Bliss Park’s new playground officially opens
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — The joyful sounds of children climbing, sliding and swinging filled the air at Bliss Park as Longmeadow residents, families, project partners and elected officials gathered to celebrate the opening of the park’s brand new playground.
Town Manager Lyn Simmons, Select Board Chair Dan Zwirko, state Sen. Jake Oliveira and state Rep. Brian Ashe spoke before cutting the ribbon to open the playground on July 21.
“The playground was thoughtfully designed as a multi-generational space where people of all ages and abilities can play,” Simmons said. “It includes ground level accessible features, such as a We-Go-Round … allowing visitors to participate at their own comfort level and ability. Throughout the playground, there are opportunities to climb, slide, swing, spin, balance, explore and create. Its open-play features, varied elevations and sensory rich elements encourage discovery, creativity, physical activity and inclusive play.”
The Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, the town’s Community Preservation Act and capital improvement plan funded the project. Simmons said this was the first time Longmeadow had received funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in 30 years.
Oliveira said parks like these make sure playscapes are accessible and available for everyone. He joked that he may still have splinters from the wooden playground he would use growing up.
He thanked the town of Longmeadow for being a “strong partner,” voters for approving the Community Preservation Act
IN THIS EDITION
EAST LONGMEADOW
Pleasant View Senior Center prepares for annual variety show
East Longmeadow’s Pleasant View Senior Center is preparing for its annual variety show on Aug. 13. Page 6
LONGMEADOW
Longmeadow Select Board sets in-person early voting dates
The Longmeadow Select Board has set the inperson early voting dates for both the primary and general elections.
Page 8
at Town Meeting and everyone in the community that “comes together and supports the investments needed to make sure that future generations have access to playscapes like this.”
WILBRAHAM
Boards discuss interim plan for middle school repairs
The Wilbraham Select Board and Hampden Selectboard have begun to lay out a plan intended to improve the conditions of Wilbraham Middle School until the Massachusetts School Building Authority gives a decision on the school’s acceptance into the core program.
Page 10
Above, from right to left: Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi, state Sen. Jake Oliveira, state Rep. Brian Ashe, Select Board Chair Dan Zwirko. Select Board member Andrew Lam, Assistant Town Manager Michael Barbieri and Town Manager Lyn Simmons celebrate the ribbon cutting. At right: the town celebrated Bliss Park’s new playground opening on July 21. Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Wandering, or “eloping,” is a common behavior among autistic children. While all children tend to wander in their toddler years, those with autism may continue to do so later in their childhood and teen years.
The National Autism Association states that autistic children may elope to pursue an interest or avoid overstimulation from noise or fears. “These impulses and incidents can increase with added anxiety and stress, especially if the individual has challenges with coping, calming or regulating their emotions,” the association states on its website.
Elopement is especially dangerous because people with autism are more vulnerable to hazardous situations — accidental drowning is the number one cause of death among autistic children. According to the National Autism Association, other dangers include dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, falls and encounters with strangers. The risks also increase with the severity of autism.
“This is a deeply serious safety issue for families across Massachusetts. The recent incident involving Matteo from Monson is a reminder of how quickly a wandering situation can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Thanks again to all the first responders and volunteers who made sure Mateo returned safely. Our focus must remain on prevention, awareness, and ensuring families have access to the tools and supports they need,” Puppolo stated in a press release.
Dr. Bruce Waslick, Baystate Medical Center Chief of Child Psychiatry, cited a 2012 study in the journal “Pediatrics” that found 49% of autistic children over the age of 4 have eloped, and 26% of them were missing long enough to concern their caregivers. “Most of those kids are going to be fine,” Waslick said, but some may find themselves in “potentially life-threatening situations.”
Catherine “Cat” McEachern has a particular perspective on the issue of wandering among autistic children. In addition to being the Research and Professional Training Coordinator at Autism Connections of Western Massachusetts, a ServiceNet partner, McEachern is autistic and used to elope as a child.
Asked why autistic children elope later in life than their non-autistic peers, McEachern said, “There’s a lot of theories out there. For me, it was a sensory escape. I would run into the clothing aisles to have an enclosed environment within a big, scary store.”
McEachern said, “It’s the way autistic people explore the world... Special interests can draw us. It can be types of rocks, or trains — that’s very common. Nature’s
a big attraction for a lot of autistic people,” she said, explaining that many autistic people cannot filter out background noise and find being in nature calming. Unfortunately, it can lead to dangerous situations.
“A lot of autistic people struggle with putting themselves in other people’s shoes,” McEachern said. If she were in a situation with someone with ill intent, she would not necessarily recognize the social cues that would warn a non-autistic person, because she cannot imagine having such ill intent toward another.
Waslick also said that many autistic children do not understand situational risks and dangers presented by their environment or by other people. “Kids don’t have a really good understanding of the social world. Kids with autism are unable to see the danger in following someone who could do them harm. Parents worry about kids wandering off, getting into pools or lakes. They can’t discern the dangers,” Waslick said.
When it comes to autistic children, Waslick said, “Parents instinctively provide a lot more supervision for a lot longer.” He said they also expect a similar level of supervision when children are at school and other structured activities.
However, Waslick said, “Realistically, you can’t watch kids 24 hours a day.” He said children may run off when a parent’s attention is on siblings or wake up in the middle of the night and climb out a window. “A lot of parents really worry about this,” Waslick said. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. It causes a lot of stress for families.
You want to support the development of independence but also keep them out of dangerous situations,” he said. The first line of defense is being aware of what triggers elopement for a child, whether due to sensory overstimulation or interest seeking. The Centers for Disease Control recommends taking steps before a child elopes, including being alert about the child’s location, noticing the child’s behaviors, like making a specific sound or looking toward the door, having an emergency plan to respond and keeping up-todate information about the child.
It is also important to speak to children about expectations.
McEachern said her mother was injured when she was a child and because her mother could not chase her, she was very explicit about when and where McEachern could walk away or explore on her own. Autistic children need that, she said. “Having that conversation with children, even if the children are nonverbal, they understand.”
McEachern said children, even those who are nonverbal, can express their agency by giving them “break cards” — individual index cards with a photo of the places the child likes to go. They can bring the card to a caretaking adult to let them know they need a break and want to visit one of their favorite places.
Physical deterrents, such gated yards or childproof door and window locks can help keep children from eloping, but McEachern noted that many of the children she has worked with in the past can take windows apart. She suggested alarms to alert parents when an autistic child opens a window or
exterior door. It is also important to instill safety protocols in case a child successfully elopes. McEachern said medical alert bracelets are helpful, but even stickers with the parent’s name and phone number can be placed on the back of the child’s shirt. Electronic trackers, such as those made by Angel Sense, can be affixed to a child’s belt or something else they never leave without, giving the parent or first responders a method of finding their child.
“Swim classes are a big thing, not just for fun, but ‘What do you do if you fall into the water?’ That’s the kind of trainings that I work on,” McEachern said. She said YMCAs and similar organizations can reach out to her at 413-5602600 to organize those trainings. If a child elopes, the CDC recommends alerting first responders, informing their school and neighbors. Safety skills can be critical in such situations. These can include crossing the street, responding to commands like “stop,” and being able to give their name and phone number or show an identification card.
The entire system — alarms, locks, break cards, swim lessons, even Angel Sense — can keep autistic children safe,” McEachern said.
More information on the resources offered by Autism Connections of Western Massachusetts can be found at autismconnections.servicenet.org. The National Autism Association also offers a free Be REDy Booklet for family use and to provide to local first responders. It can be downloaded at nationalautismassociation.org.
Big E partners with local high schools for design contest
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Big E has recruited five local high schools from the Pioneer Valley and tasked their students with designing and executing a creative reimagining of the fair’s agricultural mascot, Chick-E, minding the 250th anniversary of the United States’s independence. The patriotic Chick-E statues, which have each been carefully hand-painted by high schoolers, will be on display during The Big E, Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, where fairgoers can vote for their favorite design.
Participating high schools include Agawam High School, Holyoke High School, Westfield High School, West Springfield High School and Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. Fair organizers contacted the heads of each school’s art department to coordinate and provide detailed instructions for weather-proofing student designs, a stipend for supplies and expectations given the mission of
fair presenter and host site, Eastern States Exposition, and the America 250 motif.
Agawam High School’s Chick-E is titled “Agawam HER-story.” A total of 18 students contributed to the completion of the statue, which they designed as a “visual representation of the women who have, are and continue to be the foundation of our community,” explained Amber Waters, an art teacher at Agawam High School.
“This includes farmers, teachers, artists, coaches, veterans, entrepreneurs, students, innovators and mentors,” said Waters.
“The women of Agawam are always striving to make our community great, and the work of these strong women has created a thread that is woven into the diverse tapestry of our great country. We acknowledge and applaud them as the United States celebrates 250 years.”
Holyoke High School’s painting team consisted of 12 students.
Jacqueline Boudreau-Kinsey of Pope Francis Preparatory School stands at far right with some of her students upon the delivery of their school’s Chick-E statue.
Their Chick-E, “Peep,” was inspired by their city’s own history.
“Holyoke was originally home to the Nonotuck, an Algonquin-speaking people,” said Giuseppe Duran, a fine arts teacher at Holyoke High School North.
“To honor the Native Americans who first lived in our city, Peep’s wings are painted with feathers traditionally worn by indigenous peoples, and Peep is depicted as a bald eagle, one of America’s most recognized symbols of freedom.”
Additionally, Peep’s tail is painted to resemble an American flag, painted with broad stripes and white stars. A peace sign shines in the statue’s left eye, and fireworks are reflected in the right eye, inspired by the National Anthem’s mention of “the rocket’s
CORRECTION
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
red glare.” The entire design is bursting with symbols of independence to celebrate the courage it took to earn our country’s liberation from the British crown. Westfield High School’s Karen Kane supervised the creation of their Chick-E, “Bomber,” whose name is a nod to their school mascot, but the design takes the reference a step further; Bomber is painted like a pilot in a display of appreciation for the National Guard that works at Barnes Airport in Westfield. Karen Kane of the school’s Art department oversaw the four students — Rylee Rumplik, Kara Sweeney, James
See BIG E on page 12
In the July 16 edition of The Reminder in the article titled “Rachel’s Table celebrates truck to help with gleaning program” Rachel’s Table’s Community Gleaning & Farm Rescue Coordinator Sarah Bluestein was incorrectly identified as a volunteer. It was also stated that Rachel’s Table gleaned 117 pounds of fresh produce in 2025, this was incorrect; they gleaned 117,000 pounds of produce. Reminder Publishing regrets these errors.
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.
Adult programs
Origami Workshop — Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 6 p.m.
Teen programs: Teen Summer Crafternoons — Every Thursday at 2:30 p.m.
• Summer Teen Spot — Fridays in July from 2-4 p.m. Children programs: Music & Movement — Thursday, Aug. 6, at noon. For ages 2-3.
PLEASANT VIEW SENIOR
CENTER
The following events will be held at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow. For more information or to
Bliss Park
TOWN EVENTS
register for programs, call 413-5255436.
Stroke Community Group — Tuesday, Aug. 4, at 11 a.m. Join one of the senior members who recently had a stroke to talk about shared experiences as well as join in on discussions relative to things that have benefited an individual after having a stroke.
Caregiver Burnout: Identifying the Signs and Finding Support — Friday, Aug. 7, at 10:30 a.m. Join Jane Barker from Shiloh Angels Homecare for a discussion focused on understanding caregiver burnout and how to navigate it. Registration is required.
TIME CAPSULE REVEAL
On Thursday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m. items from the unearthed 1976 Time Capsule to be presented to the public at Pleasant View Senior Center. All are welcome.
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.
• Take A Chance Tuesday — Come to lunch at noon on any Tuesday in August, and your name will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Big Y gift card. Cost is a $3 suggested
at the town level and decisions that are made on Beacon Hill come to make recreation possible for future generations.”
donation. Lunches are provided by Greater Springfield Senior Services. You must sign up for Tuesday lunch by 11 a.m. the day before.
• Foot Care with Kylie — Tuesday, Aug. 4, by appointment. $40 for a 30-minute appointment.
• Crafts with Kim: Free rock painting class for your garden — Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 1-3 p.m. All materials will be provided.
• Beginner Summer Themed Watercolor Classes with Trish Pilon — Wednesdays in August from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Weekly projects will be posted in the lobby. All materials will be provided. Cost is $40 for the session if paid in full or $12 per class. Pre-registration is required.
• Memory Café: Summer Craft & Bingo — Friday, Aug. 7, at 10:15 a.m.
LONGMEADOW
RICHARD SALTER STORRS
LIBRARY
The following events take place at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 593 Longmeadow St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-565-4181, or head to longmeadowlibrary.org.
All ages programs: August Art Exhibit: Donna Roy — Aug. 1-31. Visit the exhibit anytime the Betty Ann Low Meeting Room is available. Youth programs:
• Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 9:30-10 a.m.
• Board Book Baby Time — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 10:45-11:30 a.m.
• Nature Paintbrush — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 3:30-4 p.m.
Lil Bug Club — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 9:30-10 am
• Teen Crochet Together: Simple Stitches — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 3:30-4 p.m.
• Farm Animal Storytime — Thursday, Aug. 6, 9:30-10 a.m. Music & Movement — Thursday, Aug. 6, 10:30-11:15 a.m.
• Upcycled Art — Thursday, Aug. 6, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
• Book Worms — Friday, Aug. 7, 9:30-10 a.m. Space Time — Friday, Aug. 7, 2:30-4:15 p.m.
• More Than Mom’s Drop in Playgroup — Saturday, Aug. 8, 9:1510:15 a.m.
Adult programs:
• Traveling Library — Monday, Aug. 3, 2:15-4:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL Celebrating America’s 250th: “The Convention” with author Lars D. H. Hedbor — Monday, Aug. 3, 7-8 p.m.
VIRTUAL: Play Along Ukulele from Home! — Monday, Aug. 3, 7-8 p.m.
• Adult Center Book Club — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 12:30-1:30 pm
This month’s selection: “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
• Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, August 4, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Library Virtual Speakers: The Legacy of Julia Child’s Kitchen with Smithsonian Curator Paula J. Johnson — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2-4 p.m.
• Fiber Arts Meeting — Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 1-2:30 p.m.
Memento Mori and Memento
Amore: Hair Jewelry in New England — Wednesday, Aug. 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, Aug. 6, 11 a.m. to noon.
• Storrs Stitchers (drop-in) — Friday, Aug. 7, 10-11:30 a.m.
• Dungeons & Dragons — Saturday, Aug. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 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.
• VIRTUAL: America’s 250th: The Convention — Monday, Aug. 3, from 7-8 p.m.
• Ed Popielarczyk Magic Show — Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 10:3011:30 a.m. Teen Bling Your Book — Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 5-7 p.m.
• Cookbook Club — Wednesday, Aug. 5, from 6:30-8 p.m.
“It’s projects like this that give us firsthand knowledge of what those funds can actually do to invest in our communities and invest in our future,” Oliveira said. “As we look to celebrate the opening of this beautiful new playscape, always remember that the decisions that are made
Ashe said the parks and open space were some of the reasons he and his wife moved to Longmeadow.
“The comfortability of walking around in Longmeadow, feeling at peace and something like this for the kids is absolutely phenomenal,” Ashe said. “I know there were multiple groups
within the town that helped put this together, so thank you so much. I know the Community Preservation Act was part of it, and that’s such a great reason to use something like this because it benefits so many people, not just the children.”
Zwirko said the playground is designed to be an inclusive space where everybody can play and enjoy time together.
“It is something for everyone,” Zwirko said. “It creates
opportunities for families, community members to connect in a free, welcoming environment. This design also embraces the concept of beneficial risk, recognizing the age appropriate challenges like climbing, balancing and exploring, help children build strength, confidence, coordination and problem solving skills … we hope this playground will serve as a place where children, families and residents of all abilities can gather to play
and create lasting memories for many years to come.”
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• Tree Removal • Tree Pruning • Tree Cabling • Storm Damage • Crane Work • Stump Grinding
• Lot Clearing and More
Over 45 Years Of Combined Experience
WE SERVICE: Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, and parts of Wilbraham and Hampden
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Elect a representative who prioritizes affordability and universal healthcare
High healthcare expenses are a key driver of affordability in Massachusetts. Recent double-digit insurance rate hikes across the state, the bankruptcy of Steward Hospitals, the end of Affordable Care Act subsidies for 300,000 residents, and the reduced benefits for 400,000 public employees covered by the Group Insurance Commission are adding to the crisis. The current multi-payer system, fragmented and profit-driven, is failing to provide the stability and accessibility we deserve.
Bill H.1405, which is pending in the State Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, outlines a Massachusetts Health Care Trust for a single-payer system. By replacing our current patchwork of
private insurance with a publicly administered trust, we can secure universal coverage for every resident. This transition is not merely a policy change; it is an economic imperative that meets the current moment. Independent economic analyses have shown that a single-payer system would save us millions of dollars annually by reducing administrative waste, eliminating insurance company profits, and curbing excessive prices for drugs and hospital services. Municipalities can use savings for other urgent needs, like schools.
Michael Lachenmeyer, a candidate for State Representative in the 12th Hampden District (Wilbraham, and parts of East Longmeadow, Monson, and Springfield), supports this bill. His commitment stands in stark contrast to the status quo. In 2022, voters in the entire District explicitly instructed our current Representative, Angelo Puppolo, to co-sponsor H.1405 through a non-binding ballot question. Yet, five years later, we are still wait-
ing for his support. Many who voted for that question share a deep, long-standing frustration as the legislative process continues to stall while the urgency of the healthcare crisis grows. Michael Lachenmeyer understands we must act promptly to address families’ medical debt, prevent healthcare facility closures, and combat medical professional burnout. Voters in the 12th Hampden District have a crucial opportunity in the September 1 Democratic Primary to choose a representative who genuinely commits to passing this vital legislation. It is time to elect a representative who listens to the voice of the people and prioritizes affordability and universal health care. Please join me in voting for Michael Lachenmeyer on September 1 to secure a healthcare financial system that meets the needs of all people of Massachusetts.
Applications now open for HERizon
leadership and empowerment program
SPRINGFIELD — After a successful year in which participants reported increased confidence, stronger friendships and meaningful personal growth, applications are now open for HERizon, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office’s free leadership and empowerment program for high school girls across Hampden County.
Designed to help young women develop confidence, leadership skills and lasting connections, HERizon provides participants with mentorship, engaging discussions, interactive activities and opportunities to learn from female professionals and community leaders. The program meets biweekly at the Hampden District Attorney’s Office in Springfield and is led by young women who serve in a variety of roles throughout the District Attorney’s Office. Throughout the program, students explore topics including healthy relationships, confidence, mental wellness, women’s health, self-advocacy and navigating challenges both in school and beyond.
“HERizon is about helping young women recognize their own potential and giving them the tools and support to become
confident leaders in their schools and communities,” said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “When young women feel empowered to use their voices, advocate for themselves and support one another, the impact extends far beyond the classroom. Programs like HERizon are an investment in the future of our community.”
The program continues to make a meaningful impact on participants. At the conclusion of this year’s program, in an anonymous survey, participants rated their overall experience 4.8 out of 5, while 100% said HERizon helped them grow as a person.
Participants described HERizon as a place where they felt supported, encouraged, and comfortable being themselves. Feedback on the survey included:
“It was a breath of fresh air to connect with other girls face to face and build a community.”
“Everyone was so supportive and passionate. I loved this group and the friendships that were built.”
“I loved being able to open up. Besides my own room, I feel like this was the room I was most
TUFTS UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
comfortable.”
Many also said the program helped them become more confident, set healthier boundaries and step outside their comfort zones.
“My confidence is so much better.”
“I’ve been able to set boundaries for myself without having to feel bad about it.”
“I’ve become more of a girl’s girl, combined with so much more confidence.”
Participants cited discussions on confidence, healthy relationships, positive self-talk, self-love and women’s health among their favorite topics, along with handson experiences like a car maintenance workshop and opportunities to connect with peers from across Hampden County.
HERizon is open to high school girls throughout Hampden County and is offered at no cost. Applications for the upcoming program are now being accepted. Students interested in applying can scan the QR code on the attached flyer or visit the application linked there. Questions about the program may be directed to Halie Matthew at Halie.Matthew@mass.gov.
More than 3,600 students across all schools graduated from Tufts University on May 17 during a university-wide commencement ceremony that featured the awarding of honorary degrees to a number of academic, business and civic leaders making a positive impact on the world. The following students were among those who graduated: Sheza Chaudhry of East Longmeadow and Sam Mard of Longmeadow. Mard graduated Summa Cum Laude.
Abby
East Longmeadow, for earning dean’s list honors during the spring 2026 semester. This distinction is awarded to students who maintain full-time enrollment while achieving a semester grade point average of 3.5 or higher.
María Idalí Torres Wilbraham
HOLYOKE — MiraVista Behavioral Health Center is proud to announce the appointment of Ormond Hamilton, MSN, RN, CCHP, as its new associate chief nursing officer, adding one of the region’s most respected behavioral health leaders to its team.
Recognized throughout Western Massachusetts for his collaborative leadership style and deep expertise in behavioral healthcare, Hamilton brings almost two decades of experience leading clinical operations, developing innovative programs, strengthening quality and safety initiatives, and building high-performing teams dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
Most recently, Hamilton served as executive director of behavioral health services at Holyoke Medical Center, where he successfully led the transformation and rebuilding of the hospital’s behavioral health service line. Under his leadership, behavioral health services expanded to include inpatient psychiatry, emergency behavioral health, electroconvulsive therapy, crisis services, partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs, and outpatient behavioral health. He also developed innovative programs that improved access to care, rebuilt recovery services to strengthen care coordination, secured a funding through the opioid abatement grant and achieved zero findings across six regulatory surveys.
Prior to Holyoke Medical Center, Hamilton held leadership positions with Baystate Health, Trinity Health of New England, and the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, where he oversaw inpatient psychiatric units, pediatric behavioral health services, correctional healthcare, nursing operations, regulato-
ry compliance, workforce development and organizational performance.
Hamilton earned his Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University and his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from American International College. He also serves on the Board of Directors for Vitality Odyssey House and holds certifications in Correctional Healthcare, Six Sigma Green Belt, CPI/ CARE, and Basic Life Support.
“Ormond is a highly respected leader whose reputation
extends well beyond his impressive resume,” said Karyn Rossacci, DNP, MSN, NP-C, RN, CCRN, Chief Nursing Officer for MiraVista and TaraVista Behavioral Health Centers.
“Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an exceptional ability to lead through collaboration, inspire confidence in those around him, and improve the systems that support both patients and caregivers. We are thrilled to welcome him to MiraVista,
Ormond Hamilton.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Pleasant View Senior Center prepares for annual variety show
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW —
East Longmeadow’s Pleasant View Senior Center is preparing to be the hotspot for all kinds of talents and performances, ranging from line-dancing, musical performances, stand-up comedy and story readings.
The Senior Center’s fourth annual talent show programming, rebranded this time around as its first variety show, returns on Aug. 13 at 1 p.m. at 328 North Main St. Seating for the event opens up around 12:30 p.m.
The lineup is already fully booked with 10 acts and each act has around five minutes to perform, bringing the show’s length to around one hour.
Pleasant View Program and Volunteer Coordinator Alicia Mattsson-Bozé said the name change from talent to variety show came from conversations with other program coordinators who saw the benefit in differentiating the two events.
“It can take the edge off,” Mattsson-Bozé said. “Sometimes, people don’t feel like they have talents to share, but they want to do a reading or something. That is still a talent, just
where his experience, integrity, and vision will strengthen our
in their mind it’s not … There wasn’t as much pressure when it was called a variety show as when it was called a talent show. It was still so much fun and still the same outcome, just a little bit more of a relaxed feeling.”
Participants are mostly ages 60 and above, but anyone can sign up to perform. Around 100 audience members usually attend, and Mattsson-Bozé said one of the most fun parts of the event is seeing grandkids and families come and show support.
She also said a crowd favorite act is a line-dancing group that ends the show to “God Bless America.”
“That’s always been a fun tradition that we do,” Mattsson-Bozé said. “They invite everyone to stand up with them and do a little line-dancing. That’s how we’ve always ended the show and people live it. We have other bigger groups, like a tapping group who has been here every year and that’s been a favorite.”
Mattsson-Bozé said she has seen firsthand that the event allows people to come out of their shells and perform.
“We have some people who didn’t participate the first year, they just came to watch,” Matts-
nursing leadership team and further our commitment to delivering outstanding behavioral healthcare.”
Hamilton said joining MiraVista represented an opportunity to be part of an or-
son-Bozé said. “After watching it for one or two years, they come up to me and say ‘hey, I think I want to try this’ and would then be a part of it. For me, it’s really neat to see people grow in that way and to just get the support from their friends and their peers, and to either
ganization whose mission closely aligns with his own commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care.
“I’ve admired the work MiraVista has done to expand access to behavioral healthcare while maintaining a strong focus on quality and compassion,” Hamilton said. “The opportunity to join such a talented team and help support the nurses and clinical staff who make that care possible is truly exciting. I look for-
learn that they have a talent they didn’t know they had, or to kind of re-realize that, ‘hey, I do have this talent and this gift that is important.’ It’s fun to just see people come out of their shell in that way.”
She said there is something beautiful about seeing the peo-
ward to working alongside my colleagues to continue building on MiraVista’s outstanding reputation and ensuring every patient receives exceptional care.”
As associate chief nursing officer, Hamilton will partner with nursing leadership to advance clinical excellence, mentor and support nursing staff, strengthen quality and patient safety initiatives, and help guide MiraVista’s continued growth as the demand for behavioral healthcare con-
ple she interacts with every day perform and share their gifts with friends and family.
More information on the Senior Center and it’s programming is posted at eastlongmeadowma. gov/223/Council-on-Aging or @PleasantViewSeniorCenter on Facebook.
tinues to increase throughout Massachusetts.
“Great organizations are built by great people,” added Rossacci. “Ormond understands that investing in caregivers ultimately means better care for patients. His leadership will help us continue attracting, developing, and supporting outstanding nursing professionals while advancing our mission of providing compassionate, evidence-based care for every person we serve.”
The Pleasant View Senior Center Variety Show returns on Aug. 13 at 1 p.m.
Reminder Publishing file photo
Misconduct problems continue to dog State Police
By Sam Drysdale State House News Service
BOSTON — The Massachusetts State Police “clearly has a misconduct proliferation problem,” its leader said on July 19, responding to a volley of questions about recent scandals at the agency.
Those issues began “obviously before I got here, and will continue and has continued through my time here, and I believe that’s why I’m here, to come in and give a fresh perspective. I don’t believe that it’s a culture problem,” Colonel Geoffrey Noble said on WCVB’s “On the Record.”
Noble was brought on as the superintendent of the State Police in October 2024 after a career in New Jersey State Police, marking the first time the agency hired a leader from outside its internal ranks. He was heralded as a reformer and arrived after a series of scandals that deeply tarnished the agency’s reputation, including an overtime pay scandal uncovered via internal audits, the Karen Read investigation and the death of academy recruit Enrique Delgado-Garcia during a boxing training exercise at the State Police Academy in New Braintree.
However, headlines have continued about controversies at the agency that have fueled questions about accountability.
Sgt. Scott Quigley remained on duty for months after allegedly drunk driving in an unmarked cruiser and crashing into a van in Woburn in 2023, a collision that killed passenger Angelo Schettino. He pleaded not guilty and his criminal trial is on track to begin in early 2027. The agency also came under intense scrutiny after racist, sexist and homophobic text messages sent by former Trooper Michael Proctor during the Karen
By Katie Castellani State House News Service
BOSTON — Massachusetts has a new license plate honoring the memories of fallen law enforcement officers.
Gov. Maura Healey signed legislation (S 2903) on July 15 directing the Registry of Motor Vehicles to offer a “Blue Star Families” plate for free to family members of law enforcement officers who were killed in the line of duty. The RMV is also tasked with creating a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.
“This is about the families,” Healey said during a bill-signing ceremony where she was surrounded by law enforcement officers, state officials and family members of those who have died in the line of duty.
The bill was signed on the eighth anniversary of the death of Weymouth Police Sergeant Michael Charles Chesna, who was reportedly shot and killed with his own service weapon while responding to reports of an erratic driver near South Shore Hospital.
“To all of the families in the room, I want you to know that I
Read investigation became public, ultimately leading to his firing.
Most recently, the department was again thrust into the spotlight last week after reports that two off-duty troopers were involved in a violent altercation at a Quincy bar in June, with one trooper relieved of duty as the incident remains under investigation.
Following the most recent news, the News Service asked Noble last week about ongoing scandals and whether the agency is discussing reforms or retraining troopers.
“Every day. Every day, every day,” he said. “We understand that the commonwealth expects the Massachusetts State Police to operate at the highest levels. We expect the Massachusetts State Police to operate at the highest level.”
The News Service asked Noble about the ongoing problems following a press conference in Gov. Maura Healey’s office on July 16 related to creating a new license plate honoring the memories of fallen law enforcement officers.
That same day the Essex County District Attorney’s Office released its final report on the investigation into a wrong-way crash in May that resulted in the death of Massachusetts State Police Trooper Kevin Trainor.
When Noble emerged from the press conference to speak to reporters, his spokesperson said he would only take questions on the DA’s report about the trooper’s death.
When the News Service caught up with him after to ask about reform, Noble said, “Every single day, we’re evaluating our operations, where we’re doing well. We’re building off it and enhancing, and where we can do better, we are learning from it. But that conversation occurs every day with a great team in place, and I’m very confident that we’re continu-
understand that this is a pain that you carry with you every single day. You feel that loss. You feel that void. And one of the things we want to do is make sure that others understand the sacrifice that your family has made,” Healey said. “And that’s why this legislation, this act, is so, so important. And I know it doesn’t bring your loved one back, and there will be forever that void every minute, every hour of the day. Today is a way to acknowledge that and also to celebrate lives of service, lives of courage, lives of sacrifice, and the families who support and enable all of that.”
The House and Senate unanimously passed the legislation on July 13.
“This is a great token of appreciation for the families that will be gone forever, and more so, it sends a message to our men and women in law enforcement that someone does care in our Legislature,” said Frank Frederickson, director of governmental affairs for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police.
John Nelson, legislative director and first vice president of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police,
ing to make significant progress.”
A few days later on WCVB’s “On the Record,” he faced more questions about the issues at the agency.
WCVB anchor Ed Harding asked about the Quigley case, saying “The allegation that Quigley was drunk did not come to light until this year. The victim’s family is suing, claiming a police cover-up. Forgive the simple nature of the question, but was it a cover-up?”
Noble responded that there are multiple ongoing investigations, and he can’t comment on the specifics.
“That said, this is a very serious allegation,” he said. “Since I have been here, I have had zero tolerance for misconduct. I will continue to have zero tolerance for misconduct.”
Since he started, the agency has been “incorporating internal controls to monitor and manage our own performance to ensure that we are operating at the highest standards possible.”
Reporters also asked about the Read investigation. A recent lawsuit cites a series of audio messages where Proctor used derogatory slurs for Black people, demeans women and makes homophobic and antisemitic comments.
WCVB played an audio message for Noble, attributed to Proctor, which the Read lawsuit alleges Proctor said to another trooper following a car crash, “Actually, take your time, I saw a [expletive] was involved, so I wouldn’t rush if you’re working. Let them die.”
“You’ve called the messages disturbing. Now, how can people trust what happened here isn’t happening with other troopers?” reporter Karen Anderson asked.
“Well, first, I have been a state trooper essentially my entire life. That recording and the messages
that we have seen are just repulsive and repugnant for me on a very personal level,” Noble responded. “That said, as the colonel of the state police, that seeing them comes with a reality and a reminder of the obligation that I have and this department has to continue to do everything that we can do to ensure that that type of behavior, that type of bigotry, does not exist in a modern-day police force.”
Proctor had worked on “hundreds and if not thousands of cases” Noble said, so he said the agency has been proactive in working with district attorneys to “be out front on this” in “reviewing our cases” that Proctor was involved with, which might now be challenged in light of his alleged comments.
Noble delayed the start of the 93rd recruit training class at the New Braintree State Police Academy following the death of trainee Enrique Delgado Garcia in 2024. He said the pause allows the agency to implement 103 safety reforms recommended after the deadly incident.
Asked on July 19 about the timeline for a new training class, Noble said the agency has identified 31 priority recommendations “to ensure that before we start the next class that we have the safest training environment possible.”
“I’m very confident that we will be able to give the green light to start the 93rd training academy in short order. I’m not there yet. I won’t do so until I’m confident those 31 recommendations are in place. That said, I’m very confident that we will be able to get there very soon,” he said. Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
said the law has been in the works for more than a decade. Nelson said the legislative process “takes its time” and this year families of law enforcement officers reaching out to representatives and senators helped push the bill onto the governor’s desk.
Nelson added the new license plate is “simplistic, but at the same time, very meaningful.”
“I know that when I see that
plate, that’s going to mean something extra special as they ride by, knowing that their family made the ultimate sacrifice,” Nelson told the News Service.
Healey said the RMV is opening applications on Wednesday for families to get the license plate.
Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com.
Operations
Staff
Gov. Maura Healey hands a pen to Frank Frederickson, director of governmental affairs for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police, after signing a bill that establishes a “Blue Star Families” license plate for family members of officers killed in the line of duty on Wednesday, July 15.
State House News Service photo by Katie Castellani
Longmeadow Select Board sets in-person early voting dates
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — Residents will take to the polls for the state primary and election in just a short time. The Longmeadow Select Board has set the in-person early voting dates for both, with Chair Dan Zwirko citing the right to vote as “the most sacred thing we should be advocating for.”
The Select Board discussed the dates and confirmed when residents can start voting at its meeting on July 20.
The primary election is Sept. 1, and the state election is Nov. 3. Each early voting day will occur at Town Hall, 231 Maple Road.
Voters will have six days to vote early in-person for the primary, beginning on Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Voting continues from Aug. 24-27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closes on Aug. 28 from 9 a.m. to noon.
In-person early voting for the state election begins on Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and continues on Oct. 19-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Early voting election dates also include Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Oct. 26-29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Oct. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Town Clerk Timothy Donnelly wrote in a July 9 letter to the Select Board that the schedule maximizes voting accessibility to residents.
Donnelly also included in the letter that advance processing will manage the anticipated number of ballots from both in-person early voting and mail-in ballots. The process allows the town to process ballots received before
election day, “ensuring a more efficient and uninterrupted process on election day itself,” according to Donnelly.
Primary advance processing is on Aug. 29, and election processing is on Oct. 31, both from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and open to the public.
Select Board member Andrew Lam said he noticed there were over two full weeks of early voting and asked Town Manager Lyn Simmons for data on state requirements, incurred costs and if she thought it was cost effective based on prior voting to have that amount of voting.
Lam said he thought state requirements allowed limits in the first week of voting and didn’t call for all seven days, which he said he would be in favor of.
He said “I think this is probably more than adequate early, in-person voting for an election that’s kind of a, not a presidential election but an in-between election.”
Simmons said the town is required to have one full week of early voting before both the September primary and the November election.
“The November one is when we can reduce the hours,” Simmons said. “They don’t have to be full days. It could be a partial day, so that was ultimately what the town clerk ended up coming back and recommending, that if there was interest instead of the full day hours of 8:15 [a.m.] to 4:30 [p.m.], it could be 9 [a.m.] to 1 [p.m.], in that first week of early voting leading up to the November election.
Simmons added that the daily vote count isn’t overwhelming, but it’s still too much to have the
Path University
LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has been awarded funding in the amount of $374,222 through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Postsecondary Education and Training Grant Program, part of the center’s broader Education and
office staff take it on without additional office support.
“We try to have the least amount of workers as possible while also still giving the best service as possible,” Simmons said. “That requires them to have two extra people here. It’s about $200 a day to do that.”
Zwirko said $200 is worth it for the right to vote and making
voting easier for residents.
“I just feel like this is something that I personally, I feel really strongly about making sure our open and free elections should be easily accessible for everybody,”
Zwirko said. “If one person misses it because of a time change, that’s just too many people to miss out on voting, especially when we’ve worked so hard
through history to get to the point where everyone has their say and can vote freely in open elections. So, over $200, I’m personally deciding on keeping these elections as accessible as possible.”
More information on voting in Longmeadow can be found at longmeadowma.gov/1571/Voting-Information.
$374K receives Life Sciences Center grant
Workforce Development initiative, which is awarding more than $12.3 million to 68 organizations across Massachusetts to strengthen education and career preparation in the life sciences.
The MLSC Education and Workforce Development Pro-
gram invests in educational institutions and training programs that help prepare students for careers in the life sciences. By supporting STEM education and expanding access to modern learning environments, the program helps build a strong pipeline of future talent to meet the workforce needs of one of the commonwealth’s leading industries.
Bay Path University will use the grant to modernize its chemistry laboratories by purchasing industry-standard scientific instrumentation, including a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer, an infrared spectrometer and a high-performance liquid chromatography system. These
enhancements will provide students with expanded opportunities for hands-on learning using the same technologies found in today’s academic and professional laboratories.
“This investment from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center represents an important step in strengthening the educational experiences we provide our science students,” said Natalia Blank, vice president of Academic Affairs. “By expanding access to industry-standard laboratory instrumentation, we are equipping students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in their education and contribute to Massachusetts’ thriving
life sciences sector.”
The upgraded equipment will support undergraduate students pursuing Biology, Forensic Science, Medical Science, and other science-related programs that emphasize experiential learning, scientific inquiry and preparation for advanced study or careers in the growing life sciences and healthcare fields. By expanding access to modern laboratory technologies, the project will strengthen students’ technical skills, enhance engagement through hands-on learning and further align academic experiences with workforce expectations. The investment also creates new opportunities to strengthen connections with regional life sciences employers while reinforcing Bay Path University’s commitment to delivering high-quality science education and helping develop the next generation of life sciences professionals in Massachusetts.
A look outside of Longmeadow Town Hall on election day on June 2.
Officers celebrate promotions with officials, family
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Four Springfield police officers were officially promoted at a pinning ceremony on July 17. Eleni Barbieri and Derek Cook ascended to the rank of captain, while Jacob Strange and Jason Sleeper made lieutenant.
“Captains Barbieri and Cook, you now are commanders of your own units,” Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers told them at the ceremony in City Hall. “Make sure that your supervisors ... know the direction you want to lead this department. With one thing, it has to be the same thing that I want,” Akers joked, then said, “We all have to be on the same team, moving in the same direction. You’re in a very important position to do that.”
Referring to the officers the captains now command, Akers said, “They will follow you, as long as you’re firm but fair.”
Addressing Strange and Sleeper, Akers said, “You’re now the
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield family can rest a little easier after more than 30 years of heartbreak and sleepless nights now that the person who killed Celestina Perez in 1995 has been identified by the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.
“Following extensive investigative work over the last year, including the use of cutting-edge forensic testing, led by the Unresolved and Unidentified Case Investigative Unit of the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, Springfield Police Department, and with the support of the Massachusetts State Police, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Joseph James Ceravolo, Jr. killed Celestina Perez in the early morning hours of June 2, 1995,” Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced, flanked by Springfield Police Department Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. Perez was found in a ravine near Genesse and Warwick streets by two people walking through Gurdon Bill Park. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. Gulluni said there had been a violent struggle prior to her death, and blood evidence collected at the time, including Perez’s clothing and leaves foliage, suggesting that the assailant had been injured.
Forensic evidence testing at the time of the murder focused
leaders on the street. No more calling the lieutenant for the solution because you are the solution...
You’ve got to be ready to accept that challenge.” He said, “You don’t need to change. You just need to be there for the people that are depending on you.”
Akers told the officers, “Wear your new rank with pride. Lead with purpose. Never forget that true leadership is not measured by bars on the shoulders, but by the lives you influence and the examples that you leave behind.”
Mayor Domenic Sarno recognized the officer’s families.
“I thank you for allowing these young men and young lady to continue to serve the city of Springfield ... You not only stand behind them, you stand right beside them.” He said a support system is deeply important.
“I am proud to congratulate our brave and dedicated Springfield police officers who are being promoted today,” Sarno said.
“Thank you to each of you and your families for continuing to
on swabs taken during the autopsy, and an examination in 2009 did not provide enough DNA for testing. In 2024, the Unresolved and Unidentified Case Investigation Unit determined that advances in DNA testing might shed more light on the case.
After reexamining the evidence, including Perez’s bloodstained clothing, the State Police Crime Laboratory extracted enough DNA to enter a profile into the Combined DNA Index System. The profile matched Ceravolo and excluded 99.99% of the population. Ceravolo was a Springfield resident at the time of the murder. The State Police Crime Laboratory retested the samples to confirm the match, and an independent laboratory, DNA Labs International, tested a different sample, again determining the same genetic profile.
Gulluni said his office is satisfied that Ceravolo was the only one involved in Perez’s murder.
Ceravolo died in 2013, and Gulluni acknowledged that the inability to prosecute him is a “painful fact.” He said, “Sometimes, justice is swift. An assailant is identified and taken into custody within hours or days. In other cases, justice is delayed, and the truth takes — even decades — to reveal itself.”
Akers was a detective at the time of the murder and responded to the call, along with then-cadet Trent Duda, who is now a captain in charge of the city’s homicide unit.
“On behalf of myself and the
See PEREZ on page 11
step up to serve and protect all of our residents and business community with courage, professionalism, honor and integrity. We are grateful for your service and continued brave and dedicated efforts
in keeping our Springfield community safe.”
Among those present to see the promotions were the department’s command staff, members of the Board of Police Commissioners
and Wards 3 and 6 City Councilors Melvin Edwards and Victor Davila, and police officials from other area cities.
Mayor Domenic Sarno stands with Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers, Deputy Chiefs David Martin and David Kane, newly promoted Capts. Eleni Barbieri and Derek Cook, and Lts.
Jacob Strange and Jason Sleeper.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, flanked by Springfield Police Department Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, announces a murder has been solved after 31 years.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM
Boards discuss interim plan for middle school repairs
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — The Wilbraham Select Board and Hampden Selectboard have begun to lay out a plan intended to improve the conditions of Wilbraham Middle School until the Massachusetts School Building Authority gives a decision on the school’s acceptance into the core program.
The two boards hashed out projects for the middle school’s interim plan, methods of payment and scheduling at a joint meeting on July 23.
Wilbraham Select Board Chair Marc Ducey said he wanted to hear Hampden’s perspective on what could happen with the school, and Hampden Selectboard Chair John Flynn said the major concern is providing a good educational experience for the middle school students over the next five to seven years.
“If you’re in the core program, you’re not building a brand new penthouse,” Flynn said. “You’re maintaining a good, safe environment for education.”
Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District’s Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Human Resources Doug Slaughter laid out three things necessary to “extensively manage the building while we try to participate in the core program” and to keep it in working order.
“There’s the question of building security doors and that sort of thing,” Slaughter said. “There’s some funding that Wilbraham has already funded, so we’ll do that. There’s a little bit more in this plan to make sure that the doors we have on the building secure it and control the environment a bit better.”
Slaughter said funding from a few years ago will go toward mediation and management of the school’s asbestos tiling this summer and that there will be a small amount of money remaining to maintain the flooring for the next few years. Indoor air quality is the third focus for the school.
“We’ve got some mechanisms that we put in place over the last couple of years to try to keep the air quality in good order, particularly in humidity and mold in the building,” Slaughter said. “The idea with some of what we were looking at was taking those kinds
of things we’ve been doing that have been keeping the air quality in a somewhat satisfactory manner, and bolstering them up just a little bit to make it work a little bit more efficiently.”
Slaughter said the cost for these improvements is fairly modest — around $86,000 — because of what the district has on hand, and that some aspects could be repurposed in the district later down the line. He said he hopes it’s a workable number for the two communities to stretch the building until a deeper renovation or replacement is in place.
Hampden Selectboard member Don Davenport said the building is owned by Wilbraham, and anything over $35,000 in capital expenses is Wilbraham’s responsibility. Ducey said one option would be to amend the school budget to use the money as an operating expense, which would require a vote by the School Committee and at the fall
Town Meeting.
Hampden Selectboard member Erik Vanderleeden said he thought the number is reasonable to take the remediation step, but was concerned about making voters at Town Meeting uncomfortable by roping everything into one big purchase.
Superintendent John Provost said his initial hope for state aid would be around $150 per pupil, which is what the district budgeted for. The actual state aid ended up being $160 per pupil, and Provost said there’s potential for some of the extra money to be applied to the project, but that the entirety of the project can’t fit within the district’s revenue.
Wilbraham Select Board member Susan Bunnell said the same concerns existed in the school when her son attended 30 years ago, and that this felt like “short money to get us through whatever it takes to get us to being able to present a much bigger conver-
sation and bigger decision.”
Vanderleeden added on to Bunnell’s point, and said he has children going into eighth grade and that he “hears things” about the school.
“We have to put aside our differences and go forward for the betterment of the children, if we cannot come to an agreement,” Vanderleeden said. “This seems like a fair agreement to me. I just want to present it to the people of Hampden in a manner that they can thoroughly understand what we’re trying to accomplish at the end of the day.”
Davenport said Hampden’s share — $17,000 — is not a lot of money, but the feedback from some people would be “you sold us down the drain, that’s not our building and you’re fixing up their building and we don’t want to pay for it.”
Davenport added that it’s a “small group of people, but it depends who turns out at the Town Meeting and how angry they are about something else that’s going on.”
Bunnell said work while the school is empty is best, and asked how willing everyone is to go out on open expectations that the model will be accepted at the fall Town Meeting. Provost said the plan is to complete the work that has already been funded and work on other projects as funding
becomes available.
“We have some things that we could do, definitely during the school year,” Provost said. “Door projects we could probably do during a winter break. Things like the main splits would have to wait until next summer.”
Provost said main split installation is a long process because it involves drilling into the building, but Flynn said they had it done at the new Town Hall within a week and that it could easily be done during a break. He said “if this is a priority, I don’t see why we don’t make it a priority.”
“This is a priority, and we’re gonna get it done next year,” Flynn said. “How do you pronounce the two things together?”
Wilbraham Select Board member Michael Squindo said to Flynn’s point “to be fair though, it’s a six-to-10-year priority.”
“I just want to make sure that we’re really saying we’re having a difference of timing over less than $10,000 on a less than $100,000 10-year plan,” Squindo said. “We’ve already told the schools that the money they asked for this year wasn’t awarded at the needed request that was provided. Then we’re gonna ask them to nickel and dime from the budget this year for a 10-year plan.”
Slaughter said that plan execution can happen over the next 12 months with a lot of it being “much, much sooner than later.” Provost said it’s a place to get direction from the School Committee.
“What we’re hearing from the two boards here, is that you’d like us to essentially deficit spend in anticipation that there will be more funding in a few months,” Provost said. “I think we have to find out whether the School Committee has an appetite for
The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District is currently awaiting a decision from the Massachusetts School Building Authority on acceptance into the core program.
Reminder Publishing file photo
Target at Springfield hosts ribbon cutting ahead of grand opening
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — With a shower of red confetti and the snip of a bullseye-dotted ribbon, the arrival of Target at Springfield Crossing was celebrated on July 21, ahead of its July 26 grand opening.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said it is a “massive store. Anything you need or want is right here in Springfield Crossing.” The 135,000-square-foot store has a workforce of 150 people. Mayor Domenic Sarno said 70% are Springfield residents.
Sarno said that long before the city was able to publicly confirm that Target would be an anchor for the plaza, people would ask him if the store was coming to Springfield. “Now I can say, Target was our target, and we’re happy to have them here,” he said. “Thank you for your belief and investment in the city of Springfield,” he said.
The mayor said Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan worked hard to facilitate the turnover from the Eastfield Mall into the Springfield Crossing plaza. He said Springfield Crossing is one of many projects across the city that came to fruition despite naysayers. “It’s cause we have a can-do attitude and we’re business friendly,” he said.
“You definitely hit the bullseye ... with this Target here,” state Rep. Angelo Puppolo joked, referring to the company’s logo.
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Springfield Police Department. I want to say that I’m truly sorry. I’m sorry for the loss that you suffered all those years ago and I’m sorry for how long it’s taken to bring the answers to you and bring the peace that you
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Akers said the Springfield Police Department focuses on promoting from within. “If you come in this department and you study hard and you do a good job, you have a chance of being promoted,” Akers said. He explained that people retire regularly and there are always opportunities for people who want to put in the work.
The superintendent reflected on each of the officers. “Capt. Barbieri is going to continue to be my commander, director of my academy ... She’s been in that position probably about 15 years, so she was the best person for that job. I needed someone with experience there.”
Speaking of Cook, Akers said, “He’s done a lot for this department. He’s done a lot of different units. I think absolutely he’s going to be an asset.” He said Cook oversees the third-shift uniform divi-
Springfield Crossing is in Puppolo’s district but was formerly a part of state Rep. Orlando Ramos’s constituency. The two co-signed a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives congratulating the store on its grand opening. Puppolo said, “The entire Springfield delegation, right, we know how important business is, how jobs and economic development — and this is second to none.”
Ramos said Boston Road used to be known as the economic and
deserve,” Akers said to Perez’s family, who was at the press conference about the development.
“In law enforcement we know that we can not undo the past, but we also know that we can honor it by never giving up,” Akers said. “I remember that day well. I remember being one of the first detectives to respond to the call.”
He spoke about the importance of collecting all possible evidence,
sion, where many of the younger, less experienced officers work. Strange and Sleeper are both assigned to the uniform division. Akers said Strange has the training to help young, uniformed officers, while Sleeper came from the traffic division. “So, these officers have always been in places where they can take their expertise and bring them to the uniformed officers, especially the young officers.”
Reflecting on his career, Cook said, “It’s been a very long journey, one that I wouldn’t change for anything. I would say the most important thing is, as we grow as people, we make mistakes. You mess up. But life teaches us that we can grow from those mistakes and errors and learn from them. I would like to think that I’m a culmination of 34, going on 35 years of errors and mistakes with corrections. I’m truly humbled and blessed to be here.”
Sleeper described his career as “fantastic ... a learning experience.” A Springfield native,
retail hub of Springfield. “And so, to see it come back, it’s a beautiful thing ... Please know that you have a friend in us at the state level,” he said.
State Rep. Brian Ashe commented that, despite the “torrential downpour, this place is packed.” Echoing Puppolo’s comments, he said the Springfield delegation was proud to have a Target in the city. Leading a round of applause for “everybody in a red shirt.”
Lamari
Jackson, district direc-
even when technology is not yet available to use that evidence.
Akers said, “Justice should never depend on a person’s zip code, their income or the neighborhood they called home. Every victim deserves to be remembered, every family deserves answers and every community deserves the same commitment to justice.”
Later, Akers said that it stays
he said he was “glad to be here, glad to work here in this city that I love ... I put in the time, I put in the hours, and it paid off and it feels fantastic.”
Barbieri had a different perspective on rising through the ranks. “It’s been a challenge for sure, as a woman in law enforcement. It’s an extremely humbling experience to be where I am today. It’s been extremely rewarding to show what hard work and good leadership can accomplish.”
Barbieri’s husband, retired Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri, pinned her captain’s badge to her uniform during the ceremony. Of her husband, Barbieri said, “He’s been an unbelievable mentor, and I look up to him in all aspects of where I am today. Through his guidance and
tor for state Sen. Adam Gomez, said, “You guys are the powerhouse of this city.” She presented the store manager with a citation on behalf of Gomez and state Sen. Jake Oliveira.
Target Group Vice President Mariann Batista said she believed the Target would be good for the community, and highlighted the opportune time of opening during back-to-school season. “I’m so proud of the team. They’ve worked so hard,” she said. “I’ve opened up a few
with officers when a case remains unsolved. “It means something to us personally. It’s like a feather in your cap when you can say, ‘Hey, I solved this.’ It makes you feel good, it’s a good feeling,” he said. “But when you run into a brick wall and there’s really nowhere else to go … you think about it before you go to sleep, you think about it when you wake up.”
his honorable leadership has truly molded me into the person that I am today.”
Cook was pinned by his wife. Sleeper’s daughter and grandson did the honors for him, while Strange’s two young sons pinned his badge on his uniform.
Each of the officers shared one common theme — a desire to train the department’s newer, less experienced officers.
“I think the most important thing is I’m looking to mold the new officers that have been hired. We have a very young department. They have a little bit of experience, and I want to increase that and take what I’ve learned in 35 years and pass it down, so they can also grow big and strong,” Cook said with a laugh.
Barbieri said she is most look-
stores, and this is one of the biggest we’ve opened in the area.” Batista touted the large market area, carrying groceries, fresh produce and frozen items. “We are calling that ‘food forward’ and it’s something that we really want to bring to our communities.” Target has a food distribution center in Connecticut, allowing the store to keep fresh produce in stock. Batista said, “We want to make sure that we are close to every family in America.”
José Reyes, Perez’s nephew, spoke on behalf of the family. “Today, my family closes a chapter that has been open for 31 years. During all this time we’ve lived with questions, pain, uncertainty. We never stopped remembering our dear Celestina,” Perez said. “Knowing the truth allows us to take a final step toward justice and begin to find a little peace.”
ing forward to “being a voice for, primarily, the women and men who don’t have a voice in our profession right now, and just to lead with dignity and honor, and holding myself accountable and ... our people accountable.”
There’s one thing Cook wanted people to understand about the city’s police force. “The Springfield Police Department is made up of people who are here to do one thing, and that is to keep people safe,” he said. “We also want to teach people that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to embrace the different styles that we bring to the table, but one thing that the Springfield Police Department doesn’t ascribe to is crime. So, do it, but do it right. If you don’t, we’re there to be there and catch you.”
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and Lamari Jackson, district director for state Sen. Adam Gomez, stand with Bullseye, the Target mascot.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Monson Savings Bank Donates $10,000 to Revitalize CDC
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank donated $10,000 to Revitalize Community Development Corporation in support of the organization’s 2026 #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild event.
Revitalize CDC, based in Springfield, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health, safety, and quality of life for homeowners throughout the region. Through essential home repairs, neighborhood revitalization efforts and wellness-focused initiatives, Revitalize CDC helps create stronger communities and healthier living environments for individuals and families who need it most.
The annual #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild is one of Revitalize CDC’s signature events, bringing together volunteers, community partners and local businesses to complete exterior home improvement projects that help homeowners maintain safe and attractive properties while fostering neighborhood pride and community engagement.
In addition to providing financial support, a team of 25 Monson Savings Bank employees, as well as their friends and
SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals recently announced a $10,000 donation from Pioneer Valley Financial Charitable Fund to support the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center as it responds to recent cases of parvovirus and panleukopenia that temporarily disrupted shelter operations.
The gift will provide funding to help the shelter recover from the outbreak and ensure it has the
family members, volunteered during this year’s #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild. The team worked alongside fellow community members to assist with neighborhood improvement projects and help make a meaningful difference for local homeowners.
“We are incredibly grateful for Monson Savings Bank’s ongoing partnership and generous support of our #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild,” said Colleen Shanley-Loveless, president and CEO of Revitalize CDC. “Their commitment to investing in our communities extends beyond financial contributions. The enthusiasm and dedication demonstrated by their volunteer team helps make this event successful and creates a lasting impact for the homeowners and neighborhoods we serve.”
Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, emphasized the importance of supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and improve quality of life for local residents.
“Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild
supplies needed to continue providing lifesaving care to animals.
Funds will be used to replenish personal protective equipment and parvovirus vaccines for the veterinary clinic, as well as purchase diagnostic tests, treatment supplies, cleaning and disinfecting products and food for the animals currently in the shelter’s care.
“An outbreak like this, places an enormous strain on shelter
present a
is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when organizations, businesses, and volunteers come together for a common purpose,” said Moriarty. “We are proud to support Revitalize CDC’s mission through both financial contribu-
resources,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals. “Every day, the veterinary and animal care teams are working tirelessly to protect the health of the animals while preventing further spread of disease. This generous donation from Pioneer Valley Financial Group allows the clinic to replace critical supplies and continue providing the highest level of care during a very chal-
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
CHICOPEE
Theodore Francis “Todd” Bouchard Jr.
Sandra M. Bronner
Anna Ladeau
EAST LONGMEADOW
Patrick M. Connors
Thomas “Tom” Flanagan
Marilyn Lindahl
Janice S. Provost
Barbara Speer
HOLYOKE
William R. Ainey
Barbara Harris
Dr. Robert S. Mausel
LUDLOW
Marguerite R. Surprenant
SOUTH HADLEY
Barbara A. Blank
David F. Hurley
René Proulx
Carolyn C. Topor
SPRINGFIELD
Judith A. Barry
Harold J. Chapin
James E. Denning
Donald Anton Keinath
Joyce Livingston
Francisco V. Lopes
Christopher J. Sullivan
Richard A. Tulloch
WILBRAHAM
Donna L. Streeter
tions and volunteerism. Seeing 25 members of our team come together to help improve local neighborhoods reflects the community spirit and commitment that are at the heart of Monson Savings Bank.”
To learn more about Revi-
lenging time.”
Parvovirus and panleukopenia are highly contagious viral diseases that primarily affect puppies and kittens, as well as unvaccinated animals. Managing these illnesses requires strict isolation protocols, enhanced sanitation procedures, additional personal protective equipment, specialized medical treatment and increased vaccination efforts, all of which significantly increase operating costs for the shelter.
“This contribution is about more than replacing supplies,” Brown added. “It’s about ensuring that every animal who comes through the doors has access to the medical care, protection and nutrition they need while their team works to safely navigate this situation.”
Big E
Continued from page 2
Thompson and Eric Villafane — who worked diligently to complete their school’s statue.
West Springfield High School said they had a lot of fun naming their Chick-E when students opened the decision to a schoolwide vote. The winning name?
Ben Chick-man Franklin, named for one of the country’s Founding Fathers.
However, the democratic feedback did not end with the naming of the statue; the painters and larger Art department polled students to find out where their families hail from. Ben Chickman Franklin was designed to ensure that the more than 20 nationalities represented by the student body each had a place on the statue.
“Ben Chick-man Franklin embodies West Springfield High School’s superpower: the many cultures and languages of our school,” said Anne Charron, fine and applied Arts department head at West Springfield High School.
“His superhero cape was painted
talize CDC and its community programs, visit www.revitalizecdc.com.
To learn more about Monson Savings Bank’s community commitment, visit monsonsavings.bank/connect/ our-community.
The Foundation for TJO Animals serves as the nonprofit fundraising partner for the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, providing financial support for veterinary care, medical equipment, shelter improvements, enrichment programs and emergency treatment for thousands of animals each year.
The Foundation extended its gratitude to Pioneer Valley Financial Group for stepping forward when the need was greatest. Their generosity will have an immediate impact on the health and well-being of the animals in TJO’s care. For more information about the Foundation for TJO Animals or to support its mission, visit the Foundation’s website or contact the Foundation office.
by a dedicated crew of more than 20 students from countries like Rwanda, Ireland, Syria and Kyrgyzstan. Our hope was to make Ben a friendly, welcoming representation of The Big E while celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.”
Jacqueline Boudreau-Kinsey, Art department head at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, Mass., is the point person for their school’s Chick-E. The statue was designed and started upon by the rising upperclassmen in Boudreau-Kinsey’s Advanced Placement Art class at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, and their vision will be executed and expanded upon by the juniors that remain as seniors and additional AP Art students at the start of the 20262027 year. The statue is sure to be a shining example of creative collaboration.
The statues will be on display in the New England Center among other Creative Arts contest entries throughout The Big E, Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Follow us on social media, @TheBigEFair, for more details about how you can cast your vote for your favorite design.
Monson Savings Bank’s Kylie LaPlante, deposit operations officer (far left), and Dan Moriarty, president and CEO (far right),
$10,000 donation to Revitalize CDC representatives, Colleen Shanley-Loveless, president and CEO (center left), and Ethel Griffin, vice president, community engagement (center right).
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
African Community Festival returns to Marshall Roy Park
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Marshall Roy
Park will be filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of African traditions on Saturday, Aug. 8, as the African Community Festival connects cultures and generations.
The festival began four years ago as a community cookout to bring together members of the African diaspora living in Western Massachusetts. A year later, Naefia Padi founded the nonprofit Unity Hearts Foundation and rebranded the event as a festival.
“People typically see Africa as one place, not as a collection of different countries and cultures,” said Event Coordinator Evelyn Ansah. However, the continent is composed of 54 countries, each with unique aspects of its culture.
Padi added, “Our aunties, our uncles, our parents, they wear a rich cloth.”
Ansah said there will be food from a variety of different African cultures, as well as American food, and include a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The festival will feature a friendly tasting competition around jollof rice, a common dish in many African countries, which is prepared differently depending on the cultural tradition. In the “Jollof Wars” contest, versions of the dish from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia will compete to be crowned the best.
The festival will provide music from Orchestre Moto, a live Congolese band specializing in rumba, soukous and ndombolo rythyms. Entertainment will include a Ugandan dance ensemble
by AfroDiamonds, a Senegambian Kankourang masquerade dance and an afrofusion fashion show. There will also be free face painting, family-friendly activities, cultural games, virtual reality experiences, a raffle, a marketplace and resource vendors. Additionally, Unity Hearts Foundation is hosting a backpack giveaway while supplies last for students ahead of the start of school. This year, the free festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. at the park, 162 El Paso St. It is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Spark Good, Mass Cultural Council and Springfield Community Resources.
Referring to the region’s African diaspora, Ansah said, “We kind of live in tiny little pockets.”
Because people live in those pockets, she said the festival provides a
sense of wider belonging for many.
“It is a time we can come together and share our culture. It is very important to educate our children in this. We can bring our culture for them to see,” Padi said. Among the cultures represented at the festival are those from Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia and South Africa. “Last year, there was somebodies from Uganda. We didn’t even realize there was that many Ugandans in Western Massachusetts,” Ansah said. Ansah, who was born in Ghana, but whose siblings were born in the United States, said the festival allows young people to connect with their heritage. “It allows them to know their cultures. I can see how attending the festival year after year, they have pride in their cultures,” she said.
While children may have grown up hearing stories about their family’s culture, it has a different impact when they can taste the food and listen to the music, Ansah said. “For a lot of young adults, it is a way to better understand where their culture comes from,” she said.
“It’s so beautiful,” Padi said. She said she knows Black Americans, who do not identify as African, who were inspired to take a vacation to an African country after attending the festival. She said she would like to invite everyone in Western Massachusetts to attend the festival, regardless of whether they are of African descent.
“Experience different cultures,” said Padi. “One community, one love. That’s what Unity Hearts Foundation is about — to bring everyone together.”
Liberty Bank Foundation makes named gift to support dinosaur exhibition
SPRINGFIELD
— The Springfield Museums officially recognizes Liberty Bank Foundation’s generous support of its new permanent exhibition, “Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs,” with the unveiling of new exhibition signage during a special ceremony on Thursday, July 16.
Representatives from Liberty Bank, the Springfield Museums and local elected officials gathered at the Springfield Science Museum to celebrate the partnership and investment in science education for the community.
“Liberty Bank Foundation’s generous investment demonstrates the power of community partnerships to create meaningful educational opportunities for generations to come,” said Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “‘Dinosaurs Still Live’ inspires curiosity, encourages scientific exploration, and makes complex concepts acces-
sible through interactive learning.
We are deeply grateful to the Liberty Foundation for helping bring this permanent experience to life.”
”This partnership between Team Liberty and the Springfield Museums is exciting and shows what we can accomplish by working together,” said Tony Liberopoulos, Liberty Bank’s Massachusetts Market president for commercial lending. “At Liberty, our brand promise is to ‘Be Community Kind,’ and that means doing what we can to help our community grow and thrive. Creating educational opportunities through the Dinosaurs Still Live exhibition does just that.”
The July 16 ceremony coincided with the Springfield Museums’ participation in Dino Trail Week, a regional celebration of the Connecticut River Valley’s dinosaur heritage. The museums will offer dinosaur-themed activities free with museum admission,
including exhibit tours, live reptile demonstrations, a fossil matching game, hands-on art and science and a dinosaur costume character.
“Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs” is a 1,400-squarefoot exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to discover the remarkable connections between dinosaurs, birds, crocodilians and pterosaurs through immersive environments, hands-on experiences and engaging storytelling. Since opening in March, the exhibition has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors, quickly becoming one of the museum’s most popular spaces for families, school groups and lifelong learners.
Archosaurs are the evolutionary group that includes all living birds and crocodiles, along with their extinct relatives, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs and many ancient reptiles. Throughout the gallery, interactive components encourage exploration, discovery,
and play, helping visitors connect with science in memorable and meaningful ways. Rotating displays and changing specimens provide fresh experiences throughout the year, encouraging repeat visits. Designed with families in mind, “Dinosaurs Still Live” combines contemporary exhibition design, vibrant environments, tactile learning opportunities and bilingual interpretation in English and Spanish. The exhibition reflects the Springfield Museums’ ongo-
ing commitment to innovative, inclusive education that welcomes learners of all ages and abilities. Additional support for Dinosaurs Still Live was provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, with funding secured by state Sen. Adam Gomez; and contributions from Harry and Lynne Ahern, Laurence and Barbara Derose, Bill and Patti Kelliher, and Susan Piccin.
Wilbraham’s Brenna Woytowicz receives the Ludlow goal kick.
Haley Dziadosz makes the long centering pass.
Rilynn Conway reacts as she sends the ball out of the Falcons end.
Maddie Britt stands ready among Ludlow’s defenders on the Falcons corner.
Molly Baroni attacks and takes a shot on goal.
The Falcons Vivian Mirisis intercepts the Ludlow pass.
Sydney Saltmarsh uses her head to control the ball near midfield.
Wilbraham’s Mia Newman (left) wins the head ball against Ludlow’s Haley Adams.
cree and Order and for such other re ef as
quested in the Pet tion The Pet tioner requests that: Thomas P Ferriter of East Longmeadow MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of
You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court
You have a right to object to this proceeding To do so you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a m on the return
this
ance and objection if you
ceeding If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days o
UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)
der the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration
Date: Ju y 23, 2026
Rosemary A Saccomani Register of Probate (July 30)
MONSON
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS TRIAL COURT SUPERIOR COURT DEPARTMENT
HAMPDEN ss Case No 2679CV00490
NEWREZ LLC SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC
d/b/a SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING v CASSANDRA E NEWMAN
EAST LONGMEADOW
Alan P. Faber, representative, Edward Harry Faber, estate, and Edward H. Faber, estate, to Thomas E. Dunn and Isabel R. Dunn, 98 Hanward Hill, $300,000. Craig B. Murray and Agnes M. Murray to Michael Mann and Maxine Mann, 51 John St., $380,000. Gwendolyn Centeno and Jonatan Antonio Guzman Gomez to Chailyn Caudillo, 109 Pendleton Ave., $260,000. Heather Santana, conservator, and Mark A. Mason to Samuel V. Gentile Inc., 26 High St., $162,500. Joseph A. Saracino and Gina M. Sattler to Patrick Dunnigan and Amanda Dunnigan, 32 Overbrook Road, $494,000. Noah Choi, Seung-Bong Choi and Priscilla Y. Choi to Peris W. Kariuki and Eric M. Wachira, 235 Vineland Ave., $550,000. Sherry Haetinger and Lillian Haetinger to Damon Taylor, 16 Speight Arden Road, $200,000. HAMPDEN
Erin Handfield and Michael Handfield to Mark J. Handfield and Rachel M. Handfield, 130 Stony Hill Road, $387,500. Nicholas Badeau, Tiffany Badeau and Tiffany Simkewicz to William L. Hasenjager, 33 Sessions Drive, $430,000. LONGMEADOW
Michelle Grodsky to Sammy Levy, Adriane L. Levy and Adriane Levy, 146 Brooks Road, $885,000. Patricia L. Munson and Gwendolyn M. Bruns to Tyla Taylor and Ryan Copeland, 20 Wenonah Place, $532,500. Scott Graham and Maureen Graham to Daniel Pierson, 46 Hawthorne St., $475,000. Thomas Elias Adams and Rosemarie Adams to Saranya Prathibha and Sashi Nair, 146 Wheel Meadow Drive, $830,000. LUDLOW
David J. DiCienzo and Michelle A. DiCienzo to Tarkan Topcuoglu and Hilal Topcuoglu, 90 Southwood Drive, $984,000. Jennifer L. Badalamenti to Dawson Pierce and Tyler Pierce, 30 Cady St., $330,000. Kyle David Hedblom and Kayla Carol Koch to Jordan Bryant and Kaylee Ferris, 95 Summer Ave., $340,000.
Robert Bukowski to Jaime Lapierre and Joshua Messer, 109 Booth St., $585,000.
Alan B. Corbett and Jennifer M. Corbett to Joshua Donald William Stack, 49 Robbins Road, $423,900.
Laurie Anne Peterson to Rebecca M. Nacsin, 17 King Ave., $225,000.
SPRINGFIELD
148 Jamestown LLC, to Jada Wanzo, 148 Jamestown Drive, #148, $296,500.
Ada E. Gonzalez to Iris Mireya Roman Munoz, 65 Hyde Ave., $237,500. Andrea M. O’Connor, receiver, and Spring Park Properties Inc., to Michelle Lemelin, 133 Oak St., $195,500. Angel L. Gonzelex and Angel L. Gonzalez to Property Advantage Inc., 18 Foster St., $125,000.
EAST LONGMEADOW
- THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
132 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
103 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
128 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
58 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir.
131 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St.
135 Papers: Baymor Dr., Edmund St., Fifth St., Glendale Rd., Knollwood Dr.
LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
73 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St.
85 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd.
146 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.
95 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd.
97 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.
155 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd.
105 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St.
41 Papers: Lynwood Dr., Duxbury Ln., Elizabeth Cir.
68 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd.
57 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy
