Town Council upholds marijuana moratorium
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Town Council voted to shut down a referendum seeking to overturn the 2017 moratorium that banned the commercial sale of marijuana in town, with Councilor Jim Leydon saying the decision was made for the ‘health and safety of all the young kids in town.”
Residents approved the moratorium in a townwide vote in 2017. Voters also did not support the ballot measure legalizing marijuana in Massachusetts in 2016.
The appeal was brought to the council by two residents looking to open a marijuana dispensary and was shot down 4-2 by Leydon and Councilors Marilyn Richards, Kathy Hill and Jon Torcia at the meeting on April 14. Jeffrey Brooks and Christina Rivera Brooks, the husband and wife looking to open the store on Shaker Road, originally met with the council in November 2024 for a zoning bylaw change that would allow the store’s opening. There was an effort in February 2025 for a ballot question, but Council President Connor O’Shea said it was too late for that year’s election, so the pair met with the
council again in August 2025 for the June 2026 election.
The question would have been non-binding, meaning the council still could have decided against it if it were voted in approval by the town. The discussion for the question was opened back up at the Jan. 28 meeting, where Councilor Ralph Page said it would be added to get an overall feel of what the town’s thoughts are.
“Truthfully, you could have 10,000 people, 9,900 say repeal it, and the council may say ‘eh, you know after thinking about it, we don’t wanna,’” Page said on Jan. 28.
Leydon said he thought there were “enough access points” in the areas surrounding East Longmeadow and that as a parent, there’s a protectionist angle for protecting the youth, and a public health angle that should be considered, mentioning the recent A’s Smoke Shop liquor license revocation for multiple allegations of selling alcohol to minors. “Not to conflate that with this, I understand this is more regulated,” Leydon said. “This is not an ascent industry any longer, this is a built up industry with plenty of access in surrounding towns and the more I thought about it, I felt like, in good conscience, I couldn’t lend my voice and my
vote to forsaking, I think, a lot of people, more so children in this community, youth.”
Leydon noted concerns of high school and middle school aged children getting out of school and walking through the center and said he’d vote against the question no matter what the specific language was. Richards said she should have spoken up earlier when the residents first approached the council and that she’s sorry she didn’t, adding that the council has just been “kicking the can down the road.”
“You do not change a zoning bylaw to address the needs or desires of an individual entity,” Richards said. “You make changes because it’s for the better good
of the community … there are obviously reasons why we would want to modify our bylaws, but to strictly change the bylaw because an individual wants to open up a retail marijuana shop in East Longmeadow is not proper, it’s an individual goal. It’s not a town goal, it’s not for the betterment of the community.”
Richards added concerns about youth safety, and that she can’t wrap her head around changing the law when the town has already spoken out in opposition several times.
Hill said that in her experience as an educator and chair of the Licensing Committee, underage individuals will still find a way to
The East Longmeadow Town Council hears Councilor Jim Leydon’s position on the marijuana ballot question.
Photo credit: ELCAT01028
See MORATORIUM
Mobile Museum of Tolerance visits Jewish Community Center
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW Brian Strafach looked around the small, rectangular space where more than a dozen middle schoolers sat with the handful of adults who accompanied them. A black-and-white photo of a narrow building was displayed on a large screen that spanned the entirety of one wall. An arrow pointed to a window at the top of the building in the Netherlands where Otto Frank, his wife Edith Frank, their daughters, Margot and Anne, and four other people hid in an attic for two years during World War II.
“What would you take with you if you had to live there?”
Strafach asked the students. One by one, they raised their hands and suggested food, books, blankets and games.
The lesson on Anne Frank, her family and their fate during the Holocaust was not taught in a classroom or traditional history museum. Instead, the students were learning inside a large blue bus parked outside the Springfield Jewish Community Center in Longmeadow. The lesson is just one of several that take place in Mobile Museums of Tolerance.
Partway through the lesson, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno arrived and spoke to the children about the importance of learning about the Holocaust. He shared stories about seeing serial numbers tattooed on the arms of concentration camp survivors. While some people deny that the Holocaust
Moratorium
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“obtain illicit substances.”
happened, he said, “We always have to remember our past and our history, so it isn’t repeating.”
Sarno said, “The Jewish people are a proud people,” and he thanked the JCC for hosting the Mobile Museums of Tolerance.
The first Mobile Museum of Tolerance began operating in Chicago, Illinois, in 2021. Now, there are nine mobile museums in California, Florida, New York
“A 15-year old will find a way,” Hill said. “I’m concerned that, given the fact that we already stumbled into a situation that we had no awareness of and the fact that, in terms of the health and safety of our youngsters, we’re struggling as a society with overuse of cell phones. The impact of various types of social media that have been documented to be detrimental to the mental health of teenagers … we don’t need to put another roadblock in front of the younger population in this town and tempt them with any-
and Massachusetts. The traveling classrooms offer students in grades 5-12, age-appropriate lessons on the Holocaust, the Civil Rights Movement and combating hate speech through digital literacy.
“One of our goals is to leave students inspired to learn more,” said Strafach, the Mobile Museum of Tolerance lead educator for the Northeast. He said the content is designed to add to what students
thing else.”
She said there is no shortage of places to buy marijuana in the immediate area and that she doesn’t have a bias toward the consumption of marijuana, just a bias toward “children being endangered.”
Page said it doesn’t hurt to put it on the ballot to get the “temperature of the town” and
learn in schools. Strafach said the mobile museums, which often visit schools, community centers and houses of worship, can be requested to visit anywhere, provided there are six parking spaces available for the bus to park. The programming is free of charge, and in Massachusetts, it is funded through the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
hear from residents since it is a non-binding question.
Torcia said he believed it to be a “quality of life issue” and had concerns with marijuana being sold in the center of town and so close to the new high school.
He added that he did feel “leery about stopping it from being voted on” and letting the citizens share their opinion.
The programs are historical resources, and while they do not teach about current events, they help students “reflect on how they treat each other,” Strafach said.
“We want students to walk away understanding that we have models from the past that show how to treat people today.”
To learn more about the Mobile Museums of Tolerance, or to request a visit, go to mmot.com.
O’Shea said not putting it on the ballot would be a “disservice” to the people that petitioned for it and that a whole year would have been wasted.
He said it could be followed again next year or a citizen initiative process could be done to “force the council to repeal it at their discretion with an appropriate number of votes.”
Above, from left: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joins middle school students, their chaperones and educators stand in front of a Mobile Museum of Tolerance that visited the Springfield Jewish Community Center.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
EAST LONGMEADOW
Lions Club hooks community spirit with fishing derby
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Lions Club is once again casting its line into a beloved community tradition, inviting families to gather for a morning of fishing, fun and connection at its annual youth fishing derby on April 25.
For organizer Bob Adams, the event is as much about preserving local history as it is about creating new memories.
“Originally, the East Longmeadow Jaycees ran the fishing derby for about 55 years,” Adams explained. “When the Jaycees disbanded, the derby didn’t take place for several years until the Lions Club was asked to bring it back in 2019. This is our seventh annual event. Each year, it has grown through the support
By Debbie Gardner dgardner@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — If Earth Day got you thinking about ways your personal actions might help the planet, an upcoming workshop at Heartsong Yoga could be for you.
Caring for the Planet, Caring for Yourself, Living Whole Living Well — a holistic look at how our everyday choices and actions affect the planet and our health — is slated for May 3 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Heartsong Yoga Center, 264 North Main St., East Longmeadow. The cost is $45 to attend. Individuals 65 years of age and older can register with a 20% discount by using the ELDER code. Register at heartsongyoga.com/upcoming-events.
of our sponsors and community participation.”
That growth is evident not only in attendance but also in community involvement. This year’s derby will feature support from local law enforcement and a wide range of area businesses.
“This year we will have representatives from the Massachusetts State Police and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department supporting the event,” Adams said. “Businesses in East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Wilbraham, Springfield and Somers, Connecticut. have donated to the participants’ gift bags. This is a free event for the public.”
Young anglers can expect a lively and well-organized morning. “Registration runs from 6:30-10 a.m., poles in the water at 7 a.m., and the derby ends at
10:30 a.m.,” Adams said. “As the participants catch fish, they bring the fish to a weigh station to get it recorded. It’s a lot of fun and a lot of excitement.” Coffee and donuts will be available while supplies last, and prizes will be awarded around 11 a.m., alongside an ongoing raffle.
The derby is open to children ages three to 14, with structured age groups ensuring fair competition. “We award first, second, and third place trophies and prizes through four age groups for total fish weight caught,” Adams noted. “We also have trophies and prizes for the biggest and smallest fish.”
Beyond competition, every participant has a chance to win.
“One of our sponsors CMD
Hosted by Heartsong Yoga owner and director Sheila Magalhaes in conjunction with Dr. Kathryn Hayward, retired Mass General internal medicine physician and co-founder of Living Whole Online, and local musician Bill Shontz, the 90-minute seminar is designed to incorporate information, movement and music to help individuals better understand the connection between individual health and planetary health.
This is the second seminar Heartsong Yoga hosted with Hayward, but individuals need not have attended the program in late winter to reap the benefits of this spring presentation.
“When we found out Kathryn was coming back to Massachusetts for the month of May, we said, ‘let’s do something about
educating people about environment and eating well and give them actionable steps to move forward with improving their health,’” Magalhaes said.
Hayward explained that the integrative whole health approach of Living Whole Online “brings together conventional medicine and whole, plantbased food and movement of our bodies and what we call mind-body-spirit-disciplines, which include energy practices and family connections and the creative pursuits that lift our hearts and help us heal.”
“When you look at the health of individuals through that lens, it’s a very easy next step to look at the health of our planet, and how can we help our planet with our individual behaviors,” Hayward continued.
Hayward said she and her colleagues all believe that education is imparted most effectively through experiences, and
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.
Adult programs:
• Intro to Fly Fishing — Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m.
Teen programs:
• Teen Board Games — Monday, April 27, at 2:30 p.m.
Children’s book groups: Funny Bonz Book Group (grade 3-4) — Tuesday, April 28, 4:305:30 p.m. This month’s book is “Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face and the Badness of Badgers,” by John Dougherty.
• Page Turners Book Group (grades 5 and up) — Tuesday, April 28, 4:30-5:30 p.m. This month’s book is “Midnight Mayhem” by Christina Uss.
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.
Heartsong
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the May 3 workshop is designed to provide information through this method.
TOWN EVENTS
• Western Mass Wheelers – Introductory Session — Monday, April 27, at 11 a.m.
• Independent Living: A Lifestyle of Freedom, Convenience and Community — Wednesday, April 29, at 10:30 a.m.
• Kentucky Derby — Thursday, April 30 at 12:45 p.m.
• Fix It Clinic — Friday, May 1, by appointment
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.
Janna Brown from the Foundation for TJO Animals Lobby Learning — Tuesday, April 28, from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Second Chance Animal Services “Homebound to the Rescue” program — Wednesday, April 29, from 9 a.m. to noon. Free pet vet exams.
Kentucky Derby Party — Friday, May 1, at noon. Cost is a $3 as a suggested donation to GSSSI for lunch.
HAMPDEN GARDEN CLUB
PLANT SALE DONATIONS
The Hampden Garden Club is looking for perennial plant donations for their Memorial Day Plant Sale. If you are looking to thin out your perennials, garden members will come and dig the plants you want to donate. Please contact Lil Fedora at 413-566-1137 to set up a dig day.
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: Rhythm & Read — Monday, April 27, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Youth Chess (kindergarten and up) — Monday, April 27, 3:154:15 p.m.
• Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, April 28, 9:30-10 a.m.
Newbies (ages birth-18months)
— Tuesday, April 28, 10:4511:30 a.m. This program is sponsored by Pathways for Parents.
Grow Play Learn (ages birth5years) — Wednesday, April 29, 9:30-10:30 a.m. This program is sponsored by Pathways for Parents.
• Tiny Tales — Thursday, April 30, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Library Virtual Speakers: On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience with Jason Reynolds — Thursday, April 30, 7-9 p.m.
Little Listeners (ages 2-5 years) — Friday, May 1, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Indoor Obstacle Course — Friday, May 1, 3-4:15 p.m.
Adult programs:
Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, April 28, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston — Wednesday, April 29, 1-2:30 p.m.
Great Decisions with Vinnie
“There’s a component of the workshop that will be teaching why individual behavior can actually have a very large impact on improving the health of the planet,” Hayward said. But the real power of the seminar, Hayward explained, is how the three presenters work together to make the information meaningful. “It is in the experiences that Sheila offers in movement and meditation and mindfulness, and the experiences that Bill offers with music, and the experiences that I offer with some energy practices and breath work.”
Ferraro — Wednesday, April 29, 4:30-6 p.m.
Lisa Ruch Presents: Literary Reimaginings — Wednesday, April 29, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This session will be about “Longbourn” by Jo Baker.
• Weekly Writers Group — Thursday, April 30, 9:30-11
a.m.
Author Talk with Allison Keeton — Thursday, April 30, 2-3 p.m.
• Learn to Play Mahjongg! — Thursday, April 30, 6-7:45 p.m.
Library Virtual Speakers: On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience with Jason Reynolds — Thursday, April 30, 7-9 p.m.
Storrs Stitchers (drop-in) — Friday, May 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Dungeons & Dragons — Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
PUBLIC BIRDING WALK
On Saturday, May 2, from 8-10 a.m. the Allen Bird Club and the Friends of Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge will co-host a Beginner Bird Walk within Longmeadow’s beautiful Fannie Stebbins Memorial Wildlife Refuge. This program is open to the public free of charge. Participants should wear shoes appropriate for muddy areas, use tick and bug defense, and bring binoculars if possible. Some binoculars will be available to borrow. Meet at the sign on the corner of Bark Haul and Pondside Roads. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. This program will take place drizzle or shine; hard rain cancels. For more information, please call 860-539-8777.
A lifetime environmentalist, Hayward said the songs Shontz will present “are among the most powerful environmental songs that I’ve ever heard.”
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. Society and architecture lecture — April 29 at 6 p.m. The White House, Falling Water, Empire State Building, Golden Gate Bridge and many others, symbolize for most Americans, our identity, democratic ideals, societal growth, entrepreneurship and drive of the American people! This lecture will highlight how design, purpose and innovation reflect our broader, social cultural and historical trends. Sponsored by LACCF as part of the 250th anniversary lecture series.
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. Book Worms — Monday, April 27, from 4:30-5:15 p.m.
• VIRTUAL: JOB SEARCH HELP: Job Hunting Do’s and Don’ts — Wednesday, April 29, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Intro to Ancestry Library Edition — Wednesday, April 29 ,from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
A final component of the workshop will include time for attendees to reflect on and write about the things that they have learned and experienced.
“So even in the 90 minutes, it’s pretty packed, and at the same time, it’s very fun. There’s a lot of laughing, there’s a lot of joyfulness and connection, and yeah, so you’re not alone,” Hayward said.
Individuals will also leave with practical, actionable steps and a sense of what they can do to “feel better about my contribution to the health of my own life and the health of the planet,” Hayward said.
Your Trees – Our Passion
• Tree Removal
• Tree Pruning
• Tree Cabling
• Storm Damage
• Crane Work
• Stump Grinding
• Lot Clearing and More
Over 45 Years Of Combined Experience
WE SERVICE : Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and parts of Wilbraham and Hampden
“We take great PRIDE in the QUALITY of our work and our Exceptional Customer Service”
Select Board responds to Finance Committee concerns on fiber project
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Select Board is clearing the air on a few concerns the Finance Committee had about the town’s ongoing fiber project.
Voters will decide if $8.6 million is put toward construction of the project’s initial phases in Article 7 at the Annual Town Meeting on May 12.
The Select Board and Finance Committee held a joint meeting to discuss the Town Meeting warrant on April 6. The Finance Committee decided to recommend every article besides Article 7 on the warrant at its own meeting.
Finance Committee Chair
Erica Weida included seven examples of what went into the committee’s decision not to recommend the article in a report on the town warrant, stating the committee is “not against this project moving forward in the future and appreciates the work that has been invested,” but that the presentation by the Select Board did not “sufficiently answer numerous financial questions.”
The Select Board created a memo responding to each of the Finance Committee’s concerns and held a special meeting to discuss each of its responses on April 16.
Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi said it was important that the town had “all the information that they need to make an informed decision” since the warrant will be sent out to every home
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in Longmeadow.
“My hope is that they’re able to take a look at some of these responses and think about whether they’re changing support, whether there is a change in support,”
Hemavathi said. “It’s also for our town residents to take a look at the responses and see how these questions and concerns have been addressed.”
The committee’s first example states that there is no information on how the Municipal Light Plant will make financial decisions. The MLP allows the townwide expansion of fiber to residents, and Hemavathi said it is governed by state statute with strict rules about annual audits and annual financial reports with everything done by open meeting.
The Select Board’s response memo states, “by statute, the MLP has limits on what percentage their rates can be of total cost and other statutory restrictions. There are over 40 MLPs operating in Massachusetts.”
“Our counsel, luckily, represents a lot of other MLPs and understands the space and has been very helpful in providing guidance on this,” Hemavathi said. “The Select Board is the MLP, but we’re waiting for the state Legislature to approve our charter change, where at that time, a three person MLP board can be populated.”
Another one of the committee’s examples states “it has not been clearly explained how rates will be set to fairly allocate the cost between the taxpayers and the subscribers.”
Technologies has made a donation which has allowed for a number of prizes to be given away randomly,” Adams added. “Every participant can also get a picture taken with our selfie banner as a memory.”
Behind the scenes, the event requires months of preparation.
“Planning for this derby starts the day after the derby,” Adams said. “We learn from each year to improve the derby and grow participation.” This year, organizers have stocked the pond with approximately 700 fish through
Hemavathi said that rates would be set by the MLP board and that rates used in the modeling need to be competitive with other providers and are based on covering operating expenses, building a retained earnings fund and covering buildout costs of the entire town.
He added that the current $90 per month subscriber rate for fiber is a lower rate than what Comcast offers for the same 1 gigabyte per second internet speed, and that fiber provides better value to residents paying for lower speeds if they wanted to switch.
The committee’s third example states it has “concerns regarding the length of debt service and have not been shown any other options for how it could be shortened.”
The memo said that the 20-year debt service is “appropriate for an asset” that will last over 50 years and that a shorter length would increase the tax impact on residents.
The committee also looked for clarity on who bears the risk of the debt and Hemavathi said it would be the rate payers by statute.
“If the MLP completely were to fail, like if our sewer system or if our water system completely failed, then the town would be on the hook for it,” Hemavathi said. “This has not happened anywhere in Western Massachusetts and nowhere in Massachusetts that we are aware of … in fact, the opposite has occurred where once borrowing has been paid off, subscriber rates have actually decreased.”
hatchery donations, along with an additional $2,000 worth purchased by the club. The derby also reflects the Lions Club’s broader mission of service. Founded in 1943, the organization supports initiatives ranging from assisting the visually impaired to hosting community celebrations. “Lions Club Interna-
The committee noted that it had also not been made clear on what taxpayers will get in return for their investment and the memo states taxpayers will get a “service that works, meets their needs and can easily be upgraded.”
“This will earn revenue indefinitely, it builds an estimated $6 million in reserves by [fiscal year 2051] and then again because we control it, we get to control how the service works, meeting the needs of our residents and thinking about this, again, as a longterm investment ” Hemavathi said. “Once the borrowing is paid off and more people are signed on, you get to continue decreasing that monthly internet subscription rate and then it’s something that really becomes, you know, a perk of living in Longmeadow.”
The committee’s sixth example states that the town will be “voluntarily violating its debt policy without sufficient or emergency justification which may impact future borrowing.” Hemavathi said that the middle school project borrowing is already putting the town over the debt policy and that fiber would only add .4% more to it.
The memo states that “it is not clear at all that this would negatively impact future borrowing. In previous meetings with our bond rating agency, they said Longmeadow would be well-served and aided by exploring revenue generating opportunities. This is one such opportunity.”
The final example states “at the time of the Finance Committee vote, the financial model had not
tional differs from most charities as all our administrative expenses are paid solely through members dues,” Adams emphasized. “Meaning 100% of funds donated go directly to our charities and community activities.”
been fully vetted and finalized, this should have been a requirement for moving the warrant forward.”
Hemavathi said that the model had been put together by Finance Director Ian Coddington and vetted by both Coddington and Fiberspring’s finance director.
The memo states that “the Finance Committee asked why inflation was not included in the model. 80% of the costs will occur in the next five years. We do not know what inflation will be. The model included conservative estimates for construction, make-ready costs, interest rates and manager compensation. All of those items could very well come in lower. We do not know what the construction costs will be until we go out to bid. The bids may come in lower than our conservative estimates. We have seen this happen just over the last three years where road and water main projects came in at millions of dollars lower than what we estimated. Despite all of this, if the Finance Committee feels strongly that inflation be included, we can include it at the rate they want.”
Hemavathi added that fiber is a
“low depreciation asset that does not need much maintenance,” and that the financial model “really sets aside a lot of money for the reserve fund.”
Chair Josh Levine said that he hopes to continue collaborating and having conversations with the Finance Committee and that he would like to hold another joint meeting before the Annual Town Meeting.
“Our project, with the support of the community, ensures the continuation of the holiday tree lighting,” Adams said.
For now, however, the focus is on April 25. Adams offers simple advice for newcomers: “Be ready to have some fun fishing with your family!”
As the club looks ahead, it is also rallying support for a major new project: replacing the town’s longtime holiday tree.
Longmeadow native joins Revolution dev. team
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow native Jared Smith is taking his soccer career to the next level in his home state after signing his first professional contract with the New England Revolution II, the organization’s development team. It is a one-year contract for the remainder of the 2026 season with a club option for 2027.
Smith started playing when he was 5 years old and said he quickly realized he was pretty good for his age. He said it was fun being good at a sport, which led him to follow through with it. He went on to play for Longmeadow High School, winning a Western Massachusetts title in 2017 and a state championship as captain during an undefeated senior season in 2019.
He played for the Quinnipiac University Bobcats for two seasons, citing Coach Tobias Esche as helping him develop through extra work during periods he wasn’t a starter.
“He sat me down and he told me that he saw a lot of potential in me and then my junior year, the starting left back pulled his hamstring, so it was my turn,” Smith said. “I played every game, except for one because I got a red card. We won a regular season and won the conference, and I started to love the game even more as I was in college. I wanted to play the best because I wanted to play professionally.”
Smith decided to transfer to Seton Hall University for his 2023 and 2024 seasons, where his position changed to left wing.
“I would say I grew there the most, technique wise,” Smith said. “I had two pretty good years there. My first year, I was injured, so I didn’t really play that much, but I still had like two goals, five assists. My last year, I started every match, was the leading goal scorer. We were ranked eighth in the country.”
He also spent parts of five seasons with the Western Mass Pioneers from 2021-2025 and went through a trial with SC Tulsa until an elbow injury. He made his way back into New England after a trial with the Revolution, where he said they liked what they saw and decided to sign him.
“[Playing professionally] wasn’t always a thought of mine because I thought when you were in high school, it was either professional after high school or you just stopped playing,” Smith said. “There was not that much exposure at the time when I was going through the recruiting process for college, so I wasn’t really informed. When I got to college, I would say I started getting better, and then that was like, okay maybe I could really do this. After my junior year, when I had my breakout year, I was like, yeah I could definitely do this.”
He said it is always a lifelong dream that starts as a kid to be
a professional athlete and that sacrifices he’s made during his “younger years” have made it all worth it.
“I obviously work really hard to do the things I want to do and be good at, and now that it happened, I don’t know, it just doesn’t feel real to be honest,” Smith said. “I never gave up, I always had a ton of obstacles and I would say that I have an iron sharp mentality, I feel like nothing can stop me. As long as you work as hard as possible, the world is yours.”
The team next plays on May 3 against Connecticut United.
Villamaino accepts Center Elementary principal job
LONGMEADOW — Dr. Marty O’Shea, superintendent of the Longmeadow Public Schools, is pleased to announce that Andrew Villamaino has accepted the position of principal of Center Elementary School, effective July 1. Villamaino will succeed Principal Donna Hutton, who announced her intention to retire at the conclusion of this school year after 32 years of outstanding service to LPS, including the past 17 years as Principal of Center School.
The applicant pool included many experienced, qualified educators, but Villamaino rose to the top following a series of interviews and a site visit. O’Shea explained that, “Educators, parents and administrators who met with Andy were impressed with his interpersonal skills, his enthusiasm, his thoughtful approach to leadership and his vision for building a connected and engaged school community.”
Villamaino is currently the
principal of Benjamin Phelps Elementary School in Agawam, where he has served for the past five years. With over 20 years of service in education, he began his career as a middle school band director in Wilbraham. Villamaino later transitioned into school leadership, serving in a variety of administrative roles in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District.
As a school leader, he is passionate about creating a positive, student-centered culture where all children feel a strong sense of belonging and opportunity. Under his leadership, Phelps was recognized by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a 2025 School of Recognition for exceptional student growth, achievement, engagement and attendance. Villamaino is known for strengthening family partnerships, empowering student voice, and building systems that support
both academic success and the whole child.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Westfield State University, a Master of Music from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and a Master of Education in Organizational Management from Endicott College. O’Shea noted that, “The Longmeadow Public Schools looks forward to welcoming Mr. Villamaino to the Longmeadow community with confidence that he will strengthen Center School’s commitment to student-centered excellence.”
Staff
Circulation
Jared Smith made his professional debut with New England Revolution II on April 12. Photo credit: New England Revolution
Wilbraham resident named MassCPA Educator of the Year
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM Wilbraham
resident Jean DiRico is being recognized as Educator of the Year by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants for her work as the business education teacher at Quaboag Regional Middle/High School in Warren. MassCPA is a 501c6 organization with over 11,500 members in public accounting, industry and business, government and education. The website states, “the society provides services that allow its members to learn, connect and prosper in the accounting profession.”
“[DiRico] has always been an incredible advocate for her students, making sure they take advantage of every opportunity that comes their way,” a MassCPA representative said in a press re-
lease. “Her dedication, enthusiasm and genuine love for teaching make her truly deserving of this honor.”
The award is to recognize “outstanding contributions to accounting education and the promotion of financial literacy in the community,” according to the press release.
“I am truly honored to receive this recognition from MassCPA,” DiRico said. “Teaching is my passion, and inspiring students to succeed both academically and in life is the greatest reward.”
DiRico teaches personal finance and accounting electives at Quaboag. She said a lot of students really want to take the classes, and are eager and motivated to learn accounting.
“It’s a great precursor to accounting in college and prepares them for the college coursework, or it prepares them for, if they
want to start their own business, they have some background in accounting,” DiRico said. “A lot of them want to go right to the workforce or in construction. I have a couple kids in construction and they want to learn the basics, the bookkeeping, accounts receivable, that sort of thing. I have students that just want to go right to business or a finance degree and they want to take this because they’re interested in business or finance, so it’s a great pathway.”
She said that she tries to exemplify “educator of the year” by being a positive person and role model, taking the time to build a relationship with her students and taking advantage of the programs MassCPA offers, such as an annual conference at the University of Massachusetts Amherst where students can have one-on-one conversations
with local CPAs. DiRico also involves her students in a talent acquisition program with Wolf & Company, an accounting firm in Springfield that provides scholarships and allows students to meet with people who just graduated college and obtained their own CPAs.
She said educators can shape the lives of young children and make a positive impact on society. She added that one of the most rewarding aspects of the job is when students come back “years down the road and thank me for the life skills I’ve taught them.”
“I’d like to set that example where the students see that I’m trying to get them to be successful,” DiRico said. “I want them to be successful beyond the classroom, when they start working full time or going to college. I want them to be ready for adult
life, so that’s what we’re setting them up for in school.”
DiRico will be formally recognized at a MassCPA networking event in May,
Friends of Wilbraham Seniors hosts paranormal presentation
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors are calling those interested in “what goes bump in the night” to attend “Who Goes There,” a presentation by Agawam Paranormal’s Lead Investigator and Director Rob Goff Sr. at the Wilbraham Senior Center on May 1 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. The event is free of charge.
Agawam Paranormal is a “family and friends based team that conducts investigations locally that are suspected of having paranormal activity,” according to the website. Goff founded it 30 years ago and has been involved in paranormal investigations ever since due to the “experiences that I had witnessed and could never adequately explain, even to myself,” the website states.
The presentation showcases and unveils paranormal activity in the area through three of Goff’s investigations, West
Springfield’s Vincent’s Steakhouse, Springfield’s George Walter Vincent Smith Museum and Wilbraham’s own Taproom Bar & Grill.
The Friends of Wilbraham Seniors is a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization that has been supporting the needs of area seniors since 1985. Their mission is to provide area seniors with resources they might not be able to have otherwise, either through the senior center’s programs or financial support.
Kathy Sowa, a member of the Friends and the event co-chair, said that events and fundraisers like these help keep regular programs alive at the Senior Center and bring people in to see what the Senior Center has to offer.
The event includes a special raffle that allows winners and their guests to go on three paranormal investigations with Goff Sr., an offer that Sowa said doesn’t happen at any other of his presentations and sets this one aside. Proceeds used to go toward funding the construction
of the Senior Center, but now go towards funding the programs the Senior Center offers.
She said the investigations won’t involve “drudging up any devils or demons,” but is more about seeing what might be within some of these buildings. The buildings in question are currently a secret until the presentation, a small gala will be held afterward to showcase what happened during the investigations.
Local author David Bourcier will also be signing and selling his new book, “Wilbraham: A Journey Through History,” with all proceeds going directly to the Friends.
Sowa said she intially wasn’t too interested in the paranormal when the event was being planned, until Goff got her “hooked” after a presentation to the board.
“He has a lot to share and is just very dynamic,” Sowa said. “Whether you believe in paranormal activity or not, or anything that follows with that, I think it’s just reaching outside of your box to learn something different, and this to me was different, and so it caught my interest … we do get that comment sometimes where it’s ‘oh, I don’t have interest in that.’ Neither did I, but I listened to the things he explained and just the whole concept of, maybe this is real, maybe it isn’t, but who cares, it’s something interesting to hear and see.”
She said over 150 people have already signed up to attend the event and those interested can call the Senior Center at 413-596-8379, no later than April 27, to reserve a seat.
held at Newton’s Braeburn Country Club.
Quaboag Regional Middle/High School business education teacher Jean DiRico.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
People can RSVP for
Center’s free event at
New local restaurant invites customers to create their own meals
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — A new restaurant in East Longmeadow is handing the creativity over to the customer, allowing customers to satisfy their cravings with their own personal creations.
Krave, located at 59 Maple St., opened its doors on March 17 and brings a wide variety of options, allowing customers to create their own paninis, fresh bowls and healthy salads from the restaurant’s offered ingredients.
Customers can also choose from a large menu of Krave’s own signature creations, such as the Baja bowl with roasted corn, black beans, roasted peppers, avocado smash, shredded cheese and crispy onions, or the teriyaki panini with sautéed mushrooms, cucumbers, roasted peppers, a shredded cheese blend, garlic mayo and teriyaki sauce.
Owner Joe Berardi, born and raised in East Longmeadow, grew up in the restaurant industry, with his family owning Milano’s Ristorante in Chicopee since 1987. Berardi said his goal was always to have something where people could create their own meals.
“It was never gonna be a good time to leave the family business but an opportunity came up,” Berardi said. “This location came up and I just seized the moment. I kind of had a moment of truth, you know, where if I didn’t do it now, it would never happen.”
He said the name Krave came from a little help from his kids and the idea of “what are you craving?”
“I thought like, putting my name on there would have been a cliche,” Berardi said. “I want-
ed to have something that didn’t have a personal attachment, you know, it was just more catchy.”
He noted that the first couple months aren’t an accurate judge of how a business will succeed because everybody just wants to try it, but what stood out to him the most is that half of the customers he’s seen so far are already repeat customers. He said the response from East Longmeadow and towns like Wilbraham, Hampden and Longmeadow has “been a blessing.”
“People have the same response like, ‘wow, this is exactly what the town needed, this is what we wanted, it’s so different but so inviting,’” Berardi said. “It’s approachable because I do have the signature paninis, I have the signature bowls, but people love going and picking what they want, creating their own meal.”
Krave is a place that invites all ages to try something new and Berardi said he studied all kinds of ways to ensure there is something for everyone.
“If they came 10 times to my restaurant, the same ingredients could have something completely different every single time,” Berardi said. “Everything’s neutral, but at the end, there’s different sauces and dressings. There’s just something for everybody.”
He said the most important part is always the customers and that he has been blessed with a great staff.
“You’re only as good as your weakest link in this industry,” Berardi said. “If you have people that don’t want to be there, it sets a bad tone for the restaurant. I try to make it where it’s a very inviting, very fun environment. You don’t want people coming to
The large Krave logo greets guests on the wall inside. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Steve Athas named Springfield’s Hometown Hero
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD Stephen
Athas walked onto Picknelly Field with his boss, Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Executive Director Thomas Ashe and a friend, expecting there to be projects for him to do. Instead, more than 75 friends, family and former athletes were gathered. Mayor Domenic Sarno warmly greeted him with a hug and dozens of people followed suit, hugging him or shaking his hand.
The people had gathered to honor the local icon and fixture of the Springfield sports community as a “Hometown Hero.”
“As Steve and Pete and I were walking in, I don’t think Steve knew what was going on, and I’m not convinced he still knows what’s going on,” Ashe said. Athas later laughed, “I thought I was putting more banners up.”
David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint Health Solutions, which created the Hometown Hero award, explained its origins in 2025. “We wanted to figure out how we can be a part of the community and do this in a way that we honored people who served us, us as community, as residents of the commonwealth,” Morales said. It partnered with 98.5 The Sports Hub to solicit nominations from across the state. Last year, Wellpoint and the radio station honored Springfield Police Officer Nestor Santos, who was a bystander shot during a 2024 incident. His injuries left him blind in one eye.
When considering Athas as a nominee, Morales quoted Ryan McCollum as saying, “This is the guy.”
“A hometown hero is someone who goes above and beyond and does remarkable things in the shadows for their community” with “integrity” and “caring.” He addressed Athas, “What I’ve heard today, my friend — remarkable.”
Athas was presented with a plaque, a Boston Bruins jer-
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD The final funding hurdle for the new East Springfield Branch Library was cleared on April 13, when the City Council approved a $4.58 million bond for a portion of the $12.42 million project. Springfield also received a $6.83 million grant from the Massachusetts Libraries Board of Commissioners. The remaining $1 million was raised through outside funding, including a $500,000 earmark secured for the project by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Fenton, who represents the neighborhood, said, “We’ve been
sey, signed by the entire team, a hockey puck and two tickets to an upcoming game.
Stepping up to the podium, the famously verbose Athas said, “For the first time in my life, I don’t know what to say.”
He joked, “There are many more people much more deserving than I, but I’ll take it.”
Athas said, “It takes a village and I’m just part of that village.
I’m part of a village in sports.
I’m part of a village in education. I’m part of a village in the city of Springfield, that I dearly love.”
Ashe called Athas “an icon” and said, “He’s the heart and soul of Picknelly Field, for many years putting in hours and days too numerous to count as he creates an exceptional ballfield experience for young players to enjoy.” He praised Athas for the pride he puts into the city’s parks and facilities, not just at Picknelly Field, but also at Greenleaf Park and Clodovaldo Concepcion Community Center.
“You can count on Steve to respond at a moment’s notice, no matter the time of day or night, to take care of any and all issues that might arise.”
Athas’s true contribution to Springfield, however, is the coaching and mentorship he has dedicated his life to. An inductee into the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame, he was a basketball coach at Springfield Technical Community College, operated an adult basketball league at Hubbard Park, was a board member of the Springfield Soccer League and John L. Sullivan Baseball League.
John “Sully” Sullivan said he has known Athas since “the Greenleaf Community Center, when I was a kid. Anybody and everybody knew him.” He said what makes Athas so beloved is “his personality and how much he cares about you.”
Describing Athas as “caring, iconic, dedicated, stays behind the scenes,” Sarno said, “I go back with him to my younger days being a rec leader at old
working on this for the better part of a decade.” He said circulation numbers are high and described the library as “one of the last true neighborhood branches” and the “jewel of the neighborhood.”
The existing library was built in 1932. After a plan to renovate and expand the building was found to be more costly than new construction, the decision was made to demolish the saltbox-style building and build a new one on the same site.
The design phase of the project is complete. Rather than the 3,000 square feet of space now available, the new library will offer 8,500 square feet, with dedicated spaces for adults, teens and children. There will be a community
Above: Coach Stephen Athas holds a plaque recognizing him as a “Hometown Hero.” He is flanked by his daughters, Jessica and Jamie Athas; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; City Councilor Kateri Walsh; Parks, Buildings and Recreation Director Tom Ashe; Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi; Sheriff’s Deputy Robert Hoffman; Wellpoint Health Solutions General Manager Dave Morales; Ryan McCollum and representatives of 98.5 The Sports Hub. At right: Stephen Athas gives advice to Tommy McLaughlin, while his mother Katie Ryan looks on.
Emerson Wight Park in the South End. And the thousands of young people that he has coached, but more importantly, has put his arm around their shoulders, making sure that they’re going in the right direction.”
Athas does not seek commendations and acclaim. Instead, “When he sees the young ball players, male or female, doing well down the road, that’s his accolade,” Sarno said,
“Coach is the type of guy who has coached many children,” said Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi. “Those players have become coaches, coaches that are here. Coach continues to coach, and the players that have become coaches, have turned
room, an activities space and a seasonal porch.
At a press conference about the project, Sarno called the library “a vital part of the East Springfield neighborhood.” He added, “Where other places are downsizing or shutting down libraries, the city of Springfield we’ve done the exact opposite.” He delivered a proclamation to Library Director Molly Fogarty and Assistant Director for Public Services Jean Canosa Albano.
“One of the great stories in Springfield is its library system,” Neal said. “The libraries here, they constitute one of the great vision-
another generation of coaches over to our community.” He spoke about the “power and the influence that he had on [children’s] lives, to bring joy to their Saturdays and Sundays, and in practice.”
Athas’s daughters, Jamie Athas and Jessica Athas, were among the people who attended the ceremony. Jessica said some of her earliest memories were watching her father coach at STCC. “I’d watch him build relationships with his players, and even at that age, I could see the respect they had for him and the respect he gave right back,” she said. “He has this incredible ability to make people feel seen,
valued and cared for.”
Despite Athas’s dedication to coaching, she said, “My dad did all this while making sure my sister and I never wanted for anything. He always had time for homework, playing catch. He never missed a game or practice and always on the sidelines, cheering us on — sometimes, a little too loudly.” Jessica said her father instilled in his children the values of “respect, hard work, showing up every day and being involved.”
Jessica said her father was beloved by the community because, “That is the impact of a life spent showing up for others.”
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
The floorplan for the new East Springfield Branch Library. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
East of the River’s Feast in the East returns on April 26
HAMPDEN — Join the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce for the Feast in the East 2026, an event that brings together over 300 guests and showcases the incredible talents of vendors throughout the Pioneer Valley. This is a unique opportunity to sample a diverse array of cuisines from local restaurants, confectioners, breweries, wineries and other libations.
This year, the event will feature 30-plus vendors presenting the best of the Pioneer Valley, ensuring there’s something for everyone — from sweet and savory dishes to a delightful glass of wine, a refreshing beer or another exciting libation.
This year’s Feast in the East is Tuesday, April 28, from 5-8 p.m. at
SPRINGFIELD The Pioneer Valley Quilters Guild, formed in 1988, currently has a membership of about 65 men and
The Starting Gate at Great Horse, 128 Wilbraham Road in Hampden. Proceeds from this event will benefit East of the River’s scholarship fund and business fund supporting the growth and development of its communities. For the third consecutive year, Rachel’s Table will be joining the event. They will work alongside restaurants to do what they do best: alleviate hunger and reduce food waste in Western Massachusetts. This commitment not only highlights its focus on culinary excellence but also emphasizes its dedication to community support. After the event, Rachel’s Table will partner with East of the River restaurants to ensure that any leftover food is transformed into a lifeline for
woman who reside in various towns of the Pioneer Valley and Connecticut. The group meets monthly at the Elks Lodge 61
those in need. This year, ERC5 is spotlighting Catie’s Closet as its community nonprofit spotlight. Catie’s Closet provides students in crisis with free access to essential basic necessities, laying the foundation for a successful future. By giving children in need life-changing access to clothing and other essentials, they empower them to thrive both in school and in life.
Through its School Closet Program, Catie’s Closet transforms unused areas within schools into safe, welcoming spaces where students from pre-K through 12th grade can discreetly shop for clothing, toiletries and other necessities completely free of charge. By arming students with the power of
in Springfield where they share “show and tell” items, listen to various speakers, and/or learn new quilting techniques. The PV Quilters are very active in several different community outreach projects including, but not limited to making 54 quilts to two separate agencies during 2025. Twenty-eight quilts went to AOK Community Closet in Holyoke. It is an agency that services foster and adoptive families in the four counties of Western Massachusetts from preemies to age 18. Some children arrive in foster care with nothing except what is on their back. Twenty-six quilts went to Providence Ministries also in Holyoke. They serve the homeless and under-served throughout the Pioneer Valley. The most recent donation was given after
TheReminder.com
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
CHICOPEE
Gerald F. Deady
Joyce L. Duquette
Jeannine M. Martell
Suzanne J. Morrissette
Barbara K. Parent
Jeffrey Phaneuf
EAST LONGMEADOW
Thomas Cocchi
Mildred D’Amato (Cangro)
William J. Jamieson
Peter A. Kumiega
Thomas D. Stevens
Norman R. Tremblay
HAMPDEN
Thomas Franco
HOLYOKE
Marilyn J. Angers
Edward F. Dupont
Jane E. Masse
LONGMEADOW
Adele Barden
Rolland A. Rivest III
LUDLOW
David M. Fernandes
Daniel J. Jurkowski
Robert MacGregor
Gonzaga “Tina” Teles (Dos Santos)
Shirley A. Webb
SOUTH HADLEY
Charles A. Boulais Jr.
choice, Catie’s Closet fuels their confidence, encourages them to stay in school and opens doors to break the cycle of poverty.
In partnership with Mercedes-Benz, ERC5 is excited to fill a Mercedes with new sneakers to support this vital mission. These sneakers will directly benefit students in Springfield and Holyoke who are in urgent need, specifically youth sizes 11 to 5 and teen sizes 6 to 11. Together, they can help empower students and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.
For the past two years, PeoplesBank has been the presenting sponsor, and their innovative idea to highlight Rachel’s Table as a nonprofit two years ago has inspired
two apartment fires in Holyoke left 40 people without anything. They also donated pillowcases to the Ronald McDonald house and raise funds for the food pantry during our meetings.
Anyone who is interested in learning or enhancing their quilting skills or wants to meet some new quilting friends is welcome to attend a meeting.
The Guild meets at Elks Lodge 61, 440 Tiffany St., Springfield, on the first Wednesday of the month (excluding January and February) from 6:30-8 p.m.
Presently, members are busy completing plans for a quilt show which will be held on May 1-3. The show will be held at Elks Lodge 61 and will run from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 1; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 2 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Library
Continued from page 10
ary moments in this history. The individuals, the philanthropists that came before us, what they were able to do in making sure that each neighborhood had at least a branch library. You drive by the Carnegie Library, or you visit Carnegie Library at State Street
Marilyn A. Kenney
Rosemary Lane
Roland W. Laramee
Monica M. Lindberg
SPRINGFIELD
Shirley B. Berard
Sean C. Driscoll
Susan B. Mantoni
Gilbert F. Rua
Maureen E. Thorpe
WILBRAHAM
David E. Chapman
Joan Davis
Jean M. Hirsch
Anna C. Murphy
Raymond “Rick” Recor
our ongoing tradition of supporting local nonprofits. This year, ERC5 is honored to recognize PeoplesBank as its legacy sponsor for their invaluable role in establishing this meaningful practice, which will continue at all ERC5 events.
This year, ERC5 is also grateful to have the Polish National Credit Union as the presenting sponsor. They appreciate all our sponsor for its vital role in making this event possible. Tickets are still available, but they are selling fast. Join the chamber in celebrating its community while making a difference. For ticket purchases and more information, please visit erc5.com/erc5feast-in-the-east-2026/ or contact gbarone@erc5.com.
on Sunday, May 3. Admission is $10 per person, $8 for for those coming on a charter bus; children under 12 are free. There will be free parking. Numerous quilts will be on display, small quilts available for sale, other hand sewn items will be available for sale in our Boutique, over 20 raffle baskets with individual themes, demonstrations, and a food concession. A lovely quilt, created by two of the guild’s members, will be raffled as well. Mother’s Day is the following weekend.
For more information about the Pioneer Valley Quilters Guild or about the 2026 Quilt Show (Pieces of Time Quilt Show), follow them on Facebook at Pioneer Valley Quilt Guild.org or visit pvquilt.org/
at night, now, when it’s lit, it’s a spectacular testament to what they all believed.”
Neal continued, “I’ve never heard it summed up better than when Jack Kennedy traveled to Amherst College to dedicate the Frost Library. At the Frost Library, Jack Kennedy said, ‘Libraries are memories.’” He said, “I think that at a time when there’s such polarization and such strife and disagreement among all of us as members of the American family, this is something we can all rally to.”
Construction will begin in summer 2027 and last about 18 months.
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
Historic Deerfield announces 250th anniversary events
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
DEERFIELD As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, Historic Deerfield’s 2026 season is centered on bringing the Revolutionary era to life as a lived, local experience in Western Massachusetts.
Starting April 18, visitors can explore the era through a new series of exhibitions that examines the Revolutionary period from multiple perspectives: political, cultural, aesthetic and deeply personal.
Drawing from its extensive collections and the stories of local residents, Historic Deerfield’s upcoming exhibitions illuminate how the Revolution was experienced, debated and understood both in New England and across the Atlantic world.
The three exhibitions include “Picturing the Revolution, Dressing the Revolution, Fashion and Politics 1760-1789” and “A Town Divided, Deerfield in the Age of the Revolution.” The first two exhibitions will run from April 18 to Jan. 3, 2027 while the third exhibition will run from April 18 until Jan. 2, 2028.
Together, the exhibitions reveal how images shaped political narratives across the Atlantic world; how garments, textiles, and adornment became declarations of allegiance; and how one rural Massachusetts town grappled with the upheaval transforming an empire into a republic. According to organizers, by placing Deerfield within the wider currents of Revolutionary thought and commerce, these exhibitions illuminate Western Massachusetts’ essential role in the birth of the nation.
Historic Deerfield Marketing and Communications Director Danaë DiNicola said that during the spring and summer, Historic Deerfield is offering hands-on and immersive programs that connect visitors directly to 18th-century life. These programs include weekly trade demonstrations like blacksmithing, tailoring and pottery; hearth cooking programs featuring historically significant foods like election cake; and family-focused activities at the Discovery Center that explore Revolutionary espionage through coded messages and invisible ink.
Special events include Wooly Wonders in early May, which highlights the agricultural and textile traditions that underpinned the colonial economy, and a Juneteenth Witness Stones Walking Tour that expands the Revolutionary narrative by honoring the lives of enslaved people in Deerfield, including Prince, an enslaved man who sought self-emancipation.
Later in the season, Historic Deerfield is collaborating with Plays in Place to present “A Stake in the Ground: 1774,” a series of outdoor, site-specific performances set on the eve of the Revolution.
“Altogether, the season invites visitors to explore the Revolution not as a distant story, but as something that unfolded in homes, workshops and communities like Deerfield,” DiNicola stated.
Historic Deerfield is a museum of early American life located in an authentic 18th century New England village in the Connecticut River Valley. Through its preserved historic houses and extensive collection of decorative arts, it offers visitors a chance to engage directly with the material and cultural history of early America.
DiNicola said Historic Deerfield generally offers a robust lineup of exhibitions, demonstrations, and public programs, but has unified the theme of the American Revolution into a lot
of its offerings this season. “Recognizing the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution was quite important to Historic Deerfield, particularly because this region played a meaningful role in that history,” DiNicola stated. “Our goal is not just to commemorate the anniversary, but to encourage thoughtful engagement with it.”
She continued, “This 250th anniversary of the Revolution has given us the opportunity to unify our offerings and allowing us to explore a topic from unexpected angles.”
DiNicola said most of Historic Deerfield’s daytime offerings, including exhibitions, trade demonstrations, hearth cooking programs, and Discovery Center activities, are included with general admission and do not require advance registration.
Historic Deerfield is open Wednesdays through Sundays, as well as Monday holidays, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Visitors can purchase tickets upon arrival at the Hall Tavern Visitor Center or at the Flynt Center of Early New England Life.
However, certain special programs and events, such as “A Stake in the Ground: 1774,” do require advance tickets, which
can be purchased through Historic Deerfield’s website. Readers can find more information at historic-deerfield.org. General admission is $20 for
From left: Picturing the Revolution. A blacksmithing exhibit taking place during Historic Deerfield’s 2025
Lancers reliever Derek Steinberg delivers a fifth inning strike.
Brody Harrington catches the pop-up in short center field.
Shortstop Ethan Goodman picks the ground ball to his left and then flips it to Jack Walker for the put-out try at second base.
Jed Steinberg flips the bat after receiving a seventh inning walk.
The teams from Longmeadow (R) and Belchertown line up on the first and third base lines at Dunkin’ Donuts Park during the playing of the national anthem.
Grahm Hutton avoids the high and tight fastball.
Starting pitcher Brayden Koegel rears back and fires.
Evan Wright follows the flight of his gapper to right center field - good for a triple.
Charlie Sullivan hustles down the first base line.
Ranging to his left to field the grounder Jack Walker tosses to first baseman Evan Wright but Belchertown’s Derek DeLorenzo beats the throw for an infield single.
Chase Wagner dives safely back to first base on the pick-off attempt.
Duda Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and David M. Duda, trustee, to Holly Steinmetz, 144 River
BRIMFIELD
Beth A. Goven to Debra Cormier, 34 Lyman Barnes Road
Debra Cormier to Meredith Stone and Kathleen Stone, 97 Cubles Drive
Luiza J. Hopkins to Brionna Burke and Evan Moylan, 15 Sturbridge Road
EAST LONGMEADOW
Shouqi Liang to Bin Chen, 41 Dearborn St.
LONGMEADOW
Kristiana Alyssa Tadeo to Brandy Magdalino, 32 Edgewood Ave.
Michael D. Bajakian and Michelene C. Bajakian to Nathan A. Duval and Jennifer R. Duval, 189 Rugby Road
LUDLOW
Andrey Katykhin to Peter J. Godbout, 184 Howard St.
Daniel J. Whalen to Pamela Jumba and Shanice A. Madala, 70-72 Fuller St.
Donna Lee Scott and David B. Scott to Moises Elias Ramos and Hannah Ramos, 173 Colonial Drive
Henry Mercado to Park LLC, 382 Holyoke St.
Linda I. Beaulieu to Ronald R. Beaulieu Jr., Eric T. Beaulieu and Lori A. Morris, 3 Letendre Ave. $100 MONSON
Stephen Murdoch and Kristin Grunzweig to Emma G. Mesa-Melendez and Julio A. Melendez, 188 Bumstead Rd.
PALMER
Fumi Realty Inc., to Sarah Puffer Caron, 69 East Palmer Park Drive
Rachel Lane and Melanie Pariseau to Julie Dialessi-Lafley, 3177-3179 Main
EAST LONGMEADOW
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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., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.
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
