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State awards $93M for MassMutual Center upgrades

By Dennis Hackett

dhackett@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — On July 30, local and state officials announced a $93 million investment for the MassMutual Center.

Gov. Maura Healey explained that the money, which is coming through a new partnership between Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and Springfield Thunderbirds, will be implemented over the next five years with planned improvements for a modernized fire alarm, sprinkler and ventilation systems; Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility upgrades; improved wayfinding and digital signage; concession and food service enhancements; a new scoreboard and additional rigging infrastructure; and other operational and infrastructure improvements.

“Over the next five years, we’ll see $93 million to modernize this facility, to make sure that this center is competitive for decades to come,” Healey said. “These are smart investments, they’re smart investments for the MassMutual Central, they’re smart investments for Springfield, they’re smart investments for Massachusetts.”

Healey added that the improvements also include a new jumbotron.

Mayor Domenic Sarno said the investment would drive more people downtown.

“A $93 million investment, which is going to help with the physical plan, the arena, infrastructure, the fan experience will be much, much better, and you can’t put a price tag on that,” he said. “When people are feeling good, and you keep it vibrant, clean and safe, they like to spend money in your places, and that is music to my ears.”

Sarno reflected on how attendance at Thunderbirds games has grown over the time that he has had season tickets.

“I’ve been a season ticket holder for well over 20 years or more.

I remember the days when we used to maybe draw 2,500 people, 3,000 people here for a game. The T-Birds are drawing over 6,200 fans every game, 20 sellouts, they made a run for the conference final this past year, downtown was electric,” Sarno said.

Healey said the investment was going to create a “fantastic family experience” at the arena.

“Today is about investing in Western Massachusetts, and it’s about investing in one of our state’s most important civic and economic assets,” she said. “The MassMutual Center is more than

IN THIS

EDITION EAST LONGMEADOW

RedFive finds success from all ages with ‘Squishy Saturday’ events East Longmeadow’s RedFive Toys and Collectibles, 55 Maple St., has kept up with the demand for a new trend with its “Squishy Saturday” events.

Page 4

WILBRAHAM

HWRSD School Committee approves revised regional agreement draft

Gov. Maura Healey dons a Springfield Thunderbirds jersey and poses for a photo with Boomer as businessman Paul Picknelly talks about the $93 million coming to the MassMutual Center.

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee approved revisions to the regional agreement on July 30.

Reminder Publishing photo by Dennis Hackett

an arena, it’s where families gather to cheer on the Thunderbirds, it’s where conventions and conferences, and concerts and events take place, which bring in folks from around the region.”

Healey said that the investment would “supercharge” an economic engine in Springfield and that it highlights the importance of sup-

Page 12

See UPGRADES on page 10

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TOWN EVENTS www.TheReminder.com

Submit your community listings online at thereminder.com/ submit-an-event/ or by emailing dhackett@ thereminder.com. Events are subject to review and printed on a space available basis.

EAST LONGMEADOW EAST LONGMEADOW PUBLIC LIBRARY

The following events are organized by the East Longmeadow Public Library, 60 Center Square. For more information or to register, head to eastlongmeadowlibrary.org or call 413-525-5420.

Teen programs: • Teen Summer Crafternoons — Thursday, Aug. 6, at 2:30 p.m.

Children programs: • Doodle with Crayons — Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. for ages

•

5 and up.

Music & Movement — Thursday, Aug. 13, at noon for ages 2-5.

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 register for programs, call 413-5255436.

• Western Mass Wheelers — Mondays 10 a.m. to noon. Free, safe and enjoyable bike rides on specially adapted tricycles.

Weather dependent.

• Monday Movers with Kris — Mondays at 9 a.m. Dynamic muscle movements with cardio endurance. All levels welcome, Free.

• New England Wound Care Workshop — Monday, Aug. 10, at 12:30 p.m. Enjoy ice cream and meet with members from NEWCare, New England

•

Wound Care. As you age, you become more susceptible to a variety of wounds including diabetic foot ulcers, venous ulcers, and pressure wounds. Learn how to prevent, treat and manage acute and chronic wounds.

Understanding the Guardianship Process — Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 11 a.m. Understand the process and why someone may need a guardian or conservator.

Learn what the duties and responsibilities of a guardian and conservator are.

1976 TIME CAPSULE REVEAL

The East Longmeadow Historical Commission and Rotary Club are sponsoring the long awaited for 1976 time capsule reveal at the Pleasant View Senior Center 328 N. Main St. Contents will be displayed on screen to enable easy viewing for all. Items will also be available to search and through and claim. The free event will be open to the public at 6 p.m.

Questions should be directed to the East Longmeadow Historical Commission page on Facebook.

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.

• Memory Café: Music with Renee — Friday, Aug. 14, ar 10:15 a.m.

• Crafts with Kim: Lighted Hummingbird Wreath — Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 1-3 p.m. Cost is $25 per project. 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.

• Seamstress visit — Friday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. The senior center welcomes seamstress extraordinaire, Georgina Hamilton, on the second and fourth Fridays of every month to help with your tailoring needs and more.

LONGMEADOW RICHARD SALTER STORRS LIBRARY

SO THAT REMINDS ME — On the latest episode of So That Reminds Me, Managing Editor Dennis Hackett and Chicopee/Holyoke Herald Staff Writer Tyler Garnet sit down with Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia to discuss the status of current issues and happenings in the Paper City, including the city’s comprehensive planning process, the proposed sports complex, redevelopment of the Kmart property and the mayor’s approach to social media and constituent outreach.

Reminder Publishing photo by Chris Maza

The following events take place at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 593 Longmeadow St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-565-4181, or head to longmeadowlibrary.org.

Youth programs: • End of Summer Rollerskating Party — Monday, Aug. 10, 6-8 p.m. Help us close out our Summer Reading Program with a big bang! Join us at our End of Summer Rollerskating Party at Interskate 91. Tickets can be picked up in the Discovery Room. Tickets to the party are for participants in our Children’s Summer Reading Program.

•

Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, Aug. 11, 9:30-10 a.m.

• Board Book Baby Time — Tuesday, Aug. 11, 10:45-11:30 a.m.

• Family Yoga — Wednesday, Aug. 12, 9:30-10:15 a.m.

• Music & Movement — Thursday, Aug. 13, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

• Storytime at the Fire Department — Friday, Aug. 14, 10-11 a.m.

Adult programs: • VIRTUAL Celebrating America’s 250th: “Act Worthy of Yourselves” with author Salina B. Baker — Monday, Aug. 10, 7-8 p.m.

• VIRTUAL: Play Along Ukulele from Home! — Monday, Aug. 10, 7-8 p.m.

• Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, Aug. 11, 1:30-4:30 p.m.

• Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston — Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1-2:30 p.m.

• Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. to noon.

• Storrs Stitchers (Drop-In) — Friday, Aug. 14, 10-11:30 a.m.

• Lunchtime Concert on the Lawn w/Matt York: Featuring the Songs of Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash — Friday, Aug. 14, 1-2 p.m.

LONGMEADOW ADULT CENTER

The following programs are organized by the Longmeadow Adult Center, located at 211 Maple Road.

For more information or to sign up for programs, call 413-565-4160 option 1.

• Philadelphia, Continental Congress and it’s links to Longmeadow — Aug. 10 at 6: p.m.

Learn why Philadelphia, politically neutral, easily accessible and symbolically significant, was chosen as the place where the colonies could unite, debate and plan their collective response to British rule without the influence of a pro-British provincial government. And learn about Longmeadow’s

See EVENTS on page 15

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EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026

Lisa Moccia Real estate What distinguishes you from other businesses in your category?

Something people might be surprised to learn about your business.

I’m not just a Real Estate Agent — I’m your neighbor, your local expert and your community advocate. I live here, work here and support local businesses and families everyday. That means I care deeply about the people and places that make this area home. I support local — whether it’s coffee shops, contractors or community events — and I bring that same heat into my work. When you work with me, you’re also supporting a local who’s reinvesting right back into our town.

I build relationships that last long after the sale. I stay in touch to make sure you’re loving your home and your community. Whether you’re buying or selling, I use proven systems tailored to your goals — not a one-size-fits-all plan. My local market knowledge helps you act quickly and wisely in a fast moving market.

Why should people do business with you?

I don’t just walk you through the process — I teach you how it works so you feel confident every step of the way. First-time buyer? Downsizing? I’ve got a plan and and a checklist ready. For sellers, I bring a fresh, aggressive approach to digital and local marketing, staging and open house strategy — not just a sign up in the yard.

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RedFive finds success from all ages with ‘Squishy Saturday’

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — Many know that the stress ball has been a go-to tool for handheld relaxation and mediation since its inception in 1988, but a new trend has taken over the market. East Longmeadow’s RedFive Toys and Collectibles, 55 Maple St., has kept up with the demand with its “Squishy Saturday” events.

“Squishy toys,” such as Massachusetts’ own NeeDoh products by Schylling, grew to popularity in the United States around 2017 and have experienced a secondary resurgence through TikTok-driven trends this year.

They have a similar texture and form to a stress-ball and can be used in the same ways to help reduce stress and anxiety, but come in a variety of shapes, colors and designs, such as a stick of butter, block of cheese or a banana.

Uses can also be unrelated to therapeutic means. Trends like the viral “mystery dumplings,” a blind-box sensory toy with surprise colors, have brought children and adults together in flocking to stores to find the authentic product.

The trend can be compared to searching for a favorite player in a pack of baseball cards and the excitement that comes from finally finding it.

With the resurgence, many stores sell out of its stock as soon as doors open. RedFive founder and owner Brian Rushby said the store tries to keep up on every fast-moving toy craze.

This trend skyrocketed during a production break in factories, immediately leading to a high demand and low supply.

“We’ve had [NeeDoh] in stock for like five years, so it’s nothing new for us,” Rushby said. “It was holding its own and then this past Christmas it sold, and we’re like ‘you know what, maybe NeeDoh just needs to be a stocking stuffer thing and maybe we don’t need to carry it all year round. We didn’t place any orders this spring, and then the squishy craze happened, then Chinese New Year happened, and during Chinese New Year, all the factories shut down for a month … there was no product to ship right when the squishy trend really blew up so that’s why NeeDoh became hard to track.”

Rushby said he orders any

The line wraps around the building at RedFive Toys and Collectibles for its “Squishy Saturday” events.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

See SQUISHY TOYS on page 8

Monson Savings Bank awards $30,000 to local high school graduates MONSON — Monson Savings Bank continues its longstanding commitment to supporting education and investing in the future of the communities

it serves. This year, the bank proudly awarded $30,000 in scholarships to 15 graduating seniors from local high schools in recognition of their academic

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The 2026 Monson Savings Bank Scholarship Ceremony was

held on June 23 at the Scantic Valley YMCA. Scholarship recipients and their families were invited to attend a reception celebrating their achievements

Chestnut Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC LEGAL NOTICE Public Announcement Concerning

Chestnut Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC Notice is hereby given to announce the intent of the filing of a change of ownership application for the legal name Chestnut Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC, which is located at 32 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028-2803. The facility has 135 skilled nursing beds. The new owner will be Chestnut Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center LLC to be staying at the same location of 32 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028-2803.

There will be no changes made to the bed capacity of the facility.

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There will also be no changes made in the services of the health care facility.

“A public hearing may be requested upon petition by any group of ten adults.

Such petition shall include the name, address and signature of each adult and designate one member as the representative of the group. Written comments concerning the applicant’s ability to provide quality long-term care services and petitions for a public hearing may be addressed to the offices of the Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification.”

A request for hearing may be made for a period of 14 days following publication in the newspaper.

Submission of comments can be sent to the below address: Massachusetts Department of Public Health 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 Email: HFLLicenseAction@Mass.Gov

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and the next chapter of their educational journeys. Guests enjoyed refreshments, connected with Monson Savings Bank team members and celebrated the students’ successes.

As in previous years, Monson Savings Bank awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from area high schools.

This year’s recipients were: East Longmeadow High School • Anna Flanagan • Eve Butler • Natalie DiMichele Minnechaug Regional High School • Elijah Webster • Mia Bolduc • Molly Kinsman Monson High School • Adam Laverety • Brady Ronaldson • Kassidy Wallace • Maddie McDonald • Mya Bridges • Shane Szado Ware High School • Jack Gaudreau • Maia Lamothe • Olivia DiRienzo During the event, Kandy Tranghese, senior vice president and chief financial officer, congratulated the scholarship recipients and their families on behalf of Monson Savings Bank.

“These students have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to their education, their communities, and their future goals,” said Tranghese.

“We are honored to support their continued success through our See SCHOLARSHIPS on page 8

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LETTERS www.TheReminder.com

Vote for a fighter for working people

In 2006, Representative Angelo Puppolo of the 12th Hampden District spoke to The Republican on his endorsement from the state federation of labor unions, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO. “I have always been in close touch with concerns and issues of working families, and I will continue that commitment on Beacon Hill,” he said.

Yet a peek into Puppolo’s voting record with record to organized labor yields a grocery list of votes against the interests of workers. In 2011, he voted for an amendment to strip municipal employees of most of their rights to collectively bargain over health care benefits.

Robert Haynes, president of Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the very labor federation whose endorsement Puppolo had previously touted, was stung by the vote. Speaking on the betrayal to The Boston Globe, Haynes said, “It’s pretty stunning. These are the same Democrats that all these labor unions elected. The same Democrats who we contributed to in their campaigns. The same Democrats who tell us over and over again that they’re with us, that they believe in collective bargaining, that they believe in unions...It’s a done deal for our relationship with the people inside that chamber.”

Massachusetts AFL-CIO wasn’t the only labor organization Representative Puppolo’s betrayed, however. During his first election bid in 2006, he also touted an endorsement from the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

“Strengthening public education at all levels is a cornerstone of my beliefs, and is an important issue for our district,” he stated to The Republican.

Yet once again, the tables turned once he entered office.

Puppolo voted thrice against the Fair Share Amendment, in 2016, 2017, and 2019. This was a piece of legislation the Massachusetts Teachers Association had cham-

pioned. Enacting a 4% surtax on income exceeding $1 million, the amendment has led to the state legislature appropriating $3.85 billion for public education, all with Fair Share Support.

Again in 2019, Puppolo struck another blow to organized labor when he voted against a proposed House rule that would’ve given employees in the House of Representatives the right to unionize and collectively bargain.

With politicians like Puppolo who don’t stay true to their word, it’s no small wonder that some people become alienated from the political process altogether. When canvassing in Springfield the other day for Puppolo’s progressive challenger, Michael Lachenmeyer, a man I spoke to said he’d tell his wife about it, but pass on voting.

“These politicians, they’re all the same. They say one thing to get into office, then do another,” he said. Whether it be a constituent from Springfield or the president of Massachusetts AFL-CIO, no one likes a turncoat.

Thankfully, Michael Lachenmeyer is a man of his word. While still in college, he was arrested at a sit-in for graduate students attempting to unionize on his campus. On the campaign trail, Lachenmeyer has stood on the picket line with striking workers at Square One in Springfield.

Constituents deserve a legislator who won’t back down from a fight for the working class. This September 1, let’s give them one.

Cayla Bartosz Wilbraham

Our State Rep. Puppolo is a strong advocate for making Health Care Affordable

We cannot wait for the next generation

it, despite the false claims of a recent letter writer. Representative Puppolo was a strong advocate and voted in favor of H.5618, An Act strengthening primary care and advancing health care affordability. This landmark legislation strengthens primary care, lowers prescription drug costs, supports hospitals and community health centers, and invests in Massachusetts’ health care workforce. With his support, this bill invests $25 Million to recruit, train, and retain health care professionals across the Commonwealth, lowers outof-pocket prescription drug costs by requiring manufacturer rebates to be applied directly at the pharmacy counter, expands access to mobile integrated health services and other community-based models of care, strengthens hospitals and federally qualified community health centers, and increases transparency and patient protections governing the use of artificial intelligence in health insurance utilization review.

Additionally, despite other false claims, Rep. Puppolo worked closely with the Chair of the House Committee on Health Care Financing, John Lawn, on releasing H. 5590 legislation that would establish a commission for the implementation of a single payer health care system. This is a significant step and is based on a thoughtful data driven approach to further strengthening our health care system – which Puppolo supports. Access to affordable, high-quality health care for all is a priority of Rep. Puppolo and these are just two examples which he has taken to help build a healthier Commonwealth by focusing on prevention, improving patient outcomes, and ensuring our health care system works better for families, seniors, patients and providers. We need continued strong leadership that has our best interest in Boston always — Angelo Puppolo is that person.

Representative Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. knows the crippling effect of the high cost of health care and is doing something about

This election is about more than choosing between two Democrats. It is about deciding what kind of Democratic Party we want to be at one of the most consequential moments in our nation’s history.

Senator Ed Markey has served in Congress since 1976. He deserves credit for his decades of public service and for evolving on important issues. But there were also moments when he held different positions on issues like integration of schools, abortion rights, the Crime Bill and the Iraq War. Those positions are history.

The larger question is not.

Should one person occupy the same seat in Washington for half a century while the world changes around us?

Experience has value, but longevity alone is not leadership.

Public office was never intended to become a lifetime appointment.

Every generation has a responsibility to prepare the next one to lead.

Today’s challenges demand leaders who are willing to meet this moment with urgency, courage, and conviction.

That’s why I support Seth Moulton.

During a private conversation with Seth, I became emotional talking about the reality that women in this country have fewer rights today than they once did. It wasn’t politics. It was deeply personal.

I saw in him something that gave me hope: not calculation, but conviction.

We cannot wait while rights disappear.

We cannot wait while extremism grows stronger.

And we cannot wait another generation to pass the torch.

That is why I proudly stand with Seth Moulton.

Shelly Maynard-DeWolf serves on the Longmeadow Select Board. This letter reflects her personal views.

Women in America have fewer constitutional rights today than they had just a decade ago.

Read that sentence again.

For the first time in generations, our daughters are growing up with fewer rights than their mothers had. That should concern every American, regardless of political party.

At the same time, extremists continue attacking reproductive freedom, LGBTQ Americans, voting rights, Black history and excellence, immigrants, public education, and the fundamental promise that everyone deserves equal protection under the law.

The stakes could not be higher.

Yet our response cannot simply be to keep doing what we’ve always done.

I never imagined I would run for public office.

Like many people, I believed that if I voted, stayed informed, and raised my family with the right values, I was doing my part.

But after Donald Trump was elected in 2016, I realized that wasn’t enough.

As I became more engaged locally, I looked at my own town government and saw something that troubled me. Longmeadow’s Select Board had gone more than a decade without a single woman serving on it. In a community filled with talented, accomplished women, our highest elected board simply didn’t reflect the people it represented.

I decided to do something about it.

I didn’t run because I wanted a political career. I ran because I believed representation matters, because different voices make better decisions, and because every generation has a responsibility to step forward when the moment demands it.

That same belief is why I am supporting Congressman Seth Moulton for the United States Senate.

Katherine Carpenter Wilbraham

Shelly Maynard-DeWolf Longmeadow

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|7|

EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026

LONGMEADOW www.TheReminder.com

Longmeadow native takes part in creating video game, studio

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — A college student hailing from Longmeadow and his roommates have started to make a name for themselves in the gaming community after developing a new indie game and creating their own studio.

Alex Weiswasser is a rising junior at Vermont’s Champlain College. Weiswasser and his three roommates, Harry Tomasco, Ben Adams and Max Totten decided to develop a game as soon as their college careers began.

This led to the June 23 release of “MAGE: Mega Awesome Gregarious Encounters” and the creation of FunRug Studio LLC. Weiswasser head-programmed the game.

The game’s description states it is a “magical, action-packed

2D projectile fighter inspired by controller couch party classics,” where players can pick from 21 unique mages to battle across over 200 maps. The game is playable online or locally with up to four players.

Weiswasser said wanted to make something fun for people to play together, which is video games for him and his friends.

“As a kid, I would play on the [Nintendo Wii] with friends, or on the [Nintendo DS] on the bus ride to school, and as I grew older, on the computer online,” Weiswasser said. “I had grown up at the same time the video game indie industry was growing up too, and seeing games made by small groups of people be so influential and impressive was a big motivator. Watching videos about game jams, about game making processes, seeing that it

was not an out of reach thing, that was big too.”

Weiswasser and his roommates all went to Champlain in hopes to develop a game, and they all decided to make the jump together.

“Champlain College did some amazing roommate matching,” Weiswasser said. “Around a week in, we decided to stop waiting, to not do it after anything, to just start, so we did.”

He said balancing time to develop the game and focus on studies wasn’t “bad at all,” considering many of his classes oriented around game development.

“Working on MAGE would help me in those classes, and learning in those classes would help me with MAGE,” Weiswasser said. “The practical and the mental learning were able to in-

From right to left: Alex Weiswasser, Max Totten, Harry Tomasco and Ben Adams showcased their new game at the MAGE Tournament.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

See VIDEO GAME on page 8

Longmeadow middle schools to enact new curriculum for eighth graders

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — Williams and Glenbrook Middle Schools are introducing an information literacy pilot program for eighth graders in the 2026-2027 school year after unanimous approval by the Longmeadow School Committee.

Information literacy is the ability to find, evaluate and use information in various formats effectively. The subject is already taught during English language arts classes at Longmeadow High School and will use a teacher-created curriculum.

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Beth Nelson proposed the course to the School Committee at its meeting on July 28. School Committee Chair Nicole Choiniere and members Bisrat Abebe and Emily Hansen also met with Nelson to discuss the program during the July 22 Curriculum Subcommittee meeting Nelson said the program began development at the end of the school year as a method to enhance middle school programming. Students with the schools’ explore study hall block will take the course instead of the study hall.

“Literacy information, digital information is everywhere,” Nelson said. “It’s around our students, artificial intelligence, media bias. There’s so much coming at our students so quickly right now and we saw an opportunity where students otherwise would have a scheduled explore block,

which would be a traditional study hall. We see an opportunity to give them some of these skills with a teacher who is trained in delivering this sort of curriculum and this sort of education.”

She said the course will give students real world skills that help the transition into high school. It only includes eighth graders because it is late into the district’s scheduling season, and the teacher instructing the course will have to travel between Williams and Glenbrook.

“There’s just not the capacity to offer it to all of the grades at this point,” Nelson said. “We’ll look to see more creative ways for the ‘27-’28 school year, pending this is approved and all goes well, but certainly for the ‘28’29 school year, when we are in the new Longmeadow Middle School, our goal would be to offer this for sixth, seventh and eighth graders. To be determined if it’s an elective course or it’s a course that every student would have to take.”

There is a future goal for sixth graders to be introduced to different literacy genres to build strong reading habits, a lifelong love of reading and skills to navigate the digital world responsibly, according to Nelson. Seventh graders would focus on media literacy, such as fact checking, media bias and digital storytelling. Eighth graders would focus on AI ethics, a leadership project tied into civics and academic research, such as database navigation.

“For next year, because we’re just focusing on eighth graders,

we’re hoping to not necessarily do a little bit of all of this, but be really intentional with how we are building out this scope and sequence to make sure we are giving the eighth graders those additional skills to be successful, but in a manageable way knowing that the schedule would allow them to have this course once, possibly twice in a six-day rotation,” Nelson said. “It’s not an everyday class at this point, so we would be looking at the database and academic research next year.

We would be looking at artificial intelligent ethics next year and a capstone project tied in with their action civics.”

The course’s assessment is pass-fail while receiving feedback from students, educators and the library media specialist throughout the year to make sure the course is the “best that it possibly can be,” according to Nelson.

Nelson added that she intends to use Title IV grant money for the teacher to craft the course and to attend professional development on certain course topics to “bring the most back to this course.”

“This will not be a big expense at all,” Nelson said. “Curriculum work happens throughout the summer for every discipline, so that’s a normal practice for us, but I do want to make sure she has the professional development to support her ongoing learning in this area as well.”

Superintendent Martin O’Shea said this course is an important step toward broadening middle school offerings and that he

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usually hears from families and students that this type of course is what the middle school should offer for additional programming.

“I think our intention would be, when we bring adoption proposals to the committee to make sure that it’s something that we see as sustainable, you know, something we can continue to fund in the years ahead,” O’Shea said. “I think this is the type of course that can be run with some strong instruction and some strong professional development and a really modest, very modest investment in resources. In the case of this proposal, I’d say that resources that are currently in the libraries will largely drive the curriculum for the kids.”

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Beth Nelson met with the Longmeadow School Committee on July 28 to discuss the proposed curriculum.

Photo credit: LongmeadowTV

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Video Game Continued from page 7

termingle that way, and it was massively helpful for my learning process overall. College also allowed for peers, professors and friends who we could look to for advice and help, game testing and even having the game included in two on-campus game tournaments.”

FunRug came to life from Tomasco’s “drive for it,” according to Weiswasser. He said the group

Squishy Toys Continued from page 4

squishy toy on the market, which led him to bringing in 500-600 units a week to sell products people said they wanted and to keep up with the popularity.

Squishy Saturday is used as the big product rollout, and he said a trend spreads like wildfire once it gains popularity on TikTok. “The first Squishy Saturday came and went and it was crazy,” Rushby said. “We started hustling to get more product and then we did another Squishy Sat-

Scholarships Continued from page 4

scholarship program. At Monson

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called themselves FunRug based off of the rug in their dorm room, but wasn’t an actual company yet.

“Harry certainly took initiative there, really taking the whole thing seriously, doing the brunt of the research and formation process to make us an actual company,” Weiswasser said. “We have lots of plans to build on the company. Soon, we’re joining a gamedev co-op of other small indie teams to help prop each other up, made up of current and former Champlain students. Most importantly, with the knowledge we’ve gained from making MAGE, we

at FunRug are already working on a new game, planned for release in late October.”

Weiswasser said he loves how communal the game ended up being, and that it’s at its best when you have all four people playing at once.

“Having four people going crazy next to each other playing is fantastic, to both do myself and see others enjoy,” Weiswasser said. “The Champlain College game testing lab was the perfect place to have our game be seen, discussed, and enjoyed by many. We’ve had MAGE in

both the Siegel Games, a game tournament held on campus, and eventually our own tournament.

Overall, MAGE spread through campus more than we were expecting, with fellow students we’d never met recognizing the game during testing or showcases, and with even the college president knowing about it.”

He added that he loves how fun it was to make and play, along with how much he learned and gained from the experience.

“I designed the original systems of the game, and so I was able to make it super fun for

me, and luckily that meant it was great fun for others too,” Weiswasser said. “Playtesting it was always a blast. Recording sound effects and voice lines into a [PlayStation 5] controller was always hilarious. Overall, MAGE is a fantastic starting stepping stone. I learned more making MAGE than I have doing really anything else, and have managed to get some fantastic co-creators and friends too.”

More information on both the studio and the game can be found at funrugstudio.com.

urday. I don’t even know how many we’re up to now. Once Saturday is done, the hustle goes to find new products for the next Saturday. When we do have NeeDoh products, which are few and far between, the last time we had it, we had a line wrapped around the building and the register didn’t stop ringing for four straight hours. It was absolutely bananas. It was four hours of person after person after person.”

Rushby said he’s seen first hand that these products do help with stress and anxiety, and that stress in children might be more prevalent than ever.

“I posted on Facebook about doing this and somebody was

like ‘for what, a stress ball, kids don’t even have stress,’” Rushby said. “My wife and I were like ‘what?’ They have just their daily in and out stress, then there’s peer stress and now there’s social media to that stress. Kids are a lot more tuned into the world than they used to be when I was growing up. I have a 17-year-old daughter talking to me about political issues going on around the world. When I was 17, I was riding skateboards. I didn’t know what the heck was going on in the world, so I think these kids are just inherently more stressed than they used to be.”

He said adults tell him that they keep the items on their

desks at work and use them to take their minds off of stress.

“Whether we’re talking about a child or an adult, I think everyone’s just stressed more and they’re finding comfort in these sensory items,” Rushby said.

“If that’s what’s happening in adults and kids, help cope with the world better, then we’re here for it. Whatever helps everyone have a better day. We’re all about supporting that journey and trying to keep that stuff in their hands. We have clickers, fidget rings and sensory stickers, worry stones and all these things to help those kids and adults who need a little bit more of a sensory distraction to help get them

through the day.”

Rushby said everybody who attends has a great time and keeps a happy and bubbly mood even when standing in the sun and waiting in line. He added that he will hold Squishy Saturdays as long as the trend continues and sell authentic products without going over MSRP. Those interested in attending Squishy Saturday can visit RedFive’s Facebook page, @ RedFiveToysandCollectibles or @redfive_toys_and_collectibles on Instagram. More information on the store or other products can be found at redfivetoysandcollectibles.com.

Savings Bank, we believe investing in local students is one of the most meaningful ways we can strengthen our communities, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact these

young leaders will make in the years ahead.”

The Monson Savings Bank Scholarship Program is one of the many ways the Bank fulfills its mission of helping local communities thrive. By supporting higher education and recognizing student achievement, the bank continues to invest in the next generation of leaders throughout the region.

To learn more about Monson Savings Bank’s commitment to the communities it serves, visit: monsonsavings.bank/connect/ our-community/our-communitycommitment.html

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SPRINGFIELD

EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026

www.TheReminder.com

North End residents ask questions about new Gerena School

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — Despite frequent downpours and a last-minute change in venue, about 50 people gathered in the cafeteria of Lincoln-Brightwood School to hear about plans for the new German Gerena Community School.

Among them were city councilors, School Committee members and neighborhood residents.

The meeting was translated into five languages for members of the community.

The July 28 meeting was led

by Donna DiNisco, president and principal of DiNisco Design, the architecture firm on the project.

She explained that project to replace Gerena is in the feasibility study phase of the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s program. The MSBA is a semi-independent entity that reimburses municipalities for a portion of eligible school building repairs and construction costs. The reimbursement rate for Springfield projects is up to 80%.

DiNisco explained that the MSBA requires projects to consider options for a code upgrade and basic repairs, an addition and renovation, and new construction.

The first two options had the same drawbacks — there was nowhere to relocate the students for the two years it would take to work on the building. The challenge was similar when considering whether to build a new school on the existing Gerena property. The site is narrow, and it would be logistically difficult to build there while school was in session.

The Chestnut Street property has its own considerations, DiNisco said. There is a sloping elevation to the site. She said her team has spent a significant amount of time determining how to best use the property to their advantage.

The concept plans would have the school built into the hill, creating a three- and four-story school.

The plan includes dedicated bus and van dropoffs. Both of those would be separate from the parent drop-off and pick-up lane, which turns onto Chestnut Street from Carew Street, turns right onto Prospect Street and enters the school

lot. A total of 83 cars would be able to queue at once. The vehicles would exit onto Massasoit Street and turn left or right.

“We want people to disperse the site in multiple directions,” she said, adding that the plan would accomplish that. There are 172 parking spaces.

The plan calls for two playgrounds, each about 10,000 square feet in area. Like the new Gerena School, DiNisco said DeBerry-Swan School has a combined total of 800 students, with two similarly sized play areas.

The ground floor would house the gymnasium, the cafeteria with a stage, music and dance rooms and other community-accessible spaces. The administrative offices would be on the first floor, along with pre-K and kindergarten classrooms. A media center would be on the second floor, with first, second and third grade classrooms, while the third floor would be dedicated to the fourth and fifth grades, and substantially separate classrooms.

Several “reflection spaces” will be incorporated into the school for children who need a quiet place to self-regulate.

Once the MSBA approves the preliminary plans this fall, the architects will begin creating firmer designs for the building, play areas and parking lot. If everything goes according to plan, construction would begin in summer 2028, with a move-in date of summer 2030.

DiNisco assured people that the school would remain a dual-language model, and there were no plans to add or change its programs.

It would, however, expand its pre-K offerings to three-year-olds.

“You had a beautiful school there in the past and we’re hoping you’ll have a school to revitalize the neighborhood,” DiNisco said.

When asked about congestion on Chestnut Street at drop-off and pick-up times, DiNisco said the one-way street is wide enough for a drive lane, a passing lane and a lane for queuing. Peter Garvey, the city’s director of capital asset construction, said the team would need to address the intersection of Chestnut and Peru, the congestion at which is currently rated an F-, the lowest level on the scale.

A resident asked if any other sites had been considered. Garvey explained that a request for proposals was sent out to solicit possible sites, but there were no responses. Springfield already owned the Chestnut Street property, making it a suitable solution. He added that Mayor Domenic Sarno was emphatic that the school stay in the North End. Asked what will happen to the existing Gerena School, Garvey said there is a process in place to seek proposals for the site. If there is no interest, he said the school would likely be razed and the property sold.

Resident Juan Latorre asked if the students would be able to offer input into the design process.

DiNisco said there was an engagement plan for students, particularly around the playground designs. She speculated that one playground would be designed to

The concept plan for the new school envisions four floors.

Photo credit: DiNisco Designs

accommodate pre-K through first graders, while the other one would be designed for the older students.

Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila had concerns about vehicle emissions from idling cars and buses. He asked about planting more trees to offset the pollution.

DiNisco told him they were planning to pave as little as possible and would have a robust landscaping plan. There would also be an outdoor garden to educate children about nutrition and where See GERENA on page 15

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Council votes down counsel in Hurst-city clerk dispute

By Sarah Heinonen

The East Longmeadow Reminder is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC. The East Longmeadow Reminder is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year.

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sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — In a reflection of the split nature of the Springfield City Council, the question of whether to obtain independent legal advice regarding City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez and the redevelopment of city property was voted down 4-5. Undeterred, At Large Councilor Justin Hurst, who introduced the measure at the July 27 City Council meeting, said he would seek a legal opinion on his own and share the results with his colleagues.

The matter first came up at the June 22 council meeting when Hurst publicly stated that he had concerns about Oyola-Lopez’s connection to the development of a property recommended to receive community preservation funds.

MPZ NNCC Plainfield Street LLC had applied for $100,000 in community preservation funding to help redevelop the former Brightwood Elementary School, a city-owned property, into apartments. Hurst pointed out that MPZ NNCC Plainfield Street LLC owns Brightwood Elderly Living Loving Assistance LLC, of which Oyola-Lopez is one of two listed managers. Oyola-Lopez is also the president of the board of directors for New North Citizens Council, the “NNCC” in the developer’s name. Hurst claimed the organization would “benefit directly” from the redevelopment of the cityowned property.

At the June meeting, Hurst said the situation “reeks of corruption” and was “possibly criminal.”

On June 30, Oyola-Lopez wrote a letter to Springfield Human Resources Director William Mahoney stating that the situation with Hurst has caused “mental anguish, loss of appetite and sleep and concern regarding my ability to safely and effectively perform my official duties.” She asked the city to investigate the issue and “take reasonable immediate interim measures to prevent further harassment or retaliation during the

investigation.”

At a July 23 press conference, Oyola-Lopez’s attorney, Zachary Vargo, said his Hurst has undertaken a “campaign of harassment” against Oyola-Lopez since, in her role as elections commissioner, she reported to the state complaints she received that alleged Hurst offered compensation for votes in the 2023 mayoral election.

Hurst sought City Council approval to hire an independent lawyer to issue a legal opinion after City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti declined to issue one. In his response to Hurst, Buoniconti said Hurst’s request could be seen as a witness “intimidation tactic,” due to her being a witness in the attorney general’s investigation.

Hurst has maintained that he is questioning Oyola-Lopez’s actions in his capacity as a city councilor and working on behalf of his constituents.

Before discussion began at the July meeting, Attorney Ken Shea with the city’s Law Department said the discussion should be conducted in executive session because it pertains to the reputation of a city employee.

“Why is it that the Law Department is trying to shut down discussion on this issue as well as prevent us from getting outside counsel?”

Hurst asked his fellow councilors.

He said the agenda item only asks for outside counsel in reference to the approval of Community Preservation Act funding. He also said the City Council is entitled to its own legal counsel and has obtained it in the past and is not requesting funding from the city to do so.

“I’m not going to let the Law Department silence me,” Hurst said.

Shea responded that the Law Department has no issue with outside council and was only advising that the discussion not take place in open session. Hurst responded, “It came to us in open session and we’ll discuss it in open session.”

He added, “You work for the [city] administration. Until we get an independent attorney, there’s no

way I can take what you say at face value.”

City Council President Tracye Whitfield also commented on the matter. She recalled a controversy that occurred in May after she failed to recuse herself from a matter with which she had familial and financial ties. The incident resulted in a failed vote of no confidence to remove her from the office of president. Whitfield said her reputation was discussed in open session “several times” and the councilors did not “give me the respect to go into executive session.” She called is a “shameful ... double standard” and said she would not vote to enter executive session.

“We cannot continue accusing each other,” said Ward 1 City Councilor Maria Perez. She favored independent counsel because the body needed direction and answers for its constituents, she said.

The vote on whether to obtain independent counsel was narrowly split, with Hurst, Whitfield, Perez and Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan voting in favor, while Ward 7 City Councilor Gerry Martin,

Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila, Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards and At Large City Councilors Brian Santaniello and Jose Delgado voted against it.

After the meeting, Vargo released a statement reiterating that Oyola-Lopez is an unpaid volunteer on the New North Citizen’s Council board. He also stated, “She has never held, and does not hold, any ownership interest or financial stake in either New North Citizens Council or the brightwood redevelopment project. Likewise, she has not received, and will not receive, any city funds allocated to that project.”

Meanwhile, Mayor Domenic Sarno expressed his faith in Oyola-Lopez, stating that she is “an exemplary city employee, a trusted cabinet head and one of the hardest working individuals I know, who deeply cares for our city and community. She has a proven track record that is above reproach and her integrity is second-to-none. I have the utmost confidence in our City Clerk and Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola-Lopez.”

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal praised Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’s investment in Western Mass.

“Their attentiveness to Western Massachusetts and Springfield here in the Pioneer Valley is really unmatched. Whether it’s a phone call, a visit or advocacy, you can always count on Maura Healey and Kim Driscoll,” he said.

Neal talked about the historical significance of Court Square and continued investment in the MassMutual Center, calling it “Springfield’s front yard.”

“It was the forerunner of what we call representative democracy, people gathered to make some of the most important decisions that would affect their lives. And of that, was the term civic center, implying a gathering, where people of goodwill might come together and discuss relevant issues that they would confront … the whole premise of civic engagement,” Neal said.

Neal also highlighted the different people that have come to the MassMutual Center, whether it was a performance from Elvis Pressley, a visit from civil rights leader John Lewis and many more.

“It’s in the center of our community but the whole notion again was engagement. The governor’s announcement today, to further that opportunity with $93 million is a terrific upgrade, not just for the facility, but for civic pride and the understanding and obligations that come with citizenship,” he said.

Local businessman Paul Picknelly, representing the ownership group of the Thunderbirds, talked about hockey’s 100-year history in Springfield, which dates back to the Springfield Indians.

“I want to express our deepest gratitude to Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, John Barros from the MCCA and the commonwealth of Massachusetts. When we step back and look at the rich hockey

history of the city, AHL hockey isn’t just an entertainment option, it’s a piece of Springfield’s DNA,” Picknelly said.

He called the $93 million investment “a transformative moment.”

“It isn’t just an investment in a building, it’s an investment in Downtown Springfield and our small businesses in our regional economy, and a community anchor that has been in this arena for over half a century,” he said.

He added that the Thunderbirds will remain in Springfield for years to come.

Healey closed by talking about the importance of sports and how they bring people together.

“Sports do bring people together, and it’s something we want to promote along with concerts, along with entertainment, and there’s going to be no better place to do it than at the MassMutual Center,” she said.

At Large Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst addresses city Attorney Ken Shea during a discussion on obtaining outside counsel.

Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

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porting Western Massachusetts.

“We believe that every region in Massachusetts deserves investments that create opportunities, strengthen local economies and improve quality of life. Springfield, the heart of Western Mass., is so critical to our state’s success … And that’s why we’ve made an effort in continuing to make investments in Springfield and in this area,” Healey said.

Interim MCCA Executive Director John Barros said this was the largest investment to the MassMutual Center ever. The facility previously received $65 million for improvements in 2005 and $65 million for the carpark and Landing in 2024.

“It is exciting to be here to celebrate the one-time largest commitment to this facility,” he said.

Vantage at Hampden LLC LEGAL NOTICE Public Announcement Concerning

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“A public hearing may be requested upon petition by any group of ten adults.

Such petition shall include the name, address and signature of each adult and designate one member as the representative of the group. Written comments concerning the applicant’s ability to provide quality long-term care services and petitions for a public hearing may be addressed to the offices of the Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification.”

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Attorney representing clerk holds press conference about ethics claims

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Zachary Vargo addressed accusations of unethical conduct made by Springfield City Councilor Justin Hurst against City Clerk and Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola-Lopez outside of Hampden County Superior Court on July 23.

Vargo — representing Oyola-Lopez — claimed Hurst has engaged in “retaliatory actions” and “public harassment” against Oyola-Lopez for her cooperation with investigatory agencies.

Oyola-Lopez reported voter complaints to authorities in October 2023 that claimed the Hurst campaign allegedly offered compensation in exchange for votes during his 2023 mayoral race, which Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell’s office is currently investigating.

She also wrote in a June 30 letter to Springfield Human Resources Director William Mahoney that the situation has caused “mental anguish, loss of appetite and sleep and concern regarding my ability to safely and effectively perform my official duties.”

She requested that the city conduct a prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigation, and to “take reasonable immediate

interim measures to prevent further harassment or retaliation during the investigation.”

“My client has never taken a position with respect to the veracity of these accusations against Mr. Hurst, but has, in her capacity as election commissioner, cooperated with investigations concerning these allegations, as she’s required by law to do,” Vargo said. “It’s our opinion, that Ms. Oyola-Lopez’s cooperation in this regard has caused Mr. Hurst to engage in retaliatory actions that have tarnished her good character, threatened her livelihood and subjected her to unfounded criticism … We’re standing here today to demand Mr. Hurst to stop harassing my client.

As the election commissioner, my client’s primary function is to ensure that elections are fair, free and administered appropriately.”

Vargo added that Hurst held a press conference in 2023, alleging that Oyola-Lopez and City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti were involved in a “political setup” to help Mayor Domenic Sarno win reelection.

“Mr. Hurst stated that he believed my client exercised bias against him, and she violated her duty to maintain neutrality in the conduction of the elections,” Vargo said. “She was simply doing her job

and reporting suspected fraud as law requires. Mr. Hurst continues to cast widespread suspicion and doubt on her exemplary reputation.

Mr. Hurst contends that he is just doing his job as a city councilor and committing oversight. This is not oversight, this is harassment.”

Vargo said Hurst resumed his “campaign of harassment” after rejoining the City Council in 2025, accusing Oyola-Lopez of vote manipulation, tampering and corruption based on a perceived difference in vote tallies on a website the night of the 2023 mayoral election.

“He repeatedly and publicly described these discrepancies, calling them, quote, ‘manipulation,’ and called for a state investigation” Vargo said. “In response to the allegations, the elections office immediately explained to the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office that there was no vote manipulation, and Mr. Hurst was erroneous in his comparison of the two vote tallies.

He had been comparing a website that had not been updated since the election night to the final certified election results. There was no vote tampering, it was just a website that hadn’t been updated.”

Attorney Zachary Vargo spoke on claims against City Clerk and Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola-Lopez from City Councilor Justin Hurst at a press conference on July 23.

Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy

Vargo said the secretary of the commonwealth’s office confirmed the election office provided a satisfactory response with no irregular-

See ATTORNEY on page 15

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HWRSD School Committee approves revised regional agreement draft

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee approved revisions to the regional agreement between Hampden and Wilbraham with a 6-1 vote at its July 30 meeting.

The revisions were made after a July 23 joint meeting between the Wilbraham Select Board and Hampden Selectboard.

One of the largest changes in the agreement is in Section IV, clause “D”, which states that Wilbraham Middle School will be converted to a district-owned property if the Massachusetts School Building Authority and the two towns approve funding for the building’s core program project.

The section states, “The towns agree to cooperate in taking all steps necessary to effectuate the intent of this language, which is to transfer ownership and control of Wilbraham Middle School to HWRSD. The parties acknowledge that how best to effectuate the intent of the language will depend upon the project scope approved by MSBA, which could include renovations to the existing building; construction of a new building on the current site; or construction of a new building on an alternative site.”

The section also adds that the towns may execute the language’s intent through “conveyance of a smaller parcel than the entire approximately 63-acre parcel on which Wilbraham Middle School is located. The conversion to district-owned property will also involve the parties agreement to nullify any existing lease of the current Wilbraham Middle

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee approved a revised draft of the regional agreement on July 30.

Photo credit: Erin Dowding

School by the district.”

Section IV, clause “E” is the second change, modifying capital cost apportionment for distinct-owned equipment and properties from “grades 9-12” to “grades served by the property” to be inclusive of the middle school.

School Committee member Sean Kennedy said the School Committee should run the changes by Wilbraham’s Finance Committee and the Capital Planning Committee before voting.

“Not that I think we should hold this back any longer than it’s already been held back, but I don’t think that, especially capital, you know, really needs to be on board with this,” Kennedy said. “It doesn’t mean anything if they’re not going to abide by it.”

School Committee member Michael Tirabassi said it is very important for this to get to the fall Town Meeting, and that it wouldn’t make it in time if the committee did what Kenne-

dy suggested.

“There’s no way that we would have stuff done before the middle of September and it wouldn’t be in time for fall Town Meeting,” Tirabassi said. “I think that’s important for the committee to say. I think this is very well written and it covers a number of eventualities … I’m hoping that the towns would be comfortable.

By the towns, I mean the people at the Town Meeting. The select boards met and I think they have some degree of comfort with this, but really it comes down to Town Meeting.”

Hampden Selectboard Chair John Flynn said the last two joint meetings have been productive and there hasn’t been a chance to bring in any other boards.

“As Sean said, there are a lot of stakeholders in this process, and we do want to get this done,” Flynn said. “We’ve talked about that, but perhaps with a short time frame where we have to set the

agenda for a fall Town Meeting, this is a major, major step to bring in the stakeholders in a quick process over the summer. It might be challenging at this point.”

School Committee member Tim Collins said he is in favor of moving forward because he didn’t want to do anything to jeopardize getting the middle school taken care of. He did have concerns of overcrowding with an “exceptions” section in the agreement.

The section states, “students may also be accommodated in other schools within the district when approved by the child’s parents or guardians, and the committee provided that the committee determines that such an assignment or reassignment is prudent, can be accomplished and is in the best interest of the student. In order to comply with applicable student privacy laws, such determinations will be made in executive session and kept confidential.”

“I just want to make sure and go on record that the reassignment being ‘prudent’ means we’re not going to overcrowd a school,” Collins said. “I wasn’t here when [Thornton W. Burgess Middle School] disintegrated, but it put tremendous pressure on the middle school. I don’t foresee anything could be like that, but you never know, one of our elementaries may have a catastrophic failure and we may have to redistribute students, and it shouldn’t be just the student, it’s the whole student population that has to be considered.”

School Committee Chair Michal Boudreau said the committee should move forward with the agreement. She said it is a good step to say the School Committee voted and agreed to approve the draft and then bring it to other stakeholders and the community.

The committee then approved the draft, with Kennedy voting against it.

Noelle Giombetti spends summer interning with Eastern States Exposition WEST SPRINGFIELD — Noelle Giombetti of Wilbraham is spending her summer as a human resources intern at Eastern States Exposition. She brings her experience in customer service, organizational skills and her collaborative approach to projects to the company as she meets with the members of each team to complete, file and digitize important paperwork, ensuring seamless cross-departmental communication.

Giombetti is an alumnus of Minnechaug High School and is entering her sophomore year at Endicott College in Beverly, where she is majoring in business management with a minor in psychology. She is recognized as an outstanding scholar on the Dean’s List and was the recipient of the Presidential Scholarship.

Her previous work experience includes food service roles at Pafumi’s, Great Horse Country Club and Cima Restaurant and Chophouse. Through each of these

positions, she learned to interact with the public, became comfortable speaking on the phone and maintained a high standard of cleanliness at each establishment.

Her most relevant experience would be a stint as an office assistant at Giombetti Associates of Wilbraham, which is her father’s company. There, she organized and filed billing documents, improved billing process efficiency and streamlined preexisting office procedures.

“I knew I wanted to study business, but I chose psychology as a minor because of the personality exams and learning how people interact,” said Giombetti. “I hope to prepare for a role in Giombetti Associates. I love watching my dad work. He’s good at his job, and I love to watch him work. We are very similar, so I think this HR experience will help me grow.”

Outside of the workplace, she volunteers her time as an event facilitator at community events hosted by St. Cecilia’s Church,

her local parish, including their annual Christmas pageant.

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to work at Eastern States Exposition, Giombetti said, “What Jessica K. Fontaine, the director of hu-

man resources and education, and See INTERN on page 15

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Easthampton resident writes book in honor of late son

By Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com

EASTHAMPTON — The loss of his son from a chronic illness inspired an Easthampton man to find the beauty in the pain and put it into writing.

Easthampton resident Gary Nadeau wrote “I Love You Mostest” to highlight his son’s optimistic and mindful attitude, and hopefully give inspiration to others dealing with or grieving over similar experiences.

The memoir explores the bond between Nadeau and his son Brad as they confronted the challenges of “chronic illness, shattered dreams and unimaginable loss,” according to the book’s synopsis.

“My son went through a lot of health experiences, that’s what’s spelled out in the book, and as a young man at a very young age, he seemed to develop a really healthy sense of resilience and emotional intelligence,” said Nadeau. “Brad quite often would sit there and say, ‘you know what, I’m only here for a short time, so I’m making the best of it.’ He knew that he had a choice to make. He could be woe is me about it, or he could accept the way it is and that he’d live his life to the fullest every moment he could. And I believe because he chose that, that’s what gave him that charismatic personality that drew people in.”

Brad died in 2022 from chronic atrial and intestinal dysrhythmia at 25 years old. From a young age, he dealt with health struggles, but Nadeau said he somehow stayed consistently optimistic through it all. This special trait in Brad needed to be shared with the world, Nadeau thought.

“At the time, my son was somewhere around 20 years old, and I mentioned to him would you be willing to write a book together? He a lot of times would say, ‘We should do a podcast dad.

A lot of people could learn from the things we discuss and how we talk about stuff.’ Because Brad and I would talk a lot about philosophical, deep things and why people do what they do and how people react to things the way they react to, even though I myself struggle with emotional intelligence sometimes and am very reactionary,” Nadeau said, “That’s kind of one of the paths in the book, I actually learned a lot from my son.”

Aside from highlighting Brad’s resilience, Nadeau said that the book aims to be a guide for all who want to find light in the face of adversity. He said readers will discover valuable lessons about living in the present moment, embracing acceptance and stubbornly holding onto hope, even when darkness

seems overwhelming.

“This story may resonate strongly with families dealing with stress, caregiving, grief, and mental and emotional coping. I firmly believe this book will make a difference,” said Nadeau. “I promised him a legacy, and that’s when I really said I’m going to sit down and write a book about this.”

Nadeau explained that at 5 years old, Brad suffered a stroke and eventually was in and out of the hospital as doctors tried to identify the cause at hand.

Initially, doctors concluded that Brad was suffering from restrictive cardiomyopathy, and he was given a pacemaker because the illness causes stiffness to the heart. But years later, doctors ultimately found that Brad was suffering from a rare genetic disorder called chronic gastral and intestinal dysrhythmia.

The disorder affects the heart and the digestive system and impairs the rhythmic muscle contractions that propel food through the intestines, causing a digestive condition called intestinal pseudo-obstruction. The heart and digestive issues develop at the same time, usually by age 20. Eventually, the illness spread to impact Brad’s lungs before his passing.

“His stomach and intestine basically started to stiffen and stopped processing food and stopped working. So, he lost a lot of weight, ended up with constant chronic pain,” explained Nadeau.

The illness meant Brad needed to use parenteral nutrition, a medical treatment that delivers liquid nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream through an IV. While he could technically still eat on occasion, the use of parenteral nutrition became the main source of daily nutrition for Brad.

“Even though Brad had this situation where he’s told, ‘hey, you can’t eat for the rest of your life,’ he was still the type of person, if he came into a room with a group of people, you’d want to meet him because his personality was just so very strong, positive, upbeat,” said Nadeau. “He was a caring person. He wanted to help people. He wanted to care for people, and he just exuded that.

People just got to know him.

He was just a really charismatic young man, and even though he suffered more in his short life than most people I’ve ever known, he was still the happiest, most positive, upbeat guy you could ever meet.”

That sentiment on Brad’s life and experience is what eventually inspired Nadeau to write a book about his and his son’s experience living with the illness.

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After Nadeau shared stories with family, friends and community members in passing, many came to the same conclusion: he needed to share this story of resilience with the world.

Nadeau said he was amazed at his son’s resilience and ability to stay positive through episodes.

After one episode mentioned in the book, Brad told his father how he was able to stay grounded through it all and still have a positive outlook on life.

“He said, ‘Actually, you taught me that dad. One of those times we were talking about stuff and you talked to me about learning about impermanence and what it’s about, and that one of the reasons that people suffer is because we don’t realize things are impermanent and we hang on to things that we want to keep which keeps us tight and we’re greedy we want to hold onto these things, so if we lose them then we suffer,’” Nadeau said.

Nadeau said Brad’s maturity and mindfulness throughout his struggles were always inspiring.

Through philosophical discussions with his son, Nadeau began learning more about himself as a father, an experience the book also addresses.

“I was still doing what I needed to do, but internally burying the anger that I had over the hand that life dealt my family, and in the second half of the book, I talk about how I developed a mindfulness practice and how that mindfulness practice helped me to deal with things better, the discussions that I would have with Bradley,” said Nadeau.

“I’m still to this day trying to work that mindset into my life to be able to use it on a regular basis. Because we talked about this stuff and he actually modeled it and showed it right in front of me, he kept it present for me.

He made it easier for me to stay present and be more mindful.”

As of press time, the book has over 50 five-star reviews on Amazon since it was published in April, indicating to Nadeau that people are resonating with the memoir. Nadeau said that the positive response confirms that writing this book was a worthwhile endeavor.

“My son, in the last few years of his life, all he ever wanted to do [was] help people. He went to Framingham State University because he wanted to become a dietitian, and his goal was to work at Boston Children’s Hospital to help individuals that were on PN [parental nutrition] like him, and because he understood

Brad Nadeau (left) with his dad Gary.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

that experience and thought he’d be a great asset to that kind of thing,” said Nadeau. “His story and the life that he lived was just monumental. It’s so special that

people need to know about it because it will help them deal with a variety of things.”

“I Love You Mostest” by Gary Nadeau is available on Amazon.

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AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 14 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

HWRS Committee backs budget increase for middle school projects

By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM — The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District unanimously approved an increase in the district’s operating budget, now set at $59.8 million, to include Wilbraham Middle School’s interim plan while waiting on a core program decision from the Massachusetts School Building Authority at the committee’s July 30 meeting.

The Wilbraham Select Board and Hampden Selectboard first discussed the plan at a July 23 joint meeting but Superintendent John Provost said he wasn’t comfortable going into a deficit spending mode without consulting the School Committee.

The plan includes one set of exterior double doors, lock replacements for all exterior doors, condensation pumps to dehumidifiers in non-air-conditioned spaces, hoses to transmit pumped water safely out of the building, portable air conditioning units with external venting and minisplit air conditioning units with accompanying electrical supplies and infrastructure upgrades.

The projects are estimated at $85,719, grounded in figures from recent district equipment purchases, project costs and vendor quotes. Most of the work is intended to be done in-house, and the mini-split units are portable and can be used elsewhere in the district in the future.

School Committee member Sean Kennedy said it was a great use of funds and resources.

School Committee member Michael Tirabassi applauded both the Wilbraham Select Board and the Hampden Selectboard for making progress.

“I think it’s very, quite frankly, very generous on part of Hampden to be considering stepping up to help with some of these expenses, understanding they don’t own the building but their children are there,” Tirabassi said.

“I’m overwhelmed with how great this is.”

Provost said the select boards expressed a great deal of urgency to get started on the work as quickly as possible, to the extent of starting immediately.

“I think there were feelings that these projects would be able to garner support of the voters at fall Town Meeting,” Provost said.

“I want to, I guess take your di-

The Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School District School Committee approved a motion to increase the fiscal year 2027 operating budget to include around $86,000 projects for Wilbraham Middle School.

Reminder Publishing file photo

rection on whether you want us to start right now or wait until the funds come in.”

Tirabassi said there’s $230,000 in the excess and deficiency fund from the budget, and that the committee wouldn’t have to deficit spend if those funds were used.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance, Operations and Human Resources Doug Slaughter said the budget sources would need to be adjusted. This wouldn’t have an effect on Wilbraham and Hampden’s budget assessments because the money is coming from an existing source.

He added that the committee can also adjust the operating budget and town assessments to include the $85,719, which would require a vote at Town Meeting.

The committee can go back and leverage E&D if voters reject it at Town Meeting.

“It’s sort of, which direction you want to give,” Slaughter said. “If you formally appropriate the E&D now, you’re not going to be asking them to take action on a change in their assessment, so you should probably want to ask if the assessment is the better way to get it.”

Tirabassi said a negative of using E&D is that the money is contributed to the next budget and there would be less money toward offsetting town assessments for fiscal year 2028. He asked if there was a way to begin the work before requiring votes

from the town.

Slaughter added that there are some aspects of the interim plan already funded and underway, such as the exterior doors, and that the district would be more confident in starting the work regardless of funding mechanism if the School Committee is willing to commit to the $85,719.

“The option is, sort of, up to the committee,” Slaughter said.

“We have several things we’re working on at the moment that are currently funded in the mix and available to us, it’s really just a question of how strong the committee wants to offer more than one option to fund it. If you’re committed to one or the other regardless, then that gives … the ability to go to the staff and say, ‘you can start right now,’ and then we figure out whether it’s a change to the assessment to the towns or whether it’s a leveraging of E&D.” Kennedy said the one public comment for the plan stood against it, and that he thinks the Wilbraham Finance Committee, Wilbraham Capital Planning Committee and the Hampden Advisory Board should be involved before it is put forward, even if the committee chooses to use E&D funds.

Tirabassi said the problem is that not all of the committees meet during the summer, not all boards are constituted and the School Committee has to approve

something for it to be at the fall Town Meeting.

School Committee member Tim Collins asked if the start of the school year will have better air quality and a lack of asbestos if the committee went ahead with the projects. Slaughter said the air quality has been decent and would be maintained and the asbestos work is complete with tile work planned.

“These types of system improvements will make it easier to maintain that and require less hands-on work,” Slaughter said. “I think we’ll be in a good, steady place. Is it optimal for that building or if we knew we were going to stay in the building for 20 years, could we take a different approach? Yeah, we probably would, but for the time horizon we’re talking about of about 6 to 10 years, this is a modest way to maintain a decent environment for the kids and for the staff.”

Collins added that the committee has an obligation to make the building as safe and healthy as possible before the students go back to school, and that he would be in favor of moving forward.

The School Committee still needs capital funds for a sander truck and network switches for Minnechaug Regional High School since it did not pass at Hampden’s Town Meeting in May. Hampden Selectboard Chair John Flynn said the projects can

be accommodated by extra Chapter 70 state aid and leave the assessment as it is if the committee is “passionate about getting the truck and the switches done.”

He said “both could go down” if voters are upset about paying 20% for a building that Hampden doesn’t own.

School Committee Chair Michal Boudreau asked what the best plan is to separate the capital items from the increase in the operating budget assessment without jeopardizing everything.

Slaughter said the towns are in control of an appropriation or award, so it can be a single item or separated into pieces.

The committee would be out of balance and need to readjust the budget if the separated pieces are not all approved, similar to how it did in May after Town Meeting.

Tirabassi made a motion to adopt an operating budget of $59.8 million, inclusive of the debt service payment for Minnechaug of $1.9 million for FY27 for the HWRSD, and to assess Wilbraham with $33.2 million and Hampden with $9,9 million.

The motion includes the interim project costs and passed 6-1 with Kennedy voting against it.

Tirabassi made a second motion to adopt a capital budget of $170,000 for FY27 and to assess Hampden with $34,652 and Wilbraham with $135,348 for the truck and network switches. The motion passed unanimously.

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WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

Attorney Continued from page 11

discuss vote manipulation.

At the June 22 City Council meeting, Hurst raised questions about Oyola-Lopez’s involvement with a city-owned property.

Oyola-Lopez is one of two listed managers of Brightwood Elderly Living Loving Assistance, owned

by MPZ NNCC Plainfield Street LLC — an applicant and the preferred developer to turn Brightwood Elementary School into affordable housing.

She is also president of the New North Citizens Council Board of Directors, whose working with the city on the project, and Hurst

Gerena Continued from page 9

food comes from.

A Metro Center resident said a school for 800 students “seems awfully large.” She said it was the “dream” of people in Metro Center to have an elementary school built downtown, and she was upset that children in her neighborhood are bused to Gerena. DiNisco said

Events Continued from page 2

•

response to the Continental Congress, more than 200 miles away.

Women of Western MA in the 1915 State Suffrage Campaign — Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m.

From Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, Granby and Blandford, West Springfield come hear about Nellie Boland and Belle Cooley as they joined in the campaign for equality with the women from the eastern part of the state.

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.

ney General’s investigation and because Hurst’s request might be seen as an “intimidation tactic against a witness in the case.”

Vargo said that Oyola-Lopez’s role with the board of directors has always been unpaid and voluntary, and that the City Council plans to vote on authorizing an outside legal opinion at the July 27 meeting.

Hurst told Reminder Publishing that he will “continue to do what the residents of Springfield have elected me to do.”

“Looking at the facts objectively and analyzing the issues that matter to our residents and the taxpayers of Springfield will always be a priority,” Hurst said. “Our city clerk, who works for the City Council, wants us to approve $100,000 in city funds for a company that she

has a financial interest in without disclosing her interest to the body.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to deduce that something is wrong with that, which is why the City Council unanimously sent this item to committee. Asking for a legal opinion from our attorney in my official capacity as a city councilor on behalf of the entire council can’t possibly amount to harassment and the sad part is her attorney knows it.”

Sarno said in a July 24 press release that Oyola-Lopez is an “exemplary city employee, a trusted cabinet head and one of the hardest working individuals I know who deeply cares for our city and community.”

“She has a proven track record that is above reproach and her in-

tegrity is second-to-none,” Sarno said in the release. “I have the utmost confidence in our City Clerk and Election Commissioner Gladys Oyola-Lopez. It is clear to me that this is nothing more than Mr. Hurst targeting our esteemed city clerk and election commissioner because she simply did her duty in reporting the actions of he and his committee during the 2023 mayoral election. It is common knowledge that Mr. Hurst and his committee are still under investigation by the Attorney General’s office for alleged misconduct where they were taking advantage of our very vulnerable and homeless population by promising them $10 and a fish sandwich to a vote for Mr. Hurst.”

the School Department examines boundary lines each year. There will be the same number of classrooms per grade that currently exists at Gerena.

“The community piece is missing for me,” said one resident.

She explained that Gerena was designed as a community school and there are integrated spaces for organizations to use the building during the school day.

Likewise, School Committee

member Ayanna Crawford said, “There are community partners... that utilize the school in so many ways.” She said she would not want the community to lose those opportunities.

“We hear your concerns.

There’s things at Gerena that will never be replaced,” said School Committee member Gumersindo “Manny” Gomez. He specifically called out the school’s pool and planetarium. However, he said,

“The students... health and their well-being is number one.”

Echoing Gomez’s comment, Garvey said, “The health of the school is the most important thing in the design.”

DiNisco said the MSBA will only fund specific educational spaces. It will not cover buildings that include pools, for example.

Her team could try to incorporate aspects of the planetarium, she said.

A resident pushed back, say-

ing, “This is an opportunity to dream big, to bring a state-of-theart school.” If the community goes into the process limiting themselves based on how much money they will be reimbursed, she said they are “going in with a poverty mindset.”

DiNisco said there will be plenty of time in the months ahead to address community concerns. She said, “We just have to get creative with community needs.”

•

featuring artifacts not normally on display, followed by a round of local history trivia with prizes at 3 p.m..

Visitors can see pieces the museum has preserved for decades but rarely shows: Victorian bustle skirts and hand-beaded bodices, a Civil War sewing kit carried by a Wilbraham soldier, a 45-star American flag, and more. Guests can also test their local knowledge in three rounds of trivia covering Wilbraham, Western Massachusetts, and New England, with prizes for first, second and third place winners.

• • • • •

•

•

Pathways for Parents: Music and Movement — Monday, Aug. 10, from 9:30-10:15 a.m.

An Evening with Paul Revere — Monday, Aug. 10, from 6-7 p.m.

VIRTUAL: America’s 250th: Act Worthy of Yourselves — Monday, Aug. 10, from 7-8 p.m.

Teen Copper Bookmark Workshop — Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 5-6:30 p.m.

Lego Club — Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 4-6 p.m.

Chill with Choo Choo Charlie: drop-in with a Therapy Dog — Thursday, Aug. 13, from 9-10 a.m.

Summer Reading Celebration — Thursday, Aug. 13, from 6-8 p.m. Participants of the Kid’s Summer Reading Challenge are invited to celebrate together at Interskate 91. Admission ticket required for entry and can be collected at the library after registering for the summer reading program. If you have not yet picked up a ticket, stop by the library! Skate rental is $5, if needed. Interskate 91 is located at 2043 Boston Road.

Plant Swap — Saturday, Aug. 15, from noon to 1 p.m. Bring your extra houseplants, clippings, and propagations to the library to swap with others & chat with fellow plant lovers.

WILBRAHAM EARLY VOTING INFORMATION

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The state primary is being held on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Registered voters in Massachusetts will be able to cast their ballot in-person before the State Primary. In-person early voting for Wilbraham registered voters will take place at the Wilbraham Town Hall, 240 Springfield Street, on the following dates and times: Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 24 through Friday, Aug. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact the Wilbraham town clerk’s office with any questions at 413-596-2800 ext.

200 or Clerks@Wilbraham-ma.gov

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OLD MEETING HOUSE MUSEUM TREASURES AND TRIVIA

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YOUR NETWORK. YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR CHAMBER.

Intern Continued from page 12

Samanatha DePergola, the assistant director of human resources and education, told me made it sound like ESE was everything I was looking for. I’m working with a team, interacting with the behind the scenes of HR and witnessing people working together.

It’s all relevant experience.”

Giombetti is growing in her multitasking abilities, communication skills and organizational talents, honing each quality for the workforce beyond ESE. The not-for-profit is proud to encourage such professional development and growth and wishes Giombetti well in the impend-

EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026

claimed the organization would “benefit directly” from the redevelopment. He added that the city clerk is involved in creating the City Council agenda and that Oyola-Lopez is able to exert influence on the matter.

The City Council unanimously voted to refer MPZ NNCC Plainfield Street LLC’s $100,000 funding request for further review and legal opinion on June 22.

Hurst characterized Oyola-Lopez’s actions as “potential ethics violations, conflicts of interest, self-dealing, disclosure failures and other potential legal concerns” in the legal opinion request to Buoniconti on June 25.

Buoniconti responded on July 6, stating that his office could not issue an opinion due to the Attor-

LYA SIZZLIN’ SUMMER BARBECUE

LYA’s Sizzlin’ Summer BBQ promises to be a popper! LYA is excited to sizzle with you at their Community Summer Barbecue on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. at 1148 Converse St. Enjoy a delicious barbecue, connect with old friends and meet new friends. There will be activities for all ages at no charge. Food will be sold at family prices. The Bubble Show begins at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are requested but not required.

| 15 |

Build meaningful relationships, expand your reach, and connect with the people and opportunities that help your business thrive.

Noelle Giombetti.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

ing semester.

It’s always showtime on the fairgrounds! Learn more about the events Giombetti supports at EasternStatesExposition.com.

TheReminder.com Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.

CHICOPEE Eugene R. Berthiaume Michele E. Bourbeau Nancy A. Burke Theresa M. Frederick Raymond Mayotte Joyce R. Morin Edward Myslinski Stanley W. Prorok Thomas B. Wayson Thomas L. Williams EAST LONGMEADOW Marilyn Lindahl Aline P. Mouton Florence Rondinelli

Stephen G. Spring Ralph C. Zepke

Diane M. Godek René Proulx

HAMPDEN Salvatore Anzalotti Jr. Theresa M. Pottier

SPRINGFIELD Benoit M. Bouffard Gary A. Freeman Donald Anton Keinath Elizabeth O’Shea Christopher J. Sullivan Erwin W. Wiggins

HOLYOKE James Angers Ethel M. Kennedy Edward M. McCarthy LONGMEADOW Leona B. Ross SOUTH HADLEY Carole Louise Babbitt

WILBRAHAM Ann Y. Moore

AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 16 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Griffin Gauthier gets a good pitch to hit.

Francis Duquette surveys the field between innings.

Longmeadow second baseman Henry Baldyga takes the throw on the successful Aldenville steal attempt.

Longmeadow starter Alfonso Izzo delivers to Brandon Carillon of Aldenville.

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

Will Hefner takes the high pitch for ball 2.

All of your favorite high school sports photos are now available for purchase!

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LONGMEADOW VS ALDENVILLE

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On July 16, Longmeadow lost to Aldenville 3-0 in an American Legion Zone 3A Play-In game played at Longmeadow High School.

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WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

| 17 |

EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026

Longmeadow catcher Teddy Dandurand tags Aldenville’s Cam Carpenter.

Jack Arnold of Longmeadow seeks to pick off Cam Carpenter of Aldenville.

Center fielder Charlie Sullivan makes an overthe-shoulder catch.

Chet Bouchard stabs the short-hop throw to third.

Grahm Hutton catches the sinking line drive to right field.

AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 18 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

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

classifieds community

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON. LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

LEGAL NOTICES

EAST LONGMEADOW CONSERVATION COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292506 7839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea 0ljsvr.1 Case SITE-2026-05: Request for Amendment of existing Site Plan Review (SITE-2025-03) for East Longmeadow Redevelopers, LLC to modify/extend Condition 5(E), at 330 Chestnut Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 18-38-0) located in the Industrial Garden Park zoning district.

Applicant: East Longmeadow Redevelopers, LLC. 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (August 6, August 13)

Invitation for Bid (IFB) ON-CALL HVAC PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292506 7839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea 0ljsvr.1 Case SP-2026-05: Request for Amendment of existing Special Permit (SP-2024-05) for Little Caesars Pizza for the modification of operating hours at 626 North Main Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 1-17-49) located in the Business zoning district. Applicant: John Stefanidis, 681 West Street, Ludlow, MA 01056 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (August 6, August 13)

Chestnut Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC LEGAL NOTICE Public Announcement Concerning Chestnut Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC

The East Longmeadow Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 NOI-2026-05: Notice of Intent at 275 Hampden Road (Assessor’s Parcel ID 90-8-0) for the construction of a residential addition adjacent to the existing dwelling subject to the Wetlands Protection Act 310 CMR 10.00 and local wetland bylaws Chapter 424 Wetlands Protection.

Applicant: Douglas Fisher, 275 Hampden Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Commission, Tom O’Brien Clerk (August 6) Tell them you saw it in The Reminder! Let our advertisers know that this is where you found them. They appreciate it, and so do we!

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If interested, please contact Nate Halla Nhalla@thereminder.com • 413-213-6175

EAST LONGMEADOW

Adam C. Fenn to Jessica Gagne, 19 Somerset St., $338,000.

Alison Leigh Cavanaugh to Zachary Allen Van Dyk and Amber Louise Van Dyk, 100 Fernwood Drive, $525,000.

Chester Czupryna to MJ Homes LLC, 10 Moore St., $55,000.

Dennis J. Roche and Tara A. Roche to Sean David Leonard Jr., and Kelsey Elizabeth Netkovick, 96 Sanford Road, $750,000.

Elaine Canary-Bracci and Anthony Bracci to Sandra M. Crowley and Guy P. Beaulieu, 38 Evergreen Drive, $599,000.

James Deschenes and Lisa Deschenes to Brick City Investors LLC, 27 Lee St., $425,000.

Mario Anthony Ferrentino and Jane Olivia Ferrentino to Joseph Fountain and Devan Fountain, 25 Sturbridge Lane, $960,000.

Michael J. Harrigan to Stephon O’Connor, 320 Maple St., $317,000.

Sarah Parker and Sean Cooney to Ryan James Avezzie, 40 Fairview St., $300,000.

Tyler Stuhr and Elizabeth Amoroso to Daniel Lombardi, 331 Elm St., $450,000.

HAMPDEN

Bend Of Rock LLC, to Twenty Five Allen LLC, 25 Allen St., $550,000.

Jacob A. Dubois and Lauryn C. Dubois to Erik Hart and Megan Hart, 27 Steepleview Drive, $810,000.

Robert J. Hutchison, Robert J. Hutchinson, Bernard J. Hutchinson, Bernard J. Hutchison and Cindy M. Santos to Andrew Wurszt, 161 Raymond Drive, $400,000.

LONGMEADOW

Catherine Hecht Dorison, trustee, and Catherine Hecht Dorison Trust, trustee of, to Kenneth Wojnowski Jr., and Julia Ladna, 44 Canterbury Lane, $850,000.

Notice is hereby given to announce the intent of the filing of a change of ownership application for the legal name Chestnut Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC, which is located at 32 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028-2803. The facility has 135 skilled nursing beds. The new owner will be Chestnut Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center LLC to be staying at the same location of 32 Chestnut Street, East Longmeadow, Massachusetts 01028-2803.

There will be no changes made to the bed capacity of the facility.

There will also be no changes made in the services of the health care facility.

"A public hearing may be requested upon petition by any group of ten adults. Such petition shall include the name, address and signature of each adult and designate one member as the representative of the group. Written comments concerning the applicant's ability to provide quality long-term care services and petitions for a public hearing may be addressed to the offices of the Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification."

A request for hearing may be made for a period of 14 days following publication in the newspaper.

Submission of comments can be sent to the below address: Massachusetts Department of Public Health 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 Email: HFLLicenseAction@Mass.Gov (August 6)

The Town of Longmeadow is soliciting bids from qualified contractors for HVAC annual preventive maintenance and on-call service and repair and related work for town municipal facilities, and Longmeadow Public Schools.

The contract will be for one year, with renewal option for up to two additional years at the sole discretion of the Town. Bid packet and specifications are available from the Town of Longmeadow, Attn: Chad Thompson - Director of Procurement, 231 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106 (cthompson@longmeadowma.gov, P: 413-565-4185). Bid documents can be obtained online at no charge through the Purchasing Department section at www.longmea dowma.gov. Bidders are encouraged to register with Purchasing Department to be added to the bid list. Sealed bids should be labeled "IFB: On-Call HVAC Preventive Maintenance and Repair" and will be received at the Purchasing Department until the bid deadline of Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 11:00 am. Late bids will be rejected. A bid opening will follow.

A bid deposit in the amount of 5% for the first year shall be included with the bid submission.

Prevailing Wage Rates are required as set forth under the provisions of M.G.L., Chapter 149, Sections 26 to 27H inclusive. A 100% performance and payment bond will be required of the successful bidder upon contract award.

DCAMM certification in the HVAC category is mandatory of bidders and contract award. The Town of Longmeadow acting through the Town Manager, the Awarding Authority, reserves the right to reject any or all bids, waive minor informalities, and to award a contract in the best interest of the Town.

(August 6)

EMAIL YOUR NEWS TO News@TheReminder.com

Call 866-643-0438 to schedule your free quote today!

*Terms & conditions apply

LUDLOW

David P. Bourcier and Linda E. Bourcier to Brandon Christopher Vigneault and Melissa Vigneault, 829-831 Center St., $410,000.

Capital Design & Development LLC, to Gray Bae Group LLC, 185 Miller St, $900,000.

Linda M. Ducharme to Christina Iglesias, 161-164 Hubbard St., $450,000.

Mary Varao to Ryley Breault and Albert Jose Rodrigues, 191 Stevens St., $340,000.

PALMER

Freedom Mortgage Corp., to Judy Bergdoll, 70 Ruggles St., $220,000.

Joshua R. Gehlhausen, Cathyann M. Gehlhausen, Jacob M. Gehlhausen and Kate E. Allain to Janine Pranka and Ronald G. Bushey, 7 Caroline Circle, $452,000.

Kshantal Colon, Sabrina M. Cruz and Rose M. Lebron to Ranyeli Perez Placido, 4129-4131 Church St., $350,000.

SPRINGFIELD

Carol A. Dubilo to Teodoro Espada Jr., 854 Grayson Drive, Centura Bay LLC, to Darius Fuentes, 97 Treetop Ave., Elton N. Fernandes to Cesar Lopez Campos, 282-284 Parkerview St., U S A Housing & Urban Development to Edward G. Waterhouse, 49 Corcoran Boulevard, Giggle Gardens Inc., and Giggles Gardens Inc, to James Steele, 182 Walnut St., Grisela Cora Romero to Christian Javier Martinez-Cora, 30-32 Joseph St., Hassle Free LLC, to Noah Adams and Mia Piteo, 51 Hartford Terrace,

WILBRAHAM

$292,000. $354,000. $505,000. $178,809. $215,000. $355,000. $365,000.

James T. Coffin and Cheryl L. Coffin to Alec Goodman and Alexis Pothul, 20 Arbor Lane, $455,000.

Michael R. Vigneault, representative, and Patricia A. Vigneault, estate, to Betsy T. Wilco, 24 Lodge Lane, $505,000.

Terri J. Chapdelaine, trustee, Roger L. Chapdelaine, trustee, and Terri J. Chapdelaine Trust, trustee of, to Goat Ledge Farm LLC, 301 Mountain Road, $650,000.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292506 7839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVEyea 0ljsvr.1 Case SP-2026-06: Request for Special Permit for Gatsby Golf Company LLC for operation of an indoor golf simulator and recreation facility with bar and commercially prepared food, at 45 Baldwin Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 27-11-C) located in the industrial zoning district. Applicant: Gatsby Golf Company LLC, 45 Baldwin Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (August 6, August 13)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) ACCIDENT RECOVERY SERVICES The Town of Longmeadow is soliciting sealed proposals for accident recovery services for a term of up to three years. The Request for Proposal document is available from: Town of Longmeadow, Purchasing Department, Attn: Chad Thompson - Director of Procurement, 231 Maple Rd, Longmeadow, MA 01106, Phone: 413-565-4185, email: cthompson@longmeadowma.gov. Documents can also be obtained online at no charge through the Purchasing Department page of the town website: www.longmeadowma.gov.

Proposers are encouraged to register with the Purchasing Department. Proposal submissions should be delivered in separate sealed envelopes containing a separate Price Proposal and a separate Technical Proposal as instructed in the RFQ document. Proposal submission shall be labeled on the exterior with the complete contact information of the proposer, labeled "RFP: Accident Recovery Services." Sealed proposals shall be delivered to the Longmeadow Purchasing Department by the proposal submission deadline of 11:00 am on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Late proposals will be rejected. No bid deposit is required.

The Town of Longmeadow acting through the Town Manager, the Awarding Authority, reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, waive minor informalities, and to award a contract in the best interest of the Town.

(August 6)

Vantage at Hampden LLC LEGAL NOTICE Public Announcement Concerning Vantage at Hampden LLC Notice is hereby given to announce the intent of the filing of a change of ownership application for the legal name Vantage at Hampden LLC, also known as Vantage Health and Rehab of Hampden, which is located at 34 Main Street, Hampden, MA 01036. The facility has 100 skilled nursing beds. The new owner will be Hampden Health and Rehabilitation Center LLC to be staying at the same location of 34 Main Street, Hampden, MA 01036.

There will be no changes made to the bed capacity of the facility.

There will also be no changes made in the services of the health care facility.

"A public hearing may be requested upon petition by any group of ten adults. Such petition shall include the name, address and signature of each adult and designate one member as the representative of the group. Written comments concerning the applicant's ability to provide quality long-term care services and petitions for a public hearing may be addressed to the offices of the Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification."

A request for hearing may be made for a period of 14 days following publication in the newspaper.

Submission of comments can be sent to the below address: Massachusetts Department of Public Health 67 Forest Street, Marlborough, MA 01752 Email: HFLLicenseAction@Mass.Gov (August 6)

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden, Division Docket Number: HD26W0383WD SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION AND MAILING

LEGAL NOTICES CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1594EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Edward Paul Woytowicz, Jr. Also Known As: Edward P Woytowicz, Jr., Edward Woytowicz, Jr., Edward Woytowicz, Edward P Woytowicz Date of Death: 09/12/2020 To all interested persons: A Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by Susan A Woytowicz of Longmeadow MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

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

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 08/20/2025.

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

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

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

Date: July 22, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (August 6)

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

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

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

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

CEILINGS PRIME PAINTING

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

COMMERCIAL FOR RENT Available for immediate occupancy. 1100 square feet. Nice modern interior. Previously a high end clothing store with ample parking.

Very reasonable rent.

Located at: 665 Prospect St. Chicopee, MA. Close to Memorial Dr., MassPike, Route 91 Please contact L.N. Berneche Inc. 413-536-2060

ELECTRICIAN JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN Lic.#E16303

Insured. 50 yrs. experience.

No job too small.

Call 413-330-3682

To the above-named Defendant: A complaint has been presented to this Court

by Colleen M. Canoni, Esq. on behalf of Marvin Martin Cruz, plaintiff, on Complaint for Custody, Support, and Parenting Time.

You are required to serve upon - Colleen M. Canoni, Esq. - attorney for Plaintiff - Marvin Martin Cruz whose address is 47 Dartmouth St, Westfield, MA 01085, your answer on or before September 30, 2026. If you fail to do so, the court will proceed with the hearing and adjudication of this action. You are also required to file a copy of your answer in the office of the Register of this Court at Springfield.

FIREWOOD

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GENERAL SERVICES A.R.A. JUNK & FURNITURE REMOVAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DEMOLITION SHEDS/PATIOS HOUSE CLEANOUTS Appliances & Garage We Recycle & Donate

PETE 413-433-0356

Free Estimates Credit cards accepted Same day service!

OLD SCHOOL WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Cleaning $95 any home; Power washing starts at $99; Window Cleaning starting at $75; Roof Moss Control $99.

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

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

HEALTH & MEDICAL Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with d e t a i l s !

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HELP WANTED Hospitalists Baystate Medical Practices, Inc. (BMP) has multiple positions available in Springfield, MA for BE/BC (Board Eligible or Board Certified) internists to provide inpatient internal medicine medical care to hospitalized adult patients.

Willingness to travel to other hospital locations in Western Massachusetts as needed, required. Salary Range: $239,200 - $390,000 per year. Apply to: Physician.app.recruitment@baystatehealth.org , Please reference job code HSPS26 Nocturnists Baystate Medical Practices, Inc. (BMP) has multiple positions available in Springfield, MA for BE/BC (Board Eligible or Board Certified) nocturnists to provide inpatient internal medicine medical care to hospitalized patients. Willingness to work night shifts required. Willingness to travel to other hospital locations in Western Massachusetts as needed, required.

Salary Range: $239,200 - $390,000 per year.

Apply to: physician.app.recruitment@baystatehealth.org, Please reference job code NCT26.

Palliative Care Physician Baystate Medical Practices, Inc. (BMP) has a position available in Springfield, MA for a physician who is BE/BC (Board Eligible or Board Certified) in Hospice and Palliative Medicine to provide medical care to hospitalized palliative care patients. Salary range: $218,500 $300,000 per year. Apply to physician.app.recruitment@baystatehealth.org, Please reference job code PalP26.

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CHAMELEON REMODELING & PAINTING

BUSINESS PROPERTY

Marvin Martin Cruz, Plaintiff(s) v.

Maria Martinez, Defendant(s)

Witness, Claudine T. Stoudemire, Esquire, First Justice of said Court at Springfield, this 26th day of June, 2026.

Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (August 6)

| 19 |

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

GENERAL SERVICES

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOWS Windows cleaned inside and out.

Free estimates, fully insured.

Call Paul 413-237-2053

D&S Home Improvement Quality Work at a Fair Price!

Licensed and Insured Dave 413-592-9490

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

413-297-4276

EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026

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

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

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

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

Todd: 413-575-3839

Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family & home value! 877-318-6832. Have zip code ready!

MISCELLANEOUS DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1888-305-7286 today!

NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS! Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a non-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty.

Call today 1-855-925-2643 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate.

Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.

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

Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 877-461-0698. Have zip code ready when calling!

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1877-543-9189 Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author`s guide 1-877729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation.

All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866

- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR -

Remodeling Kitchens, Baths, and so much more!

Residential/Commercial

Fully Insured · Free Estimates

413-351-1147

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade. 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-299-7135 Joseph’s Handyman Company. Carpentry, remodeling, interior/exterior painting, floors, tile, stairs, drywall, cabinets, plumbing. Professional artist. Small jobs ok. Home improvement. Projects designed for your needs. Since 1985. Call Joe, 413-364-7038

SunSetter. America's Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis.

Up to 10-year limited warranty. Save $350 today! 855-914-1148 TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars!

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

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

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING CHET & SON PAINTING

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

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

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

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

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

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

VACATION RENTAL

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devic-es. HBO Max included for 3 mos w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 866-859-0405

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

Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews.

Call 877-621-7517

End your tax worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Free consultation. Priority Tax 855959-2267

WANTED

Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds.

Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-877-9070316 Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans.

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

For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

When it's time for a change

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

Free quote. Ask about first application special!

877-484-8583

Need cash quickly? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours!

Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 833-359-4707 No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details.

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

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

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

Call/Text Sam 413-531-5381

EMAIL YOUR NEWS TO

News@TheReminder.com

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

For service or inspection today! 877-916-2103 Have zip code ready!

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator.

It’s a power move.

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

VERY COMPETITIVE PRICING!

Panzetti

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Landscape excavation, grading, lawn installation, seeding and hydroseeding, overgrown shrub and tree removal, mini-excavator and skid steer services.

Call 413-478-0522

Personal Touch Garden Service

Landscape design, mulch and stone beds, hedge trimming (specialist). Call 413-735-3189 ROZELL'S LANDSCAPING & BOBCAT SERVICE *Overgrown property? *Excavator Services *Extreme Brush Cutting! *Shrub, Stump, Tree Removal *Lawn/Arborvitae Installed *Loam, Stone, Mulch, Sand *Storm Clean-up *Small Demo *Insured JOSH ROZELL 413-636-5957

THE ROAD BACK TO SCHOOL STARTS HERE!

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

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

528 North Main Street • East Longmeadow

AUGUST 6 -12 , 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 20 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

FRESH START FOR YOUR HOME

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BEFORE

ENDS 8/31/26

CALL NOW: 888-888-8888 413-340-3531

Offer expires 08/31/26. Valid on qualifying purchases only. Promotional items apply only to applicable products: free shower door applies to standard models with qualifying bath or shower purchases; free triple pane upgrade applies to qualifying window purchases; free gutters apply to the front of the home only with qualifying roofing or siding purchases and may not exceed 9% of the retail price. Valid on new orders only; not valid on prior sales or estimates. Promotional offers are available only during the initial in-home consultation with a Yankee Home representative. Offers cannot be combined with other promotions or discounts. Financing offer is for 12 months with no deposit, no payments, and no interest for qualified buyers. Financing is subject to third-party credit approval; not all applicants will qualify. If not paid in full within the promotional period, interest may be charged from the purchase date. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Calls and communications with Yankee Home may be recorded for quality and training purposes. MA Lic. #160584 | CT Lic. #HIC.0673924 | NH Lic. #611475.