Select Board approves fiber project warrant article
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow officials have determined the initial cost the town will face if voters decide to move the fiber project forward at the Annual Town Meeting on May 12. The article requires a ⅔ majority vote to pass.
Article 7 on the Town Meeting warrant proposes the town will pay about $8.6 million for the first phase and half of phase two of the $27 million project’s borrowing plan. This would increase average property taxes by about $97 per year for a total of about $2,140 over the loan’s 20-year span.
The first phase and first half of the second phase would include the construction of the central fiber hub and the connection to 1,600 single-family homes, 30 commercial units and 20 multi-dwelling units.
The Longmeadow Select Board held a joint meeting with the Finance Committee on April 6 to discuss the current borrowing plan for the fiber project.
The Finance Committee chose not to recommend the article on the warrant in its own meeting afterward. The committee did not respond to a request for comment as of press time.
The financial cost to taxpayers was initially projected by Fiberspring to be between $1.5 million with a 60% take rate and $4.3 million with a 40% take rate on a 30year loan. At the Select Board’s March 23 meeting, Finance Director Ian Coddington informed
members that state law limits the loan term to a maximum of 20 years, increasing the projected range to between $3.3 million at 60% and $8.7 million at 40%.
“If the question is about doing a shorter term borrowing, then for the purpose of this article, the only option that the town has, if they do not want to have it as part of the general fund budget, is a 20-year borrowing through debt excluded property tax,” Coddington said. “That is the only option the town has. Outside of that, when we’re looking at the future projects in the form of funding it through the enterprise fund, that is where we can look at different financing options, if the board or the [municipal light plant] chooses.”
The enterprise fund, paid for by the monthly subscriber fee of $90, is projected to cover the project in phases two through five, assuming a 40% take rate is achieved.
Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi said the assumption of a 40% take rate comes from experi-
ences in other Western Massachusetts towns with fiber, where 40% has been the lowest take rate seen, adding that a fiber project has not failed in any town.
“South Hadley, who we’re partnering with on this, just finished building out their entire town last summer and they have a 55% take rate already,” Hemavathi said. “More than half the town is already subscribing to their fiber internet.”
He said the initial 40% covers all the operating expenses for the enterprise fund and the debt service to build out the rest of the town, which takes up about 80% of all operating costs.
About $17.9 million would be borrowed as construction progresses and the project will convert to a long-term loan after construction completes in 2032. The 20-year loan would not begin until after a three-year shortterm loan in which only interest is paid, making the entire loan complete in 2051.
Chair Josh Levine said the approach the Select Board would like to model involves “doing everything we can to limit the impact on taxpayers, which, as [Town Manager Lyn Simmons] was saying, we have the ability to do.” The town’s approach looks to use short-term borrowing with only interest paid at first, then switch to long-term once the project is complete, in order to keep “early costs lower, better matches when revenue starts coming in and results in smoother cash flow and less upfront impact on residents,” according to the Finance Department’s fiber borrowing memo to the Select Board.
Fiberspring’s approach is much different and looks to borrow everything as long-term debt from the start and pay “both principal and interest immediately,” according to the memo.
Finance Committee Chair Er-
The Longmeadow Select Board
STRM: Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day returns April 25
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Volunteers from all around the area and beyond will work on restoring homes by participating in Revitalize Community Development Corporation’s #GreenNFit Day on April 25. On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me” hosts Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre sat down with Revitalize CDC’s President and CEO Colleen Shanley-Loveless and Vice President of Community Engagement Ethel Griffin to talk about Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day on April 25. Shanley-Loveless explained that Revitalize CDC was founded as an all-volunteer organization in 1992. When Shanley-Loveless was hired in 2009, the organization went from all volunteers with a budget of under $100,000 to growing “significantly” with
a staff of 20, now. She said that Revitalize CDC’s work initially began with home repairs.
“The board of directors had realized there was such an overwhelming need in the community, so we focused on doing home repairs, modifications and rehabilitation on the homes of low-income families with children,” she said. “It could be veterans, seniors and people with special needs.”
Currently, Revitalize CDC has a nutrition program, a healthy homes program and a digital equity and navigation program.
“Once people become a part of it, they don’t leave. We have a 24-member board and just yesterday another organization came to our office and said, ‘we would like to place somebody on our board,’” Shanley-Loveless said.
Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day, which takes place the last weekend in April, is a day when the organization and its volun-
teers gather to work on homes in different parts of the city.
Beginning in 2013, Shanley-Loveless said the program moved to the Old Hill neighborhood, where volunteers worked on almost 200 homes each #GreenNFit Day for the next seven years before moving into the North End after a COVID-19 related pause.
“We have 20 homes this year, we are kind of spread out across the city — East Springfield, Mason Square area. We’re also going to do a spring cleanup on the Boys and Girls on Carew Street, and then we’re also going to be working on the Boys and Girls Club Family Center, which is on Acorn Avenue,” she said.
Griffin said the planning process for the next year begins a week after each #GreenNFit Day.
“We’ll start back with the planning process for the following year, determining where we are
going to be; we’ll determine the application process for them. It’s a good thing we don’t wait to the last minute,” she said.
Griffin said the event goes on rain or shine. Each year, she said the American International College, Springfield College and Western New England University football teams participate. Shanley-Loveless added that the event receives support from businesses, churches, other schools and people “from Maine to Florida.”
She added that the volunteers love showing up each year for the event.
“It’s a really diverse group of volunteers all coming together. I remember one time a volunteer said, ‘You get more from this than you’re actually giving because it makes you feel so good,’” she said.
Some of the work volunteers do include replacing bathtubs with showers, replacing steps,
replacing carpets, adding handrails for stairs and much more.
While Revitalize CDC does similar work in Holyoke and Chicopee, #GreenNFit Day is focused on homes in Springfield. Shanley-Loveless added that the organization’s nutrition and healthy homes programs, along with its lead inspection and remediation work are available in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties.
Shanley-Loveless touched on how important the GreenNFit event is for helping people in need.
“Everybody needs a little help now and then, and we’re happy to be there to bring some joy and improve people’s quality of life in helping to make their homes safer,” she said.
To listen to the full conversation, head to thereminder.com/ our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
Photos from a previous Revitalize CDC #GreenNFit Day.
Operations Director: Curtis Panlilio
Executive Editor: Chris Maza
Managing Editors: Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre
Staff Writers:
Sarah Heinonen, Deb Gardner, Amy Porter, Trent Levakis, Cliff Clark, Tyler Garnet, Peter Tuohy
Graphic Design Manager: Beth Thurber
Graphic Design Department: Leigh Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio
Sales Manager: Scott Greene
Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro
Classified Account Managers:
Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada
Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan
Financial Department: Nancy Banning
Circulation Department: Holly Mulligan, Whitney Conlon
TOWN EVENTS
Please email your community listings to: dhackett@thereminder.com Items are printed on a space available basis.
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. The library will be closed on Monday, April 20, for Patriots’ Day.
Adult programs:
• Blood Drive with Baystate Health — Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Friday Flicks: “Wicked: For Good” — Friday, April 24, at 1 p.m.
Children’s programs:
Crayon Creations: The Zen Coloring — Tuesday, April 21, at 3 p.m. For ages 6 and up. Lego Build — Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to noon. For all ages with adult supervision.
• Kids Painting Workshop — Thursday, April 23 at 11:15 a.m. at Pleasant View Senior Center. For ages 4 and up.
• Spring Art — Friday, April 24 at 10 a.m. for ages 6 and up.
Pathways for Parents programs: I “Dig” The Earth: Earth Day Crafts — Wednesday, April 22, at 4 p.m. For ages 4-7. Raising Condfident Kids —
Fiber Project
ica Weida had concerns with the length of the debt service and how rapidly technology is changing. She said it should be done with a much shorter debt service if the town is serious about it.
“I am, again, really uncomfortable with anything technology related that we are pushing out as long as we are,” Weida said. “In my lifetime, I have received internet probably seven different ways already, and maybe fiber is the end-all be-all of all things in the future, quite possible, but I’m going to suggest it’s quite also possible that there’s something totally different in 10 years that makes it obsolete.”
She said the town should figure out if fiber is being brought in because it’s a “tremendously better service that people really want and are willing to pay a little extra over Comcast to get it, or are we bringing it because we want it to be cheaper than Comcast?”
“If we’re setting it out to try to be cheaper than Comcast, then I am really worried that we’re just selling it cheap, gathering a lot of debt and then just really hoping that this is the end-all be-all thing
Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
PLEASANT VIEW SENIOR CENTER
The following events will be hosted at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St. For more information or to register, call 413-5255436.
Artists & Authors Fair — Thursday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to noon.
• Housing Decisions in Retirement — Friday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m.
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 413-5665588.
• Lobby Learning: A.W. Brown — April 23
• Memory Café: Joy of Song with Sara — Friday, April 24, at 10:15 a.m.
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. The library will be closed on Monday, April 20, for Patriots’ Day.
Youth programs:
• Read Cross: Stuffed Animal Hospital: Stuffed animal drop off — Tuesday, April 21, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Kids Weaving: Coasters —
we use for the next 20 to 30 years,” Weida said. “As we look at this, I am not against this, but I want us to be realistic about what it’s truly going to cost the town and cost individuals and minimize the risk that, we as a town, are going to be taking on as part of this.”
She added that she doesn’t think the necessary work has been done to protect the town or deliver the service in a way that is sustainable going forward.
“You’re asking the town of Longmeadow to invest in a business without giving them any sense of how you intend to run that business,” Weida said. “They don’t really know what you’re going to do because you haven’t told them. I’m just saying that these are the things I saw, which is right now we are doing a 20-year bond, we’re assuming we’re going to play that out. That is the most expensive way to borrow for this, by the way, because it has the longest, most longer term interest rates on it ... I haven’t seen that business give me anything that I feel comfortable investing in yet.”
Finance Committee member Maury Garrett asked if there were any risks if the project was put off for another warrant cycle, and Hemavathi said construction prices would most likely increase and that there are time limits on how
Wednesday, April 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Michael Wald’s Comedy Magic — Thursday, April 23, 3:304:30 p.m.
• Escape Room: Space Escape — Friday, April 24, 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Adult programs:
• Cookbook Club — Tuesday, April 21, 1-2:30 p.m. This month’s selection: Recipetin Eats
• Fiber Arts Meeting — Tuesday, April 21, 6-7:30 p.m. Planning for Medicare — Tuesday, April 21, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Library Virtual Speakers: Lush Lyricism and Intimate Confessions with Miranda Cowley Heller — Wednesday, April 22, 2-4 p.m.
• Taming Your Digital Photo Chaos — Wednesday, April 22, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Learn how to organize and safeguard your digital photo libraries.
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. He Drew Fires Down From The Heavens: Benjamin Franklin, The First American with Dr. Simon Sibelman — Tuesday, April 21 at 6 p.m. The Multitude Have Risen — Life in Longmeadow During the Revolution — Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m.
DEMOCRAT OF THE YEAR
BREAKFAST
On Sunday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m.,
long the pole applications last with Eversource and Verizon.
“I don’t know, if we were to defer this a year, two years, whether we’d have to reapply and spend another $250,000 on pole applications,” Hemavathi said. “That’s another consideration.”
Levine said another consequence of waiting is that other companies, like Gateway Fiber, also have pole applications in, and if the town waits, “they’ll smell blood and hop in on this,” and potentially only build fiber to the more affluent parts of town with higher rates.
Simmons said that the town has a revenue problem and these types of projects can’t be done without borrowing.
“If it’s not this project that you’re asking about the credit rating for, it’s going to be the next project and the next project and the next project,” Simmons said.
“This is one of the very few, if not only, projects that has come forward that actually generates revenue, so I think that’s important to think about when you’re looking at the long-term. There is a revenue source attached to this, whereas all of these other borrowings that we’ve done, there is no revenue coming in.”
Levine added that there are aspects to the project that make him
the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee will hold their Democrat of the Year Breakfast at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. This year we are honoring Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni as the 2026 Democrat of the Year. Also being recognized are Select Board member, Dan Zwirko with the LDTC Member Achievement award and Andrea Chasen, Chair of the Longmeadow Energy & Sustainability Committee and LDTC Recording Secretary with the LDTC Member Appreciation award. Reservations are $40 per person and are required to attend the event. If you are interested in attending, please send an email message to longmeadowdems@gmail.com.
LONGMEADOW HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB SHOW
The Longmeadow High School Drama Club presents “Little Women” at the Longmeadow High School auditorium, 95 Grassy Gutter Road. Friday, May 1, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 2, at 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door.
WILBRAHAM
WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following programs take place at the Wilbraham Public Library, located at 25 Crane Park Drive. For more information or to sign up for programs, head to wilbrahamlibrary. org or call 413-596-6141. • Mindful Doodling for Teens — Tuesday, April 21, from 4-5 p.m. Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast — Saturday, April 25, from 10-11:30 a.m.
nervous, but sometimes “there are risks that are inherent, and you take a big swing.”
“One of the things [Simmons] always says to us is, ‘We keep knocking on the same doors,’” Levine said. “There’s only so many places we can make revenue in this town and it’s raising taxes. The fact that there is something here that may have a net positive for the town is really tempting. If I could, if we could guarantee it was going to work, we’d all vote for it, absolutely, but we just don’t know … maybe it can, and we just have to really take that into account.” Select Board member Andrew Lam said he doesn’t know if this will “truly be a success,” and there are valid points for and against the project.
“I think it’s really a referendum on if people in this town want fiber,” Lam said. “If they do and they think it’s important, it’s gonna pass. If they don’t and they don’t think it’s worth it, it’s not gonna pass. Every one of us probably falls somewhere on the spectrum between against it and for it, but like [Levine] said, right now I think we’re deciding to put it on the warrant. I certainly see, no matter how any of us feels about it, that there’s no reason not to put it on the warrant so the town can decide.”
April 19–25, 2026
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Resident pushes for safer streets with
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow resident Sally Hage is taking action by proposing a dangerous dog amendment to the town’s animal control ordinance after an attack left her dog on the brink of death.
The amendment looks to strengthen the regulation, control and enforcement of dangerous dogs in order to “protect public and animal safety,” according to the proposal. It adds a definition of a “dangerous” dog, strengthens owner responsibility, increases fines, mandates insurance coverage and grants animal control officers 24-hour inspection authority to ensure compliance.
A dangerous dog includes any dog that inflicts unprovoked bodily injury on a human or domestic animal or demonstrates repeated unprovoked aggressive or menacing behavior. It will be
LONGMEADOW — Staff from the Hampden District Attorney’s Office recently visited Longmeadow High School to present to sophomores about dating violence prevention.
More than 200 students and educators packed the auditorium for an hour-long presentation that included a documentary in memory of Kathryn Mauke, a Springfield teen who was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend in 2015.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office Community Safety & Outreach Unit was joined by the office’s Domestic Violence Victim Services Director Tina Simmons to talk with students about domestic violence.
The presentation is part of the “1 in 11: Preventing Dating Violence” program the Hampden District Attorney’s Office offers.
“Nearly one in 11 female high
up to voters to decide if it passes at the Annual Town Meeting on May 12.
Hage was on a break from work on Oct. 6, 2025 when she decided to take her dog Sophie, a 10-pound Havanese, for a quick walk. Her neighbor’s dog, an English mastiff weighing over 120 pounds, got out of the yard and onto the sidewalk, raced towards them and attacked before Hage could react.
The attack left Hage injured, in physical therapy for months and nearly killed Sophie. She said the dog attempted “multiple times to rip my dog apart and throw her to kill her,” comparing the situation to a tiger attacking a gazelle.
“My dog still will not walk further than a block from the house,” Hage said. “She sees another dog and I have to hold her. She’s so afraid, I mean, I don’t think she’ll ever get over it.”
The Select Board had already labeled the mastiff as a “dan-
school students, and one in 14 male high school students have reported experiencing physical dating violence. There is no doubt that teens are at a high risk, and that abuse happens more often than we’d like to believe. However, if you know the warning signs, you’re better equipped to protect yourself, and those around you from abuse,” Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni states at the start of the documentary. In the film, Kathryn’s family remembered her as a “spitfire.”
She was a dedicated member of the Oxbow Water Ski Show team, where she performed at the top of a four-tier pyramid. Kathryn was also deeply interested in politics, and through her involvement in the Model Congress at American International College through Sabis International Charter School, she earned a full scholarship to
gerous dog” at the Sept. 3, 2024 meeting after an incident where it killed a resident’s chihuahua, ordering it to be fitted with a muzzle and a leash tied around the walker’s waist when the dog is removed from the premises.
Hage said she had never seen the mastiff with a muzzle and that it was kept unleashed and unsecured on a porch behind a small, “saloon style” swinging door. The porch had been kept shut by a small bungee cable, which was found on the ground after the attack, according to Hage.
The town currently only includes nuisance dogs in town law but redirects to state law for cases of dangerous dogs. Hage said explicitly including a dangerous dog ordinance, along with nuisance dogs, “increases both awareness for residents of the town that these laws exist and increases the likelihood of enforcement.”
attend AIC. Her mother described her as outgoing, charismatic, and intentional in both her academics and extracurriculars.
Throughout high school, Kathryn was in an on-and-off relationship with someone a few years older than her.
“I knew he was into things that I didn’t want my sister getting into. Not terrible things, but just like, smoking weed and doing extracurriculars that weren’t something I did and weren’t something I want
ed my sister to do. For those reasons, I told her to stay away from him right off the bat, but who’s going to listen to their older sister? Especially when it’s about a guy,” Kathryn’s sister Ashley Mauke shared in the film.
Kathryn eventually ended that relationship and began seeing someone else. She told a friend that her ex-boyfriend was struggling to
handle the new relationship. She also confided in her mother, explaining that while she didn’t want to be with him anymore, she still wanted him to be happy.
Sally Hage’s dog, Sophie, who was nearly killed in an attack in October 2025.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Smith honors educators for Excellence in Teaching awards
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — Four educators in East Longmeadow Public Schools received the 2026 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching award for excellence in and out of the classroom.
For the past 23 years, the awards program has been made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with MassMutual and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, recognizing over 100 educators in Western Massachusetts each year.
Recipients are selected by a committee of local administrators and past recipients based on criteria related to excellence in teaching, professional development, contributions beyond the classroom and respect by peers, parents and students.
This year’s recipients are East Longmeadow High School classic and world language teacher and Department Chair Jen Faulkner; Meadow Brook Elementary kindergarten teacher Diane Longo; Birchland Park Middle School science teacher Marilyn Robichaud; and Mountain View and Mapleshade Elementary music teacher Ryan Schneider.
Superintendent Gordon Smith recognized the awardees and read some reasons their colleagues nominated them at the School Committee meeting on April 6.
One nomination for Faulkner said she is “able to get her students of all abilities, wheth-
er they are AP, honors or special education students, to reach their full potential.”
“[Faulkner’s] lesson planning and execution of her lessons are a model to all staff in her department, as well as staff in other subject areas,” Smith said. “Another colleague said ‘[Faulkner] is great at collaborating with staff and her knowledge of curriculum and resources is excellent.’”
One of Faulkner’s colleagues cited her as “one of the greatest educators I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing” and that her “dedication to her students is boundless.”
Longo was noted to have an “outstanding dedication to students, commitment to professional growth and continual pursuit of instructional excellence.”
“[Longo] constantly demon-
strates a deep commitment to improving her practice,” Smith said.
“She actively seeks out professional learning opportunities, reflects on student data and thoughtfully applies new strategies to meet the diverse needs of learners. Her dedication to professional growth is evident in the ways she continually refines her instruction to ensure all students can succeed.”
Another colleague said Longo has the ability to “create an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment” and that students feel “valued, respected and safe to take academic risks.”
“[Longo’s] passion, professionalism and unwavering commitment to students makes her truly deserving of this recognition,” Smith said. “She exemplifies excellence in teaching and
has a lasting positive impact on both her students and the school community.”
Robichaud is an “exemplary teacher for many reasons” and a “go-to resource when a colleague needs assistance,” according to one of her nominations.
“She is the most organized, fair, level-headed teacher I have ever worked with,” Smith said. “Her relationship with her students is excellent, and she keeps fair, realistic expectations for all her students.”
Robichaud was also said to be “a model of what any teacher in any discipline should be” and a “true, reliable professional.” Schneider was nominated for being a “dynamic addition to the Mountain View family, showing up each and every day with unwav-
ering positivity and enthusiasm.” “He has developed meaningful rapport with students and staff, is always willing to lend a hand and truly brings out the best in the students he serves, and the kids are making real, remarkable progress,” Smith said. “Though a new teacher, [Schneider] has already made a remarkable impact on our school community with his enthusiasm, dedication and genuine love for children.”
Schneider runs the school chorus and band and a nomination said he puts in “countless hours to create meaningful, high quality performances that inspire students and build school pride.”
The four educators will be formally recognized and awarded at the spring banquet in Holyoke on May 20.
Nominations open for Lions Club 2026 Citizen of the Year
EAST LONGMEADOW —
Nominations are invited for the East Longmeadow Lions Club 2026 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award. This award honors an East Longmeadow resident who has participated in civic,
WEST SPRINGFIELD
— Baystate Winair, located at 78 Kelso Ave. is proud to announce that Dan Suse, Jr., will be assuming the role of president. With a robust background in the industry and a deep commitment to customer service, Suse is ready to lead Baystate Winair into its next chapter while upholding the values that have made it a trusted name in the region.
As the only wholesale in the area that combines the benefits of local accountability with the resources of a nationwide supplier, Baystate Winair prides itself on delivering exceptional service and expertise. The transition to Suse as president reinforces this commitment, ensuring that customers will continue to receive
charitable or humanitarian activities that significantly contribute to the well-being of the community.
Sixty-nine citizens, including some couples, have been so honored by the Lions Club, starting with the much respected teacher,
the highest-quality products and support.
Suse brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. A dedicated professional, he has been with Baystate Winair for six and a half years and has consistently demonstrated integrity and a strong work ethic.
Suse and his family reside in East Longmeadow, and Suse is also an ambassador with the ERC5 Town Chamber of Commerce, showcasing his dedication to community engagement and local business development.
“I am thrilled to step into the role of president at Baystate Winair,” said Suse. “My commitment to our customers and our community is unwavering, and I look forward to enhancing and
Eselda Glynn, in 1961, to community volunteer, Kelly Phillips.
An awards committee meets each year to review the nominations and make plans for the recipient’s recognition dinner.
The nominating deadline for
growing the services we provide. Together, we will continue to ensure that our clients receive the exceptional support and quality they deserve.”
Baystate Winair is committed to offering a wide range of products and services, with a focus on customer satisfaction and reliability.
With Suse as president, the company is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its clients while maintaining the personal touch that sets it apart.
For more information about Baystate Winair and our services, and our services, please visit winsupplyinc.com/Location/ West-Springfield-MA/01089/ HVAC-Supplies or call 413-733-6311.
the East Longmeadow Lions Club’s 2026 Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award is June 20.
Any resident of East Longmeadow who has been active in civic, charitable or humanitarian activities is eligible.
Please submit a one page nomination to Lion Scott Grabowski, 25 Greenacre Lane, East Longmeadow, MA. 01028-2308, or to srgelusa@gmail.com
A recognition dinner will be held in September.
New Baysate Winair President Dan Suse Jr. (right) hands former President Joe Baskin a plaque recognizing his time with the company.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Superintendent Gordon Smith shakes hands and congratulates the four award recipients. Photo
FARM Bill to support commonwealth’s farmers
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
The state is now one step closer to giving farmers what they need to better thrive in their respective environments.
The Massachusetts Senate recently passed the FARM Bill, which is agricultural legislation aimed at supporting Massachusetts’s 7,000 farms, making it easier for families to buy fresh and nutritious food, and protecting the state’s food supply for the future.
The bill will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration before it reaches Gov. Maura Healey’s desk.
Formally known as S.3029, An Act Fostering Agricultural Resilience in Massachusetts, this legislation is a step forward in supporting Massachusetts farmers and growing the state’s agricultural economy. The bill builds on a recent special commission report focused on making the state’s agricultural operations sustainable for the 21st century.
“Today, the Senate advanced urgently-needed legislation to support the farms, producers, and fisheries that are the foundation of our local and regional food systems. In Western and north central Massachusetts, where agriculture is core to our economy and identity, we know that when we lose farmland, we lose far more than fields — we lose livelihoods, food security and community. This legislation reflects the recommendations of the Special Commission on Agriculture in the 21st Century — a body that I was proud to co-chair,” said state Sen. Jo Comerford, who filed the bill. “With the FARM Bill, Massachusetts is stepping up — investing in the next generation of farms and fisheries while ensuring more local, nutritious food reaches Massachusetts families.”
The Northampton Democrat told Reminder Publishing it was a seismic moment for her to see this legislation pass, as many of the policies have been incubated and advocated for over the last seven years by her and other State House colleagues. She added that while everyone wishes the process could move more quickly, she is grateful that so many policies have moved forward all at once.
“I represent more than 400 farmers in this district. It’s a very agriculture-centered place in the world, and when I got into the legislature, not only did I begin meeting and visiting farmers, growers, producers, I also heard from their advocates. From researchers. From entities like UMass Extension, which is really central to farms’ well-being. I talked with agency folks, like at [Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources], and so we began to file a series of farm bills, some of which have already passed in the Legislature,” said Comerford. “We began to file different kinds of bills, everything from helping the next generation of farmers, to the bill that was ultimately passed, which is really dedicated to helping farms stay in operation given the economic pressures of farming, which are pretty acute, honestly. So, it’s really from the bottom up; it’s the roots of my district and farms. This is a way for me to do my job in representing people, by really filing something that is both being called for, but also would be useful to the well-being of the folks I work for.”
The FARM Bill will help owners of small farms grow their businesses by removing hurdles and making agritourism ventures possible, such as corn mazes and “pick your own” berry and fruit operations. Comerford explained that many farmers rely on additional agritourism ventures as other ways of collecting additional revenue for their main operations.
“This year, we said you can do agritourism on protected land, and that was a recognition about the fact that many farms have microbusinesses to survive. Nobody is surviving just by selling
their produce or their eggs or milk. They’re surviving because they have a corn maze or sell value-added products, or they have a store, and this is just trying to break down the barriers to that,” she said.
The bill also makes it easier for residents to access healthy food, making permanent the Health Incentives Program to help families afford fresh produce, and the Farm to School program — which brings local ingredients into schools. By codifying these programs, the Senate is continuing its reaction to federal actions that threaten food access as a part of the Senate’s Response 2025 initiative.
A further Response 2025 priority requires that state emergency planning efforts prioritize the security of the local food supply chain, given federal cuts to emergency planning.
“It’s important to codify these in law because it says these are serious endeavors and we’re going to have language in that is now statutory language. It makes them much more central in the budgeting process, and we also tweaked some of the language, so it helps in the implementation and regulatory process,” said Comerford. “By putting HIP into the bill, we hope that it won’t be a question of how we fund it going forward.”
She added, “Similarly, the Farm to School program is really critical for districts. It’s reaching this education of the land, it’s teaching nutrition education to students. All these things are really, really, really important, and this is an opportunity for us to enshrine that into law.”
The FARM Bill additionally requires regular reporting about the distribution of local produce through food banks, universal school meals, Meals on Wheels, the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program and other food assistance programs. This data will help assess the damage from federal actions such as the elimination of the USDA Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, which purchased food from historically underserved Massachusetts farmers and provided it to underserved communities.
The legislation includes key provisions to help farmers remain viable and expand their opera
tions. New farm buildings and structures would receive a fiveyear property tax exemption under a local option program added to the bill. The bill also expands opportunities for farmers to par
ticipate in agritourism, makes the Food Security Infrastructure Grant program permanent and eases the water permitting process for cranberry growers.
“Farming is an impossible business in Massachusetts, which is why I do believe the state has a role to play,” said Comerford. “The dominant reason why farmland stops being farmland has to do with the economics of it. Families sell land because they can’t make a living on the land often, or they’ve had an opportunity to really recoup some losses from previous years. I call that the downward economic pressure of farming.”
Comerford added that the state Legislature is set to pass another provision in the bill, a food donation tax credit, where farmers can receive up to $5,000 through a refundable tax credit for donating produce to a nonprofit entity.
“This is at the intersection of food insecurity and farming, trying to make farming viable economically and trying to get more fresh local produce into the hands of people who need it,” added Comerford. “It’s responding to federal cuts to food security programs, and it’s responding to the need for farms to stay farming.”
Overall, Comerford described this bill as a four-pronged approach that focuses on closing the margins faced by farmers, getting
MDAR and UMass Extension
to have a more robust ability to assist in the preservation of farmland in the state, helping the next generation of farmers be in a position to succeed and having the state become more focused on preservation of farmland.
“Between 2017 and 2022, we lost in Massachusetts 27,000 acres of farmland, twice the national rate. It should be a red alert signal for every one of us who cares about both maintain-
ing farms for food security, or maintaining farms for economic development reasons, or maintaining farms for climate reasons. You name it, farms do it,” added Comerford. “No bill does everything that should be done, and that’s really important to say. This isn’t the first, and it won’t be the last FARM bill that I file, or my colleagues file.”
To learn more about the recently passed FARM Bill, visitmalegislature.gov.
State Sen. Jo Comerford speaks at a press conference at a Hatfield farm in 2023
events. She filed the FARM Bill that recently passed
of the state’s House of Representatives.
Reminder
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — Students of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District will soon be given the tools to critically analyze the news and media with a $30,000 grant for a three-year fellowship program with the News Literacy Project.
The News Literacy Project is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works with teachers, school districts, states and community partners to “ensure students in all 50 states receive news literacy instruction before they graduate high school,” according to the project’s press release.
The fellowship itself will give the district customized support to integrate news literacy education, “ensuring all students learn
to think critically about news and information,” the press release said. The resources are completely free for any educator and the grant money can be used at the district’s discretion.
Superintendent John Provost said Dr. Georgina Trebbe, the district’s licensed school library teacher, was “instrumental in developing the grant application. He added that $10,000 will be used annually for three years to support news literacy education in K-12 and educators will begin by reviewing standards and skills from the News Literacy Project, before integrating them into the curriculum and classroom instruction.
“It is important to teach students to distinguish between standards-based journalism and other types of information so they can
HAMPDEN — Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce that Jacob Johnson has joined the Bank as assistant branch manager of the Hampden Branch. Johnson brings a strong background in customer-focused relationship management and financial services to Monson Savings Bank. In his role, he supports the day-to-day operations of the Hampden branch, assists with staff development, and works directly with customers to provide a full range of personal and business banking solutions. He is focused on delivering personalized, attentive service that fosters trusted, long-term customer relationships.
“We are happy to welcome Jacob to the Monson Savings Bank team,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “His strong customer service background, financial experience, and dedication to community values make him a great fit for our Hampden Branch and the customers we serve.”
Prior to joining Monson Savings Bank, Johnson spent six years locally with Balise Ford of Wilbraham, most recently serving as a finance and insurance manager. In that role, he developed extensive experience assisting customers with financing
become empowered consumers of media,” Provost said. “The internet has democratized communication, making it possible for anyone to reach a large audience. While there are many benefits to this, it requires information consumers to become more discerning, to filter out what is factual from misinformation, disinformation and malinformation.”
News Literacy Project’s Senior Director of Media Relations
Christina Velga said the project has found that teens who had exposure to media literacy instruction were “more likely to engage in civic minded activities, such as pushing back against misinformation and correctly identifying AI generated images.”
“They reported higher trust in news media, more active news habits and were more likely to
options, financial products, and relationship-based service — skills that align with the core of Monson Savings Bank’s community banking approach.
A resident of Hampden, Massachusetts, Johnson is actively involved in the community. He and his family support the YMCA of Greater Springfield, where his children participate in youth programs. He is also a dedicated supporter of Empty Arms Bereavement Support, participating annually in the organization’s Syrup Stampede 5K to raise awareness and funds for families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss. In addition, Johnson
actually consume the news,” Velga said. “There’s a number of other study findings that we didn’t do. Similarly, they find that even short lessons on newsletters and instruction can help kids better identify credible sources, use fact checking skills, that sort of thing.”
Director of District Fellowships Brittney Smith, who will be working with and supporting the HWRSD during the program, said it’s important for students to have these sets of skills to help “navigate our complex information landscape.”
“We’re being bombarded with information at every turn,” Smith said. “It is really valuable for students to have these skills and kind of be ready to whip them out as they are surfing the net using TikTok, Instagram, other types
has quickly become engaged in Monson Savings Bank’s outreach initiatives focused on strengthening customer and community relationships.
“I am thrilled to join Monson Savings Bank and serve the community where I live and am raising my family,” said Johnson.
of social media. News literacy ties directly to reading comprehension skills tested on national assessments … independent evaluations have shown that 88% of students could recognize when a social media post failed to provide credible evidence, which was a gain of 20% from before students took the lessons.”
She added that the program’s most recent research showed that the “majority of teens view the news media negatively.”
“Half of teens said journalists do more to harm democracy than to prevent it,” Smith said. “Seven out of 10 thought that news organizations intentionally add bias to coverage to advance a specific perspective.”
She added that information
“I value being part of a bank that truly puts people and community first. I look forward to building lasting relationships with our customers, helping them achieve their financial goals, and contributing to the bank’s proud tradition of giving back to the neighborhoods we call home.” Johnson holds a bachelor of science degree from Westfield State University. To contact Jacob Johnson, NMLS ID 2779374, for your banking needs, please email jjohnson@monsonsavings.com or call 413-267-1299. To learn more about Monson Savings Bank and its team, visitmonsonsavings.bank.
Gubernatorial candidate Shortsleeve stops in Agawam
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — About 50 people milled around at Partner’s Restaurant on March 31, gathering in groups to nibble on hors d’oeuvres and talk politics. Eventually, people settled at tables to listen to Brian Shortsleeve make his case for why he should be Massachusetts’s next governor.
State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga introduced Shortsleeve and his running mate, Shawn Oliver. Shortsleeve is one of three Republicans in the primary race. Boldyga said every Republican campaign for office in Massachusetts is difficult. To eschew concerns about the deep pockets of Shortsleeve’s primary opponent, former biotechnology executive Michael Minogue, he said now-Secretary of Education Linda McMahon had run for state Senate in Connecticut twice, and despite drastically outspending other opponents, failed to win the seat each time. He said a candidate can outspend their opponents and lose “if you’re not the right candidate for the job at the right time.”
Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor and corrections officer, took the mic and said, “You have to know criminals when you look them in the face every day; and there are a lot of criminals trying to run the state government.” Oliver said he and Shortsleeve would “fire” all members of the parole board and replace them with “common sense” board members.
Oliver urged the crowd to vote for Shortsleeve because, “He is one of us.”
Shortsleeve leaned heavily on his history as a U.S. Marine and as a business owner. He said the Ma-
rine Corps taught him about leadership. “This state is in desperate need of new leadership,” he said. He also spoke at length about his time in former-Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration, managing the finances at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Administration. Shortsleeve said he went “line by line” to find waste and found that the MBTA paid invoices without question and did not regularly examine where it could cut costs.
“We desperately need a governor in the corner office who knows how to balance budgets.” He said there was “enormous growth in state spending,” and noted the state budget was $48 billion in 2022 and is now $65 billion. He described it as “billions and billions of dollars blown.”
Without citing any sources, Shortsleeve estimated that $5 billion had been spent housing immigrants in temporary shelters. In late 2022, the number of people in the state’s emergency shelters drastically increased, largely due to an influx of immigrants. Because there is a right-to-shelter law in Massachusetts and the shelters were overflowing, many people and families were sheltered in hotels and other large-scale temporary housing, including Logan Airport. As the number of newly arrived people fell in 2024 and new restrictions, including sixmonth maximum stays and proof of residency requirements, the situation eased. As of August 2025, there were no immigrants sheltered in hotels.
Shortsleeve said he plans to cut waste, increase accountability and lower utility bills and taxes. The last two of these were talking points Shortsleeve returned to several times over the course
of the event.
Shortsleeve said Massachusetts is losing population, business owners among them, because taxes are too high. Healey is not “in sync” with the factors impacting small business owners, he said. Shortsleeve’s plan included rolling back the income tax from 5% to 4%.
“We pay our taxes,” said one person in the audience. “I can’t go 14 feet without hitting a pothole.”
Oliver said municipalities are “behind the eight-ball,” because not enough funding is coming back to them in local aid.
Pulling a National Grid bill out of his jacket, Shortsleeve said the average Massachusetts customer is paying $480 per month for electricity. As of January, the average electric bill in Massachusetts was $177.61. Shortsleeve also said 30% of electric bills are the result of state-mandated fees, which he described as taxes. There are several state-mandated charges on electric bills, including the
energy efficiency charge, which funds electric energy efficiency programs, and the net metering recovery surcharge, which recovers net metering credits applied to customers with excess generation from on-site generation facilities. However, most of these were put in place before Healey took office in 2023.
On “day one” of his administration, Shortsleeve said he would remove all mandated fees from utility bills. He also said he would tie the state to shale pipelines run by companies, including Algonquin Gas Transmission and Tennessee Gas.
Shortsleeve and Oliver both spoke in favor of auditing the state Legislature, which 72% of voters approved in a 2024 referendum. Since then, state House of Representatives Speaker Ronald Mariano and state Senate President Karen Spilka have blocked the audit, saying it violates the separation of powers under the state constitution. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio
has since sued to force the audit. In addition to allowing audits of the Legislature, Oliver said Shortsleeve would make sure all executive departments are audited. Under state law, all executive departments must be audited over the course of three years. DiZoglio completed those audits within the prescribed timeframe in 2025. Despite this, Oliver claimed such an audit would “find billions of dollars in waste.” He promised that the first billion would be returned directly to municipalities in local aid.
Reflecting local sentiment that spans the political spectrum, a man in the crowd said, “We have to fight for money in Western Mass., when Boston just gets money dumped on them.” Another person told Shortsleeve and Oliver, “I don’t want you to walk away after getting you elected and forget about us.” Oliver said that, like Western Massachusetts,
SHORTSLEEVE on page 14
Brian Shortsleeve speaks to voters at Partner’s Restaurant in Agawam.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
See
Flag raising honors Child Abuse Prevention Month
By Debbie Gardner dgardner@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — More than 50 people, including the mayor, city and state officials, representatives from Helix Human Services and other supporters of children in crisis, gathered on the steps of City Hall the morning of April 9 to renew Springfield’s commitment to preventing and helping heal the effects of child abuse.
In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the ceremony included a proclamation from the mayor and remarks by child abuse advocates, capped by the raising of the National Child Abuse Prevention Month flag over City Hall. The design on the flag, depicting children as blue silhouettes on a red background, shows a missing middle child representing those lost to violence.
Mayor Domenic Sarno opened the ceremony by acknowledging the 160-year history of Helix — formerly the Children’s Study Home — and its tireless commitment to working with children and families in times of crisis.
“All the dedicated individuals that work at Helix, you’re doing angel’s work,” Sarno said. “Your efforts help these young people, young children, be able to move forward in a positive fashion that they can and will succeed.”
Reading from the proclamation, Sarno acknowledged the horrors of abuse and neglect and their effects on children, challenging child welfare professionals, law enforcement, businesses, families and the community to work together to better protect children from abuse.
“I urge all our citizens to increase their participation in the efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the communities
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — What be-
gan as a simple discussion at a Springfield City Council meeting about discontinuing a street ended in a full-blown shouting match and the near removal of a city councilor from the chamber.
Farooqui Zahid and several other members of the Baitus Salaam mosque at 148 Fort Pleasant St. recently purchased seven lots abutting a paper street portion of Cloverdale Street in the Forest Park neighborhood. Baitus Salaam, Inc. plans to build a new mosque on the land, which is currently wooded, because the existing mosque is undersized and lacks off-street parking. The new mosque would offer worship space, recreational facilities and an interfaith area, according to Farooqui’s lawyer.
Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila, who represents Forest Park, asked attorney Ken Shea from the Law Department if a limited liability company has
in which we live,” Sarno said.
City Councilor Brian Santaniello, whom Sarno acknowledged as a longtime advocate for children and families in the city, opened his remarks by thanking Sarno for being “on the forefront of this issue,” then shared that the City Council Committee on Health and Human Services, which Santaniello chairs, is slated to have an important meeting on the issue of child abuse and prevention on April 28.
“Seven out of 1,000 children are abused in this country nationally,” Santaniello said, quoting statistics from 2024. “Massachusetts has 14 out of 1,000, and that is totally unacceptable.” Santaniello then noted the role the judgments posted on social media and the lawsuits in the press have played in bringing these state statistics to light.
“I look forward to the meeting on April 28,” Santaniello concluded.
Celebrated author and advocate for Helix Human Services, Liza Zarcone, welcomed those gathered to support children, reminding them that it was important to bring awareness to the issues of child abuse and neglect “not only in the month of April but to 365 days a year.”
The author of “The Unspoken Truth, A Memoir,” recounting her own experiences with child abuse and neglect, Zarcone is a nationally and internationally recognized advocate for child abuse prevention.
“I wrote my memoir, ‘The Unspoken Truth,’ sharing my personal story from the child’s point of view,” Zarcone shared. “I felt it was important to speak from the child’s perspective because people need to understand the depth of damage caused by abuse, neglect and trauma.
“I am now a voice for the voiceless, stepping up to find positive solutions that will best service
standing to petition the city. After Shea explained that the discontinuance was in order, Davila said he would be more comfortable sending the issue to committee. “I have many questions,” he said. Among them were concerns about traffic on a residential street. He also wanted to hear the opinion of the Forest Park Civic Association. Govan agreed.
At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh felt the delay was not necessary and said civic associations are not required to weigh in on such matters. DPW Director Chris Cignoli offered that it is traditional to seek the neighborhood’s input. When asked by At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst, Cignoli said the paper street did not have value from the DPW’s standpoint, other than the land value.
Davila began to ask more questions about the matter, but City Council President Tracye Whitfield interjected, saying that the motion to move to committee was on the floor and his
our youth and families,” Zarcone continued. “I want to ask all of you this question, when a parent or guardian is struggling, who helps the child? This is a very, very, very profound question.”
She praised the work of Helix and its “never-ending support and dedication to our community, children and families,” acknowledging her continued role with the organization, including the Rise Up conference hosted by Helix.
“I take great pride in walking with them on this mission,” Zarcone said. “It is through awareness and education that we can break those barriers and make a difference. That age-old saying, ‘See something, say something;’ do not be afraid to ask the questions, because you will be saving a life.”
Mark Paglia, CEO of Helix Human Services, closed the ceremony by thanking the members of the Helix staff and especially the students from the organization’s Mill Pond School, who were in attendance at the flag raising.
“Thank you again, Mayor Sarno, for once again standing with us and for your steadfast commitment to children and families across Springfield,” Paglia continued, “Your leadership has consistently affirmed the well-being of children is not optional. It’s foundational to a healthy city.
“Today, as we raise the flag for Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are doing something deeply symbolic,” Paglia said. “We are asking our community to pause, reflect and recommit together to protect our children, because the flag is not just fabric, it’s a call to action.”
Citing the statistics of 20,000 children in Massachusetts who were victims of abuse, a figure he said was doubtless underreported, Paglia reminded attendees that
questions could be answered in committee. Davila insisted that he wanted to ask another question, but Whitfield tried again to end the questioning. She also pointed out that he had already asked two questions and City Council rules require he yield the floor to other councilors before he continues questioning the petitioner. Davila persisted and both councilors raised their voices, yelling over each other. Whitfield told him, “I am the City Council president. I make the rules.” He responded with the accusation, “You’re censoring me.” Whitfield banged her gavel repeatedly while Davila smacked his fist on the desk. Then, Whitfield called for the police officer to come into the chamber, ostensibly to remove Davila. However, she called a two-minute recess before the officer could do so. Davila stood, threatening to leave the meeting, but Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards walked over to calm his colleague. By the time the recess ended, the councilors
these children are all around us – in our schools, neighborhoods and churches.
“But today is not only about acknowledging harm. It’s about prevention, and prevention begins with presence,” Paglia said. “It begins when adults slow down enough to notice, when neighbors check in, when social workers, educators, coaches, health care workers and faith leaders speak up, when mandated reporters act, when communities choose respon-
sibility over silence.
“Resilience begins when adults show up consistently and create healthy relationships, when systems work together, when a city wraps itself around our children,“ Paglia continued. “That’s why this moment matters today. Raising a flag alongside Mayor Sarno is a public declaration that Springfield will not look away, that we will continue to invest in our prevention and our families who are under pressure.”
had settled down. The council voted to send the matter to committee, and the meeting continued without further incident.
cilor Michael Fenton brought
vote of no confidence to the floor on March 2, but their contingent was not enough to oust Whitfield from the presidency.
This was the latest episode between Davila and Whitfield. In February, controversy swirled around Whitfield after she failed to recuse herself from a matter to which she had financial and familial connections. An investigation by the city solicitor revealed that she had been involved in several questionable interactions with city personnel and one neighborhood council. Davila, Edwards and Ward 2 City Coun
-
a
Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila stands after City Council President Tracye Whitfield calls a police officer to remove him. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
From left, back row: City Councilor Brian Santaniello, Helix CEO Mark Paglia, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Helix Dean of Students Jason Franklin and Helix Director of Education Dr. Maria Williams. Front row: Students from Mill Pond School.
Reminder Publishing photo by Debbie Gardner
DINING
Forbes Library hosts fiber arts exhibit by The Fiberistas
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — The Hosmer Gallery on the second floor of Northampton’s Forbes Library is awash in colors and textures. Nine women have put their heart and soul — and thread — into a fiber art exhibit, “Bits and Pieces.” Sally Dillion, Rebecca Fricke, Barbara Kline, Martha May, Martha Robinson, Florence “Flo” Rosenstock, Margaret Stancer, Eileen Travis and Nancy Young
SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden District Attorney’s Office will host the 10th Annual Hoop Up Springfield Job Fair & Basketball Tournament on April 20 at American International College. The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to youth ages 11 to 18.
Hoop Up Springfield is a daylong event focused on connecting young people with summer job opportunities, educational resources, and positive activities, while also providing a safe and welcoming environment for youth from across Hampden County.
Participants will have the opportunity to apply for summer jobs, tour the AIC campus and sports complex, participate in skills and drills led by AIC student athletes, take part in a cheerleading clinic and compete in a three-on-three basketball tournament. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered participants.
Employers currently scheduled to participate in the job fair include Pho Saigon, YMCA of Greater Springfield, Perfor-
are The Fiberistas. They range in age from mid-50s to mid-80s, but the one thing they have in common is a love of fiber art.
“There’s nine of us and we work in a variety of different mediums,” Rosenstock said. The “Bits and Pieces” exhibit includes art created by quilting, sewing, felting, crochet, soft sculpture, collage, fabric discharge and printing, cyanotype and photo silk screen and mixed media. Rosenstock said, “I like making things with my hands. I’m fasci-
mance Foodservice, Westaff, Valley Opportunity Council, New North Citizens Council, Big Y Foods, New England Public Media, Eastern States Exposition, the United States Army, Springfield Police Cadet Program, the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, Tech Foundry, city of Springfield Department Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management and Six Flags New England. Additional employers may be added as the event approaches. Employers interested in participating in the Hoop Up Springfield job fair are encouraged to contact Hampden
District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina. anselmo@mass.gov.
District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said the event is designed to give young people opportunities, exposure and positive experiences that can help shape their future.
“This event brings a lot of different parts of the community together for our young people. They get the chance to play, meet employers, see a college campus
nated by color.” Her medium of choice is quilting, but she also likes to dye her own fabrics. Occasionally, she will create fiber sculptures with felt and paper
In 2001, the Fiber Arts Center opened in Amherst. When it closed seven years later, a handful of the people who enjoyed the center decided they would carry on in the form of The Fiberistas. Over the years, some members have moved away, and others have joined the group.
The goal of the “Bits and
and spend the day in a positive environment. We are grateful to American International College and all of the employers who are giving their time and resources to support the youth in our community,” Gulluni said.
American International College President Nicole Cestero said the college is proud to continue its partnership with the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.
“We are honored to partner with DA Gulluni’s office to provide a safe, welcoming space where youth can enjoy the tournament, explore summer job opportunities and begin to imagine themselves as students at a college like AIC. It’s also rewarding for our student athletes who appreciate the chance to contribute to this impactful community event.”
Hoop Up Springfield is free for registered participants. For more information, including registration and event schedule details, go to the Facebook event page: facebook.com/share/1BSMKgwX4y/, or contact the Commu
nity Safety and Outreach Unit at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.
Pieces” exhibit was to use materials the artist already had, scraps from other projects that would otherwise go to waste. The exhibit consists of about 50 pieces of art. Many of them were created for the exhibit, but some pieces are older and simply have not been on display before.
Since the group’s founding, they have staged an array of exhibits in Northampton and Amherst, including at Art in the Orchard, an outdoor art show that is on display for three months
of the year. Rosenstock said making fiber art that will stand up to the weather is particularly challenging. Nonetheless, Rosenstock loves having her work on display. She said, “It’s wonderful to get people’s feedback — and maybe sell a piece — but it’s mostly having people see and appreciate the pieces.”
“Bits and Pieces” will be on display until April 29.
Quilts by Margaret Stancer and fiber sculptures by Nancy Young, part of The Fiberistas’s “Bits and Pieces” exhibit at Forbes Library.
Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
Gonzalez named chair of World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — On a recent morning, the Bellagio Ballroom at MGM Springfield was filled with representatives of organizations and businesses that support the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. They gathered to bestow the title of 2026 honorary chair on State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez.
The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast is hosted by the Spirit of Springfield. This year marks the event’s 40th anniversary. Several past honorary chairs were present at the ceremony, including Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni (2021), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President John Doleva (2024) and Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi (2025).
Gonzalez said, “I am deeply humbled.” Referring to the past honorary chairs, he said, “French, Italian, Polish and now Latino.” He said, “Y’all better get ready to do some salsa,” and joked that he had to live up to Mayor Domenic Sarno’s nickname for him: “Salsa
Economics.” He explained that the nickname came from a time when he compared the ingredients for economic prosperity to the variety of spices that go into making salsa. He said Springfield was also made exceptional by the different people and cultures that live in the city.
Gonzalez said what makes the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast special is the “third, fourth, fifth generations,” of families that have made it tradition over its 40year history. Gonzalez said he was looking forward to bringing his grandchildren to the event.
Gulluni and MGM Springfield President Louis Theros presented Gonzalez with the embroidered blue-and-white jacket worn by the honorary chair.
During the ceremony, Spirit of Springfield Board Chair John Sjoberg joked, “Carlos has long brought home the bacon from Boston and this year, he’s going to cook the bacon.”
This year, the World’s Largest Pancake breakfast will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 8-11 a.m. At tables stretching the
length of Main Street, from State Street to Bridge Street, thousands of people will eat pancakes, bacon, miniature muffins, coffee, juice and milk. Attendees can help themselves to a plate of entertainment and activities along with their pancakes.
Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt said, “What people remember is not the food. It’s the feeling.”
Sarno said, “This pancake breakfast brings the beautiful mosaic of Springfield downtown.” While “urban centers get knocked,” he said the breakfast highlighted the city’s generosity.
MGM Springfield is the event’s largest sponsor, but All States Materials, GoNetSpeed and Monson Savings Bank also sponsor the event. Dozens of businesses and agencies donate products and services, including AM Lithography, American Medical Response, Baystate Health, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Cabot Creamery, Costco, Elegant Affairs, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Home Grown Springfield (Sodexo), Mansfield
Paper Company, MassMutual Center, Mercy Medical Center, MGM Springfield, Quality Beverage, Republic Services, Sheraton Springfield, Smithfield Foods, Springfield Business Improvement District, Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, Springfield DPW, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Parking Authority, Springfield Police Department and Yellowstone Landscape.
Literacy
Continued from page 10
from the surveyed teens “overwhelmingly” showed that they want media literacy instruction and the set of skills to understand it better, citing the fellowship as “responding to their desire to learn how to navigate news and other information.”
Velga said that districts are opting into this fellowship because they are seeing students struggle to make sense of information they see online.
Shortsleeve
Continued from page 11
Healey only visited New Bedford during campaign season. He promised Shortsleeve would not forget about the region.
Volunteers set up, sell tickets, cook and serve food, and clean up after the event.
After Gonzalez accepted the honor, Ashley Kohl, owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, shared with the crowd that there would be a flash mob at the event performing to John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. in The U.S.A.” For more information about the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, visit spiritofspringfield.org.
“It’s our goal that every student will learn and use literacy skills before they graduate,” Velga said. “The reality is that it’s not a requirement in most places and even despite that, teachers are saying ‘this is so important, we are going to add this to our plates to figure out how to incorporate this into what we are teaching kids because they need these skills.’ Educators are responding to a need they see, and we have this program to support them and show other districts that you can do it too … kids say they want it, we know from our own research, and we know that it really has an impact on them.”
he was in favor of, along with more vocational training options.
Someone in the audience mentioned the “crazy policies” passed by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. The organization does not pass binding policies but instead develops and provides model policies school committees can choose to use.
Oliver opined that some districts were on an “ideological crusade.”
Shortsleeve lamented the achievement of students in the state. He described the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as “anti-choice, pro-politics,” and said he would fire and replace the entire board. He said parents should be able to log in online and see what their child learned in class that day. He also said the MCAS was removed as a graduation standard but not replaced with another metric, which
Shortsleeve also promoted the proposed federal Education Choice for Children Act, which would allow households earning up to 300% or their area’s median income and corporations to use up to $1,700 in tax credits to contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations, which provide private school tuition vouchers.
When it comes to the need for housing statewide, Shortsleeve said, “To get prices down, we need to boost supply. There is an enormous amount of state-owned land.” To encourage builders, he would eliminate the stretch energy code and suspend the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, he said.
With Shortsleeve’s strong message of deregulation, Reminder Publishing asked the candidate what he would do to protect the people whom the regulations were designed to protect. He responded, “You protect people by acknowledging the policies have failed.”
State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez poses wearing his World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast Honorary Chair jacket, while MGM Springfield President Louis Theros and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni applaud.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Ordinance
“The goal is to improve public safety, promote responsible dog ownership and provide the town with effective enforcement tools, including the use of registration funds to support enforcement,” Hage said. “The amendment is not
breed-specific and allows for situations in which a dog is acting to protect itself or its owner. Importantly, the amendment does not mandate immediate euthanasia. Instead, it requires that appropriate measures be taken to protect the community in cases where a dog has inflicted bodily injury on a person or domestic animal, or has demonstrated repeated, un-
provoked aggressive behavior.”
She added that she found enforcement is uneven when talking to residents with dogs who have been attacked by other dogs and that this ordinance will “support more equitable enforcement and better protection of the community.”
The proposal states that “once a dog has been deemed dangerous as a result of a hearing, some or all of the following actions will be required of the dog owner,” such as being securely confined indoors or in an enclosed structure no less than six feet in height with secure sides and a top, suitable to prevent the entry of children and designed to prevent the animal from escaping.
“This provision is informed by a review of dangerous dog regulations in other communities,” Hage said. “A six-foot fence is generally considered necessary to prevent a dangerous dog from escaping or causing harm, as it better addresses the jumping, climbing and strength capabilities of
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
Paul J. Brault
Joyce A. Grycel
Jeannine M. Martell
Tomas G. Martins
Jeanne L. Russell McClain
Suzanne J. Morrissette
Ilda F. Paulo
Darlene J. Peck
Una M. Trudell
Mark Walas
David F. Zajchowski
EAST LONGMEADOW
Mildred D’Amato (Cangro)
Glenn E. Elmer
George Thomas Herberger
William J. Jamieson
Kathleen M. Snow
Jon M. Steele
Norman R. Tremblay
Mary Jane A. Whitehead HAMPDEN
Catherine Pat Bombard
David Stevens
Stanley Witkop Jr. HOLYOKE
Marilyn J. Angers
Eric H. Dugroo
Robert E. Lafrenaye LUDLOW
Edward J. Cislak
Richard L. Dionne
David P. Petrolati
Susan Ribeiro
Barbara S. Zielinski
SOUTH HADLEY
Charles A. Boulais Jr.
Olivia Nicole Hann
Rosemary Lane
SPRINGFIELD
Barbara A. Aubrey
Loys A. Center
Robert A. Dionne
Robert R. Lynch Jr.
Evelyn I. Marlborough
Casey Thompson
WILBRAHAM
Joan Davis
Jean M. Hirsch
Rosemary “Ro” O’Donoghue
large, athletic or highly motivated breeds. While a four-foot fence may be sufficient to contain smaller or less active dogs, a sixfoot barrier provides a significantly greater level of protection against larger, stronger dogs that can easily clear lower heights.”
The proposal also adds onto state law and requires that warning signs of a dangerous dog must be visible on the property.
“The additional enforcement methods are standard practices used in other communities to ensure that regulations are meaningful rather than merely symbolic and that the community is fully informed and protected,” Hage said. “For example, prior to attacking my dog, this dangerous dog was loose and had even charged my fence. If a warning sign had been posted or if an animal control officer had conducted an inspection to ensure the dog was properly secured, I, or the town, could have taken steps to protect my dog before the attack occurred. These measures help ensure that no child approaches the enclosure of a dangerous dog, risking harm, and that no resident keeps such a dog in an unsecured area.”
Assistant Town Manager Mike Barbieri said the animal control officer currently follows up on specific orders issued by the Select Board, such as making sure a
Dating
Continued from page 6
called Kathryn saying.
Even after friends reached out to the ex-boyfriend asking him to stop calling and texting Kathryn, he persisted and escalated, and exhibited emotionally controlling behavior toward his ex-girlfriend.
Feeling under the weather, on Feb. 11, 2015, Kathryn decided to stay home from school. Her ex-boyfriend attempted to contact her from his workplace, upon which time Kathryn told him she was staying home sick that day, and that the relationship was over.
Later that day, Kathryn’s sister Mariah Mauke came home from school, and found Kathryn in a pool of blood, stabbed 32 times.
fence is properly installed by the date required.
“Not all regulations are easily enforceable,” Barbieri said. “For ongoing behavioral requirements, like muzzling or restraint, we must rely on the dog owner’s good-faith compliance.”
The amendment would require animal control to inspect properties twice a year and any dangerous dog may be seized immediately and held at the owner’s expense if the dog is not “validly registered, not maintained in a proper enclosure or is outside of the dwelling or enclosure and not under the physical restraint of the owner,” according to the proposal. Penalties include a $300 first-offense fine and a $500 second-offense fine. Continued violation calls for confiscation and humane euthanasia following due process.
“I want this amendment incorporated into the town’s ordinances so that residents are aware of state law and so the town is required to take proactive steps to protect the community from dangerous dogs,” Hage said. “In my case, little action was taken even after the dog killed another resident’s pet in front of its owner. The dog continued to be kept in an unsecured area, was repeatedly loose and ultimately attacked my dog as well, nearly killing her and leaving me with injuries.”
In partnership with the Mauke family, the devastating passing of Kathryn serves as an opportunity for the Hampden District Attorney’s office to educate students about dating violence and prevent future tragedies.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Mauke family for allowing us to share Kathryn’s story. Their courage in turning such a devastating loss into a powerful message is helping educate young people about the realities of dating violence and, ultimately, saving lives,” said District Attorney Gulluni. For more information about the “1 in 11: Preventing Dating Violence” presentation, or to request a presentation at your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.
Falcons goalie Ricky Hale prepares to make the save.
Liam Faneuff gets ready for the second half.
Minnechaug defender Tucker Derosia knocks the ball loose near mid-field.
Falcons middie Jake Moore guards Brendan Clark of Framingham.
Joey Woytowicz winds up for a shot on goal.
Ryan
initiates a fourth quarter scoring bid.
Tommy Hutcheson carries the ball into scoring territory.
Donny Belton disrupts the pass by Framingham’s James Baldesgrini.
Kelly Balog attacks the net for Minnechaug.
Jake Hisgen reacts as his Minnechaug teammate Liam Faneuff (29) scores to put the Falcons ahead.
Ethan Kelliher wins the opening draw and then rushes toward the net.
Semanie
