EAST LONGMEADOW | LONGMEADOW | HAMPDEN | WILBRAHAM
East Longmeadow council approves FY27 budget
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — The East Longmeadow Town Council has brought its budgeting season to an end after voting to approve all 17 motions regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget.
The Town Council heard a budget study presentation from Financial Oversight Committee representatives Rich Freccero and Russ Denver during a public hearing before voting on the budget at its meeting on May 26.
The Financial Oversight Committee was in support of the budget, with Freccero stating that it is “accountable and will serve the citizens of this town well.”
“Even though we recommended it with no changes, we really debated, we studied, we questioned this budget,” Freccero said. “We really did a deep dive to make sure that it was going to be successful for the town, and we all believe as a committee that it was and is going to be successful for the town.”
Freccero added that collaborative work was done with members of the Town Council and School Department, Town Manager Tom Christensen and Director of Municipal Finance Kim Collins to ensure that the current proposed budget was the right budget.
The operating budget was approved at around $81 million, which includes an estimated $99.9 million in revenue. Freccero said the budget increased by
an overall 2.5%, with a decrease of 2% on the town side and 3% increase in the School Department. The council also voted to approve $8 million in capital projects.
The current school budget was approved at $38 million after successfully decreasing from the originally proposed 6.2% increase by eliminating six staff positions through attrition. The biggest increase for the town budget came from insurance at a 25.9% increase, which was balanced out by a 23.3% decrease in town debt and a 1.5% decrease from town departments.
“We feel that the town is in solid financial condition,” Freccero said. “We do have some challenges ahead, in the area of
payroll, insurance, health benefits and retirement contributions. It will make the budget more constrained for the town and the schools.”
Denver followed Freccero with four recommendations on the budget, such as reviewing the current health insurance programs for employees and retirees to see if changes can be made to slow the cost increases.
He added to review all union contracts under the town’s purview to get an accurate view of how much the “extras are costing the town,” such as paying for unused sick time or uniform reinforcements. The next step would be to determine what is within the Town Council’s scope and what changes it might recommend to
the town manager to bring those costs under control.
Denver also recommended to see if the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave Act is financially and administratively beneficial and to reactivate the Insurance Advisory Committee.
Councilor Ralph Page brought up a concern he had about the school budget. He said money left over by departments at the end of the year is required to be turned back and that the school has taken $225,000 to prepay Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative services for the next school year.
“It’s my thought process that
ELECTIONS
On June 2, both East Longmeadow and Longmeadow conducted their annual elections, see the results inside. Pages 6 and 9
LONGMEADOW
Time capsule burial date set in Longmeadow
Longmeadow is joining in on the time capsule fun to memorialize the town’s past and present for residents in 2076. Page 8
HAMPDENWILBRAHAM
HWRSD students attend One8 Applied Student Learning Showcase in Boston Hampden and Wilbraham students recently expanded their STEM knowledge with a trip to the One8 Applied Student Learning Showcase in Boston. Page 10
Financial Oversight Committee representatives Rich Freccero and Russell Denver present to the Town Council on May 26.
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.
Summer reading program: All ages are welcome to join the library’s Summer Reading program. There will be weekly drawings with grand prizes available. Registration opened on June 1 on Beanstack. The program runs from June 1 through Aug. 8. Children’s programs: Pathways for Parents: Pre-school Pals — Thursday, June 11, at 10 a.m.
Adult programs: The Abundant Garden — Tuesday, June 9, from 6-7 p.m. Learn how to grow high-value organic produce and help stretch your
grocery budget.
HAMPDEN
HAMPDEN SENIOR CENTER
The following events are organized by the Hampden Senior Center, 104 Allen St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-5665588.
• “Blind Date with a Book” — Tuesday, June 9, from 10 a.m. to noon. The senior center will host a kickoff meeting with Mary Grassetti to go over the rules. Attendees will choose a book wrapped in brown paper, with only a simple description. Attendees will have an idea of the topic or genre, but that’s all. Registration is required.
LONGMEADOW
RICHARD SALTER STORRS LIBRARY
The following events take place at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 593 Longmeadow St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-565-4181, or head to longmeadowlibrary.org.
Youth programs: Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, June 9, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Newbies (ages birth to 18 months) — Tuesday, June 9,
10:45-11:30 a.m.
Grow Play Learn (ages birth to 5 years) — Wednesday, June 10, 9:30-10:30 a.m.
• Chalk Art — Wednesday, June 10, 3:30-4 p.m.
Farm Storytime (for ages 12-24 months) — Thursday, June 11, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Upcycled Art — Thursday, June 11, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Book Worms — Friday, June 12, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Farm Day — Friday, June 12, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
Adult programs:
• Loosely Bound Book Club Afternoons — Tuesday, June 9, 1:30-2:30 p.m. This month’s selection is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams.
• Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, June 9, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Gardening as Bioregional Stewardship — Tuesday, June 9, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Music Appreciation with Rob Humbertson: Ages of Music History: Middle Ages through the 20th Century — Wednesday, June 10, 1-2:30 p.m. Weekly Writers Group — Thursday, June 11, 9:30-11 a.m.
• Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, June 11, 11 a.m. to noon.
Library Virtual Speakers: Sur-
viving the Universe’s Most Twisted RPG with Matt Dinniman — Thursday, June 11, 7-9 p.m.
• Storrs Stitchers (drop-in) — Friday, June 12, 10-11:30 a.m.
Dungeons & Dragons — Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LONGMEADOW ADULT CENTER
The following programs are organized by the Longmeadow Adult Center, located at 211 Maple Road. For more information or to sign up for programs, call 413-565-4160 option 1.
• Bay Path College Professor Steve Vossen lecture — Tuesday, June 9, at 6 p.m.
• Gettysburg Historian Stanley Svec lecture — Wednesday, June 10 at 6 p.m.
WILBRAHAM
WILBRAHAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following programs take place at the Wilbraham Public Library, located at 25 Crane Park Drive. For more information or to sign up for programs, head to wilbrahamlibrary. org or call 413-596-6141.
• Pathways for Parents: Grow, Play, Learn — Tuesday, June 9, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Pathways for Parents: Pre-K
Pals — Monday, June 8, from 10-10:45 a.m.
Book Worms — Monday, June 8, from 4:30-5:15 p.m.
• VIRTUAL: Summer Romance Beach Read Recommendations — Monday, June 8, from 7-8 p.m.
• Lego Club — Wednesday, June 10, from 4-6 p.m. Chill with Choo Choo Charlie: Drop-in with a Therapy Dog — Thursday, June 11, from 9-10 a.m.
Saturday Toddler Time — Saturday, June 13, from 10-10:45 a.m.
OLD MEETING HOUSE MUSEUM TYING THE KNOT: WEDDING TRADITIONS THROUGH TIME
The Old Meeting House Museum invites the community to celebrate love and tradition at Tying the Knot: Wedding Traditions Through Time on Sunday, June 14, from 2-4 p.m. This special afternoon event will explore the history of New England weddings through a curated display of wedding garments and accessories from the museum’s collection. Guests will also have the opportunity to create their own floral bouquets in the museum gardens while enjoying cake and sparkling cider in a charming historic setting.
HCC honors students for 2025-2026 achievements
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College is proud to celebrate the students who earned honors and awards for their outstanding achievements during the 20252026 academic year.
Awardees were honored on May 20 during a ceremony in the Bartley Center for Athletics and Recreation. Below is a list of HCC honorees and award recipients for the 2025-2026 academ-
only concern is, going forward, if they don’t have that same amount each year, they’re going to run into a problem down the road.”
it’s not a true 3% budget, it’s 3% plus $225,000,” Page said. “My
Page added that he is okay with the budget as a whole, and the numbers mean the town is
ic year. Some students received multiple awards. A full list of students along with their specific honors and awards can be found at hcc. edu/awards-2026
“tightening our belt” and looking at everything.
“I just want the residents to realize we’re not just out there blowing money just because, ‘hey the money’s coming in, we’re spending it on anything, that’s
HCC honors and awards for 2025-2026: East Longmeadow Xayavong Phetmany, Hailey Sutton.
not the case at all,” Page said. “I think going forward, we’re going to have a couple tough years. It’s hard with Prop. 2½ keeping you at two and a half.”
Page had also made a recommendation to change the water
Longmeadow Will Cosgrove, Anthony Ekmalian.
Wilbraham Anna Heimsath, Collin Trombley.
rate to $4.97 per 100 cubic feet, which is an 8% increase instead of the initial 11% increase at $5.10. The council voted to approve this change. The sewer rate was also voted to increase from $4.84 to $5.06 per 100 cubic feet.
West Side man urgently needs living kidney donor
By Mike Lydick Correspondent
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fifteen years ago, routine bloodwork revealed that Theodore “Ted” Pinkerman had kidney damage.
The diagnosis changed his life. Pinkerman began doing everything possible to protect his health. He lost 65 pounds, improved his health dramatically — even reversed his Type 2 diabetes — and worked hard to stay active and strong. But his kidney disease continued to progress.
Pinkerman now has stage 4 kidney disease. His doctors have told him his best chance to live a longer, healthier life is to receive a kidney transplant — preferably one from a living donor. He is currently on the deceased donor transplant list, but the estimated wait is six to seven years.
Unfortunately for Pinkerman, his kidney function continues to decline, so time is not on his side. “My primary care physician as well as the staff of nephrologists and kidney surgeons at Baystate Medical Center’s transplant program have decided it would be better for me to have a kidney transplant sooner than later. The outcome would be better for me since I’ve worked so hard to stay healthy,” said the lifelong West Springfield resident.
Throughout his life, Pinkerman has always tried to help others. He spent 35 years working in information technology in addition to men-
toring many young soccer players as a Pioneer Valley travel team soccer coach. He currently has his own home inspection business that helps families through one of their biggest decisions: buying a home.
Pinkerman is now reaching out for help with a deeply personal request: finding a living kidney donor. “I never thought I’d be in this position of asking for help. It’s difficult because I’m a very private person,” said the 63-year-old father and grandfather.
“A living kidney donor could save my life,” said Pinkerman. “Most donors go on to live healthy, normal lives with one kidney, and every donor is carefully evaluated for safety. Less than one percent of people ever needs a kidney after they give one. Think about that. It’s an amazing statistic that the public needs to know to calm any fears of donating.”
Pinkerman’s immediate family members wanted to donate, but due to medical conditions, they didn’t qualify. Susan Moore, one of his sisters, who lives in Ashburn, Virginia, with her husband, wanted to help her brother in any way possible. So, both went through the process to see if they qualified medically to donate.
“They walk you through everything, and are very careful to make sure it’s absolutely safe for the potential donor,” said Moore. “They also make it clear that you can step away from the process at any point, so there is no pressure to commit right away. We weren’t
Why Wait?
able to donate, but I hope others will consider getting tested.”
Pinkerman’s family is concerned for him and have rallied around him to help — hoping someone can step forward to donate a kidney. “I want to see my almost 3-year-old granddaughter Hazel — the love of my life — grow up. My son Teddy, who lives three houses away from me, is planning on getting married soon and has a second little girl on the way.”
Teddy Pinkerman, Jr., said his father’s disease is “a very intense and overwhelming situation” for him and his family.
“It would be great for my dad to see us get married and watch his two granddaughters grow. He’s hoping to watch his granddaughters play soccer as they get older, as we have always been a big soccer family. We’re doing all we can to get his story out there. Anyone who can help spread the word, or share a personal experience with this type of situation, would be very much appreciated,” he said.
A matching kidney would be ideal, said Ted Pinkerman, but a direct match is not necessary. For example, a kidney may be donated on his behalf through the National Kidney Registry to help another person in need, but who also has an incompatible donor.
“I would receive a compatible kidney from a donor donating on behalf of an incompatible recipient. That recipient would then receive a kidney from a different
unmatched donor-recipient pair,” said Pinkerman.
The NKR would issue a voucher to Pinkerman, which is like an IOU for a kidney. The NKR employs data from across the U.S. to match donors with compatible recipients. That increases the number of transplants performed yearly and makes for the best patient outcomes.
“A donor donating a kidney on my behalf would have their costs of hospital and medical care covered. In addition, Donor Shield Protections (including lost wages,
room and lodging and more) available only through the NKR may also be available,” he added.
Pinkerman isn’t having any symptoms currently because he got himself in such good shape knowing that he will need a kidney transplant at some point. But his doctor recently found that his kidney function dropped below 15 — which is why he needs a new kidney.
The 1984 American International College graduate is hopeful he will find a living donor within the next few months or within a year because there are new programs within the National Kidney Foundation. These allow people to donate their kidney whether or not they’re a match to the recipient’s blood type.
“It was never talked about in the past when it was scary. Now the NKR makes sure that you’re healthy enough to give a kidney first and foremost,” said Pinkerman. “If you are, it doesn’t matter what your blood type is. They do all sorts of paired matching and voucher programs and if you’re not a match, it still could save my life.”
Pinkerman said the more people who can share his story with friends and family increases the number of people who may consider a kidney donation. “You can also support me and other patients in need of a transplant by being screened to become a kidney donor with the NKR. The process is easy to complete and potential donors have access to the NKR’s nationwide donor support network.”
Theodore “Ted” Pinkerman of West Springfield urgently needs a kidney transplant from a living donor. He is shown in this photo with some of his family members. From left: Kathy Pinkerman; their son Teddy, Jr.; Ted Pinkerman; Kayla Cook (Teddy, Jr.’s fiancée) holding three-year-old Hazel.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Frankie’s Pizza; 9.87”; Black Only; 00086798;
Unofficial election results show tight victory for Town Council
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — It was a three-way race for two open spots in the East Longmeadow Town Council, and the unofficial results from the June 2 election show a victory by only 15 votes.
Out of the 14,146 registered voters in town, the election saw a turnout of 8.9% with 1,266 actual voters.
Councilor Jonathan Torcia sought reelection to a three-year term, achieving that goal with a majority vote of 713.
Former Councilor Matthew Boucher and Carolyn Ferros also had their names in the running, with Boucher narrowly securing the seat with 673 votes over Ferros’ 658.
There were two different bids for School Committee, one for a three-year term and one for a one-year term. There were two seats open for three-year terms, with School Committee members Kerri Jarzabski and William Strother winning reelection.
Former School Committee member Sarah Truoiolo was
Negotiating
By Alison Kuznitz
State House News Service
BOSTON — Nearly three weeks after the Senate passed legislation designed to shield immigrants from federal enforcement actions at a larger group of locations than the House approved, negotiators pledged on May 27 to work quickly on an issue that officials attached urgency to months ago.
The Senate passed its version of the PROTECT Act (S 3086) on May 7, after the House passed its bill (H 5316) on March 25. The bills gained momentum following waves of federal immigration
law enforcement activities.
The lead House negotiator is Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Co-chair state Rep. Daniel Cahill, who used Black and Latino Legislative Caucus blueprint to shape the House bill. State Sen. Cindy Friedman, the Senate point person on legislative responses to the Trump administration, is her chamber’s lead negotiator.
“I know we both have a commitment to move this as efficiently as possible,” Friedman told Cahill during a brief conference committee kickoff meeting on May 27.
“I couldn’t agree more — the House is also in concurrence with that,” Cahill replied. “We want to make sure that this is done efficiently and effectively and expeditiously.”
Pressed for a timeline to finalize the PROTECT Act, Friedman told the News Service, “We’re both really eager to get this put to bed so that we can go on to all the other things that we both have on — we all have on — our plates.”
Three conferees are members of the Black and Latino caucus: Chair state Rep. Andy Vargas, state Rep. Marcus Vaughn and state Sen. Pavel Payano. After
the Senate passed its bill, the caucus drummed up the urgency as it pointed the looming World Cup matches that are expected to draw large crowds of fans to Massachusetts.
“As the bill moves toward conference committee, we urge a legally-durable resolution that prioritizes the strongest protections for immigrant families ahead of the World Cup and coming events that bring global attention to our region,” the caucus said on May 8.
The first game is just over two weeks away in Foxborough, with about 2 million domestic and in-
ternational visitors expected to descend on Massachusetts. About a third of ticket sales are for international fans hailing from countries like Scotland, Canada, Haiti, Mexico, England, Norway, Morocco, Switzerland, Ghana and the United Kingdom.
Amid aggressive federal enforcement action, soccer fans and workers are concerned about ICE arrests at the matches unfolding across the country. In a recent video, Department of Homeland Security Security Markwayne Mullin said ICE agents will be
See PROTRECT on page 7
the sole name on the ballot for a one-year term, but was contested by known write-in candi-
date Christina Cooper. Truoiolo walks away victorious with 645 votes over 357 write-in votes.
The one ballot question regarding a charter amendment in the Town Council section received 685 yes votes and 468 no votes.
From right to left: Jonathan Torcia, Matthew Boucher, Carolyn Ferros hold their signs outside Birchland Park Middle School on June 2. Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
Moriarty elected to Bankers Association Board of Directors
MONSON — Dan Moriarty, Monson Savings Bank President and CEO was elected to the 20-member Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association at its annual meeting in May. Founded in 1905, the MBA is the only Association representing FDIC-insured community, regional and nationwide banks serving consumer and business clients across the commonwealth.
In today’s rapidly evolving banking environment, the voice and expertise of leaders like Dan Moriarty are invaluable,” said MBA President and CEO Kathleen M. Murphy. “Their
leadership enhances our ability to advance key priorities, deliver high-impact resources, and serve as a strong advocate for our members. With their insight, we are well-positioned to anticipate industry shifts and support institutions serving diverse communities across Massachusetts.”
“I am honored to be elected to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Bankers Association, an organization that has played a vital role in supporting and advancing the banking industry for more than 120 years,” said Moriarty. “At Monson Savings Bank, our mission is rooted in strength-
ening the financial well-being of our customers and communities. Serving on the MBA Board provides an opportunity to share that perspective, contribute to meaningful industry dialogue, and help ensure that community-focused banking continues to thrive across the Commonwealth. I look forward to collaborating with fellow Board members to advocate for policies and innovations that support sustainable growth and expand access to financial services for all.”
To learn more about Monson Savings Bank and its team, visitmonsonsavings.bank.
As teens graduate, parents reminded of underage drinking risks
SPRINGFIELD — As graduation season approaches and celebrations begin across Hampden County, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office is reminding parents, guardians and caregivers that allowing underage drinking or marijuana use at their homes can carry serious criminal and civil consequences under Massachusetts law.
The District Attorney’s Office regularly presents on social host liability during community prevention programs, including its annual “Stop the Swerve” event, which focuses on the dangers and
consequences of impaired and distracted driving among teens.
“A lot of parents believe they are making the safer choice by allowing teenagers to drink at home under their supervision, but under Massachusetts law, that is still illegal and can have devastating consequences,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “What may begin as a graduation or end-ofschool celebration can quickly turn tragic. We want parents to understand the law, understand the risks, and most importantly, help keep young people safe.”
Under Massachusetts law, a “social host” is anyone — adult or minor — who controls a property and furnishes alcohol or knowingly allows underage drinking or marijuana use on that property.
Providing alcohol to a person under 21 years old is a criminal offense punishable by up to one year imprisonment and a $2,000 fine under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138, Section 34. Massachusetts law also prohibits furnishing marijuana, marijuana products or marijuana accessories to anyone under the age of
21. Violations may result in a fine of up to $2,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Parents and guardians may also face civil liability if an underage person consumes alcohol or marijuana at their home and later causes injury or death to themselves or others. Civil judgments in these cases can reach millions of dollars.
The District Attorney’s Office also emphasized that parents can still face consequences even if they are not physically present at the home if they knowingly allow underage drinking or
drug use to occur on property they control.
“We recognize this may feel overly cautious to some families, but we have unfortunately seen the devastating outcomes that can stem from underage drinking parties,” Gulluni said. “Parents have more influence than they realize, and one decision to intervene can save a life.”
For more information about prevention programming offered by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office Community Safety and Outreach Unit, visit hampdenda.com.
Continued from page 6
assisting with World Cup security, including “fighting against counterfeit tickets, human trafficking, drug smuggling, counterfeit products.”
An immigrant himself, Payano reflected on the personal importance of the PROTECT Act.
“We’re going to be able to
show that Massachusetts is a place where everyone, regardless of where they come from, is able to have all the protections that are given by our constitution,” Payano said. “So, I’m very excited to get this work started.”
The House bill blocks federal agents from making civil arrests at courthouses. The Senate bill goes further in also trying to make civil arrests off limits at childcare facilities, public schools, health care facilities and
houses of worship.
Both bills would preserve the state’s only existing 287(g) agreement between the Department of Correction and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The House bill allows a pathway for law enforcement agencies to petition the state for time-limited agreements with ICE, while the Senate version bans all new, expanded or renewed agreements that allow local officers to carry out the duties of federal agents.
Cahill and Friedman said they have not begun discussing differences between the bills. The panel adjourned after about 10 minutes and agreed to discuss differences at a future meeting. Cahill said the conference committee will remain open under joint rules.
Senate President Karen Spilka identified primary care as a Senate priority nearly 17 months ago. Friedman said on May 27 the branch is “very close” but could
still not pinpoint when the legislation will surface.
“We’re actually at this point waiting for some final feedback,” Friedman said. “We’re not really in control of that at this point, but we think we’ve got a good bill and really, really anxious to move it forward.”
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz@ stateaffairs.com.
Trees – Our Passion
Monson Savings Bank President and CEO and elected Board of Director of Mass Bankers Dan Moriarty (center), with President and CEO of Mass Bankers Kathleen M. Murphy (right), and President & CEO of BankFive and elected Chair of Mass Bankers Anne Tangen (left).
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW
— Longmeadow is joining in on the time capsule fun to memorialize the town’s past and present for residents in 2076.
Residents are invited to attend the time capsule burial on June 13 at 1 p.m. on the town green to join in preserving the community’s story and history for future generations.
Residents can also submit items to be buried at the town offices, 231 Maple Road, until June 6 with a brief description of the item and why it is
Holyoke
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College celebrated the graduation of 43 students from its Associate in Science in Nursing degree program on May 21.
The students were recognized during a pinning ceremony in HCC’s Leslie Phillips Theater, during which they were formally inducted into the health care field as soon-to-be registered nursing professionals. During a traditional pinning ceremony, new nursing graduates light candles, receive their nursing pin and recite the Nightingale Pledge.
The graduates, many of whom are already working, will sit for their exams before becoming licensed as registered nurses.
Holyoke Community College Associate of Science in Nursing degree graduates for 2026: Longmeadow Anthony Ekmalian
significant. Items ideas can include local history items like artifacts, photographs or documents that tell a story of the town or things that show community spirit like letters, poems or drawings created by residents or children. Items that show cultural significance and represent the town’s diverse cultures and traditions or any personal memorabilia that holds meaning can be included as well.
Event runner Marybeth Bergeron said the time capsule’s purpose is to show the town’s identity and lived experiences of current residents to the Longmeadow residents of 2076, add-
ing that you can’t find those on the internet.
“We’re hoping to balance national identity and the local character of Longmeadow,” Bergeron said. “It’s going to be buried by the DPW and that will be part of a broader event on [June 13]. We do have some reenactors coming, we have Crane’s Artillery coming, which is great. There will be some speakers.”
She added that nobody knows what life will look like in 50 years and that it will hopefully be representative of “our lives today and what we hope for the lives of residents in the future”
when it’s opened in 2076.
“I hope people recognize that [Longmeadow] is a cohesive community that cares about its neighbors,” Bergeron said. “It has a lot of volunteerism, strong groups in town, religious groups with our churches and synogogues and a community that respects its elders, as well as its youth. That’s what I hope they take away from it.”
This event also serves the purpose of strengthening the community connection. Bergeron said that there is political division all across the country but that people should be proud of where they live no matter their
political stance.
“You know, our country is only 250 years old and we are the greatest nation in the world,” Bergeron said. “We have had outstanding success, whether it’s technology or health, or any of the other categories that you could mention. We’ve simply just had a great run for 250 years … I hope it reminds people that they are patriots, from the beginning militia to today. We live in a great country and it doesn’t matter whether you’re Republican or Democrat or an Independent, we should be cohesive in our love for our country and respect for our country.”
Longmeadow
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — The unofficial election results are in for Longmeadow’s annual town election on June 2, which saw no contested races but did make an attempt at a Proposition 2½ override to continue the chance of a town-owned fiber in-
ternet network.
The ballot question was shut down in an overwhelming no vote, with 835 residents voting no against the 430 yes votes, according to the unofficial results.
Article 7 to approve $8.6 million for the network’s initial construction was voted against at the Annual Town Meeting on May 12 in a 374-270 vote. Town
Randall’s Farm & Greenhouse; 10”; Black Only; 00085998;
Manager Lyn Simmons said that the ballots had to be ordered before Town Meeting so they would arrive in time for early voting at the Select Board meeting on May 5.
A passing vote would have allowed the Select Board to decide whether to call a Special Town Meeting to vote on the borrowing authorization again, to include a
borrowing authorization at the fall Special Town Meeting or not act on the ballot question at all.
In terms of the candidates, Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi secured his uncontested race with 887 votes, granting him another three years.
There were three candidates for School Committee with three seats up for grabs. School Com-
mittee member Nicole Choiniere was reelected with 849 votes, with Matthew Casale and Bisrat Abebe sooned to be welcomed into the committee with 742 and 664 votes respectively. Each will serve three-year terms. Antonietta Mongillo was the only candidate for the Planning Board and will serve a five-year term after receiving 764 votes.
From left: The exterior of the Longmeadow Community House once polls opened for the election on June 2. Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi and Matthew Casale stand outside with their signs.
Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM
HWRSD students attend One8 learning showcase in Boston
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — Students in the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District recently expanded their STEM knowledge by completing hands-on projects and attending the One8 Applied Student Learning Showcase in Boston with Project Lead The Way.
Project Lead The Way is a K-12 applied learning STEM curriculum, supported by the One8 Foundation, that specializes in engineering, computer science and biomedical science. The One8 Foundation is a philanthropic organization that helps to support hundreds of schools around the state with curriculum integration and educator training through its One8 Applied Learning Hub.
Jessica Barrett, a science teacher at Green Meadows School, shared details of the trip and the projects that students worked on in the School Committee meeting on May 28.
This is the district’s third year attending the showcase, which took place on May 8 at Boston’s “the TRACK at New Balance.”
Thousands of students from fourth to 12th grade attend the event to showcase their STEM and applied learning projects to industry professionals, such as those in pharmaceutical or engineering companies around Massachusetts.
“They listen to the student’s entire presentations and they ask them follow up questions and really engaging questions of what they did,” Barrett said. “Students can then ask them questions and it’s really cool because when they’re going through their presentations, as they’re presenting to these industry professionals, you just watch their confidence grow in what they did and explaining it. You watch them explaining where they messed up and fix their mistake or where they had to change something.”
Students that attended the showcase this year created a wa-
GARDEN CLUB PRESENTS WREATH TO VFW
club president, to David Demers, chief commander, of the Hampden VFW 9397.
ter filtration system, which had them design a system to filter dirty water or salt water. Barret showcased three groups from Soule Road School and three groups from Green Meadows. They were picked based on a rubric system from an initial showcase at the schools.
Each group, besides one, decided to filter dirty water, with one group using an evaporation system and others used a sediment system.
Barrett said the group to filter salt water stumbled upon their solution accidentally which “truly showcased what science and
engineering is because then they had to figure out why it worked and explain that.”
Student groups are set up in rows at the official showcase, surrounded by students from other schools around the state. Barrett said this setup created a community and opened the opportunity to see other projects and hear what the other students did.
She said that the students’ main favorite part of the entire trip was the bus ride, but their second favorite part was having the ability to walk around and see the projects by older students.
“Throughout the showcase,
these students were the youngest of them,” Barrett said. “They got to go see what high school students and middle school students were doing, these projects that they came up with, and then they come back to me and they say ‘I can come back, I can do this again, I want to come back to this.’ It just really gets them excited for the future in all of STEM.” Barrett said that she wishes she could bring every student because it’s hard to pick the three groups from each school, so the goal for next year is to get each student from the Project Lead The Way program to the showcase.
WILBRAHAM — Rick’s Place is pleased to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from the Alternatives for Youth Foundation to support its ongoing grief support programming for children, teens and families who are grieving the death of a significant person.
This funding will help sustain the free peer support groups and family-centered services, which provide opportunities for participants to connect with others who have experienced a death loss. Through support groups, special events and community outreach,
Rick’s Place offers a welcoming environment where youth and caregivers can express their thoughts and feelings, build supportive relationships and develop tools for navigating grief.
“We are deeply grateful to the Alternatives for Youth Foundation for their generous donation,” said Therese Ross, executive director of Rick’s Place. “This investment helps ensure that children, teens, and families who are grieving continue to have access to a community of support where they can share their experiences, feel understood, and find connec-
tion as they move forward.”
Founded in 2007, Rick’s Place serves youth and family members from throughout Western Massachusetts and northern Connecticut. Rick’s Place peer support model helps reduce feelings of isolation, strengthens connections among participants and supports healthy grief processing and personal growth.
The support from AYF comes at a time when the need for grief support services continues to grow. By investing in Rick’s Place, the Foundation is helping ensure that families who are grieving have access to compassionate support at no cost.
“On behalf of the children, teens, and caregivers we serve, we thank the Alternatives for Youth Foundation for recognizing the importance of grief support and for helping us continue this vital work,” Ross added.
For more information about Rick’s Place, 35 Post Office Park, Suite 3501D, visit Rick’s Place or call 413-279-2010.
— A Memorial Day wreath was presented by the Hampden Garden Club to the Hampden VFW 9397 during the ceremony held at the Hampden firehouse on Memorial Day. Club member, Cheryl Perrault, created the wreath and presented the wreath along with Lil Fedora,
Green Meadows science teacher Jessica Barrett presents details on the student trip to Boston.
Photo credit: Erin Dowding
Symphony Orchestra announces free Juneteenth celebrations
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — On June 19, the walls of Tower Square will reverberate with the sounds of the Juneteenth Freedom Concert and celebrations scheduled throughout the afternoon. The concert will feature Springfield’s own Grammy award-winning jazz bassist Avery Sharpe and the Extended Family Choir.
Juneteenth, a federal and state holiday, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops under Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to deliver news to the last community of enslaved people that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Juneteenth celebrations will begin on June 18 at 5:30 p.m., when there will be live music at White Lion Brewing Company. A portion of the proceeds of this Juneteenth kick-off party will benefit Springfield Symphony
SUFFIELD, CONNECTI-
Youth Orchestras programming.
At 11 a.m. on June 19, Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Rep. Bud Williams will conduct the annual Juneteenth flag raising on the steps of City Hall. Moving to Tower Square, at 12:30 p.m., School Committee member Ayanna Crawford will be the mistress of ceremonies for the Juneteenth program of events.
The Springfield Prep Dance Team will perform and the inaugural Juneteenth Innovation Panel will take place. Small business vendors will be set up in Tower Square throughout the afternoon’s events.
The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Avery Sharpe Quintet and a quartet of strings will play, while vocals are to be provided by the Extended Family Choir and the Springfield Symphony Chorus.
“I love collaborations because that is what America is about or supposed to be about,” said Avery. Sarno later said, “Avery has
never forgotten his home here.”
The concert will be conducted by Kevin Sharpe, Avery’s brother, who has been the Extended Family Choir’s director since its inception in 1996. “It is great to collaborate with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra,” he said. The program’s music will include Lift Every Voice and Sing — widely considered the African American nation anthem — three pieces by Florence Price, African American spirituals, Avery compositions and choral works. Kevin said, “It’s sounding good. It’s going to be a great program. I’m looking forward to it.”
The free concert is organized in partnership with White Lion Brewing Company owner Raymond Berry Jr. and Payton Shubrick, owner of 6 Bricks dispensary. Sarno said Berry and Shubrick have been “good corporate citizens... they always step up.”
While the spirit will be one of celebration, there will also be
memorials for Rosemary “Tracy” Woods, founding director of “Art for the Soul Gallery,” and the late Ruby Maddox, co-founder of Gardening the Community and Direct Your Purpose. State Rep. Benjamin Swan and Henry Thomas, III, a longtime leader of the Springfield Urban League, who both died on May 25 will also be remembered. Sarno said he first learned about Juneteenth several years ago from then-state Rep. Raymond Jordan and community leader Robert “Cee” Jackson. Since then, he said, state Rep. Bud Williams “shepherded through the Juneteenth legislation in the statehouse.” More than a day off, Sarno said, “It’s more important that it is recognized, and the story of history is told.” Williams said, “Black people have always celebrated Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Day, you call it what you want to call it. We’ve always celebrated it.” He said Springfield
has changed since he was a child, when it was “very segregated, very racist.” Now, he noted, the city has a Black superintendent of schools in Sonia Dinnall and Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers is the city’s first Black individual to hold that position. Referring to the symphony, Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra said, “This industry is struggling right now. This country is struggling a bit right now. What we can do is bring joy back into the world. We can bring it through music. We can bring it through partnership. We can bring it through collaboration. We bring joy to the world by keeping alive the history, celebrating tradition and also exploring everything that’s new out there.” She said, “We’re so lucky to call Springfield our home.” Sarno declared, “Plenty of good things are happening in Springfield and you’re all a part of it.”
“We are looking for actors who understand the difference between performing a period piece and inhabiting a story that transcends one,” said Bernier.
CUT — The Suffield Players is seeking a bold, dynamic, and fearless cast for its upcoming production of “Angel Street (Gaslight)” by Patrick Hamilton, being performed this October at Mapleton Hall. This is not simply a drawing-room thriller in corsets and candlelight. Director Krystle Bernier is searching for actors who can bring emotional truth, danger, vulnerability, wit and psychological depth to a story that remains startlingly modern beneath its Victorian setting.
Auditions will take place June 28 and June 30, with callbacks on July 1. Actors should be prepared for cold readings from the script as well as unscripted and improvisational exercises performed in character for the role they are pursuing. Performers of all experience levels are encouraged to attend, This production aims to as-
semble an ensemble of committed actors ready to collaborate, take risks and create a gripping theatrical experience for audiences. Whether you are a seasoned performer or an emerging talent looking for a challenging and rewarding role, the production team encourages you to audition. Performance dates for “Angel Street (Gaslight)” are Oct. 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24. In addition to sending theater resumes to the director, all auditioners will be required to complete an online audition application through suffieldplayers.org. Step into the shadows. Bring your instincts. And come ready to play.
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to host Filipino folklore ballet
BOSTON — Boston audiences are invited to journey through the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum to experience Gabi sa Gubat, an immersive ballet inspired by Filipino folklore. The Asian American Ballet Project will perform at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. during the Museum’s Free First Thursday event on June 4, with an artist conversation at 6:10 p.m. in the Calderwood Theatre between presentations.
AABP premiered Alexa Capareda’s Gabi sa Gubat in June 2025. The ballet imagines a Philippine forest and the fantastical creatures said to roam at night, reflecting on the magnetism of shared cultural mythologies and how they capture the human psyche. In this reimagined version of the ballet, audiences move through the museum with the dancers, from the iconic courtyard, through the glass connector and finally into the New Wing’s Calderwood Theatre.
“We’re excited for audiences
to see the Gardner Museum in a new light as the ballet unfolds throughout the space,” said Beth Mochizuki, AABP’s Artistic Director and 2025 ISGM Neigh-
borhood Salon Luminary. This is AABP’s second time participating in Free First Thursday; in December they presented Reclamation, a film premiere.
During their artist talk, choreographer Alexa Capareda and Artistic Director Beth Mochizuki will discuss adapting Gabi sa Gubat for the Gardner Museum and how Filipino folklore informs the ballet. Event tickets are available at gardnermuseum.org/calendar/ free-first-thursday-202606.
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A massive American flag, tied aloft on the ladders of two fire trucks, flapped in the wind over the steps of Springfield City Hall for the Memorial Day ceremony on May 22. In front of it, city, state and national officials stood at a podium to address the dozens of people gathered.
“No one can match the freedoms that we have in the United States,” declared Veterans Services Director Joseph DeCaro. Mayor Domenic Sarno, who stepped to the microphone to present a proclamation from the city, echoed DeCaro’s sentiment, saying, “America is a beacon of hope, strength.”
Alongside Sarno and DeCaro,
stood U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, U.S. Sen Ed Markey’s Regional Director Jesse Lederman, state Sens. Adam Gomez and Jake Oliveira, state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez, Orlando Ramos and Brian Ashe, Ward 7 City Councilor Gerry Martin, Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan, School Committee member Ayanna Crawford, Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi and Rev. Donald Luster of Bethel AME Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Memorial Day is set aside to remember members of the military who died in service to the country. Neal said Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day because it was when Confederate widows laid flowers on the graves of their loved ones. After the war, the practice was adopted by people across
the country and has been observed since 1868.
Neal quoted Abraham Lincoln, who called for unification during his second inaugural address, saying, “With malice toward none, and with charity for all.” Lincoln’s words signaled that all would be forgiven after the war, no matter which side people fought for, Neal said, adding, “We can never be divided on Memorial Day.” Neal, who was once Springfield’s mayor, said, “This city, like every city in America, offered up its greatest.”
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris told the crowd that she wanted to honor the women killed in combat. She said 3 million women have served since the American Revolution. “Think about the women,
think about the families, think about each other,” she said.
Sarno spoke about the impact felt by the families of people who never came back from serving in the military. “That chair at the kitchen table is empty at the holidays. It’s empty every day,” he said.
“We got liberties, but it took thousands of men and women to give us that right, to give us that freedom,” Sgt. Gumersindo Gomez, Sr., executive director of Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Mass Inc. said. Tearing up, he recalled friends he served with who were there one day and gone the next. He said they had no idea it would be their last day. Commenting on the way people celebrate Memorial Day with cookouts and gatherings, rather than remembering peo-
ple, Gomez said, “We celebrate this weekend and we have joy ... not even realizing who gave us that right.” He wiped tears from his eyes as he stepped away from the podium.
Dignitaries carried wreaths across the street and laid one at each of the memorials the city has erected to honor war veterans, from World War I to World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. DeCaro said money is being raised to fund a memorial to those lost in the Global War on Terror. After taking a moment to salute at each memorial, the crowd silently listened to the sound of a lone bugle as Springfield Police Officer Richard McNabb sounded taps and the Springfield Police fired a three-volley salute.
Top row, from left: Gumersindo Gomez Sr., executive director of Bilingual Veterans Outreach Centers of Mass Inc., speaks at the Memorial Day ceremony. A battle cross stands in front of a podium and memorial wreaths. Bottom row, from left: U.S. Rep. Richard Neal speaks about the origins of Memorial Day. Springfield Police Officer Richard McNabb sounds taps on a bugle. A wreath is laid in front of Springfield’s Korean War memorial.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
Officials remember former state Rep. Ben Swan
Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Upon news of the death of retired state Rep. Benjamin Swan on May 25, condolences poured in from elected officials from every level of government. They shared their memories of Swan as a mentor, leader and civil rights advocate.
The 92-year-old Swan built a legacy in his adopted home of Springfield. He had attended Howard University, a historically Black institution of higher education in Washington, D.C. He went on to earn a master’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 1977.
Swan unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Springfield in 1991 against incumbent Mary Hurley and in 1992 against Robert “Bob” Markel. He then ran and won election to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1994, serving the 12th Hampden District, before holding the 11th Hampden district seat from 2009 to 2016.
Over his time in the state House of Representatives, the nine-term representative filed legislation that ranged from reconnecting incarcerated persons with their families, to protecting women’s reproductive health to fueling job creation through energy efficiency programs.
Generations of local, state and federal officials looked up to Swan. City Council President Tracye Whitfield said she sought Swan’s counsel when she considered running for City Council. “For decades, Representative Swan embodied what it meant to serve the community first,” Whitfield said in a statement. She described his as “a remarkable life defined by public service, leadership, mentorship and unwavering dedication to the people of Springfield.” Whitfield added, “To live for 92 years is a blessing. To spend those years in service to others is a legacy.”
“Throughout his career, he remained a steadfast voice for equity, criminal justice reform, educational opportunity and for those whose voices too often went unheard,” said State Sen. Adam Gómez in a statement. He called Swan “a giant,” for his life of leadership and service. “For generations of leaders in Springfield and across Western Massa-
chusetts, Representative Swan helped light the path forward. His work strengthened our city and challenged all of us to build a more just and equitable community. Springfield is better because Ben Swan called it home. His example of service, courage, and conviction will continue to inspire future generations.”
Mayor Domenic Sarno released a statement that read, “How ironic that this Korean War veteran passed away on Memorial Day. Ben was a well-respected leader by all, a quiet warrior who never looked for any accolades for himself. He worked very hard to provide for his district and our city of Springfield.”
While Swan may not have sought accolades, many were bestowed upon him, including the 2022 dedication of “Ben Swan Way” in Springfield’s Mason Square neighborhood.
In a statement, State Rep. Orlando Ramos remembered Swan’s activist work — marching along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and serving as the president of the Springfield chapter of the NAACP, a post Swan’s nephew, Bishop Talbert Swan, now holds.
“His lifetime of activism proved that systemic change is possible when fought for with integrity and persistence,” Ramos wrote,
adding, “We owe him an immeasurable debt of gratitude. As we mourn his loss, let us commit ourselves to honoring his legacy by standing tall for justice, and ensuring that his lifelong fight for equity continues.”
Sarno wrote, “Many a times the word ‘icon’ is used for he or she, whether worthy or not; in Ben’s case he was a Civil Rights icon, who not only fought for civil rights locally, marching in the streets of Springfield, but also nationally, marching with the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” He said that naming the DeBerry/ Swan School after the retired representative was a “no brainer.”
“Ben Swan was the father of Civil Rights in Springfield and Massachusetts, but I would make the case it could have been throughout the country. Remember, he marched with Dr. [Martin Luther] King, He was on the Pettus Bridge,” said State Rep. Bud Williams, referring to the bridge in Selma, Alabama, where King, John Lewis and several other notable figures in the Civil Rights movement were beaten by the Alabama Highway Patrol. “Ben fought the system. He fought the system for those who could not fight the system for themselves. He was a voice for the voiceless.” Williams said, “To succeed
him on Beacon Hill is just such an honor ... those are big shoes. I could never fill those shoes.”
Aside from his work as an activist or on Beacon Hill, Swan’s legacy includes deep friendships with people throughout Western Massachusetts. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, who has represented the region in Washington for nearly four decades and was Springfield’s mayor before that, shared, “While we had the pleasure of serving our community in different capacities for many years, I first met Ben while delivering his newspaper as a delivery boy for the Springfield Union News.”
Neal continued, “Over the years, I thoroughly enjoyed our frequent visits, both in Springfield and in Washington, D.C., I could always count on him for his thoughtful perspective, never allowing any bitterness or cynicism to define the moment. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and all those who were touched by Ben’s lifetime of service.”
Sarno described Swan as “my dear friend” and “a true gentleman and a man of his word. I always appreciated his and his family’s friendship and support over the years.” He ended his statement by saying, “May God rest your soul, Ben, for a job well done.”
Account
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno (right) chats with Ben Swan during the dedication of the new Deberry-Swan School.
Republican file photo
Advance Psychotherapy to open expanded location
LONGMEADOW — Advance
Psychotherapy Practice is pleased to announce the opening of its new expanded office in Longmeadow, located at 171 Dwight Road, Suite 203.
The new Longmeadow office allows Advance Psychotherapy Practice to continue growing its presence in Western Massachusetts while offering a more ac-
cessible and expanded space for clients in Longmeadow, greater Springfield, Enfield and surrounding communities.
As part of this expansion, the Longmeadow team is also looking for experienced psychotherapists to join its growing clinical team.
Advance Longmeadow will provide compassionate, profes-
sional psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, families, children, and teens, with care available both in person and remotely. The Longmeadow team is led by Kelly Noga, LICSW, clinical director, and Katelyn Tower, LICSW, clinical supervisor, alongside a group of experienced and specialized psychotherapists.
“We are excited to open our new Longmeadow office and continue expanding access to high-quality psychotherapy in Western Massachusetts,” said Michael Chunyk, chief executive officer and co-founder. “This new location gives us the opportunity to better support clients, clinicians, and families across Longmeadow, Springfield, Enfield, and neighboring communities.” The Longmeadow team currently includes therapists with immediate openings and minimal wait times. Most insurances are accepted.
Clients interested in beginning therapy at the Longmeadow location can learn more or request services by visiting advancepsychotherapy.org/longmeadow.
Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni awarded 2026 Democrat of the Year
LONGMEADOW — On May 3, local Democrats met at the Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow to honor Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni as the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee 2026 Democrat of the Year.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi introduced Gulluni before LDTC Chair Barbara Wenig awarded Gulluni the Democrat of the Year Award in recognition of his commitment to building safer and stronger communities through innovative educational outreach programs. Tara Healey, Gov. Maura Healey’s sister, also presented him with a certificate from the governor recognizing his important work.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal addressed the assembly of nearly 100 guests with an inspiring thank you to members who continue to “do the work” despite the current challenges the state and the country face.
Also in attendance was state Rep. Brian Ashe who offered a warm and personal introduction to Longmeadow Select Board member Dan Zwirko who was awarded the 2026 LDTC Member Achievement Award in recognition for his outstanding service to the town.
Wenig presented the LDTC Achievement Award to longtime member and activist Andrea Chasen for her decades of
Temple Beth El Springfield to host electronics recycling event
SPRINGFIELD — Temple Beth
El Springfield will hold an Electronics Recycling Event in partnership with Green Team Junk Removal on Sunday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the temple’s location at 979 Dickinson St. in
Springfield.
The event will be held as a convenient drive-through in the temple parking lot, providing the local community with an opportunity to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronic devices for
a small fee.
Everyone is invited to bring their old computers, laptops, monitors, printers, faxes, cell phones and more. Item disposal fees are as follows: computer monitors are $20 each; laptops
are $10; computer towers are $10; printers and faxes are $10; and cell phones and computer accessories are $5. TVs over 40 inches can be recycled for $45 each, CRT TVs for $55, and miscellaneous electronics for $10 each.
All items will be safely and properly recycled, helping to protect the environment while supporting Temple Beth El’s fundraising efforts. Comput-
er hard drives will be removed and shredded to ensure data is non-recoverable.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to clear out your clutter, do good for the planet and the community, and support Temple Beth El. For more information, please visit Temple Beth El’s Facebook page at facebook.com/tbespringfield or the temple’s website attbespringfield.org.
work educating New Englanders about climate change and environmental threats. She was also
recognized by state Sen. Jake Oliveira and Ashe for her environmental work,
From left: Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, who was named Democrat of the Year by the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee, and LDTC Chair Barbara Wenig.
AG: Constitutional vetting of ballot questions ‘has
By Alison Kuznitz State House News Service
BOSTON — After certifying a record 44 initiative petitions as eligible for the ballot last fall, Attorney General Andrea Campbell said on May 27 the vetting process should be reformed to enable her office to weigh in on whether the actual questions propose policies that are constitutional.
Campbell’s office greenlights questions based on criteria outlined in the Massachusetts Constitution, such as ensuring the initiative petitions don’t relate to religion, powers of the courts, appointment of judges or a specific appropriation from the state treasury. Proposed questions also cannot infringe on constitutional rights. But the AG told hundreds of business leaders that she thinks there’s a big gap within the Article 48 process.
“They designed a process that
actually doesn’t see if the question itself is constitutional before we send it to voters,” Campbell said at a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce forum at the Boston Marriott Long Wharf.
“Nowhere in our analysis and certifying the question do we have to ask is this constitutional … which is ridiculous,” Campbell said. “So, you have folks voting on something where the implementation of it could be unconstitutional parts of it. And how do you explain that to a voter who’s going and exercising their civil right to vote?”
During a radio appearance this month, Campbell called ballot question certification a “stupid process founded by some other people” that needs to be “revamped.”
Campbell did not reference specific ballot questions on May 27. But constitutional separation of power concerns have dogged
the voter-backed law allowing Auditor Diana DiZoglio to probe the Legislature, although lawmakers have not opted to seek an advisory opinion from the high court on that law’s constitutionality.
This election cycle, Campbell’s office recently had to backtrack its certification of an initiative petition that looked to overhaul the legislative stipends system. In an advisory opinion sought by lawmakers, the Supreme Judicial Court said the petition was improperly certified because it proposed a rule change rather than a law — and therefore overstepped the constitutional parameters of what ballot questions can do.
Other potential ballot questions are still awaiting SJC decisions, including whether Campbell’s office botched legally required summaries for petitions to slash the income tax rate and
to repeal the 2016 legalization of recreational marijuana. The high court is also deliberating whether a proposed all-party system crosses constitutional lines and if a rent stabilization measure improperly ties to religion.
Campbell asserted that some policy changes are constitutional while others are not, but said “never at the outset is that a part of our analysis of approving the question.”
“That has to change,” Campbell said. “So that when a voter gets a ballot question, there’s some type of analysis of the constitutionality of it at the outset, or it’s just done differently, so that when they vote for something, they know it will actually happen, and so they don’t feel as though they’re being shut out of the process or that their voice is not being heard.”
She did not describe how the process might specifically be changed.
Campbell used her chamber appearance to also spotlight her office’s 57 lawsuits against the Trump administration, as she recapped efforts to protect federal funding for public schools, transportation infrastructure, public safety and public health.
“The federal administration has threatened to take away $4 billion from the commonwealth — a gap that the state and Senator Spilka would say the same when she shows up in June — the state could never be able to
CHICOPEE
Gerald F. Forcier
Michael J. Gaunt
Alice M. Kovitch
Jeannine M. Martell
Leshia A. O’Neill-Wolcott
John C. Sullivan
Francis J. Stasiowski
John S. Strom Jr.
Chester P. Strzepa
EAST LONGMEADOW
Richard A. Caney
Sandra Quadrozzi
James John Zarlengo
HAMPDEN
Joan M. Butler
close that gap,” Campbell said. “My office has helped protect over $3 billion of that $4 billion threat.”
Spilka is slated to speak at the chamber’s government affairs forum on June 11.
Campbell also promoted her $500,000 Phone-Free Schools Support Grant, designed to help public schools, charter schools and educational collaboratives create more engaging learning environments without electronic distractions. She said the effort will mitigate online bullying and harassment, while also limiting children’s access to “addictive” social media platforms.
“Right now, some school districts in Massachusetts have phone-free school districts, like Ipswich where I was recently visiting, where you go in and the young people have to put their phones away throughout the school day and focus on learning,” Campbell said. “And we have educators focused only on teaching and not being cellphone police.” Grant applications are due June 5, with the grant expected to start on Sept. 1, according to Campbell’s office. Legislation implementing a statewide school cellphone ban is in conference committee.
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz@ stateaffairs.com.
HOLYOKE Theresa Asselin
Ann Marie Flynn
Mark S. Scagliarini
Leon B. Shippee Jr.
Carmen M. Zayas LONGMEADOW
Kenneth Norman Kinsley
Peter Richard Kranz
Joseph G. Maruca
Pauline L. Sample
Elizabeth A. Tyson
LUDLOW
Belmira N. Clemente
Wade E. Lamberton
Linda May Veratti
Karen A. Wytas
Helen J. Ziencina-Slicer (Sroka)
SOUTH HADLEY
Phyllis A. Babula
Noreen Klekotka
Jerome “Jerry” Myers
SPRINGFIELD
Mary C. Collins
Gwendolyn McNeill
Barbara J. Murphy
Allan Gordon Peck
Carter Lee Powell
George E. Sampson
Joseph T. Sanky
Cynthia M. Soja
Judith E. Vecchiarelli
Dwayne Yearby
FIELD HOCKEY
In a game played at Berte Field in Springfield on May 19, East Longmeadow defeated Minnechaug 10-6 to earn the WMass Class “A” Girls Lacrosse Championship.
Lillian Sergienko carries out of the Minnechaug end as Lucy Parsons of East Longmeadow defends.
East Longmeadow’s Avery Morgado gets defensive.
Sabina Mackechnie flips a shot on net.
Jane Pelletier, Sabina Mackechnie and Hannah Eddy (L-R) receive the championship plaque from Springfield Director of Athletics Dwayne Early.
As the game ends with a 10-6 win the Spartans celebrate their Western Mass. championship.
Aubrey Stachowicz watches her shot nestle into the net for a Minnechaug goal.
Mckenna Witwer scored 3 goals in East Longmeadow’s victory.
Victorious goalie Julia Gray is embraced by her joyful teammates.
Anna Taylor attacks the net and scores as the Falcons rally in the fourth quarter.
Sophia Korzub (L) from Minnechaug spins away from EL defender Gianna Byron as she attempts to score.
AGAWAM
Joseph J. Ronca, Pamela K. Ronca and Pamela K. McCarthy to Matthew Hubbard, 18-20
Kaylyn M. Reyome and Robert Reyome to Murathan Kayan, 138 Elmar Drive
Linda A. Longhi to Engin Akman and Tuba Akman, Regency Park Drive
Miguel A. Ortiz and Jacqueline Lugo-Ortiz to Jennifer L. Bixby, 190 Mill St.
Suzanne M. Graziano to Kaylyn M. Reyome and Robert Reyome, 19 Logan Place
EAST LONGMEADOW
Beth Anne Connor to Steven Connell Laberge and Nicole Connell, 18 Burt Ave.
Bretta Construction LLC, to Cassidy Tate Cunningham and Cassidy Cunningham, 350 Parker St.
Katelyn Manley to Adam Sliwak and Karen Sliwak, 172 Maple St.
LSS Holdings Three LLC, to Steven Shuback and Melanie Shuback, 109 Somers Road
Michelle Melanson, Michelle Magner and Dean Melanson to Marc Warbington and Megan Sylvia, Helen Cir.
LONGMEADOW
Irene P. Scheer to Tatiana Lovygina and Aleksei Bocharov, 64 Brookwood Drive
Kenneth R. Holt and William T. McCarry to Jillian Winniman and Jacob Winniman, 184 Cambridge Circle
Thomas F. Bernatavitz and Thomas C. Bernatavitz to Anil Bhatnagar, 53 Meadowlark Drive
SOUTHWICK
Kristen N. Livieratos and Kristen N. Kudlic to Michael Martin and Sandra Martin, 112 Sunnyside Road
$340,000
$110,000
$340,000
$490,000
$515,000
$370,000
$271,500 SPRINGFIELD
Alyson Marie Clark, Alyson M. Jarvis and Erikson Q. Leger Clark to Brenda Bartels, 38 Northway Drive
Angie Roman and Richard Rios to Ashley A. Vazquez, 52 Vadnais St.
Bangie Marrero and Carlos Clinton to Waynesha Martin, 25 Angelica Drive
Benjamin Devoie to Alberto Marconi and Jennifer Marconi, 447 Trafton Road
EAST LONGMEADOW
- THURSDAY, HOOK
DELIVERY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
131 Papers: Shawmut St., Mayfair St., Westminster St., Thompkins Ave., Partial-Gates Ave
64 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir.
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:
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.,
