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Milleron and Whalen debate ahead of elections IN THIS
EDITION
By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Two people looking to unseat U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in the Massachusetts 1st Congressional House District met at a debate on Aug. 11 to discuss their politics, priorities and approach. Of those, the most daylight between Nadia Milleron and Jeromie Whalen was in their approach. Whalen, a Democrat, will face Neal in the Sept. 1 primary, while Milleron, running as an independent, will face the winner of the primary in November. During the event, hosted at 52 Sumner and sponsored by more than 40 local nonprofits, Milleron and Whalen answered questions from the community that had been collected ahead of time. Moderator G. Michael Dobbs explained to the audience that the questions all pertained to districtwide or national issues, which are the purview of members of Congress. The candidates agreed on several topics. Each would work to abolish the Electoral College to remove the outsized influence of a few swing states. Both Milleron and Whalen were proponents of universal healthcare, with that one topic being Milleron’s top priority. Both were also in favor of impeaching President Donald
EAST LONGMEADOW
Menard prepares for first school year as new superintendent East Longmeadow’s new superintendent is looking ahead to her first year.
Page 6
WILBRAHAM
Puppolo, Oliveira make effort to stop ‘persistent noise’ Local officials are working to end a noise that has impacted residents.
Page 8
LONGMEADOW Democrat Jeromie Whalen and independent Nadia Milleron debate on Aug. 11. Both hope to unseat Richard Neal in Massachusetts’s 1st Congressional District. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Trump, should the Republicans lose the majority. To address poverty in Western Massachusetts, Milleron said she favored eliminating federal income tax on the first $100,000
earned. Similarly, Whalen said he would raise the threshold, easing the tax burden for the lowest income earners. The two also agreed that there should be term limits for repre-
sentatives. While Whalen envisioned 12 to 15 years, Milleron said she would commit to six years. Whalen, who is 39, also
New bench honors Sept. 11 victim A local church is honoring a 9/11 victim with a new bench.
Page 11
See DEBATE on page 3
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STRM: Velis sounds off on recent statewide issues By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” state Sen. John Velis sat down with co-hosts Ryan Feyre and myself to discuss data centers, cellphone and social media policies, upcoming ballot questions and opioid settlement funds. Velis, whose current term ends in January, is running unopposed for reelection. He represents nine communities throughout the Hampden and Hampshire districts and has been in the Senate since 2020. He also previously served as a state representative from 2014. Velis was recently deployed for six months on a confidential mission along the southwestern border of the U.S. He said he couldn’t provide specifics about the trip, but he credited his office for helping him stay connected and serve his constituents during that time. He also commended his colleagues who stepped up and filed bills and items on his behalf. “One of the things that’s really, really important to me is hiring staff that’s good,” Velis said. “It was constantly checking in with my team, from when I could get away from what I was doing and see what was out there, but I have to be honest with you, I can’t take credit for it. My entire operation was a seamless operation.” One issue that Velis discussed, which has been prominent in many of the communities he serves, is data centers. Holyoke recently approved a ban on future development of the centers, while Agawam approved the first reading of a 270-day moratorium and Westfield approved a 12-month moratorium. In the past, Velis demanded that the data centers, not residents, should pay for any energy and water strain. He also emphasized that many data centers across the country are much larger than some of those proposed and operating in Massachusetts. Velis agreed that there is an op-
portunity for jobs, but in many cases, data centers lead to an increase in electrical bills, increased water usage and contamination. He also agreed with the idea of a moratorium to give each town time to learn about potential pros and cons of a development proposal. “I think what’s happening throughout the commonwealth is a beautiful thing, like, give the towns the ability,” Velis said. “[Data centers] need to pay their own way. Any uptick in electric costs is on them, any water usage above and beyond what they represent is on them, any disturbance to the environment is on them, and if they check all of those boxes in a local community through their City Council, their planning boards, their mayor, decide that we realize all the risks and the contracts are very firm that anything that goes above and beyond what you’re representing is on you, not the residents, than have that vote.” Velis also discussed regulations on youth social media and cellphone use in schools. In July, the state Senate passed a bill that essentially regulates youth social media use. “What the data tells us is that straight bans don’t work,” Velis said, comparing the Senate bill to the House bill passed in April, which bans children under 14 from using social media platforms and requires that platforms obtain consent for users ages 14 and 15. Velis explained that if you institute a ban, teenagers affected will find ways to get around it. He said the driving force is algorithms, which is why the Senate bill gives people under 16 the ability to stop, pause and say, “Do I want to continue reading, do I want to continue watching these videos, or maybe do I want to go outside?” Velis said the third-party audit could allow the attorney general’s office to ask a company like Facebook to explain its algorithms and how they work. “It’s about getting rid of these algorithmic feeds by the default
State Sen. John Velis sat down with hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet to talk about a wide range of issues on the most recent episode of “So That Reminds Me. “
Reminder Publishing photo by Dennis Hackett
settings; they’re not allowed for certain people under that age demographic, but we need to get at these algorithms, and I’m a really big believer in that the best way to do that is something that we still need to continue to do, is by having what we call third-party audits,” Velis said. On the topic of cellphone usage in schools, Velis said he often visits high school students in his communities who all admit they use their phones during the school day instead of paying attention to what is going on in class. Velis said that although bans don’t usually work, he thinks there should be little to no exception regarding cellphone usage during the school day. “When we had this debate, I was really the lead proponent of, ‘look, if we’re going to do this, we need to do it.’ And variably, what comes up is exceptions,” Velis said. “My position was we need to make the exceptions so few and far between because at some point in time, if you have all these exceptions, the exceptions swallow the rule. If 30 kids in the schools have their phones, the rest of the kids are going to say, ‘hey what’s Mikey, what’s Sarah or what’s ev-
erybody doing with their phones, I want my phone.’” In response to parents’ concerns about the possibility of not reaching their kids during an emergency, Velis said many law enforcement members told him that cellphones could create more chaos during a major emergency because the students would be too distracted to listen to the adults or law enforcement personnel. “When cellphones weren’t a thing, we got by just fine. If a kid was sick, if there was an emergency, if something was happening,” Velis stated. “There’s no perfect solution, but with the distraction from the reading, writing, arithmetic, we have to do better. If we can do something to give that kid a fighting chance to excel in school, to engage, to maybe prevent some type of behavioral health issue, then I think we should do that; I think we owe it to them.” Velis also discussed the Veterans Home in Holyoke, opioid settlement funds that cities have received, the recent economic development bill that recently passed in the Senate, housing issues in Massachusetts and a ballot question that looks to eliminate political party primaries for state elections.
In the case of opioid settlement funds, a recent investigation revealed municipalities have spent less than 20% of the $115 million distributed to them since 2023. Velis recently said he is prepared to file legislation to have the state reclaim unspent funds and redirect them to communities with bigger needs. “This notion that I hear from municipalities was, ‘we’re trying to figure out how to use this.’ I have no patience for that anymore for the very simple reason that they’re sitting on their tails trying to figure this out; we got people that are dying out there,” Velis said. Speaking on the economic development bill, Velis said the goal is to stop people from leaving the state for opportunities elsewhere. “Massachusetts is on the precipice, and I would argue we are already down that path of becoming a state that lacks competitiveness for any number of reasons,” Velis said. “This economic development bill was an attempt to do was to stop the bleeding.” To hear the full episode with Velis, visit thereminder.com/ our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
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Towns announce voting information ahead of Sept. 1 primary By Dennis Hackett
ward Hill. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Ahead of the primary election on Sept. 1, Reminder Publishing has compiled a list of voting hours and locations in the area.
Hampden In Hampden, in-person early voting sessions for the primary election will be held in the Hampden Town Hall, 85 Wilbraham Road, Saturday Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 24, through Thursday, Aug. 27, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, is the last day to register to vote or to change party ahead of the primary. Election Day voting will also take place at Town Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
dhackett@thereminder.com
East Longmeadow In East Longmeadow, early voting will occur on Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, Aug. 24, through Friday, Aug. 28, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Library Conference Room, located at 60 Center Square. On Election Day, voting for all five precincts will take place at Birchland Park Middle School, located at 50 Han-
Debate
Continued from page 1
said he felt there should be an age cap and suggested 70 years old, but also said people vary in how age affects them. At age 62, Milleron was silent on the issue of an age cap. Whalen and Milleron also agreed that Congress needs to assert its power over funding allocation, ensuring the executive branch follows through on distributing funds, and not allow the president to enter military action without Congressional approval. Where the candidates differed was in their methods. Whalen emphasized the need to create relationships with representatives on both sides of the aisle, as well as independents. “It’s not relationships that are
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going to make this happen. It’s pressure,” Milleron said. She said being an independent in a House with narrow margins would make her influential. And, as an independent, she said she would caucus with whichever party is in the majority and withhold her vote for leadership to accomplish her goals. “We’re in such dire straits that we have to take every angle, pressure, every advantage, every leverage we can muster,” Milleron said. Whalen took a different approach. He said there is influence through working the “halls of Congress,” but also influence that comes from public opinion. He later spoke about building coalitions, saying, “We need to build that community, and that’s how we break the partisan divide that we see.” Milleron responded, “You can’t just influence people. You have to leverage, you have to pressure, you have to threaten their jobs and their reputations ... You can’t just get what you want
Longmeadow In Longmeadow, absentee in-person voting is ongoing Monday through Thursday from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Voting on Monday, Aug. 31, will conclude at noon. Early in-person voting will occur Saturday, Aug. 22, to Friday, Aug. 28, with the exception of Sunday, Aug. 23. Polls will be open Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Monday, Aug. 24 through Thursday, Aug. 27, from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Friday, Aug. 28, from 8:15 a.m. to noon. Both absentee and early in-person voting will take place at the town’s municipal offices, located at 231 Maple Road.
Advance processing will take place on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. until completed at the Longmeadow Community House, located at 735 Longmeadow St. This is open to the public for viewing purposes only. On Election Day, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Longmeadow Community House. The voter registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail is Tuesday, Aug. 25.
by being nice and ... having discussions with people.” On some issues, the candidates had different ideas. Milleron said her “day one” priorities would be proposing income tax relief, “get insurance companies out of our healthcare systems,” and eliminate supply chain issues in medicine by bringing manufacturing back to the United States. For Whalen, the focus would be on passing Medicare for all, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and implementing a surtax on the “ultrawealthy,” using Massachusetts’s Fair Share Amendment as a model. To protect voting access and increase turnout, Milleron said it should be made mandatory and cited Australia’s system in which there is a monetary penalty for not voting. Voters there can vote by mail, vote early or obtain an absentee ballot. Whalen said, “We have voter apathy in this country. We don’t have voter fraud.” He said he is in favor of enshrining vote by mail
in law. He also said the current environment around immigration is causing people in Black and brown communities not to feel safe voting in person. Asked about avoiding gentrification as a side effect of WestEast Rail, Whalen said he fully supported expanding rail service, “But, at the same time, we need to be prepared to increase the housing stock in central and Western Massachusetts.” He said he was also a proponent of rent control to stabilize the housing industry. Milleron warned that the region will be “flooded with people” escaping the climate crisis and that West-East Rail would bring them to Western Massachusetts. “We have to prepare,” she said. Each candidate was asked how their background qualified them for Congressional service. Milleron said her experience as an activist, mobilizing people and advocating in the halls of Congress, gave her the experience needed. Whalen said that, as a teacher, he sees first-hand how deci-
Wilbraham Early in-person voting in Wilbraham will take place Sat-
urday, 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. Voting will take place at the Wilbraham Town Hall, 240 Springfield St. Construction at the intersection of Springfield Street and Stony Hill Road will likely be going on during some or all of in-person early voting. Check the town’s website for detour details and plan accordingly. Saturday, Aug. 22, is the last day to register to vote for the state primary. Voting for all four precincts on Election Day will take place at Minnechaug Regional High School, located at 621 Main St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
sions made at the national level affect the youth of America. In Neal’s 37 years in the House of Representatives, “Has your life gotten better? Have your bills gone down? ... We need to go in a new direction.” He added, “The people I want in Congress are the individuals embedded in this community.” Whalen’s comment was not the first time the candidates mentioned Neal and his absence from the forum. When speaking on Aug. 7, Neal said he would not attend “a forum that was organized by my opponent. They chose the site, the date and they chose the moderator.” Speaking of the forum organizers, he said, “One of them is a financial contributor, and the other is a spokesperson for the campaign, and they’re going to set the timetable?” Forum organizers Wes Weidemann and Erica Swallow are public Whalen supporters. Neal has accepted a debate against Whalen, organized and televised by WWLP for Aug. 26.
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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. Adult programs: • Paper Quilling Workshop — Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. Kulina Folk Art will provide instructions for paper quilling. Explore various tools and discover the variety of forms that can be crafted from simple strips of paper.
•
Adult Book Discussion Group — Thursday, Aug. 27, at 11 a.m. Bring your own book to discuss with the group. Children programs: • The Flea Circus with Ed Popielarczyk — Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. Step right up for Ed’s Flea Circus. Watch amazing trained fleas perform daring feats like the trapeze, high wire, high dive, and even being shot from a cannon. Kids can join the fun by helping with the show, while everyone cheers on these tiny performers.
PLEASANT VIEW SENIOR CENTER
The following events will be held at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main St., East Longmeadow. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-525-5436. • Scams — Thursday, Aug. 27, at 12:15 p.m. A representative from the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office will share important information about cryptocurrency kiosks and scams, how to be safe, and how
•
to share this information with your friends and family. This 15 minute presentation will take place during lunch. Stroke Awareness: Recognize the Signs, Reduce the Risk — Friday, Aug. 28, at 10:30 a.m. Join the Senior Center for a presentation focused on stroke awareness, prevention and recovery. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of a stroke, understand common risk factors and discover steps you can take to reduce risk. Learn what happens after a stroke, available rehabilitation services and resources that can help individuals and families navigate the recovery process.
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. • Greeting Cards with Ellie — Monday, Aug. 24, from 1-3 p.m.
•
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Cost is $3 per person. All materials are provided. Puzzle Palooza — Tuesday, Aug. 25, from 1-3 p.m. Join them for another fun afternoon of Puzzles! Work in randomly assigned teams to see which team can finish a 300-piece puzzle the fastest. Friends Across Generations — Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 10 a.m. They are bringing back the handwritten letter and joining with fourth grade students at Green Meadows School for an educational letter-writing opportunity for the students and for you! Join this information session about this fun program where you can bring a smile to a fourth grader’s face when you write them a letter and tell them what life was like when you were growing up. The commitment is only three letters during the school year, and they have a guide you can use if you need help. Join them on Aug. 26 to learn more about the program and to sign up to be a pen pal.
•
Can’t make the meeting? Call to let them know you’re interested in participating, and we will get information for you. Memory Café: 10th Anniversary Celebration! Drums with Jason — Friday, Aug. 28, at 10:15 a.m.
LONGMEADOW RICHARD SALTER STORRS LIBRARY
The following events take place at the Richard Salter Storrs Library, 593 Longmeadow St. For more information or to register for programs, call 413-565-4181, or head to longmeadowlibrary.org. Youth programs: • Youth Chess (For kindergarten and up) — Monday, Aug. 24, 3:15-4:15 p.m. • Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, Aug. 25, 9:30-10 a.m. • Board Book Baby Time — Tuesday, Aug. 25, 10:45-11:30 a.m. • Back To School Bingo — Thurs-
See EVENTS on page 7
Monson Savings names new East Longmeadow branch manager EAST LONGMEADOW — Monson Savings Bank announced the appointment of Keaton R. Warren as branch manager of its East Longmeadow Branch. In this role, Warren will oversee all aspects of branch operations, including team leadership, customer service, business development, sales performance and more, while fostering strong customer relationships and supporting the financial needs of the community. Warren brings more than six years of banking experience to Monson Savings Bank, including four and a half years with KeyBank, where he most recently served as a personal banker. In that role, he built lasting customer relationships by identifying needs and providing tailored banking solutions. His
experience includes account management, customer service, sales growth, compliance and collaborating with lending and investment specialists to help customers achieve their financial goals. A resident of Whately, Warren earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance from Westfield State University. “We are excited to welcome Keaton to the Monson Savings Bank team,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “His banking experience, commitment to relationship building, and passion for serving customers make him an excellent fit to lead our East Longmeadow Branch. We look forward to the positive impact he will
have on both our customers and the community.” Warren was drawn to Monson Savings Bank because of its reputation for putting customers and community first. Having worked in East Longmeadow for several years, he is already familiar with many local families and businesses. Warren looks forward to deepening those connections through his role at the bank. “I am extremely excited to join the Monson Savings Bank team and look forward to serving the customers and community,” said Warren. “Building strong relationships has always been at the heart of my approach to banking, and I’m eager to collaborate with our talented team to provide exceptional customer service, help custom-
ers achieve their financial goals, and continue the bank’s tradition of community-focused banking.” As he begins his journey with Monson Savings Bank, Warren is particularly excited about becoming further integrated into a community that values integrity, honesty and service. He looks forward to learning more about customers’ financial goals and helping them navigate important life decisions while building lasting relationships throughout the East Longmeadow area. To contact Keaton Warren, NMLS # 2515687, please call 413893-3667 or email kwarren@monsonsavings.com. For more information about Monson Savings Bank, please visit: monsonsavings.bank/
Keaton R. Warren. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
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A state rep for people over profit
In recent years, Americans have seen a significant surge in the cost of living. In fact, a CBS News analysis of census data found that consumer costs have risen by 30% since 2019, swallowing up about 80% of an average worker’s raise. Despite the state’s high standard of living, Massachusetts residents haven’t been spared. In February 2026, the Boston Herald reported that Eversource, an energy company located in Springfield, “more than doubled profits reported in 2025, a grand total of $1.69 billion compared to $812 million in earning in 2024, as utility costs for Massachusetts ratepayers have skyrocketed and show no signs of lowering anytime soon.” Yet despite the struggle of residents to keep up with rising costs, many of our politicians can be found on the side of corporations. While constituents in the 12th Hampden District struggle to pay rising utility and cable TV costs, Rep. Angelo Puppolo has been reaping handsome profits from stock holdings in Eversource Energy and Xfinity, which records indicate he’s owned since at least 2016. Despite years of rising utility costs for Massachusetts families, Puppolo’s record offers little evidence of meaningful action to lower them. A lone bill addressing transparency in private utility construction contracts is the closest he’s come to supporting legislation aimed at reducing those costs. How can we expect our legislators to advocate for us while owning stock in companies they’re expected to regulate? Michael Lachenmeyer, Puppolo’s progressive challenger in the 2026 Democratic primary, asks
the same question. One of the major tenets of Lachenmeyer’s campaign is transparency. He supports banning legislators from trading stocks in office altogether. “Our elected officials should not be allowed to profit from the insider information they have access to as part of their jobs,” his website states. Lachenmeyer also supports banning legislators from becoming lobbyists for at least 5 years after they serve, as well as enacting the audit of the state legislature, voted for by 72% of the electorate in 2024. In a press release on the matter, Lachenmeyer stated “At a time when utility companies are reporting substantial profits, we cannot rely on symbolic gestures. We need legislation that strengthens oversight, holds utilities accountable, and puts consumers first.” We need elected officials who hold themselves accountable to the people they serve rather than the corporate interests that keep cash flowing their way. We need Michael Lachenmeyer, a state representative who will put people over profit, this September 1. Cayla Bartosz Wilbraham
East Longmeadow is moving forward, responsibly
In local government, progress is rarely defined by one vote or one project. It is measured by whether a community is making investments today that will leave it stronger, more competitive and financially sound tomorrow. By that measure, East Longmeadow is moving forward. Residents can see it in the roughly $5 million in road con-
struction and improvements taking place across town. Roads are among the most basic responsibilities of local government, and we are putting meaningful resources into maintaining and improving that infrastructure. This fall, our students will also begin attending the new East Longmeadow High School, a major investment that will serve generations of families. Beyond providing first-class educational facilities, the new school represents a commitment to keeping East Longmeadow a community where families want to live and invest. We are also investing in the infrastructure of the future through a town-owned fiber-optic network. The town will own the fiber infrastructure while partnering with experienced operators to provide high-speed internet service to residents and businesses. Fiber is no longer a luxury. It is economic infrastructure, supporting businesses, remote workers, families and future development. Local ownership also gives East Longmeadow an asset that can serve the community for decades while creating additional competition in the marketplace. This will provide residents with a more affordable and superior service. Importantly, these investments are being made while maintaining strong financial fundamentals. East Longmeadow continues to carry a healthy municipal bond rating and maintains a funded stabilization account. Strong reserves and sound financial management allow the town to invest strategically while protecting taxpayers and keeping borrowing costs manageable. We are also taking steps to encourage responsible economic development. The proposed Town Center See LETTERS on page 7
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Council approves $43.5 million for town-owned fiber network By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow is making its final moves before the build out of a townwide fiber network with the Town Council’s unanimous approval of a $43.5 million appropriation to cover the project. The Town Council heard project updates from members of Westfield Gas & Electric, the town’s fiber partner, before the appropriation vote at its meeting on Aug. 11. The town’s website estimates a monthly fee of $80-$90 for residents interested in the townowned network. Residents are not required to switch to fiber.
Charter Communications operates Spectrum — the broadband, cable and phone provider in East Longmeadow. Massachusetts Charter Communications Director of Government Affairs Nancy Clark said during public comment that she has a “direct interest” in the council’s discussion and vote because Spectrum is a competitor of the proposed network. “I’m not asking the council to reject the project,” Clark said. “I’m asking the council to slow down on the $43.5 million appropriation, specifically for reasons that would apply regardless to who is raising them.” Clark said no competing proposals were evaluated outside of
the contract with Westfield Gas & Electric, and that she hasn’t seen financial reviews, a third-party feasibility study or an outside audit of take rate assumptions. She questioned if voters were aware of this information as well. She said, “if subscriber revenues don’t meet projections, the council and your constituents should understand exactly where the additional money would come from and whether taxpayers, the town’s general fund, future borrowing or municipal broadband customers could ultimately be affected.” Clark also compared the project to Longmeadow’s proposed fiber network project, stating that voters rejected it in large part be-
Westfield Gas & Electric staff discussed the East Longmeadow fiber project with the Town Council at its meeting on Aug. 11. Photo credit: ELCAT01028
cause they felt the financial model hadn’t been fully vetted. She recommended that the council refer the estimated $43.5 million to the Capital Planning
Committee and the Financial Oversight Committee to get their input before taking a final vote See COUNCIL on page 7
Menard prepares for first school year as new superintendent By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow Public Schools is introducing a couple new firsts with the 2026-2027 school year on the horizon — the first year with the new East Longmeadow High School and Dr. Joanne Menard’s first year as superintendent. The district hired Menard in January while she served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Holliston Public Schools. She officially began with ELPS in July after former Superintendent Gordon Smith’s retirement. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from The Ohio State University, a master of education in elementary education from Anna Maria College, a certificate of advanced graduate study in educational leadership from Fitchburg State University and a doctorate of education in educational leadership from the University of Hartford. Menard said she has taken an
“odd journey through life” leading up to her start in East Longmeadow. She began in the working-world as a sales manager for the waste management company, Browning-Ferris Industries, before spending some time in South Korea with her family. “I got into education after my youngest went to school,” Menard said. “I taught at Wachusett Regional School District, and also [Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District] for a total of 11 years.” Menard brings teaching experience across multiple grade levels and subject areas, including fifth grade English language arts and science, seventh and eighth grade science and STEM and eighth grade math. She also served as Medway Public Schools’ STEM curriculum and instruction coach before a four-year principalship with Petersham School District and a two-year secondary principalship with Gill-Montague Regional School District. Menard said she initially ap-
plied for this position because of Western Massachusetts and East Longmeadow’s location and “community feel.” She added that she loves the involvement that parents and the community have in the school district. She already has a goal in mind as well for improving the district during her first year. “In my first year, I want to concentrate through the winter in really listening,” Menard said. “I’m doing a lot of entry interviews with town department heads, Town Council members, School Committee members, admin, central office workers, and then I go out to the community. From those listening tours, I’m finding out what people really believe are the strengths, the weaknesses and the opportunities for the school district, and also ways that we can partner with outside groups to just strengthen the school district. From those findings, I’m going to present action steps for the next steps we’ll take as a district. It’s very much a collaborative process. It’s me listening to
the people that have been in the district, their thoughts and their wants for the district.” Menard has already begun to interact with the community in preparation for the school year’s start, stating that she believes the “leader of the schools” should be embedded in the community. “I’ve been to Summer Fest, the time capsule unveiling, I had a booth at National Night Out,” Menard said. “I really want to be part of the community. It’s been incredible getting to know the department leaders, and [Town Manager Tom Christensen]. I’m having a weekly meeting with him, so it’s really getting to know the feel of the school and how I can partner with the town and outside groups, such as colleges bringing things to our district that we haven’t had before. It’s been a very warm and welcoming time for me, and I’m just looking forward to leading the school district.” She said she looks forward most to meeting all of the staff and students within the district
Dr. Joanne Menard will continue her 24-year career in education as East Longmeadow’s newest superintendent. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
and being a regular visitor in the schools. “Relationships are the most important thing,” Menard said. “That’s what I’ve been concentrating on all summer.”
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Events
Continued from page 4 day, Aug. 27, 3:30-4 p.m. • Music with Mr. Liam — Thursday, Aug. 27, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Adult programs: • LHS Presents: Stroll America Series: Stroll America Series: Longmeadow Architecture with Derek Strahan — Monday, Aug. 24, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • VIRTUAL: Play Along Ukulele from Home! — Monday, Aug. 24, 7-8 p.m.
Council Continued from page 6
to get the town familiar with the proposal. Westfield Gas & Electric Key Account Sales Manager Andrew Short said the company is looking at project start dates for January 2027 and that payments would be staggered through construction. Town Accountant Kimberly Collins said the $43.5 million is made up of estimated borrowing interest, $4 million in free cash and $31 million for the project as a whole. She said the town decided the “best way to borrow” is over a 10-year span and that the costs from years one to three would not affect taxpayers. “If we borrow it in tranches over a three year period, we can borrow a third of it, a third of it,
Letters Continued from page 5
Mixed-Use District is designed to encourage redevelopment of underutilized commercial and industrial properties, attract small businesses and create opportunities for market-rate housing. The objective is not development for development’s sake. It is creating clear, predictable rules that encourage private investment while protecting neighborhood character and East Longmeadow’s quality of life.
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Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, Aug. 25, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Library Virtual Speakers: When Trees Testify: Reclaiming America’s Black Botanical Legacy with Beronda Montgomery — Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2-4 p.m. Social Security 101 — Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston — Wednesday, Aug. 26, 1-2:30 p.m. VIRTUAL: No More Curse! with David Kruh — Wednesday, Aug. 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to noon.
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Library Virtual Speakers: High Altitudes and High Stakes: A Miss Marple Mystery with Lucy Foley — Thursday, Aug. 27, 2-4 p.m. Medicare Educational Event — Thursday, Aug. 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Storrs Stitchers (Drop-In) — Friday, Aug. 28, 10-11:30 a.m. Sarah Clay & the StarCats Concert: Day Dream — Friday, Aug. 28, noon to 1:30 p.m. Relational Literacy Lab: Writing Meaningful Thank You Messages — Saturday, Aug. 29, 11:00 am-12:00 pm
a third of it,” Collins said. “We can roll those [bond anticipation notes] every year for 10 years, and then pay the interest and the principal pay down from, in the first year you’re paying it from free cash and the second year, you’re paying it from the interest that you’ve capitalized through borrowing and the third year, you start to use revenue. From years 4-10, you’re using revenue paid down all of those bans, over the entire project.” Councilor Jim Leydon asked if there were any benefits to the project that weren’t being talked about. Westfield Gas & Electric General Manager Tom Flaherty said that fiber has successful takerates that help pay off the project in other communities, and that East Longmeadow would be able to provide a positive service to the community.
“If you look at much of the negativity that National Grid or Eversource is getting, both on the natural gas side or the electric side with extremely high costs, that’s not what’s happening here,” Flaherty said. “You’re gonna come in with a competitive price, you’re gonna have a much better product that has a high upside and high downside of speeds … We’re starting off as a 1-gigabit system, but you have the capability to build off of that to have a greater product as the years go on.” The equipment’s lifespan is roughly 25 years, but Telecom Superintendent Jamie Cincotta said Westfield’s fiber network, built in 1996, has “no issues at all.” Council President Ralph Page said he wanted to be assured that what gets built is thought ahead and usable in 40 years since 10
A great deal of credit for this progress belongs to Town Manager Tom Christensen and his team. Major infrastructure projects, capital planning, financial management and economic development do not happen by accident. They require professional management, long-term planning and the ability to turn policy decisions into results. There will always be challenges and legitimate debates about priorities. Local government must continue to scrutinize spending, protect taxpayers and make sure growth occurs on terms that bene-
fit the community. But we should also recognize progress when it is happening. Better roads. A new high school. Town-owned fiber. Strong finances. Healthy reserves. And a business-friendly strategy for responsible growth. Taken together, these investments show a town that is planning for its future rather than simply managing the present. East Longmeadow is moving forward — responsibly. Jim Leydon and Anna Jones East Longmeadow
EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026
LONGMEADOW ADULT CENTER
FRIENDS OF FANNIE STEBBINS 2026 REFUGE PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST
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. • Jethro Jones: Black Revolutionary War Hero — with Jocelyn Jones Arnold — Monday, Aug. 24 at 6 p.m. • Greenland and U.S. Interest in Greenland Going Back to 1867 — Wednesday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m.
Friends of Fannie Stebbins is sponsoring a photo contest in celebration of the Refuge’s 75th Anniversary. Any photographer may submit their recent photos from “down in The Meadows” to Info@FriendsofFannieStebbins.org. Visit FriendsofFannieStebbins.org for rules and regulations. The contest is open through Sept. 1. The 20 best photos will be featured in an exhibit at the Longmeadow Adult Center for the month of October.
years of borrowing for 15 years of use “is not a heck of a lot of time.” Town Manager Tom Christensen said that will be the future of the plan and is optimistic everything will work out well. “We will have to, just like water, sewer and stormwater, we’ll have to have some sort of asset management plan that luckily will have a revenue stream that can do that,” Christensen said. “After that 10 years when we’re all paid up, that $3.5 million, assuming the take rate, goes into the MLP … We’ll be able to keep up with the maintenance of it just in the MLP and not touch the
general fund.” Leydon added that the network would be owned by East Longmeadow and the town can make its own decisions on investments. Christensen said that resident payments for their internet would be going right back into the town. The council also unanimously approved to enter an intergovernmental agreement with Westfield Gas & Electric for a contract term exceeding three years. Information and updates on East Longmeadow fiber can be found at eastlongmeadowma. gov/1055/Municipal-Light-Plant.
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HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM www.TheReminder.com
Puppolo and Oliveira make effort to stop ‘persistent noise’ By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
WILBRAHAM — State Sen. Jake Oliveira and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo have banded together to end a persistent humming and buzzing noise that has impacted the lives of Wilbraham residents for months, described by Oliveira as a “leaf blower left on in the distance.” An Aug. 10 press release announced that Puppolo and Oliveira sent a letter to Eversource President and CEO Joseph Nolan, urging the company to “identify and eliminate” a noise stemming from Ludlow’s Eversource liquefied natural gas facility at 76 Ravenwood Drive. The press release states, “residents in Wilbraham have reported hearing a persistent low-frequency humming for months, with many describing sleepless nights, headaches and ongoing disruptions inside their homes.” The letter urges the company to complete noise mitigation work as quickly as possible, provide regular updates to residents and local officials, meet directly with affected residents and municipal leaders and commit to implementing any additional corrective actions necessary to resolve the issue permanently. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is actively investigating noise complaints, and has “observed a potential pure-tone condition and issued Eversource a notice of noncompliance,” according to the release. A pure-tone condition occurs when a sound source produces a persistent, single frequency noise, such as a buzz or a hum. Puppolo told Reminder Publishing that the noise came to his attention by constituent calls. “It’s been a continuing concern, relative to the quality of life for the residents up there,”
Puppolo said. “I went through there, and if you go through there and listen, you can hear a loud humming noise. It seems to be nonstop. A lot of residents have been concerned about that, not only for quality of life, but some of the health and detrimental effects it may have, both short and long-term … We’re just doing our constituent work and making sure that the quality of life of the residents remains intact.” He added that Eversource has been a good partner to work with before, aside from “battling them” with price relative issues, but he’s confident it will go through Eversource’s channels with urgency and come to a viable solution. Puppolo said, “We need to jump into action and make sure we at least get this thing rolling and have Eversource look at the root cause and rectify this as soon as possible.” Oliveira told Reminder Publishing that he and Puppolo try to be as responsive as possible when constituents reach out, and that Wilbraham residents are directly affected. He said the sound is mostly dampened in Ludlow by hills and the Chicopee River waterfall. “I drove out there a couple weeks ago and listened to the sound,” Oliveira said. “My ears aren’t that great, but it reminded me of a leaf blower left on in the distance. If someone’s doing yard work and you’re trying to sleep or enjoy the outdoors, it impacts quality of life.” Oliveira added that the noise can impact residents with hearing aids because the device amplifies ambient noise. “The residents of Wilbraham, they deserve answers,” Oliveira said. “That’s why [Puppolo] and I decided to go right to Eversource and ask the questions that are needed in order to get answers for these residents.” He said this isn’t an isolat-
ed incident and that noise complaints have stemmed from the Charlton facility as well, which the MassDEP has looked into. “I think there are steps that can be taken, not just by Eversource, but also the state to enforce this as well and make sure that residents can go about their daily lives, live and enjoy the outdoors, enjoy being in their own homes and get much needed sleep,” Oliveira said. “This isn’t the first time where noise complaints have been rectified with simple changes, or small changes, that can help people.” The noise’s source has not been identified by Eversource after beginning mitigation measures. Eversource External Communications Manager Olessa Stepanova told Reminder Publishing that “testing to date has not established that it is coming from the Ludlow LNG facility.” Stepanova added that there are no safety concerns associated with the facility and that Eversource will continue to investigate the issue. “Over the last several months, we’ve been working closely with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and an independent consultant to investigate the reported noise and have been providing regular updates to the state,” Stepanova said. “That work has included multiple rounds of noise monitoring at locations in and around the facility, reviewing the timing of resident complaints in relation to facility operations and ongoing coordination with MassDEP as new information becomes available. We’ve also asked our consultant to conduct additional monitoring to help identify other potential sources of the noise.” Stepanova said Eversource is proactively taking steps to reduce potential sources of noise and have completed the first phase of acoustic insulation work, along
Wilbraham residents have called in complaints to state Sen. Jake Oliveira and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo about a low-frequency humming noise from the Ludlow Eversource facility. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
with finishing additional insulation on equipment identified as a potential noise source. “Our independent consultant previously conducted off-site noise monitoring and will conduct another round next week to evaluate conditions following completion of the insulation work,” Stepanova said. “An important next step in the investigation will come at the end of this month when the facility is scheduled to be offline. Because the Ludlow LNG facility serves a critical role in maintaining reliable natural gas service for our customers, opportunities to take it completely offline are limited and occur only during specific operational windows. Our consultant will conduct another round of monitoring during the
shutdown, allowing us to compare sound levels before and after the insulation work and while the facility is offline. This additional data may help us better determine the source of the reported noise.” She said Eversource takes resident concerns seriously and will continue working with MassDEP while providing updates to the community and state and local officials. “We also welcome the opportunity to work directly with affected residents to better understand what they are experiencing,” Stepanova said. “We remain committed to doing everything we can to identify the source of the reported noise and work toward a resolution should it involve our facility.”
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EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026
Wilbraham awarded $60,557 from state By Peter Tuohy
The East Longmeadow Reminder is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC.
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The recommendations are then brought to Town Meeting for voters to decide. “I think it’s a balance to be environmentally conscious,” Ducey said. “I think it’s a responsible approach, and if it saves money at the same time it’s even better. At the same time, and I’ll speak for myself, I think it’s not a bad thing to necessarily be on the cutting edge, but you don’t want to be on the bleeding edge.” He recalled a few years ago when the state pushed to purchase electric vehicles for the DPW and stated that it didn’t seem to make much sense to the town. “We pushed back on the state and the state repealed, or at least delayed some of the implementation of that stuff,” Ducey
said. “If you start plowing with a truck that, and I use this arbitrarily, a five hour charge time, well that doesn’t really help you while a snowstorm is still going on. We pushed back on that and they withdrew some of those requirements. I think it’s important to balance the environmentally conscious budget and, at the same time, what the needs of the town are.” Ducey said the program has been very successful for the town from a variety of angles. “We’ve been able to buy some of these vehicles that much less would have normally cost us and replaced furnaces and at the same time, we save utility costs,” Ducey said. “It’s been a win-win.”
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ronmentally conscious, but at the same time, being conscious of other issues surrounding that. We’ve been very careful, pretty strategic, about which programs we’ve selected.” He said the hybrid police vehicles have been the town’s biggest use of the funds, along with heat pumps and weather stripping. Weather stripping is when gaps around doors and windows are sealed, preserving air from escaping, improving energy efficiency and lowering heating and cooling costs. “It’s been a significant amount of contribution,” Ducey said. “That doesn’t include the utility savings you have or the fuel savings you have from whatever you’re purchasing.” He said projects are first recommended by department heads in presentations to the Finance Committee or Capital Planning Committee, who have a “significant say” in what is chosen.
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Wilbraham has received over $425,000 in grant money from the state for energy conservation projects since 2020.
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WILBRAHAM — The HealeyDriscoll administration is awarding over $8 million to cities and towns across the state to fund energy efficiency and clean energy projects, with Wilbraham receiving $60,557 to fund energy conservation measures. Wilbraham will use the funds for a hybrid police vehicle and heat pumps in municipal facilities, such as the library, the animal control office and the recycling center. Funds are awarded through Green Communities Grants, which cuts energy costs by $700,000 and emissions by 1,600 metric tons each year across 57 Massachusetts communities. The Department of Energy Resources selects the municipalities and has awarded more than $208 million since 2010, helping to reduce energy costs by over $30 million annually. “Our administration is committed to helping cities and towns lower energy costs and make public buildings more efficient,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. “These investments will reduce energy use, save money and help communities make the most of every taxpayer dollar.” Select Board Chair Marc Ducey told Reminder Publishing that the town has been part of the program since around 2020 and has received “somewhere north of $425,000” in grant money since. “Depending on the projects we take on, we try to be environmentally conscious about many of the projects,” Ducey said. “I think it’s important to be envi-
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Forest Park Zoo devastated by felled trees after storm By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Passing through Forest Park on Aug. 12, debris had been cleaned from the roads, but forestry crews were hard at work, stacking downed branches and cutting up the trunks of once-mighty trees. The damage could be seen everywhere, but it was nothing compared to the zoo. Four nights earlier, a powerful macroburst hit the Forest Park neighborhood of Springfield. A macroburst is a downdraft of cold air generated by a storm that spans more than 2.5 miles. When the column of air hits the ground, it spreads out in all directions, creating vortex winds. Those winds — up to 70 miles per hour — descended on the Zoo in Forest Park, uprooting enormous oaks, which fell across several of the zoo’s enclosures. “It’s a miracle nothing was harmed or got out,” said Executive Director Sarah Tsitso, referring to the animals that call the zoo home. “It was really less than six minutes,” she said, ex-
From left: An uprooted tree that landed next to the coyote enclosure at The Zoo in Forest Park after a severe storm. A downed tree that crashed through the emu enclosure at The Zoo in Forest Park after a severe storm. Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
plaining that the zoo’s camera feeds cut when the power went down and rebooted when the emergency power kicked on. She said she was shocked at the damage that took place in that handful of minutes. On the day Reminder Publishing walked the zoo with Tsitso and Assistant Executive Director Gabry Tyson, branches were strewn about and piled along every path. “You look at the front
and you think, ‘That’s not so bad,’” Tsitso said of the zoo’s entrance. Tyson added, “Then you see the back ...” Several trees that were more than 100 years old were uprooted and dozens more were snapped off partway up the trunk. In one area of the zoo, an uprooted tree created a domino-effect, bringing nearby trees down as it fell. Tsitso was out of state when the storm happened. She got a
call from the Springfield Police Department and the Forest Park management. Tyson was among the staff that responded after the storm. “It sounds weird to say we were lucky,” Tyson said. Many of the enclosures and their residents were spared, with trees falling between exhibits. Only one enclosure was “absolutely crushed,” Tsitso said, and it was empty for the season.
Despite the “luck,” several fences were destroyed, including three sections of the exterior fence. A tree that fell at the camel and alpaca enclosure crushed the black metal fence that contains the animals. The tree trunk is now acting as a natural barrier, keeping the large creatures from escaping. Tsitso said her team is devising a plan to keep them safe See ZOO on page 14
Developers’ attorneys spar over courthouse contract By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Developer FDS MA Liberty Junction LLC had its day in court, going before Judge Jeremy Bucci, as he listened to arguments from rival developers who argued that Liberty Junction should be blocked from building the new Springfield Regional Justice Center. USPB JV, LLC and Spring-
field Tower Square, LLC, which are owned by James E. “Jeb” Balise and Dinesh Patel, respectively, filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance’s conditional selection of Liberty Junction as the winning bid for the Justice Center project. At the preliminary injunction hearing on Aug. 11, John Butts, attorney for the plaintiffs, ar-
gued that the primary issue with the selection of is that one of the company’s four partners, John Barros, had a conflict of interest because he is the interim executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, a governmental agency. Liberty Junction’s attorney, Marwan Zubi, countered that Barros was named to that role in early February, after Liberty Junction submitted its bid to the
state weeks earlier. Among the documents Zubi submitted to the court was an email exchange showing that Barros had sought guidance from the Massachusetts State Ethics Commission in mid-January ahead of officially being named to the post. According to that email chain, Barros was advised by the commission to file a disclosure form if Liberty Junction’s bid was selected. On July 1, the day after the conditional selection was made, Barros filed a disclosure form. Nicholas Ogden, an attorney for DCAMM, said the plaintiff’s conflict of interest claim against DCAMM was improper because under the state’s conflict of interest laws, it is the responsibility of the employee to avoid conflicts, and not an agency or employer. After the plaintiffs filed the motion regarding the preliminary injunction, Barros withdrew as a stakeholder in Liberty Junction. Claiborne Willams and Richard Mann, principals with FD Stonewater, said Barros withdrew so as not to be a “distraction.” He has not divested from CoJo Partners. While the main issue raised by Butts was the conflict of interest, he also stated that the experience of the Liberty Junction team, one of the reasons it was selected for
the Justice Center project, has been diminished by Barros’s departure. He said the bios for Barros and Harris were placed at the top of the documentation submitted to DCAMM by Liberty Junction because their “insider status” was important. However, Ogden noted that the filings by the Trial Court and DCAMM explaining the reasoning behind the selection made no mention of Barros. Butts also took issue with DCAMM’s willingness to waive certain requirements in the final contract, language that was written into the request for proposals. “Who are they doing that for?” Butts asked rhetorically. He presented it as a double standard that was only allowed for “heads of state agencies and spouses of members of Congress.” Conan Harris, the other partner in CoJo Partners, is the husband of U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley. Ogden said the plaintiff’s case was a “hodgepodge of factual inaccuracies.” He described Butts’s claim that DCAMM put politics over the public interest was “meritless and said the selection process was not arbitrary and capricious — a legal standard used by courts to judge the decisions See LIBERTY on page 11
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Local church installs granite bench for native Sept. 11 victim By Peter Tuohy
ptuohy@thereminder.com
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow community has rallied together to raise $3,000 in less than three days for the First Church of Christ’s installation of a red-granite bench in its memorial garden to permanently memorialize native Jean D. Rogér, 25 years after she died on Sept. 11, 2001. Rogér grew up in Longmeadow and graduated from Longmeadow High School as a golfer and swimmer. She was 24 years old and a stand-by flight attendant on American Airlines Flight 11, which struck the World Trade Center’s North Tower. She is currently remembered in the church’s memorial garden with a wooden bench. Since the community raised $3,000 for the granite bench so quickly, all future proceeds will go toward improving the garden to help preserve the space for remembrance, reflection and peace. First Church of Christ Senior
Pastor Reverend Doug Bixby said it’s a church tradition to remember Rogér and all the victims on Sept. 11. “We’ve taken care of the wooden bench by oiling it every year,” Bixby said. “Given that it’s the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, we thought it would make sense to remember her with a granite bench that would last forever.” Bixby said it’s hard to believe that 25 years have gone by and that the day had a huge impact on the church and entire community. “Doing something on a more permanent basis feels not only good, but right,” Bixby said. “It was evident that the wood bench wasn’t gonna make it, so we found what we believe is the right way to remember her and to honor her. On the bench it will say, ‘in loving memory of Jean Rogér and all the victims of Sept. 11.’” He added that the whole church community is glad to be able to have the opportunity of remembering Rogér in “the most permanent way.” “It symbolizes something sig-
The current wooden bench is located inside the First Church of Christ’s memorial garden, in between the church and the Longmeadow Montessori School. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
nificant, the significance of the loss and, obviously, Sept. 11 impacted all of us who were present for it,” Bixby said. “It was a huge loss for our community. I didn’t know her personally, but I know the ripple effects and how people talk about her and remember her on that day, and how meaningful that is.” Former First Church Pastor Gary DeLong said she was “the
kind of kid who just had it all together” and her loss left a big mark on the community. “She was sweet, just a caring kid,” DeLong said. “Everybody loved her and she just lived her life to the fullest. It was so heartbreaking to lose her the way we did.” The church invites the community for a remembrance ceremony in the memorial garden on
Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. to pay tribute to Rogér and all of the near 3,000 victims. First Church of Christ is located at 763 Longmeadow St. Donations can be made by scanning a QR code on the church’s Facebook, @FirstChurchofChristinLongmeadow,UCC. Checks can also be mailed to the church with the memo, “Jean Roger memorial.”
Bay State Games Announces 2026 Sportsmanship Award recipients The Bay State Games is proud to recognize the recipients of the 2026 Sportsmanship Awards Presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods, an honor given annually to athletes who best demonstrate fairness, respect, integrity and a commitment to the spirit of competition. This year, more than 40 ath-
Liberty Continued from page 10
of governmental agencies, officials and lower courts. Further, he said the plaintiffs were “grasping at straws.” As a legal issue, both Ogden and Zubi said the case laws cited by the plaintiffs were not applicable to the situation. Based on that alone, Zubi said the case should be dismissed. Ogden made the case that the plaintiffs are objecting to the Liberty Junction selection because they want to renew their chances of being selected. Speaking of the plaintiffs, he said, “They have zero likelihood of success.” While USPB JV was one of the four finalists for the project, Springfield Tower Square did not make it to that stage. Liberty Junction’s proposal was selected because it was “exceptional,” Ogden said. It was $300 million less expensive than the next-closest proposal and $420 million less than USPB JV, LLC’s proposal. Casting the cost in a different light, Butts said the price
letes from across Massachusetts, representing eight different sports, were chosen by their coaches for their outstanding character and leadership. These honorees stood out not only for their athletic performance, but also for the way they carried themselves on and off the field during the 2026 Bay State
Summer Games. “Sportsmanship is a core value of the Bay State Games which we emphasize to all athletes, coaches and parents,” said Deputy Executive Director, Alanis Tirabassi.” These award recipients represent the very best of what the Bay State Games is all about. We’re grateful to DICK’S
Sporting Goods for helping us recognize these outstanding student-athletes and celebrate the positive impact they have on their teammates, competitors, and communities.” In recognition of their achievement, each recipient is awarded a Bay State Games Sportsmanship award certificate and medal.
Longmeadow High School Boys Soccer player Josh Harris-Peck and Minnechaug Regional High School Girls Soccer player Taylor Bartosz were among the awardees. The full list of the 2026 Sportsmanship Award recipients is available at baystategames. org/sportsmanship.
tag equaled $1.2 million per year over the course of the 40-year, $2 billion contract. Beyond the cost, Ogden said, the Liberty Junction team had considerable experience with developing similar large-scale projects. The company is composed of national developers FD Stonewater and CoJo Partners. While FD Stonewater is the sole owner of Liberty Junction, it brought in CoJo Partners as a Massachusetts-based developer with local contacts. Zubi criticized Balise as “someone who sells cars” and does not have construction experience. Ogden also said the “end user — the Trial Court” preferred Liberty Junction’s proposal, and added, “Trial Court is above the ability to be influenced.” Butts said the actual end user is the people who will work and do business in the Justice Center. He claimed media reports of courthouse employees being disappointed by the selection. He also said his clients were not seeking the injunction for monetary reasons. “The public interest is served by getting it right,” he said.
Prior to the hearing, state Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell filed a document opposing the injunction on behalf of DCAMM. In it, she made similar assertions about the reason behind the lawsuit. “Plaintiffs have brought this suit because they cannot accept the truth — their proposals do not measure up to the proposal made by ... Liberty Junction ... and do not provide the best value to the Commonwealth.” She added, “Plaintiffs’ complaint is nothing more than a fever dream of imagined malfeasance in aid of Plaintiffs’ attempt to elevate their own financial interests over the public’s interest.” Balise and Patel released a statement after the hearing. “This case is about the integrity of the process behind a 40-year, nearly $2 billion project new courthouse. The is meant to be transformative for Springfield and the surrounding region, and to give court employees, visitors and
the public the first-class facility they deserve after years of enduring a substandard building,” the statement read. “That is exactly why it must be awarded through a fair and complete process, one that follows the law, follows the Commonwealth’s own rules and is free
of conflicts of interest. Today’s hearing is an important step toward holding the Commonwealth to that standard,” the statement ended. Balise and Patel have also requested that Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro investigate the procurement process and award of the contract.
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Latino Arts Festival to return to Springfield Museums By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Ahead of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Springfield Museums will host the fourth annual Latino Arts Festival in partnership with Mi Museo Committee. The festival, on Friday, Aug. 28, is free and open to the public. The Latino Arts Festival is designed to be a celebration of the rich Puerto Rican, Cuban, Afro-Cuban, Portuguese, Mexican, Dominican and Central and South American cultural heritage found throughout Greater Springfield. “The festival has really grown over the last four years,” said Lydia Martinez Alvarez, chair of the Mi Museo Committee. “When we started, the goal was simply to create a space where we could celebrate Latino arts and culture and bring people together. Now, it has really become something the community looks forward to.” She said more artists, performers, vendors and organizations are involved. “We’re able to showcase even more of the diversity within the Latino community.” However, Martinez Alvarez said, “The heart of the festival really hasn’t changed. It’s still about bringing people together, celebrating who we are, sharing our stories, and creating an opportunity for people to learn from one another.” The festival allows Mi Museo Committee to highlight the diverse cultures that exist within the Latino diaspora. “You’re going to see that throughout the festival through music, dance, food, art, crafts, storytelling and the different traditions that people bring with them and those traditions tell stories. They tell us where people come from, what their families have experienced and what they’ve carried with them from one generation to the next.” She added, “I also love seeing how those traditions evolve. We have people who were born here, people who came here from other countries and younger generations who are putting their own spin on traditions that their parents and grandparents passed down to them. That’s what makes Latino culture so beautiful to me. We honor where we come from, but we’re also continuing to create and define what Latino culture looks like here in Western Massachusetts.” The festival begins at 3:30 p.m. with a lecture by Dr. Ariana A. Curtis, curator of Latinx studies at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. A native of
Western Massachusetts, Curtis will deliver her talk, “From 413 to DC: Springfield’s Influence on Latinx Stories at the Smithsonian,” which explores how growing up in the Springfield area shaped her work and influences Latino representation at the Smithsonian and elsewhere. “What makes Dr. Curtis such a great fit is really the perspective she brings,” said Martinez Alvarez. “Her work allows us to have a deeper conversation about Latino history, art, representation and the role that museums and cultural institutions play in telling our stories.” Martinez Alvarez said those lessons are particularly poignant in Western Massachusetts. “We have such a rich and diverse Latino community, and it’s important that people see themselves and their experiences reflected in the institutions that serve them,” she said. Between 5 and 8 p.m., there will be guided tours of two exhibits on loan from Museo de Arte de Ponce in Puerto Rico. “Legacies of Surrealism” takes a trip through the unconscious mind of Latin American artists from the latter half of the 20th century, producing dream-like visuals and perspectives. “You’re really looking at how artists use their work to express their experiences and their understanding of the world around them,” Martinez Alvarez said. “When you think about Puerto Rico, there are so many layers to that identity, history, colonialism, culture and what it means to belong.” With “Markets, Foodways, and the Essence of Place,” which focuses on Puerto Rican markets, plantations and other Latin American scenes of food and its place
in everyday life, she said it “really hits home ... Food is never just food for us. There’s a story behind it. There’s a family connection. There are memories. There are traditions that have been passed down, and you see that right here in Western Massachusetts. You see it in our restaurants, our markets, our family gatherings and our festivals.” She continued, “People bring a piece of home with them, and then they build something new here. I think that’s really what both exhibits help us understand that culture travels with us. We can leave one place, but we don’t leave our history and traditions behind. We carry them with us, and they become part of the community we’re building here.” The exhibits were lent through the Art Bridges’ Partner Loan Network and are sponsored by Connecticut Public. There will also be an interactive floral art experience with Idalia Long of Social Haus Displays. People can create decorative palm fans using dried floral materials. Families can take part in hands-on art activities including coloring paper fans and maracas, and there will be a book giveaway for children. People can also enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres by NOSH, a cash bar, a DJ and a photo booth by Cumba Entertainment. At 6 p.m., there will be a live performance by Bomba de Aqui, a Holyoke-based dance and music company that teaches and performs the Afro-Puerto Rican tradition of bomba music. In bomba, the lead drummer and lead dancer work in conversation with each other to set the rhythm, with the drummer following the dancer’s lead.
Bomba de Aqui will perform at the fourth annual Latino Arts Festival at Springfield Museums. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
The Latino Arts Festival is funded largely by a state earmark sponsored by state Rep. Carlos González, state Sen. Adam Gomez and the Springfield legislative delegation. It is supported by El Sol Latino, Full Power Radio, MassLive Media, MassMutual and New England Public Media.
Reflecting on the impact the festival has had, Martinez Alvarez said, “I think that’s probably the most rewarding part — seeing families, young people, elders and people from all different backgrounds come together and feel connected to the celebration.”
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Two people chosen by lottery win chance to buy affordable homes By Sarah Heinonen
come-qualified for a mortgage but must still go through the process of purchasing the home. Standing in the living room of the Highland Street home, Seneca Slaughter, owner of Sage Home Builders, said both houses were in such a condition that they needed to be demolished. Speaking of the Terrance Street house, he said, “That one was a bigger project than this one. That one was actually caving in.” Sage Home Builders is working on a number of houses in the City of Homes program. Considering the common thread he has seen in these projects, Slaughter said, “I’m seeing neighborhood improvement. I’m seeing neighbors being excited by something new replacing what was there.” Both the Highland and Terrance Street houses, designed by Kuhn Riddle Architects & Designers, have three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. At approximately 1,400 square feet of living space, the houses are outfitted energy-efficient ductless mini-split heat and air conditioning. The kitchens came with a refrigerator, dishwasher and range, while there were hookups for a washer and dryer. In total, the City of Homes program has purchased nine properties, including two two-family homes. A lottery for a Union Street property will take place in September, and a Los Angelos Street duplex will be ready for purchase in late 2027. Now that the first two properties have gone through the City of Homes program, Way Finders President and CEO Keith Fairey
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Standing on the porch of a newly built three-bedroom house on Highland Street, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno turned the handle on a bingo cage, sending the green and white balls inside clattering as it spun. Opening the cage door, he fished out a ball at random, cracked it open and read the slip of paper inside. “Brittney M. Aponte,” Sarno called out to the crowd of three dozen people gathered on the lawn. Brittney Aponte raised her hand, coming forward along with her teen daughter. She had just won an opportunity to buy the property where she stood — her first home. The Highland Street home was one of the first two properties ready to be purchased through the City of Homes initiative from Way Finders, a nonprofit affordable housing organization. Niulka C. Hernandez-Batista’s name was drawn for the opportunity to purchase the other home, on Terrence Street. Through the City of Homes initiative, which is named after one of Springfield’s monikers, Way Finders purchases vacant, blighted city-owned properties in residential neighborhoods. With the help of community organizations and state programs, Way Finders either renovates the homes or demolishes and rebuilds them. The properties are then available for sale at discounted prices to first-time homebuyers through a lottery process, managed by the Springfield Office of Housing. The people in the lottery are in-
Zoo
From left: Brittney Aponte and her daughter, Amia Aponte, stand in the kitchen of the new home they were selected to purchase through Way Finders’ City of Homes program. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno pulls a name in the lottery for a chance to buy a new affordable home. Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
that keep him from being able to survive in the wild. Tsitso said the one-eyed canine cousin with a hip condition managed to escape the large branches that fell through the wire roof. Tsitso said the zoo has contingency plans for every type of disaster, from fires to storms. She said that is how the staff was able to ensure the animals were safe and cared for, even surrounded by the destruction. “The staff has been amazing. They just come in and do their jobs,” Tsitso said. She pointed out that the zoo is not like a business that can shut its doors until repairs can be completed. “There are animals here. They still need to be fed and cared for.” The
Continued from page 10
and contained between the tree’s removal and the installation of a new fence. The zoo’s emus were found huddled in a corner of their enclosure. Two massive, uprooted trees fell diagonally across their space, mangling part of the exhibit’s fence and damaging the exterior fence on the other side. The emus were able to be moved into an adjacent enclosure. The enclosure for Atlas, the zoo’s coyote, was also hard hit. Like many of the animals at the zoo, Atlas has medical issues
said, “I think we learned a lot about how to do this, not only how to identify homes, how to finance them, so we’ll bring that forward. I feel good about that.” However, Fairey said, “The challenge is real ... for doing this work. It cost more to build this home than we’re going to sell it for.” The demolition and construction of the Highland Street house cost about $500,000, and the sale price of the house is $210,000, while it is worth about $350,000 in the current real estate market. “So, this homeowner is moving in with all that equity.” Fairey continued, “And the only way we’re able to do that, this affordable housing opportunity, is with support from the state of Massachusetts and the Mass Housing Neighborhood Stabilization Program.” The Neighborhood Stabilization Program offers capital grant funds for redevelopment, reconstruction, renovation or repair of substandard or blighted properties. The program was funded by a $4 million grant from the
Mass Mutual Foundation, $2.6 million from the Massachusetts Housing Partnership, $500,000 from the city of Springfield and $300,000 from the Baystate Health Foundation. “This is not an economic investment for them. This is a mission investment; this is an investment in the city and this neighborhood,” Fairey said. With construction costs increasing due to inflation and tariffs, Fairey said, “We have a model that’s working right now. It will require us to think about creative ways to do it. Part of that is where you get the money; part of that is how you build it.” He said Way Finders is exploring more cost-efficient ways to build homes, including modular building and working with a local contractor. “Could we have built this more cheaply? Absolutely. But we wanted this home to last,” he said. Brittney Aponte said she applied to the program because her mother wanted her to have a home of her own. The process
was relatively straightforward, she said, explaining that she applied on the Way Finders website and obtained a first-time homebuyer certificate. A Springfield native, she said she has been saving money toward buying a home in the city. The entire process took about five months. She applied for the lottery to buy a different city-owned property but was not selected. “To hear my name ... it’s just so many emotions,” said Brittney Aponte. “To own my own home, to decorate it however I want, to do what I want, you know, it’s just exciting.” She will live in the home with her daughter, Amia Aponte, their cat and bunny. “It’s exciting, it’s a big step and ... a new chapter,” said Amia Aponte. “I am super proud and the house is so beautiful.” Brittney Aponte said her advice to other people going through the process was, “Don’t give up. Just keep applying, keep submitting everything you need to submit, and eventually your name will be called.”
zoo’s nine full-time staff members have been climbing over debris to get to the animals, and some have used chainsaws, cutting up large branches and small trees to clear paths. The zoo is closed for now. Tsitso said she could not hazard a guess as to the cost of repairs until the trees are removed and the insurance adjuster tours the damage. Each enclosure is insured separately, she said, so it will be a process of tallying the damaged areas. While the damage was difficult to calculate, Tsitso said the lost revenue was clear — $35,000 for each week the zoo is closed. “We’re losing money by the minute,” Tsitso said. August
is the busiest time of the year for the zoo, when it brings in the revenue that sees it through the winter. There is only about one month left in the zoo’s full-time season. Starting in mid-September, it is open on weekends only, before closing on Nov. 1. The zoo is losing more than daily entrance fees. Its full name is The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center. Much of that education happens over the summer months through Zoo Camp, a nine-week program for children aged 6 to 13. Keeper-in-Training and Counselor-in-Training programs are also offered for teens aged 14 to 17. With the zoo closed, Tsitso said 40 families were unexpectedly without
childcare between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tyson said the camp season was scheduled to end the following week and she was unsure whether the camp would open by then. Amid the devastation, something “remarkable” has happened, Tsitso said. “Almost immediately, people started fundraising — just regular people,” she said. Businesses, including A.W. Brown’s Pet & Garden in East Longmeadow and Chicopee bar The Elixir Chic, have hosted fundraisers. “A number of people are itching to get in here and help clean up,” she said. “It shows how much people love the zoo and the animals.”
HOT SUMMER SPECIALS AT ARNOLD’S MEATS
9
$ 99 Arnold’s Own 4 oz. Ground Frozen 5 lb. box
Arnold’s Fresh Whole Boneless Beef
RIB EYE SIRLOIN STRIP
Cut Into Delmonico Steaks and Rib Roast of Beef
lb.
Beef Pepper Steak $2700 box
9 HAMBURG PATTIES $2550 BEEF TENDERLOIN $1349 GROUND $ 59 GROUND $ 89 BEEF 4 BEEF 5 Fresh Whole Boneless OX1
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CHICKEN
lb.
SKINLESS
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2500
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Box
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16-20 Count .................$22.90 bag 21-25 Count..................$19.90 bag 26-30 Count ................ $18.90 bag 31-40 Count................. $16.90 bag 359 Shaker Rd., E. Longmeadow, MA
413-525-5115
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lb.
10 lb. Avg.
lb.
SHELL-ON RAW SHRIMP
Frozen 4 lb. Box 8-12 Count ..................... $11.48 lb. 13-15 Count .....................$8.98 lb. 16-20 Count .....................$8.48 lb. 21-25 Count..................... $7.48 lb. 26-30 Count ....................$6.98 lb. 31-40 Count.....................$6.48 lb. 41-50 Count .....................$5.98 lb.
MA, CT E.B.T. CARD HONORED CHECK OUT OUR VARIETY OF PIES & DESSERTS GOOD 8/19/26 TO 8/25/26
TH55065 3218467-01
Mon-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-4
Not Responsible for typographical Errors
We Reserve the Right to Limit Quantities
lb.
3139789-01
Mon. - Thurs. 8-5 Fri. 8-6; Sat. 8-4
HALAL
1 $ 19 2
$ 99
1 TENDERS $179
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lb.
1299 RIBS $429 CHICKEN BREAST
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8 to the lb.
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SPOON ROAST $ 99
Cut Into Spoon Roast, Boneless Top Sirloin Steaks or Kabobs
5 lb Bag Only
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SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “OH, GO ON!”
WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM
| 15 |
EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026
New apartments give chronically homeless people a place to call home By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Thirty-six people who have not had a stable place to call home will soon move into an apartment of their own in a new building owned and operated by Clinical & Support Options, Inc. The property at 775 Worthington St., directly next door to CSO’s Friends of the Homeless shelter program, is permanent supportive housing. The building’s units are reserved for chronically unhoused people, defined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development as an individual with a disability who has been homeless for at least 12 months or on at least four separate occasions in the last three years, or a family who meets all of the criteria of this definition, including a family whose composition has fluctuated while the head of household has been homeless. The individuals meeting these criteria were identified by Springfield-Hampden Continuum of Care, a multi-agency partnership that works to fund
homelessness service providers. The units are covered by the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, which pays housing costs beyond 30% of a person’s income. The vouchers were provided by the Springfield Housing Authority. Despite operating 110 other permanent supportive housing units on Worthington Street, there is a waiting list for the new building. The purchase price for the property, the former site of The Fifth Alarm Lounge, an adult entertainment venue, was $336,345 and the construction costs totaled about $20 million. Funding for the projects came from multiple sources, including federal low-income tax credits, the state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the city of Springfield, Community Economic Development Corporation, Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance, Stratford Capital Group and TD Bank. U.S. Rep. Richard Neal said he was “immensely proud” of the lower income tax credit, which
he helped create and save from cuts. He said the credits fill gaps in funding projects. He also pointed out that the city contributed funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, which Neal penned with then-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Addressing the CSO team, Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “You see people at the worst possible times of their lives, and you bring them hope.” He said everyone knows people who have struggled. “But because of your efforts, you’re able to help them get back on their feet.” Sarno also praised the assistance on the project by members of his administration, including Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, Housing Director Gerry McCafferty and Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services Helen Caulton-Harris. The project, designed by Jones Whitsett Architects and construct-
ed by Western Builders, took about 16 months to complete. Each of the 36 units contains a bed, dresser, small kitchen table and chairs, a kitchen with appliances and a full bathroom. Some of the units are accessible with lower countertops and appliances. CSO President and CEO Karin Jeffers said CSO recently opened a similarly sized permanent supportive housing building in Greenfield. “For 72 individuals across both developments, this represents something that many of us take for granted, a front door of our own, a key in your pocket ... and a new beginning with the peace of knowing they have a place to come home to every single night,” Jeffers said. She said stable housing and wrap-around supports have been shown to contribute to better physical and behavioral health, fewer hospitalizations, closer connections with family and in-
creased employment. Referring to the tenants, Jeffers said, “They’re here permanently, as long as they want to stay.” The tenants are not required to meet any other criteria. CSO provides wrap around services, including a case manager, resources for substance use disorder and other mental health issues or physical disabilities. While the tenants do not have to make use of them, Jeffers said, “We find that more people do.” Neal said, “There are fewer issues that are more complicated than housing ... We’ve tried many experiments in America for the better part of the last 75 years. Some of it worked, some of it didn’t.” He described CSO’s permanent supportive housing as a “trampoline effect. The people that find themselves down can hit the trampoline and they find themselves on the way back up.” He added, “Thanks from America.”
TheReminder.com
Celebrate Life
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.
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CHICOPEE Sandra R. LaFleche “Sandi” Belair (Peloquin) Christina Blinn (Wuller) Marie T. Charette David J. Frankiewicz Barbara D. Henriques James J. Martin Jr. Marguerite “Peggy” Switzer David J. Woishnis
138 Memorial Avenue West Springfield, MA Monday - Thursday: 10am - 5pm • Friday: 10am - 3pm Closed: Saturday & Sunday
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HOLYOKE William J. Laptas Linda Ann Larivee John F. Raftery LUDLOW Roberta A. Lafayette John L. Szczepanek SOUTH HADLEY Claude D. Lambert Nancy M. Pickle SPRINGFIELD Michael R. Belanger Ashley M. Brennan
Russell Paul “Gary” Charest Jane Gaines Mary A. Giorgi Lawrence P. Illingsworth Collette J. Ingram Andrew Z. Jendrysik Donald Anton Keinath Edna L. Menard Laurette E. Oppedisano Thomas H. Owens Frances Marie Pohner (Zitta) Marion B. Rogers WILBRAHAM Andrew E. Schiavi
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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.
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
| 16 |
THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS
Teagan Allen receives the Longmeadow throw-in as Ludlow’s Maeve Carter defends.
Layla Mackie tracks down the goal kick.
Adrianna Serra controls the ball for the Lions.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY GEORGE SKOVERA CALL 733-1747 OR EMAIL GSKOVERA@COMCAST.NET
All of your favorite high school sports photos are now available for purchase!
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The Lancers Ava Ortiz (left) battles for the ball with Valentina Molinari of Ludlow.
LONGMEADOW VS LUDLOW
SOCCER
On July 28, Longmeadow lost to Ludlow 2-1 in the PVSSL Girls “A” summer soccer quarterfinal game played at Ludlow High School.
WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM
| 17 |
EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026
Rhiley Comeau (left) from Ludlow and Kilee Trajkovski from Longmeadow compete for the ball.
Longmeadow’s Kate Moccia (right) passes the ball as Ludlow’s Rhiley Comeau attempts the tackle.
Longmeadow’s Aubrey Hutton (L) and Ludlow’s Geia Guzman vie for the ball.
Addison Moore heads the goal kick out of danger.
Longmeadow’s Shelby Weston wins the ball near mid-field.
AUGUST PET TIP OF THE MONTH
CHECK PETS DAILY FOR FLEAS AND TICKS. • Regular Groomings • Regular Inspections • Be mindful of where you adventure!
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Elle Gaebel attempts the diving save.
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AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
| 18 |
THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS
CALL 413-735-1660 TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD TODAY!
classifieds community
CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF A GUARDIAN OF AN INCAPACITATED PERSON Docket No. HD17P1547GD Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 In the interests of: Clayton C Lavigne formerly of Longmeadow, MA now Of: West Springfield, MA RESPONDENT Incapacitated Person/Protected Person To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, a petition has been filed by Dept of Developmental Services of Springfield, MA in the above captioned matter requesting that the court: Terminate the Guardianship The petition asks the court to make a determination that the Guardian and/or Conservator should be allowed to resign; or should be removed for good cause; or that the Guardianship and/or Conservatorship is no longer necessary and therefore should be terminated. The original petition is on file with the court. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 09/22/2026. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the specific facts and grounds of your objection within 30 days after the return date. IMPORTANT NOTICE The outcome of this proceeding may limit or completely take away the above-named person's right to make decisions about personal affairs or financial affairs or both. The above-named person has the right to ask for a lawyer. Anyone may make this request on behalf of the above-named person. If the above-named person cannot afford a lawyer, one may be appointed at State expense. WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 11, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (August 20)
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON.
LEGAL NOTICES TOWN OF LONGMEADOW PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Pursuant to MGL c40A Sec 11, the Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Hybrid Public Hearing on September 2, 2026, at 6:00pm at Town Offices – Greenwood Conference Room, 231 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106 for a remand of an application for site and design review for Colvest/Longmeadow, LLC, for a proposed commercial development at 916 Williams Street. The remote hearing link can be accessed from the meeting agenda. Information relating to this hearing may be inspected on the “Active Case Files” section of the Planning Board’s webpage at: www.longmeadowma.gov and with the Town Clerk (231 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA) during normal business hours. (August 13, 20) Longmeadow Community Preservation Committee Notice of Public Hearing The Longmeadow Community Preservation Committee will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Longmeadow Town Offices - Bliss Conference Room, 231 Maple Road, or via ZOOM as posted on the agenda at www.longmeadowma.gov /318/Community-Preservation-Committee. At the hearing, the public will have the opportunity to provide input on community preservation projects being considered by the committee for submission to the Fall Special Town Meeting for funding in November, 2026. The applications can be found at the link above. (August 20)
ARTICLES FOR SALE Hand tools, fishing supplies, large leaf blower, PVC pipes, heavy-duty meat slicer, barbie dolls, copper/aluminum pipe, assorted saws, many unlisted items. Call 860-749-6433 Monday-Saturday, 9a.m.-4p.m.
AUTO SERVICES CASH FOR JUNK AND REPAIRABLE CARS
FIREWOOD
GENERAL SERVICES
Wood Chopper Bob's Firewood Green and Seasoned Hardwoods Cut to length, Split, and Delivered (413)426-7529 or (860)463-6519
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
GENERAL SERVICES
HANDYMAN
Free Towing! Friendly, Fast, Same Day Service!
Call/Text 413-219-6839 Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398
BUSINESS PROPERTY 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 ot her 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
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Experienced carpenter (30yrs.) Dependable, fair. Free estimates on repairs & home improvements. Call Gary 413-233-6418
HEALTH & MEDICAL
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RICHIE’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Contractor/Mechanical Services/ Handyman Replacement windows, vinyl siding, roofing, gutters installed/cleaned, remodeling, painting, flooring/carpeting, masonry, carpentry, powerwashing & ceramic tiling. Residential/commercial. No job too small. Lic#148425/Insured 413-746-2171/413-246-0927
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CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF 413-364-3157 PETITION FOR TERMINATION OF A GUARDIAN OF AN INCAPACITATED PERSON Residential Commercial Docket No. HD17P1547GD JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN Fully Insured · Free Estimates Commonwealth of Massachusetts Trash Removal Lic.#E16303 No matter how small The Trial Court Insured. 50 yrs. experience. Free estimates Probate and Family Court No job too small. Call 413-335-5546 Hampden Probate and Family Court Call 413-330-3682 50 State Street GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free Springfield, MA 01103 install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade. 80,000 On-DeIn the interests of: Clayton C Lavigne mand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 formerly of Longmeadow, MA now In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-299-7135 TREE REMOVAL Of: West Springfield, MA TREE TRIMMING/PRUNING RESPONDENT Joseph’s Handyman Company. Carpentry, remodeling, interior/exterior painting, floors, Incapacitated Person/Protected Person STUMP GRINDING tile, stairs, drywall, cabinets, plumbing. ProTo the named Respondent and all other interfessional artist. Small jobs ok. Home imMECHANIZED provement. Projects designed for your ested persons, a petition has been filed by needs. Since 1985. Call Joe, 413-364-7038 CRANE REMOVAL Dept of Developmental Services of Springfield, MA BUCKET TRUCK SERVICES in the above captioned matter requesting that WESTERN MA • NORTHERN CT TRACKED LIFT SERVICES the court: FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED CRANE SPECIALISTS Terminate the Guardianship SINCE 1970 The petition asks the court to make a determination that the Guardian and/or Conservator should be allowed to resign; or should be reLANDSCAPE moved for good cause; or that the GuardianCONSTRUCTION ship and/or Conservatorship is no longer neLandscape excavation, grading, lawn cessary and therefore should be terminated. installation, seeding and hydroseeding, overgrown shrub and tree removal, The original petition is on file with the court. mini-excavator and skid steer services. You have the right to object to this proceeding. If you wish to do so, you or your attorney Call 413-478-0522 Family Owned & Operated Since 1962 528 North Main Street • East Longmeadow must file a written appearance at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 09/22/2026. This day is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline date by which you have to file the written appearance if you object to the petition. If you fail to file the written appearance by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you. In addition to filing the written appearance, you or your attorney must file a written affidavit stating the Limited Liability Co., 116 Williams St., $420,000. specific facts and grounds of your objection EAST LONGMEADOW within 30 days after and the return date. $426,000. Andrew W. Dutko Jennifer P. Dutko to Ryan Deland, 50 Heatherstone Drive, $525,000. John F. Howell and Linda J. Howell to Patrick Cahill and Catherine Cahill, 6 Ferncroft St., NOTICE Mary McCarthy and Dennis John McCarthy to Yaroslav McCarthy and Camryn McCarthy, 143 Brookwood Drive, Donna M.IMPORTANT Barbieri, trustee, Joseph S. Scibelli, trustee, and Scibelli Family 2025 Revocable Indenture of Trust, Thetrustee outcome this proceeding may limit $430,097. of, toofCenter for Human Development Inc., 16 Fernwood Dr, $595,000. or Elaine completely take away the above-named C. Gaymon and Elaine C. Walker to Stanley Green and Beata Grodzicka, 91 Admiral St., $230,000. Matthew R. Tonsing and Anne-Marie Tonsing to Angelina Rinaldi Keefe and Timothy S. Keefe Jr., person's right to make decisions about per$625,000. Judith P. Bowen and Martin J. Bowen to Michael Carabetta, 849 Somers Road, $275,000. 26 Hazelwood Ave., sonal affairs or financial affairs or both. The Keller W. Williams and Mandi J. Safford to Callye Murphy-Mancini, 9 Callender Ave., $420,000. Robert John Brown and Monica Christo-Brown to Holbrook Caron and Spencer Caron, 153 Western Drive above-named person has the right to ask $504,500. Thomas Lawor to Gillian L. Vumbaco and Alexander J. Thouin, 399 Elm St., $307,000. for a lawyer. Anyone may make this reSammy Levy and Adriane Levy to Vijay Realty LLC, 82 Lincoln Park, $552,000. Todd Bryant, representative, Erma Dean Bryant, estate, and Erma D. Bryant, estate, to Michael G. Sarkis Jr., 62 quest on behalf of the above-named perMillbrook Drive, $310,000. William H. McClure and Thelma Jean McClure to Amanda Brewer and Matthew Brewer, 92 Morningside Drive, son. If the above-named person cannot af$665,000. ford a lawyer, one may be appointed at HAMPDEN State expense. LUDLOW Healthy Neighborhoods Group LLC, to Naf Cash LLC, 75 North Road, $415,000. WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, Aibgail Bechthold, Abigail LaFleur and Ryan Bechthold to Marykate Glass, 36 Homestretch Drive, $355,000. Gregory D. Hanson and Callye Ellen Murphy-Mancini to Daniel Dovalina and Christa Schestag, 27 Kibbe Lane, First Justice of this Court. Judy Sheilds, Judy A. Murray and Robert P. Morton to Evan Christopher Wurszt, Alden Street, Par II, $150,000. $740,000. Date: August 11, 2026 Maria Pinto, Maria D. Pinto, Edward Pinto and Rosemary Ribeiro to Joel Cruz Freitas, 92 Laconia St., $356,000. Meredith A. Sullivan and Meredith Sullivan to Michael Talaia and Emily Chapdelaine, 25 Wehr Road, $372,000. Rosemary A. Saccomani, $566,000. R. Lyman Wood to ScottRegister D. Rumplik and Kate H. Rumplik, 63 Mountain Road, $55,000. Preciosa B. Pluta and Michael J. Pluta to James Davis and Susan Davis, 308 Miller St., Unit 77, of Probate Stephen R. Trembley, Stephen Trembley and Robin Trembley to Jeremy Matthess and Melissa Vandermyn, 75 (August 20)
OUR SERVICES
ELECTRICIAN
413-351-1147
THE ROAD BACK TO SCHOOL STARTS HERE!
LANDSCAPING
Panzetti
FRANK’S AUTO SERVICE, LLC 413.734.9723
LONGMEADOW
C. Marilyn Connor to Amy Herzberg and Benjamin Herzberg, 33 Highland St., $425,000. Donna A. Bertolotti to Nhu Tran, 535 Converse St., $430,000. Greg G. Taylor to Thomas Martin, 62 Circle Road, $470,000. Heidi Johnes, representative, and Barbara Buttstead Bender, estate, to Value Properties LLC, 552 Frank Smith Road, $340,000. James Katz, trustee, Silverman Family 2018 Irrevocable Trust, trustee of, and Sharlene R. Silverman to Deirdre Flannery Tanaka and David F. Tanaka, 19 Williston Drive, $485,000. Jenna Shoemaker, Jenna Dedeker Shoemaker and James Shoemaker to Chribs Homes & Home Improvement
Bridle Road, Tina M. Elmer to Carol Anne O’Donnell and Thomas William O’Donnell Sr., 79 Chapin Greene Drive,
WILBRAHAM
$540,000. $285,000.
Caren L. Reed and Christopher J. Reed to Michael Ferraro and Joyce Ferraro, 2205 Boston Road, Unit C-25, $350,000. Joseph C. Falzone and Judith M. Falzone to Alexandra Aldrich and Brianna Rastello, 279 Main St., $516,841. Robert E. Dupuis and Deaneira Lakheram-Dupuis to Nelson J. Cucuta, 48 Old Boston Road, $375,000. Victoria A. Hennessy to Cecilia N. Decarolis and Tyler S. Decarolis, 15 Ripley St., $461,062.
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LANDSCAPING
MISCELLANEOUS
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!
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
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 and exterior painting, wallpaper, removal. Free estimates. Insured. Reliable. 413-772-9819 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
VACATION RENTAL WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-621-7517
WANTED 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
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!
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
PART-TIME DRIVERS NEEDED
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 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. Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 877-484-8583 Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products 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 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! 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 PRIME PAINTING Fully insured, interior/exterior, carpentry, drywall, cabinet finishing and detailing. References upon request. Free estimates. 594-4479
CONTRACTED SUB WANTED FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DELIVERY OF THE REMINDER NEWSPAPER.
We are looking for Home Delivery Drivers to join our team. • $15/hour plus mileage reimbursement • 16-24 Hours per week. • Delivery experience preferred (newspaper delivery, USPS, Amazon, etc.), but not required, as well as knowledge of Northampton- Florence, and/or Westfield. • Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle. If interested, please contact Nate Halla Nhalla@thereminder.com • 413-213-6175
PLACE YOUR LEGAL ADS WITH REMINDER PUBLISHING & THE WESTFIELD NEWS! AFFORDABLE RATES AND PERSONAL SERVICE!
TO PLACE YOUR LEGAL AD CALL:
HATFIELD
Roxanne: 413.213.6178
HADLEY
rmiller-longtin@thereminder.com FOR: AGAWAM REMINDER, THE PENNYSAVER, AND WESTFIELD NEWS
Shannon: 413.735.1660
sspada@thereminder.com EAST LONGMEADOW, ENFIELD/SOMERS, AND SPRINGFIELD REMINDERS
Evan: 413.213.6170
413-788-1316
MO
GO
GRANBY
SOUTH HADLEY
HOLYOKE
ME
BLANDFORD
OTIS
NORTHAMPTON
SOUTHAMPTON
NT
RY
LUDLOW CHICOPEE
RUSSELL
TOLLAND
emarcyoniak@thereminder.com FOR: HAMPSHIRE REMINDER AND CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD
Call Holly at
CHESTER
AMHERST
PTON
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
CHET & SON PAINTING
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
EASTHAM
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
WANTED
UNDERGROUND ABOVEGROUND BASEMENT TANK REMOVAL Oil removal available. Permits obtained. Fully licensed/insured. Ground Breakers 566-2250; 530-2266
PTON
ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
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
TANK REMOVAL
WESTHAM
Baker Mason Contractors, Inc. Chimneys, concrete & paver walkways, patios, stonework, steps, Bilco hatchway doors installed. Foundation repairs & cellar walls repaired. Licensed & insured. 40+ years experience. 413-599-0015; 413-5693172
Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-877-9070316
PAINTING & WALLPAPERING
GTON
MASONRY / CONCRETE
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
EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026
HUNTIN
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
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WESTFIELD
GRANVILLE
MASSACHUSETTS
SOUTHWICK
WEST SPRINGFIELD
WILBRAHAM SPRINGFIELD
AGAWAM LONGMEADOW
CONNECTICUT
EAST LONGMEADOW
HAMPDEN
SOMERS ENFIELD
443B SHAKER ROAD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA • 413.525.6661 (DENSLOW ROAD ENTRANCE)
181 ROOT ROAD • WESTFIELD, MA • 413.562.4181
CARRIERS & PART-TIME SUBS NEEDED! WE ARE OFFERING A BONUS INCENTIVE TO NEW CARRIERS AFTER COMPLETING 4 WEEKS!
EAST LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
132 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd. 103 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St. 128 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only) 58 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir. 131 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St. 135 Papers: Baymor Dr., Edmund St., Fifth St., Glendale Rd., Knollwood Dr.
LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
73 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St. 85 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd. 146 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd. 95 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd. 97 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd. 100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd. 155 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd. 105 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St.
68 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd. 57 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy Rd., Partial-E. Greenwich Rd., Colony Rd. 149 Papers: Prynne Ridge Rd., Wyndward Rd., Wildwood Glen, Maplewood St., Partial-Maple Rd. 158 Papers: Burbank Rd., Farmington Rd., Ellington Rd., Oakwood Rd., Partial-Converse St. 201 Papers: Dover Rd., Birchwood Ave., Benedict Ter., Roseland Ter., Colony Rd. 61 Papers: Magnolia Cir., Primrose Dr., Merriweather Dr., Vanguard Ln., Ridge Rd. 230 Papers: Blueberry Hill Rd., Concord Rd., Green Willow Dr., Tanglewood Dr., Redfern Dr. 80 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St. 108 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St.
WILBRAHAM - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.
Call Holly @
413.788.1316
443B SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA · 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA
AUGUST 20 - 26, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW
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