EAST LONGMEADOW | LONGMEADOW | HAMPDEN | WILBRAHAM
Farmers market grows into a community tradition
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
EAST LONGMEADOW — Set against the backdrop of East Longmeadow’s historic train depot, the East Longmeadow Farmers’ Market has quickly become more than a place to buy produce. It has become a Saturday tradition.
“We are a family friendly community market celebrating farms, food and small businesses, hosted at The Depot at Graham Central Station, our town’s historic former train station,” said organizer Geraldine Kennedy. “We serve as a community hub where neighbors connect on Saturdays.”
Now entering another season of growth, the market stands out among Western Massachusetts farmers markets for its blend of local agriculture, entertainment and family-centered programming. Visitors can browse freshly picked fruits and vegetables, flowers, plants, baked goods and artisan products while children enjoy a play area and even a free train ride with a purchase.
Kennedy said the market has intentionally created experiences that go beyond shopping. This season includes events such as Friendship Bracelet Day on June 6 and Youth Day on Aug. 15, where young entrepreneurs can sell their own
crafts. Local chef Veronica Flores — known as “Chef Vee” and a former “Chopped” champion — will host live cooking demonstrations in June, while local musicians Mary Kate McGrath and the Happy Ukes of Hampden will provide entertainment.
The market’s rapid growth reflects the community’s enthusiasm.
Originally launched by the town in 2021 at Center Field, the market moved to the Pleasant View Senior Center in 2022 before settling at The Depot in 2024 under volunteer management.
“In its first season at the Depot, the market hosted approximately 20 vendors,” Kennedy said. “By the end of the 2025 season, that
number tripled to 63 vendors.”
This year, organizers say 80 businesses have already committed to participating. While produce remains the foundation of the market, offerings have expanded significantly. Re-
AROUND THE AREA Elections
On May 16 and 18, Wilbraham and Hampden conducted their elections. Previews for East Longmeadow and Longmeadow’s elections on June 2 are also available in this edition.
Pages 4, 6, 8 and 9
EAST LONGMEADOW
Town Council talks water quality during budget discussion
The East Longmeadow Town Council is questioning a proposed water rate increase for fiscal year 2027 over concerns about the water quality.
6
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
Human trafficking happens in Western Massachusetts. That is the number one message Amber Estelle, deputy COO and clinical director of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, wants to share.
Estelle has personally worked with about 50 victims of trafficking through a program she ran for the YWCA. To her knowledge, none of the people were trafficked by the same person or group. The program was shuttered due to funding issues, but Estelle said the YWCA sees trafficking victims show up in their shelter program.
In 2024, the latest year for which there is data, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 288 signals from Massachusetts, 91 of which were from victims or survivors of trafficking. While 68% of victims are trafficked for sex, people can also be trafficked for labor or a combination of the two. About 85% of trafficking victims are women, but men are also trafficked.
Estelle explained that traffick-
ers are drawn to locations where people have disposable income. Such locations include highstakes sporting events, or as Estelle specifically noted, the MGM Springfield casino. She said Interstate 91 offers a corridor for travel between states without checkpoints, as does the passenger rail service through Springfield’s Union Station. These transportation methods make it easier to traffic people without fear of being caught, she said.
Estelle emphasized that not all sex workers choose to participate in that lifestyle. People who are being trafficked are often threatened and sometimes threatened with violence towards their child or other loved ones. Victims may be hesitant to leave because they think they are in love with their exploiter or they are trauma-bonded to other victims.
As part of the program she used to run at the YWCA, Estelle said she separated victims from the geographical area they were trafficked in. This lessened the likelihood of the victim being manipulated into going back to the
situation. Estelle also said stable income is important because financial strain can be a powerful tool for manipulation.
When Estelle asks young people what a human trafficker looks like, she said the answers are usually the same. They assume traffickers look like “thugs” or “drug dealers,” someone who dresses “flashy” and drives an expensive car, Estelle said. However, the truth is that most victims of trafficking are exploited by someone they know.
Many times, traffickers will approach people online, pretending they are the same age and gender. After establishing a rapport and gaining someone’s trust, they will start asking personal questions and eventually get the victim to agree to meet them somewhere.
Traffickers also use other victims to befriend and recruit people, telling them they can make quick money and that “it’s not that bad,” Estelle said. The YWCA evicted a woman from their shelter because she was recruiting other women on behalf of a trafficker. Occasionally, parents with a substance use
disorder will sell their children to traffickers to fund their addiction.
“There’s no one person, no one race or gender. It could be a sweet, little, old lady baking cookies, but she could be a madam,” Estelle said.
Estelle said there are “red flags” to be aware of: If they ask a lot of questions or ask personal questions about where someone lives, works or their home life
• If they encourage someone to do something out of their comfort zone
• If they are a love bomber — someone who manipulates another person early in a relationship with over-the-top compliments, lavish gifts or grand gestures. They may want constant attention, pressure someone to move quickly, ignore boundaries or have sudden mood changes, including anger and withdrawal.
Another common tactic is approaching an intended target with talk of being a modeling scout or photographer and trying to get the person to model for them. Es-
telle said this happened to her on a train in California once. She did not go with the person but was later told by a woman at the station to avoid the man because he took her somewhere where she was assaulted. If you cannot easily find information online about the person or alleged business, do not trust them, Estelle said.
If someone is approached by a person who says they are being trafficked, Estelle said safety should be the number one priority. Call 911 and get as much information about the person as possible in case they run away. Do not bring the person to your home, she said. Traffickers will sometimes use this tactic to follow a target home. If you must drive them somewhere, go straight to a police station, she said. The National Human Trafficking Hotline can be contacted by calling 1-888-373-7888, TTY: 711, texting “BEFREE” 233733, emailing help@humantraffickinghotline.org, or using the web chat or online reporting through its website, humantraffickinghotline.org.
Holyoke Community College celebrates Phi Theta Kappa inductees
Holyoke Community College is proud to announce that 169 HCC students have been accepted for membership into the Alpha Xi Omega chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa national honor society
turning farms include Wild Roots, D&R Farm, Erickson Farm, Wild Calluna, Quarry Pond Farm and Aisling Farm. Newcomers such as Still River Homestead, a sheep farm, are joining longtime favorites including Daily Bread Co., Wee Scottish Bakery, Short Tea Kombucha and Snark Roast Coffee. Food trucks Cousins Maine
for 2026. Students are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa when they have completed 15 college credits while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
HCC’s 2026 inductees were
Lobster and Bark and Bite will also make appearances throughout the season.
Organizers are also introducing a new passport rewards system, allowing visitors to earn points and prizes by shopping with vendors and scanning QR codes during visits.
For Kennedy, however, the market’s mission runs deeper than commerce.
“Supporting local farms makes them more profitable, which helps prevent farmland from being sold
recognized during a campus celebration on May 7.
East Longmeadow
Lily Bernier, Tiffany Henshaw, Patricia Knas, Vitoria Moran, Av-
erie Narreau, Hailey Sutton. Hampden Adam Poulin.
Longmeadow
for dense urban development and keeps farming alive in our community,” she said. “Supporting local farmers and small businesses is vital because it strengthens regional economies, protects the environment and improves public health. By choosing local options, we create a community that is more self-reliant and resilient. Money spent locally stays in the community longer. Small businesses thrive on innovation, often providing unique products and personalized services that large chains cannot match.”
She noted that local farmers face rising fuel, seed and fertilizer costs, labor shortages and increasingly unpredictable weather. Small vendors also struggle to compete with large grocery chains and navigate expensive permit systems. Farmers markets, she said, provide a critical direct-to-consumer outlet that helps small businesses survive.
Kennedy believes the market’s greatest success may be the sense of connection it fosters.
“We want the East Longmead-
Wilbraham Leah
ow Farmers’ Market to be an enjoyable experience, a Saturday morning ritual,” she said, “where you grab a cup of delicious coffee, or a breakfast sandwich or a sweet and leisurely stroll through the market greeting neighbors and friends.”
As the market continues to grow, organizers hope more residents will become involved in shaping its future, ensuring the Depot remains a gathering place where local farms, small businesses and community ties continue to thrive.
Thomas Cosgrove, Sawyer Hindley, Sreeman Kondaveeti, Benjamin Mahoney.
Healy, Miranda Krauza.
Longmeadow voters approve snow removal bylaw change
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Longmeadow residents might be seeing much larger fines than before if they choose to put off shoveling and stay indoors after a snowstorm for the next fiscal year.
Voters approved a snow removal bylaw change in Article 28 at Longmeadow’s Annual Town Meeting on May 12, increasing the existing $10 penalty to $50 and $150 for repeat violations of failing to remove snow or ice within 24 hours after snowfall ceases.
Resident discussion occurred for close to an hour before the article was approved in a 135-85 majority vote.
The article was brought to fruition after the $10 fine for non-compliance “failed to ensure public safety, as evidenced by at least two injury reports in 2025 and more in 2026 involving uncleared sidewalks,” according to the town warrant.
It looks to guarantee safe passage for all pedestrians, with the revised fine system providing a more effective deterrent for repeat violations, “ultimately reducing the risk of slips and falls throughout the town,” according to the warrant.
The bylaw is set in action after
at least 1 inch of snowfall, as verified by the DPW or local weather sources. It states, “a person who is a resident or an owner of property shall clear snow or ice from the sidewalk clearance area of any sidewalk, curb ramp, crosswalk landing and sidewalk transitions located within or immediately adjacent to their property boundaries or tree belt immediately adjacent to their property boundaries, but no wider than the lot lines of their property boundaries, within 24 hours after the conclusion of a snow or ice occurrence.”
Residents with fire hydrants located within or immediately adjacent to their properties will also be required to shovel out 3 feet in each direction with a clear path to the sidewalk or street.
The stages of non-compliance penalties differ for those who have not already received a written warning and for those who have, with penalty increases each consecutive day of non-compliance.
Those who haven’t received a written warning will receive one 24 hours after snow or ice occurrence, the 48 hour fine will be $50, the 72 hour fine will be $100 and the 96 hour fine will be $150. For those who have received a warning already, a $50 fine is issued after 24 hours instead of a warning, with fines increasing to $150 after
three days instead of four.
Residents may continue to receive additional $50 fines for any day of non-compliance thereafter.
Resident Curt Freedman made a motion to amend the article, including less strict fines and the ability for the Select Board or town manager to extend the 24 hour compliance timeframe for owners demonstrating financial hardship, consideration for religious obserservance or other circumstances and when weather or other physical conditions necessitate.
Freedman’s proposed fines included $10 and $20 for residential or nonprofit properties, with
a third penalty being the DPW or private contractor removing the snow for $90. Commercial properties would have penalties of $25 and $50, with the third penalty at $225. His motion was shot down 177-95.
Resident Stephanie Davis spoke in support of the article and said that the bylaw revision was intended for repeat offenders and that code enforcement would be giving out warnings first instead of being “punitive and harsh.” Resident Joe Flack said he was against the article because it didn’t specify how to manage ice.
John Steedle, one of the bylaw
code enforcement agents, said that the agents strive to “inform, educate and warn,” and that the fines are a last resort. He said the fines are directed toward “chronic abusers” of violating bylaws.
Select Board Chair Josh Levine added that it would realistically be 72 hours until a fine is incurred for those who haven’t received a warning in the same fiscal year. Residents must remove snow within 24 hours, a warning will be given after another 24 hours, and then the first fine will be incurred if the snow still hasn’t been removed the next day.
No contested races on Longmeadow town election ballot
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Long-
meadow’s annual town election is on the horizon and the decision making for voters shouldn’t be too difficult this time around.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 2 at the Longmeadow Community House, 735 Longmeadow St.
Voters must be registered by 5 p.m. on May 22 if they aren’t already. Absentee in-person voting will be from May 19-
29 during business hours at the Longmeadow Municipal Offices, 231 Maple Road. Early in-person voting will also be at the town offices from May 26-29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 30.
Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi has an open path for reelection as the only candidate in the Select Board race. He joined the board in 2023 and seeks a second three-year term.
The School Committee has three candidates for three seats.
School Committee member Ni-
cole Choiniere is the candidate seeking reelection on a threeyear term. Choiniere joined the committee in 2020.
Matt Casale is looking to join the committee and currently serves on the Energy and Sustainability Committee.
Bisrat Abebe is the third candidate and has experience in the town’s Coalition for Racial Justice. He also interviewed for a vacancy in the School Committee in 2024 but was not selected for the position.
Planning Board member Antonietta Mongillo is seeking
reelection for a five-year term. Mongillo was appointed to the board after interviewing alongside five other candidates in September 2025 to fill the vacancy of former board member Walter Gunn.
The ballot does feature one question regarding the fiber project, which was not approved by residents at the Annual Town Meeting on May 12.
The question states, “shall the town of Longmeadow be allowed to exempt from the provisions of Proposition two-andone-half, so called, the amounts
required to pay for the bonds issued in order to construct of the initial phases of a townwide fiber network, including the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto?”
Town Manager Lyn Simmons told Reminder Publishing that if the ballot question passes, the Select Board can decide whether to call a Special Town Meeting to vote on the borrow authorization again, to include a borrowing authorization at the fall Special Town Meeting or not act on the ballot question at all.
Longmeadow residents line up for discussion at the Annual Town Meeting on May 12.
Photo credit: LongmeadowTV
EAST LONGMEADOW
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow ballot for the annual town election is small in size, but the School Committee and Town Council are showing big races.
Voting for all five precincts will take place on June 2 at Birchland Park Middle School from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
If residents are not already reg-
Ballot includes races for Town Council, School Committee Town
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Town Council is questioning a proposed water rate increase for fiscal year 2027 over concerns about the water quality.
In the proposed FY27 budget, the water rate is projected to go up 50 cents or 11% because of a $430,000 project with Tighe & Bond to come up with a solution for the water quality in town.
Councilor Ralph Page said he was frustrated about the increase because the water quality does not meet state standards for cleanliness.
“Our water doesn’t meet the state requirements for cleanliness, and I’m having a really difficult time looking at this saying how the state is basically saying ‘you’re not meeting water quality, it’s been consistent for a long time and you have to improve it,’ and we’re saying, ‘hey, we’re going to go up on your rates 11% for this water that doesn’t meet any of the standards,’” he said.
He questioned if the town should put off on bonding the project and suggested waiting until the state offers a suggestion for solutions.
“I cannot vote for that type of a rate increase, an 11% increase for
istered to vote, they must do so by 5 p.m. on May 23. The last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is by 5 p.m. on May 26 at the town clerk’s office. The last day to apply for an in-person absentee ballot is by noon on June 1.
Seeking reelection to a threeyear term is Councilor Jonathan Torcia. Torcia is a two-time School Committee candidate who ran unsuccessfully in 2017 and 2018, but won the Town Council vote in 2023 after a ca-
contaminated water going to the residents,” Page said.
Page pointed to frustrations with the town’s water source at Cobble Mountain Reservoir in Blandford, which is purchased from Springfield.
“It’s not our town, it’s not the people in the Water Department, it’s what we’re getting, and we have no say over it, which is even more frustrating,” he said. “We have to pay for these, we have to pay for Tighe & Bond, for engineering and everything, because we are getting crap water and now, we have to try and find a solution because they’re unable to, unwilling to, I don’t know.”
Councilor Jim Leydon echoed Page’s sentiments about the water quality and jokingly said, “It’s safe to drink unless you’re pregnant.”
“I think our residents, all of us here deserve clean water and competent management. I don’t think we’re getting both right now. Having our residents fork over more money for a product that is less than desirable is problematic to say the least,” Leydon said. “It’s something that is becoming more and more concerning, especially given some of the more recent developments up there that they keep on uncovering and it’s not going to get better any time soon.”
Speaking about the oversight of the water, which is done by
reer with the Planning Board. He is challenged by Matthew Jacob Boucher and Carolyn Ferros.
Boucher is a former councilor who won the race for a two-year term against Sid Starks in 2022. He did not seek reelection in 2024. Ferros ran for a seat in the 2025 election, but was beaten out by Councilors Ralph Page, Kathy Hill and Anna Jones.
Two will be voted on for the Town Council seat, as Councilor Marilyn Richards is not running for reelection.
School Committee members Kerri Jarzabski and William Srother are up for reelection on three-year terms. There are two seats available so this race is uncontested, although there is a contested race for a one-year term.
Former School Committee member Sarah Truoiolo is running for a return after spending seven years with the committee, first joining in 2018. She was reelected to three-year terms in
the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, Leydon also expressed support for House Bill H.2330, known as An Act Relative to Equitable Representation. This bill, presented by state Rep. Aaron Saunders, would increase the number of members on the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission to seven and would restructure the board so that only four members could serve from the same municipality. Currently the board is comprised of Springfield representatives with no members from the communities that it supplies water to. The bill would also establish an advisory board with one representative from each of the communities the commission supplies water to, which will appoint three members of the commission, with the other four appointed by Springfield’s mayor.
“Maybe the council can take a vote at a future meeting to request that our legislators support that legislation,” he said.
Councilor Jonathon Torcia said it would be good to have a unified voice by voting to support the legislation at a future meeting.
“I think that supporting or doing something at a future meeting would be really important because right now we don’t have representation on the board in Springfield that kind of makes these decisions on the water,” he said. “When
I first read that a few weeks ago — it’s kind of extraordinary — not just us but other communities outside of Springfield to not even have one seat, or even one seat dedicated to those other communities but to have it be people that are not really accountable to these communities.”
Page also requested a list of water main breaks in the last few years in the area around Slumber Lane, which is slated for a $1.6 water main capital project.
Council President Connor O’Shea said that the council would be including discussion about the legislation as an action item at its next meeting.
Councilor Kathy Hill said one of the questions raised at the Financial Oversight Committee’s meeting was that the town may be required to increase the water rate.
“We didn’t really have a definitive outcome, but there’s concern that we have to do something, we have to adopt some sort of a rate, and maybe it could be as simple as adopting the rate again that we have right now, with the understanding that based on enough time to investigate this matter more thoroughly, we could adjust,” he said.
Town Manager Tom Christensen clarified that the increase in the water rate was not because of a capital project because that was
2021 and 2024 but stepped down in August 2025, with the vacancy being filled by Jarzabski. Twenty-year East Longmeadow resident Christina Cooper is also seeking that one-year term as a write-in candidate.
The ballot also features one question for a charter amendment in article 2, which would allow for the revision or recodification of multiple bylaw amendments to be recommended by a bylaw review committee.
slated for FY28.
“This is just an increase based on whatever our increases from our bill from Springfield Water and Sewer for our usage, which [the Division of Local Services] has had a problem in the past the way that we budget, and we are now budgeting appropriately for usage based on prior years’ data and budgeting for that number,” he said.
If the town were to not set the rate as presented, Town Account Kimberly Collins said that money would have to come from elsewhere in the budget.
Councilor Anna Jones said she was in favor of discussing the legislation, but questioned the point of not charging the proposed water rate.
“We still have to pay for it, by us not going up on the water rate isn’t going to make it go down, they’re not going to charge us any less, so why are we going to kind of disrupt our budget that we’ve done so much work to make beautiful and nice, when they’re not going to change anything,” she said. Page suggested looking at different options for an increase as opposed to the proposed 50 cent increase.
“If I go to a restaurant, I order a meal and it’s bad, the next
Please email your community listings to: dhackett@thereminder.com
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EAST LONGMEADOW
EAST LONGMEADOW PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square. For more information or to register, head to eastlongmeadowlibrary.org or call 413-525-5420. The library will be closed on Monday, May 25.
Children’s programs:
End of year book club ice cream party — Wednesday, May 27, at 4:30 p.m for second grade. The library is hosting an ice cream party and encouraging every kiddo to share a brief “book talk” about a favorite book to inspire their peers. While students are welcome to bring their books, it is not required only the title and a few reasons why they loved it.
Pathways for Parents programs: Creative Kids and Caregivers
TOWN EVENTS
— Tuesday, May 26, at 10 a.m. for ages 2-5. Preschool Pals — Thursday, May 28, at 10 a.m.
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.
Western Mass Wheelers — Mondays from 10 a.m. The Western Mass Wheelers visits Pleasant View every Monday to offer free, safe and enjoyable bike rides on specially adapted tricycles for individuals unable to pedal on their own. Registration is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome if time allows.
• Tag Sale — Saturday, May 30, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come see what treasures you can find at Pleasant View’s tag sale. The rain date is Sunday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.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.
• Pickleball Clinics with Mary Grassetti — Wednesday, May 27, 8:30-10:30 a.m., and 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Wicked Wednesday — May 27, 1–3 p.m. The Senior Center will be presenting “Wicked” on the big screen. Free but an RSVP is requested.
• Drumming Concert — Friday, May 29, at 12:30 p.m. Free. Lobby Learning May 28 — Hampden County Sheriff’s Department
• Memory Café: Ukulele with Amy — May 29 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 is closed Saturday, May 23, through Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Youth programs:
• Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, May 26, 9:30-10 am Newbies (ages birth to 18 months) — Tuesday, May 26, 10:45-11:30 a.m.
• Grow Play Learn (ages birth to 5 years) — Wednesday, May 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m/
Adult programs:
• Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, May 26, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Beginning Needle Felting Class — Tuesday, May 26, 5-7:30 p.m. A materials and tools fee of $15 is due day of the class (the library accepts cash or checks can be made out to the Richard Salter Storrs Library).
• Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston: Ages of Music History: Middle Ages — 20th Century — Wednesday, May 27, 1-2:30 p.m.
• Lisa Ruch Presents: Literary Reimaginings: “A Thousand Acres” by Jane Smiley — Wednesday, May 27, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Fan fiction has been a part of literature for centuries. In this six-month series, we’ll explore a section of prequels, coquels and spin-offs of famous literary works.
Weekly Writers Group — Thursday, May 28, 9:30-11 a.m.
• “The Librarians” Film Screening — Thursday, May 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Storrs Stitchers (Drop-In) — Friday, May 29, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Dungeons & Dragons — Satur-
day, May 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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.
• Springfield Armory talk with Alex MacKenzie — Tuesday, May 26, at 6 p.m.
• Native Americans in the Revolution — Wednesday, May 27, at 6 p.m.
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. The library will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Paint Sip Fun for Kids: Tuesday, May 26, from 4-5:30 p.m.
• Paint Sip Fun for Adults: Tuesday, May 26, from 6:30-8 p.m. Classics Book Discussion — Wednesday, May 27, from 6-8 p.m. “Watership Down” by Richard Adams.
Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse; 10”; Black Only; 00085996;
HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM
HWRSD School Committee plans next steps after budget fails
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee is figuring out the next steps in the budget process after the fiscal year 2027 budget did not pass in the Hampden Annual Town Meeting on May 11.
All of the budget motions passed in Wilbraham’s meeting but Hampden voters did not approve the capital needs for Minnechaug Regional High School, bringing the motion to a failure. These included IDF switches and network upgrades, along with a dump body truck and sander. Wilbraham’s portion of the project came to $135,348 with Hampden’s at $34,652.
The School Committee recapped both meetings while addressing the shortfall and what can be done moving forward at
its meeting on May 12.
Superintendent John Provost presented the capital projects to the voters at Wilbraham’s Annual Town Meeting on May 11, stating that the current truck is over 20 years old and will not pass inspection come July. He added that the truck is completely rusting and some voters commented that a new truck was needed for student safety.
“I wasn’t in Hampden, but my understanding was that all of the capital projects in Hampden, whether for school or for town budgets, were held off until the fall Town Meeting,” Provost said. “The desire was to basically make a decision on that at that time.”
Wilbraham’s appropriation for the projects would remain for the fall Town Meeting, unless the authorization is rescinded. The School Committee would also need to reconsider modifying the budget if Hampden decided to
appropriate money to the schools for capital, according to Provost.
School Committee Chair Michal Boudreau called back to the budget roundtable with the School Committee, the Wilbraham Select Board and Hampden Selectboard on March 17, stating that Hampden Selectboard Chair John Flynn and Advisory Committee Chair Doug Boyd sought to remove the capital items from the operating budget.
She said Boyd claimed that capital items can draw a lot of attention and endanger the entire operating budget. Boudreau also said the Town Meeting was probably the fastest ever and that no other departments put forth capital items, holding them until the fall Town Meeting. School Committee member Sean Kennedy said that state law requires the committee to submit capital expenses in the budget, calling it “one of those pesky little things”
in a joking tone. He added that Hampden voters have reached out to him to express their intent of passing the budget and that they thought they did pass the budget by approving the assessment of $9.4 million.
“I understand that Hampden does it Hampden’s way, and I love that town and the people in that town, but people who went there wanted to pass the budget and they thought that they did,” Kennedy said. Boudreau said she read the capital projects article at the Hampden meeting and that the town was informed on what the expenditures were for. Kennedy asked if she had let people know
Squindo retains Wilbraham Select Board seat following election
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — Voters filed into Minnechaug Regional High School for Wilbraham’s town election on May 16 and the results are in.
Eight hundred and eighty out of the town’s 12,050 registered voters voted in this year’s election and made their picks in three contested races out of nine total boards.
Select Board Chair Michael Squindo defeated challenger Ryan Costello, receiving 472 votes and winning the race for his second three-year term. Squindo had only won by 28 votes for his first race in 2023 and has increased that number to 112 votes over Costello’s 360.
The Hampden-Wilbraham
Regional School Committee had two candidates for Wilbraham representatives. The race wasn’t contested since two seats were open, but voters showed support for William Metzger Jr. with
582 votes. School Committee member Michael Tirabassi received 498 votes.
The Board of Assessors had a contested race, and voters stuck with Chair John Wesolowski with 509 votes. His challenger, Daniel Fernandes, received 317 votes. The Planning Board also featured a contested race, with Stephen Holstrom coming out on top by 26 votes over Joseph Cantalini. There were 621 blank ballots in the Planning Board race.
The Board of Library Trustees featured two candidates, incumbent Ronnie Haislip-Hansberry and Marylou Fabbo. There were two seats open, with Haislip-Hansberry receiving 604 votes and Fabbo receiving 462. This race had eight write-in votes and 686 blanks.
Every other race only had one candidate each. Water Commisioner John Caltabiano was
reelected with 676 votes, Aaron Shepard was voted into the Housing Authority with 615 votes and Walker Eaton was voted into the Cemetery Commission with 90 votes.
The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee meets on May 12 to discuss the Annual Town Meetings.
Photo credit: Erin Dowding
Top row, from left: From right to left: Christine Goonan, Tom Laware, Michael Squindo.
right to left: Phil Costello, Ryan Costel-
Hampden election results show eight incumbent wins
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
HAMPDEN — The Hampden election results are in and show that not much will be changing within the town’s elected officials.
It was a slower election year for the town, with 282 residents casting votes out of the 4,237 registered voters. There were two contested races out of the nine total, and only two races had winning candidates that weren’t incumbents. Six races only had one candidate, all incumbents.
Hampden-Wilbraham Region-
LONGMEADOW — ERC5 is thrilled to announce its Annual Meeting and Awards Night, set to take place at Twin Hills Country Club on Wednesday, May 27. The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude at 5:25 p.m., followed by the Annual Recep-
HWRSD
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that if this didn’t pass then the budget wouldn’t either, and she said there was not a single Hampden citizen who asked a question.
Kennedy then said that this is the second time this has happened, and Boudreau asked if he thought it was her fault that the budget didn’t pass.
“I don’t know if it was your fault or not, I wasn’t there,” Kennedy said. “I would say that, I’m sure we all would have handled it seven different ways. This is the second time this has happened, so either we have to redefine how we propose budgets and capital expenses and stuff like that, or it’s just gonna keep happening every year.”
School Committee member Michael Tirabassi said he understands that the committee would have to do another vote on the budget to remove the capital projects from Hampden’s assessment, and then do another vote in September to add it back in.
Provost said the two towns are
Town Council
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time I go back I don’t expect to pay 11% more for that same bad meal,” he said.
O’Shea said he was also hesitant to not raise the water rate at all.
“I do agree that if we increase the rate the full amount and continue to do more projects in those accounts, even if they don’t technically affect the rate this year, but we know that that’s going to impact the rate in the next couple years, that’s a lot to ask of people, especially knowing that they’re paying for the new school now too,” O’Shea said.
Christensen also said that the increases were “enraging.”
“We’ve been doing our diligence on keeping our system up to date and doing these projects and getting this account to a place where it’s in really good shape, we’re above our marks on everything, and now we have to do something detrimental again to fix this problem that’s not ours,” he said.
Leydon added that while the legislation had passed the Senate in an environmental bond bill for the FY27 budget. He suggested that the council send a letter of support for the legislation to state Reps. Angelo Puppolo and Brian Ashe as it works its way through the House’s budget discussion.
The East Longmeadow Town Council is scheduled to meet next on May 26, when it will open its public hearing over the FY27 budget and continue discussions about the legislation regarding the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.
al School Committee member
Rich Rediker will hold his position and prepare for a third term after receiving 155 votes against Maura Ryan’s 126. Ryan had previously served four years on the School Committee.
The other contested race was for a five-year term on the Planning Board, with newcomer John Quackenbush coming out on top over the former Planning Board Chair Robert Howarth, who resigned in 2021. Quackenbush received 170 votes and Howarth received 99.
Selectboard Chair John Flynn didn’t have much to worry about,
tion and Awards Night, where ERC5 will honor the outstanding contributions of local nonprofits and businesses. This year’s event is at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by Monday, May 25.
out of sync by half of a fiscal cycle because Wilbraham is appropriating money in the spring and Hampden is doing it in the fall.
“What would be helpful is if we could find a way to somehow skip a cycle in Hampden,” Provost said. “They use money in the fall and we tell them ‘this is what we need for capital costs’ and then put it on the assessment for next year, they’ve already reserved that money and then we could do the assessment like we do, and then they would be back in sync.”
Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Human Resources Douglas Slaughter said the “educational piece” would be to express to the full Town Meeting that all of the pieces need to be approved for the budget to pass.
“I think that’s a subtlety that gets lost,” Slaughter said. “To be honest, I think that that’s a subtlety, that even for people that have done it a long time, don’t always
as he ran uncontested for reelection to a three-year term. He received 213 votes.
The Parks & Recreation Commission had two open seats and two candidates, with incumbent Julie Wickman receiving 228 votes and Heather Bean receiving 45.
The race for moderator had one candidate, with Richard Green winning reelection to a one-year term on 242 votes. Assessor Rober Makuch won his standalone race for reelection on a three-year term with 236 votes.
Other candidates who won relection in standalone races
This year’s awardees are:
• Nonprofit of the Year: Rachel’s Table
• Business of the Year: Tandem Bagel Company Small Business of the Year: College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving
recognize that all those pieces have to fit together to make one whole approval of our budget.”
Tirabassi said a good plan would be to send an assessment letter back to Hampden, asking the town to consider and “pony up their fair share of $35,000” of the capital expenses that Wilbraham already approved.
“It would be including the capital stuff from the FY27 budget,” Tirabassi said. “If we think there’s gonna be additional capital items that are regional for FY28, we also include those in the letter to Hampden so they have the opportunity to approve them in the fall and then we’ll ask Wilbraham to approve them in the spring.”
Slaughter said appropriation for a future fiscal year can’t be asked for, and the letter would be compelling them to take action on FY28 when they don’t have the rest of the budget to work with.
Flynn was at the meeting and said capital items have always
were Cemetery Commissioner Darryl Fidalgo on a three-year term, Library Trustee Jean Hall
• New Member of the Year: Baystate Winair Company Ambassador of the Year: Rich Merrifield Jr.
• Board Members of the Year: Carla Alves and Amie Miarecki. This event is an opportunity
been outside of the budget assessment. He said what he saw at the Town Meeting was an “unwavering commitment by the people in Hampden to support the operating budget submitted by the School Committee.”
“Typically, capital things come back in the fall when both towns have a little sense of, what they call free cash availability, to buy capital items, and we’ve done that historically in Hampden,” Flynn said. “ I think, John, you talked about a possibility that you might hold the Wilbraham vote in your pocket and wait for
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on a three-year term and Housing Authority member Carol Collins on a five-year term.
to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable individuals and organizations that make a significant impact in our communities. ERC5 invites all members, partners and friends to come out for an evening filled with camaraderie, recognition and inspiration.
another positive vote in the fall, and then you’ve got two positive votes and now you can do the capital purchase. That might be the way to go.”
Flynn mentioned using the stabilization fund that was established when Minnechaug was built for capital funds. Tirabassi said using the stabilization fund would be a great idea and it would be a good conversation to have the next time all the boards meet. The meeting adjourned without a vote on the next steps. The School Committee’s next meeting will be on May 28.
This election was the first in the town’s new Town Hall. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
DOJ-Springfield Police consent decree dismissed
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Four years after the Springfield Police Department came under a consent decree by the federal Department of Justice resulting from a lawsuit, a judge has dismissed the oversight agreement.
On May 7, United States Magistrate Judge Michael Ponsor dismissed the consent decree upon the request of both the DOJ and the Police Department. The consent decree was a component of a 2022 lawsuit settlement, stemming from complaints about use of force by the department’s narcotics bureau.
The decree required the department to revise its use of force policy and accountability measures, and train officers on the topics, as well as de-escalation tactics. The city created the Board of Police Commissioners as a civilian oversight committee, and the narcotics bureau was disbanded and replaced with a firearms investigation unit.
At a May 11 press conference at Springfield City Hall, NAACP of Greater Springfield President Bishop Talbert Swan, Emurriel Holloway of MA Senior Action, Pioneer Valley Project Board of Directors President Rev. David Lewis and PVP board member Sister Melinda Pellerin were joined by Mayor Domenic Sarno, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers and Capt. Brian Beliveau, who has led the department’s community engagement.
“We are here because the community demanded change. And let’s be clear, shining a light on injustice is not division. It is the beginning of justice,” said Lewis.
“Today, we mark the end of
Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Bud Williams stood in Adams Park on a sunny day and looked around. “What an oasis,” he said of the expanse of grass, refinished basketball court and updated playground. “The parks in this city are second to none in the country.” He remarked that people living in urban areas may not be able to readily visit the zoo or Six Flags, but they can bring their family to the park.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said the city has invested more than $100 million in the parks. Funding for the $675,000 Adams Park project included $550,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding and $125,000 from Community Development Block Grants.
Upgrades to the 2.28-acre park include a small parking area off Berlin Street, inclusive playground equipment with a rubber surface underneath, renovation of the basketball court, improvements to the pavilion and a 6-foot wide asphalt walking path around the park’s pe-
the federal consent decree involving the Springfield Police Department. It’s the end of the decree, but it is not the end of accountability and transparency or reform,” Swan said. He credited members of the community for the reforms that had been achieved. He said reform could not have happened without people speaking up about their experiences and community organizations pushing for “federal intervention because the community had lost confidence in the system. The DOJ investigated and validated our concerns. And what followed was not punishment for the city of Springfield. It was an opportunity for it to become better,” said Swan. “Public safety and civil rights are not opposing values, they go hand in hand, and the progress achieved over these past years must not be reversed.”
The framework established under the consent decree consists of four pillars: oversight by the Professional Standards Unit, the processes and practices of the Firearms Investigation Unit, the Internal Investigations Unit’s audit and compliance system and continuous community engagement.
During the lawsuit, Sarno brought Roderick L. Ireland, a retired chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, in as an advisor on the issue. Roderick said in a press release, “The fact that the Department of Justice and the Federal Court have dismissed the case reflects extremely well on Springfield’s Police Department. It tells me that the Police Department has addressed each and every concern that was raised.”
Kathleen O’Toole, the court-appointed compliance
rimeter. The city also planted new trees and installed park benches and accessible picnic tables.
The city also installed trash receptacles, and each of the speakers urged residents to maintain the condition of the park. Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Executive Director Tom Ashe said the city’s parks “look great” because crews from his department attend to them every day. Addressing the residents who use the park, Williams said, “Remember to keep it clean and protect the infrastructure.”
Reflecting on the park’s previous condition, Pernese Morris of the Upper Hill Residents Council said, “It wasn’t a park for kids.” She said it was not clean and people loitered. “We have a lot of young kids who need a place to play,” she said, adding that she is excited to bring her 9-month-old grandchild to the park.
Corey Brown, a DPW employee, grew up on nearby Norfolk Street and used the park when he was young. “This park looks a lot different,” he said. “It’s good
evaluator, said in a press release. “As Lead Compliance Evaluator, I appreciate Judge Ponsor’s decision to approve the parties’ motion to terminate the consent decree. This outcome reflects substantial, sustained progress by the city of Springfield and the Springfield Police Department in advancing constitutional policing, strengthening accountability, and building systems capable of enduring beyond federal oversight.”
Asked if the progress between the community and the Police Department has required compromise, Akers said, “Yes, there’s been compromise on both sides — I’m hesitant to say both sides because we should all be one side and that’s what we’re working toward.” He said the road to becoming one community, rather than adversaries,
“was not easy in the beginning.” He said he was glad not to be a part of the initial negotiations with the DOJ, “because that left a lot of bitter taste in some people’s mouth.”
Speaking about working with community leaders, he said, “When you have your mind set on doing things your way, it’s not easy to do something someone else’s way, and that’s what the communication and collaboration is all about. As time went on, we all began to grow closer together. When I first took over, I wasn’t happy with a lot of things. And I have to say, a couple of times I did think people who were just trying to hold my department accountable were being a little adversarial and they didn’t want to hear what I had to say. But once I opened my mind, and others opened
their minds on the other side, we began to come closer in understanding how each of us have to do our jobs.”
He added, “We’re just a much better community and a much better Police Department.”
Tracey Carpenter of MA Senior Action later told Reminder Publishing , “There was a lot of distrust and fear in the community, and we felt like that was a huge stumbling block in terms of giving people the confidence just to come and say what has happened to them or what their thoughts are. We have to acknowledge that there was great trauma in the city. We were willing to put our organizations on the line because the community trusts our organizations, and it was able to bridge some
to see a positive change in the neighborhood.” He said all that is missing from
He remarked, “When
the park is a restroom.
Regarding the dismissed consent decree, Springfield Police Superindentend Lawrence Akers, seen here at his swearing in, said, “We’re
Police Department.”
State Rep. Bud Williams, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Executive Director Tom Ashe and Pernese Morris of the Upper Hill Residents Council cut the ribbon
Longmeadow Varsity Girls’ Tennis team honored
BOSTON — State Rep. Brian Ashe and state Sen. Jacob Oliveria proudly welcomed the Longmeadow Varsity Girls’ Tennis team to the Massachusetts State House to celebrate a historic achievement: backto-back undefeated seasons and consecutive Division II State Championships in 2024 and 2025, finishing with a perfect 24–0 record.
The team was honored with formal House and Senate Citations as well as a formal introduction in the House Chamber during their Formal Session. The team also received a tour of the State House and Senate Chamber followed by a celebratory pizza lunch before heading off to their next match.
“This team has set a new standard of success and sportsmanship for the Longmeadow community,” said Ashe. “Their dedication, talent, and teamwork are a true inspiration, and it was an honor to welcome them to the State House.”
“Back-to-back undefeated state championship seasons are an extraordinary accomplishment, and the Longmeadow Girls’ Tennis Team has made their school and community incredibly proud” stated Oliveria. “It was a pleasure to welcome these outstanding student-athletes to the State House and recognize all they have achieved.”
Special recognition was also extended to Head Coach Michael Framarin, who was named MIAA Coach of the Year for High School Girls’ Tennis, a testament to his outstanding leadership and unwavering
commitment to excellence.
Ashe congratulates the entire team, coaching staff and Longmeadow community on this remarkable accomplishment.
Wands joins PV Financial as operations support specialist
LUDLOW — PV Financial Group is pleased to welcome Andrew Wands of East Longmeadow to the firm as an operations support specialist, having joined the team in April.
Wands is a graduate of Westfield State University, where
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conversations.”
Despite the progress that has been made, Lewis said the trauma remains. “It’s going to take some time. We began that piece, that therapeutic alliance, that relationship. So, from there, now we can begin to have less fear. We can now open up. We can now be a little more transparent than we were, because now we’re getting to know the person, not just the badge.”
Reflecting on the challenges the department had to overcome, Beliveau said the department did not have a use-of-force problem, but it was unable to back that up with data. “Anecdotally, we knew people weren’t running around getting clobbered all the time, but it wasn’t until we had a data set, where we could actually do that and have that clear articulation. Yeah, we had some issues with reporting. It wasn’t that things weren’t being reported, it was pathways for reports.” He said the reports were all handwritten, leading to a chaotic tracking system. “So, now have a synchronous system that allows all of that to be captured,” he said.
“Everything came about at the right time. And I think there has always been a great story to be told within the SPD, but it was a matter of us being able to say it and say it and do it with support and articulation,” said Beliveau. He said that the department’s incidents of force had been trending downward for a few years before the consent decree. “But it wasn’t solidified. We couldn’t back it with data.”
Akers said, “I think it was better that we did change, but it
he earned a degree in Finance and Economics.
Before joining PV Financial Group, Wands gained handson experience helping with his family’s business through landscaping and floral arrangements for both commercial and recre-
did come with collateral damage where officers were afraid to do anything. We did have to change it because it wasn’t up to par, but officers became hesitant to do things, which usually leads to injuries ... they don’t want to put their hands on people, even if it’s justified, because they always felt that big brother was
ational clients. His strong work ethic and client-focused mindset have helped shape his professional approach as he begins his career in financial services.
Wands is looking forward to helping support the surrounding community while assisting cli-
looking over us.”
He continued, “I think that if we were going to go about it and recognize that it was going to happen in advance, then we probably would have done it a little bit differently.” He pointed out that 200 of the city’s more than 500 officers have been onboarded since the consent de-
ents in working toward the goals they have set for themselves.
PV Financial Group remains committed to investing in professionals who share the firm’s dedication to the client experience, teamwork and philanthropy.
cree took effect. “This is all they know,” Akers said. “Now, we can continue what we’ve been doing and we’re a different type of department. When you look at it, the big picture was the right thing to do. The city’s changing, the state’s changing, the country’s changing, the world’s changing.”
Operations
Executive Editor: Chris Maza
Managing Editors: Dennis
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
State Rep. Brian Ashe and state Sen. Jacob Oliveira pose for a photo with the Longmeadow Varsity Girls Tennis team at the State House where they were recognized for back-to-back undefeated seasons.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
Paradise City Arts Festival returns for 31st year later this month
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — The nation’s premier destination for lovers of the handmade and high-end is once again gracing the region over Memorial Day weekend. Paradise City Arts Festival will return to the Three County Fairgrounds at the end of this month for another three-day stretch that celebrates creativity in multiple facets.
The festival, which runs from May 23-25, will feature 200plus world-class artists and makers traveling from every corner of the country to showcase their craft. The premier showcase features contemporary craft and fine art, including handmade home décor, sculpture, fashion, jewelry and more.
“Jeff and Linda Post originally founded the show in 1995, and we have been going in Northampton as well as across New England, Pennsylvania, Florida. They launched shows all over the east coast,” Show Director Mariah Swanson told Reminder Publishing. “What was so innovative about this particular kind of art fair is it put fine craft on the same pedestal that fine art was being viewed from at that point, so it’s taking the best of the best from around the country across all these different kinds of mediums. It’s fine art and photography, but it’s also ceramics, it’s mixed media, it’s sculpture, it’s wearables, it’s jewelry, and this is an opportunity to see 200 artists who are just the best at what they do at this premium kind of quality. You get to meet the artists and hear their stories, learn about their process, and just be face-to-face, which is becoming just as important as it ever was, especially in this digital era, so it’s really celebrating the craft of the human hand.”
Swanson said that this year feels particularly electric because there are more new faces. The weekend show is designed to be a full-scale cultural affair, and whether you are a serious collector or a family looking for a memorable afternoon, there is a rhythm to the weekend that invites everyone to stay and play.
“We’re in this really kind of unique position, similar to how music has been so successful in Northampton, where we seem to be in this smaller community in Western Massachusetts but it’s able to attract people from New York, from Boston, an incredible amount of very high cultural intellectuals who want to be able to collect and build on their collections but aren’t necessarily going to be in one of these large economic hubs,” added Swanson. “It’s just a really beautiful, quaint opportunity to be in this area of the Pioneer Valley and also have exposure to these beautiful hotels, music venues, great restaurants, and where you can make a whole weekend out of it. But it’s
really this great destination you can come to for the arts.”
The sensory experience doesn’t just stop at the easel, as nearly a dozen local restaurants and food trucks will be on-site, and the entire festival weekend will feature jazz, blues and folk music from the region’s best bands. On opening night, the festival will feature a headline performance by the indie-pop luminaries Winterpills.
The festival is open each day at 10 a.m. and closes on Saturday at 9 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m. and Monday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, artists and makers close at 6 p.m., and then the concert begins. Local food and the beer garden will remain open until 8 p.m.
Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the gate, and those who are 15 and under can enter for free. Advance tickets can be purchased at festivals.paradisecityarts.com/ shows/northampton-may-show.
New to this year’s festival weekend is the debut of the Emerging Artist Collective, a brand-new initiative dedicated to fostering the next generation of talent.
The collective will allow up to three emerging artists to share a booth and gain exposure during the weekend.
“It’ll be three artists per space and that’s been juried and curated at the same level, and it’s an opportunity to get their foot in the door, get in front of the Paradise City Arts audience and cultivate their career, and also an opportunity for the public to be able to see these incredible emerging artists and get some new faces,” added Swanson.
Attendees are also encouraged to catch the live demonstrations during the weekend like Art in Ac-
tion, where audiences can watch raw materials transform into masterpieces across multiple mediums. Additionally, attendees can participate in a creative activity called Crafting with Color, which is designed for the whole family.
The Silent Art Auction is also returning this year to again benefit the International Language Institute of Massachusetts. This organization provides free English classes for immigrants and refugees from around the world as they build new lives for themselves and their families.
An array of donations by Paradise City Arts exhibitors will be available for open bidding each day at the Silent Auction tables, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting International Language Institute of Massachusetts programming.
“Their work is more important than ever right now and really directly impacts anyone who’s relocating to the area trying to grow their life and offer language classes,” Swanson said.
Swanson shared that the event is beloved in the community because of the showcase and the communal support for the festival. She said that this festival embodies the passions of each artist and of-
tentimes serves as their livelihood.
“We want to make it feel welcoming and diverse so that they [artists] feel supported because there’s an incredible amount of talent out there, but they don’t always feel like they have access to these kinds of platforms, and it’s very, very different than selling online,” added Swanson. “We have lots of
great new ways of exposing their work and meeting buyers through social media and online, but nothing beats face-to-face because it allows them to get in-the-moment feedback on their work. It’s really valuable in terms of how they continue to choose to make their work and grow their career.”
A look around last year’s Paradise City Arts Festival.
Photo credit: Paradise City Arts/ Lynne Graves Photography
The Springfield Museums is a 2026 Blue Star Museum
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums is pleased to once again participate in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. The 2026 program will begin on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 16, and end on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7.
Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.
“Museums help military families stay connected — to each other, to their communities, and to the nation they serve,” said Mary Anne Carter, chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. “As our country approaches 250 years of independence, Blue Star Museums provides service members and their loved ones with meaningful opportunities to explore history and spark curiosity. For military families — who of-
ten face frequent moves and time apart — these shared museum experiences offer a sense of stability, belonging and connection. By opening doors nationwide, this program ensures they can engage with the arts and history that reflect their sacrifices and strengthen the bonds that hold them together.”
“Blue Star Museums has opened doors for military families to explore, connect, and feel at home,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, CEO of Blue Star Families. “As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we’re proud to continue this partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and museums nationwide — welcoming military families into the heart of our nation’s story and celebrating them every step of the way.”
“We are proud to welcome military families to the Springfield Museums through the Blue Star Museums program,” said Springfield Museums President and CEO Kay Simpson. “Service members and their families make extraordinary sacrifices, and we are honored to offer a place where
they can relax, learn, and create lasting memories together through art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss. We look forward to sharing a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and fun with those who serve our nation.”
This summer, the Springfield Museums offers an impressive slate of special exhibitions that are not to be missed. Highly interactive, each explores art, history, or science in new ways.
Declaration of Innovation: Springfield’s Revolutionary Ideas
Opening ahead of the 250th anniversary of July 4, 1776, this exhibition explores Springfield’s long history of creativity, invention, and bold thinking from the American Revolution to today. Through interactive experiences, visitors can engage with colonial life, examine the evolution of language through historic dictionaries, and discover how Springfield shaped industry with innovations like interchangeable parts, automobiles and racing planes. Celebrating the city’s many “firsts,”
the exhibition invites guests to explore what it means to be revolutionary. May 16 through Sept. 27.
Game On!
A lively, bilingual game room where oversized, interactive challenges turn classic gameplay into full-body fun for the whole family. From life-sized adventures like Candy Quest to fast-paced wordplay and inventive twists on familiar games, each experience encourages communication, collaboration, creativity, and confidence. With activities for all ages — including a dedicated Tot Spot for children under three — the exhibit blends movement, problem-solving, and imagination into one playful environment. May 16 through Sept. 13.
Book of Wonder, Cover to Cover: A Hands-on Journey with Donna Castellanos
An immersive exhibition invites visitors into artist Donna Castellanos’s imaginative world, where discarded books become vibrant works of art and interactive experiences celebrate creativity, storytelling, and play. Journey through the Book of Wonder, a multi-chapter environment featuring paper sculptures, immersive spaces and whimsical installations crafted from salvaged books and found objects. Visitors are encour-
aged to become part of the exhibition by creating collages, completing portraits, and contributing stories, making each experience uniquely collaborative and creative. Through Sept. 6.
In addition to the Springfield Museums, participants include history, art and children’s museums, historical sites, botanical gardens, zoos, aquariums and more, and can be found in all 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. The current list of participating museums will continue to grow as organizations can register to be a Blue Star Museum throughout the summer.
The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military — Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps — and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card, DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.
MassMutual is the season sponsor of the Springfield Museums.
Academy of Music Theater to stage ‘Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.’
NORTHAMPTON — The Academy of Music Theatre is thrilled to announce its upcoming Academy Youth Production, “Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.”, on Friday and Saturday, May 29 and 30, at 7 p.m. Based on the hit film and the 2007 Broadway musical by the same name, “Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.”, features young actors ages 12-17.
This fun and upbeat musical follows the adventures of a sorority girl named Elle Woods who tries to win her ex-boyfriend back by earning a Harvard law degree. Once at school, she is challenged by her peers, professors and her ex, but with the help of some new friends, Elle realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
“Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.”, is co-directed by Academy Education Director Kyle Lawrence and Academy Associate Education Director Zazie Tobey; music direction is provided by Lauren Fleit and stage management is provided by Madison VanDeurzen. Tickets are available at aomtheatre.com or by calling the box office at 413-584-9032.
Ticket prices range from $15.16 to $23.95, including all fees. Academy Youth Productions
invites young actors to embark on a journey of artistic expression, self-confidence and teamwork. Since 2011, the Academy has been a beacon of creativity, educating school-aged students in theater, music and dance, and fostering a love for the arts in the Northampton community.
“Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.”, music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Book by Heather Hach. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer motion picture. “Legally Blonde The Musical Jr.”, is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
The Academy of Music Theatre’s 2025-26 season is supported in part through the generosity of Hilltown Families, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, O’Connell Development Group, Berkshire Brewing Company, Thornes Marketplace, The Northampton Collection, Whalen Insurance, Northampton Cooperative Bank, Greenfield Savings Bank, Florence Bank, Easthampton Savings Bank, Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative and Select Equity Group Foundation.
Gulluni to serve as WMA commencement speaker
WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham & Monson Academy is pleased to announce that Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni ’99 will be the 2026 Commencement speaker at WMA’s commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 23, on the WMA campus at 10 a.m. The 2026 graduating class at WMA consists of 97 graduates. District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni took office as Hampden district attorney in January 2015. He is a lifelong Springfield resident. He has served as an assistant district attorney and has worked in the city of Springfield Law Department and the Salva-
tion Army. As district attorney, he has promoted his vision of safer communities by innovative and significant investment in community building and outreach, crime prevention and education, and by focusing efforts on the smart prosecution of violent offenders. In 2025, Gulluni was elected vice president of the National District Attorneys Association, a national leadership role recognizing his commitment to advancing the profession and strengthening public safety initiatives across the country.
Gulluni has created a one-ofa-kind young adult court named
EACH, Emerging Adult Court of Hope. This groundbreaking model engages young adults from ages 18-24 who are ensnared in a cycle of negativity and incarceration. EACH, in partnership with various community organizations and state agencies, was designed by Gulluni to disrupt this cycle to which he saw so many young people fall prey. Instead of incarceration, the court provides intensive support and programming focused on the participants’ physical and mental health, behavior patterns, housing and ultimately the development of a pathway for careers through education and ca-
reer training. The court is the first of its kind in Massachusetts and is receiving national attention for its innovation and potential effectiveness with this crucial population.
“I’ve known DA Gulluni ‘99 since he was a student at WMA, and I have watched his trajectory in civil service with pride,” said Head of School Brian P. Easler. “His commitment to our Hampden County community and our youth is inspirational, and I can’t wait for our graduating class to see one of their own on the stage, sharing some of that inspiration, as they leap out into the world to follow their own paths. It will be
a proud day for everyone.” Gulluni was appointed by former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and reappointed by Gov. Maura Healey to serve on the board that oversees the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance and administers millions of dollars of funds to victim and survivor organizations. Baker also appointed him to his statewide Taskforce on Hate Crimes. He is a recipient of the President’s Medallion from Western New England University and in 2024 received the William Pynchon Award in recognition of his outstanding commitment to community service.
Baystate Health introduces new digital billing experience
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has upgraded its billing system to provide patients with simple, clear and convenient pay-
ment experience. Patients will now receive one combined electronic statement, have access to a single online payment portal and be able to choose flexible payment
options that work for them.
No immediate action by patients is needed to use the new system. However, the next time a bill is issued, the process may look and feel different. When a bill is ready, patients will receive a notification via text or email. These messages will include a link to securely view and pay a bill online.
Patients may begin to receive text messages from Baystate Health with a secure link to their bill. If patients are unsure whether a text message is from Baystate, they should contact customer service at 833-837-2525.
In the new system, patients can
update their contact preferences, review their balance, view bill details, make a full payment, or select a payment plan that fits their needs. Payments can be made using credit/debit card, electronic check payment, Flexible Savings Account/Health Savings Account cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and receipts are provided for recordkeeping.
Patients who need assistance will also have the option to contact a customer service representative directly through the platform and Baystate Health will continue to offer financial assistance for qualifying patients. This new billing experience is part of Baystate Health’s ongoing effort to provide patients with simple, transparent and accessible tools to manage their care. Visit pay.baystatehealth.org to learn more or manage bills.
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
Corinne C. Fecteau
Jeannine M. Martell
Jacqueline M. Mashia
Sharyn Anne Riley
Albert W. Ruel
Barbara M. Skiba
Michael J. Soja Jr.
EAST LONGMEADOW
Maureen T. Ferriter
Joseph Thomas Gorman
Sally A. Gozzi
Douglas P. Howie
Shirley Eleanor LaPolice
Larry F. Mathisen
Joan B. Pallotta
Norman David Raby
HAMPDEN
Deborah Lisa Johnson
HOLYOKE
Edith May Beal
Barbara A. Gaughan
Joanne M. Kraus
James E. Pease Jr.
Dorothy Ann Pinette
LONGMEADOW
Diane “Dee” Freedman
Donald Clarke Hutchins
Kenneth Norman Kinsley
LUDLOW
Ana Maria Goncalves
SOUTH HADLEY Karen Adams
James W. Armstrong Jr.
SPRINGFIELD
Louise Julia Baldini
Jeanne Blanchet
Barbara J. Cowdrey
Christopher P. Gallagher Jr.
Joseph I. Gumlaw
Pamela S. Hood Lauriana Lavallee (Lalli)
Joseph Lucerino
Thomas J. Manning Jr.
Rosemarie C. Morrissey Sr. Judith O’Connell Ssj
John F. Russell (Roscoe)
Peter J. Salier
George E. Sampson
Ronald Smith
WILBRAHAM
Helen Ham
Jeffrey W. Hulbert
Beverly Ann Presz
Vaughn F. Rist
Marjorie H. Weeks
Mylie Mittler follows the flight of her line drive to right field.
Veronica Ouimet gets a good pitch to hit.
Kaelyn Dionne hustles down the first base line.
Brooklyn Rosas, Gianna Fusco and Mylie Mittler (L-R) get psyched up to play the fourth inning.
Isabella Strand attempts the sliding catch.
Brooklyn Rosas slaps the ball to the left side.
Third baseman Alexa Sherman is ready as the pitch is delivered.
HOLLAND
Dominick Philip Daponte and Christy McGrail Daponte to Matthew Archer and Marie Archer, 2 Fenton
EAST LONGMEADOW
David P. Corcoran and Lisa A. Corcoran to Steven W. Longmoore and Amy Longmoore, 106 Canterbury
Jonathan W. Burnham Jr., and Christina L. Roberts to Georgina J. Hatch and Robert D. Mitchell,
Steven M. Guay and Joy E. Guay to Jonathan W. Burnham Jr., and Christina L. Roberts, 66 Lee St. $699,900 HAMPDEN
Lewis G. Caputo Jr., to Gretchen E. Caputo, 89 Woodland Drive $159,000 LONGMEADOW
Kimberly Adegoke and Adesina Adegoke to Kimberly Paluch and Sergio Paluch, 28 Revere Road
Michel E. Robitaille to Malia Homebuyers LLC, 45 Bellevue Ave.
Orange Park Management LLC, to George Anthony Snowling and Lori Jean Snowling, 59 Lawrence Drive $775,000 LUDLOW
Dwight Manganaro and Leeann Manganaro to George D. Roumeliotis and Jennifer L. Biseinere, 10 Alden St. $635,000 Ian D. Premo to Jeremy A. Lamontagne and Sonia H. Lamontagne, 6 Harvest Drive
Jeffrey S. Nadeau, Maria A. Nadeau and Maria A. Nedeau to Samantha Lopez, 25 Dale St.
Thomas M. Vallee to Anthony Wheeler Construction LLC, 0 Kirkland Avenue,
MONSON
Paul L. Bucklin to Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, 3 Maple Lawn Drive
PALMER
Austin M. LeClerc and Tory E. Zalauskas to Austin M. LeClerc, 28 Arnold St.
Tavernier Investments LLC, to Candido Rosado Jr., 2066-2072 Palmer Road
EAST LONGMEADOW
- THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
131 Papers: Shawmut St., Mayfair St., Westminster St., Thompkins Ave., Partial-Gates Ave
64 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir.
327 Papers: Melwood Ave., Chestnut St., Bluegrass Dr., Maple St., Powder Hill Rd., Fairhaven Dr.
174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St.
150 Papers: Breezy Knoll Rd., Elm St., Mapleshade Ave., Pleasant St., Oak Bluff Cir.
LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St.
84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St.
109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St.
54 Papers: Bliss Rd.
87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd.
157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., 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 Rd.
