted Sister manager Jay Jay French told Reminder Publishing of the convoluted road that brought the band back together for this anniversary tour. Ironically, it was Snider, French added, who had convinced him and fellow founding member Eddie Ojeda to originally commit to the tour. The last time the band performed together was a one-off at their induction into the Heavy
Metal Hall of Fame in 2023. French said Twisted Sister fans should still expect a show worthy of their legend. “We replaced Dee with a bona fide superstar,” French said, adding that Twisted Sister isn’t the only iconic band that’s seen changes to their talent lineup and still gone on to produce great shows. Freddie Mercury, frontman for Queen, was replaced by an American Idol contestant, Adam Lambert. Sammy Hagar replaced Arrowsmith’s David Lee Roth. When fans want the music, bands find a way to keep providing the magic, French said.
“And Sebastian is a big fan of Twisted Sister,” French shared. French said Twisted Sister is ready to give fans a night to remember when they take the stage at the Big E. The audience can expect to hear their legendary rock anthems “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” as well as deep cuts like “Under the Blade” and “Burn in Hell.” The current setlist includes two of French’s admitted favorites from the band’s early albums, “We’re Gonna Make It” and “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n Roll.” Bach is expected to add at least two Skid Row covers, “I Remember You”
and “Youth Gone Wild,” to the setlist mix. “If they’ve seen us before, they know what to expect,” French said of the upcoming Big E show. “If they haven’t seen us, they will see a performance that equals or exceeds the legend that Twisted Sister has created.” Twisted Sister will share the stage that night with fellow 1980s rock band Tesla. Advance tickets are required, and the concert is expected to be a sellout. To get tickets to Twisted Sister at the Big E Arena, which includes admission to the fair, visit tinyurl.com/TSist.
Fall comes to life at Springfield Museums’ Storybook Harvest As the leaves begin to change and the season turns toward fall, families can celebrate autumn through stories, creativity and hands-on fun at Storybook Harvest at the Springfield Museums on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The program is free with museum admission.
Inspired by beloved children’s books about fall, visitors can explore the season through a variety of activities throughout the day. The full schedule is available at SpringfieldMuseums. org/programs. • Balloon Animals with Professor Knows a Lot
• Leaf Characters: Create a oneof-a-kind leaf character inspired by “The Leaf Man” by Lois Ehlert. • Picture-Perfect Farm: Design an agricultural collage inspired by “Farm Anatomy” by Julia Rothman. • Autumn Scrapbook: Make an
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autumn-themed collage inspired by “My Autumn Book” by Wong Herbert Yee. • Pumpkin Seed Challenge: Guess how many seeds are inside a pumpkin, then count them to see how close you came. The activity is inspired by “How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin?” by Margaret McNamara. • Read-Alouds at the Central Library “Storybook Harvest is a wonderful way to welcome the arrival of fall,” said Larissa Murray, vice president of education & visitor services. “Children can step into the world of their favorite stories while discovering what makes this season so spe-
cial. We’ve created a day filled with opportunities to be creative, explore, imagine and learn, with plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Whether families are longtime museum visitors or joining us for the first time, we hope Storybook Harvest inspires them to slow down, enjoy the season and make memories.” The program is part of the Springfield Museums’ ongoing family programming, which uses art, science, history, and literature to create opportunities for children and families to learn together. MassMutual is the season sponsor of the Springfield Museums.
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CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026
TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD CALL 413-213-6170 • CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON
community
tag sales
APARTMENTS FOR RENT LONGMEADOW-Single Family House Share 3 Rooms For Rent/1 Room Rented-2 Left. Rent $750/$850+utilities. Text 413-539-0371
ARTICLES FOR SALE
GENERAL SERVICES D&S Home Improvement Quality Work at a Fair Price! Licensed and Insured Dave 413-592-9490
DK POWERWASHING HOMES-ROOFS-DECKS-GUTTERS dkpowerwashing@comcast.net Raymour & Flanagan Lamont Reclining Power Sofa Removable backs. Recliners & USB charging on both ends. Like new/7 months old. Beige, 88"L X 37"W. Asking $900. Call 413-562-6514 or text 413-250-8731
AUTO SERVICES CASH FOR JUNK AND REPAIRABLE CARS Free Towing! Friendly, Fast, Same Day Service!
Call/Text 413-219-6839 Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
BUSINESS PROPERTY 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
413-297-4276
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
HANDYMAN Experienced carpenter (30yrs.) Dependable, fair. Free estimates on repairs & home improvements. Call Gary 413-233-6418 Interior & Exterior. Hourly & Daily Rates + Free Estimates. Senior Discount. Call 413-286-4164
HEALTH & MEDICAL 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
HELP WANTED Full-time Payroll/Bookkeeping Specialist in Wilbraham. Amazing opportunity for the right person. Must be experienced. Email bookkeeping opportunity26@gmail.com with resume and interest. Love Horses? Part-time reliable barn worker, Monday-Friday 9:00-1:00, weekends and/or weekdays. Suffield, CT 860-874-8077.
AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Kitchen & Bath Remodel Services. Water Damage Repairs! Quality since 1964. (413) 596-4841
Lic.#E16303
SAM’S ELECTRICAL 5-STAR RATED ELECTRICIAN NO JOB TOO SMALL Real person. Fast answers. Fast response. Exceptional customer service. 24/7 Emergency Service Available Licensed & Insured Call or Text: 413-564-4054
FIREWOOD Wood Chopper Bob's Firewood Green and Seasoned Hardwoods Cut to length, Split, and Delivered (413)426-7529 or (860)463-6519
GENERAL SERVICES A-1 A DUMP TRUCK Attic, cellars, garages cleaned out. Wood and brush removal. Scrap metal removal. Snowplowing/Removal (413)569-0794 (413)374-5377
A.R.A. JUNK & FURNITURE REMOVAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DEMOLITION SHEDS/PATIOS HOUSE CLEANOUTS Appliances & Garage We Recycle & Donate
PETE 413-433-0356
Free Estimates Credit cards accepted Same day service!
CHAMELEON REMODELING & PAINTING
When it's time for a change
CALL THE CHAMELEON
- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR -
Remodeling Kitchens, Baths, and so much more! Residential/Commercial
Fully Insured · Free Estimates
ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
TMR MASON CONTRACTOR All types of masonry and concrete: brick, block, stone stucco. Chimney repairs, foundation repairs, bulkheads, concrete sidewalks, stairs and patios, Fully licensed/ insured. Todd: 413-575-3839
MISCELLANEOUS 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! NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS! Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a non-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-925-2643 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 877-461-0698. Have zip code 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 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 End your tax worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Free consultation. Priority Tax 855959-2267
MISCELLANEOUS
PAINTING & WALLPAPERING
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! 1-877-9070316
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry. Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588
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
REAL ESTATE RENTALS Spacious 4-bed home, 145 Yale St, Spfld. Large single-family home with off-street parking and fenced backyard on corner lot, awaits new tenants! -Kitchen updated -Brand new windows and new installation -2 full bathrooms -Finished basement with laundry area -No pets Call Billy at [413 222-8410]
ROOFING NEW ROOFS-REPAIRS-CLEANING Siding and windows, decks built and repaired. Fully insured. MA Lic #CSFA106255. David Germaine 413-250-3263
TAG SALES ESTATE SALE EVERYTHING MUST GO / ONE WEEKEND ONLY
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.
SEPT 25th - 26th, 9am - 3pm – (NO EARLY BIRDS) 61 STEPHANIE CIRCLE, SPRINGFIELD • Furniture, curio cabinet, loveseats, kitchenware, tools, crystal/glassware, costume jewelry, and more! •
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! 877-916-2103 Have zip code ready! 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! 877-484-8583 Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products SunSetter. America's Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis. Up to 10-year limited warranty. Save $350 today! 855-914-1148 TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277
PLEASE NOTE: CASH ONLY, ALL SALES FINAL, NO PARKING IN ESTATE DRIVEWAY P/U ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE
TANK REMOVAL UNDERGROUND ABOVEGROUND BASEMENT TANK REMOVAL Oil removal available. Permits obtained. Fully licensed/insured. Ground Breakers 566-2250; 530-2266
TUTORING Math tutoring, all levels/ subjects. MTEL, ACT, SAT, MCAS. Text and call: 413-539-0371
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 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
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 & home value! 877-318-6832. Have zip code ready! 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
WANTED TO BUY Wanted! CASH for: ANYTHING OF SIGNIFICANT VALUE! Machinist, Specialty, and Mechanic Tools, Electronics/Audio, Sports Cards, Vintage Toys, Antiques/Collectibles, much more! Call/Text Sam 413-531-5381
EMAIL YOUR NEWS TO
News@TheReminder.com
PRIME PAINTING Fully insured, interior/exterior, carpentry, drywall, cabinet finishing and detailing. References upon request. Free estimates. 594-4479
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
LANDSCAPING GREEN TEAM LANDSCAPING 413-563-4663 Spring Clean-ups, Mowing Service, Bobcat Service, Patio and Retaining Wall Installation; All Other Landscaping Needs. VERY COMPETITIVE PRICING!
Panzetti
LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Landscape excavation, grading, lawn installation, seeding and hydroseeding, overgrown shrub and tree removal, mini-excavator and skid steer services. Call 413-478-0522
CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOWS & HOUSE WASHING Windows cleaned. Free estimates, fully insured. Call Paul 413-237-2053
Baker Mason Contractors, Inc. Chimneys, concrete & paver walkways, patios, stonework, steps, Bilco hatchway doors installed. Foundation repairs & cellar walls repaired. Licensed & insured. 40+ years experience. 413-599-0015; 413-5693172
All brick, block concrete; concrete steps & walk-ways; new paver walk-ways; paver patios & retaining walls. Chimneys, foundations, hatchways, new basement windows installed and repaired. New hatchway & bulkhead doors. Sump pumps and french drain systems installed. Foundations pointed and stuccoed. Free estimates (413)569-1611 or (413)374-5377
413-364-3157
Insured. 50 yrs. experience. No job too small. Call 413-330-3682
MASONRY / CONCRETE
Concrete, Sidewalks, Floors & Frost Walls! Free Estimates! Call 413-286-4164
HOME IMPROVEMENT
JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN
ROZELL'S LANDSCAPING & BOBCAT SERVICE *Overgrown property? *Excavator Services *Extreme Brush Cutting! *Shrub, Stump, Tree Removal *Lawn/Arborvitae Installed *Loam, Stone, Mulch, Sand *Storm Clean-up *Small Demo *Insured JOSH ROZELL 413-636-5957
OLD SCHOOL WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Cleaning $95 any home; Power washing starts at $99; Window Cleaning starting at $75; Roof Moss Control $99. Call Bob 413-896-6442. FULLY INSURED www.windowcleanup.com
ROGER'S PAINTING, DRYWALL, STUCCO AND CARPENTRY SINCE 1986!
ELECTRICIAN
LANDSCAPING
Personal Touch Garden Service
Landscape design, mulch and stone beds, hedge trimming (specialist), shrub and perennial installation. Call 413-735-3189
PART-TIME DRIVERSNEEDED NEEDED PARTIME DRIVERS We are looking for Home Delivery Drivers to join our team. • $15/hour plus mileage reimbursement • 16-24 Hours per week. • Delivery experience preferred (newspaper delivery, USPS, Amazon, etc.), but not required, as well as knowledge of Northampton- Florence, and/or Westfield. • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle. If interested, please contact Nate Halla Nhalla@thereminder.com • 413-213-6175
SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD
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THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS
ALL THAT’S
2026
FALL
Prepare your landscape for the change of seasons By Melinda Myers
A
DON’T STOP SPRINKLING YET
Gardening author and TV/radio host Special to Reminder Publishing
s summer comes to an end, it’s time to prepare landscapes for fall and winter. Proper fall care helps increase plants’ winter survival, supports pollinators, and promotes the overall health, longevity, and beauty of a landscape. Here’s a list of tips to get your lawn and garden ready for the change of seasons.
Continue watering as needed. This is especially important for new plantings, evergreens and moisture-loving plants; but don’t overlook established trees. Drought stress makes plants, even established ones, more susceptible to life threatening insects and disease.
KEEP UP THE GARDEN CHORES
Remove weeds in gardens and mixed borders. Cooler temperatures and a shorter to-do list make See LANDSCAPE on page 2
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WE PAY 20x FACE VALUE PRE-1964 SILVER COINS!
WE BUY COINS! - GOLD COINS - OLD PAPER MONIES PAYING 20X FACE VALUE OR MORE FOR ALL:
- PRE-1964 SILVER COINS! -
We Pay On The Spot! “WE CAN ALSO COME TO YOU”
Buying Gold & Silver Including Sterling Silver Flatware Broken & Scrap Gold Jewelry
n O y a We P ot! p The S
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WE BUY ENTIRE
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Open Mon–Sat 10am-3pm or by appointment
Dean Reutter 860-836-0983 (Cell phone) Holly Reutter 860-965-9773 (Cell phone)
www.oldetavernantiques.com 11 South Road (Rt. 83) Unit 1, SOMERS, CT 860-749-4653 (GOLD)
ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
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THEREMINDER.COM
LANDSCAPE Continued from page 1
it easier to squeeze in more time for this task. Eliminating weeds now means fewer weeds to pull next year.
GIVE IT ONE LAST CUT
Don’t pack away the mower just yet. Keep cutting the lawn as long as it keeps growing. Mow over fall leaves and leave them and grass clippings on the lawn. The short clippings and quarter-size leaf pieces add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Just make a second pass with the mower, if needed, to cut the leaves down in size.
USE THOSE LEAVES
Put some of the fall leaves to work in gardens as a mulch. They insulate plant roots from temperature extremes, help suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and improve the soil as they decompose. Leaves also provide insulation and winter protection for a variety of beneficial insects, toads and frogs
.DON’T WASTE GARDEN TRIMMINGS
Start a compost pile by mixing fall leaves with other landscape trimmings. Don’t add invasive plants, aggressive weeds or those gone to seed. Leave insect and disease infested or chemically treated plant debris out of the pile. Don’t add fat, meat and other animal products that can attract rodents. Moisten and occasionally turn the pile to speed up the process. Soon it will be a wonderful soil conditioner to put back into the landscape.
RESIST THE URGE TO CUT
Leave healthy perennials stand for winter. Many provide motion, form and texture to the winter garden. This sub-
tle winter beauty may not be as colorful as your summer garden, but it adds interest to what may be an otherwise drab winter landscape. The standing perennials also support songbirds and beneficial insects. Seed heads of many perennials attract seed-eating songbirds, adding color and motion throughout the winter. They also provide winter homes and shelter for beneficial insects that pollinate plants, help manage insect pests and more.
GET RID OF THE BAD STUFF
Remove diseased plant debris and those infested with plant-damaging insects. Removing these from the garden reduces the source of future infestations which means healthier plants with less pest management required. Local municipalities can provide guidance on disposing of pest infested plant debris.
LET THE FROST GUIDE YOU
Wait for several hard frosts when cutting perennials back in the fall. This allows the plant to maximize energy produced and store it in the roots for healthy growth next spring. Make the cut two to three inches above the ground to avoid damaging the crown of the plant.
FENCE WHERE NEEDED
Protect plants and gardens susceptible to animal damage. A
cylinder of hardware cloth at least four feet high sunk several inches into the ground can reduce the risk of rabbit, deer and vole damage. A five-feet-tall fence around small gardens, 8 feet by 13 feet or smaller, with a secure gate can reduce the risk of most critter damage. If fencing isn’t a practical option, consider using repellent. Applying repellent before animals begin feeding provides the greatest success. Look for rain- and snow-resistant repellent, allowing gardeners to reapply less often. Once fall landscape chores are complete, take time to clean, repair, sharpen and store tools for the winter and winterize the lawn mower. Move granular landscape care products to a dry place and liquids to a frost-free location. Store them in a secure location away from pets and children. Take advantage of the often-cooler fall days to prepare gardens for winter. Time spent now can help reduce winter damage and save time as the next garden season begins. Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
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AIR DUCT CLEANING WHOLE HOUSE SPECIAL
FREE ESTIMATE
• Call the owner direct 413-221-6603 • NO pressure • Honest prices up front, not at your house after they give you a phone price
199
$
Starting at
(normally 250 ) $
00
00
• Includes cleaning return & supply main trunks • Includes up to 5 registers • Includes diagnostic & analysis • Offer dryer vent cleaning • Offer sanitizing ducts
Call James Van Houten (owner) NOW at 413-221-6603
CALL
413-221-6603 TODAY
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357 East Columbus Ave, Springfield, MA | 220 Meeting House Road, Hebron, CT
www.advancedairqualityinc.com BUSINESS HOURS: MON–FRI 8AM-5PM | SAT 9AM-2PM | SUN CLOSED
Fall is for Planting!
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an t F a S s I tic! l l a F
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ALL TREES & SHRUBS! Rose Bushes Hydrangeas Evergreens and More! Pumpkins! Pumpkins!
Pumpkins!
and ! more Pumpkins
Elsie’s Creamery The Best Homemade Ice Cream
631 Center St. (Rt. 21) / Mass Tpke Exit 54 Ludlow, MA • (413) 589-7071 www.randallsfarm.net
OPEN EVERY DAY 7AM-8PM
Scarecrow & Pumpkin Decorating Workshops WEEKENDS STARTING SEPT. 26TH
Randall’s Annual Scarecrow Contest! Saturday & Sunday October 17th & 18th
3,000 IN CASH PRIZES!
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FALL FLAVORS
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Check For Fall Creamery Window Hours
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ALL ENTRIES RECEIVE A GIFT!
Saturday & Sunday October 24th & 25th
GIFTS FOR ALL ENTRIES • CASH PRIZES
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICES AVAILABLE
Festive Fall Decorations!! Decorations
Scarecrows Ghosts Witches Flags Door Décor Cornstalks Gourds Indian Corn Straw Bales
Fantastic Fall Flavors!
Randall’s Apple Cider Donuts Fresh Baked Pies Apple Cake Apple Crisp Local Apple Cider Crisp New England APPLES
ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
Pick your own!
N
othing says “autumn” more than heading out to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch to choose your own seasonal bounty! The following is a listing of the pumpkin patches and farmstands, and pick-your-own apple orchards in the region, courtesy of the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture website.
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Be sure to check out the website of each farm before venturing out to check on hours for farm stands and conditions in pickyou-own fields. To check out what else is available during the fall season, including the location of farmer’s markets, buylocalfood.org
PUMPKIN PATCHES AND FARMSTANDS: Plum Brook Farm 416 Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002 info@plumbrookfarm.com plumbrookfarm.com Pine Hill Orchards 248 Greenfield Road, Colrain, MA 01340 413-624-3325 info@pinehillorchards.com pinehillorchards.com Fletcher Farm 17 Gunn Road, Southampton, MA, 413-203-1350 fletchcows@aol.com
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fletcherfamilyfarm.com Red Fire Farm 7 Carver Street, Granby, MA, 413-467-7645 thefarmers@redfirefarm.com redfirefarm.com Austin Brothers Valley Farm 270 West Street, Belchertown, MA 01007 413-668-6842 413-967-9470 austin.farmkids@gmail.com Austinsfarm.com Ioka Valley Farm 3475 MA-43 Hancock, MA 01237 413-738-5915 missy@iokavalleyfarm.com iokavalleyfarm.com/
PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLE ORCHARDS: Quonquont Farm 9 North Street, Whately, MA 01093 413-575-4680 info@quonquont.com quonquont.com Kielbasa Orchards 290 Bay Road, Hadley, MA 01035 413-455-6687 kielbasa.orchards@gmail.com kielbasaorchards.com Plum Brook Farm 416 Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002 info@plumbrookfarm.com plumbrookfarm.com/ Park Hill Orchard 82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-303-0335 See PICK on page 14
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
THEREMINDER.COM
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Too much Halloween haul?
W
How to repurpose that extra candy
hat can be better than spending a day with friends, decked out in costume as you accumulate a mountain of sweet treats? That’s what trick-or-treaters do every Halloween, and sometimes the cache of candy is more than a person can consume in a lifetime. When October rolls into November and Thanksgiving is on the horizon, few people want to be staring at a witch’s cauldron full of chocolate bars. Rather than be wasteful and throw it away, they can utilize that candy in many different ways.
S’MORES COOKIE
Turn miniature chocolate bars into a campfire treat with a cookie twist. Press premade cookie dough into a round cast iron skillet and bake until cooked throughout. Add chopped up pieces of chocolate and marshmallows on top, and place under the broiler a few minutes until melted and gooey. Slice up to serve or dig in with spoons.
CANDY BARK
Melt down any chocolate you may have and spread it on a baking sheet. Sprinkle chopped up leftover candy on top and allow to cool. Break into pieces for a homemade chocolate bark.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE
Save the candy in a zip-top bag for freshness and reserve for decorating gingerbread houses around the holidays.
BIRTHDAY PI–ATA
If there is a birthday on the horizon, use the Halloween candy to stuff the pi–ata.
PARADE ROUTE
CONFECTIONARY PIZZA
Purchase premade pizza dough or make your own. Bake the dough on a pan with no toppings. Afterwards, spread a layer of peanut butter or hazelnut spread on top. Then set up a fixings bar with various candies that others can add to their pizza slices. Options include chocolate candies, miniature pretzels, marshmallows, or gummy candies.
STAINED GLASS COOKIES
Turn hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers¨) into works of art. Fill sugar cookie cutouts with hard candies in the middle. When the cookies bake, the candies will melt and then turn soft after cooling.
Candy-topped brownies
ter with some embellishments. Mix chopped caramels into the batter, or add other candies for flavor and fun.
Brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even bet-
Veteran’s Day parades are held each November. Start a new tradition in town where donated candy will be tossed out to the crowd by those marching in the parade.
DONATE
Various organizations will gather and ship leftover candy to troops stationed overseas or donate the goods to first responders, veterans and others. It’s fun to gather treats on Halloween. But when the collected candy is simply too much to eat, there are various ways to put it to good use. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Quality Eyewear for the Entire Family.
FAIRVIEW AUTO SALVAGE 781 LUDLOW ROAD • CHICOPEE, MA • 413-532-7463
• We Carry a Wide • Auto Repairs • High Quality Variety of Used Cost Less With Engines for a Car Parts Our Parts Variety of Vehicles
Licensed Opticians and your local experts who will focus on your vision, comfort and appearance.
We provide the best in Adult and Youth Sport, Fashion and Safety Eyewear - no matter how complex your correction.
We buy junk cars and sell used parts for lower prices than anywhere else! We are Licensed and Insured.
We are an authorized Wiley X dealer.
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We offer a 30 day guarantee on parts purchased from our salvage yard. Find reliable parts, such as windows, car panels, transmissions, and more.
241 King St. • Suite 123 Northampton, MA 413-241-5166
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Halloween & Thanksgiving are quickly approaching! Make your lawn/gardens look beautiful again this year with our endless options of Fall Décor: Mums, Ghosts, Scarecrows, Pumpkins & more.
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
|7|
V
isiting a local apple orchard and picking one’s fill of apples is a quintessential fall activity. Apple picking is an ideal way to spend time outdoors when the
Apple picking pointers
weather tends to be cool and pleasant. Gathering fresh-from-the-tree fruit to turn into favorite fall desserts like cobblers and pies is irresistible. According to the Economic Research Service, Washington state is the leading apple producer in the United States. It is followed very distantly by New York and Michigan. Apples were first cultivated in Canada by early French settlers, with the first trees planted in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley around 1633. Today, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia have become strong players in the apple business. While other areas may not be apple meccas, those look-
ing to pick their own have plenty of options across North American to enjoy this pastime. Prior to an apple picking adventure, people can do a little preparation to ensure the afternoon is fun and fruitful.
DO SOME RESEARCH
Before individuals head out, they should do research into the available orchards and which apple varieties they specialize in. Ripening seasons vary, so certain varieties may not be available at all times. Call ahead to learn which apples are ripe and when.
VISIT EARLY
The best apples are often available early in the season before the
trees have been heavily picked over. It’s also a good idea to visit the orchard early in the day, which means cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Orchards can be dusty, muddy and buggy. The ground also may be uneven. Individuals can wear comfortable clothes and closedtoed shoes that can get dirty. Also, they should dress in layers, as it can be chilly early in the day and then warmer later on.
PICK CORRECTLY
Instead of yanking on the apples, which can damage the tree and apples, people should gently roll or twist the apple upwards from the
branch. If the apple is ripe it will detach easily with stem intact.
AVOID BRUISING
It’s wise to inspect the apples to make sure they are firm and brightly colored. Those with bruising or insect damage should be left behind.
DON’T OVERLOAD
Only pick what you need. Apples are delicate, and overloading the apples into bags can crush or bruise the ones on the bottom. Plus, over-picking means that the apples may spoil before they can be eaten. After a day at the orchard, apples can be stored unwashed in a cool, dark place, which will help them stay fresher, longer. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
|8|
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Always a good scare at McCray’s
I
By Debbie Gardner
dgardner@thereminder.com
t’s as much a tradition on McCray’s Farm as fall pumpkin hayrides, ice cream from the creamery and the free petting zoo. As soon as the calendar flips to October, it’s time for Fear on the Farm. Brainchild of Holyoke native and avowed Halloween aficionado Dan Augusto, Fear on the Farm is the longest continuously operating haunted hayride attraction in the state. Even COVID-19 didn’t stop the scares.
“We were the only attraction allowed to be open during the shutdown,” Augusto shared. This fall marks the 36th season for the annual Halloween scare fest that Augusto first created in 1991 on a small area of the farm that owner Don McCray let him use. “I did a Google search just for the heck of it because I started the same year as Spooky World did. They opened a week before us,” Augusto shared. “So, I just searched ‘What’s the longest running haunted hayride attraction in Massachusetts,’ and we’re it now.” Like Fear on the Farm, Spooky World was born on a farm, this time in Berlin, Massachusetts. Billed as America’s first major horror-themed scream park, it closed in 1998, then went through subsequent iterations at different Massachusetts locations before relocating to Litchfield, New Hampshire, in 2009. But while Spooky World had a famous producer and special effects artist as founders, and boasted celebrity guests, Fear on the Farm was a grassroots operation from the beginning and has always been a showcase for local talent and fellow Halloween-lovers. Fear on the Farm General Manager Briget Reilly said from the beginning, the original haunted hayride concept, dubbed Monster Mash, was a hit. “Within the first two weekends, there wasn’t enough parking space to park all the cars,” Reilly said. And the popularity never waned. At the 10-year mark, Augusto said Fear on the Farm added a haunted corn maze to the annual haunted hayride. At the 11-year mark,
the crew created a small haunt in a 40-foot-long car port. The car port eventually grew into what is now Massacre Manor. A string of damp fall seasons forced Fear on the Farm to eventually abandon the haunted corn maze. “There was just too much mud,” Augusto said. Massacre Mansion took on more prominence and was expanded as the seasons continued. When original farm owner Don McCray passed away before the 22nd season, Augusto and his crew created the D.O.N., or Diagnostic Operations Nexus, haunted walk-throughs, using his initials for the attraction as a homage to his years of support, bringing the scare areas to a total of four themes.
ALWAYS UPPING THE SCARE FACTOR
From the humble beginnings of backyard-built scare scenes and costumes from Augusto’s own collection to today’s crew of carpenters and costumed actors, Fear on the Farm has always strived to provide guests with the best in Halloween entertainment. That means taking a fresh look at the attraction areas — the 20-minute haunted hayride and the haunted walk-throughs — every season. “Each year we try to change each of the haunts and add on to different areas,” Augusto said. For example, they’ve slowly repurposed areas in Massacre Mansion that were out of public view to expand the attraction. “We currently have the whole front of the haunt, the front quarter of the mansion, torn off, and we’re rebuilding and retheming that,” Augusto said. He said the crew is also changing up the entire first section of the hayride for 2026. See MCCRAY’S on page 9
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
|9|
MCCRAY’S
traction down. “We’re at the mercy of the weather here in New England and we’re all outdoors, “Reilly said. “The only perfect season was 2004.” Augusto jokingly added, “Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate.” Fear on the Farm is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. until the last guest runs out screaming. General admission for the 2026 season is $30 per person. Fast Pass admission, which allows ticket holders to skip the line, is available online for $55. For more information visit their website at fearonthefarm.com. For updated weather closures, visit their Facebook page, updated daily, at facebook. com/fearonthefarmatmccraysfarm.
Continued from page 8
Reilly said Fear on the Farm is employing social media to showcase the changes they’re making for the upcoming season. “What you hear during the season is, ‘Oh well, they didn’t change this. They didn’t change much in the haunt, they didn’t change much on the trail,’ and that gets frustrating for the build crew because they are here every Saturday and Sunday during the summer,” Reilly said. “So, putting it out on social media is to try to show you, ‘Hey, we are changing. Hey, this is new.’” Reilly said they’ve also employed their Facebook page to showcase some of the attraction’s legacy characters, such as the Gravedigger, Jack O’ Lantern, the petrified pumpkin farmer, and some of the clowns, like Sparky, who were around before there was a Clown Town section of the haunt. Their colorful comic book-like profile pages will be collected into a commemorative book available at the attraction’s concession stand, Reilly added. Beyond highlighting characters on their Facebook page, Fear on the Farm is now also making character interactions available in the new Midway section, added during the 2024 season. Located in the lot below the farm’s mingolf area, the well-lit midway helps streamline the loading and unloading of hayride guests while it also offers waiting riders an opportunity to grab a snack or a photo with a character. The concession stand offers Fear on the Farm T-shirts as well as snacks like mini-donuts, kettle corn, bottled beverages and, through a temporary permit, beer and alcohol. Augusto said Mike McCray, son of the original owner, closely monitors the alcohol sales to ensure the atmosphere is family-friendly all season long.
IT’S THE CHARACTERS THAT KEEP PEOPLE COMING BACK
Augusto said Fear on the Farm takes a different approach to its hauntings, allowing characters to develop their own personas rather than providing scripts for them to follow. For instance, the legacy character Gravedigger, developed during the hayride’s initial season, was the product of the last mask in the
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box, a tattered flannel shirt, a shovel and the actor’s imagination. Reilly said the secret is that Fear on the Farm actors “love entertaining people, not just scaring people, but making people laugh and suspending reality for everybody.” “I mean, not every wagon is blood-curdling screaming,” she continued. “Some wagons they’re laughing, some wagons they’re shrieking with laughter and wonder.” Their actor’s strength, she said, is being able to read the audience in front of them. “They’re able to read the customers in front of them and say, ‘Ok, I’m going to scare her. I’m going to entertain him, and I’m going to make him laugh’,” Reilly said. Augusto added, “The one thing that I love about our crew is they can terrorize one person, turn and see a child that is ready to burst
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out crying, and they’ll actually take the time to kneel down discreetly, let them know that it’s make believe and sometimes they’ll have candy or a little trinket to give the child so the child doesn’t leave with nightmares.” Reilly noted that last season, one of the clowns took a child aside and had that child scare her father, “So that child felt like she was part of the show.”
HOPING FOR A GOOD SEASON
Fear on the Farm, which opens on Friday, Oct. 2, in 2026, has a total of 15 nights to scare and entertain guests during its five weekends of operation. Both Augusto and Reilly are hoping for a good run, with no rain to close the at-
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
| 10 |
Get the inside ready for winter
I
t’s not uncommon to spend a lot of time out of the house when the weather outside is warm. The popularity of outdoor living spaces has made it easier than ever to enjoy nature without leaving home, which can generally be done from late spring to mid-fall each year in many regions. But as fall creeps toward winter and temperatures drop, it’s time to head back indoors. As millions prepare to go back inside with winter approaching, it can be beneficial to winterize a home so interior spaces are more comfortable and exterior spaces are better able to withstand potentially harsh winter weather.
down, check all CO detectors to make sure they’re working properly and replace any that are not.
CHECK FOR DRAFTS
Check around windows and doors throughout the home to see if there are any gaps that are allowing air from outside to enter the home. If daytime temperatures are mild well into the fall, then it can be difficult to see if there are any drafts before the sun goes down. Conduct this check in the evenings when temperatures are a little more chilly and leaks are easier to detect. If drafts are detected, apply weather stripping around doors and windows that do not require replacement. If there’s drafts around aging windows and doors, consider replacing them.
CHECK YOUR CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Fall is a great season to open the windows in many regions that feature prototypical autumn air. But the crisp air of fall will eventually give way to much colder air, at which time the windows will be closed and likely remain shut for months to come. The Minnesota Department of Health notes that carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that cannot be detected by the senses. When windows remain closed for long periods of time, such as in winter, the buildup of CO, which can come from sources like water heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces, and clothes dryers, can poison residents over time. CO detectors are a safety net against such a fate, but they must be operating at peak capacity in order to be effective. As fall winds
CALL A CHIMNEY SWEEPING SERVICE
Cozying up beside a fire can make anyone forget the cold weather outside. But fireplaces should be subjected to a thorough cleaning by a skilled professional before each winter. Animals might have nested in the chimney since the fireplace was last used, and you will want any nests cleared prior to lighting your first fire of the season. In addition, the tar-like substance creosote, which forms when wood is burned in a fireplace, can build up and harden over time. That’s a dangerous prospect, as
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creosote is highly flammable, which can lead to chimney fires. Creosote also can block the flow of air through a chimney, and that can trap gasses, including CO, in a home.
REVERSE YOUR FANS
It’s a simple step but one people may not even realize they can make. In homes with ceiling fans, residents can reverse the fans so the blades spin clockwise. This simple step pushes trapped warm air hovering around the ceiling into the living space below. This can make home interiors warmer without requiring residents to turn up the thermostat and increase their energy bill.
REPLACE YOUR HVAC AIR FILTER
Replacing the air filter on your HVAC prior to winter can make the unit operate more efficiently, which can help reduce your wintertime energy bill. Replacing the filter prior to winter also improves indoor air quality, which is a notable benefit during a time of year when the windows typically remain closed for months. Winterizing a home is not a significant undertaking, but it can be very effective at making homes healthier and more comfortable once windows are closed for the season. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Create a cozy backyard firepit
A
firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. Before you can share time around the firepit with loved ones, however, consider these tips to elevate your outdoor space.
need tools such as a shovel for digging the base, a level to ensure even construction and adhesive or mortar for binding materials together. Depending on your design, you may require a metal fire ring, grill grate or mesh cover.
KEEPING SAFETY IN MIND
Safety should be your top priority when building and using a backyard firepit. Always place your firepit at least 10 feet away from any structures, trees or flammable materials. Make sure the area is clear of dry leaves and other debris that could catch fire. Consider installing a spark screen to prevent embers from escaping and always keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DESIGN
When it comes to building a DIY firepit, the design you choose can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality. From classic stone pits to modern metal designs, the options are nearly endless. Think about the size and shape as well. Circular designs are traditional and encourage conversation while square or rectangular pits offer a more contemporary look.
Article courtesy of Features Impact
ENHANCING AMBIANCE WITH SEATING AND LIGHTING
GATHERING MATERIALS AND TOOLS
Creating a cozy atmosphere around your firepit involves more than just the fire itself. Comfortable seating is essential for making your outdoor space inviting. Choose weather-resistant chairs, benches or DIY log stools arranged in a circle
Essential materials include bricks, stones or metal parts for the structure, as well as gravel or sand for the base. Fireproof materials are a must to ensure safety and longevity. You’ll also
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to foster conversation. Ambient lighting from string lights, lanterns or solar-powered path lights can elevate the mood and extend the usability of your firepit into the evening. Consider adding citronella candles or torches to keep insects at bay while enhancing the ambiance. Visit eLivingtoday.com to find more ideas to enhance your living spaces.
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| 11 |
Halloween craft ideas for kids
H
alloween is an enjoyable holiday for all, but particularly for children. Kids enjoy the opportunity to channel their whimsy and imagination, whether that involves choosing a clever costume or helping design the theme and scope of home decorations. Parents, guardians and educators can channel the creativity inspired by Halloween into various craft projects. Crafts can not only keep children busy when the “I’m bored” lamentations inevitably turn up, but crafts also are a way to keep children off of screens. Plus, the items that children create can be used to decorate rooms in the house Ñ helping to curb added expenses on commercial decor. The following are some Halloween crafts children can make alone or with the help of older siblings and parents.
JACK’S SLIME
The toothy grins of jack-o’-lanterns can be seen just about everywhere come Halloween, and the bright orange color of pumpkins heralds the start of fall. What better way to say “Halloween is here” than with a craft that can be displayed and also played with? Slime is something that’s always a big hit with kids. Here’s a recipe for slime, courtesy of The Best Ideas for Kids. Ingredients: 6 ounces of Elmer’s glue (substituting with another brand of glue may not produce the same results) Orange food coloring to create desired hue 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 11/2 tablespoons of contact lens solution (one that contains boric acid in the ingredient list, as that is what causes the chemical reaction to form slime) Optional: 2 tablespoons of water added to the glue before the baking soda if you desire a stretchier slime Black felt or black construction paper, cut into the eyes and mouth of a jack-o’-lantern Small mason jar with lid
FOREST SPIDER
Take a trip to a nearby forest or wooded trail and gather up round pinecones that have fallen. Purchase brown pipe cleaners and cut four of the cleaners in half to form eight legs. Glue the legs on the pinecone and attach several small googly eyes and two larger ones to form the eyes of the spider.
PAPER ROLL TREAT HOLDERS
Rather than discarding the tubes inside of paper towel or toilet paper rolls, let kids transform them into monster craft treat holders. They’ll be perfect for party favors or even to give out to neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Cover the bottoms of the rolls with masking tape so treats won’t fall out. Paint the outside of the cardboard rolls and let dry. An alternative is to cover the rolls in colored paper for less messy fun. Then use markers or paper cut-outs to form faces of the monsters. Fill the rolls with treats, then stuff a piece of tissue paper in each top to add even more personality to the creations and hide the treats inside.
GHOSTLY LEAVES
Make a truly eco-friendly craft on Halloween, with ghosts made out of leaves, eliminating the need to use extra paper. Paint large leaves with white paint. On the narrow-most point on top of the leaves, paint black eyes and mouths. When completely dry, scatter on a table or sideboard for some scary fun, or use double-sided tape to stick to windows and doors.
Method: Decorate the mason jar using a bit of glue to stick the black paper or felt face pieces to the outside of the jar. Mix all the ingredients of the slime in a small bowl and pour into the decorated jar.
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
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| 12 |
Sights to see at fall harvest festivals
J
ust as summertime is synonymous with concerts and carnivals, fall is a prime time for its own opportunities for seasonal entertainment, such as harvest festivals. Certain features overlap between summer carnivals and fall festivals, but the latter offers some unique offerings as well. The following are some things to expect when fall festival season hits full swing.
SEASONAL FARE
Many fall harvest festivals are built on the foods harvested in the fall for that region. In Wisconsin, that may be cranberries, while in Massachusetts it could be oysters. Apples also turn up in many areas starting in September. For those who canÕt wait to bite into food picked at the peak of its season, a fall harvest festival canÕt be beat.
apple turnovers, apple pies, fried apples, and others are bound to be sold by vendors, along with traditional fair foods, like funnel cakes.
LEAF-PEEPING OPPORTUNITIES
Lemonade stands that are staples of summer give way to hot or cold cider offerings come the fall. Cold ciders are perfect for an unseasonably warm fall day while warm varieties are tailor-made for days when thereÕs a chill in the air.
CIDER STATIONS
Some festivals are geared around chances to view the fall foliage that abounds in primarily rural areas. A mountain or forest backdrop adds vibrant color to any event. Coastal areas may set up fall foliage cruises that let guests see the leaves from a new perspective.
PUMPKIN PATCHES
CORN MAZES
Fall harvest organizers pick and display pumpkins in fields to make it easier for youngsters to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween carvings. ItÕs a sea of orange this time of year, and things may get more colorful with non-edible gourds in shades
Fall festivals set up adjacent to or on farms may have corn mazes for the kids. These mazes may be kept up throughout October and repurposed into haunted mazes for older kids looking to get a scare for Halloween.
WINE TASTINGS
WAGON RIDES
Many grape varieties are harvested in the fall, so fall harvest festivals may capitalize on that and invite local vineyards to set up tables providing tastings of their vintages. Vineyards also may host their own fall festivals, featuring sips and snacks with live music. Fall offers a host of entertaining festivals geared around the harvest season. These festivals are ideal ways for people to see the sights and nibble on seasonal delights along the way.
Farms and the tools of the farming trade are part of harvest festivals. Wagons transporting crops are a classic sight, even if theyÕre no longer heavily relied upon on the farm. Rather than a cargo bed full of corn or apples, harvest festivals tote families around on wagon rides or on hay bale beds towed by tractors.
APPLES GALORE
Candied and caramel apples and many other apple products feature prominently at many harvest festivals. Apple fritters,
W
of white or yellow.
Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Tips for winterizing exterior living areas
hen the summer entertaining season draws to a close, homeowners need to ensure their outdoor living areas can handle weather that’s right around the corner. Although outdoor furniture and other items tend to be durable, the impact snow, wind and ice can have on them may lead to damage over time. That is why many homeowners take steps to winterize their outdoor spaces and protect their belongings. Here’s a look at how to prepare for the winter to come.
FURNITURE
Cover or store furniture to protect it from the elements. Covering it with weather-proof covers can be adequate if storing items indoors is not possible.
DEEP CLEAN
Items that will be covered or stored should be thoroughly cleaned prior to being removed from spaces for the season. Lingering dirt and moisture can cause damage.
INSULATE AND DRAIN
Don’t risk damage to pipes, which can freeze and crack in the cold. Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain water lines to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Use foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing and cover any exposed pipes.
APPLY MULCH
After cleaning up garden debris, think about applying mulch to garden beds and cover tender plants to protect them from the weather.
INSPECT AND REPAIR
Inspect walkways and driveways for any damage and make repairs now so water will not seep in and cause further issues with freeze-thaw cycles. Consider applying a sealant to protect surfaces from snow and ice.
CHECK GUTTERS
Be sure that gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and any additional debris. If gutters and downspouts are not cleaned, ice dams may form on the roof and cause water damage.
POOLS AND SPAS
It’s essential to follow the industry or manufacturer recommendations for closing down swimming pools and spas for the season. While covers may not be essential in all climates, covering can help prevent leaves and other debris from getting in the water. Water should be expelled from pipes and tubing to prevent freezing and bursting. If space allows, consider moving the pool pump indoors to prolong its longevity. Turn off the electricity to the outlet where the filter is plugged in. There may be additional, region-specific steps to winterize a property, but these pointers are a good starting point to protect outdoor spaces. Article courtezsy of Metro Creative Graphics
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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026
| 13 |
Delicious soup perfect for the season
Cooler weather arrives just as prime entertaining season heats up. Those who will be hosting gatherings soon can expand their recipe repertoire to feed guests and keep them satisfied. Borrowing some flavors from the season can make entertaining festive and even more flavorful. Pumpkins and winter squashes are popular in fall, and their versatility undoubtedly contributes to that popularity. However, when chilly days require some-
thing to warm you up from the inside out, nothing can beat a soothing soup. And soup recipes can be altered to easily feed a crowd. Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for “Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippeli.
Hello Autumn!
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ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH PUMPKIN CRISPS
TRY OUR FUN FALL FLAVORS!
Serves 6 to 8
Ingredients: 3 to 3 1/2 pounds pumpkin 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric Pinch of cayenne pepper 4 cups vegetable stock Salt and ground black pepper 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish For the pumpkin crisps Wedge of fresh pumpkin, seeded 1/2 cup olive oil Method: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prick the pumpkin around the top several times with a fork. Brush the pumpkin with plenty of the oil and bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Leave until cool enough to handle. Take care when cutting the pumpkin, as there may still be a lot of hot steam inside. When cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop out and
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chop the flesh. Heat about 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil (you may not have to use all of it) in a large pan and add the onions, garlic and ginger, then cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin flesh and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender. Cool the soup slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the rinsed out pan and
season well. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin crisps. Using a swivel-blade potato peeler, pare long thin strips off the wedge of pumpkin. Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Reheat the soup and ladle it into bowls. Top with the pumpkin crisps and garnish each portion with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
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An apple crisp everyone can enjoy
entertaining season in December. That leaves plenty of opportunities to offer apple-based desserts. Crisps are desserts that have streusel-like toppings, and are close cousins to cobblers, which feature more of a biscuit topping. The crunch of the streusel on this “Apple Crisp” from “Danielle Walker’s Eat What You Love” (Ten Speed Press) is addictive. It replaces a traditional oats or flour-sugar mixture crisp into something those who are gluten-free can enjoy.
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As soon as the calendar turns to fall, it seem, everything is awash in orange, including food. Pumpkin products are ubiquitous this time of year, and everything from muffins to cookies to coffees are given pumpkin-infused spins. Although it may seem like there is no room on the menu for anything other than pumpkin right now, fans of another fall favorite can rest assured that apples will never fall out of favor on the dessert table. Apples come into season early in September but remain tasty staples all the way through the holiday
GLUTENFREE APPLE CRISP
The Harvest is in!
Serves 8 to 10
ORC
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cashew flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 3 tablespoons arrowroot flour 14 cup maple sugar 1/4 cup coconut sugar 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2cup chilled ghee, or palm shortening 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 3 pounds baking apples Finely grated zest of 1 orange Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4teaspoon ground allspice Whipped cream (dairy or nondairy), optional Method: Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cashew flour, coconut flour, arrowroot, maple sugar, coconut sugar, and salt. Mix the ghee into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives, until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand. Add the shredded
APPLES!
Pick Your Own Apples in September and October! Call the Farm!
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coconut, and use your hands to toss and squeeze the mixture until large, moist clumps form. Place the bowl in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into large wedges. In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the apples with the orange zest, lemon zest, lemon juice, maple
syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Remove the topping from the freezer and scatter it over the apples. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, until the top is brown and the sauce is bubbling. Serve warm with whipped cream on top. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
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Family-friendly activities for fall
F
all is a welcome season for many people. The cooler temperatures and still-ample sunlight mean there is plenty of time to enjoy the great outdoors even if summer has ended. Fall activities dot the calendar, with several different options for individuals and families to get involved. According to Acenda Integrated Health, incorporating family time into a schedule is crucial for a child’s development. It’s also key to have time to get a break from busy schedules. Fall is a great time to do just that with these activities.
APPLE-PICKING
Few things are more refreshing than taking a bite out of an apple fresh off the tree. Orchards are bursting with apples this time of year, and an afternoon spent picking apples is a great way to spend time together.
LEAF TREASURE HUNT
Everyone can head outdoors with a bag or basket to gather leaves. Look for the brightest color or the crunchiest leaf that can be found. The leaves can be pressed between wax paper to save them.
FALL FESTIVALS
Outdoor festivals are ideal for families because they tend to feature crafts, food, music, and activities.
PICK
FALL BAKING
Turn those plucked apples into pies or muffins, or use pumpkin and cinnamon to fill a home with delicious seasonal smells. Kids can help stir, pour and sprinkle ingredients.
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Bashista Orchards 160 East Street, Southampton, MA 01073 413-527-9091 skyline@crocker.com gotcider.net Clarkdale Fruit Farms 303 Upper Road, Deerfield, MA 01342 413-772-6797 ben@clarkdalefruitfarms.com clarkdalefruitfarms.com
Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics
Corn mazes may be set up adjacent to pumpkin patches, so the family can pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve and then try to navigate the maze.
SPOOKY WALK
Halloween lands right in the heart of fall. Enjoy a walk through the neighborhood checking out people’s Halloween decorations. A night walk with flashlights to listen to the sounds of animals can be “scary” in its own right. Another idea is to go to a haunted house or walk sponsored by a school or amusement park.
Phoenix Fruit Farm 249 Sabin Street, Belchertown, MA 01007, USA elly@phoenixfruitfarm.com phoenixfruitfarm.com Kosinski Farms 420 Russelville Road, Westfield, MA 01085 413-896-0475 kosinskifarms@comcast.net kosinskifarms.net New Salem Preserves 67 South Main Street, New Salem, MA 01355 978-544-3437 cbhillman@gmail.com newsalempreserves.com
Sentinel Farm 37 Cottage St., Belchertown, MA 01007 413-559-8435 Sentinelfarm37@gmail.com sentinelfarm.com
Enjoy a pick-up game of flag or touch football. It’s a great way to enjoy time outdoors and expend some physical activity. Fall is a perfect time to enjoy family-friendly activities.
CORN MAZE
Roundhill Orchards 1 Douglas Road, Southampton, MA 01073 413-562-4985 andyappleseed@gmail.com
Continued from page 4
FOOTBALL
Hager’s Farm Market 1232 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne, MA 01370 413-625-6323 hagersfarmmarket@gmail.com hagersfarmmarket.com Apex Orchards 225 Peckville Road, Shelburne, MA 01370 413-625-2744 FarmStore@ApexOrchards.com apexorchards.com Pine Hill Orchards 248 Greenfield Road, Colrain, MA 01340 413-624-3325 info@pinehillorchards.com pinehillorchards.com Fern Valley Farms 758 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095, USA 413-367-4422 fernvalleyllcoperations@gmail.com
fernvalleyfarmsllc.com/ Mountain Orchard, LLC 676 Main Road, Granville, MA 01034 413-357-8877 eajensen@juno.com mountainorchard.com Breezelands Orchards 1791 Southbridge Rd, Warren, MA, USA 413-436-7100 marktuttle230@gmail.com breezelandsorchards.com/ Cook’s Farm Orchard 106 Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield, MA 01010 413-245-3241 cooksorchard@gmail.com cooksfarmorchard.net/ Information courtesy of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
Fall Into Mums and More! Open September 1st - October 31st
Mums, pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, and primitive autumn decorations. Family Fun with our Little Rascal Pumpkin Patch!
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Plan ahead now to save on energy bills this winter
orried about rising energy costs as you look ahead to the colder months? You’re not alone. Nearly seven in 10 Americans (68%) are already struggling with higher utility bills, which show no signs of going down. With autumn upon us, it’s natural to start thinking about ways to keep heating bills from getting out of control.
vents, air registers or radiators are not blocked by furniture, and are clear of dust and debris.
TRY A HOME ENERGY AUDIT
TAKE CARE OF HVAC MAINTENANCE NOW
You could pay for a professional energy audit, but many local utility companies offer free, low-cost or subsidized home energy audits. This process can help you discover where you could make improvements that can impact your heating costs. Typical energy audits evaluate your home for things like air leaks around windows and doors, your home’s insulation, the efficiency of your HVAC system and more. Some programs even offer free products including LED light bulbs. If your local company doesn’t offer this service, you can perform your own energy audit, following advice from organizations like the National Association of Home Builders.
Replace all your lighting with more efficient Energy Star certified LED bulbs. Consider using blackout curtains with thermal properties that are effective for retaining heat. Another advantage of planning ahead is that many utility companies and HVAC contractors get booked up far in advance, especially for fall furnace cleaning and tune-up appointments. By calling to schedule your appointment now, you’ll ensure your HVAC system is in great shape before you really need it. This can help prevent emergencies and costly repairs down the road. This is also the perfect time to make sure your furnace filter has been recently changed. Writing the date when you swap out the HVAC filter on the filter itself, as well as setting calendar
Quick steps to improve energy efficiency Energy audits are one helpful step toward identifying areas of your home that need improvement, so that’s a good place to start. Here are a few simple, low-cost DIY tasks which address many common issues found in energy audits:
minders, can help you remember when this vital task needs to be performed next. Changing your HVAC filter at least as frequently as the manufacturer recommends helps keep your furnace running more efficiently. A dirty filter can slow air flow, making your furnace work harder. Frequent air filter swaps also help improve the air quality in your home.
USE YOUR THERMOSTAT SMARTLY
Rather than constantly bumping your thermostat up and down, setting it at a slightly lower, constant temperature can help keep your furnace from overworking. Just a degree or two lower can make an impact in overall energy savings during the winter, and programming your thermostat means you can set it and forget it. For example, you could set it to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, lowering it to 60-65 degrees at night or when you’re not home. If you have an older thermostat or find that heating your home is uneven, upgrading to a newer thermostat or one of the latest smart thermostats can make a big difference in energy efficiency and more consistent heating.
CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL UTILITY COMPANY
Ready to upgrade your home’s HVAC system for a more energy efficient unit? This can be a great way to reduce your costs over the long term. Before you buy, check with your local utility company as well as your state and municipal government to learn about potential rebates or tax credits that may be available to you. Many utility companies also offer cost management programs and energy efficiency programs to help customers navigate the financial impacts of higher utility bills, so it’s worth checking their website or calling to ask. By taking a few of these proactive practical steps now, you can help your home stay warmer and more affordable throughout the colder months of the year.
Caulking and weather stripping for windows or doors can help prevent heat loss, saving anywhere from 5-10% on energy costs over the winter. You may already know from previous winters what areas of your home are harder to keep warm, so take a look at the windows and doors - both inside and outside the home - to find areas where extra caulking or new weather stripping might be needed. Look for obstructions around your home to ensure heat r e -
Article courtesy of Brandpoint
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