Smith finishes 16 year career as ELPS superintendent
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow Public Schools is closing a nearly two-decade chapter at the end of June with the retirement of Superintendent Gordon Smith as it prepares for a new era under Dr. Joanne Menard.
Smith began his superintendency back in July 2010 and will retire on June 30.
The district hired Menard in January for a July start. She is currently assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for Holliston Public Schools.
Smith’s career didn’t start out in education, but in the New York City business world. He graduated from Vermont’s Middlebury College in 1988 and joined the Westvaco Corporation in Midtown Manhattan.
Smith said he was at a crossroads after a few years so he began taking education courses at Fairfield University, which led to some volunteer work at the local Boys and Girls Club and his enrollment at the University of Bridgeport. He stated, “the rest is history.”
“I got a masters in education and began my career in education,” Smith said. “I had always enjoyed coaching and working with children and students and so forth. There was always a little piece of me that said ‘maybe I should do that, maybe I should look into it.’ So I just said ‘all right, I have a job so I’m doing alright, but I can take night courses and see what it’s like,’ and I was hooked.”
Smith climbed his way up every rung of the educational ladder, working as a paraprofessional, a teacher, assistant principal at
IN THIS EDITION
EAST LONGMEADOW
Proposed Firestone construction sparks concern from residents
East Longmeadow residents are voicing concerns about a proposed Firestone Complete Auto Care on North Main Street and its potential effect on traffic, noise and small business success.
Page 4
East Longmeadow
July 4 celebrations are bigger than ever
both the middle and high school levels, a high school principal and eventually superintendent. He joined East Longmeadow High School as assistant principal in 2002, his first job after moving to Western Massachusetts, but left to become Ludlow High School’s principal in 2004. He said the one thing that moved him out of principalship
With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary this July, East Longmeadow is pulling out all the stops with one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations to date.
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LONGMEADOW
Select Board reorganizes, approves borrowing for projects
The Longmeadow Select Board made its first set of votes with new positions after approving over $70 million in short-term borrowing for four town projects through bond anticipation notes. Page 8
Above, East Longmeadow Public Schools Superintendent Gordon Smith marches in the 2024 East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade. At right: Smith’s final day is June 30.
Above: Reminder Publishing file photo Right photo credit:Gordon Smith
Submit your community listings online at thereminder.com/ submit-an-event/ or by emailing dhackett@ thereminder.com. Events are subject to review and 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.
Teen programs:
• Open Gameplay with VR — Tuesday, June 30 at 1 p.m. Teen Summer Crafternoons — Thursdays at 2:30 p.m.
• Summer Teen Spot — Fridays in July from 2-4 p.m. Children’s programs: Art Explorers: Making Wind Chimes — Wednesday, July 1, at 11 a.m. For ages 5-7.
LONGMEADOW
TOWN EVENTS
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: Youth Chess (for kindergarten and up) — Monday, June 29, 3:15-4:15 p.m.
• Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, June 30, 9:30-10:00 am
• Pathways for Parents: Newbies (ages birth to 18 months) — Tuesday, June 30, 10:4511:30 am
• Patient Planters: Plant Identification and Print Making — Tuesday, June 30, 3:30-4:30 pm This engaging three-part workshop series invites children ages 5–9 to explore the powerful connection between mindfulness, co-regulation, and the natural world.
• Lil Bug Club — Wednesday, July 1, 9:30-10 a.m. A fun playgroup for teethers and crawlers to bug out together Wednesdays from July 1 to Aug. 5.
• Collage a Canvas — Wednesday, July 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
was the chance to return to East Longmeadow.
“With what I was doing as a principal, I thought it was pretty successful and things were going well, but East Longmeadow was looking for a superintendent and I really enjoyed my time in the community,” Smith said. “I thought, ‘well if I’m gonna take a shot, this would be the position I want.’ That was in 2010 and it worked out, and I’ve been here ever since and really enjoyed it.
www.TheReminder.com
Create your own work of art on recycled canvases by collaging your own new pictures! Using magazines, paper and stickers, create a masterpiece. Garden Storytime — Thursday, July 2, 9:30-10 a.m. A lapsit storytime for children ages 12 to 24 months with their caregiver. Children will enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays and free play, with an emphasis on repetition and social interaction. This week the theme is Gardens.
Adult programs:
• VIRTUAL Celebrating America’s 250th: Common Soldier: Uncommon Hero with historian Bruce E. Mowday — Monday, June 22, 7-8 p.m. — Celebrating America’s 250th with the Ashland Public Library every Monday, June 22 - August 17 at 7 p.m.
• VIRTUAL: Play Along Ukulele from Home! — Monday, June 29, 7-8 p.m. — Join instructor, Julie Stepanek Murray, local ukulele instructor in a ukulele play along from the comfort of your own home every Monday!
• Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, June 30, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
It’s an incredible community.”
Smith said the best part of his job is the student, family and community interaction, stating “if that could be the entire day, that would be awesome, but there’s always paperwork and other things.”
He added that it takes a village to do an accomplished job and that all of the people in the district “have been phenomenal,” giving credit to the various School Committees he worked alongside.
“They just really have been collaborative and always willing to do the work,” Smith said.
• The Nature of Summer with Mass Audubon — Tuesday, June 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Learn the how and why of summer phenomena, as well as ways to explore and protect nature close to home. Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston — Wednesday, July 1, 1-2:30 p.m. Ages of Music History: Middle Ages — 20th Century
• LHS Presents: Taverns and the American Revolution with the Beer Historian — Wednesday, July 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. This presentation will explore the importance of taverns, inns, and ordinaries between 1620 and 1776, where radicals imbibed and plotted to change the world, and these gathering places took center stage as the American Revolution took shape.
• Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, July 2, 11:00am-12:00 pm
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-
“All school districts had some challenges, and that’s not always easy, and it does require work.”
Smith leaves superintendency with two lessons he cited as important for success in an education career — to be self-reflective and always have an open mind.
“Make sure that you’re reflecting on what you’ve done and what you may achieve or what challenges remain,” Smith said. “Be self-reflective so that you can correct and get better … have a growth mindset, be open to new ideas, open to new ways of doing things because it’s so easy to get comfortable and say, ‘this
565-4160 option 1. John Quincy Adams lecture — Monday, June 29, at 6 p.m. Jeff Denman, author of “John Quincy Adams, Reluctant Abolitionist” as well as other history books, will speak about John Quincy Adams
• The Presidency of Massachusetts native John F. Kennedy — June 30 at 6 p.m. Kennedy Historian Jim Bates will delve into the thousand days of the JFK Presidency.
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.
• Amazing Animals: Surviving Life in the Wild — Monday, June 29, from 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.
• Music of the Beatles — Monday, June 29, from 6-7 p.m.
• VIRTUAL: America’s 250th: Common Soldier, Uncommon Hero — Monday, June 29, from 7-8 p.m.
is the way we’ve always done it.’
One of the greatest things about education is every year you have new students, so ‘the way we’ve always done it’ may not be the best way for these new students.” Smith made sure to thank the community for being “welcoming, supportive and collaborative” during his career. He said “the biggest thing is thank you, I can’t really say that enough.” He added that he will focus on spending time with his family before looking ahead toward what’s next and where else he can “support, contribute and have some positive impact.”
EAST LONGMEADOW
Proposed
Firestone construction sparks concern from residents
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — East
Longmeadow residents are voicing concerns about a proposed Firestone Complete Auto Care on North Main Street and its potential effect on traffic, noise and small business success, with some residents citing existing traffic conditions as “dangerous” and a “big problem.”
The Firestone is proposed for 546 North Main St., formerly occupied by East Longmeadow Vegetable and Fruit Bin. Developers would demolish the existing building and redevelop the property into a 6,600-squarefoot Firestone.
Zaremba Group, the real-estate developer working alongside Firestone and its parent company, Bridgestone, submitted an application to the Planning Board for a site plan review on May 21. The Planning Board needs to grant the site plan review before the developers can apply for a
building permit.
Zaremba Group Senior Vice President of Construction and Development John Wojtila, DiPrete Engineering Civil Engineer Joseph Duhamel and Pare Corporation Managing Engineer Herman Peralta discussed the project’s plans before residents spoke at the Planning Board meeting on June 16.
Wojtila said the proposed building would be equipped with eight service bays in the back of the building and 30 parking spots throughout the lot.
Business hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Zaremba proposed a primary entrance and exit directly on North Main Street and a oneway exit onto Londergan Place connecting to North Main Street.
East Longmeadow Director of Planning Rob Watchilla recommends that the entire lot have one-way traffic flow from North Main Street to Londergan Place
to prevent backup or confusion and allow safer exits.
Pare Corporation’s April traffic assessment on the lot estimates that there will be about 26 total trips during the morning peak hours and 32 trips during the afternoon peak hours.
Trips are based on how many cars will be entering and exiting the lot and service is by appointment only with an average trip length of one hour.
Pare’s assessment states, “Based on the low volume of site-generated trips associated with this land use, the proposed facility is anticipated to have minimal impact on the surrounding roadway network.”
Pare also obtained the area’s crash data from the MassDOT Crash Portal for incidents between January 2018 through December 2022. The data shows six accidents during that time — three rear-end collisions and three single-car accidents. One of the incidents reported non-fatal injuries.
“We will comply with all the requirements, stormwater wise, utility wise,” Wojtila said. “We’d be reconstructing the sidewalk along North Main Street, an accessible route from the street to the building, increasing pedestrian access.”
Resident John Godwin began the public comment and said he lives close enough to the property to hear the noise and see the lights.
“It’s a particular concern to me,” Godwin said. “I don’t hear much information here about the traffic. Friendly’s is at the top of the hill. Any cars coming from Springfield, coming over that hill, if there’s somebody waiting to turn into the Firestone, there could be a significant problem.”
He said “what we are opposed to is the traffic and the noise, you can’t get out of [Lombard Avenue] now,” prompting applause from the audience. He added that there should be consideration for a traffic light at Lombard Avenue and North Main Street before this goes through.
“We are, as a resident, opposed to having an increase in traffic, that in my opinion is not only going to be bothersome, but it’s going to be dangerous,” Godwin said. “That’s my input on the matter.”
Resident Bernadette Bonner said she lives across from “this monstrosity” and that it would be directly next to her child’s window. She said that Firestone’s machinery is anywhere from 80100 decibels, which is within the limit of potential hearing loss over prolonged exposure.
She added that Chapter 363 of the town bylaws prevent heavy equipment on Sundays. Planning Board member Peter Punderson said that he doesn’t want it open on Sundays anyway.
Resident Robyn DiSanti voiced concerns about the current sidewalk safety for children and the lack of stoplights to direct traffic through the number of side streets and businesses surrounding the proposed Firestone. She said “now how do you get out
without almost getting hit with the people speeding down that street coming from Springfield?”
Resident Sara McGillicuddy said Roderick and Gerard Avenues are already dangerous because of cut-through travel to North Main Street, and that she is concerned of an increase to get to Firestone. She added concerns over Firestone employees using the streets to test-drive vehicles.
Resident Eugene Deykin said the town doesn’t need a big business and that the only way it brings the community together is by “getting everyone in this room today.”
He said he thinks it will hurt smaller mechanics, like Frank’s Auto Service next door, and that people can go to surrounding towns if they want Firestone.
Resident Mike Raschilla added that this Firestone “would kill Frank’s.”
“That’s all they do, this will put them out of business,” Raschilla said. “I don’t care what you think, this will put them out of business. Hopefully you took that into consideration, based on what I’m hearing, maybe you didn’t. Frank’s will go, they’re going to be right next to Frank’s, and the new business that bought [Bretta Automotive Repair], they’re not going to benefit from it either … I have nothing against Firestone, nothing against free enterprise. There’s other places in East Longmeadow they could have put this.”
Town Councilor Ralph Page said North Main Street has been under an engineering breakdown for two years and the traffic is horrible. He said construction to repair the Lombard Avenue to Dearborn Street section will begin in 2028, and then Dearborn to Westwood Avenue in the second phase.
Transportation Improvement Program Grant money funds the construction that includes new sidewalks, bike lanes, traffic lights and crosswalks.
“Once it’s all said and done, we’re hoping it’s going to really improve that,” Page said. “Everyone knows that lives in town, when you try to pull out of a side street at a certain hour, you’re better off making a righthand turn, going down, turning around and then coming back. It’s just that bad.”
The proposed Firestone’s public hearing continues at the Planning Board meeting on July 7 at 6 p.m.
LIONS PIN NEW KING — East Longmeadow Lions Club’s King Lion Susan Grimaldi pins new King Lion Joe Martin for 2026-2027, June 10 at Mario’s Cafe Ambiance. The Lions Club has been serving the community since 1943. For more information about the East Longmeadow Lions Club, please visit its Facebook page.
Zaremba Group’s layout for
Arbour earns Emerging Leader Award
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is proud to announce that Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA, Fraud, & Compliance, has been named the 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient by the Massachusetts Bankers Association.
The Massachusetts Bankers Association announced the 2026 recipients of its prestigious Women in Banking Achievement Awards at the recent Annual Women and Allies in Banking Conference, recognizing leaders who embody the values of vision, mentorship, and empowerment that elevate the entire industry. The Emerging Leader Award is bestowed upon one individual each year to honor a woman under 40 who is a rising star in her institution and demonstrates the qualities of a forward-thinking, driven leader.
“Heather’s career is a true testament to dedication, growth, and leadership,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “From her early days as a teller to her current role, Heather has been instrumental in strengthening our organization. Her leadership, expertise, and forward-thinking approach have had a profound impact across the Bank and in the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud of her and this well-deserved recognition.”
During her nearly 20-year tenure at Monson Savings Bank, Arbour has demonstrated a clear and consistent trajectory of advancement, taking on increasing levels of responsibility and leadership. In her current role, she oversees enterprise-wide BSA/ AML compliance, fraud prevention, and compliance program management, playing a critical role in protecting both the Bank and its customers.
Arbour has been instrumental in building and enhancing the bank’s fraud prevention programs, developing proactive risk-based frameworks that strengthen reporting, training and overall risk mitigation. She has also successfully led the implementation of enterprise-level fraud detection and AML
technologies, guiding complex, cross-functional initiatives that have significantly advanced the bank’s operational capabilities.
While accepting her award, Arbour shared:
“I’ve been fortunate to spend 19 years at Monson Savings Bank, an organization that has created a space for me to learn, grow, and lead. This recognition is not simply a reflection of individual achievement, but of the many people who have invested in me — mentors, colleagues, and role models who have shaped how I think about leadership: not as a title, but as a responsibility to support others, lead with integrity, and contribute to something larger than ourselves. Thank you again for this incredible honor.”
“Heather is a tremendous asset to our organization and a role model for so many of her colleagues,” said Dina Merwin, Monson Savings Bank Sr. Vice President and Chief Risk & Sr. Compliance Officer. “Her ability to lead with both technical expertise and genuine care for others sets her apart. She approaches every challenge with thoughtfulness, integrity, and a commitment to doing what’s
right, not only for the Bank, but for our customers and community. This recognition is incredibly well-deserved.”
Recognized as a trusted advisor, Arbour provides guidance to senior and executive leadership on evolving fraud trends, regulatory developments and risk management strategies. Her influence extends across the organization, where she serves as a mentor, role model and valued resource to colleagues.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Arbour is deeply committed to continuous learning and personal growth. She earned her associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working full time, achieved her Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist designation and recently completed the ABA Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Her dedication to lifelong learning reflects her commitment to expanding her knowledge and strengthening her leadership. Arbour’s impact extends be-
yond the bank and into the community. She actively volunteers with organizations including the Salvation Army, where she serves as co-treasurer, as well as local school initiatives and mentoring programs. She frequently volunteers in the communities and is also passionate about educating customers and community members on fraud prevention and cybersecurity awareness.
“Heather exemplifies what it means to be an emerging leader,” Moriarty added. “Her commitment to excellence, her passion for mentoring others, and her dedication to making a meaningful difference, both within our organization and throughout our communities, truly set her apart.”
Monson Savings Bank congratulates Heather Arbour on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to her continued leadership and positive impact for years to come.
To learn more about Monson Savings Bank, please visit: monsonsavings.bank/
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Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA, fraud and compliance of Monson Savings Bank, addressed the attendees of the Massachusetts Bankers Association Annual Women and Allies in Banking Conference after being announced as the recipient of the 2026 Emerging Leader Award.
Photo credit: David Fox Photography
Select Board reorganizes, approves borrowing for projects
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW
— The Longmeadow Select Board made its first set of votes with new positions after approving over $70 million in short-term borrowing for four town projects through bond anticipation notes.
The yearly Select Board reorganization kicked off the June 15 meeting with Chair Josh Levine nominating Select Board member Dan Zwirko to take on the role. Zwirko is entering his fifth year with the Select Board and Levine said he thinks the position will be a great fit for him.
Zwirko said “it’s been an honor to serve the community I grew up in” before being unanimously voted in as the new Select Board chair.
“I love Longmeadow and I think we all do as well,” Zwirko said. “We want to make sure that we continue to make Longmeadow a great place to work, live, raise a family and it’s quite an honor to be on this board.”
Town Treasurer Erica Brunell and Finance Director Ian Coddington were also present at the meeting to answer questions on the bond anticipation notes before the vote.
BANs are short-term debt that municipalities can use to fund projects before rolling
into long-term borrowing. The four projects under the BAN are the middle school construction at $60 million, $8 million for water main improvements, $1.92 million for sewer improvements and $1.5 million for water meters.
The town went out to bid for the $71.5 million BAN and received five bids on June 9, accepting BNY Mellon Capital Markets, LLC’s bid with a one-year borrowing, 4% interest rate, net interest cost of 2.71% and a $914,782 premium.
Select Board member Andrew Lam said he is more comfortable with the BAN after dis-
cussing it with Coddington. He said it gets the town to a point where it can the borrowing later, but that it’s important to acknowledge that the borrowing comes with some risk.
“We’re basically just paying interest on this and there’s no principle being paid,” Lam said. “It might work out in our favor, especially if interest rates go down when we make the major borrowing, but it’s also possible it could go the other way.”
Coddington said that financing traditionally comes first in the form of short-term borrowing during the construction phase of large projects.
“When we had [Longmeadow High School], when we had the DPW building, we did a similar thing,” Coddington said. “We borrowed short-term during the phase of construction and then ultimately borrowed within a long-term borrowing once construction was substantially complete. Nothing has changed here. [Lam] is correct that we do have some interest rate risk.
Coddington added that the financial advisors monitor rates throughout the entire process and that every long-term project has the ability to issue refinancing, which the town took advantage of for the high school.
“[Refinancing] saved us a pretty penny,” Coddington said. “It is something that ultimately does have risk in the short-term, and also the long-term, but it’s something that is monitored.” The Select Board unanimously approved six motions and expects the funds by June 22. The total amount back will be paid back with any accrued interest and the premium on June 22, 2027.
Residents can view the financial spreadsheets for the borrowing and read the exact votes in the Select Board’s June 15 agenda at longmeadowma.gov/ AgendaCenter/Select-Board-8.
Farmers Market props up local businesses through October
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Long-
meadow’s one-stop shop for local goods is officially back for the summer and remains through the fall, offering items from freshbaked bread to skin care products.
The Longmeadow Farmers Market kicked off the 2026 season on June 18 and will return every Thursday until Oct. 29 at the Longmeadow Shops, 690 Bliss Road, from noon to 6 p.m. Longmeadow Shops Marketing Consultant Melissa Pevay said the market began around 15 years ago when a local farmer asked if they could use the Shops’ parking lot once a week to sell goods.
“At that time, there weren’t as many farmers markets popping up as there are these days,” Pevay said. “Now it seems that all the towns in our Western Mass. community have a local farmers
LONGMEADOW — The Law
Offices of Alison Silber announces that the firm will close follow-
market, which is great. It’s just something fun to do with your family, it’s fresh food, it’s shopping local. We love all of that.”
Pevay said people love shopping at the market and that it has a loyal group of people visiting each week with a mix of new people sprinkled in.
The market offers two new vendors this year — Quarry Pond Farm and Bread by Cara. Pevay said she is excited to welcome both in.
Quarry Pond Farm is an East Longmeadow hobby farm. Shoppers can select from a wide range of the farm’s products, such as raw honey, beeswax candles, organic mineral tea, moisturizers, lip balm or goat milk soap made with honey and beeswax.
Bread by Cara, an Enfield, Connecticut, cottage bakery, specializes in sourdough and yeasted bread, with items like babkas, scones and challah.
Berry Knoll Gardens is a returning vendor and will be selling “all the veggies and items that every farmers market needs to have,” according to Pevay.
Speed and Sprocket Cycle Works, a Northampton mobile bike shop, will also be stopping in from time to time.
Pevay added that the Longmeadow Shops loves doing the farmers market and propping up local, small businesses.
“We’re all for people shopping local,” Pevay said. “Whether that’s at your small boutiques, whether that’s at your national retailers that employ local people. The same goes for our friends in the farming community, shopping local is good all around.”
Shoppers can keep tabs for different farmers market guests and future events on the Shops’ Instagram and Facebook, @thelongmeadowshops, or at thelongmeadowshops.com.
ing Attorney Alison Silber’s appointment to the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.
For more than a dozen years, Silber has dedicated her career to representing individuals and families throughout Western Massachusetts in divorce, custody, support and other family law matters. Her appointment to the bench reflects a distinguished legal career marked by professionalism, integrity and service to the community.
As Silber transitions to her new role, attorneys Katherine Coyne and Danielle Wehrli are pleased to announce the forma-
tion of Coyne Wehrli Family Law and Mediation, a new firm dedicated exclusively to family law and mediation.
Coyne and Wehrli have worked alongside Silber for many years and have extensive experience representing clients in all aspects of family law litigation and dispute resolution. Together, along with associate attorney Sara Sam-Njgou, they remained dedicated to serving families throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berk-
shire Counties. Coyne Wehrli Family Law and Mediation will continue to assist individuals and families with divorce, custody and parenting issues, child support, alimony, modifications, contempt actions, prenuptial agreements and mediation. The firm remains committed to providing thoughtful, practical and client-focused representation during some of life’s most challenging transitions.
Berry Knoll Garden’s booth at the Longmeadow Farmers Market. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
The Longmeadow Select Board unanimously approves short-term borrowing for town projects.
Photo credit: LongmeadowTV
Traffic impacts on the horizon in Wilbraham from projects
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — The town of Wilbraham is advising residents to expect and plan for “major traffic impacts” this summer due to intersection and sidewalk improvement projects at the Springfield Street and Stony Hill Road intersection.
The town released information detailing the project and its expected timeline on June 16.
Ludlow Construction and subcontractors begin the project on June 23 and will continue throughout the summer. The press release said “substantial completion” of the project is expected just before Labor Day on Aug. 28.
“Travel lanes will be closed
with alternating traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. throughout construction,” the town said in the press release. “Travelers should use alternate routes to avoid delays.”
The intersection and sidewalk improvements consist of widening the eastbound approach to improve the alignment and visibility of Springfield Street left-turn lanes, installing new concrete sidewalks along the north side of Springfield Street and upgrading the traffic signal to include dedicated turning signals and pedestrian crosswalk signals. The sidewalk extensions are from Town Hall to Stony Hill School.
Town Administrator Nick Breault told Reminder Publishing the project cost an estimat-
ed $1.4 million. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission granted the town $517,000 for the project through its Community Mitigation Fund, which supports communities and governmental entities in offsetting impact costs related to the construction and operation of gaming facilities.
Breault said in a waiver form to the commission that “the intersection has been identified in the environmental impact report prepared for the Massachusetts Gaming Commission as a direct route to [MGM Springfield], carrying at least 1% traffic increase … The support of the Community Mitigation Fund is crucial in assisting the town with the success of this project.”
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Complete Streets Program granted the town $500,000 for the project. The Complete Streets Program provides municipalities with “tools and financial support to address gaps in their local transportation networks,” according to the MassDOT website.
Taxpayers will cover the remainder of the project, as approved at the Annual Town Meeting on May 11.
Director of Public Works and Town Engineer Tonya Capparello thanked the Gaming Commission, MassDOT and Wilbraham taxpayers in the press release, stating “we are able to deliver meaningful upgrades that will improve traffic flow,
increase pedestrian safety and enhance accessibility for residents, students and visitors.”
She added that the new sidewalk extensions are “especially significant,” and that they will provide a safer route for pedestrians while “strengthening connectivity within our community.”
“I would also like to recognize the residents and property owners who will be affected by this project,” Capparello said. “They have been terrific to work with throughout the planning process, and their cooperation, patience and constructive feedback have helped us move this project forward.”
Residents can visit wilbraham-ma.gov for project updates as they are posted.
Wilbraham resident honored at Commonwealth Pride Awards
BOSTON — State Rep. Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. is proud to announce that his nominee, Christine Judd of Wilbraham, was honored as part of the Commonwealth Pride Awards: LGBTQ+ Excellence on the Hill at the Massachusetts State House.
Hosted annually by the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus, the Commonwealth Pride Awards recognize exceptional LGBTQ+ individuals nominated by members of the Massachusetts Legislature for their leadership, service, and contributions to their communities. The awards celebrate individuals whose dedication and advocacy have made a meaningful impact across the Commonwealth.
Puppolo nominated Judd in recognition of her outstanding commitment to public service and her tireless efforts to support some of the region’s most vulnerable populations. As director of government affairs for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, she has helped advance initiatives focused on reentry, rehabilitation, and community-based support services, working to create opportunities for individuals seeking a second chance and strengthening partnerships throughout the community.
Before joining the Sheriff’s Office, Judd spent more than a decade with Roca, Inc., where she became a respected leader in violence prevention and reentry programming. Her work support-
ing high-risk young adults and young mothers has helped transform lives while fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies, courts, probation departments, educational institutions, and community organizations across Hampden County.
“Christine embodies the very best of public service and community leadership,” said Puppolo. “Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to helping others overcome obstacles, build brighter futures, and realize their full potential. Her compassion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to serving others has changed countless lives and made our communities safer and stronger. I was proud to nominate Christine for this recognition and cannot think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Judd is a devoted wife to her partner of 16 years, Jill, and a proud mother to their children, Griffin and Emerson. Her dedication to family, service and community serves as an inspiration to those around her.
Following the award ceremony, Puppolo presented Judd with an official House Citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives in recognition of her outstanding service, leadership and selection as a recipient of the Commonwealth Pride Award: LGBTQ+ Excellence on the Hill. He also presented her with a commemorative
Representative Puppolo presents an official Massachusetts House of Representatives Citation to Commonwealth Pride Awardee and constituent Christine Judd. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Sheriff’s Dept. participates in Flag Sojourn 250
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — An American flag that is making its way through every state and territory in the country and every military cemetery abroad came to Springfield on June 16. The flag’s journey, officially dubbed Flag Sojourn 250, is designed to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday.
Flag Sojourn 250, an initiative from the National Flag Foundation and America250’s America Waves program, has been made possible by the participation of sheriffs’ departments around the country, with the flag being handed off from one department to the next. The flag will end its tour in Washington, D.C. on July 4.
An honor guard from the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department solemnly marched toward Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Stephen Rose and Lt. Damian Cherry. Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kenny Sheehan clutched the folded flag to his chest as he approached. After receiving a salute from his Hampden County counterpart, Sheehan passed the flag to Rose, who held the flag against his own chest.
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by “The Star-Spangled Banner,” sung by Dawn Bourbeau, who the sheriff’s department referred to as the “executive songbird.” The sheriff then spoke about
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD — A beloved Springfield summer tradition will return this July as Trinity United Methodist Church resumes its historic Summer Carillon Concert Series after several years on hiatus.
The free weekly concerts will take place each Thursday evening in July at 7 p.m. on the grounds of Trinity United Methodist Church at 361 Sumner Ave. Community members are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, picnic dinners
the flag as a symbol of unity in” times of tumult and strife.
“Our flag tells a story. It is not one single piece of cloth. It is made of individual stars and stripes stitched together to create something greater than any one part,” Cocchi said. “In many ways America is the same. We are people from different backgrounds, different cultures, different traditions and different walks of life... Yet we are bound together by common values and a shared love of country. Just as every stitch helps hold the flag together, every citizen helps strengthen the nation.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno stepped up to the microphone. He praised Cocchi for being community-oriented and he said Springfield Armory Superintendent Kelly Fellner had “put the armory on the map.”
Echoing Cocchi’s remarks, Sarno said, “That’s what America is about, a melting pot.” He added that he wished people would stop fighting and embrace their differences.
The mayor said the flag stands for veterans, many of whom have gone on to work in public safety.
“It’s because of them that America is still the greatest country in the world,” Sarno said.
Fellner remarked that she sees the flag on top of the Springfield Armory every day when she goes to work and is inspired. She said the flag’s blue field stands for perseverance, the red stripes for valor and the white stripes and
and non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy an evening of music performed on one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks.
The concert series was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic but is now returning as Trinity’s nearly century-old carillon once again fills the neighborhood with music.
“Following a hiatus due to the COVID pandemic, summer Carillon concerts at Trinity are resuming,” said Dr. Bruce Glenny, the church’s director of music ministries. “With bells weighing up to 8,000 pounds, our nearly 100-year-old carillon
stars represent liberty.
Fellner shared the history of the armory as an arsenal during the American Revolution and a key point midway between Boston and New York. The armory was used in every military campaign until it was closed in 1968.
After the ceremony, Cocchi told Reminder Publishing that he and other sheriffs around the country wanted to participate in the flag’s pilgrimage because of what it represents.
“It’s all symbolic. Watch the news today, flip from CNN to Fox. It’s not good. The rhetoric — we’re better than this,” Coc-
will again ring on each Thursday evening in July.”
Food trucks will begin serving at 6 p.m. before each performance, while the church will provide complimentary water and desserts.
This year’s lineup features a roster of nationally and internationally recognized carillonneurs. The series opens July 2 with Ellen Dickinson, university carillonneur at Yale University and Trinity College Hartford. Margaret Angelini, college carillonneur at Wellesley College, will perform July 9. Jeremy Ng, a recent Yale graduate who stud-
chi said. “We want to be part of bringing the country back to... respect and embrace differences and understand we are all Americans and we fight for the same cause — our safety, our prosperity, but you also have to have in there kindness and love. And if that message can come from law enforcement officials, who also have responsibility of care and custody of offenders, I don’t know what better group to send it from.” Cocchi continued, “We will serve and protect the public, which satisfies a lot of the right philosophy, but we also reha-
bilitate and give people second chances and opportunities to be their best selves, and that satisfies some of the left ideology. As sheriff, you can’t be Democrat of Republican. It doesn’t matter what political affiliation you have when you come in our doors. We have an obligation to take somebody at their worst time and bring them out on a path of bettering themselves, to bring them back to the community and be more law-abiding and productive citizens. And that’s our goal.” He said, “We are proud of our country, and I think all of us serve with honor every single day.”
ied carillon performance in Belgium, is scheduled for July 16. Jennifer Hermann, a Boston-area attorney and freelance carillonneur, will perform July 23, followed by Philadelphia-based carillonneur and music arranger Paul Stelben on July 30.
Trinity’s carillon has been a prominent feature of Springfield’s cultural landscape for nearly a century. The instrument was donated by businessman and philanthropist Horace A. Moses, who envisioned it as a gift for the entire community rather than solely for the church.
The instrument was dedi -
cated on Sept. 11, 1928, and was cast by the renowned British foundry Taylor. Today, the carillon consists of 48 bells and includes a matching practice console.
The instrument underwent a major restoration in 2024 by Meeks, Watson & Company LLC. The 2026 concert season serves as an early celebration leading up to the carillon’s 100th anniversary in 2028.
“The carillon has been part of Springfield’s soundscape for nearly a century,” Glenny said. “We are delighted to once again share its music with the city.”
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Springfield Armory Superintendent Kelly Fellner watch as Hampden County Sheriff’s Department Captain Stephen Rose takes a folded American flag from Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Kenny Sheehan during the Flag Sojourn 250 ceremony.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
FEST — It may have been a hot summer day on June 12, but at
also
also live music and
City Council, organizers support free buses, but youth are split
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council passed a resolution supporting fare-free buses with a vote of 10-0 at its June 15 meeting, overwhelmingly rejecting Mayor Domenic Sarno’s June 2 call for an end to the program, a statement he has walked back in the two weeks since.
Sarno’s comments were in reaction to an incident at Union Station on June 1, in which an estimated 50 to 70 young people gathered and violence broke out. There were eight arrests in the next 24 hours at the site. Sarno, who witnessed the incident, saw free transportation as the cause of so many people gathering at the station. At a press conference the next day, he said, “This free bus has got to go.”
At the June 15 meeting, however, Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila declared, “Fare-free buses are here to stay.” He said safety is a serious concern, and that the Springfield Police Department should have officers permanently stationed at Union Station, rather than rotating police through the transportation
hub. He acknowledged that the department is “stretched thin.”
At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh pointed out that the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department had personnel deployed at the station before the state cut funding.
Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan refuted the idea that farefree buses are the source of violence at Union Station. “Farefree transportation is not a safety issue,” she said. Rather, she said the problem was, “Young people don’t know how to act.” She said the city needs to identify a way to limit violence among youth.
Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce commented, “There should be accountability on who rides the buses.” Many of the residents he spoke with are concerned about violence at Union Station, and he said young people are not the only perpetrators.
Backtracking on the idea of eliminating free buses, Sarno has since called for a mechanism to track who is riding the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses, such as a voucher or swipe card.
Rather than blaming the issue of violence on youth taking free buses, Transportation for Massachusetts Executive Director Reg-
Community Legal Aid receives $200K to battle housing discrimination
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Seven Massachusetts organizations that work to expand access to fair housing protections recently received funding from the first round of the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Fair Housing Trust Fund awards. One of those organizations, Community Legal Aid, received $200,000.
Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents. The organization serves people from Worcester County to the New York state border. The organization has six main offices, including ones in Springfield, Northampton and Greenfield, and two satellite offices, one of which is in Holyoke. While legal aid is needed in every community, Gabriel Fonseca, senior supervising attorney for the Fair Housing Project, said the greatest number of cases come from Springfield and Worcester.
Aside from housing, Community Legal Aid provides legal help with elder law, family law and domestic abuse, education law, veterans services, education and reentry after incarceration.
The state funding, which is administered through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, will allow Community Legal Aid to “continue enforcing housing law,” said Fonseca. The organization sees cases based on a variety of housing issues, including racial harassment, refusal to rent due to family status, lead paint removal and disability discrimination. Housing discrimination can also be based on religious
creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, veteran status and source of income.
“The landscape of housing funding is in flux,” Fonseca said. “At the federal level, what we’ve seen in that funding for fair housing is under threat.” While no direct grants have been pulled, he said that the organization has been made aware that at least one pass-through grant, awarded to the state and then distributed to organizations, is no longer available. Community Legal Aid is completely funded through grants and donations, so shrinking funding sources is a major concern for it.
“Massachusetts is hustling to build more homes in every region, but we need to also make sure that every resident has a fair chance to access it,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. “At a time when the Trump Administration is stepping back from fair housing enforcement, Massachusetts is stepping up to protect residents from discrimination and expand access to housing. These first Fair Housing Trust Fund awards will help organizations across our state continue the important work of making housing more fair, accessible and equitable for everyone.”
To learn more about Community Legal Aid, call 855252-5342 or visit communitylegal.org.
gie Ramos said, “They need to investigate the core problem.”
Jacqueline Velez, who is a Springfield resident and board member of T4MA, said comments about eliminating fare-free buses is “dangerous rhetoric.” She said people are already burdened with the cost of rent, which she said is as much as 50% of some people’s income. “There’s also people being food insecure,” she said. Considering federal cuts to health care and other programs, she said keeping fare-free buses is “the least they can do.”
Ramos said fare-free buses save people an average of $230 per year. “Fare-free connects people to opportunities and youth to school,” she said. She said people rely on it to access doctor’s appointments, jobs and young people can more easily participate in sports. Velez said members of her family do not own cars and without buses, would need to rely on rides from others.
“This is an equity issue,” Ramos said, noting that 55% of PVTA ridership are low-income.
Velez added, “The jobs here don’t pay very much.” She said eliminating the fare-free buses “feels like a punishment, for
sure.” Referring to a recent move by state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, Velez said, “Gonzalez riding the bus and talking to people is what the mayor should have done.” Ramos said there has been a “huge return on investment.” She said Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority found it was more expensive to collect fares than to provide free buses. She also said that fare-free buses increase driver safety because altercations between drivers and riders are higher when collecting fares.
Meanwhile, Ramos said the idea of tracking who is using the bus is “grossly inequitable” and “potentially discriminatory.” She also said that it would put a burden on the PVTA. “Their job is to connect people and get them where they need to be. That’s it,” she said.
Ultimately, Ramos said the city does not have the power to eliminate fare-free buses because it was a part of the state budget.
While the City Council and organizers are adamant that buses should remain free, the city’s teens and young adults are split on the issue. Karah Wray, who is in her early 20s, was recently at Union Station. She said, “I don’t
think they should stop the free rides. I’m not rich. It’s not our fault the delinquents don’t know how to act. The freeness is saving my life,” she said. Wray’s 22-year-old friend Monaisha Crapps disagreed. “I think it’s so ghetto ... all the kids fighting, smoking. I think all the kids should be banned from the bus,” she said, adding that that behavior was not a problem when she was a teen. If a ban is not implemented, she said she would be in favor of parental supervision for 13- to 18-year-olds on the bus. Wray agreed on the idea of adult supervision.
However, 17-year-old Kenyon McCollum II had a different opinion. He uses the PVTA to get to night classes.
“At the end of the day, certain people are going to treat Union as a hangout,” he said. Ending farefree buses would mean “you’re taking transportation from thousands of people.” He liked the idea of a card or pass and said people who have been banned from the station could be kept off the bus.
Reminder Publishing reached out to the PVTA for comment but did not hear back by press time.
BREW
the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, 33 Progress Ave. in Springfield, local breweries were serving up cold beers. Club patrons sampled beer from Vanished Valley Brewing, Sole Syndicate, Oakholm Brewing Company, Craft Massachusetts, Rustic Brewing Company and Skyline Beer Company. There was
whiskey, gin and vodka from Dingle Distillery, made in County Kerry, Ireland. For those who worked up an appetite, the Broken Wolf’s Backyard BBQ food truck was on site. There was
raffle prizes.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — With the United States celebrating its 250th anniversary this July, East Longmeadow is pulling out all the stops with one of its biggest Fourth of July celebrations to date. On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” East Longmeadow Rotary Club and 250th Committee members Donna Prather and Adele Hill joined Tyler Garnet and myself to talk all about East Longmeadow’s Fourth of July and 250th anniversary celebrations, dubbed “Celebrating America 250th in 01028 in the USA”.
Hill said people can look forward to “lots of stuff” as a part of the celebration and said it was a group effort with organizations in town.
“Celebrate 250th in East Longmeadow started off as sort of an idea with different groups from the Recreation Department, Rotary Club, as well as the town manager’s office, and it has evolved into this huge amount of coordination for a bunch of different events starting on June 26,” she said.
Hill added that Center Field will serve as the main stage for the events kicking off on June 26, which includes live music and a beer garden put together by East Village Tavern. Beginning on June 26, there will be a car show from 5-7 p.m. with a performance from Just Go With It; on June 27, there will be lawn games, Trivia with Rich and the town’s first ceremonial bonfire, along with live music from Project 267; there will be a cornhole tournament from 3-7 p.m. along with a performance from Aquanett; and on June 29 the Rotary Club will be offering free meals for veterans followed by a performance from Now That’s 90’s. There will also be food available for purchase every night.
Following the additional four days of events this year, the annual carnival kicks off on June 30 at Center Field, which runs every day through July 4. There will also be live music at the carnival each night starting with Masshats on June 30, Trailer Trash on July 1, the Black Cadillacs on July 2 and 7Roads Band on July 3. Also, on July 3 at Mapleshade Elementary School, Trailer Trash will perform again before the laser light show, which is scheduled for 9 p.m. All the concerts will take place at 7 p.m., and the carnival will run each day from 6-10 p.m. On July 4, the parade steps off at 10 a.m. from St. Michael’s Church and will continue along the traditional route from Maple Street to North Main Street to Maplewood Street to Elm Street, while the carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day. It’s Pat Again will play the last con-
cert that night.
Hill said a new addition to the parade this year is a sensory spot.
“Which will be Elmcrest, which is just at the end of the parade route before the parade route ends at Hanward Hill,” she said.
“The DPW and police, we’re going to set it up so that we have the area cornered off and families can have one-sided parking on that street so they can park close so those with issues with loud noises, loud sounds or loud colors, and lights and such have a more quiet area to actually enjoy the parade.”
Along with the events throughout the week, the club and Historical Commission are still accepting submissions for the time capsule until June 27. There are donation boxes available in town buildings. Hill also highlighted the first business that submitted for the capsule.
“If you look on Facebook, Jeanie’s Weenies gave a hat, so that was actually the first thing donated,” she said.
Hill also said the laser light show, which has replaced the traditional fireworks because of the construction of the new high school, has been a huge success.
“We are guessing we had thousands of people for the laser light show because everybody else in the area canceled their fireworks because they couldn’t set them off,” she said.
Prather said the new location at Mapleshade was also a success.
“We got a lot of great feedback also about the location of it because of the way it was set up on the field and people were able to walk to it,” she said.
Hill said that putting all the events together is a community effort.
“It’s great to have so many planners from the town, town officials, as well as with the Rec. Department and Rotarians who have all come together to help plan these different events,” Hill said.
“For the July 4 parade, we have a lot of community members who come out and help.”
Prather added that the volunteers are a huge part of organizing the events.
“It’s huge, it goes from word of mouth to someone out there hanging a banner, or setting up chairs for an event, we have high school students that help us, this wouldn’t happen without volunteers, both monetarily and sweat equity,” she
said. “It’s enormous how many people come out and help.”
Prather said she was most looking forward to people coming out and having fun.
“It’s really about seeing people happy and having a good time; there’s enough to worry about going on in the world right now so let’s just have some fun,” she said.
The following communities also have plenty of events in store for the holiday and anniversary:
• Chicopee is celebrating America’s 250th birthday from 4-10 p.m. at Szot Park on Friday, June 26. Fireworks will take place on Saturday, June 27, with a rain date of Sunday, June 28, at Szot Park.
• Holyoke’s July 4 fireworks celebration will take place at Holyoke Community College on Friday, June 26, and a rain date is scheduled for Saturday, June 27. The event begins at 6 p.m. There will be food, music and family-friendly activities before the fireworks display at dusk. On Saturday June 27, the Thunder in the Valley Concert & Fireworks Festival returns. The
event is ran by nonprofit Unbroken Wings Inc and the proceeds for the event go to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital. It is a full day event featuring live bands, food trucks, family-friendly games and activities and a fireworks show to end the night.
• The annual South Hadley fireworks celebration will occur on Friday, July 3, at 5 p.m., with the fireworks commencing at 9:30 p.m. at the Michael E. Smith Middle School. A potential rain date is scheduled for Sunday, July 5. The evening will include food trucks, vendors, rides and games for kids. There will be a DJ in the parking lot, and the South Hadley Community Band will start to play at 8 p.m.
• Westfield will be home to the annual Wyben Fourth of July Parade, which starts at 5 p.m. on
July 4 at the corner of North and Montgomery roads. Westfield will also have a fireworks display at Westfield Middle School on July 2 at 9:15 p.m.
• Star Spangled Springfield returns on July 4 from 6-10 p.m. with fireworks to be displayed from the Memorial Bridge. Enfield will host its Fourth of July Town Celebration from July 10-12. There will be a 5K at 9 a.m. and parade at 11 a.m. on July 11 along with a car show on July 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Beginning on July 10, there will be live music and family events throughout the weekend.
To listen to the full episode, head to thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
East Longmeadow Rotary Club and 250th Committee members Donna Prather and Adele Hill joined Tyler Garnet and Dennis Hackett on the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me.”
Reminder Publishing photo by Chris Maza
Local students earn academic honors, achievements
This spring, many local students received academic awards from being named to the dean’s list or receiving their degrees. Their names, achievements and schools are listed below.
American International College dean’s list
American International College is proud to announce that the following local students have earned a place on the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 semester. These full-time students have attained GPAs ranging from 3.3 to 4.0. AIC applauds the dedication and achievements of these enterprising students. The following local students were named to the list: Jordan Wainwright, Jameson Beaty, Chase Pham, Michelle Ryan and Theodore Truoiolo of
East Longmeadow; Maria Albano, Brian Beliveau, Charles Calvanese and Connor Montagna of Longmeadow; and Chelsea Foulis, Alex Garete and Melissa Larochelle of Wilbraham.
Emmanuel College graduates Emmanuel College awarded more than 380 degrees to the Class of 2026 at the College’s 104th Commencement on May 9. The following local students received degrees: Grace MacMillan of Longmeadow received a Bachelor of Arts Double Major: Marketing and Management Magna Cum Laude; Julia Paquette of Longmeadow received a Bachelor of Arts Psychology — Counseling & Health Psychology Magna Cum Laude; Vivian Tsitso of Longmead-
ow received a Bachelor of Arts Criminology & Criminal Justice Magna Cum Laude; and Kaleigh Harris of East Longmeadow received a Bachelor of Science Double Major: Neuroscience and Psychology — Developmental Psychology.
Hamilton College graduate Lily Spencer, of Longmeadow, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College on Sunday, May 24, in a Commencement ceremony concluding the college’s 2025-26 academic year. Spencer majored in economics at Hamilton.
Alexa Patrakis Honored by Hartwick College
Alexa Patrakis of Wilbraham was recognized as an Andrew
B. Saxton Undergraduate Fellow in Biology during Honors Convocation on April 29. Fellows are selected by faculty in each department to honor outstanding achievement in their respective fields. They serve as student assistants within their major department and receive a tuition credit.
Hofstra University Dean’s List Mary Heinold of Wilbraham excelled during the spring 2026 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Heinold’s major is criminology.
Local Saint Anselm College students inducted into Pi Gamma Mu Local Saint Anselm College stu-
dents John Fitzpatrick of East Longmeadow and Matthew Tillberry of Wilbraham have been inducted into the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Sciences for the 20252026 academic year. Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent interdisciplinary social science honor society. Founded in 1924, its goal is to encourage and promote excellence in the social sciences while upholding scholarship, leadership and service. Pi Gamma Mu serves the various social science disciplines that seek to understand and explain human behavior, social relationships, and their related problems and issues. There are around 150 active chapters of Pi Gamma Mu in the United States and abroad.
Hello Summer
More Than Bikes Around Town
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
For many residents of the Pioneer Valley, ValleyBike is a familiar sight: rows of bright bicycles parked and waiting for their next rider.
But for the people behind the system, ValleyBike represents something larger than a ride across town. It is part of a long-term effort to expand transportation options, reduce dependence on cars and connect communities throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties.
“ValleyBike Share solves several problems for the area’s residents, but primarily, we are proud to be an accessible, affordable, and convenient transportation option for the Pioneer Valley community,” said Liat Perlman, specialist for community and partner engagement for Drop Mobility, the company that operates the system.
ValleyBike’s electric pedal-assist bicycles serve residents, workers, students and visitors throughout the region. The goal, Perlman said, is to provide an alternative transportation option for people who may not own a vehicle, want to reduce their environmental impact or simply want a more active way to travel.
“We aim to be an alternative and active transportation option for those who may not have a car, want to reduce their carbon foot-
print, or want to add some fun activity to their daily commute,” Perlman said.
ValleyBike operates across a network of smaller municipalities and college campuses spread throughout the Pioneer Valley. Despite the different geography, usage patterns remain surprisingly consistent.
“Bikeshare provides transportation regardless of the geography,” Perlman said. “The average trip length is around 1.5 miles, and almost all trips end in a different location from where they started, indicating real transportation.”
In the Pioneer Valley, riders also have the ability to travel between municipalities, something that distinguishes the system from many urban bike-share networks.
Since relaunching in 2024 under Drop Mobility’s management, ValleyBike has recorded more than 60,000 rides and served over 12,000 unique users. More than 1,300 riders have purchased equity memberships, which cost just $4 per month for income-qualified residents.
Perhaps more telling, she added, is the fact that ridership continues throughout the year.
“As the system operates year-round, we see riders taking advantage of ValleyBike even on the coldest days, indicating that residents in the area truly rely on the system for daily transportation,” Perlman said.
The system’s impact is particularly visible in Springfield, where ValleyBike has become another transportation option for residents navigating the city’s neighborhoods.
Andrew Strniste, Springfield’s director of community planning, said the network has created opportunities for residents who may not own a vehicle or have reliable access to public transportation.
“ValleyBike has opened opportunities for Springfield residents who may not own a car or have reliable public transit by allowing users to move throughout the western part of the city through the various neighborhoods, from Sumner Avenue in Forest Park to Baystate Medical in the North End to AIC in Mason Square,” Strniste said.
With approximately 20 stations throughout Springfield, the system provides another way for residents to travel within the city.
“One notable observation is that one of
Submitted
ValleyBike bicycles await riders near Springfield’s Forest Park Middle School.
ValleyBike Share
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the stations that is in high demand is Union Station, both as a beginning destination and ending destination,” he said. “This reinforces the idea that Union Station is serving as a successful multi-modal transportation destination in the city.”
Other heavily used stations include those near the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Mill Street and Belmont Avenue, and Mercy Hospital. According to Strniste, the popularity of those locations suggests the bike share system is helping residents access jobs, services and attractions throughout Springfield.
“The new bikes that are being used in Springfield are lighter, more modern, pedal-assist e-bikes, which makes for a smoother and easier ride for the user,” he said. “We hope these equipment upgrades, combined with surrounding communities continuing to grow the network, will allow users of the bike share program to move more easily in and out of Springfield and throughout the region.”
Still, creating a truly car-light lifestyle in Western Massachusetts remains a challenge.
Perlman pointed to several obstacles, including long distances between communities, inconsistent bicycle infrastructure, limited public transit options and the region’s weather.
“Some of the challenges this region faces in terms of car-light living include weather, additional bike parking needs around apartment complexes, distance between towns, gaps of public transportation in the Hilltowns, inconsistent biking infrastructure between municipalities, and insufficient bus routes,” Perlman said.
The system’s continued growth has depended on partnerships among municipalities, colleges and regional organizations.
“Partnerships from all participating municipalities have been crucial to the success and expansion of the ValleyBike Share system, as well as with universities in the area, such as UMass Amherst,” Perlman said.
Recent grant funding has also provided a major boost. ValleyBike received a $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to expand access for equity members and support operations.
Another $1.5 million grant from the Massachusetts Department of
Transportation will fund additional electric bicycles and help cover operating expenses.
Looking ahead, ValleyBike leaders envision both deeper service within existing communities and expansion into new ones.
“In the short term, our vision is to increase the number of stations within the existing communities and expand the number of equity pass users,” Perlman said. “Our long-term vision is to launch into new adjacent communities and install more stations, making the system even more useful for daily commuting and recreation.”
For Drop Mobility Chief Operating Officer Dipesh Dar, the mission extends beyond transportation itself.
“Programs like ValleyBike are about more than just transportation; they’re about creating more connected, accessible, and vibrant
communities,” Dar said.
“We’re excited to expand this system and continue to provide the Pioneer Valley community with a sustainable way to move around the region.”
Summer Concert schedule
Chicopee
Aldenville Summer Concerts
Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Aldenville Commons on Grattan Street.
Wednesday, July 1 — Axis
Tuesday, July 7 — Brad Shepard
Tuesday, July 14— Jimmy Mazz
Tuesday, July 21 —
Ken Morr Band
Wednesday, July 22 — Dave Colucci Show
Tuesday, July 28 —Richie Mitnik, Ethel Lee and Joe Saimeri
Tuesday, Aug. 5 — Union Jack British Invasion Band
Wednesday, Aug. 5 — Nice Shirt Band
Tuesday, Aug. 11 — The ‘60s Experience
East Longmeadow
Rotary Concert Series
Free concerts at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Mapleshade Elementary School, 175 Mapleshade Ave. Concession stand will open at 6 p.m.
July 3 — Trailer Trash and laser light show
July 8 — Union Jack British Invasion Band
July 15 — 7 Roads
July 22 — Brass Attack
July 29 — The ‘60s Experience
Aug. 5 — Above the Treeline
Aug. 12 — Pride Falls
Aug. 19 — Rain date, if needed
South Hadley
Village Commons
Summer Concert Series
Free concerts at the Town Common, Thursdays from 6:30-8 p.m. Rain date is the following Sunday.
July 2 — Sound Bridges
July 9 — The Berkshires
July 16 — The Willies
July 23 — Blue Devil Bluez ‘rocknsoul”
July 30 — Union Jack British Invasion Band
Aug. 6 — Cotonwood
Aug. 13 — Midlife Crisis Band
Aug. 20 — Jimmy Mazz
Aug. 27 — Berkshire Hills
Music Academy
Buttery Brook Summer Concert Series
Friday night concerts at the Bandshell in Buttery Brook Park, 123 Willamansett St. Concerts begin at 5 p.m. Food and beverages available; no outside alcohol. No dogs per park rules. For more info, visit facebook.com/butterybrookpark.
June 26 — Mid-Life Crisis
July 10 — Next J. E. N. Band
July 17 — King Kountry
July 24 — Cottonwood
July 31 — Lindsey LaBe
Aug. 7 — Blue Devil Bluez
Aug. 14 — Acousticca
Aug. 21 — Dr. C and the Feel Goods
Aug. 28 — The Berkshires
Sept. 4 — Moos & the High Tops
Sept. 11 — Full Circle
Springfield
Forest Park Summer Concert Series
Free Thursday night concerts in the Forest Park Amphitheater. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. Attendees can enter Forest Park through the Sumner Avenue or the Route 5 entrances for free after 5 p.m. In case of rain, concerts will be moved to the Carriage House tent.
July 9 — Dee Reilly
(Carriage House)
July 30 — Petty Larceny Band
Aug. 6 — Skynard Hatchet
Aug. 13 — Zac N Freid
Aug. 20 — Jake Manzi Band
Aug. 27 — Unforgettable Fire
Sept. 3 — Bennie and the Jets
Sept. 11 — Floyd Patterson Band
MGM Free Music Fridays
Live outdoor music at the MGM Springfield Plaza every Friday through Oct 23, from 7:30-9 p.m. Plaza opens at 6 p.m. Beverages at the casino’s two outdoor bars or White Lion Brewery’s outpost, food at an on-site restaurant or one of the weekly local food trucks.
June 25 — Billy and the Jets
July 3 — Heartlands
July 10 — Blizzard of OZ
July 17 — Simply the Bess
July 24 — Malado
July 31 — Raquel & Su
Aug. 7 — Back in Black
Aug. 14 — The Warped Band
Aug. 21— Below Deck-
Aug. 28 — E Street Shuffle
Sept. 4 — Moondance
Sept. 11 — Aquanett
Oct. 9 — Cathedral
Oct. 16 — Dookie
Oct. 23 — Johnny Six Gun
The Landing Summer Concert Series
Located adjacent to the Springfield Convention Center Carpark and MassMutual Center, every Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Food trucks, drinks and lawn games.
July 2 — Carol Devine & The Mighty Fine
July 9 — Jarreau Pitts
July 16 — Now That’s ‘90s
July 23 — La Era Del Mambo
July 30 — Trailer Trash
Aug. 6 — Tafari
Aug. 13 — Brass Attack
Aug. 20 — Whiskey Traveler
Aug. 27 — Deep River Ramblers
Wilbraham
Fountain Park Concert Series
Located at 883 Tinkham Road in Wilbraham. Concerts take place at 6:30 p.m. on the lawn. Concerts are free; $5 parking donation per car unless you have a season pass. The concert lineup had not been completed by press time. Visit explorefountainpark.com/eventslist/2026-summer-concert-2 for updated information.
For a complete list of summer concerts in the area, visit thereminder.com.
Compiled by Debbie Gardner
Massachusetts bolstering efforts to prevent wrong-way crashes
By Ella Adams State House News Service
BOSTON — New tactics and technology being put in place to curb wrong-way driving are already working, Gov. Maura Healey said on June 17, and are part of a larger program being launched to make roads safer.
“I want every resource, every tool, every technology deployed, used, here in Massachusetts on our roadways to prevent and stop wrong-way driving,” Healey said during a press conference at the Danvers State Police Barracks. “I don’t want any family to ever again be woken up in the middle of the night by the police, or get a knock on their door telling them that their loved one has been killed by a wrongway driver.”
Healey spoke of Endicott Police Sergeant Jeremy Cole, Gloucester High School graduate Chris Dailey and Trooper Kevin Trainor, who all were killed by wrong-way drivers in Massachusetts.
“Today is about saying we’re doing everything we can to make sure it doesn’t get to this point,” Healey said, flanked by some of their family members and public safety officials.
AAA Northeast said fatal wrong-way crashes nationwide nearly doubled on divided highways between 2014 and 2023. In Massachusetts, 135 people died from wrong-way crashes between 2018 to 2025 and there
were more than 5,700 wrongway crashes on all types of roads, the auto group said, citing an analysis of data from the state’s IMPACT crash portal.
“Expanding the state’s wrong-way crash detection program will reduce the frequency of these crashes and save lives,” said Mark Schieldrop, senior spokesperson for AAA Northeast. “Investments in technology are a core part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent crashes and fatalities on our roads.”
The state is replacing and expanding pavement markings, improving ramp design, increasing signage on ramps and roadways, introducing new signs that feature flashing LED lights “that you can’t miss,” and adding new sensors to alert law enforcement when a wrong-way driver is traveling down the road, Healey said.
She called it “cutting-edge technology” that includes a pilot of advanced detection technology for high-risk spots. According to her office, improvements will continue over “the next several years.”
State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver called it a “major statewide effort that will ultimately invest somewhere between 50 and 75 million to improve safety across the commonwealth at over 400 locations.”
That’s “a massive expansion” of the 16 existing locations the state has under a pilot,
Gulliver said. Healey said the cost is “upwards of close to 75 million” — funding that’s “through our capital investment plan, money that has already been programmed and is available.”
“At the end of the day, there’s no price on public safety,” she added.
The state is outfitting existing signals at many of its ramps across the state with new technology, including cameras that will create “detection zones” to identify drivers going the wrong way up the ramps, Gulliver said.
“It’s that exact system that we actually just activated last night, just down the street in Danvers, that detected the vehicle entering the ramp the wrong direction,” he said. “It did exactly what we were hoping it would do. The first goal of this whole program is prevention. It flashes the illuminated wrong way signs, it activates an audible warning, and then it automatically sends out a call to both the state police and to MassDOT’s operations center, where we can coordinate on ap-
propriate response.” The driver on June 16 was alerted they were going the wrong way and turned around “without incident,” Gulliver added.
The Senate in May adopted a state Sen. Bruce Tarr amendment to its fiscal year 2027 budget that aims to prevent wrongway and drunk driving. Tarr said he was moved to address the issue after Dailey died as a result of a car crash involving a wrong-way driver.
The passage of Tarr’s amendment also came weeks after Trainor died while responding to a wrong-way driver call in Lynnfield. Healey’s press conference Wednesday happened at the barracks where Trainor served.
The amendment would require the state to establish a comprehensive plan to eliminate instances of wrong-way driving, including lighting systems, signage and detection devices that alert wrong-way drivers and notify public safety agencies of wrong-way driving incidents.
Per Tarr, that plan must also be updated every three years to keep
up with changes in technology. The amendment is subject to House-Senate budget negotiations, and would “codify a state plan in statute,” Tarr said. “We await that final action, and we await what will be the very welcome signature of Governor Healey on language that will make this effort and others like it the law of the land, and will signify our statutory commitment to what is happening here today,” Tarr said.
Ella Adams is a reporter for the State House News Service and State Affairs Massachusetts. Reach her at ella.adams@statehousenews.com.
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