JANUARY 8, 2026 | FREE
IN THIS
EDITION LONGMEADOW
Longmeadow’s oldest resident is all smiles through 103 On Jan. 5, Ivan Kobzar was recognized with a cake and a card by Longmeadow Council on Aging Director James Leyden and COA Vice Chair Sandra MacFadyen.
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EAST LONGMEADOW
The Nest ends holidays with successful stocking charity event For three weeks from November through mid December, The Nest, a boutique gift store at 60 Shaker Road, collected items for their first stocking charity event.
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HAMPDEN
Hampden Selectboard begins to weigh options for future The Hampden Selectboard began discussing what to do with the old town offices after moving into the former Thornton W. Burgess Middle School at its Jan. 5 meeting.
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Hoopsters visit seniors, donate to pantry By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — Players and coaches from the East Longmeadow High School basketball spread some holiday cheer at the Pleasant View Senior Center on Dec. 29. The team spent their fifth year at the senior center playing cornhole, along with a donation of 13 bags to their food pantry. “The Pleasant View Senior Center is so grateful to the East Longmeadow High boys basketball team for their generous donation to our food pantry, and for the time they spent with our members playing cornhole on Monday,” Council on Aging Director Emily Constantino said. “Their visit brought great energy to the center, and brought a smile to all our members’ faces. Their coach, Gary DeStephano, has instilled the importance of giving back to their community into these boys, and it showed during their visit at Pleasant View. We are all so grateful to have hosted the team for a visit that brought forth the opportunity for laughter, conversation and genuine connection.” The tradition began when head coach Brendan Abad and DeStephano decided they wanted to use their team and platform to help ease certain financial costs among seniors in the community. Nonperishable food items are collected during home games and each player participates in bringing a bag of food. DeStephano said it’s their way of giving back to the community and tackling the issue of food insecurity. “It’s such a great cause,” DeStephano said. “Five years later, we continue to do it because we know it’s important.”
The ELHS basketball team at Pleasant View Senior Center. Photo credit: Gary DeStephano
He said because the need is so high for food, they want to ensure people don’t struggle with putting food on the table as prices rise. He added it teaches the players on the team that “wherever you are in life, it’s great to give back to your community.” “The kids really enjoy the visit, interacting with them, talking with them,” DeStephano said. “We’re very proud of our kids for embracing this. They look forward to it. We
will continue to do it because it helps the community out, helps the seniors out, so why not continue?” DeStephano said that the yearly visits have changed and molded the team’s culture. He said that their intentions with the team were to see it as a family and use the platform to build a sense of togetherness. “As a basketball program we believe that leadership extends beyond competition and
performance,” Abad said. “Our players visiting the senior center, along with donating canned goods and non-perishable items, reflects our commitment to serving others and honoring the community that supports us. These experiences help our athletes understand that true leadership is demonstrated through respect, service and meaningful connections off the court.” See BASKETBALL on page 2
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Boar’s Head Festival returns Jan. 9-11 The East Longmeadow Reminder is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC. The East Longmeadow Reminder is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year. To subscribe visit TheReminderbymail.com
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SPRINGFIELD — From Jan. 9-11, the Boar’s Head Festival will take place at Trinity United Church in Springfield. The festival is based on a medieval festival in England celebrating the Epiphany — the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” host Chris Maza sat down with Boar’s Head Festival Artistic Director Steve Hays to discuss the event. Hays said their version of the festival came into fruition in 1984 after one of the initial organizers had been to another festival and realized Trinity United Church would be the perfect place for it. “The architecture, which is kind of medieval, renaissance in flavor, we had a big music program, and we thought it could be a viable program,” he said. “We opened in 1984 with a pretty complete visualization of what it is today. It was quite a crazy time with making hundreds of costumes, organizing the fundraising, but it has paid off.” Hays also explained what attendees can expect from its twopart program and said that the performance is set in 1526 in England in the Cheshire area. “The first, which we call the festival preparation, is the assemblage of a community that is going to put on the presentation. The festival preparation is about how they work together to pull this off,” he said. “Then there is the festival … and it involves a lot of wonderful music, dance, animals, we have three camels coming down the aisle for the arrival of the kings, a horse, sheep goats, chickens, geese.” As the director, Hays discussed one of the challenges of the festival performance. “As director, I’m trying to make it a blend of highly religious observation, but also earthiness. These are very earth-bound people, they are doing their best to make this festival work,” he said. Hays also spoke highly of the architecture in making the festival a “special event.” “We have wonderful stained glass and at the end of the festival when The Wise Men are there at the alter and everybody is presenting their attention to the Christ child, above the altar comes a stained-glass window of Christ and it’s lit from outside in the backyard and it’s a lovely moment,” he said. “It’s a wonderful area to present this kind of a festival.” Each year a committee of eight to 10 people does all of the planning for the festival each year, which can include an aver-
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A moment that DeStephano said sticks out is seeing the
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A photo from a previous Boar’s Head Festival. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
age of 200-plus people involved in the performances each day, according to Hays. Hays said that directing the festival is “like directing a circus.” “So much goes on throughout the building, it’s not focused on one particular area, it might be focused on about five or six. And that’s part of the fun of this, is that people who come see something going on all around and they enjoy it,” he said. The festival also includes a Madame Elixir with potions for attendees to “increase their life and enjoyment,” mind readers, a falconer and free cookies baked by the committee.
“We have a lot of ways to interact with the audience and make them feel that they are part of this community that has put on this festival,” he said. Hays said one of the most important parts of the festival is the interaction between the cast and the audience. “My job is to keep that interaction within restraints. I want it to be true to the era, to the purpose of this and remind us all that our job is to create an Epiphany celebration, and I that I think is what ultimately motivates our cast to make it a religious experience,” he said. One thing that Hays called “sobering” is how long peo-
ple have been participating in the event for the course of over four decades. “It’s a little sobering — this is the 42nd year I’ve done this — to see people now in their 40s who weren’t born when we started this. Some of them started with children’s roles, teen roles, adult roles and now they’re moving even beyond that,” he said. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online at eventbrite. com/e/boars-head-festival-tickets-1219649948829. To listen to the full conversation, head to thereminder.com/ our-podcast or go to your favorite podcasting platform and search “So That Reminds Me.”
smiles on everybody’s faces. He said the greatest accomplishment is if they can make people smile and feel at ease. “It’s become an important thing for us,” DeStephano said.
“It teaches the players that it’s not just about being on the court, there’s other things in the community to use your platform, use your voice and have a connection. The senior center is
kind of our second home now.” He added that the team will make sure to visit as long as the senior center will have them, and that they also plan to visit again at the end of the season.
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EAST LONGMEADOW EAST LONGMEADOW PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square. For more information or to register, head to eastlongmeadowlibrary.org or call 413-525-5420. Adult programs: • Movie Matinee: “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” — Monday, Jan. 12, at 2 p.m. Teen programs: • Banned Book Club — Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 4:15 p.m. Children programs: • Preschool Storytime — Monday, Jan. 12, at 10 a.m. • Wiggles and Giggles — Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 10 a.m. for ages 2-3 • Let’s Get Messy — Thursday, Jan. 15, at 10 a.m. for ages 2-4.
HAMPDEN HAMPDEN SENIOR CENTER
The following events are organized by the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413566-5588. • AARP Tax Aide Program — The AARP Tax-Aide Program returns for 2026 by appointment only for those aged 50+. Appointments can be made starting Monday, Jan. 12, by calling the senior center. • Luau Luncheon — Jan. 14 at noon. Cost is $6 per person. Beat the winter blues and join us for a tropical island Luau! A delicious lunch of Huli Huli chicken, coleslaw, fried rice provided by Greater Springfield Senior Services, and a
yummy staff-made dessert. The Hampden Senior Center Ukulele Group will provide entertainment.
LONGMEADOW RICHARD SALTER STORRS LIBRARY
The following events take place at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 593 Longmeadow St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-565-4181, or head to longmeadowlibrary.org. Youth programs: • Zen Zone: Coloring — Tuesday, Jan. 13, 3:30-4 p.m. Looking for a calm place to destress in the middle of your week? Visit the Zen Zone and color while listening to soft music. All ages welcome. • Play Big — Wednesday, Jan. 14, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Tiny robot bugs are trying to get across the room! Using magna tiles, blocks, cardboard tubes and more, help our little critters get to the other side. • Painting with Circles — Thursday, Jan. 15, 3:30-4 p.m. Create your own masterpiece using only circles. See what you can image with only one shape. • More Than Mom’s Drop in Playgroup — Saturday, Jan. 17, 9:15-10:15 a.m. A drop-in playgroup for parents with kiddos up to 18 months, hosted by More Than Mom Inc., a nonprofit group providing support to area parents. The group will have a story, bring out some toys, and everyone (parents included) will make some new friends. Come when you can and stay as long or as short as you like and even the fussiest of babies are welcome. Fathers, family members and siblings welcome too. Adult programs: • Loosely Bound Book Club — Tuesday, Jan. 13, 1:30-2:30 p.m. — This month’s selection: “Culpability by Bruce Holsinger”
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Library Virtual Speakers: The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply with David Brooks — Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2-4 p.m. How to Photograph Snow and Ice with Mass Audubon — Tuesday, Jan. 13, 6-7:30 p.m. Don’t hate winter, embrace it! While you may need a warm coat, the colder months are an ideal time to explore nature’s richness and biodiversity. In this class, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to best photograph snow and ice.
LONGMEADOW ADULT CENTER
The following programs are organized by the Longmeadow Adult Center, located at 211 Maple Road For more information or to sign up for programs, call 413-565-4160 option 1. • Property Tax Personal Exemptions Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m. — Join Principal Assessor Maria Cataldo for a presentation on property tax exemptions. Spaces are limited, call the sssessor’s office at 413565-4115 to reserve your spot. • Laughter Presentation Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 1:30 p.m. — This is a 60 minute show for seniors. Robert Rivest includes humorous
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stories from his childhood, classic mime skits, and comic improvisation taken from audience suggestions. Rivest also shares some insightful tips on using breathing, movement and laughter, as a way to cultivate more happiness and joy in our lives. Paul Kulas Polka Thursday, Jan. 15, at 1:30 p.m. — Come to the Adult Center for performance by Army Veteran Paul Kulas. Kulas has been performing since the age of fifteen and now brings his years of musical experience to the Adult Center. Registration is required.
PIZZA WITH PUPPOLO — State Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. met with the Springfield Golden Agers at the Greenleaf Community Center for a community conversation over pizza. During the visit, Rep. Puppolo updated the seniors on what is happening at the State House, including key legislative priorities affecting seniors, public safety, and local community needs. The meeting offered a valuable opportunity for an open dialogue focused on the issues most important to Springfield’s older residents. “Meeting with our seniors is always one of the most meaningful parts of my job,” said Puppolo. “Their insight, lived experience, and passion for our community help shape the work I do every day on Beacon Hill. I’m grateful for the thoughtful conversation we had, and I will continue advocating for the programs and services our seniors rely on.” Puppolo thanked the Golden Agers and the Greenleaf Community Center for welcoming him and reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing engagement with seniors across the district. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
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Longmeadow’s oldest resident is all smiles through 103 By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — On Jan. 5, Ivan Kobzar was recognized with a cake and a card by Longmeadow Council on Aging Director James Leyden and Vice Chair Sandra MacFadyen. Each year on Jan. 1, Kobzar not only rings in the new year, but celebrates another birthday as Longmeadow’s oldest resident. This year, he turned 103. Kobzar was born in Russia in 1923 and moved to the United States in 1990, eventually settling in Longmeadow in 2013. On July 16, 2025, he was recognized by the town with the Golden Cane, a New England tradition dating back to 1909 where the oldest citizen in town is gifted with a 14-karat gold headed ebony cane. The cane had not been awarded in Longmeadow since 2017. He is the father of eight, grandfather of 25, great-grandfather of 36 and great-great-grandfather of three. While Leyden and MacFadyen gave Kobzar his birthday cake, Kobzar said he was very thankful for the recognition and blessed them both to live as long as he has. He added that the best part about birthdays is family being able to celebrate together. During the visit, Kobzar couldn’t take the smile off his face. He said if a person is happy and satisfied with themselves while surrounded by family and friends, they will always be smiling like him.
Ivan Kobzar with his wife Nellie Kobzar. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
Photography club’s meeting brings smartphone pictures into focus LONGMEADOW — On Thursday Jan. 8 at 1:30 p.m. at The Valley Photo Center-Longmeadow Camera Club meeting at the Longmeadow Adult Center on 231 Maple St. will feature a guest speaker, award winning photographer Linda Repasky who will show you how to take your smartphone photos from meh
to stunning. The camera you always have in your pocket and do far more than take snapshots. Join the club to learn how to make the most of your camera phone’s features. You’ll learn practical techniques and tips for using your smartphone to create nature and landscape photos
worth of hanging on your walls. Whether you’re an experienced holographic; her, a casual hike with your phone, or someone who jut wants to take better photos of the New England landscapes, this program is designed to help you get more from the camera you always carry with you.
Repasky is a Belchertown photographer who captures the beauty of local natural resources with her phone’s camera. Repasky is a frequent explorer of the Quabbin reservoir and an avid macro photographer, revealing the tiny patterns, textures, and details in nature that most of walk past.
Her camera phone images have earned her recognition in numerous international photography competitions, even competing agains photographers using sophisticated and expensive digital camera systems. You can view some of her work on Instagram @lindarepaskyphotogry.
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Feds award Massachusetts $162 million for rural health By Alison Kuznitz
State House News Service
BOSTON — Massachusetts secured about $162 million in federal dollars on Dec. 29 to bolster rural health care, part of the first round of funding released in a five-year program. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced it had awarded money to all 50 states through the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, which was created through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. CMS said $10 billion is available annually from 2026 through 2030, with first-year awards averaging $200 million. Funding among other New England states was about $154.2 million for Connecticut, $190 million for Maine, $204 million for New Hampshire, $195 million for Vermont and $156.2 million for Rhode Island, according to CMS. Across all states, funding ranged from $147 million in New Jersey to $281 million in Texas. “More than 60 million Americans living in rural areas have the right to equal access to quality care,” U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. said. “This historic investment puts local hospitals, clinics, and health workers in control of
their communities’ health care.” CMS said the funding will support states as they expand access to care in rural communities, strengthen the rural health care workforce, modernize facilities and technology, and support “innovative” health care models. Half of the program’s budget will be distributed evenly across all approved states to form a foundation for the future of the program. The other half will be allocated based on factors including state rurality metrics, and proposed actions to improve access and quality of care in rural areas, CMS said. States must submit progress reports to federal health officials, and will be “reassessed annually to evaluate progress on initiatives and policy commitments,” according to CMS. Asked how Massachusetts plans to deploy the new funds, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services said state officials “just received the notice” and are reviewing it. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act could also double the state’s uninsured rate and cost $3.5 billion annually once all of its health care components take effect, according to Audrey Shelto, president of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foun-
dation of Massachusetts. In its 63-page application submitted in November, Massachusetts health and human services officials outlined a funding request of $1 billion over five years and a roadmap for how it would spend federal aid. There are 160 rural municipalities in Massachusetts, which represent 57% of the state’s land mass. Those communities “face significant barriers to healthcare including higher uninsurance rates, greater reliance on public insurance, rising chronic disease, behavioral health, and substance use disorder burdens,” according to the state’s application. “Care is often distant, with fewer primary and specialty care access points, fragile EMS, and healthcare systems strained by aging infrastructure,” the application said. “Shrinking access points reflect broader system decline such as rural hospital reductions (11 in 2014 to 6 in 2025), with limited clinics, behavioral health, pharmacies, and longterm care options. Technology and transportation gaps further restrict access.” Massachusetts proposed seven board initiatives surrounding population health advancement, such as improving clinical infrastructure, increasing coordina-
tion, and expanding payment and incentive programs; innovation in rural care models; workforce development, recruitment and retention; supporting community-based prevention activities; EMS service integration; enhancing technology interoperability and connectivity; and facility modernization and reuse. Within the population health advancement initiative, EOHHS said it would launch a technology platform to connect clinical providers, social services organizations and community-based groups throughout rural areas; develop a data platform to track bed and service availability across rural providers; expand remote patient monitoring programs that are integrated with primary care; implement new home visiting programs; and expand hospital-at-home programs. To support innovation in rural care models, EOHHS said it would launch mobile health units; expand telehealth use for pharmacy, dental and behavioral health services; establish the “Rural Digital Health Sandbox Program” with the Massachusetts e-health Institute to encourage tech innovations; invest in maternal health care; and expand opioid treatment sites. On the workforce front, EO-
HHS proposed launching a rural talent recruitment campaign; expanding statewide rural training networks and pipeline programs; establishing rural nurse practitioner residency programs; supporting “pathways” to housing for clinical and support staff; developing incentive programs for field placements and supervising clinicians in rural communities; and creating a virtual workforce training platform. To bolster technology, EOHHS discussed creating a local public health electronic record system, as well as providing cybersecurity support and technical assistance to rural providers. EOHHS also proposed funding “critical capital updates” across rural hospitals, primary care sites and nursing facilities. Without invoking specific hospitals, EOHHS said facilities are “in dire need of investments to support renovations and upgrade equipment to enhance preventive care, increase service offerings, and repurpose underutilized space to both meet community needs and increase revenue for long term fiscal sustainability.” Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz@ stateaffairs.com.
Lawmakers push for tighter disclosure rules on ballot question funding By Sam Drysdale
State House News Service
BOSTON — Facing a potentially crowded and costly 2026 ballot cycle, lawmakers advanced legislation to tighten disclosure rules for ballot question campaigns and reveal who’s funding them. The Joint Committee on Election Laws recommended companion bills, H 868 and S 507, which are now before the House and Senate Ways and Means committees. The votes signal interest among lawmakers in updating laws that critics say have not kept pace with the scale and sophistication of modern ballot campaigns. The Ballot Spending Transparency Act would expand what ballot question committees must report to the Office of Campaign and Political Finance, increase the frequency of required filings, and more clearly define non-cash political support that currently can remain largely out of public view for much of a campaign cycle. Sen. John Keenan co-chairs the Election Laws Committee and said the volume and scope of ballot questions moving through the initiative petition process played a role in his decision to advance the bill. “I think the number of ballot questions that have been proposed for the upcoming election kind of reinforced the need for this,” Keenan said in an interview. “These ballot questions oftentimes, whether it’s one side or the other, they’re very well financed, and the public has a right to know,
and should know, where the money’s coming from behind each side of the argument.” Election officials are reviewing nearly 150 boxes of signatures submitted by campaigns, and as many as 12 questions could be presented to voters in November 2026. The measures span a wide range of policy areas, including tax policy, rent control, public records access, election reforms and housing development. Keenan said that when voters are inundated with ads, transparency about who is paying for them becomes critical. “People turn on the TV or look at social media, and they’re hit with these ads about a ballot question, and they really don’t know where they’re coming from,” he said. “This makes the whole process more transparent. It allows people to get a better sense of who’s behind these ads.” Ballot question committees face less frequent reporting requirements than candidates for office, particularly during the first eight months of an election year, according to the bill summary from sponsor Rep. Daniel Ryan. Sen. Sal DiDomenico is the primary sponsor in the Senate. The legislation would close that gap by requiring more frequent pre-election reports and continued post-election filings until all debts are paid. The bills would also add a statutory definition of “in-kind contributions,” covering non-cash support such as free or discounted goods and services, staff time, or expenses paid on a committee’s behalf. Ballot committees with
SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “CORNER TO CORNER”
questions on the statewide ballot would be required to itemize in-kind contributions worth more than $50, disclose new debts or liabilities, and explain why those obligations were incurred. At an October hearing on the bills, the executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts urged lawmakers to act, pointing to dramatic growth in ballot question spending both nationally and in the commonwealth. “Initiative petitions are a powerful tool for direct democracy that enhance government responsiveness and increase citizen participation,” said Common Cause’s Geoff Foster. “But they can also be used by powerful special interests to buy their preferred public policies, and they often become colossal spending operations. Right now, our reporting requirements for ballot question committees are far too lax.” Dev Chatterjee of Common Cause provided lawmakers with data compiled from OCPF filings showing the scale of the increase. In 2024 alone, Massachusetts ballot campaigns received more than $43 million in cash and in-kind contributions, he said, accounting for 3.4% of national ballot question spending even though the state represents about 2.1% of the U.S. population. Analyzing six election cycles, Common Cause found that ballot committees in Massachusetts raised more than $340 million, with roughly $120 million of that total coming in during months when no reporting was required.
“That’s a massive amount of money moving through the system with no public visibility,” Chatterjee told lawmakers. Legislative leaders, who exercise control over the traditional Beacon Hill agenda, have expressed unease over the role of well-financed interest groups in the initiative process. House Speaker Ron Mariano has questioned whether the state is drifting toward a California-style ballot system dominated by moneyed campaigns. “It really makes me wonder: Are we becoming California, where you go out and get some money because there are very few financial restrictions on some of these special interest groups?” Mariano said in November, after Attorney General Andrea Campbell certified dozens of potential ballot questions. Keenan said he expects some behind-the-scenes resistance from groups that have benefited from looser disclosure rules, but predicted it would be difficult for opponents to make their case publicly. “I think it’s very difficult for
those that support the ballot questions to come out publicly and say, ‘Oh, we don’t want you to know exactly how much we’re spending,’” he said. Rep. Leigh Davis of Great Barrington, a member of the Election Laws Committee, called the proposal a “no-brainer” during the October hearing. Ryan’s bill got a favorable committee recommendation in November and has bipartisan support, including from House and Senate Minority Leaders Brad Jones and Bruce Tarr. Senate Election Laws Committee members also recommended their bill in November, with a 5-0 vote featuring support from Majority Leader Cindy Creem. With the bills now headed to Ways and Means, lawmakers will weigh their fiscal impact and decide whether to advance them at a time when they will also be asked to weigh in on the merits of the 2026 ballot questions. Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
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The Nest ends holidays with successful stocking charity event By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — For three weeks from November through mid December, The Nest, a boutique gift store at 60 Shaker Road, collected items for their first stocking charity event. The event was in support of women and moms who have left domestic violence situations and are sheltered at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. The YWCA is an organization in Springfield dedicated to “eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.” Founded in 1868, it is the fifth largest YWCA in the country and provides shelter, support services and tools for self-sufficiency for women and girls in the community, supporting nearly 12,000 individuals annually. The Nest was able to collect 25 stockings, filled with items like skin care and spa products, jewelry and fuzzy warm accessories. Owner Nancy Souza Giza organized the event and said that she wanted to support the moms who can be otherwise forgotten about. “I was thrilled we were able to fill 25 stockings,” Giza said. “That was my goal. I’m hoping to grow with each year but they were really nice stockings filled with a lot of things.” Giza said she is most proud about the community’s response to the event. She said she had
customers come into The Nest solely to buy items for the event or donate money to the shelter. “I think I was most proud that we could give back to the community, and also women supporting women,” Giza said. “I think that’s such an important thing and I think the women in East Longmeadow and the surrounding towns really pulled through and supported these women who are definitely in need of that help.” Giza said she wasn’t initially familiar with the YWCA prior to the event but said the services they provide are wonderful. She said families are able to stay together and the women are supported right through with things like new clothing, job searches or court appearances. “It’s a wonderful wrap-around program and it’s so close,” Giza said. “I think it’s fabulous, the work that they do.” Something meaningful that Giza said would stay with her is the courage the women living at the YWCA have to get out of abusive situations and obtain a better life for their children. “I think it’s very admirable that they were able to leave a situation which often is extremely difficult and challenging and get help,” Giza said. “That’s nothing more than what a wonderful mother does, puts their kids first. I think it’s fabulous that they’re able to get the support they need to get on a positive track.” Giza also thanked customers
The Nest recently donated 25 filled stockings to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts. Photo credit: Nancy Sousa Giza
of The Nest who were generous enough to donate items and money to help and support women of the community.
“It’s certainly something I want to continue and grow,” Giza said. “I think it’s just really important the community of
East Longmeadow and the towns surrounding have been so supportive to my little business so I definitely want to give back.”
Applications for Vinick Memorial Scholarship awards now open EAST LONGMEADOW — The Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library are offering three Vinick Memorial Scholarship Awards in the amount of $1,000 each. To qualify, the applicants must reside in East Longmead-
ow; be seniors at their respective high schools; plan to enter their freshman year as a fulltime student at an accredited institution of higher learning in the fall of 2026; and have volunteered and/or participated in programs at the East Longmead-
ow Public Library. Scholarship applications are available at the East Longmeadow Public Library and on the Friends’ website: foelpl. wixsite.com/friendsellibrary. Applications and the student’s high school transcript must be
received by Monday, March 16. The three recipients will receive their Vinick Memorial Scholarship Awards at the Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library’s annual meeting which will take place on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Send completed application and transcript to: Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library, Inc. Attn: Scholarship Committee, 60 Center Square, Suite 2, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Forest Park Civic Association seeks volunteers, committee members SPRINGFIELD — Started in 1964, the Forest Park Civic Association is the oldest civic association in the city, dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of life for the Forest Park residents. Residents of Forest Park have a long history of volunteering to serve the FPCA, and thereby helping to keep our neighborhood vibrant, and a great place to live. FPCA leadership is urging all neighborhood residents to con-
sider stepping up, and doing a little more for your neighborhood, and the FPCA, by volunteering to serve on our Board of Directors as an officer, or a member of one of our many committees during the next year. The board meets monthly during the year (except for July and August). It would be great if some of you who are newer to our neighborhood would be willing to serve with us. Please see the attached list/description
of FPCA committees and activities. In particular, this year the FPCA is seeking people to serve in/on the following offices and committees: • Two or three people who would be willing to assist the secretary as backups by taking the minutes of perhaps a couple of board meetings a year when the Secretary is not available • Community Improve-
ment Committee • Distribution/Dissemination Committee • Neighborhood Business Liaison Committee • Membership Committee • Newsletter/Publicity Committee • Historic Committee • Other committees include: Education/Library; Finance; Parks; Public Safety; and Zoning
The Nominating Committee will nominate a slate of officers and committee members, and the elections, by the ,embers, shall take place at the FPCA’s Annual Meeting, March 8. If you are willing to volunteer for any of these positions, or if you would like to nominate someone else, contact Phil Contant at classicalpac@msn.com by Jan. 9.
KYLIE SCHMIDT NAMED TO FALL 2025 DEAN’S LIST AT CEDARVILLE UNIVERSITY CEDARVILLE, OHIO — Kylie Schmidt of East Longmeadow, was named to the dean’s list at Cedarville University for fall 2025. This recognition requires the student to obtain a 3.50 GPA or higher for the semester and carry a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Important Information on East Longmeadow’s Water The East Longmeadow Water Department (PWS ID # 1085000) reports that there was a Haloacetic Acids Maximum Contaminant Level (HAA5 MCL) exceedance in the fourth quarter of 2025. (µg/L) The Harkness Avenue Pump location (IDSE06) had a fourth quarter sample of 67 micrograms/Liter (µg/L), which resulted in an HAA5 MCL exceedance with a running annual average of 68 µg/L. This concentration exceeds the Massachusetts drinking water standard, or (MCL) of 60 µg/L for HAA5s. Disinfection is used in the treatment of drinking water. Disinfectants combine with organic and inorganic matter present in water to form disinfection byproducts, such as HAA5s. This is not an emergency. If it had been an emergency, you would have been notified within 24 hours. Some people who drink water containing haloacetic acids in excess of the MCL over many years may have an increased risk of getting cancer. In addition, young children (including infants), pregnant women or those who may become pregnant may be potentially more susceptible to risks from exposures to chemicals, such as HAA5. If you would like more information about DBPs, please visit the following link: https://www.mass.gov/media/2532591/download The full public notice with additional information for actions that East Longmeadow customers can take to reduce exposure is found at the Town of East Longmeadow website at: www.Eastlongmeadowma.gov The East Longmeadow Water Department is working with the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission on its water treatment methods and will evaluate options for East Longmeadow’s operations to reduce disinfection byproducts. For more information, contact Felix Vachon at (413) 525-5400, ext. 1204 or felix.vachon@eastlongmeadowma.gov
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Springfield Crossing ‘open for business’ at former mall site By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The Dec. 15 ribbon cutting at Springfield Crossing shopping plaza on the former site of the Eastfield Mall, was an emotional one for many of the lawmakers and developers at the event. While the 1655 Boston Road property is nearly unrecognizable as the former home of JCPenney, Sears and — at one time — Steigers, memories of the mall were not far from the minds of those who spoke at the event. “This site is very personal for me,” said state Sen. Jake Oliviera, who grew up in nearby Ludlow. “This is where we came to shop. This is where we came to dine.” He also recalled that the parking lot in which the officials stood was where people had sat in their vehicles, inching along in snaking lines as they waited to get tested for the coronavirus during the pandemic. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo said that it was “like yesterday” that the mall was a “derelict” structure. Now, the property is brimming with new business life. Like legislators, City Council President-elect Tracye Whitefield said she “grew up in the Eastfield Mall, running the halls.” Of the new plaza, she said, “I can’t wait to shop here, like, every day.” The $80 million project contains 386,727 square feet of shopping space and 1,627 parking spaces. A handful of businesses have already opened in the plaza, including a 128,000-squarefoot BJ’s Wholesale Club and its affiliated gas station, PetSmart, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A. Over the next two years, Target, Hobby Lobby, Lay-Z-Boy, Skechers and Chase Bank will join them at the site. Whitfield said the City Council worked with the developer to ensure there would be opportunitites for small businesses, like those that previously had a presence at the mall. To that end, there is the potential to subdivide one building into about a dozen small storefronts. The opening of BJ’s created 140 new jobs, the majority of which were filled by Springfield residents. Chick-fil-A represents another 125 positions. The plaza is expected to generate 800 jobs in total, including those involved in the site’s construction. Redevelopment of the site had been a long time coming.
State Rep. Angelo Puppolo presents developer Anton Melchionda with a proclamation in honor of the opening of Springfield Crossing shopping Plaza. Fellow state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, state Sens. Jake Oliviera and Adam Gomez, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Melchionda’s business partner Dinesh Patel and others were on hand for the moment. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
State Sen. Adam Gomez said the property was “in need of saving” during his time on the City Council from 2015 to 2021. “Springfield is open for business,” he said, and that business has brought jobs to Boston Road. It is that job creation that he is most “proud” of because it means “people can work and put food on the table.” Puppolo praised Mayor Domenic Sarno’s administration for its commitment to economic development. “Mayor Domenic Sarno is the best quarterback we’ve had in the city of Springfield,” he said. His colleague, state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, declared, “The city of Springfield is where economic development continues to shine,” and “when Springfield shines, the whole Western Massachusetts shines.” While developer Onyx Partners Ltd. as many properties in its portfolio, founder Anton Melchionda said, “This one’s really special. I grew up about 30 minutes away.” When a busi-
VETERAN MEMORIAL DONATION — William Walls, chair of the Springfield Veterans Activities Committee, accepted a check for $2,500 from Bernie St. George, president of Cigars 4 Soldiers, while surrounded by members of both organizations on Dec. 29. The check, fittingly presented at Smokey Joe’s Cigar Lounge, was a donation to the committee’s efforts to build a Global War on Terror monument across from the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Cigars 4 Soldiers supports military members, veterans and their families, while also shipping cigars to active service members around the world. Photo credit: Colby Visuals
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ness partner suggested they buy the property, Melchionda agreed without knowing how much it would cost. He said that he knew they would “figure it out.” Three months later, the company brought their proposal to the city. To emphasize how easy the City Council was to work with, Melchionda said his company purchased a similar property elsewhere around the same time as it bought the former mall. As the ribbon was cut on Springfield Crossing, he said, the other project remains stalled in a different city council. In Springfield, he said, “We whipped right through the process. The city over-performed. They did their part; we did our part.” City Councilor Zaida Govan, who represents Ward 8, where the plaza is located, said the council “said a resounding yes” to the established a 34-acre development district on the site. The $8 million that the city committed will help pay the costs of development. The city will see a return on its invest-
ment, though, as the vacant property provided $600,000 a year in property taxes. With Phase 1 of the project completed, the plaza will generate an annual $2.7 million to fill the city’s coffers and pay back the bond on the district. Whitfield has recently pushed for the City Council to find revenue streams that would divert tax pressure away from homeowners. She said, “We desperately need tax revenue. We need more job creation. I can’t wait to see it continue.” When redevelopment of the site was first proposed, a mixeduse project was considered but ultimately, decided against. However, Whitfield said Onyx Partners have committed to housing development as part of Phase 2 of the project. Part of the Eastfield Mall’s footprint remains. Immediately adjacent to the plaza is the former Sears and further, the shuttered Sears Auto Center. Those parcels were once owned by the now bankrupt Sears
Holdings but were sold to Michael Hotarek and Joseph Morrison of Eastern Retail Properties in 2020. Whitfield called the buildings “an eyesore,” while Sarno said the Springfield Crossing development will “force” the owners to “do something” with the land.
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Hampden Selectboard begins to weigh options for future of old Town Hall By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
HAMPDEN — With the November 2025 move into the new Town Hall at 85 Wilbraham Road, the building formally known as the Thornton W. Burgess School, the Hampden Selectboard began the conversation of what will become of the old Town Hall in its Jan. 5 meeting. Currently, the Selectboard has reports from Tighe & Bond, an engineering firm, detailing the condition of the building, potential improvements and how much improvements may cost. Chair John Flynn said that moving forward, the community
will need to be involved. He said the Selectboard is currently interested in having members of the community “step up and serve on a committee to work and provide the right direction for the board and the town.” “There are a lot of challenges with the building to be used in a municipal use, private use, a home use, a business use,” Flynn said. “Every one of those would involve a different challenge, and there’s no easy solution.” The building is also still being funded for utilities, which have gone down since the move out but do exist, along with insurance under their umbrel-
la policy. Flynn said he does a wellness check on the building every Sunday and it is still somewhat heated with an active security system. Flynn was asked by an audience member if there was a current time frame on bringing any plans to the town and he said a report to Town Meeting would be warranted but voting on a plan for the building wouldn’t necessarily have to be involved. He added that all current situations with the building are hypothetical. “Say the Selectboard decides to sell the building, that will come to the Town Meeting, that would be a disposable
town asset,” Flynn said. “Maybe the committee recommends, ‘Look, the land’s worth more than the building, you should tear it down.’” In a situation where the building is torn down, funds would need to be secured through a town meeting because “it’s not so much the action that needs approval, it’s the funding of the action,” Flynn said. Flynn added that the building is lacking in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which would require a huge investment to bring it up to code and remain a municipal building. “The town was extremely fortunate that, until we made
the move here, something didn’t happen at the building because of our lack of ADA coverage,” Flynn said. “I think a municipal application is gonna be difficult to justify knowing that we have all those improvements to make.” Selectman Donald Davenport said people should understand that everything won’t happen overnight and said he believes all options are still on the table, with ideas like an entrepreneurial center, an art center, a museum, tearing it down or building it up. The committee for the building isn’t set in stone yet but the Selectboard looked to formalize it at its meeting on Jan. 12.
Cuts likely to worsen police struggle to provide resources By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield is among hundreds of cities around the country struggling with the issue of homelessness. While the problem is more acute in many places, an annual point-in-time count in January 2025 found 2,683 individuals and families, 1.7% of the city’s population, were unhoused. If a funding cut proposed by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development takes effect, hundreds more Springfield residents will be without a place to call home. HUD funds the $3.5 billion Continuum of Care program, the purpose of which is to “promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness,” according to the department’s website. Currently, 87% of the funding from the Continuum of Care program is devoted to permanent supportive housing, units secured for people with a history of long-term homelessness, those disabilities or unhoused families. On Nov. 13, 2025, HUD sent out notice detailing plans to limit the amount of funding for permanent supportive housing to 30% of the program’s funding. This cut would abruptly leave more than 170,000 nationwide without housing, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. On Dec. 8, 2025, HUD withdrew its notice of intent and stated the department would review the possible changes. In the Jan. 1 issue of The Reminder, Reminder Publishing explored some of the effects this change might have on the shelter system in Springfield. This week,
we reached out to law enforcement to discuss how cuts to this program may impact the city. According to Gerry McCafferty, Springfield’s Director of Housing and administrator of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care, there are 304 permanent supportive housing units in Springfield. The people currently living in those apartments would find themselves facing homelessness again should this funding change occur, McCafferty said in a press release. Ryan Walsh, the public information officer and media relations specialist for the Springfield Police Department, said the unhoused people that the police most often have contact with are those who are completely unsheltered, known as sleeping rough. Walsh said, “If you start reducing permanent housing, we could anticipate seeing more encampments, and with encampments comes wellness checks.” The Police Department often checks in on people who are unsheltered, and the Metro Center Unit knows most of the unsheltered people by name, he said. There is a smaller group of unsheltered people along Boston Road and in some of the city’s wooded areas, Walsh said, but most of them live downtown along the Main Street corridor, near services and the bus lines. “In terms of crimes and arrests for the homeless population, the vast majority is about quality of life — panhandling, loitering, trespassing,” said Walsh, adding that relatively few incidents of theft or shoplifting are committed by people who are unhoused. More troubling is the opportu-
Ivelisse Burgos delivers a care package and a wool blanket to a homeless encampment in Springfield on Jan. 29, 2025. Republican file photo
nity for people who sell drugs to frequent encampments where people with substance abuse disorder may live. He added, “There are issues at times, if you’re purchasing drugs, someone might try to rob you.” Walsh said the Police Department works with the state Department of Public Health and the city to regularly offer unsheltered people resources, “for when they are ready. A lot of them never are,” he said. “Housing stability is public safety,” said Rob Rizzuto, senior public information officer for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department. “Vouchers reduce the
strain on public services. Housing is essential to medical and behavioral health, socio-economic programs.” Rizzuto said, “In substance abuse facilities or jail, we see a lot of addiction-related challenges that have gone unaddressed in the community.” He added that the Sheriff’s Department works to address the whole person while they are incarcerated and often connects them to resources and sober programs in preparation for their release. “When homelessness is at the root of this, it makes everything else exponentially more challenging,” he said. “There are crises and there are
manufactured crises,” Rizzuto said. “Removing these supports seems like it would be counterproductive. Cuts to federal housing assistance doesn’t eliminate the costs; it just pushes it onto cities and counties. Jails and emergency rooms are among the least effective and most expensive housing, but this is where unhoused people end up.” Rizzuto said the loss of housing assistance would affect the community and its people “for decades.” If you are experiencing homelessness, call 211 for a directory of housing, food and crisis services, or visit mass.gov/help-forhomeless-people.
The HampdenWilbraham Regional School District EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS
We will be taking applications for our early childhood programs for district residents for the 2026-2027 year. Programs are for 3 and 4 year old children. If your child will be three by September 1, 2026 you may obtain an application at the hwrsd.org website under “Departments”, “Student Services”, “Early Childhood Program” or call Corinne Roberts, Student Services at 279-3863.
Applications will be available starting January 1, 2026. Priority screening and placement will be given to applications received prior to January 31, 2026, but we offer a rolling admission.
SO THAT REMINDS ME A podcast from The Reminder Find it on your favorite streaming platform
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Heartbeat Theater aims to bring intimate performances to valley
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Rose-Langston. He added, “It’s also a story that revolves around mental illness as well, which is one of my specialties as a professional, I’m a psychotherapist. And so that’s one of the things that drew me to the show. It’s one of the few pieces that I’ve found that really handles mental illness very accurately and also very compassionately. It doesn’t devolve into stereotypes or anything like that but really is embedded in the show in terms of mental illness and questioning your sanity is the importance of truth. The importance of understanding truth, recognizing truth, and being perceived as a truthful person, being trusted of your own mind, your own will. Those are the things that drew me to the piece.” Both Rose-Langston and Gaughan said they are eagerly awaiting the opening of Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of “Proof” and hope the shows can build momentum forward for the new theater group. “What I think we offer is something that the valley has been missing for quite a while, these very intimate, minimalistic productions that focus in on performance over production value. Production value is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, I love a big splashy show. It’s really beautiful to be part of that and I’m still part of ETC’s board of directors and still heavily involved with their shows as well. But this is something different. I thought it was a nice change of pace for the valley and it really allows us to focus on craft,” said Rose-Langston. Gaughan added, “I think the running joke currently is we’re just trying to get through this first production, but I do have visions for us. We’re such a wonderful community. I feel like we’re a little family of artists who’ve come together and we all have different tastes and preferences, but I think there is a similar goal that we love
From left: William Spademan as Robert and Kimberly Gaughan as Catherine, in a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’. Anne Zager as Claire and Shelton Windham as Hal, during a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’. Photo credit: River Hambleton, Heartbeat Theater
really strong narratives. We love really strong tight plays, and we like doing them with simplicity.” Gaughan credited Easthampton Theater Company for their support in this new endeavor and added Heartbeat Theater is lucky to be based in the Pioneer Valley surrounded by artists who want to come together. “There’s just so much going on [in the area] and I found that people are so eager to be involved
and create great art and I’ve never experienced that in my entire artistic career, this community of people coming together and uplifting each other,” said Gaughan, who moved to the area from Boston in the last year. “So, for us to be able to join this theater scene which we’re so grateful to be a part of it was very easy because everyone is so welcoming and helpful.”
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EASTHAMPTON — Heartbeat Theater, a new theater company established by a group of passionate area stage actors and crew is debuting its inaugural production to kick off the new year as they will present “Proof,” opening on Jan. 16 in The Blue Room at CitySpace. Set in the early 2000s, “Proof” is a Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn and has received much critical acclaim due to its commanding exploration of truth, authenticity and the fine line between brilliance and instability. Jumping between past and present, the story centers on the family of a recently deceased mathematical genius. Through moments of profound revelation, deep healing, bitter judgement and good humor, “Proof” examines how we reconcile grief, question the future and make peace with the legacy left behind. “‘Proof’ confronts the burden of family legacy and how families can be torn apart by doubt and grief, only to discover deeper ties that bind,” said Director Jason Rose-Langston. “The play examines the struggle to know oneself and the need we all have to be truly known by others.” The cast features local talent, including former Ashfield Community Theater Director William Spademan as Robert, a professor of mathematics at the University of Chicago. Kimberly Gaughan joins him as Robert’s daughter and caretaker, Catherine. Anne Zager plays Catherine’s older sister, Claire. Shelton Windham rounds out the cast as Robert’s former student, Hal. Performances will begin on Friday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in CitySpace’s Blue Room. Following performances will be on Jan. 17, 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., and matinee showings will be on Jan. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at heartbeattheater.org. Rose-Langston and Gaughan both told Reminder Publishing the formation of Heartbeat Theater stems from the recent Easthampton Theater Company’s production of “On Golden Pond” which the two directed and starred in, respectively. As that production was wrapping up, Gaughan said she remembered asking fellow cast member William Spademan if he was familiar with the play “Proof.” “From my perspective it was sort of a oh, wouldn’t it be nice if the theater company did this play some day and we could be in it, but William being as creative and gung-ho as he is, suggested that we just do it together,” explained Gaughan. “I was really taken aback by that because I’ve been an actor for almost 20 years and you sort of rely on casting directors and production companies to cast you. You’re always kind of at their whim and this idea that we could just do it ourselves and cast ourselves I guess is slightly narcissistic, but it worked really well.” With the motivational push to see what was possible from Spademan, Gaughan said the two of them began discussions on forming a new theater group and brought Rose-Langston into the fold thanks to the “wonderful environment” he facilitated as director of “On Golden Pond.” “They approached me with this idea, and they didn’t know actually that ‘Proof’ was on my bucket list to direct so we had this wonderful conversation over dinner where they thought they had to convince me to direct it and I thought I had to convince them to let me direct it, so it was joyous from day one,” said RoseLangston. “It sort of happened very organically that we developed this new theater company and Heartbeat Theater came out of just the beautiful collaboration
we had in ‘On Golden Pond’ and the continued friendship and collaboration that we want to bring into this new venture.” Wanting to be a part of a production of “Proof” since a teenager, Gaughan said this new endeavor was the perfect opportunity to make it happen. As stated by the theater company, Heartbeat Theater’s mission is to present simple, intimate productions of great plays — one heartbeat in the evolution of human society passing ever forward its stories. “I think part of the reason I was interested once William proposed starting a theater company was that I always envisioned a theater company that produces simple productions of great plays,” explained Gaughan. “I really love to see acting forward productions, so where the focus is on the actors, the narrative, the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love big theatrical things, you know, like ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ but I think that there is a space for more intimate shows in studio spaces with simpler sets where you really get to see the actors in their full glory. And I think ‘Proof’ is a play that really lends itself to that. It’s a forehander. Most of the scenes only have two or three people in them, so there’s a lot of focus on the story and so I thought it was a great play to start with.” Rose-Langston added that for this production, concentration on performances takes highest priority with the show’s intimate venue and story. He called “Proof” “one of those universal stories of family drama.” “The show grapples with the themes of grief, themes of loss, and really delves into the aftermath of legacy, because of the father’s legacy. What does that mean to the people who are left behind? What does that mean in terms of their own identities both connected to the father but also as separate individuals,” said NO
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SPRINGFIELD www.TheReminder.com
Best around: Central honors city native, NBA alumnus By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield honored its native son and NBA star Travis Best by naming the Central High School court where he once played in his honor. The Dec. 22 ceremony was a full-circle moment for Best. The hometown hero played point guard for the Central High School Golden Eagles from 1989 to 1991, leading the team to an undefeated season in 1991 and setting a state record 81-point game. He earned McDonald’s All-American honors, which recognizes the best high school basketball players in the nation. Best continued to rack up accolades playing college ball with the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. Over the course of his college career, he ranked in the school’s top six ever in points, assists, minutes, 3-point field goals and steals. In 1995, Best was drafted by the Indiana Pacers 23rd in the first-round of the NBA draft. A key player in the 2000 NBA Finals, the 5-foot, 11-inch player gained a reputation for being fast on the court. He played for the Pacers for seven seasons, before moving on to play for the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and New Jersey Nets. Best retired from the NBA in 2005, going on to play professionally in Russia, Italy and Poland during the latter half of the 2000s. The court dedication came about when Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management Tom Ashe realized Best had no namesakes in the city and brought it to Sarno’s attention. Ashe said Sarno told him to rectify the situation. At the ceremony, Central High School Principal Thaddeus Tokarz, who emceed the event, described Best as a “generational talent” and said, “It is only fitting that the place where greatness once ruled now bears the name of the man who defined it.” Best was accompanied into the gymnasium by his former Golden Eagles teammates and sat next to his father, Leo Best, whom he recognized in his remarks. Tony Watkins, who coached Best at Central High School, also recognized the support Best’s family provided for their son and how Best’s mother, father and sister were consistently at his games. Sherman Dillard, who was the assistant head coach at Georgia Tech, said that when he came to Springfield to recruit Best, he thought, “Oh my God, we have to have this gentleman.” Beyond Best’s skill on the court and charisma, Dillard said, “I never coached a young man that had so much talent that was so humble.” A who’s who of local and state elected officials came out to congratulate Best, among them were state reps. Carlos Gonzalez and Bud Williams, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Springfield Superintendent Sonia Dinnall and School Committee members
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Top, from left:Travis Best shakes hands with Springfield School Committee member Denise Hurst while fellow committee member LaTonia Naylor Monroe and state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez applaud. Former NBA player Travis Best signs autographs for fans after the dedication of the Central High School gymnasium’s Travis Best Court. Middle, former NBA player and Central High School alum Travis Best kneels next to his name on the floor at the dedication of the school’s Travis Best Court. Bottom, Springfield native and former NBA player Travis Best recognizes his father, Leo Best, (seated left) at the dedication ceremony of the Travis Best Court at Central High School. Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
Barbara Gresham, LaTonia Monroe Naylor, Denise Hurst and members-elect Rosa Valentin and Ayana Crawford. Crawford went to school with Best and brought her yearbook to show him. He later re-signed it. Recalling his first meeting with Best 40 years ago, Sarno said he was refereeing a basketball game at Warner School and saw an 11-year-old Best “carving through 16-year-olds like hot butter.” Sarno told Best, “We used to watch every one of your ball games.” Best did not forget about Springfield after making it to the NBA and has contributed to numerous community programs over the years, Sarno said. Dinnall laughed, saying, “I’m a little starstruck. I’ve never met a member of the NBA.” She was full of pride that the city and Springfield Public Schools were recognizing “one of our own.” She said she was “most impressed by the way he conducted himself with character on and off the court.” Dinnall said, “Nothing but greatness comes from the city of Springfield,” and urged the students in the stands to “see yourself in this moment.” Central High School student Malaysia Murphy said Best’s legend is well known throughout the school. “I think it’s good that they’re honoring him, giving respect and keeping his name alive here,” she said. In the bleachers, Abe Quiles
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EAST LONGMEADOW | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
Hampden District Attorney’s Office provides court tours to schools SPRINGFIELD — Court tours have been in full swing the past few weeks as students from schools across the region have received an inside look on how the Hampden County Hall of Justice operates. During Court Tours, students spend half a day touring the Springfield Courthouse as invited guests of the District Attorney. The tours introduce students to a wide range of career paths within the criminal justice system, with victim witness advocates, judges, court officers and other court professionals — as available — sharing insights into their roles. The program welcomes students in grades 6-12, as some of the cases students sit in on can be too mature for a younger audience. The Court Tours are led by the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety & Outreach Unit. CSO Unit Director Tony Simmons and Deputy Director Gina Anselmo recently provided tours to Springfield’s Impact Prep Middle School, Springfield International Charter School, Westfield’s White Oak School and Springfield’s Putnam Vocational Technical Academy. When Student Council members — a group of 15 sixth and seventh graders — from Springfield International Charter School visited, the day began with Simmons providing an overview of what could be expected to be seen, heard, even smelt, throughout the courthouse. He asked students to be respectful and quiet in the various courtrooms, and to not make any faces or have reactions to the cases. Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Clarke also shared some insight into his work, law, and court operation, before the tour. To kick things off, students sat in on the arraignment hearings. Most of the cases were minor, with offenses such as operating a vehicle with a suspended license. After some time, everyone except for the students was asked to leave the courtroom so that Judge Danielle Williams could talk with them and answer questions. Williams shared insight on what ar-
Students from four local schools recently received a tour of the Hampden County Hall of Justice, learning the ins and outs of the criminal justice system. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
raignment court does, what kind of cases come in, and pointed out the different roles in the courtroom, from the clerk to the assistant district attorneys. One of the court officers talked about her role, which she explained is to “keep people in court safe.” When one of the students asked if she ever gets scared, the officer candidly responded, “yes,” adding that it can be especially scary if someone has mental health issues, as their behaviors are unpredictable. Students also had the opportunity to hear from a defense attorney and prosecutor, and asked questions ranging from law school to jails and juvenile court. Next, students made their way upstairs, to sit in on cases involving harassment and restraining orders. After listening to a few cases, Judge William Rooney talked with the students and asked their opinion regarding a decision he made a few minutes prior. The case was between a woman’s ex-husband
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and her new boyfriend, as the ex-husband was looking to prohibit the boyfriend from attending drop-offs or any school-related events that his children were at, as he said it creates more conflict. After hearing from both sides, ultimately, Judge Rooney decided not to accept the order. When asked if students agreed with his decision, majority of hands went up, however, three or four brave students said they disagreed. Those individuals backed
their opinion by sharing facts that were discussed during the hearing and said they thought one of the men was lying based on his body language. Judge Rooney expressed how impressed he was with the students’ questions and attention to detail. Several of the students shared that they are interested in pursuing a career in the criminal justice system, whether it be as a lawyer or a judge. With the completion of
the tour and an inside look at the operations, these students are now one step closer. Court Tours are one of many free programs offered by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. For more information about the Court Tours, or to request a tour for your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina. anselmo@mass.gov.
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 Maria Morgado Stella “Stasia” Orszulak (Czernik) Marilyn L. Wayson HAMPDEN Roberta “Bobbie” Burke Genevieve M. Gibeau William H. Taft Sr. HOLYOKE Robert Aucoin Claire L. Barnes William Hardy Caldwell Edwin R. Dunn Jr. Maria Harand (Hartinger) Terrence R. Rohan Thomas B. Sheehan
INDIAN ORCHARD Dennis A. Girard Jr. LONGMEADOW Sandra J. Metz LUDLOW Alice P. Mannix Alexandrina Marcelino Marcyanna Theresa Mascaro Maria Rodrigues Joaquim “Jack” Salvador SOUTH HADLEY Nancy A. Filarsky (Davidson) Elaine M. Jordan Elaine R. Savard Guido C. Schiappa
SPRINGFIELD David Shwee-Tian Chou Jean A. Clark Paula M. Goldberg Berniece M. LaMotte James L. Lobik Donald Anthony Manoni William G. Martin Pearl Marie Shea Candice Lynn Stolpinski WILBRAHAM Raymond F. Catuogno Elizabeth “Betty” Crinella Anthony G. Laino Stephen Mucha
SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THIS EDITION. ALL PUZZLES & SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.THEREMINDER.COM/PUZZLE-CORNER/
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
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THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS
MINNECHAUG VS AGAWAM
HOCKEY
On Dec 27 Minnechaug defeated Agawam in an ice hockey game played at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
Kelly Balog from Minnechaug wrists a shot on goal. during the third period.
Ryan Mackie head-mans the puck from center ice.
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EAST LONGMEADOW | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
Jason Abeid takes the face-off for Minnechaug.
Defenseman Jackson Gagner jostles with Owen Haubner of Agawam in front of the Falcons net.
‘Chaug goalie Chase Folli defects the shot by Andy Holton over the net.
Andrew Dolaher swoops in for a shot on goal.
Ethan Kelliher flips the puck toward the net.
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
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THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS
CALL 413-525-3947 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY!
classifieds community
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2402EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Diane T. Sheets Date of Death: 10/14/2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Leah Belden of Palmer MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Leah Belden of Palmer MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 8)
REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY Town of Longmeadow In accordance with the Wetlands Protection Act & Longmeadow Wetlands Code, the Conservation Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing on Jan. 14, 2026 after 7:00 PM at 535 Bliss Rd. Longmeadow High School Admin. Bldg. rm. A31 & online at Zoom.com (Meeting ID: 825 4488 8613 PW: 189420) for an RDA filed by D. Merrill regarding work located at 384 Longmeadow St. (PID 3478) for the removal of 2 trees within jurisdictional resource areas. (January 8)
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON.
LEGAL NOTICES EAST LONGMEADOW BOARD OF HEALTH NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Public Hearing will be held on January 15, 2026 at 6:00 pm, via Zoom webinar, to review and hear comments relative to a proposed Board of Health Regulation entitled “Regulation of the East Longmeadow Board of Health Restricting the Sale of Tobacco Products.” Proposed changes in the draft regulation include, but are not limited to, the following: No retailer or person shall sell or distribute or cause to be sold or distributed oral nicotine pouches with a nicotine content greater than 6 mg/per individual pouch. The proposed regulations can be viewed in the Health Department’s Office at 60 Center Square or online at: https://www.eastlongmead owma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/19268/DraftEL-Tobacco-Sales-Regulation-2025 The Zoom link for the hearing is: https://eastlon gmeadowma.zoom.us/j/84203599021?pwd=B8 2cd2sX1y6ekeFeEQ1y2AZd2AdwWj.1 Passcode: 533404 (January 1, January 8) Notice of Self Storage Sale Please take notice All-Purpose Storage - 031 East Longmeadow MA located at 50 Baldwin St, East Longmeadow, MA, 01028 intends to hold an auction to sell the goods stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.storageauctions.com on 01/20/2026 at 10:00AM. Unless stated otherwise the description of the contents are household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Joseph Carnevale; Rosemarie Morrissey; Natashia Carter; Alicia Coppolo. All property is being stored at the above self-storage facility. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply. See manager for details. (January 1, January 8) REQUEST FOR DETERMINATION OF APPLICABILITY Town of Longmeadow In accordance with the Wetlands Protection Act & Longmeadow Wetlands Code, the Conservation Commission will hold a hybrid public hearing on Jan. 14, 2026 after 7:00 PM at 535 Bliss Rd. Longmeadow High School Admin. Bldg. rm. A31 & online at Zoom.com (Meeting ID: 825 4488 8613 PW: 189420) for an RDA filed by D. Merrill regarding work located at 384 Longmeadow St. (PID 3478) for the removal of 2 trees within jurisdictional resource areas. (January 8)
EAST LONGMEADOW ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE The East Longmeadow Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Case ZV-2025-05: A Petition for Variance under East Longmeadow Zoning Bylaws Table 32 and Ch. 450 Sec. 5.7 in which the applicant is requesting relief from the Minimum front yard setbacks and 100 foot buffer requirement from residential districts for car service activities at 546 North Main Street in East Longmeadow (Assessor’s Parcel ID 2B-76-1) in the Business zoning district. Applicant: Zaremba Group, LLC c/o John Wojtila, 14600 Detroit Avenue, Suite 1500, Lakewood, OH 44107.
EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC NOTIFICATION FOR EPA BROWNFIELDS CLEANUP GRANT The Public is hereby notified that on January 28, 2026 the Town of East Longmeadow Town Manager's Office intends to apply for a Brownfields Cleanup Grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Brownfields Program. The grant would provide funding for the cleanup of the Carlin Combustion site located at 70 Maple St. East Longmeadow MA.
Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development is available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: ht tps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files
The application includes an Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA) for the site. A copy of the draft application, including the draft ABCA, will be available on the Town's website, https://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/ DocumentCenter/View/19307/FY26-EPACLEANUP for public review and comment beginning on January 13, 2026.
For the Board, James Channing, Clerk (January 8, January 15) INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2402EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Diane T. Sheets Date of Death: 10/14/2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Leah Belden of Palmer MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Leah Belden of Palmer MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 8)
Please submit comments on the application by contacting the Town Manager at townmanager @eastlongmeadowma.gov or 413.525.5400. All comments must be received by 10:00 am on January 26, 2026. A public meeting to discuss the draft application and ABCA, and to receive public comments, is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via zoom webinar: https://eastlongm eadowma.zoom.us/j/82925067839?pwd=BrR4 wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea0ljsvr.1, Meeting ID: 829 2506 7839, Passcode: 215731. Assistance for non-English speaking or hearing impaired residents will be provided if requested at least four (4) business days prior to the scheduled meeting.
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GENERAL SERVICES RICHIE’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Contractor/Mechanical Services/ Handyman Replacement windows, vinyl siding, roofing, gutters installed/cleaned, remodeling, painting, flooring/carpeting, masonry, carpentry, powerwashing & ceramic tiling. Residential/commercial. No job too small. Lic#148425/Insured 413-746-2171/413-246-0927 OLD SCHOOL WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Cleaning $85 any home; Power washing starts at $99; 50% off Window Cleaning. Call Bob 413-896-6442. FULLY INSURED www.windowcleanup.com
HEALTH & MEDICAL Attention patients with Diabetes. Manage your Diabetes better. Get your insurance covered GCM today. Call US MED NOW: 855-680-2173
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INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2645EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Robin Seth Odentz Also Known As: Robin Odentz Date of Death: December 02, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Jacob H. Odentz of Arnold Maryland a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Jacob H. Odentz of Arnold Maryland has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 8)
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Roxanne: 413.213.6178
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2666EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Richard Francis LeBel Also Known As: Richard F. LeBel Date of Death: June 03, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Cherie A Dobreski of Santee SC Cherie A Dobreski of Santee SC has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 8)
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HEALTH & MEDICAL Continued from previous page 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
HOME IMPROVEMENT Mayers Enterprise LLC - For all your construction services. New Construction, Additions, Remodeling, Repair & Maintenance, Demolition and much more. Call (413)777-3228 or (413)306-1209 to schedule a free estimate. AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Kitchen & Bath Remodel Services. Quality since 1964. (413) 596-4841 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
MASONRY / CONCRETE 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 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 Lean how to reduce your Credit Card to fraction of what you owe. Call the Debt Help Line now for free advice. Call (800)245-1567 DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1888-305-7286 today!
REPLACE YOUR ROOF with the best looking and longest lasting material. Steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to las a lifetime! Limited time offer up to 50% off installation and Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs 1844-463-4077 Attention timeshare owners. We're offering you a way to legally get rid of your timeshare. Call right now to qualify and receive a free consultation. You can terminate your timeshare legally and permanently. Call The timeshare exit hotline now – (800)298-5026 AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1833-640-4753. Have zip code of property ready when calling! Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866 DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405 Don't let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595 Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-833-8901612 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 one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer.) Offer ends 12/28/25. 1-844501-3208 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
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855925-2643
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.
SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS! Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 800-311-2199
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
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
Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 833-860-0657 Have zip code ready!
JANUARY SPECIAL
10 OFF*
$
A Pair (2)
NAPA PROFORMER Beam Wiper Blades
*NPB# Blades. Not to be combined with any other offer. Good through 2/5/26.
FRANK’S AUTO SERVICE, LLC 413.734.9723 Family Owned & Operated Since 1962
528 North Main Street • East Longmeadow
| 15 | Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535 Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 833-860-0811 Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products Replace your roof w/the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install (military, health & 1st responders.) 1-833370-1234 TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277 Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-887-0117. Have zip code of service ready when you call! We buy houses for cash as is! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer & get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1844-877-5833 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 AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Quality residential & commercial carpentry, & painting since 1964. 413-596-4841 PRIME PAINTING Fully insured, interior/exterior, carpentry, drywall, cabinet finishing and detailing. References upon request. Free estimates. 594-4479
EAST LONGMEADOW | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
CHET & SON PAINTING
VACATION RENTAL
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry. Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588
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
Interior and exterior painting, wallpaper, removal. Free estimates. Insured. Reliable. 413-772-9819
TAX PREPARATION DO YOU OWE $10,000 OR MORE IN BACK TAXES?! We can help get your back taxes REDUCED. We can solve, tax liens, wage garnishments and more. FREE Call:800-989-1694
Tell them you saw it in The Reminder! Let our advertisers know that this is where you found them. They appreciate it, and so do we!
WANTED All fishing equipment! Cash paid. Will travel to you! Call Mike the Fishing Guy 413313-5013 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
CLASSIFIEDS:
Your ticket to local finds! PLACE YOUR AD TODAY! To Place Your Classified Ad Call
413.525.3947
443B Shaker Road • East Longmeadow, MA | 181 Root Road • Westfield, MA
CARRIERS WANTED
EAST LONGMEADOW - HOOK DELIVERY THURSDAY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Tracey Ln., Pembroke Terr., Abbey Ln., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd. 129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Mereline Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St. 45 Papers: Partial-Allen Street 166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Villanova St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
LONGMEADOW - HOOK DELIVERY THURSDAY
83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St. 84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St. 109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St. 54 Papers: Bliss Rd. 87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd. 157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk. & Rd., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd., Hillside Ter. 96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd. 99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd. 100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
WILBRAHAM - HOOK DELIVERY THURSDAY
35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd., Russell Rd. 61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr. 228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Peak Rd., Webster Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.
Call Holly @ 413.788.1316
WE AR E OF FE RIN G A BO NU S INC EN TIV E TO NE W CA RR IER S AF TE R CO MP LE TIN G 4 WE EKS!
443B SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA · 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA · THEREMINDER.COM
EAST LONGMEADOW
Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Pedro Reyes Figueroa, 39 Morris St. Unit 103 $227,000 $294,000 $285,000 Gretchen Dubbs to Faustino Sanchez Jr., 28 Hazen St. $275,000 $545,000 Jennifer K. Rossmiller and Jennifer K. Klock to Meaghan Elizabeth Cocuzzo, 28 Rencelau St. Jose Ramirez to Maria Del Carmen Maldonado, 88-90 Somerset St. $420,000 HOLLAND Joseph A. Cleaveland and Lauren J. Holm to Chrismery Gonzalez, 189 Bowles Park, $382,500 Cormier & Sons Construction & Homebuilding LLC, to Sean S. Yarrows and Makayla J. Caliri, Old County Road Lot 11 $37,500 Ladawn Savage and Hayward Burdette to 3Queens LLC, 162 Northampton Ave. $205,000 Pope Family Trust, trustee of, and Alvan H. Pope Jr., trustee, to David Orszulak, 9 Chandler Road $289,900 Lisa M. Garcia to Jacob R. Motyl and Laura J. Motyl, 28 Collingwood Road $285,000 LONGMEADOW Livingwater Capital LLC, to Benjamin Goodman Shapiro, 19 Normandy Road $700,000 Eileen A. Cavanaugh and Philip B. Jones to Collin M. Mack, 37 Captain Road $476,000 Manchester Enterprises LLC, to Carlos M. Flores, 33 Taber St. $265,000 Gary A. Popovich and Heidi Popovich to Rachel Millimet and Ryan Kenyon, 120 Inverness Lane $515,000 Melody Carter-Walls and Melvin Walls to Garren Cox and Nicole Walls-Cox, 101 Newhall St. $177,866 Hoa P. Nguyen and Thao Nguyen to Ryan David Smith and Taryn Brittany Smith, 117 Crescent Road $474,900 Mike Krasnov and Kateryna Krasnov to Nanaadom Nyarko, 126-128 Miller St. $425,000 Michael Elfman, Alisa Lynn Elfman and Alisa Harrison to Clarence H. Linder Jr., 217 Williams St. $450,000 Nikolay Dipon to Odalis Marie Velez, 177 Johnson St. $260,000 Nilda M. Colon and Marianelis Colon to Alexis Villanueva Gonzalez and Yomayra Morales, 485 Riverside Rd. $365,000 LUDLOW $100 Matthew T. Bridges, Jennifer L. Bridges and Jennifer L. Bouvier to Matthew Racel Quinnell, 3 Fontaine St. $390,000 Rendy Cruz to Rendy Cruz and Dejaven Cruz, 722-724 Carew St. Robert B. Mulcahey to Ramon Mazariegos Lopez and Ermitania Perez Perez, 74 Blanche St. $300,000 Dorothy L. Markowski, trustee, and Revocable Trust Agreement of Dorothy Markowski, trustee of, to Aline Gomes DaSilva, 142 Amherst St. $330,000 Sandra Seymour and Paul Seymour to Rosemary Lopez and Hadley Stena Camilus, 15 Burns Ave. $326,000 Lorraine Kotelnicki Trust, trustee of, and Kelly A. Ambrogio, trustee, to Thamara Vanessa Jonathas, 519 Lyon St. $375,000 Sara L. Maggipinto, Sara L. Brown and James E. Brown to Amanda Bineault, 42 Redstone Drive $365,000 Sareen Properties LLC, to Damaris Frias, 46-48 Wait St. $425,000 PALMER Silvestre M. Gama to Equity Trust Co., custodian, Robert Lareau IRA, and Robert Lareau, 57-59 Martha St. 220,000 Central MA Properties LLC, to J&M Premier Properties LLC, 4014 School St. $450,000 Steven R. Torres to Peter B. Picknelly, 500 Park Drive Pars T & R, $1,200,000 Mathew W. Walch and Meghan Ann Walch to Stephanie Harry, 44 Converse St. $342,000 Timothy J. Deuso to Amanda L. Barrett, 94 Duryea St. $225,000 Chapdelaine to Aleksandr Chuduk, 260 Porter Road Sandra M. Turgeon to Evan Donermeyer, 85 Brookhaven Drive
SPRINGFIELD
Anthony J. Daniele and Carla M. Daniele to Marie Alberte Joseph, 40 Eldridge St. Campagnari Construction LLC, to JJJ17 LLC, 157 Penrose St. Chamber Investment Group LLC, to Pierre Families Property LLC, 292-294 Orange St.
$272,000 WILBRAHAM $137,000 Caitlin A. Garreffi and Darius Trinka to John Michael Sarnacki, 4 Lance Lane $465,000 JoeJoe Properties LLC, to Nicolas Rovelli and Valentina Rovelli, 12 Highridge Road
$450,000 $1,113,000
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
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