ELA-20260528

EAST LONGMEADOW | LONGMEADOW | HAMPDEN | WILBRAHAM

MAY 28, 2026 | FREE

WWW.THEREMINDER.COM

FOR DELIVERY CONCERNS OR TO STOP DELIVERY, CALL 413-788-1316 OR EMAIL HMULLIGAN@THEREMINDER.COM

EL Recreation and Rotary Club prepare for 250th IN THIS

EDITION

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow Recreation, in partnership with the Rotary Club, has a long list of upcoming events for residents to celebrate 250 years of the United States.

Inspired by the town’s annual Oktoberfest comes the first Summerfest on June 6 at Brown Farm, 64 Hampden Road, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

East Longmeadow Recreation Director Donna Prather said there have been four Oktoberfests and each of which have been very popular, so Summerfest felt right with the 250th celebrations and the 1976-2026 time capsule opening approaching quickly.

“It was like one day, we said ‘hey let’s duplicate Oktoberfest and have Summerfest,’” Prather said. “I start planning Oktoberfest, you know, 10 months in advance.

This one’s falling together quite well, just because of the success, I believe, of Oktoberfest, but it certainly was not on my radar until about a month ago maybe.”

Prather said that the Historical Commission will attend the event, giving people the chance to submit items for the new 2026-2076 time capsule, set to be buried in Heritage Park on July 18.

East Village Tavern will be there to provide adult beverages, along with a variety of food trucks, such as Jeannie’s Weenies and Dev’s Mac N’ Eats. The Rotary Club will also be serving concessions.

“Then we’ll also have just fun

LONGMEADOW

Witness Stones Project returns for third year The Longmeadow community has memorialized the lives of two people who spent parts of the 1700s enslaved in the town as part of the Witness Stones Project.

Page 6

EAST LONGMEADOW

Town election

A previous East Longmeadow Recreation event with vendors and a bounce house.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

stuff, like a bounce house, a dunk tank, Busy Bees Preschool always sets up games for the kids,” Prather said. “We’ll have pony rides and goats that people can cuddle from Cloverbrook Farm.”

The event will include a fair amount of vendors, such as Blake’s Creation selling hand knit items, PaperPie selling children’s books and puzzles and Kathy’s Sweet Bites selling dirty soda and mini pancakes.

Prather said vendors, sponsors or educational groups can still apply by contacting 413-525-5437 or emailing recreation@eastlongmeadowma.gov. Vendors who are selling items have a $25 fee for a table but tables for educational groups looking to speak about what they offer to the communi-

ty are free.

She added that the event is trying to organize with sports groups and different people in town as well to participate in the dunk tank, with all proceeds going to East Longmeadow events and charities of their choice.

The end of June also sees a week of events at Center Field from the Rotary Club leading up to Independence Day. Each event runs from 5-7 p.m. with different bands performing every night at 7 p.m. and an East Village Tavern beer garden until 10 p.m.

June 26 is a car and truck show, June 27 has yard games with East Longmeadow Recreation and a town bonfire, June 28 is a corn hole tournament and June 29 is a veterans appreciation dinner.

The Center Field Carnival runs from June 30 to Independence Day, open from 6-10 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, but from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Independence Day. The beer garden and live bands will also be at the carnival during the same times as the previously listed events, with the exception of Independence Day beer garden hours from noon to 4 p.m.

July 3 at 9 p.m. is the laser light show at Mapleshade School and the Independence Day Parade kicks off at East Longmeadow High School from 10 a.m. to noon on July 4.

The full calendar of events with live bands can be viewed in one place at elrotaryclub.org under “summer 2026 events.”

With East Longmeadow’s town election set for June 2, candidates for the Town Council and School Committee were given the opportunity to respond to questions.

Page 7 and 9

HAMPDENWILBRAHAM

Paraeducators reject contract settlment Paraeducators working in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District are still pushing for new contracts.

Page 11

YOUR FAVORITE FLOWER SHOP HAS MOVED! OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEatKe

Open L .

Fri. & Sat ’til 7

BEAUTIFUL FLOWERING ROSES AND HYDRANGEAS

LOADED WITH • ANNUALS • PERENNIALS • ROSES VEGGIES & HERBS TOO!

IT’S TIME TO COLOR YOUR GARDEN...

Come See Our Giant Selection of Flowering Annuals... Brighter, Bigger & Cheaper

TROPICALS! HIBISCUS! MANDEVILLA! PALMS!

WE’VE MOVED! NEW LOCATION! Formerly East Longmeadow Flowers

Color Your Deck & Patio!

GORGEOUS

Flowering Hanging Baskets many varieties and sizes to choose from!

NORTHERN VALLEY GARDENS (Formerly East Longmeadow Flowers) 236 South Main St. (Rt. 5) • East Windsor, CT (right next to Dunkin Donuts)

Email your news to:

www.news@thereminder.com

FORD MOBILE SERVICE

will come to you, service your vehicle, right in your driveway, and be on their way.

Rt. 190 • Enfield, CT

Call 800.466.2503

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

|2|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Puppolo says he is confident going into 10th reelection bid

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

State Rep. Angelo Puppolo told Reminder Publishing that he is confident and very prepared going into his 10th reelection race for the 12th Hampden District seat, stating that this is “nothing new.”

Puppolo is currently in his 19th year of representing Wilbraham and parts of East Longmeadow, Monson and Springfield, and sees his first Democratic primary challenger since 2006 in Springfield resident Michael Lachenmeyer.

The primary is set for Sept. 1 with the general election on Nov. 3.

Puppolo’s 2006 challenger was write-in candidate James Driscoll, who received 375 votes to Puppolo’s 3,667.

“I am seeking reelection to the House of Representatives to continue the progress we have made,” Puppolo said in a press release. “I have the experience and the relationships in the legislature to continue bringing more resources to our area, and I am not afraid to speak up and fight when it comes to advocating for our district. I have been able to make generational progress on some of the biggest challenges facing our district and the commonwealth, but that work continues, and we need a proven leader who knows how to get real results. I’m energized to continue working for our district and be your voice fighting for all of us — as it’s important that we continue to have experienced, strong leadership in Bos-

ton — now more than ever.”

He added in the press release that he believes it is incumbent upon elected officials to be accessible and responsive to the people they serve, which is why he established a full-time local constituent service office in Wilbraham on day one. He stated he is “always available to respond to constituent needs and concerns and to help.”

Puppolo told Reminder Publishing that one of the biggest things to focus on for the remainder of this term and for the next year, in the case he is reelected, would be to make sure strong leadership is continued, especially during “uncertain times.”

He said it is “critically important that we have a strong leader that knows how to stand up and fight, but can also be listened to,” adding that his experience allows him to get his points across and get real results.

“It’s not easy to begin with, but with all of the changes and all the uncertainy coming out of the administration in Washington, D.C., we need to make sure that we are prepared for unexpected, sort of, changes that normally would not occur,” Puppolo said.

Finishing the PROTECT Act is also on Puppolo’s radar, which he said the House passed to protect citizens from the U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement or other unforeseen acts. The act is a civil rights and immigration package that establishes statewide standards defining how local police, courts and government

The local news coverage you love brought to you in a new way.

SO THAT REMINDS ME A podcast from The Reminder Find it on your favorite streaming platform

agencies interact with federal immigration authorities. “[The PROTECT Act] does a number of things in terms of making sure we have internal protections in there for citizens that are here, and making sure that the federal government and our ICE agents do not overreach.” Puppolo said. “If the person’s a criminal or habitual offender, that’s a whole different ballgame, but to target innocent people I think is wrong. We had a number of positive work related results with that, in terms of working with law enforcement, working with other agencies.”

Puppolo is also a strong advocate on establishing the WestEast Rail, which he cites as a “gamechanger for economic development.” The rail would bring a 171-mile passenger train route along the corridor of Pittsfield, Springfield, Palmer, Worcester and Boston.

“It’ll open up a number of opportunities for growth, for jobs, for employment,” Puppolo said.

“I think it’s gonna be a huge benefit for Western Massachusetts to be able to get that done, but it’s got to be done right. It’s got to be a reasonable time frame to get to Boston and it’s got to have, obviously, stops but stops that are targeted to make sure that it allows for a relatively quick transit, quick commute to Boston.

We’ve got everything out here, you know. Great housing stock, it’s a lot more affordable, I think you’re gonna see people going both ways, in terms of working here and living out in Boston, vice versa. ” He said one of the things he is most proud of during his time in office is the marriage equality vote, which has been a “critically important bill moving forward for individual rights.”

He added that a lot of the environmental bills and reforms that he’s worked on have been able to expand clean, green renewable energy and that he’s proud to

State Rep. Angelo Puppolo.

Reminder Publishing file photo

have established a connection to his constituents.

“We get a tremendous amount of calls every week, and that’s where I’m really most proud to be able to help residents when they really have nowhere else to turn,” Puppolo said. “They get bundled up in a lot of the red tape. They don’t know how to navigate the system, and that’s where I leap in and help with the constituent services … I work very, very hard to make sure that I can do all that I can for my constituents.”

Puppolo is also still very active in establishing increased funding

for education, special education and school transportation, expanded access to free community college and high-quality affordable preschool, no-cost school meals and increased programs and support for seniors and veterans.

He also pushes to prioritize public safety and support of police, firefighters and EMTs, expanded access to affordable health care and housing, equal protection for all and marriage equality, increased cybersecurity privacy laws and guide rails for AI usage and protection.

BUYING? SELLING? LET’S TALK! Expert Guidance. Clear Strategy.

REAL Results.

KIM TURNBERG REALTOR®

Licensed in MA & CT

413.262.1867 kim@soldwithkim.com www.soldwithkim.com

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|3|

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

A HIGHER STANDARD of Real Estate in MA & CT

Kevin Relihan Realtor

Ask About Our First Responder Program.

Special benefits for firefighters, police, EMS, nurses & dispatchers. kevin.relihan@evermarkre.com • 413-372-3913

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

|4|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

TOWN EVENTS www.TheReminder.com

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: • Movie Matinee: “Song Sung Blue” — Wednesday, June 3, from 1-3 p.m.

• Board Game Night for Adults — Wednesday, June 3 from

5-7:30 p.m.

Cookbook Club — Saturday June 6, at 12:30 p.m. THis month the group will be cooking recipes from Jacques Pepin cookbooks.

Teen programs: • Paws & Pencils — Monday, June 1, at 2:30 p.m.

• Teen Pride Party — Tuesday, June 2, at 2:30 p.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.

All ages programs: • Art Exhibit: Beyond the Basics Creative Studio Students

— Monday, June 1, through Thursday, July 30. This exhibit showcases the art created by local students of Joycelin Raho’s Beyond the Basics Creative Studio. A reception will be held on Monday, June 4, at 6 p.m.

• Puzzle and Board Game Swap Collection — Friday, June 5, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.Looking for something fun to do this summer?

Longmeadow community members of all ages are invited to choose a new-to-you puzzle or board game. Please note that the library cannot guarantee that every puzzle or game will be complete.

Youth programs: • Grow Play Learn (ages birth to 5 years) — Wednesday, June 3, 9:30-10:30 a.m.

•

“KPop Demon Hunters” Dance Party — Wednesday, June 3, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Legos at the Library (kindergarten and up) — Thursday, June 4, 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Adult programs: • Traveling Library — Monday, June 1, 2:15-4:30 p.m. On the first and third Mondays of the month, residents of Emerson Manor and Genesis House can swing by the courtyard next to the office and check out books, magazines, books on CD, and DVDs. • Climbing Your Family Tree: An Introduction to Genealogy — Monday, June 1, 6:00-7:30 p.m.

• Adult Center Book Club — Tuesday, June 2, 12:30-1:30 p.m. This month’s selection: “Evensong” by Stewart O’Nan • Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday,

•

• • •

•

• •

June 2, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

VIRTUAL: The Seven Wonders of the Universe with Joe Rao — Tuesday, June 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

Fiber Arts Meeting — Tuesday, June 2, 6-7:30 p.m.

VIRTUAL: 50+ Job Seekers Networking Group — Wednesday, June 3, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Library Virtual Speakers: Your Ticket to the Best State Fair Crafts with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig — Wednesday, June 3, 2-4 p.m.

LHS Presents: New England Militia in the Early Republic — Wednesday, June 3, 6:307:30 p.m.

Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, June 4, 11 a.m. to noon.

Storrs Stitchers (Drop-In) — Friday, June 5, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Community Foundation announces $1 million for nonprofits SPRINGFIELD — Across nearly every sector in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin Counties, federal and state funding cuts are quietly reshaping the local nonprofit sector. As a response, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts two weeks ago, with the support of an anonymous donor, quickly moved to distribute a one-time $1,000,000 investment to provide urgent, flexible support to frontline community organizations. This initiative, intended to help nonprofits meet the moment and absorb the impact of these cuts, is

grounded in a simple but powerful belief that organizations doing the vital work of providing essential services deserve to be fully resourced.

“This is precisely what community foundations were built for,” said Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts CEO Megan Burke. “We have both the responsibility and the privilege to step in quickly, decisively and with the full support of community members who care about their neighbors.”

Last September, nearly half of the 250 nonprofit organizations that applied for the Com-

munity Foundation’s Flexible Funding Grant reported that it had experienced the ripple effects of cuts to intermediary agencies, loss of multi-year support, equity retrenchment, and rising administrative loads.

The same sense of urgency and responsibility shaped the Community Foundation’s decision to launch its Community Resilience Grant opportunity.

Results from its application revealed similar data. Of the 178 organizations that applied, 147 reported that the impacts of federal funding cuts had already arrived, disrupted services, and

strained budgets. An additional 41 organizations indicated that significant impacts were still on the horizon.

For organizations on the receiving end of that investment, the impact has been as much about being seen as it is about the financial support itself.

“This $50,000 grant is not just funding; it is a lifeline at a moment when we needed one most,” shared Nancy Boyle, interim associate director for the Franklin County Community Meals Program. “This grant arrives as we are doing the hard, necessary work of strengthening

our organization with skilled leadership, tightened systems, and a renewed commitment to the communities we serve.

The [Community Foundation’s] support tells us that our work is seen, that it matters, and that we are not doing it alone.”

The Community Meals program provides over 25,000 free meals annually and serves over 2,800 households in Franklin County who depend on their services across its meal sites and pantry.

To learn more about Community Resilience grants, visit communityfoundation.org.

GREAT GARDENS START WITH GREAT PLANTS!

HUGE SELECTION OF…

Friendly, Knowledgeable staff to assist you.

HANGING BASKETS A Great Selection of: Nursery Stock • Perennials • Patio Pots Bedding Plants • Geraniums • Rose Bushes • Straw Bales Specialty Annuals for your Containers & Window Boxes

Still a Huge Selection of 6 Pack Flower and Vegetable Plants Flat of 48... $25.99

3

$ 49 6 Pk.

Nursery Stock On Sale

Large selection of

Perennials

for year after year beauty... many varieties!

Support Local Agriculture... buy direct from the farm!

185 Meadowbrook Rd (off Rt. 83) • East Longmeadow, MA • 413-525-8588 MeadowbrookFarmMa.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 8am-7pm

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|5|

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

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”

Locally Owned and Operated in Longmeadow

413-636-5384 arbormaxtreecarellc.com arbormax413@gmail.com

- CERTIFIED ARBORIST -

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

|6|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

LONGMEADOW www.TheReminder.com

Witness Stones Project remembers lives of two enslaved people

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow community has memorialized the lives of two people who spent parts of the 1700s enslaved in the town with brass plaques, becoming the fifth and sixth people to be remembered and honored so far in Longmeadow by the Witness Stones Project.

This ceremony marks the third year of Longmeadow’s Witness Stones Project, an educational initiative by the organization Historic New England to restore the history and honor the humanity of the enslaved individuals who helped build our communities.

The ceremony was held at First Church of Christ on May 21, with the project being a collaboration between the church, the Longmeadow Historical Society and Longmeadow Public Schools. It was funded by the Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation. The plaques are placed in the grass outside of the church.

The two people honored this year are Zickery Prince and a man named James. Seventh grade students at Williams Middle School have spent the past several weeks researching them through primary sources like diary entries, church records, census materials and wills.

Since 2024, the town has also memorialized enslaved people named Phillis and Peter, a couple who married inside the First Church of Christ, a person named Nicholas and a second person named Peter.

These six people are the first to be memorialized out of the 16 known individuals enslaved in Longmeadow during the 18th and 19th centuries. The project intends to say the names and honor each one.

Not much is known about James, besides that he was enslaved around 1719 by the Rev. Stephen Williams, Longmeadow’s

The two new plaques honoring Zickery Prince and James on the grass outside of First Church of Christ in Longmeadow.

Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy

first minister of the First Church of Christ. Some of the only proof of James’ life came from three entries in Williams’ diary and a household accounting record noting the 10 pounds that Williams paid to purchase James.

Williams wrote about James’ behavior, mentioning James being “out of frame” and once about him being out late at night. James disappeared from the record after the diary entries and it is unknown what became of him.

One student said that James wasn’t property or an object, he was always a human being “capable of love, happiness, emotions and making decisions for himself” and that he found ways to show humanity while he was dehumanized and denied freedom.

Prince has a much more documented life with records that span across 40 years. He was enslaved

as a child in Longmedow by an elderly man named Nathaniel Bliss in the 1730s and 1740s. The first piece of evidence for Prince’s life came from a 1737 probate that valued him at 110 pounds.

Records show that Prince was enslaved in seven different households throughout his life, marrying a woman named Citty along the way. He joined the Continental Army during the American Revolution in 1777 after Abel Forward, Prince’s enslaver, promised his freedom in exchange for taking the place of his son.

He died in the winter of 1779 in a hospital at the Fishkill Supply Depot in New York. A Continental Army payroll listed Prince’s salary as “received his freedom.”

One student spoke about how records show the price for Prince changed as he progressed through life and that it is belittling and de-

humanizng to put a price of value on a human being. Another student said Prince’s time in the war showcased his bravery and the sacrifices that enslaved people made “for freedom and for the country that abused them.” She added that Prince “died for a country that was never his own.”

First Church of Christ Reverend Doug Bixby said that these ceremonies are done in the spirit of “humility, honesty and responsibility,” and avoiding “denial, deception and disassociation from this sad part of our own history.”

“So often in the north, we want to disassociate ourselves from the sad history of slavery and the painful realities of it,” Bixby said.

“But the truth is, before the Abolitionist Movement, slavery was a part of life in New England as well as in the south. This history is in danger of being forgotten.”

Witness Stones Program Director Patricia Wilson Pheanious said these programs strengthen one another and recover what has been lost, permanently placing that history into the landscape of everyday life.

“This work deeply matters, perhaps now more than ever, at a time when some would narrow, dismiss or erase difficult parts of our shared history, these programs insist that polar proof matters,” Pheanious said. “They remind us that understanding history is not about assigning blame, it’s recognizing humanity … These men were here. Their lives and free labor supported this community’s prosperity. They helped shape Longmeadow and free our country, and know that today we’re taking action to help Zickery and James’ names and contributions never to be forgotten again.”

QUALITY MEATS | IN-STORE BAKERY | FRESH PRODUCE | DELI | CATERING | BEER & WINE | GROCERY & DAIRY

deli Specials

QUALITY MEATS, POULTRY & SEAFOOD USDA Govt Insp Beef Loin

WHOLE OR HALF

USDA Govt Insp Fresh Store Made DAILY USDA Govt Insp Beef Chuck Custom Cut for FREE

80% Lean

FLanken StyLe

3 lbs. or more

VIRGINIA BAKED HAM

Great on the GRILL!

Fresh PRODUCE

$ 99 2 4 $ 99 YELLOW OR GREEN SQUASH $179 4 $ 99 7 HOTHOUSE TOMATOES $199 $ 99 3 CANTALOUPE 2 $7 $ 99 RED SEEDLESS GRAPES

lb

lb

BONELESS $ 87 GROUND $ 37 SHORT $ 97 PROVOLONE CHEESE RIBS 4 8 STRIPLOIN 9 BEEF HARD SALAMI USDA Govt Insp Beef Loin Kayem USDA Govt Insp Fresh TOP BONELESS & SKINLESS SKINLESS BOLOGNA SIRLOIN CHICKEN $ 17 $ 47 FRANKS $ 99 Professional Catering ONE DAY SALE! STEAK BREAST 2 8 8 for Every Event TUESDAY, JUNE 2 ONLY USDA Govt Insp Fresh Grade A Fresh USDA Govt Insp Fresh Boneless Mild

lb

lb

LB.

LB.

LB

lb

Wunderbar

2 lb box

Family Pack

LB.

PARTY

5 lbs or more

LB

CANADIAN

CHICKEN $ 97 SALMON $ 99 PORK WINGS 1 FILLETS 13 CHOPS LB.

ND

Visit our website for a full list of catering options available from our kitchen & bakery.

All items are made from scratch here!!

Perfect for graduations, communions, & all special events!! Delivery is available.

Family Pack

2

$ 77

LB.

CHECK OUT OUR PRIMAL SECTION - BUY IN BULK AND GET CUSTOM CUT FOR FREE!!

Made by our Chef!

MON 6/1

FOR

lb

ea.

CENTER CUT

LB.

lb

USDA Govt Insp Bone-In Split

CHICKEN BREAST

Family Pack

HOT DINNERS TO GO!! Served from 4pm-6pm TUE 6/2

WED 6/3

THU 6/4

FRI 6/5

12 7

1

$ 37 lb.

GRINDER OF THE WEEK

$ 99 JUNE 1 - JUNE 5 FISH FRY CHICKEN FRANCAISE FISH FRANCAISE MEATLOAF BEEF BOURGUIGNON Served EA from 11am-6pm w/Rice Pilaf -OR w/Spinach & Feta Orzo -OR - DINNER w/Noodles -OR 8" Philly AMERICAN CREAMY BAKED SCALLOP w/Rice -OR- Cheesesteak $ 99EA. ALFREDO STUFFED w/Gravy, Mashed STUFFED MEAT LOVERS MAC & CHEESE $ 99 $ 99 MUSHROOMS$ 99 4-6pm CHOP SUEY $ 99lb SHELLS $ 99lb Potatoes & Corn EA lb lb

7

7

14

7

43 Somers Road, hampden, MA 413.566.8717 Mon-Sat 8am-6pm VILLAGE FOOD MART ARMATA’S MARKET villagefoodhampden.com armatasmarket.com

8

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT QUANTITIES. Prices Valid 5/28/26 - 6/3/26

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|7|

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

Town Council candidates respond to questions ahead of election

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow town election is happening on June 2 and the Town Council sees a three way race for one open seat.

Councilor Jonathan Torcia is up for reelection for a second term, but sees challengers in former Councilor Matthew Boucher and Carolyn Ferros.

Reminder Publishing: What are the most important things the Town Council should tackle in the next year?

Torcia: One of the most important things the Town Council will be considering is a proposed mixeduse town center district which is currently being reviewed by the Planning Board. This will tap into a key area of the community in the center of town to allow for mixeduse development, offering new business locations and market-rate housing spaces. We also will be further exploring municipal fiber which can be an opportunity to offer stronger internet access to the community.

Boucher: Over the next year, the town needs to finally pull the mixed-use center district across the finish line. This has been discussed since my previous term on the council from 2022 to 2024, and it’s time we finally get it done - both to further develop an enjoyable space around the center of town and to increase property tax revenues, reducing the tax burden on homeowners.

Ferros: The most important thing the Town Council should tackle in the next year would be to find common sense ways to increase revenue to slow the economic downturn that East Longmeadow and so many other communities are facing. We are at risk of needing to continue to eliminate teachers and staff from our schools and we need to find ways to combat that.

RP: Is there anything that you could add to the discussion and planning of the town center mixed-use district?

Torcia: The Town Council recently voted to send the proposed mixed use district by-law to the Planning Board and it’s important to have a thoughtful conversation that ensures we are getting a bylaw that has strong consensus.

Any district should be developed so that we are cognizant of traffic and safety issues, other communities have begun developing similar districts. I’m excited about the new projects already beginning such as an expanded Frigo’s Marketplace on Shaker Road.

Boucher: The discussion and planning for the mixed-use district around the center of town needs to be locally controlled and aware of the impacts it will have on the residents already living there. I support the Town Council’s rejection of state-directed development through 40R. The upcoming development at 95 Shaker Road - including a 5,000 sq. ft. Frigo’s, a bank on the second floor and four to six condos on the third floor - should be our model for what “mixed-use” and “increased density” look like around the center of town. I also love the Pafumi’s development off Main Street in Wilbraham, which includes a restaurant, liquor store and several housing units, all wrapped up in a classic New England aesthetic.

East Longmeadow needs to redevelop its center to improve quality of life and increase revenue while retaining the town’s small-town feel. Additionally, all industrial zones around the center should be rezoned - nobody wants their new condo overlooking a dump. I think the “market-rate” mixed-use proposal currently making its way through the Town Council and Planning Board is a good start.

Ferros: I am passionate about the Center Town District, which is why I sat on the Steering Committee. I helped with the mapping of the proposed Center Town District and feel that the work we did on the Steering Committee was important to encourage community involvement. I’m excited that the discussion is continuing and hope

THE BEST FRESH FOR SPRING PLANTING! Plant Your Vegetable Garden!

Big Selection of Tomato Plants Bite Size to Large Slicers

Pepper Plants, Eggplants, Cucumbers & Squash Plants Beautiful Blooming

Annual Flowering Plants

Geraniums, Sun & Shade Impatiens, Calibrachoa, Marigolds, Petunias & MORE!

Beautiful Blooming Mixed Combination Hanging Baskets Baskets Ivy Geraniums, For Sun Calibrachoa, Petunias Or Shade!

Patio Perfect Pots

Filled With Blooming Annuals FOR SUN OR SHADE

Cleome, Coleus, Petunias, Mixed Combinations, Geraniums, SunPatiens & More

Perennial Of The Week 5/27–6/2: Dianthus

Proven Winner Varieties Now $14.99 (Reg Price $20.99) Fuchsia, Red & Coral Colors Sun-Loving, Fragrant Blooms

For The Graduates

Presentation Rose Bouquets Special $29.99 Dozen

Locally Grown

Asparagus!

From D. A. Smiarowski Farms Sunderland, MA

Elsie’s Creamery

The Best Homemade Ice Cream Open Every Night Until 9pm ALWAYS FRESH AT

631 Center St. Route 21 Mass Tpke Exit 54, Ludlow

413-589-7071 www.randallsfarm.net

OPEN EVERY DAY 7AM–8PM Find us on

and

to be a part of seeing it come to fruition. I have a background in real estate so I have seen what is possible in surrounding communities and how we could implement those same ideas here in East Longmeadow. A mixed-use district would encourage small businesses to open up here instead of neighboring towns.

RP: Is there anything in the town that you think could use the most improvement?

Torcia: We must continue to push as a Town Council on updating our critical infrastructure, the council is currently planning as part of our annual budget to target a few key roads for repair. Knowing we had a challenging winter this past year, I would advocate for continued road funds. We also have some important questions and oversight we must look closer at regarding water and updating the antiquated infrastructure that has impacted the quality of our water. The town should also continue to look for grant opportunities that exist at the state and federal levels.

Boucher: The biggest issue needing immediate improvement is East Longmeadow’s relationship with the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission. Right now, our residents are effectively treated like bystanders. We are expected to pay the bills for a regional system while having absolutely no say in how it is governed. We are seeing constant rate increases - such as the proposed 7.5% hike for 2027 to cover management failures like the delays and PCB contamination at the West Parish Water Treatment Plant - yet we are left in the dark regarding operations and long-term financial risk. We deserve clean water, competent management and protection from preventable financial harm.

The town needs to stop accepting these costs as inevitable and start using every tool available to protect our ratepayers. This starts with actively backing state legislation, like the bill filed by state Rep. Aaron Saunders (H. 2330) and amendments 38 and 42 of Senate Bill

3050 proposed by state Sen. Jacob Oliveira, now reprinted as S. 3064, to restructure the commission and ensure we finally have a seat at the table. East Longmeadow contributes significantly to this system, and it is past time we had meaningful representation so we can hold the commission accountable to our residents rather than just the interests of Springfield.

Ferros: I believe communication and transparency could be improved. We have a large population and the majority of them don’t know what’s happening until it’s already happened and someone posts it on one of the dozens of social media forums. There is a level of responsibility on the individual, however, finding the information is no easy task. When I listen to people throughout the community I hear their concerns that they don’t feel they are being heard and they don’t feel included in what’s going on in town.

RP: What is your long-term vision for the town over the next few years?

Torcia: I want to continue to ensure our community keeps its small town character, while advocating for responsible growth in our vacant or dilapidated properties. We must also continue to collaborate with our town departments on making our budgets more efficient while speaking as a unified voice to advocate for more unrestricted local state aid which has been lacking in recent years.

Boucher: My long-term vision is built on resident engagement and practical, community-centered development. First, we need to end the practice of ambiguous town surveys and commit to full transparency. I feel like every six months the town publishes some type of survey asking residents what type of “mixed-use” development or “density” they prefer, and then there’s no follow-up. I can only assume the answers from the public do not align with the desires of the Planning Department, so a similar form is advertised six months later. When the town asks

for feedback, we should publish the raw data and response numbers so we know exactly what our neighbors want, rather than relying on skewed sample sizes to justify pre-determined outcomes. Governance should be transparent, representative and honest. Physically, I see the future of our town’s vibrancy centered on Shaker Road.

While preserving the character of our residential corridors like North Main, Pleasant and Elm Streets, we should focus infrastructure investment on making Shaker Road a truly walkable, connected district. This means prioritizing improved sidewalks and proactive partnerships with building owners to attract profitable, local-serving businesses that keep our economy in town. Finally, we must restore our community assets to the standard our volunteers built. Heritage Park was created through the hard work and dedication of our residents, and we cannot let it continue to slip into disrepair. We need to foster a town that is a place where families have enjoyable, safe places to spend time.

Ferros: I want to expand our commercial tax base by encouraging small businesses to come to East Longmeadow while maintaining our small town feel. A broader commercial base will help to alleviate the tax burden on the single property homeowner. My longterm vision would be a robust walkable community with all the things we need right here in our own town to encourage people to stay local.

Q: Why do you think East Longmeadow residents should vote for you?

Torcia: I think residents should consider reelecting me because I have demonstrated in my involvement on the council, Planning Board and other areas I can work with all types of individuals to accomplish a shared set of goals. I’m proud to be supported by all my fellow Town Council colleagues and I have maintained a strong See CANDIDATESon page 9

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

|8|

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

EAST LONGMEADOW www.TheReminder.com

REMINDER PRESS CLUB SUPPORTED ARTICLE

TO LEARN ABOUT THE PRESS CLUB, GO TO REMINDERPRESSCLUB.COM

Historical Commission sets date for time capsule kickoff

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow is preparing to dig up the past and replant a part of the present day as the town’s time capsule events rapidly approach.

The gears have been turning inside the East Longmeadow Historical Commission and Rotary Club for the past few months in preparation for the unveiling of the 1976 time capsule and the burial of a new time capsule, intended to be uncovered in 2076.

A kickoff event is being hosted at the shared grounds of Norcross House and the Historical Museum, 89 Maple St., on May 30 from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate the new time capsule ahead of its burial in Heritage Park on July 18.

Event goers will create their own time capsule contributions, such as with a photo booth for a picture of themselves. Children are also encouraged to submit drawings to the new capsule, as paper and art supplies will be provided. Attendees can also just enjoy some lawn games and light refreshments while connecting with the community.

The Historical Museum will also be open during the event for people to see some of the town’s history.

Historical Commission member George Kingston said the event will be a big party and the time capsule events will get the whole town involved with history from 50 years ago, while also giving residents the chance to contribute in cementing our present day history.

Kingston said that he’s looking forward to having kids submit things and that the commission is working with the library and schools to encourage children to submit letters to themselves.

“If they’re 10 years old now, they’ll be 60 when this thing gets opened,” Kingston said.

“It’d be interesting to look back and see what they thought 50 years before.”

Submissions for the new time capsule close on June 27, and Kingston said there will be several events where people can see the capsule and submit things.

He said there will hopefully be submission boxes at Pleasant View Senior Center as well.

Kingston said the commission reserves the right to choose what goes in the capsule because he doesn’t want anything to degrade, so he’s encouraging people to go with small or flat items like paper.

“We’re not taking anything perishable, that sounds like a no-brainer but, you know, you have to say that,” Kingston said.

The lid comes down on the 1976-2026 time capsule before being buried for the next 50 years.

Photo Credit: East Longmeadow Historical Commission

“No liquids, no rubber objects, no hazardous materials, nothing with batteries … specifically, we are not accepting USB drives, or thumb drives, because we don’t have the ability to scan all of those things, and we don’t want people 50 years from now getting 50-year-old viruses on their machines.

The capsule is currently re-

ceiving a decorative wrap at Go Graphix and will also be featured in the parade on Independence Day. The 1976 capsule does not have a specific date for being dug up and unveiled just yet, but Kingston predicted it will occur around late July or early August.

Kingston added that the Rotary Club deserves a lot of

credit for the upcoming events and that it has been very active in planning and funding, along with Town Manager Tom Christensen for attending each meeting and providing advice.

He also gave a shout out to Historical Commission Chair Christine Devlin, who has been tracking timelines and creating each schedule.

Vinick Scholarship winners announced by Friends of the Library EAST LONGMEADOW — For the fifth consecutive year, the Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library, Inc. are pleased to announce the winners of this year’s Bernard and Norma Vinick Memorial Scholarship Awards: Natalie DiMichele, Javien Lugo and Filip Czudec.

Due to a previous commitment, DiMichele was unable to attend the Friends annual award ceremony. However, accommodations were made and she received her certificate on May 4 in the town library’s Conference Room. Maura Mara, a member of the scholarship committee, did the honors of presenting DiMichele with her award document.

Lugo and Czudec along with their proud families joined the members of the Friends on May 5 in the town library’s periodicals section. Betty MacLeod, scholarship chair, read excerpts about their accomplishments and their future plans prior to giving them their scholarship certificates.

“The officers and directors of the Friends are delighted to help with some of the expenses of higher education,” Diane Tiago, President of the Friends’ shared.

“The cost to attend a college is overwhelming and we gladly support these young people in their next phase of their educational journey.”

DiMichele will be attending

From left: Bernard and Norma Vinick Memorial Scholarship Award winner Natalie DiMichele and scholarship committee member Maura Mara. Bernard and Norma Vinick Memorial Scholarship Award winners Javien Lugo and Filip Czudec.

Reminder Publishing submitted photos

Bentley University in the fall

and will be majoring in Business Law. Lugo has been accepted at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and will major in Architecture while Czudec will be attending Boston University

and working towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Each institution of higher education will receive $1,000 to apply towards the respective recipient’s tuition or fees.

GARY’S AUTO REPAIR & More, Inc.

Tires • Brakes Exhaust • Alignments MA Inspections Convenience Items Propane Inspection Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat.-Sun. 8am-3pm Allen & Cooley St., Springfield

782-3777 · 783-7245

MAY SPECIAL

10 OFF

$

*

A Pair (2)

NAPA PROFORMER Beam Wiper Blades

*NPB# Blades. Not to be combined with any other offer. Good through 5/29/26.

FRANK’S AUTO SERVICE, LLC 413.734.9723 Family Owned & Operated Since 1962

528 North Main Street • East Longmeadow

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|9|

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

Cooper answers questions ahead of town election The East Longmeadow Reminder is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC. The East Longmeadow Reminder is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year.

To subscribe visit TheReminderbymail.com

News Deadline Tuesday, 9AM

Display Ad Deadline Tuesday, 10AM

Classified Deadline Thursday, Noon

HATFIELD

HADLEY

CHESTER

MO

Candidates Continued from page 7

working relationship with each of them. Every vote and action that I have had the honor of being a part of in the last three years I have always had the interests of the entire community in mind. I want to continue to bring a professional and experienced perspective to the Town Council. I humbly ask the residents of East Longmeadow for their vote and continued support on June 2.

Boucher: I am a former Councilor, having served on East Longmead-

ow’s Town Council from 2022 to 2024. In 2022, I ran on supporting the new high school project and education funding, and I was pleased to see voters overwhelmingly support the new high school in 2023. During my time on the council, I was part of implementing two level-service budgets, hiring our town manager, Tom Christensen, and supporting the high school project where I could.

I decided not to run for re-election in 2024 as I felt my job was done with the passing of the high school project, and the realities of my job at the time made it difficult to commit the necessary time to the council. Additionally, I was unsure

CONTRACTED SUB WANTED FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DELIVERY OF THE REMINDER NEWSPAPER. Call Holly at

413-788-1316

if I would be in the town long-term or purchasing a home here. I made a career transition to education in 2024 with a Tech Ed teacher role at Birchland Park Middle School right here in town. My position was terminated in the 2025–2026 school year budget cuts, and I now teach at Agawam High School. I love my job. In March 2026, I purchased a home in town, officially setting down roots. Buying a home in town solidified my decision to run for Town Council because I feel we need a collaborative, moderate voice that will help usher in the town’s next phase of development while shepherding the town through a difficult couple of years

financially - with less money from the state than ever and increasing inflation. Please check out my campaign page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/matt4el and I would very much appreciate one of your two votes on June 2. Thank you!

Ferros: I have a proven record of working for the community and seeing what’s possible to continue to grow while holding on to what makes East Longmeadow a great community to live in. I ran the Vote Yes ELHS campaign for the new high school, scheduled to open this fall. I want to continue to work for all of the residents, from the students to the seniors.

GO

HOLYOKE

ME

BLANDFORD

RY

LUDLOW CHICOPEE

RUSSELL

TOLLAND

GRANBY

SOUTH HADLEY

SOUTHAMPTON

NT

OTIS

AMHERST

NORTHAMPTON

MPTON

the fact that not all AI “tools” are created equal. As adults, we must ask students to join us in the fight to value human creativity above this AI mimicry built through theft, and make wise choices about what AI products we use and which we reject as harmful to the fabric of our society.

RP: Why do you think East Longmeadow residents should vote for you?

Cooper: I am a creative, comprehensive problem-solver. I know I can communicate in an engaging way about the School Committee’s work, our challenges, and our opportunities, and won’t shy away from asking people smarter than me for their help. I’m running because I want to be of service to the town, to pay forward the support my twins received over their thirteen years in the East Longmeadow school system. The reason they are now doing amazing things in college is directly due to the ELPS teachers who saw them for who they were and encouraged them to spread their academic wings as wide as they could.

EASTHA

sion in a time where many municipalities across the state are looking at making reductions?

Cooper: The FY28 budget is where I want to focus 99% of my considerable energy. I look forward to working with our new Superintendent [Dr. Joanne Menard] to bring in revenue through public-private partnerships and applying for grants, and determining costs to cut that won’t affect our staff. I’ve been studying our school’s and town’s FY26 and FY27 budgets, and I have a lot of ideas, many of which center around more resilient transportation options.

RP: Do you have a stance on the growing capabilities of AI and the role that they’ve already started to take in a student’s life?

Cooper: As a children’s book author whose copyrighted works were stolen by unscrupulous AI companies like Open AI and Anthropic, I have a very passionate stance on this topic. I will be presenting at the Generative AI in Libraries conference in July, speaking about opening students’ eyes to

WESTHAM PTON

EAST LONGMEADOW — One seat is open for a one-year term with the East Longmeadow School Committee and two people are looking to fill it after the election on June 2.

Former School Committee member Sarah Truoiolo attempts to make her way back to the committee while write-in candidate Christina Cooper looks to join for the first time. Truoiolo did not respond by press time.

Since Cooper is a write-in candidate, she said residents casting a vote for her have to write in her full name and address, 142 Meadowbrook Road, on the ballot under one-year term.

Reminder Publishing: What are the most important things you believe the School Committee should be focused on over the next year?

Cooper: I believe we need to focus on securing sources of revenue and finding items in our budget to cut that are not teaching

positions. Because of rising costs across the board, our schools have been forced to cut 25 plus positions over the past few years, and I want to do everything I can to protect our staff from facing further reductions. Our teachers are the beating heart of East Longmeadow schools.

RP: Is there anything you’d change or improve on to ensure student success?

Cooper: I’d take a long, hard look at how we incorporate technology in the classrooms for instruction and for evaluation. For years, we’ve been part of the American experiment of providing one-toone Chromebook laptops for every K-12 student in our system, and I believe the quality of our students’ educational experience has measurably suffered. As part of our approval capital spending for IT for fiscal year 2027, we’ll be spending $147,000 to replace broken Chromebooks. Could that money be better allocated somewhere else?

RP: What do you think you could add to the FY28 budget discus-

HUNTIN GTON

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD

GRANVILLE

MASSACHUSETTS

SOUTHWICK

WILBRAHAM

WEST SPRINGFIELD

SPRINGFIELD

AGAWAM LONGMEADOW

EAST LONGMEADOW

CONNECTICUT

HAMPDEN

SOMERS ENFIELD

 AGAWAM REMINDER  CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD  EAST LONGMEADOW REMINDER  ENFIELD/SOMERS REMINDER  HAMPSHIRE REMINDER  THE “ORIGINAL” PENNYSAVER  SPRINGFIELD REMINDER

Operations Director: Curtis Panlilio Executive Editor: Chris Maza Managing Editors: Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre Staff Writers: Sarah Heinonen, Deb Gardner, Amy Porter, Trent Levakis, Cliff Clark, Tyler Garnet, Peter Tuohy Graphic Design Manager: Beth Thurber Graphic Design Department: Leigh Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio Sales Manager: Scott Greene Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro Classified Account Managers: Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan Financial Department: Nancy Banning Circulation Department: Holly Mulligan, Nate Halla, Whitney Conlon

HOW TO REACH US CALL

413.525.6661

NEWS DEPARTMENT 413-562-4181 DISPLAY ADS 413-525-6695 CLASSIFIED ADS 413-213-6178 413-213-6170 413-735-1660 LEGAL NOTICES 413-735-1660 CIRCULATION CALL

413.788.1316

hmulligan@thereminder.com

Online

TheReminder.com Reminders Publishing, LLC accepts no financial responsibility for errors that inadvertently happen in advertisements, but will reprint that part of the advertisement in which the error occurred.

EAST LONGMEADOW OFFICE 443B SHAKER ROAD

(DENSLOW ROAD ENTRANCE)

EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 01028

WESTFIELD OFFICE

181 ROOT ROAD •WESTFIELD, MA 01085 (ROOTS ATHLETIC CENTER, LOWER LEVEL)

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 10 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

SPRINGFIELD www.TheReminder.com

Veritas seniors to secure diploma, college degrees

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — Next month, the inaugural class of seniors will graduate from Veritas Prep Charter Public School. The school has partnered with Springfield Technical Community College and Worcester State University to offer college-level courses while the students are still in high school. As such, nearly half of Veritas Prep’s 77 graduating seniors will have earned their associate’s degree as well as a diploma.

On May 15, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike and Department of Elementary Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez toured the school and spoke with students and faculty about their experiences with the school’s early college format.

In the college-level Spanish class they dropped in on, students were working on essays about an individual in their lives. Overseen by Westfield State University professor Marilyn Sanchez, four students shared their work with Zrike and Martinez, both fluent Spanish speakers. Martinez, who did not become fluent in Spanish until he was an adult, praised the students and said learning a language as a teen or adult is significantly more difficult than learning as a child.

In a college-level marketing class taught by Niasha Ortiz, a student presented a marketing plan for an original product — a

Left, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike and Veritas Prep Charter Public School Principal Stephen Mahoney hear from students about their early college course experiences. Right, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez, Veritas Prep Charter Public School Principal Stephen Mahoney and Massachusetts Charter Public Schools Association Executive Director Tim Nicolette join Veritas Prep students engaging in the early college program.

Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen

hoodie with cooling pads and air vents, targeted to athletes. The professor said the student had hit “the four p’s” of marketing — product, price, placement and promotion. Martinez asked the student whether price or quality would set his product apart from others on the market. After thinking about it, he decided to offer superior quality.

Not all students participate in the early college courses, Veritas Prep Principal Stephen Mahoney said, but as a wall-to-wall program, every student is eligible to take college courses, beginning in their second semester of ninth grade, provided their grades meet a certain standard. They are also required to sustain their grades to continue taking college courses.

School-wide, 89 students take full-time college courses.

After the tour, Zrike and Martinez sat down with 10 students

from various grades. They listened to students express what they have gotten out of the early college courses. One student said it was helpful to “get my gen eds out of the way” before high school graduation. Many of the courses involved in an associate’s degree are general education classes that all students must take.

“I always told myself I would take every opportunity, and I have,” said one student, who cares for his younger sisters.

Students in ninth and 10th grade take college-level courses at the high school, but juniors and seniors can take classes on campus at Springfield Technical Community College or Worcester State University.

This year, senior Nicholas Grier’s classes have all taken place on the STCC campus. He said the experience has expanded his interests. He has also gained

confidence and learned time management skills. “It’s a maturity thing,” he said about waiting until junior year to attend classes on a college campus.

Mia Erazo said the ability to learn on campus is important.

“It’s a different environment,” she said. “It sets a tone.”

Both Erazo and Laysha Gonzalez were enrolled in the fifth grade at Veritas Prep Middle School through a lottery. Now, the two seniors who have gotten a head start on their future careers.

Both have earned their certified nursing assistant certifications.

Gonzalez said having the chance to take college courses while in high school “feels important. The opportunities have been so nice.”

That said, she noted, “It’s what you put into it.”

Erazo agreed. “We could have done the easy route, but we had to take night classes af-

ter a full day of high school,” she said. Both students will major in nursing, Gonzalez at Elms College and Erazo at Worcester State University.

Zrike said the state is grappling with how to deal with artificial intelligence. He asked the students for their opinion. One student said, “Don’t have AI write your English I essay for you.” Instead, she said she uses it to make her work “sound stronger.” Luis Olmeda described some of the AI tools that are available to search texts for relevant information and create study guides for exams, but he also had strong feelings about the amount of energy and resources data centers use.

Some of the students have been preparing for college since attending Veritas Middle School.

Coriel Williams said she took a See VERITAS on page 14

Springfield honors its fallen police officers with ceremony

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — The call of a bugle sounding taps echoed off the Springfield Police Department headquarters on Pearl Street before being carried away on the wind, while dozens of officers, dignitaries and community members looked on stoically. Following the bugle call, officers conducted a three-volley salute, firing rifles to recognize the 17 Springfield officers who have died in the line of duty.

“To all the families who have lost loved ones, we honor you today,” said Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers. “Their sacrifice was not an act of chance, but an act of character. Your loved ones are not forgotten, and neither are you.”

Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “Policing is still an honorable profession and so needed.” He described police officers as “sentinels of peace.” The mayor wears a “Badge 7” pin on his lapel in remembrance of Sgt. Kevin Ambrose, who died in 2012 protecting a mother and child during a domestic disturbance. He said, “Never forget the officers who See FALLEN on page 14

LOWER PRICES TO BOOST YOUR BUDGET!

Top row, from left: A member of the Springfield Police Department sounds taps during the memorial ceremony. Members of the Springfield Police Department pay their respects to their fellow officers. Bottom row, from left. Springfield Police Department Public Information Officer Ryan Walsh, Police Chaplain William Hamilton, Mayor Domenic Sarno and Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers listen as Vanessa Ford sings “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A man stands before the memorial to fallen members of the Springfield Police Department. His brother is among those honored. A stone memorializes the 17 members of the Springfield Police Department who have died in the line of duty.

Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen

INFLATION

PRICES IN RED ARE AT OR Beef Ribeye Steaks BELOW LAST YEAR’S PRICES! USDA INSP. FRESH BONE-IN

USDA INSP. FROZEN

CHICKEN TENDERLOIN . . TRAY PAK

10 2 $ 99 PORK SHOULDER PICNIC 1 Beef Chuck Steaks CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE $ 59 $ 79 SHRIMP TOAST 6 PORK LOIN CHOPS OR ROAST 2 W/FISH $ 49 USDA INSP. FRESH BONE-IN

$ 22

PORK LOIN

LOIN END OR RIB END ROAST

$

49 LB

LB

. .

USDA INSP. SMOKED

LB

. . . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. FRESH BONELESS

USDA INSP. FRESH BONELESS

USDA INSP. SLICED IN OUR DELI

4 $ 44 4

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. STORE MADE CAROLINA GOLD MARINATED

BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. FROZEN

LB

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. SLICED IN OUR DELI

GREAT ON THE

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.

19.6 OZ

PORK TENDERLOIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LB

3 2

$ 69 LB $ 79 LB

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

USDA INSP. GROUND FRESH DAILY

90% DIET LEAN

Ground Beef

5

$ 29 LB 5 LB . BAG

SALE DATES: 5/28-6/3/26

10.5 OZ BOX

USDA INSP. FROZEN AT SEA COOKED

JONAH CRAB CLAWS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

LB

1 $ 99 4 $ 99 2 $ 99 6

10 LB BAG

USDA INSP. FROZEN SARA LEE

LB

LB

SWISS CHEESE

CHICKEN THIGHS

USDA INSP. FROZEN GOLDEN HARVEST

CENTER CUT

KRAKUS HONEY HAM

USDA INSP. FRESH BONE-IN

1

$ 79

$ 39 LB

EA

EA

LB

90 Avocado St .

Springfield HOURS

MON .-WED . 8-4 • THURS . 8-6 • FRI . 8-6 • SAT . 8-3

737-1288

www .90meat .com We reserve the right to limit quantities.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

| 11 |

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM www.TheReminder.com

Paraeducators reject contract with HWRSD, teachers reach agreement

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM — Paraeducators working in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District are still pushing for new contracts in ongoing negotiations between the Hampden Wilbraham Education Association and the School Committee after shutting down a proposed settlement by a margin of nearly 3-1.

The HWEA represents more than 375 teachers, paraprofessionals and service providers across the HWRSD. Contracts expired at the end of the last school year despite ongoing negotiations with the School Committee since November 2024.

“Paraprofessionals working in both regular and special education settings are providing crucial support to all students,” The HWEA said in a press release.

“The work they do is essential, not optional or supplemental.

The district needs to improve the compensation for paraprofessionals and offer wage packages better aligned with their value and

responsibilities. The contract rejected by paraprofessionals sent a clear message that the district is not doing what is necessary to attract and retain skilled educators.

The HWEA believes that the district can be both fiscally responsible and strategically responsive when it comes to protecting the quality of our public schools.”

HWEA President and Minnechaug Regional High School English Teacher Damian Konkoly said the teachers came to an agreement in a vote on May 8 after nearly a year of work under the terms of an expired contract.

“In April, we got to a point where we felt like we needed to bring something to our members to see how they felt about it,” Konkoly said. “We basically took where the negotiations stood for both the teachers and paraprofessionals and presented that to the members and they had ratification votes. The teachers’ vote went through, but the paraprofessional ones got voted down.”

He said there is a mediation session set for June 4 to continue

talks on paraeducator contracts and “hopefully get something that can be approved by paraprofessionals.”

“One of the issues is that, for some of the paraprofessionals that the district is, kind of, classifying as ‘regular education paraprofessionals,’ that pay raises were not satisfactory to them,” Konkoly said. “For a couple of years, the second and third year of the contract, it was gonna be a 75 cents an hour raise. I think what I heard people say afterwards and talking with them, you know, the idea that they couldn’t go another quarter and make it $1 an hour, I think that got to some people.”

Konkoly added that on the other end of things, there were some paraprofessionals who work with students that have more significant needs that currently get an additional $2 an hour, and the model for compensating them would be changing. He said they would be “breaking even over the next couple of years and not be getting much of a raise at

Members of the Hampden Wilbraham Education Association demonstrated at Wilbraham’s Crane Park for contract resolutions back in December 2025.

See HWRSD on page 14

Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy

YOUR TREE REMOVAL SPECIALISTS WE CAN HANDLE ANY TREE, FROM ANY LOCATION, WITH OUR SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT….

IT’S WHAT WE DO!

PMBR.05319

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 12 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

| 13 |

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

8th ANNUAL

Saturday, June 6th | 12-5 pm (VIP Early Access 12-1 pm) | Central St. Lot UNLIMITED Beer, Cider & Wine Tastings

Presented by:

• Food trucks whipcitybrewfest.com Vendors Live music • Raffles

LIMITED VIP TICKETS (EARLY ACCESS AT 12 PM) $55 (IN ADVANCE ONLY) | GENERAL ADMISSION (1-5PM) $45 IN ADVANCE,$50 DAY OF EVENT IF CAPACITY ALLOWS | DESIGNATED DRIVER $20 | ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT AMELIA PARK CHILDREN’S MUSEUM | MUST BE 21+ VALID ID REQUIRED. PLEASE ENJOY RESPONSIBLY.

DINING ENTERTAINMENT www.TheReminder.com

STRM: Pride Month events in Western Massachusetts

By Tyler Garnet

brate acceptance and diversity.

The marquee event, Holyoke PrideFest, will take place on Saturday, June 27, from noon to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 536 Dwight St. The day will include live performances, local food vendors, nonprofits, small businesses, art and community connections.

Bianche said there will be between 60-70 vendors at the event. He added that PrideFest has continued to grow since the first year, and he expects around 2,000 people.

The celebration continues at a Pride After Party from 6-11 p.m. at The Wauregan, 420 Dwight St., with music, dancing and “unforgettable vibes.” Tickets for the after party are available on the website.

For the latest updates and event details, readers can visit holyokepride.org. Vendors and performers can apply on the website as well. Readers looking to donate, sponsor, or volunteer can do so on the website, as well.

Bianche said he still needs to add a couple events to the website’s calendar for people to check out. He explained that the celebration has grown a lot, and he and Anderson-Burgos wanted to sponsor and create events to support people of all ages.

“We’re trying to just get anyone who’s working in this realm to just sort of submit their event and get it listed to become part of this bigger Holyoke Pride umbrella,” Bianche said.

tgarnet@thereminder.com

On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sat down with Holyoke Pride Committee members Jeffery Bianche and Jeffrey Anderson-Burgos, while Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett sat down with Springfield Pride Parade Founder and CEO Taurean Bethea to chat about what’s in store for Pride Month in their respective communities.

Holyoke Holyoke will host its Pride flag raising on Monday, June 1, at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 536 Dwight St., and there will be a Youth Queer Prom on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. at the Holyoke War Memorial, 310 Appleton St. The latter event is for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies between the ages of 1324 who want to “celebrate freely and joyfully.”

Other Pride events in Holyoke include a Buen Provecho Drag Brunch on Sunday, June 7, at 11 a.m., at Fame Lounge, 386 Dwight St. and a Rainbow Run 5K and 1-mile fun walk on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m., where participants can hit the ground running, or walking, at Ashley Reservoir in their brightest rainbow gear.

Anderson-Burgos, who said he is interested in running, created this event and shared he is looking forward to seeing it continue to grow. “I know that runners are constantly looking for the next race, so going into it, I knew it was going to be, if you build it they will come. Just putting in on the race calendar, people are immediately signing up for it.”

All ages and abilities are welcome. Readers can register for the event on the committee’s website until June 12.

A Drag Story Hour event will take place on Thursday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at the Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St. Residents are encouraged to bring the family to library to experience heartwarming stories that cele-

Springfield Springfield is hosting its LGBTQIA+ flag raising on Thursday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Springfield City Hall, 36 Court St. Bethea said this will be the fifth year that Springfield Pride Parade will host events to celebrate Pride Month.

Instead of the annual Gala, this year’s schedule will feature the first ever “Pride Strikes,” a charity bowling classic on Friday, June 5, at Tap’s MGM Springfield from 7-10 p.m. Readers can register their teams at springfield-

FOOD & SPIRITS

80 Jarvis Avenue Holyoke, MA DonovansPub.com

Saturday 5/30/26

MUSIC

Tuesday Nights 6:30-8:30 Jack And His Guitar 6-9 Saturday June 6 – Dee Reilly Our Outdoor Patio Is Open!

Yankee Magazine’s Choice for Best New England Cuisine!

Lobster Feasts The Hexmark Tavern is open Thurs. & Fri. 4-8

June 27: 5:30 July 17: 5:30 July 21: 12:30 Aug 7: 5:30 Aug 16 &23: 12:30

Fritters, Whole Lobster, Steamers, Biscuits, Corn on The Cob Salad & Dessert

GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

Reserve Now for Fathers Day Dining Room Only

salemcrossinn.com • 508-867-2345

prideparade.com.

The fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade is taking place on Saturday, June 6, starting at noon. The parade starts at the Springfield Technical Community College campus and proceeds to downtown Springfield, where guests can continue the celebration at the fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade Block Party from 1-6 p.m. at Stearns Square and the Pride Lands in downtown Springfield.

Outside of those events, Bethea said he is looking forward to the youth community panel.

“Just hearing their thoughts on different things, and I feel like there’s always something to learn,” Bethea stated. “It’s like what’s happening in the world from their perspective, where we’re just like, ‘Oh wow I didn’t know that.’”

Bethea said Springfield Pride’s work is much more than the parade. It’s also an opportunity to create “safe spaces” programming throughout the city for the youth and residents.

Although this year’s event in Springfield coincides with Boston’s celebration, Bethea said he expects a great turnout of about 5,000-7,000 people rain or shine.

He joked, “If you’re from Springfield, you are obligated to be here. A few years people have been like, ‘We went to Boston in the morning and ended up in Springfield,’ so there’s enough to go around.”

More details and information on each event can be found at springfieldprideparade.org.

To hear the full episode, visit thereminder.com/our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.

Some other Pride events taking place during the month of June in the Pioneer Valley include: • Westfield Pride Month events:

Springfield Pride Parade founder Taurean Bethea (center) joined Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett to discuss the fifth annual event.

Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet

Harlot Queen’s Album Release party at Westfield Women’s Club; a Pride flag raising at Westfield City Hall on Monday, June 1, at 5:15 p.m.; Pride Karaoke on Tuesday, June 2, at Shortstop Bar & Grill at 6 p.m.; Family Gift Card Bingo at the Senior Center on Wednesday, June 3, from 6-7:30 p.m.; Comedy Night at Hutghi’s on Thursday, June 4, from 4-7 p.m.; Out & About Social event at Fame, 386 Dwight St., Holyoke on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m.; Rainbows over Elm Pridefest will take place on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and there will be an ecumenical service at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 7, from 6-7 p.m.

• Chicopee Pride Festival, presented by the Chicopee Queer Consortium — Saturday, June 13, noon to 6 p.m. Includes its inaugural Chicopee Pride Parade, which will kick off the day at 10 a.m. The parade will step off at Dana Park on Serman Street and process down Springfield Street, Fairview

Avenue, Academy Street and Front Street and into Szot Park.

• Franklin County Pride — Saturday, June 13. Parade begins at noon in Greenfield, starting at the intersection of Sanderson Street & Federal Street and finishing at Energy Park. The festival begins at 1 p.m. All of Miles Street down to Energy Park for the festival.

• Belchertown Pride Festival, hosted by the Belchertown DEI Task Force and Belchertown Police Department — Saturday, June 20, noon to 5 p.m. at the Belchertown Common.

• Amherst Pride Parade and Celebration — Sunday, June 28, noon to 3 p.m. The parade begins at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and processes to the Amherst Town Common.

This is not a comprehensive list of every event going on in Western Massachusetts. Readers are encouraged to check out events within their local communities for other celebrations taking place during Pride Month.

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

HWRSD Continued from page 11

all, if any.”

“There has been some movement together, you know, getting closer together,” Konkoly said. “I think that the work of paraprofessionals is more intense and more

Veritas Continued from page 10

seminar block that prepares students for high school and college.

“They make you think a lot about where you want to go,” she said.

| 14 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

complex than it traditionally has been so they’re doing a lot more that is really involved with instruction, they’re not just helping kids with things, so I think the changes to the pay don’t totally reflect the change of the nature of their work … some of the frustration on the part of the paraprofessionals, is that they know how

their work has changed and become more difficult but then they feel like we’re having to, kind of, scratch away at getting raises for them.”

Konkoly said that it was important for staff to have fair contracts because the working conditions for everybody plays into how well the job is able to get

done and how well they’re able to meet student needs. He added that making sure everybody is treated fairly makes it known that everybody is on the same team.

“I’m hopeful that the School Committee will be able to recognize that making a little more space in the budget for paraprofessionals isn’t going to be any-

thing that wrecks the budget,” Konkoly said. “It’s very much money well invested for the multiple roles that their paraprofessionals play in order to help the schools run smoothly, because they really do wear a lot of different hats. It’s not that huge of an investment, given what their pay already is, but it’s well worth it.”

Martinez said that, while there are 10,000 high school students engaged in early college programs, the state has a goal of 100,000 student participants. He explained that 40% of children live in poverty, and DESE’s goal is to provide them with access to

early college.

“We want to send the message that if you do the work, there’s an early college seat for you,” Martinez said. “Early college is for everyone.”

Speaking with Veritas Prep founder and CEO Rachel Romano and other Veritas educators, Martinez said, “I’m a huge early college champion.” Statewide, he said the implementation of ear-

ly college programs is “all over the board ... Veritas is the strongest I’ve seen.”

Romano said it took several years to grow the program to this point. Many of the obstacles were related to the differences between union contracts for teachers and college professors. She added, “It took a lot to get the [memorandum of understanding] to where it is. If you have the right rela-

tionship and the right attitude, you work it out.”

Romano said the school has worked hard to strike a balance between accountability and the flexibility needed to spur innovation. Tim Nicolette, executive director of Massachusetts Charter Public Schools Association, said Veritas Prep began with one model before pivoting to an early college model.

Fallen

said, “These kinds of things give us comfort. I feel like I’m here with Michael.”

While the Police Department recognizes its fallen officers each year as part of National Police Week, May 13’s memorial ceremony included the unveiling of new memorial plaques for the officers. The plaques were funded by donations from the Hockey for Heroes Foundation, the IBPO Local 364 Patrolman’s Union and the Springfield Police Supervisors Association.

A contingent of officers was absent from the ceremony, as they were representing the Springfield Police Department at the funeral of State Police Trooper Kevin Trainer who was recently killed in a wrong-way crash responding to a call.

Springfield’s fallen officers are: • Thomas Miller, Oct. 3, 1675 • Daniel Donovan, Sept. 29, 1908 • Adelbert St. Marie, Aug. 31, 1934 • Carl Rolf, Nov. 2, 1938 • John P. Sullivan, Sr., Feb. 2, 1940 • Thomas F. Murphy, Feb. 2, 1940 • Raymond Moriarty, Sept. 2, 1946 • John W. Connors, Feb. 20, 1953 • Leo Hamel, Oct. 31, 1955 • Francis Sears, Sept. 11, 1967 • Walter C. Juskiewicz, June 21, 1969 • William R. Berte, Jan. 8, 1973 • Richard D. Vigneault, April 11, 1973 • Paul F. Mawaka, Oct. 30, 1973 • Michael Schiavina, Nov. 12, 1985 • Alain Beauregard, Nov. 15, 1985 • Kevin Ambrose, June 4, 2012

Celebrate Life

With a Lasting Gift of Light

VISIT US IN OUR SHOWROOM!

413.731.0610

138 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA

THE ONLY MEMORY LAMP STORE IN WESTERN MASS!

Monday - Friday: 10am - 5pm • Saturday: 9am - 1pm Closed: Sunday

www.MemoryLaneLamps.com

ELIZABETH A. (Burke) TYSON LONGMEADOW - Elizabeth A. (Burke) Tyson 87, wife of over 50 years to the late Forrest Clark Tyson III, passed away on May 18th, 2026, with her children by her side. Elizabeth, known as Ellie, was born on July 17, 1938, in Augusta, Maine to the late Arthur F. and Mary K. (Major) Burke. She was a 1959 graduate of Westbrook Junior College in Portland, Maine. Ellie worked for many years in banking then later in food service for the Longmeadow Schools systems for 10 years and Springfield Technical Community College for another decade. When her husband was a faculty member at Springfield College, she led the Faculty Women’s Club, raising money to support student scholarships. A longtime resident of Longmeadow, Ellie was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church and a member of the choir for over 30 years. She enjoyed working the voting polls for the town of Longmeadow and serving as a clerk/ warden in the town offices.

Ellie was Secretary for the Council on Aging and a staunch advocate for the building of the new Longmeadow Adult Center.

She volunteered there every week, hosting in the café. She enjoyed reading, bowling, family vacations and attending her grandchildren’s many dance recitals, school and athletic events. She was proud of each and every one of them and always had cookies available when they came to visit.

She leaves her two children, Matthew C. Tyson and his wife, Julie, Kimberly A. Lavallee and her husband Rod: her beloved grandchildren, Mary Lavallee, Jake Lavallee, Nate Tyson, Sam Tyson, sister Nancy (Burke) Clifford and several nephews/nieces and great nephews/nieces.

Calling hours will take place from 4:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29th at Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation, 220 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. A Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place in St. Michael’s Church, 128 Maple Street, East Longmeadow starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 30th. (Due to renovations being done at St. Mary’s). Burial will follow in Longmeadow Cemetery, Williams Street, Longmeadow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Longmeadow Adult Center, 211 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. (In memo section please write in memory of Ellie Tyson). www.forastiere.com

Continued from page 10

gave the ultimate sacrifice for people they didn’t even know.”

Police Chaplain William Hamilton remarked, “Behind the badge, there are wives, husbands, mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers.”

Michael Vigneault, son of fallen officer, Richard Vigneault, spoke about absence felt by children who have lost a parent. “Never forget the price of peace,” he said.

Maura Schiavina, whose brother, Michael Schiavina, was killed in the line of duty, thanked Sarno for his “unwavering support and dedication” to the families of fallen Springfield police officers.

Referring to the ceremony, she

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 Diane P. Adams Jeannine M. Martell Jeffrey J. Owczarski Albert W. Ruel EAST LONGMEADOW Joan Bobrowicz Richard A. Caney Maureen Cratty Maureen T. Ferriter Mary Ellen Franz James John Zarlengo HAMPDEN Anthony J. Corigliano

HOLYOKE Marie T. Donoghue LONGMEADOW Donald Clarke Hutchins Kenneth Norman Kinsley LUDLOW Kurt Lempke Gerald J. Murdza John A. Pisarczyk SOUTH HADLEY James W. Armstrong Jr.

Joseph I. Gumlaw Gerald Joseph Kane Jr. Mark Brian Leak Jason Lopez Roussell Moussignac Ruth I. Nuñez George E. Sampson Ann H. Taylor WILBRAHAM Jane C. Appleby Beverly Ann Presz

SPRINGFIELD Mary C. Collins

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THIS EDITION. ALL PUZZLES & SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.THEREMINDER.COM/PUZZLE-CORNER/

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

| 15 |

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

EMTs, paramedics graduate from AMR’s Earn While You Learn

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — American Medical Response, an emergency medical services provider, graduated a class of emergency medical technicians and paramedics from its Earn While You Learn program. The ceremony was hosted at AMR’s Springfield location on Cottage Street during National EMS Week.

The keynote speaker, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, recalled an experience he had several years ago, riding along with an ambulance crew responding to a call in Springfield. He said a man had fallen and become wedged between his bed and the wall, and his wife could not lift him. “It was a beautiful summer night. The windows were open ... and the game was on in the background on the radio,” Neal remembered.

The crew had Neal ask the man his name to judge his cognitive state. “I leaned into him and said, ‘Can you please tell me your name.’ And he said, ‘Are the Red Sox still ahead?’” After a laugh from the crowd, Neal said, “We knew he was going to be okay.”

Neal said first responders are required to be “polite, kind and always empathetic,” no matter the situation. “Time and again, as we’ve witnessed what EMTs have been able to do, as they have been able to mitigate and calm some of the emotions that surround the challenging situation in which they find them-

selves,” Neal said. He said it requires “an extraordinary amount of patience.”

Neal said everyone in the room was “united in our quest for better and more affordable health care for the American people.” He said life expectancy has nearly doubled over the past 125 years. Because of that, many patients that EMTs and paramedics respond to have dementia and other maladies associated with aging. Often, those patients rely on Medicare and Medicaid. He said he would fight against the cuts to those programs that are expected in November.

Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno said AMR has been there for Springfield through the tornado, gas explosion and coronavirus pandemic. When he addressed the graduates, he referred to the city’s police and fire services and said, “You’re part of the team. You’re part of the partnership. People are looking to you for guidance, to let them know, ‘You’re going to be okay.’”

Self-care was a running theme throughout several of the speeches. Sarno said, “You need also to take care of yourselves, too.

You have to have those stress relievers — whatever hobby you do, whatever family support you have. And families, thank you for your understanding, because they’re going to see things that you couldn’t imagine. But, yet, they’re going to be there to save those lives.”

A first responder is congratulated by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal for saving a life. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi, Baystate Health Regional EMS Medical Director Dr. Seth Kelly, Police Lt. Eleni Barbieri and AMR Regional Director Patrick Leonardo look on.

Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez congratulated the graduates, describing them as “new unsung heroes.”

Springfield Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi joked that he had been a paramedic longer than many of the graduates had been alive.

Both he and Baystate Health Regional EMS Medical Director Dr. Seth Kelly began their careers as paramedics. Calvi told the graduates that emergency services is a field they can parley into several careers.

Calvi also reminded the graduates to take care of themselves.

“Don’t let the bad days get you down,” he said. While these emergencies are tragic, they’re not your emergencies.” He told them, “It takes a lot of support from families to do this career.”

Springfield Police Lt. Eleni Barbieri congratulated the new

EMTs and paramedics on behalf of Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers. She said, “The work you’re preparing to do truly matters” and it “demands not only skill and knowledge, but compassion and professionalism.”

The Earn While You Learn program pays people while they train to become EMTs and paramedics. AMR Massachusetts Regional Director Patrick Leonardo said the EMTs go through a three-month program and are contracted to work full-time for AMR for one year. Then, they have a choice to go elsewhere, continue with AMR or go into the Earn While You Learn paramedic program. After graduation, 99.9% are guaranteed to get a job in the field.

Sarno praised the Earn While You Learn program, and said, “The diversity of the program

is very strong.” He added that a substantial number of the people who complete it are from Springfield.

In the beginning, Leonardo said it seemed like it would be complicated to attract people to the program, but after the first class graduated, new people heard about the program through word of mouth. Multiple people have enrolled after a family member told them about the program.

After the graduates shook hands and received certificates, the dignitaries and AMR recognized EMS, police and fire personnel from Springfield and Greenfield who saved lives in 2025. Many of the honorees had previously graduated from the Earn While You Learn program.

Several Springfield cardiac patients who had been saved, and one paramedic delivered a baby.

CARRIERS & PART-TIME SUBS NEEDED! WE ARE OFFERING A BONUS INCENTIVE TO NEW CARRIERS AFTER COMPLETING 4 WEEKS!

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. 161 Papers: Burbank Rd., Farmington Rd., Ellington Rd., Oakwood Rd., Partial-Converse St. 174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St. 207 Papers: Dover Rd., Birchwood Ave., Benedict Ter., Roseland Ter., Colony Rd. 62 Papers: Magnolia Cir., Primrose Dr., Merriweather Dr., Vanguard Ln., Ridge Rd. 229 Papers: Blueberry Hill Rd., Concord Rd., Green Willow Dr., Tanglewood Dr., Redfern Dr.

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. 157 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd. 115 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St. 42 Papers: Lynwood Dr., Duxbury Ln., Elizabeth Cir. 67 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd. 65 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy Rd., Partial-E. Greenwich Rd., Colony Rd. 149 Papers: Prynne Ridge Rd., Wyndward Rd., Wildwood Glen, Maplewood St., Partial-Maple Rd.

WILBRAHAM - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd. 61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr. 228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.

Call Holly @

413.788.1316

443B SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA · 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 16 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Emma Maurer crushes this pitch over the left center field fence for a first inning 2-run home run.

Olivia Phillips reacts as EL opens up an eleven run lead.

Reilly McCauley pitched a complete game (6 innings) shut-out with 13 strikeouts.

Keeley White hustles down the first base line and beats the throw.

Savianna Amore leads from third as Spartans teammate Eve Butler swings the bat.

EAST LONGMEADOW VS CHICOPEE COMP

SOFTBALL

On May 18, East Longmeadow defeated Chicopee Comp 12-0 in a WMass Class “A” softball tournament game played at Birchland Park Middle School.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

| 17 |

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

The East Longmeadow Spartans congratulate Emma Maurer on the first of her 2 home runs.

Angelina Leone blasts a fourth inning home run.

Hadley Pratte is introduced prior to the game.

Second baseman Mia Houser picks the ground ball, sets and throws to first for the out.

Olivia Phillips gets a good pitch to hit.

REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY GEORGE SKOVERA CALL 733-1747 OR EMAIL GSKOVERA@COMCAST.NET

C&C

HEATING & COOLING, INC. Steve Burkholder, Owner

413.575.8704 Zoning • New Installations • Replacements Air Filtration • Duct Work Cleaning • Tune-Ups Maintenance • Gas Piping • Humidifiers

Tips for Traveling with your pet • DON’T FEED PETS IN THE CAR AS THIS CAN RESULT IN MOTION SICKNESS. • DON’T LET DOGS STICK THEIR HEADS OUT THE WINDOW. INSECTS AND FLYING DEBRIS CAN LEAD TO EYE TRAUMA. • NEVER LEAVE A PET UNATTENDED IN A VEHICLE. • MOST IMPORTANTLY, KEEP YOUR DOG SECURE WHILE IN THE CAR.

EAST SPRINGFIELD

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE FULLY INSURED EPA CERTIFIED

Veterinary Hospital 413.739.6389

FREE ESTIMATES

esvhospital.com wilbrahamanimalhospital.com

Lic# GF5061-J

WILBRAHAM

Animal Hospital 413.596.8395

Maddie Shorrock hits one to deep right center.

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 18 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

CALL 413-735-1660 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY!

classifieds community

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1059EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Dennis Allen Morton Date of Death: 03/20/2023 To all interested persons: A Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by Russell W Morton of Hampden MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Russell W Morton of Hampden MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/11/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: May 14, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (May 28)

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON. LEGAL NOTICES

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF EAST LONGMEADOW REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS LEASE OF BANK SPACE AT 382 NORTH MAIN STREET

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: htt ps://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/829250678 39?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea0ljs vr.1 Case SP-2026-03: Request for a Special Permit to operate a Recreational Facility at 198200 Benton Drive (Assessor’s Parcel ID 9-5-0) located in the Industrial Garden Park zoning district. Applicant: Andrew LeBel, 8 Benoit Lane, South Hadley, MA 01075.

Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (May 28, June 4)

The Town of East Longmeadow, acting by and through its Town Manager, is accepting proposals from qualified proposers to lease the bank office space located in the Town-owned building at 382 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts for a term of four (4) years without the option to renew and/or extend the lease term.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) documents may be obtained by contacting the Town Manager’s Office, 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Phone (413) 525-5400 ext. 1100 and at https://www.eastlongmeado wma.gov/Bids.aspx?BidID=85. RFP documents are available Thursday, May 21st at 8:00 a.m. until Friday, June 5th at 4:00 p.m.

Submission deadline is Monday, June 15th at 10:00 a.m. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all proposals.

(May 21, May 28)

EAST LONGMEADOW ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE The East Longmeadow Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, June 15, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Case ZV-2026-02: A Petition for Variance under East Longmeadow Zoning Bylaws Table 32 for relief from the front setback for a proposed Single Family Home at 29 Newbury Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel ID 15-44-2) in the Residence C zoning district. Applicant: Deborah Bushnell, 32 Newbury Avenue, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development is available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, James Channing, Clerk (May 28, June 4) EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: htt ps://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/829250678 39?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea0ljs vr.1 Case SITE-2026-04: Request for Site Plan Review to construct a roughly 6,600 square foot commercial building at 546 North Main Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 2B-76-1) located in the Business zoning district. Applicant: Zaremba Group LLC, c/o John Wojtila, 14600 Detroit Avenue, Suite 1500, Lakewood, OH 44107.

Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (May 28, June 4)

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: htt ps://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/829250678 39?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea0ljs vr.1 Case SITE-2026-03: Request for Site Plan Review to construct a 775 square foot Detached ADU with requested waivers at 39 Parker Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 91-10-8) located in the Residence A zoning district. Applicant: Christopher Gallagher, 39 Parker Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (May 28, June 4)

AdvertisingSales WANTED Join the Largest Circulation Community Newspaper Company in Western Mass!

We want to add to our Sales Team Today!

Full/Part Time - Up to 40 Hours Per Week Vacation/Personal Days

Sell advertising in seven Community Newspapers, award winning magazines Go Local and Prime, specialty publications, and several digital products.

This outside sales role has opportunity for growth within the company’s account management team. The position is ideal for anyone with excellent communication skills and an interest in selling and/or an experienced professional returning to the workforce. Reliable transportation needed.

SEND YOUR RESUME TO:

SGreene@TheReminder.com

413.525.6695

443B SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA • THEREMINDER.COM

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292506 7839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea 0ljsvr.1 Case SP-2026-04: Request for a Special Permit to operate a Recreational Facility at 80 Denslow Road (Assessor’s Parcel ID 10-8-0) located in the Industrial Garden Park zoning district. Applicant: Kimberly Prendergast, 14 Melvin Avenue, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (May 28, June 4) CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1059EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Dennis Allen Morton Date of Death: 03/20/2023 To all interested persons: A Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by Russell W Morton of Hampden MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Russell W Morton of Hampden MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/11/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: May 14, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD26P1055EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Foster Nathaniel Cole Date of Death: November 02, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Kirk R Rideaux of East Hartford CT Kirk R Rideaux of East Hartford CT has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure.

A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

(May 28)

EMAIL YOUR NEWS TO News@TheReminder.com

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “POOL PLAY”

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD26P1055EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Foster Nathaniel Cole Date of Death: November 02, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Kirk R Rideaux of East Hartford CT Kirk R Rideaux of East Hartford CT has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure.

A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

(May 28) CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S ACCOUNT Docket No. HD23P0799PM Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 In the matter of: Judy M Zeigler Of: East Longmeadow, MA Protected Person/Disabled Person/Respondent To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, you are hereby notified pursuant to Rule 72 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court, that the second account(s) of Mary L Zeigler of Ludlow, MA as Conservator of the property of said Respondent has or have been presented to the Court for allowance.

You have the right to object to the account(s). If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 06/25/2026. This day is NOT a hearing date but a deadline date by which you have to object to the account(s). If you fail to file the written appearance and objection by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you, including the allowance of the account(s).

Additionally, within thirty days after said return day (or within such other time as the Court upon motion may order), you must file a written affidavit of objections stating the specific facts and grounds upon which each objection is based, and a copy shall be served upon the Conservator pursuant to Rule 3 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court.

You have the right to send to the Conservator, by registered or certified mail, a written request to receive a copy of the Petition and account(s) at no cost to you.

IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person’s right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense.

WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: May 19, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (May 28) CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1114EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Katherine J Howell Date of Death: 12/17/2025 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Julie Maiolo of Holyoke MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Julie Maiolo of Holyoke MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/22/2026.

Continued on next page This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appear-

bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the WE ARE HOMETOWN | THEREMINDER.COM Petition from the PetitionerNEWS or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Continued from previous page Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOWS of 06/22/2026.

Windows cleaned inside and out.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline Free estimates, fully insured.

Call Paul 413-237-2053 by which you must file a written appear-

LEGAL NOTICES

ance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: May 22, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (May 28)

AUTO SERVICES CASH FOR JUNK AND REPAIRABLE CARS Free Towing! Friendly, Fast, Same Day Service!

Call/Text 413-219-6839 Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

BUSINESS PROPERTY

DK POWERWASHING HOMES-ROOFS-DECKS-GUTTERS dkpowerwashing@comcast.net

413-297-4276

RICHIE’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Contractor/Mechanical Services/ Handyman Replacement windows, vinyl siding, roofing, gutters installed/cleaned, remodeling, painting, flooring/carpeting, masonry, carpentry, powerwashing & ceramic tiling. Residential/commercial. No job too small. Lic#148425/Insured 413-746-2171/413-246-0927 OLD SCHOOL WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Cleaning $95 any home; Power washing starts at $99; Window Cleaning starting at $75; Roof Moss Control $99.

Call Bob 413-896-6442. FULLY INSURED www.windowcleanup.com

HANDYMAN Experienced carpenter (30yrs.) Dependable, fair. Free estimates on repairs & home improvements. Call Gary 413-233-6418

HEALTH & MEDICAL Get help now with a drug or alcohol problem?

Insurance may cover the cost. CALL The Detox and Treatment Helpline at (800)478-0435 Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with d e t a i l s !

1 - 8 5 5 - 5 2 6 - 1 0 6 0 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

HELP WANTED

FOR SALE: 35,000 square foot office/light industrial building on 4.5 acres of land in Concord, Massachusetts. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this property is 15 minutes from Rte. 128 and 20 minutes from Rte. 495. Not only is there town water and sewer but the town of Concord has its own electric company.

In addition, Concord has underground Concord fibre optic internet. 7 minutes from historic Concord center, enjoy Walden pond, Louisa May Alcott's house and many other historic sites as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Use the entire building or keep some of the tenants already occupying the building. Mowing, plowing, and other maintenance already in place could remain. Call with any questions: 978.580.1895

ISO New England, Inc.– Holyoke, MA – Senior Business Intelligence Developer – Serve as a member of the Business Intelligence and Analytics team, which resides within the Data Architecture and Development Department. Build and maintain the enterprise data warehouse and data marts. Telecomm permitted 3 days / wk. Salary: $155,147.00 /year. To apply: Submit resumes to iso-neresumes@isone.com. Req. #1170.

CEILINGS

Looking for: entry level mechanic.

Call Patty 413-734-9723

PRIME PAINTING

Ceiling repairs, texturing, plastering, texture removal and skim coating. Fully insured, free estimates. 594-4479

ELECTRICIAN JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN Lic.#E16303

Insured. 50 yrs. experience.

No job too small.

Call 413-330-3682

FIREWOOD Wood Chopper Bob's Firewood Green and Seasoned Hardwoods Cut to length, Split, and Delivered (413)426-7529 or (860)463-6519

GENERAL SERVICES A-1 A DUMP TRUCK Attic, cellars, garages cleaned out.

Wood and brush removal.

Scrap metal removal.

Snowplowing/Removal

Private residence in Granby is seeking a gardener to care for flowers and shrubs. Flexible days/hours. Please call 413-467-9737

HOME IMPROVEMENT AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Kitchen & Bath Remodel Services.

Water Damage Repairs!

Quality since 1964. (413) 596-4841

CHAMELEON REMODELING & PAINTING

When it's time for a change

- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR -

Remodeling Kitchens, Baths, and so much more!

Residential/Commercial

Fully Insured · Free Estimates

413-351-1147

A.R.A. JUNK & FURNITURE REMOVAL

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade. 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-299-7135

PETE 413-433-0356

Free Estimates Credit cards accepted Same day service!

Hot water wash your house, patio, fence, sidewalk, and more! We use brushes & state of the art equipment to clean and remove mildew from your home. Gutter cleaning. Call Bill for free estimate: 413-519-9800

EAST LONGMEADOW

EAST LONGMEADOW | MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026

Joseph’s Handyman Company. Carpentry, remodeling, interior/exterior painting, floors, tile, stairs, drywall, cabinets, plumbing. Professional artist. Small jobs ok. Home improvement. Projects designed for your needs. Since 1985. Call Joe, 413-364-7038

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work.

Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1833-640-4753. Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

LANDSCAPING

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1877-543-9189

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING

GREEN TEAM LANDSCAPING 413-563-4663 Spring Clean-ups, Mowing Service, Bobcat Service, Patio and Retaining Wall Installation; All Other Landscaping Needs.

VERY COMPETITIVE PRICING! ROZELL'S LANDSCAPING & BOBCAT SERVICE *Overgrown property? *Excavator Services *Extreme Brush Cutting! *Shrub, Stump, Tree Removal *Lawn/Arborvitae Installed *Loam, Stone, Mulch, Sand *Storm Clean-up *Small Demo *Insured JOSH ROZELL 413-636-5957

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation.

All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866 DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devic-es. HBO Max included for 3 mos w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 866-859-0405 Don't let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today! 1-833-399-3595

We specialize in professional gardening services, offering every 4-8 week service programs and design of gardens/Landscapes Ludlow, MA 413-262-0402 gardendesignsbyjacqueline.com

LAWNMOWER REPAIR Lawnmower Repair & Services Unwanted mowers removed FREE! LocallyRick at 413-531-7194, Gary 413-563-5725

MASONRY / CONCRETE Baker Mason Contractors, Inc. Chimneys, concrete & paver walkways, patios, stonework, steps, Bilco hatchway doors installed. Foundation repairs & cellar walls repaired. Licensed & insured. 40+ years experience. 413-599-0015; 413-5693172

Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds.

Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-833-8901612 Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans.

Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208 MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away.

For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936 Need cash quickly? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours!

Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 833-359-4707

TMR MASON CONTRACTOR All types of masonry and concrete: brick, block, stone stucco. Chimney repairs, foundation repairs, bulkheads, concrete sidewalks, stairs and patios, Fully licensed/ insured.

Todd: 413-575-3839

No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details.

ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Peace of mind & early detection - Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life Line Screening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172

All brick, block concrete; concrete steps & walk-ways; new paver walk-ways; paver patios & retaining walls. Chimneys, foundations, hatchways, new basement windows installed and repaired. New hatchway & bulkhead doors. Sump pumps and french drain systems installed. Foundations pointed and stuccoed.

Free estimates (413)569-1611 or (413)374-5377

MISCELLANEOUS Lean how to reduce your Credit Card to fraction of what you owe. Call the Debt Help Line now for free advice. Call (800)245-1567 DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1888-305-7286 today!

(413)569-0794 (413)374-5377

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DEMOLITION SHEDS/PATIOS HOUSE CLEANOUTS Appliances & Garage We Recycle & Donate

| 19 |

ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855925-2643 REPLACE YOUR ROOF with the best looking and longest lasting material. Steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer up to 50% off installation and Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs 1-844-463-4077

Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable.

For service or inspection today! 833-860-0657 Have zip code ready!

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 877-305-1535 Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control.

Free quote. Ask about first application special!

833-860-0811

AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Water Damage Repairs!

Quality residential & commercial carpentry, & painting since 1964.

413-596-4841

CHET & SON PAINTING

Interior and exterior painting, wallpaper, removal. Free estimates. Insured. Reliable.

413-772-9819 PRIME PAINTING Fully insured, interior/exterior, carpentry, drywall, cabinet finishing and detailing. References upon request. Free estimates. 594-4479 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry.

Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588

ROOFING NEW ROOFS-REPAIRS-CLEANING Siding and windows, decks built and repaired.

Fully insured. MA Lic #CSFA106255. David Germaine 413-250-3263

TAG SALES Saturday May 30th 9am - 2pm COMMUNITY TAG SALE Pleasant View Senior Center 328 North Main Street East Longmeadow Free parking behind the building!

-Sponsored by The Friends of East Longmeadow Council on AgingRain Date: Sunday May 31st TAG SALE Saturday May 30th, 9am-3pm 25 Greenacre Lane East Longmeadow Furniture, household goods, tools, and more!

TANK REMOVAL UNDERGROUND ABOVEGROUND BASEMENT TANK REMOVAL Oil removal available. Permits obtained. Fully licensed/insured. Ground Breakers 566-2250; 530-2266

VACATION RENTAL WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare!

Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews.

Call 877-621-7517

WANTED Always buying antiques watches jewelry gold coins art military signs posters cameras toys video games action figures Star Wars vintage electronics amplifiers receivers' radios HAM equipment speakers' musical instruments guitars saxophones horns amplifiers sports memorabilia clocks plus more one item or entire estates. 413-206-8688

Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network!

For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products

WANTED TO BUY

TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars!

Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277

Wanted! CASH for: ANYTHING OF SIGNIFICANT VALUE! Machinist, Specialty, and Mechanic Tools, Electronics/Audio, Sports Cards, Vintage Toys, Antiques/Collectibles, much more!

Call/Text Sam 413-531-5381

Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-887-0117.

Have zip code of service ready when you call!

Tell them you saw it in The Reminder! Let our advertisers know that this is where you found them. They appreciate it, and so do we!

Attention timeshare owners. We're offering you a way to legally get rid of your timeshare. Call right now to qualify and receive a free consultation. You can terminate your timeshare legally and permanently. Call The timeshare exit hotline now – (800)298-5026

ED’S TREE SERVICE

Reasonable Building Lot & Land Clearing Prices

ED HALUCH & SONS MA Certified Arborist

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL Tree & Shrub Removal • Pruning & Stump Grinding Brush Chipping • Bobcat Work • Lot Clearing Firewood • Aerial Bucket & Crane Service Commercial Snow Plowing & Sanding 24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Fully Insured • Free Estimates • 566-2100 • Hampden

Beth Anne Connor to Steven Connell Laberge and Nicole Connell, 18 Burt Ave. $310,000 Bretta Construction LLC, to Cassidy Tate Cunningham and Cassidy Cunningham, 350 Parker St. $775,000 Katelyn Manley to Adam Sliwak and Karen Sliwak, 172 Maple St. $340,000 LSS Holdings Three LLC, to Steven Shuback and Melanie Shuback, 109 Somers Road $110,000 Michelle Melanson, Michelle Magner and Dean Melanson to Marc Warbington and Megan Sylvia, Helen Cir. $340,000

Over 30 Years Experience

WMass Land Acquisitions LLC, to Kelly M. Omasta and Allyson Mignault, 47 Kendall St.

SPRINGFIELD

$765,000

Alyson Marie Clark, Alyson M. Jarvis and Erikson Q. Leger Clark to Brenda Bartels, 38 Northway Drive $300,000 Angie Roman and Richard Rios to Ashley A. Vazquez, 52 Vadnais St. $240,000 Bangie Marrero and Carlos Clinton to Waynesha Martin, 25 Angelica Drive $510,000 Benjamin Devoie to Alberto Marconi and Jennifer Marconi, 447 Trafton Road $385,000 Brittany Washington to Ashleigh De Leon and Jordan Richardson-Polk, 322 Gilbert Ave. $441,000 HAMPDEN $450,000 David S. Whipple and James A. Whipple Jr., to Michael Handfield and Erin Handfield, 130 Stony Hill Road $387,500 Cedar Investment Group LLC, to Gesnel Dortilus and Dubicia Dejean, 95 Dickinson St. $315,000 Jennifer L. Specht, Jennifer L. Paydos and Joshua Paydos to Chad Skinner and Lindsay Bibeau, 325 Allen St. $378,000 Cig4 LLC, to Kwame Otuo-Acheampong, 118 Pilgrim Road Cig4 LLC, to Patricia Fenelon and Judith Carrenard, 15 Malden St. $410,000 HOLLAND Darwing Rodriguez to Varline Valentin, 211-213 Chapin Terrace $450,000 Amber Boucher to Peter Molle Jr., and Jenne Molle, 178 Brimfield Road $400,000 David T. Cubi to De Jesus Properties LLC, 21-23 Santa Barbara St. $400,000 Edwin K. Chan and Wincy W. Chan to 25 Island Road LLC, 25 Island Road $555,000 Dnepro Properties LLC, to Richard F. Williams Jr., and Sarah A. Williams, 72 Larkspur St. $308,500 Edgar Omar Nieves to Matthew Erridge, 70-72 East Alvord St. $410,000 LONGMEADOW Irene P. Scheer to Tatiana Lovygina and Aleksei Bocharov, 64 Brookwood Drive $490,000 Elizabeth A. Fitzpatrick, Jonathan W. Cooney and Karen L. Esempio to Anthony J. Asia, 2408 Roosevelt Ave. $280,500 $270,000 Kenneth R. Holt and William T. McCarry to Jillian Winniman and Jacob Winniman, 184 Cambridge Circle $515,000 Epedicto A. Rodriguez to John Matos and Maria Matos, 114 Monrovia St. $305,000 Thomas F. Bernatavitz and Thomas C. Bernatavitz to Anil Bhatnagar, 53 Meadowlark Drive $370,000 Ezequiel Feliz Charles to Neveita Gayle and Neveita Elizabeth Gayle, 123 Bay St. Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Katheryne M. Rosario Torres, 50 Central St. Unit 504 $206,000 LUDLOW Grahams Construction Inc., to David Maina and Nelly Nganga, 89 Crystal Brook Drive $650,000 Daniel Joseph Andreas and Katie Ann Charbonneau to Emma Kearney, 676 Chapin St. $307,100 Henderson Investments LLC, to Winyon Nunez Diaz, 150 Seymour Ave. $434,000 Darleen F. Randall to Jorjia Tsilibocos and Cameren Clauson, 125 Pondview Drive $382,000 Henry E. Alvarado and Daysi Alvarado to Troy Doming, 9 Utica St. $269,900 Hemlock Ridge LLC, to Ian Premo, 319 Ventura St. $732,500 Jennica L. Halbert and Jennica L. Verge to David Z. Podworski Jr., and Lyndsay Podworski, 67 Fallston St. $300,874 Johnny East LLC, to Rylee Madison Pare and Stacey Lee Pare, 53 Waters Edge Drive $295,000 Michael D. Klein and Maryellen Klein to Dean Ripley and Sheila Dion, 308 Miller St. Unit 6 $570,000 WILBRAHAM Paul Gois, representative, and Helena Gois, estate, to Bangie Marrero and Carlos Clinton, 1172 East St. $695,000 Karolina M. Kopczynski to Kristopher Barnes and Harriet Barnes, 592 Stony Hill Road $525,000

MAY 28 - JUNE 3, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 20 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

OUR DECK IS NOW OPEN!

SUNDAY BRUNCH Sundays 10:30-2:30

EST. 2016

LIVE MUSIC! EVERY THURS., FRI. & SAT.

(Plus Our Regular Menu Until 8pm)

Featuring Our Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bar!

Thursday 5/28 Clark Howell Friday 5/29 Riverside Station Saturday 5/30 Joe Zabien

LUNCH

Serving: Thurs.-Sat. at 11:30 and Sunday at 10:30

$18 PRIME RIB NIGHT EVERY TUESDAY

Dine In Only • While Supplies Last

HAPPY HOUR

WINE DOWN WEDNESDAYS $20

$20 STEAK N’ BREW EVERY SUNDAY NIGHT!

THURSDAYS 4-7:30PM!

Specially Priced Apps and Live Music

2341 Boston Rd. (Rte 20), Wilbraham, MA

413.279.2020 • route20barandgrille.com

SERVING: TUES. & WED. 4-9PM • THURS. 11:30AM-9:30PM • FRI. & SAT. 11:30AM-9:30PM • SUN. 10:30AM-8PM WITH EXTENDED BAR HOURS EVERY NIGHT RESERVATIONS ACCEPTED FOR PARTIES OF 6 OR MORE

The Hidden Gem Now Open for The Season

Bakery

Fresh baked goods made every day at the farm

Creamery

Soft Serve, Cones, Sandwiches, floats shakes and more

Visit our animals on the farm

Open 6 Days A Week Wed., Thurs. 9-8 • Fri., Sat. 9-9 Sun., Mon. 9-8 Closed Tuesday

540 Somers Road, E. Longmeadow, MA | 413-348-9628 | theappleplace.net