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Picnic draws candidates for statewide positions IN THIS By Ryan Feyre

rfeyre@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — For Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, the annual sheriff’s picnic is less about self-aggrandizing and more about informing the public about the ballot come election time. “[The picnic] is about bringing Western Massachusetts together, not just Hampden County,” Cocchi said. “It’s about bringing [candidates and elected officials] out here to hear what our concerns are. And ultimately, at the end of the day, as we probably tally up over 1,500 to maybe 1,600 people who have come through the doors throughout the day, that’s their way of saying thank you, not to Nick Cocchi, but to the sheriff’s office for the contributions we make. And I’m very proud of that.” A scorching summer day on Aug. 20 invited a myriad of elected officials and candidates to the hot seat to accomplish what Cocchi sets out to do each year. In an effort to talk to some of these individuals about their goals and priorities, Reminder Publishing brought its podcast, “So That Reminds Me,” to the annual gathering. Hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Tyler Garnet and I sat

down with a dozen individuals vying for statewide seats to discuss the issues they hope to address if they were elected this fall. One of those candidates was Belmont Select Board member Elizabeth Dionne, a candidate for state treasurer who wants to unseat incumbent Deb Goldberg. In her sit-down with Reminder Publishing, Dionne said she is running for the position because she has four children who cannot afford to live in Massachusetts. “We have an affordability crisis, and we are hemorrhaging our 25- to 35-year-olds. And if we do not make a change fast, I fear that we’ll reach the point of no return,” she said. The treasurer is responsible for maintaining the state’s funds by investing and maintaining the state budget. They also chair the Massachusetts School Building Authority, the Pension Reserves Investment Management Board, the State Board of Retirement, the State Lottery Commission and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust. Dionne, who will feature in the Sept. 1 primary as a Republican candidate, said that despite the fact the state has a record-breaking budget of $64 billion, local aid has only gone up 25% and is not keeping up with inflation. She stated that $1-2 billion

EDITION EAST LONGMEADOW

Resident awarded Girl Scout Gold Award A local Girl Scout was recently recognized with the Gold Award.

Page 6

“So That Reminds Me” hosts Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre talked with Nadia Milleron at the Hampden County sheriff’s picnic. Milleron is challenging U.S. Rep. Richard Neal for the Massachusetts 1st Congressional House District. Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet

from that budget could solve the financial problems across the state, especially in those communities that have experienced override votes recently. “People cannot afford to pay anymore,” said Dionne, who described herself as a “Charlie Baker-type” candidate. “And yet our frontline services are starving, whether it’s fire, police, education, road and sidewalk repair, water infrastructure. The solution to this lies with the state.” If elected, Dionne said she’d also focus on fixing the statewide lottery system and the distribu-

tion of funds from the Massachusetts School Building Authority. She said Western Massachusetts is paying into the lottery system but not getting its fair share back. She also noted that the MSBA has historically distributed funds to wealthier cities and towns across the state. “Rural areas and gateway urban areas are not getting their fair share of that funding for school buildings,” Dionne said. “That could easily be done. The treasurer could fix this tomorrow if she

LONGMEADOW

Storrs Library seeks voter approval for renovations The Select Board reviewed renovation plans for the Richard Salter Storrs Library at its Aug. 17 meeting.

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Healey, Puppolo visit Rick’s Place State Rep. Angelo Puppolo and Gov. Maura Healey visited Rick’s Place on Aug. 19.

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State rep. candidates talk campaigns at sheriff’s picnic SPRINGFIELD — For the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” the hosts took the podcast on the road to Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual cookout on Aug. 19. Among the attendees were several candidates seeking election to positions representing Springfield, East Longmeadow and Wilbraham including state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr.; Michael Lachenmeyer, who is challenging Puppolo for his 12th Hampden District seat, which includes parts of Springfield, East Longmeadow, Wilbraham and Monson; and Nicole Coakley, who is facing off against incumbent state Rep. Bud Williams and fellow challenger Johnnie McKnight for the 11th Hampden District seat, which covers parts of Springfield. Candidates’ interviews are listed below in alphabetical order. Nicole Coakley Coakley said she wanted to run because things are changing with incumbents being defeated across the country. “It’s time for change, it is time for change, as you look across the U.S., those incumbents that have been there for years are being knocked out, and that tells us that our communities are waking up and they’re realizing that the same old good old boy club is not doing what our families need, so it’s time for them to go,” she said. Coakley said some of the biggest issues residents have brought up on the campaign trail are around affordable housing and economic stability. “So many of them are worried about losing their homes, not being able to pay their mortgage because they are trying to figure out, ‘am I going to pay my mortgage or am I gonna put food on my table, or how am I gonna do this?’” Coakley said. She said she knows firsthand about what the rental market has become.

“When I went from an apartment that I moved into where I started out at $950, went to $1,500, and on Aug. 1 it’s $2,200 for the same apartment that I’ve been living in for over 10 years, it’s an issue. But do you blame the landlords? No, because things are increasing for them too,” she said. “So how do we work with homeowners and homebuyers to help our community to rise? We have to continue to figure that out.” Coakley also talked about the importance of supporting the youth. “A lot of them need guidance. We have to make sure that we are not too busy that we can’t support our youth because they are the next generation that’s coming up, so when we’re gone, it’s gonna be on them, so we gotta make sure that us as mentors are doing what’s needed to make sure that our youth are being met with all the necessities they need to be successful,” she added. Coakley said the best way to improve things in Western Massachusetts is to give the community a voice at the table. “I’m not afraid to advocate for the need of my community, and a lot of times that doesn’t happen because people’s hands are tied. My hands are not tied. When I tell you ‘Nicole Coakley worked her way from the bottom to the top,’ I don’t owe nobody anything but God, that’s who helped me get here,” she said. “So, when I get there, I’m bringing my whole community with me.” She added that work needs to continue to be done in her district beyond photo opportunities in Mason Square. “Right now, we don’t get no funding here in the city of Springfield, especially in the 11th Hampden District. If you look at the Mason Square area, it’s going downhill,” Coakley said. “These are lives that matter, these are people that need help, we have real reality situations that we need to focus on; it is not a photo opp for me.” Michael Lachenmeyer

Lachenmeyer said he was spurred to run after visiting Puppolo’s office in 2025 to lobby for singlepayer universal healthcare, when Puppolo’s staff said he would not go on the record supporting it. “That frustrated me because I believe that as a politician, your job is to fight for the ideas you support, or if you don’t believe in them, then tell your constituents why; let’s have an honest conversation instead of kind of just trying to tell me what I want to hear,” he said. With few candidates running against Puppolo, Lachenmeyer said it was a good time to make a run against him. “I saw nobody had run against him since 2006 in the primary, so I figured that if I didn’t run against him, nobody was likely to, and I decided that this would be how I could make a positive impact on the community and do something to push forward the values that I believe in,” he said. Lachenmeyer also said that his campaign has featured a large volunteer effort. “My campaign has done a ton of canvassing; we’ve knocked more than 10,000 doors at this point and we’ve mobilized an army of volunteers to help us,” he said. “My opponent’s got a lot of money, but we have people, and that is how I plan to win this race.” He said the issue he has heard the most on the campaign trail is about affordability. “The number one issue people talk about is affordability, whether it’s young people who can’t afford to buy a house or old people who are worried about keeping their houses because property taxes keep exploding,” he said. Lachenmeyer said he had three policies for solving the affordability crisis: raising taxes on the wealthy, creating a singlepayer universal healthcare program and to make utility companies publicly owned. He also said he wanted to ban stock trading in the Legislature, pass the audit of the Legislature and prevent representatives

Nicole Coakley, candidate for state representative in the 11th Hampden District, joined the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me” at Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual cookout. Reminder Publishing photo by Dennis Hackett

from becoming lobbyists for five years after their terms expire. Lachenmeyer said that by increasing taxes on the wealthy, it would support schools across the state. “I believe that we should be raising taxes on the wealthiest people in this state and the wealthiest corporations so that we can fund the schools without asking for higher property taxes, and so that we can create a better baseline that’s more equitable for people across the commonwealth,” he said. Angelo Puppolo Jr. Puppolo said the district needs an experienced leader to continue to advocate for it. “We’ve been working very, very hard, not taking anything for granted, but I think — especially now in this time that we’re in — it’s critically important that we continue to have strong, experienced leadership, someone that knows how to get things done, someone that can go to Boston and deliver,” he said. Puppolo highlighted the $775,000 he has secured for Rick’s Place in Wilbraham since he has been elected. “We need to make sure that we continue to have somebody that’s gonna go — not only ask for money in Boston — but to continue to advocate for issues that are important to us, whether it’s affordability, whether it’s housing,” he said. Puppolo said that constituent services have been a hallmark of his time in the Legislature as he has maintained a district office since he was elected. “I’ve had one in the heart of my district in Wilbraham since day one and that is there to serve constituents. We’re there, my staff is

there, we help with Department of Revenue issues, Registry of Motor Vehicles issues, housing issues, unemployment issues, we’re working on a lot for reforming healthcare,” he said. “We’re there, we take the calls and we’re in the community, and it’s like having a town meeting every day of the week because we have a district office that’s open.” Puppolo said that he still enjoys being in the community and meeting with constituents. “I enjoy going out into the community meeting people. I go to events, this is a great event — the sheriff’s cookout every year — I don’t miss it, going back to Sheriff [Michael] Ashe’s when he had the clam bake every year. These type of events are critically important, so I don’t hide, you know where to find me, people know where to find me, I’m accessible, I’m available,” he said. “My approach hasn’t changed, if anything, it’s become more familiar because you get to know so many people.” Puppolo also talked about a recent effort to clean up the former Sears property on Boston Road in Springfield. “Sears is still an eyesore, and I saw it was getting way out of control. There was a lot of overgrowth, you had issues relative to trash and debris, there was all kinds of graffiti on the building; there was holes in there, people were sleeping in there; they were breaking into the building, needles, all kinds of just garbage around there,” he said. Puppolo said the owners eventually began remediating the property after he put pressure on them. “They’ve taken some great first See PICNIC on page 3

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EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

LETTERS www.TheReminder.com

Thank Puppolo for extra pain in your pocket

With living costs rising across the U.S., there’s one particular price hike that’s been on everyone’s minds: the cost of gas. Since the closure of the Strait of Hormuz at the onset of the Iran War in February, averages have skyrocketed, and the toll on people’s pockets is hitting close to home. In fact, it was reported by WWLP on August 17 that the average price of gas in Springfield is now $3.85 per gallon, up 90.2 cents higher from a year ago. With expenses piling up for working families, one might look to the record of our legislators to see what action they’ve taken on the matter. One who looks to Rep. Angelo Puppolo of the 12th Hampden District couldn’t be more disappointed. When he first ran for his seat in 2006, Puppolo said he was against raising the gasoline tax and against tolls on state highways. Speaking to The Republican in November 2006, he stated, “The people of western Massachusetts cannot continue to subsidize the Big Dig, poor man-

Picnic Continued from page 2

steps, and I’m gonna continue to stay on them until that property is developed,” he said. Puppolo said he also filed legislation targeting vacant commercial properties that are larger than 5 acres. The legislation would allow cities and towns to go after the owners of these properties if they become blighted or if they feature

agement practices of the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority, and outrageous salaries and benefits at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority.” Yet once in office, Puppolo defected from his previous stance. In 2012, he voted against reducing auto inspection fees from $29 to $25. In 2013, Puppolo voted against eliminating a three-cent hike in the state gas tax. Most crucially, in 2016, 2017, and 2019, Puppolo voted against the Fair Share Amendment. Enacted in 2023, the amendment enacted a 4% surtax on income exceeding $1 million, shifting the tax burden away from the working class. Because of the amendment, billions of dollars in tax revenue have been generated for transportation and public education. All this comes together to paint a picture of an unreliable ally in office. If Puppolo couldn’t be counted on in the times he voted against lightening the load on working class constituents, how can we expect him to combat rising costs now? Cayla Bartosz Wilbraham

public safety issues. The hosts also sat down with Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila and previous City Council candidate Juan Latorre at the cookout. Those interviews, along with interviews with candidates for several statewide office can be found at thereminder.com/ourpodcast or by searching “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform. A story about candidates for the statewide offices can also be found in this edition of The Reminder and at thereminder.com.

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TOWN EVENTS www.TheReminder.com

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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.

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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 progams: • The Needlework Network — Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 3 p.m. • Tech Help: Basic Cell Phone Help — Thursday, Sept. 3, at 11 a.m. for Apple iPhones. Teen programs: • Teen Spot — Fridays from 2-4 p.m. beginning on Sept. 4. Children programs: • Origami Maple Leaf Workshop with Julie Shih — Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 4:30 p.m. • Little Sprouts — Friday, Sept. 4, from 9:45-10:30 a.m. For ages birth to 2. • Grow Play Learn — Friday, Sept. 4, from 10:45-11:30 a.m.

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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. • Care Options for Seniors — Monday, Aug. 31, at 10:30 a.m. Learn what options are available for care. • The Little e — Friday, Sept. 4, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit the Senior Center for another year of The Little e. There will be live music, refreshments, vendors, door prizes, a dunk tank, animals and more.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY SNEAKER DRIVE

Help support the Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library by donating your new used or gently worn athletic shoes. Every pair helps raise funds while keeping sneakers out of landfills! Now through Sept. 14 in the

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•

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. • Foot Care with Kylie — By appointment Tuesday, Sept. 1. $40 for a 30-minute appointment. • Blind Date with a Book — Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon. • Lobby Learning: Hampden County Regional SHINE Program — Thursday, Sept. 3. Lobby Learning welcomes businesses and organizations to provide helpful information to you. Stop in to pick up information and speak with a representative. Stay as long as you need to get your questions answered. • Memory Café: Ukulele with Amy — Friday, Sept. 4, at 10:15 a.m.

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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. 31, 3:15-4:15 p.m. • Stories and Movement (ages 2 and up) — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 9:30-10 a.m. • Water Color Art — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 3:30-4:15 p.m. • Lil Bug Club — Wednesday, Sept. 2, 9:30-10:30 a.m. • Crayon Scratch Art — Wednesday, Sept. 2, 3:30-4:15 p.m. • Tiny Tales — Thursday, Sept. 3, 9:30-10:30 a.m. • Little Listeners (ages 2-5 years) — Friday, Sept. 4, 9:30-10 a.m. • Page to Screen Club: “Captain Underpants Movie” — Friday, Sept. 4, 3:15-4:45 p.m. Adult programs: • VIRTUAL: Play Along Ukulele from Home! — Monday, Aug. 31, 7-8 p.m. • Adult Center Book Club — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 12:30-1:30 p.m. This month’s selection: “It’s Not Her” by Mary Kubica

Tech Tuesdays — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Library Virtual Speakers: The Democracy We Must Keep: Why the Ideas that Built America Still Matter with David O. Stewart — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2-4 p.m. Fiber Arts Meeting — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6-7:30 p.m. Experience History: Colonial America w/ Thomas Quirk — Tuesday, Sept. 1, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Music Appreciation with Rob Humberston — Wednesday, Sept. 2, 1-2:30 p.m. Crochet Basics with Nerdy Mom Craft — Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6-7:30 p.m. Weekly Writers Group — Thursday, Sept. 3, 9:30-11 a.m. Bocce on the Lawn — Thursday, Sept. 3, 11 a.m. to noon. World Events Discussion with Vinnie Ferraro: The Trump Transformation — Thursday, Sept. 3, 3:00-4:30 pm Storrs Stitchers (Drop-In) — Friday, Sept. 4, 10-11:30 a.m.

LONGMEADOW ADULT CENTER

The following programs are organized by the Longmeadow Adult Center, located at 211 Maple Road. For more information or to sign up for programs, call 413-565-4160 option 1. • Native Americans in the Revolution — Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m. It is all about the Money! From Founding Father Alexander Hamilton to Cryptocurrency! — Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. This lecture will explore the foundational principles of the American financial system established by Alexander Hamilton.

PRE-ROSH HASHANAH EVENT

Chabad Women are invitign the community to a pre-Rosh Hashanah event on Wednesday, Sept. 2, at 7:30 p.m. at LYA, 1148 Converse St. Prepare for the Jewish High Holidays and learn about the significance of the Jewish New Year. Choose a special saying and decorate a frame. Refreshments will include sweet treats for the New Year. RSVP to Chanie Cohen at 413-7311381 or chaniecohen@gmail.com. Cost for the evening is $20. Admission includes all supplies and refreshments.

Wilbraham announces primary voting reminders WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham voters who wish to vote in the State Primary will report to Minnechaug Regional High School 621 Main St., Wilbraham on Tuesday, Sept. 1, between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. School is in session that day, therefore the polling place entrance

and exit has been moved to the superintendent’s entrance. Please try to use the parking area in front of the superintendent’s office. Also for your planning purposes, high traffic times with students and buses arriving and exiting are between 7:30 a.m. and 8 a.m. and also between 2:15 p.m.

and 2:45 p.m. In-person early voting is available the week before the primary. Visit wilbraham-ma.gov for specific dates and times. Please contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 413-596-2800 ext. 200 or clerks@wilbraham-ma.gov, if you have any questions.

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Future Building Use Task Force gives recommendation for Old Town Hall By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Select Board received a preliminary recommendation from the town’s Future Building Use Task Force on Old Town Hall, requesting the distribution of a “request for future use without restrictions” for the building’s development. The task force is collecting data to make recommendations to the Select Board on the future uses of the Community House, Town Hall and Old Town Hall. Select Board approval allows the town to move forward with asking private developers, businesses or buyers for proposals regarding the building’s future without zoning restrictions or proposal rules. The Select Board met with Task Force Chair Paul Dunkerley and member Earl Godfrey at its meeting on Aug. 17 to discuss the recommendation. “While the task force remains hard at work gathering data on all three buildings, we are confident that we have sufficient information to make this preliminary recommendation,” Dunkerley said. “We anticipate that the responses received to this request for future use without restrictions will provide additional data for the task force to consider as the final recommendations are developed.” The task force justified the recommendation in an Aug. 17 memorandum to the Select Board based on the building being vacant for over two years and department heads indicating the building’s use will not help address any unmet needs. June and July surveys also showed that residents were open to the town not owning the building or it being under private ownership if renovation costs were too high, with potential uses as a cafe or restaurant. Fuss & O’Neill concluded that

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the building will cost $800,000 solely to be made ADA-compliant, not including additional expenses for structural analysis and engineering. The DPW predicted from past experience and requirements that the building’s renovation costs will be “significantly higher than the Fuss & O’Neill estimate,” and private ownership could generate property taxes and new business and employment opportunities, according to the memorandum. Dunkerley said that the task force is tracking efforts by other municipalities to use as data, many of which are years-long projects driven by nonprofits or the arts. He said, “to that end, we respectfully request that the Select Board act on this recommendation quickly in support of our efforts to provide appropriate recommendations in the time frame allotted.” Select Board Chair Dan Zwirko asked if there is a timeline on the next steps to get to “shovels in the ground.” “We’re a ways away from making a recommendation to what we think should be done with these buildings,” Dunkerley said. “Where we are at is that, we’re looking at data from our residents and also informing them at the same time, and again, I would direct people to go back to our website and they can see not only the reports that you all made available to us but other data that we’ve

been able to gather as well, including tours of the three facilities.” Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi said this approach is smart and will be good to see options, and asked if there was a reason it wouldn’t be done for the other two properties. Dunkerley said Old Town Hall has fewer restrictions because it is outside of the historic district and that the other two properties are “unique.” “They are both on the same plot,” Dunkerley said. “Any separation of those two is going to require the Zoning Board to become involved and may, and will likely, require town vote. Then, of course, we also have the issues of zoning and use, coupling that with the fact that Community House is still used extensively by [Parks & Recreation] … we still have more data to gather.” The task force’s plan is to gather data for about six more weeks and then construct a follow up survey for resident wishes for the buildings now that possibilities have been shown, while also reaching out to abutters and inviting them to forums to hear their concerns. The Select Board discussed plans to put the recommendations vote on the agenda for its next meeting on Sept. 8. Residents can visit the task force’s website for more information at longmeadowma.gov/FutureBuildings.

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East Longmeadow resident awarded Girl Scout Gold Award By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts have recognized East Longmeadow resident and Girl Scout Emily Paseos, 16, with the Gold Award — the highest achievement in girl scouting — for her work toward leaving a lasting impact on the local community. The Gold Award is given to those who identify a community need, develop a sustainable solution and demonstrate exceptional leadership through a significant service project. She is a member of the Chicopee troop and became a girl scout in kindergarten. Paseos received recognition for her Polish Center Passport Program. The program creates a more interactive and engaging museum experience for

children and families visiting the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning. She partnered with the Chicopee museum to design a guided passport activity, encouraging young visitors to explore exhibits, learn about Polish history and traditions and collect themed stickers. All physical supplies, files and ordering resources were also transferred to the museum to sustain the program and evolve it with future exhibits. “Kids receive a booklet that is designed to resemble a Polish passport when they enter the museum, and each page corresponds to a room in the museum,” Paseos said. “Kids complete activities, such as finding an object, learning about it and coloring. Once an activity is completed, kids put a sticker on the page that looks like passport stamps you would get when

you enter another country.” Paseos said she became interested in the project in an effort to earn the Gold Award. She is half-Polish and thought it would be cool to learn about the culture and share it with others. She began by designing the passport through learning about the museum’s collection and choosing which item would go on each page. “I created the activities that kids complete along the way,” Paseos said. “After, I decided what would go into the prize bags kids receive at the end. Each person who completes the passport gets a bag with crayons to work on the coloring pages in the passport, and a wooden egg with paint to make a Polish pisanki — decorated Polish eggs.” She said she felt excited and

East Longmeadow resident and Girl Scout Emily Paseos posed with Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts CEO Theresa Lynn at the Gold Awards Ceremony.

See SCOUT AWARD on page 11

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

‘Landmark Laws, Local Investments’ tour stops in East Longmeadow By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

EAST LONGMEADOW — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal paid a visit to the East Longmeadow Fire Department as his fourth stop on the “Landmark Laws, Local Investments” tour on Aug. 20 to showcase how federal funds are used to support town projects. East Longmeadow received $12.3 million in federal funding over the past few years for projects surrounding infrastructure, education, clean energy and public safety. The funding came from the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, signed into law by former President Joe Biden in

2021 and 2022. This event showcased a firetruck and multiple marked vehicles, purchased through the ARPA funds. Town Councilor Jim Leydon said the town has also been able to contribute to water and sewer projects and school repairs. Leydon said, “those funds are really used to enhance our public safety and our response times here in the town of East Longmeadow.” Neal said the tour’s purpose is to remind people of how money from the COVID-19 pandemic and rescue packages are being spent. “The challenge is, you know, whether it’s the local, state or

From left to right: East Longmeadow Town Manager Tom Christensen, Town Councilor Jim Leydon, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Fire Chief Christopher Beecher, Deputy Fire Chief Edward Linehan and Police Lt. Steve Manning. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy

See NEAL VISIT on page 12

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EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Thompson showcases ELHS’s new features The East Longmeadow Reminder is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC. The East Longmeadow Reminder is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year. To subscribe visit TheReminderbymail.com East Longmeadow high schoolers are just a few days away from the first school year in the brand new school.

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be a good opportunity to see a difference between the electrical costs before and after the panels come online. The school’s back side features a seating area outside of the cafeteria with a 7-foot overhang, allowing students to eat outside even in inclement weather. A new greenhouse sits next to the area with additional classroom space for outdoor work opportunities. “It’s a beautiful space out there,” Thompson said. “It’s really tucked in against the woods. You can hear the birds chirping. It’s going to be a great, great place.” Menard said she loves how the building features many collaborative areas and the teachers are able to use it in a “21st century” way. There is a ribbon cutting planned for Oct. 15 at 3 p.m. Residents will have a chance to see inside the new building at an open house on Oct. 17 from 2-4 p.m.

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as possible. “I know the acoustics will be fantastic,” Thompson said. “They’re getting trained on the lighting, so this is going to be a magnificent space for the school and for the community … It’s a nice space, intimate. The light, it’s got natural light. It’s going to be great for activities.” Photovoltaic panels on the roof should cover about a third of the school’s electricity cost. The building is 100% electric, besides the pool heating. “The committee felt it was a responsible investment to put back to the grid, show the kids that we’re making an effort to make clean energy,” Thompson said. “We have a full photovoltaic array on the school, however, we’ve been warned that it may take a year before they’re allowed to come online. That’s based on the utility companies getting things together.” He said the year-long wait can

WESTHAM PTON

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Longmeadow students return to the classrooms on Sept. 2, but the school year will look a bit different for high schoolers as the first set of students in the new East Longmeadow High School. Former School Committee member and School Building Committee member Greg Thompson showcased the school’s features at the School Committee meeting on Aug. 20. Thompson said the school looks fantastic and said it’s been a lot of work for the School Building Committee to get close to opening the building. He also acknowledged the Pool Building Committee and said it produced a fantastic structure that the community will get a lot of use out of. The pool facility is titled the “Redstone Quarry Natatorium” to honor the town’s historical heritage of local stone quarries and will open alongside the school. Thompson, Superintendent Joanne Menard, East Longmeadow Recreation and high school staff are beginning conversations to establish daytime community pool hours. “I also want to recognize our builder, Fontaine Brothers, Skanska, our owner project manager, and Jones Whitsett, our architects,” Thompson said. “All fantastic in the work that they’ve done for the town. We picked the right people to work with and it’s been quite an honor to work alongside them.” The project has come in on budget and Thompson gave credit to the construction team. He said the team is looking at other opportunities to finish the project, such as art display walls to expand the high school’s art program. “We are planning on a new carpet for the turf a year from now,” Thompson said. “We’re

still pricing that out, but there are funds available and it’s a drastic need that we will have to fund eventually, probably around $1 million. We are looking to do that. That would be next summer if we’re able to do it.” There are still discussions for an auxiliary building by the stadium, such as a butler building or a large pre-built shed, to offload a few storage containers and store sports equipment. Sidewalk snow removal is still up in the air, which the custodial team covered at the old high school. Thompson said the sidewalks are now “six times” in length and will have to coordinate with DPW and school staff on who will do it and the equipment it will need. Menard said a meeting with DPW is already planned. “Fontaine believes they will be done this time next year with the entire project,” Thompson said. “To the right side, is a lot of work to do still with the softball and baseball fields. Those are not in yet and they will not be there this year. On the back side of the field, we do have three existing fields that were put in. So we’ll have three grass fields to start.” The fields will be used for soccer, field hockey and lacrosse and should be ready for the fall, pending core testing by Fontaine Bros. There is a smaller practice field directly next to the three grass fields. He added the tennis courts are always in use and that outdoor basketball courts have been installed adjacent to the football field. He noted the potential for court lighting due to extra funding. There are individual bathrooms on the second floor and the traditional “airport style” bathrooms on the first floor. Thompson said the auditorium is one of the “most beautiful auditoriums I have ever seen,” and it should be used as much

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Storrs Library seeks voter approval for renovations By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow Select Board reviewed renovation plans for the Richard Salter Storrs Library at its Aug. 17 meeting. Library Director Jean Maziarz said it is in “some serious need of renovations” as the building is not fully ADA-compliant and water infiltration damages continue. The proposed eight-figure project would need to be put on the Town Meeting warrant and approved by voters, with Maziarz eyeing it for the fall Town Meeting in November. Maziarz said the Board of Trustees matched a $100,000 grant last year to conduct a feasibility study from Johnson Roberts, which concluded in April. Johnson Roberts Associates Principal Philip O’Brien presented the study and said the main entrance is not ADA-compliant. The heavy doors and ramp turns present maneuvering challenges for strollers, wheelchairs and walkers. The proposed solutions include a larger entry vestibule, larger accessible doors that open in sequence, a new straight path ramp with landings for patrons to rest and a snow melt system on both ramps and stairs. The existing ramp has an electric snow melt but the stairs do not. He said the lobby is difficult to move around and inefficient, citing that access to stairs, toilets

and meeting rooms are not visible, the circulation desk and staff spaces are separated, which complicates teamwork, and the toilets are small and in poor condition. Suggested improvements include a new quiet study room, expanded office space, moving the circulation desk away from the stairs and adjacent to the office, making the stairs open and visible, adding accessible restrooms on the first and second floor and improving access to the meeting rooms. O’Brien said the front terrace is a beautiful and historic space but isn’t utilized well. The first set of steps would be extended out from the building and accessible slopes from the sides would allow an easier entrance to the building and grass areas. It restores the historic aspect while opening the outdoor space to more programs. “It looks a lot like it has been, historically,” O’Brien said. “We don’t want to mess with the historic image, we just want to make sure it’s accessible and usable.” O’Brien said the second floor is well-utilized but difficult to get around the tight spaces. A toilet and a janitor’s closet would be added near the elevator and the furnishing would be rearranged to take advantage of the space for four new meeting and study rooms. The rooms are enclosed behind clear walls and include TVs on the wall — reducing noise, distractions, providing privacy,

improving learning and allowing for virtual meetings. The study also suggested adding a new maker space in the basement for more program opportunities and renovating the basement staff lounge to provide better support space for staff. There would be new public and staff bathrooms and an ADA-accessible ramp leading into the maker space to replace the current steep ramp. A 2012 town facilities report found the library’s HVAC system to be at the end of its life and the majority of it is in need of replacement. Each new component will increase energy savings by 20%-40%, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency. There are code violations in the electrical system and the building’s service will need to be upgraded. All lighting fixtures and fire alarms would be replaced, and a new sprinkler and security system would be installed, including new CCTV monitoring and card access at exterior doors. The building is in need of exterior envelope repairs, such as brick pointing, wood and base material replacement, stair and ramp repairs, roof drainage system repair, basement sump pump installation and exterior repaints. O’Brien said the water infiltration is becoming a problem and the wood is rotting out, which are things that tend to get worse. The work can be done as a single project or five-part, multi-

Johnson Roberts Associates provided a rendering of the Storrs Library’s proposed terrace renovations at the Aug. 17 Select Board meeting. Photo credit: LongmeadowTV

phase project, each to commence two years apart. Johnson Roberts estimated the single-phase project would start in 2027 and end in 2029, with construction costs projected around $11.99 million and $14.8 million for the total project. The multi-phase project is estimated to start in 2027 and conclude in 2035, with construction costs at $14.96 million and total project costs at $18.69 million. The feasibility study shows that the “cost of doing nothing” includes increased gas and electricity costs and continuing deterioration with frequent emergency repair and rising construction costs. Failure to address ADA-compliance also increases town liability and limits resident access. Select Board member Vineeth Hemavathi asked what the repair sequence would be in the multiphased option. O’Brien said doing the terrace first would allow an accessible entrance while the main entrance is being worked on, but the water infiltration is the most critical damage and repairing it first would prevent any additional damage. Maziarz added that she did apply for an ADA municipal grant but won’t hear a decision until December. The state grant would kick start the front terrace and exterior envelope work for 2027.

Hemavathi said that the terrace is beautiful but there is a lot of potential for what the space could mean for the community with expanded programming. “The library already does such a good job of offering programs that so many residents in our town make use of,” Hemavathi said. “I’ve got two little kids. I was just at the library today, so I’m well aware of the role that the library plays in our community.” Maziarz said the terrace renovation is an opportunity to utilize a space the library can’t right now. “What’s also happening with the terrace project is, we’re addressing water infiltration that we’re getting every time it rains,” Maziarz said. “Every time it rains, staff is vacuuming up water and the DPW is coming and we’re removing all the damaged materials that are down there, every time it rains. It’s not just making things pretty, it’s addressing some serious issues as well.” Select Board member Josh Levine asked if there were other funding opportunities beyond the ADA grant, and Maziarz said the library will seek any opportunity it can find. “I have to say it’s a lot of money, I’m a taxpayer too, but a public library is so vital to a community that I think it’s just greatly needed,” Maziarz said. “We’ve already reached over $300,000 in private donations toward the project. The board has also committed to contributing a substantial amount from their endowment fund, launching a capital campaign and applying for any grant, every grant we can find. We’re very committed to making this happen and bringing the cost down to taxpayers.” Levine said it is incredibly important and that the library is a “point of pride” for the town. He said, “when you have that in your town, it sticks with you.” Select Board member Shelly Maynard-DeWolf said the library is an asset to the town and that the price point is big, but she

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Healey and Puppolo visit Rick’s Place in Wilbraham By Peter Tuohy

ptuohy@thereminder.com

WILBRAHAM — State Rep. Angelo Puppolo extended an invite to Gov. Maura Healey to visit Wilbraham’s Rick’s Place, allowing the governor to learn firsthand about the organization’s programs Aug. 19. Rick’s Place, located at 35 Post Office Park, was established in 2007 by friends and families of Rick Thorpe — who grew up in Wilbraham and died in the World Trade Center’s south tower on Sept. 11, 2001. It provides free grief support to children, teens and families through facilitated peer activities, school-based programs and community outreach after a loved one has died. It is not a clinically-based group and utilizes peer support where the group understands what everyone is going through. It has continued to grow and opened an expanded facility in June after seeing a 25% increase in participants over the past year. Rick’s Place Board President Bill Scatolini said he grew up with Thorpe in a close-knit group, winning a few football championships together at Minnechaug Regional High School. “Thank you for coming out and seeing our space,” Scatolini said. “It means a lot. We’re really grateful for the money that the state has sent our way. Angelo has been the ambassador to deliver our message, which was a hard fought message to get to Boston. Once the message was received and learned, it’s been very beneficial for us as a nonprofit … After Rick died on 9/11, I thought it was really important to memorialize Rick in some fashion.”

Puppolo is a longtime advocate for Rick’s Place, and has delivered $775,000 in state funding to the facility. “We are very thrilled, obviously, having the governor come here today,” Puppolo said. “She’s been a solid supporter. We talked about the program and she wanted to come out and see it firsthand. God’s work has been done here, and [Executive Director Therese Ross], to you and your team and the volunteers, I mean, it is absolutely incredible what goes on here … There is a need and you guys are filling that void, which is critically, critically important.” Puppolo added that Healey has delivered $485,000 in state funds since becoming governor and thanked her for unwavering support. He said he wants to raise that number to over $1 million with Healey’s help. Healey stated “we will get over $1 million, we’ve got another budget to get ready here in January.” “You’ve got a great champion in Angelo and he brought this to my attention when I became governor,” Healey said. “I’m really happy that I could come today, see and hear about Rick’s Place and the amazing work.” Healey spent about a half hour talking with participants and asking questions about their experiences at Rick’s Place and their experiences with losing a loved one. One participant who lost his older brother gave her a homemade 3D-printed dragon before she asked him questions about his art, school, family and what he enjoys most about coming to Rick’s Place. His father said “Rick’s Place is somewhere where you’re going to come out strong.”

Gov. Maura Healey and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo visited Rick’s Place for a tour and presentation from Executive Director Therese Ross on Aug. 19. Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy

Healey told Reminder Publishing that she and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll has spent a lot of time in Western Massachusetts focusing on “things that matter a lot to people in this area.” She named making more housing available with lower costs, dealing with the price of gas and electric bills and getting better access to healthcare, primary care and mental health care as areas of focus. “It’s been great to be able to be out and talk to people about what

we’re doing, hear about what they need,” Healey said. “We came forward with a plan for Western Massachusetts, and I’ve spent a lot of time making sure that we were looking at funding for bridges and roads and culverts, making sure that we were looking at a new formula for funding the public schools so that our Western Mass. communities don’t lose out on school funding, you know, having a Western Mass. director and somebody who’s also really focused on rural affairs. That’s

just our mindset.” She said Rick’s Place is an organization that really supports mental health and is a great example of using taxpayer dollars to make a difference. “Being able to hear the stories today of the families who benefit from the work, I take that with me,” Healey said. “I take people’s stories with me every time I’m in some place, and that helps drive the work that I gotta do for the state.”

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Officials visit historic buildings becoming apartments By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — Original parquet floors, fireplaces and oversized windows in the living spaces. In the foyer, light streams through a skylight ceiling, shining on a raised central flower bed. On the far side of the foyer is a heavy locking metal door that gives the apartment building its name: Residences at the Vault. The building at 300-310 State St. was once the Federal Land Bank, one of 12 throughout the country. It granted loans to farmers from when it was built in 1924 until is closed in 1975. The state located the Department of Transitional Assistance for a few decades. After sitting vacant for several years, First Resource Companies, a housing development and management company, purchased the building for redevelopment in 2022.

Down the street, another building with a long history sits at 195 State St. The one-time Springfield Fire and Marine Insurance Company was later home to the Springfield School Department. First Resource has redeveloped the 1905 building in Merrick Park Apartments. Both are income-restricted buildings. The Vault is fully occupied with an active waitlist, while the lottery for the Merrick Park Apartments closes on Sept. 8. The Vault offers a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, totaling 60 units. Merrick Park Apartments contains 62 units, including studios and apartments with one, two and three bedrooms. “So, 122 new homes right here in Springfield. You know, this is what this is about,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “When I started a few years ago, we had a shortage of about 220,000 homes. No won-

der rents and housing costs were so high.” Healey said legislation, like the Affordable Homes Act, has spurred housing development through tax credits and incentives, making it easier to build accessory dwelling units and office to residential conversions. She said permitting times have been cut from one year to 30 days, and 130,000 homes were completed or are in the process being built since she came to office. Mayor Domenic Sarno credited tax credit programs, both those created by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and those from the state level for “helping close the funding gap” on projects like the Vault and Merrick Park Apartments. He added, “Gov. Maura Healey’s historic housing bill has been an incredible boost to help build more affordable housing.” The city contributed $1.4 million of its funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and

Gov. Maura Healey, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Juana Matias, Mayor Domenic Sarno, state Sen. Adam Gomez, state Reps. Carlos Gonzalez and Bud Williams, members of the Springfield City Council and First Resource Companies leadership cut the ribbon on the Residences at the Vault. Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen

HOME Investment Partnerships program. Sarno also expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and the City Council. First Resource Compa-

nies founder, President and CEO Gordon Pulsifer said the City Council is supportive but “not without questions.” See VAULT on page 11

Sears property cleaned, but Vibra Hospital site still a ‘jungle’ By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — City leaders and state Rep. Angelo Puppolo are taking steps to address blight along the Boston Road-State Street corridor posed by large commercial properties whose owners have allowed them to deteriorate. One of those sites is the former Sears department store and free-standing Sears Auto Center. Sears opened as an anchor store at the Eastfield Mall in 1970. After nearly 50 years in business, the store closed its doors in 2018, five years before the rest

of the mall shuttered. The mall was torn down in 2023, and the site was redeveloped into the Springfield Crossing shopping plaza. However, the Sears building and Auto Center — now owned by Springfield Boston Road Real Estate Trust and managed by Eastern Retail Properties — remained standing, conspicuous empty shells next to the new retail development. Earlier this month, after the property managers were contacted by Puppolo, trash and refuse were cleaned from the site and the building was secured. According to Puppolo’s office, he had reached out to the property’s

owners several times, asking the company to address conditions at the site, which had accumulated debris, brush, tree limbs, garbage, old carriages and used needles. The legislator said he visited the site in person and saw the progress being made. “By contacting the property owner and speaking up, I was able to raise awareness to this blight, and they have listened and taken action. The cleanup is very noticeable from the street and the neighborhood’s quality of life has improved,” Puppolo said. “I am very happy so far. but See VIBRA on page 11

State Rep. Angelo Puppolo stands in front of the former Sears on Boston Road in Springfield. Reminder publishing submitted photo

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Vault Continued from page 10

“We try to honor the past,” Pulsifer said, later adding, “It’s not about profit. It’s about preservation. These buildings are expensive to renovate,” said Pulsifer. “We’re talking about commu-

Vibra Continued from page 10

without my intervention nothing would have been done.” Addressing the property cleanup in an email, Mayor Domenic Sarno said, “I commend state Rep. Angelo Puppolo’s steadfast efforts on this issue and on these ‘zombie’ properties. Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and I will continue to monitor and push for proper, responsible and conducive neighborhood developments for these sites, and continue to work with

Library Continued from page 8

appreciates the plan’s effort and detail. She asked Town Manager Lyn Simmons if Finance Director Ian Coddington could look at the phase proposals to help the Select Board understand what the expenditure could do to the town’s debt. Simmons said she and Coddington could have something for the Select Board’s Sept.

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EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

nities that our parents can live in and feel safe about their families. Home is a big word for our company.” “We do a lot of historic buildings,” Senior Vice President Gretchen Helger said about how the company identifies buildings to redevelop. She cited the former Indian Motorcycle factory in Mason Square and the one-

time Knox Automobile Company location on Wilbraham Road, both of which were redeveloped into apartments by First Resource Companies. Gary Nelson, vice president of facilities, said the company operates 13 developments with more than 2,000 units in Springfield. The latest two building redevelopments represent an $80

million investment. Referring to Pulsifer, Sarno said, “He does damn good work.” State Sen. Adam Gomez presented a citation from the Senate on behalf of himself and state Sen. Jake Oliveira. State Reps. Carlos Gonzalez and Bud Williams also spoke at the event. City Council members attended the ribbon cutting, including Council President

Tracye Whitfield, At Large City Councilor Katari Walsh, Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan and Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards. For more information about First Resource Companies of the lottery for Merrick Park Apartments, visit firstresourcecompanies.com.

Rep. Puppolo.” Sears is not the only site posing an issue, however. Vibra Hospital at 1400-1414 State St. also shut down in 2018. While the city had announced its intention to purchase the property in October 2023, the 12.96-acre site’s condition rapidly deteriorated shortly thereafter. Since then, the city has had difficulty bringing the owners, Vibra Healthcare Real Estate Company II LLC, to the table to discuss remedies. In a press release about the hospital property, Sarno said, “I am totally frustrated and ag-

gravated with this property — shame on them! My administration will continue to press them in court for follow-up maintenance on their property.” He added, “And to think this once was a place of healing, now it’s turned into a jungle!” The city has issued fines and code violations and, in 2024, sought redress in court. “We have tried to work with them, but they have been atrocious caretakers of their property and nonresponsive to our requests and fines, which is why we must continue to pursue in court,” Sarno said.

Aside from attracting illegal dumping and vandalism, the site has become a public safety issue. In May, there was a fire at the property resulting from trespasser activity, the second such fire at the site. The Springfield Fire Department fought a blaze there in October 2024. In July of that year, then-Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi described the building as “a firefighter killer” because there are doors that lock and only open from one direction, potentially trapping firefighters inside. Earlier this year, Puppolo

filed legislation to provide more options to municipalities dealing with large, blighted properties. Under “An Act Providing Municipalities with Tools to Address Large Vacant Commercial Properties,” if a vacant property is allowed to negatively impact the surrounding neighborhood or community, a city or town is allowed to seek a temporary restraining order, a fine of not more than $100,000 and compel the sale of the property. The legislation would apply to sites that are 5 acres or more in size.

21 meeting. Select Board Chair Dan Zwirko said the “cost of doing nothing” is important, and that the numbers should be looked at as if the board isn’t doing anything at all. He said he fully supports the project and that it’s a time for the community to stand together and build an inclusive environment. More project information, such as the full feasibility study, can be found at longmeadowlibrary.org/building-renovations/.

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Candidates Continued from page 1

cared enough to do so … it’s an area that I want to look at.” Another crucial race on the Sept. 1 primary ballot will have major implications for all of Western Massachusetts. Springfield City Councilor Michael Fenton is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs to represent Western Massachusetts on the Governor’s Council. The council is an influential body that reviews judicial appointments and advocates for the state’s judicial infrastructure needs. At the picnic, Fenton told Reminder Publishing that he is running for the seat to cure regional inequities in all 102 cities and towns in Western Massachusetts. “It’s my combination of experience as an attorney and as a member of the City Council for the last 17 years, five of those as council president, that makes me the most qualified person for this job,” said Fenton, who emphasized that he’s a local voice where the majority of the justice-involved population interfaces with the region’s court system. Fenton, who received support from the Berkshire County district attorney — the same county where Jacobs resides — said he’s been reaching out to individuals across the region to explain the importance of the position.

Neal Visit Continued from page 6

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He said the endorsements he’s received from Berkshire County elected officials, including Berkshire County Court Clerk Lisa Denault-Viale, demonstrate that he’s committed to the entire district. “It’s also indicative of a problem that we’re facing,” he said. “I think breaking from an incumbent from your home county and going with a challenger who’s from a different county really demonstrates that there’s a problem with regional inequities that needs to be addressed.” An alarming story that said Western Massachusetts only has 11 Superior Court judges is what sparked Fenton’s interest in running. At one point last year, five of those positions were vacant, which led to outcry among the judiciary. “As a governor’s councilor, I would make sure to be proactive in making sure that that type of situation doesn’t happen,” Fenton said. “I’m running on a platform to be proactive, identify vacancies before they occur, and fill them with people and qualified lawyers from the communities that they’ll be presiding over.” If he wins the seat, Fenton said he’ll still serve on the Springfield City Council until his term is up in 2027. After that, he’ll reassess whether he can juggle both positions. “I love my community, I love Springfield, I love Western Mass., and whatever I can reasonably

contribute without shortchanging any of my responsibilities is exactly what I’m going to do,” Fenton said. The “So That Reminds Me” hosts also sat down with the two candidates looking to unseat U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in the Massachusetts 1st Congressional House District: Nadia Milleron and Jeromie Whalen. Whalen, a Democrat, will face Neal in the Sept. 1 primary. while Milleron, running as an independent, will face the winner of the primary on Nov. 3. Milleron said that her decision to run stems from her longtime advocacy for American aviation safety and consumer safety following the death of her daughter in a new Boeing aircraft that was defective and fraudulently certified. She said that was the second of two crashes of that plane type. Following that event, she gathered hundreds of people for a trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s prosecution of Boeing for its crimes. That all eventually led to the passage of the American Aviation Safety and Accountability Act, which Milleron said would not have been possible without people power. “What I found is that the human beings in the offices and on the street demonstrating, the human beings talking to the press all the time, the mass of people … that is what made the difference,” Milleron said.

In a prior debate, Milleron said that pressure is what creates change. When asked what that looks like to her, she said it means having polite confrontations, monitoring what constituents care about and having standouts on the streets. She specifically noted that people are underwater financially and stated that the federal government is neglecting the common people by using funds on heinous war crimes. Additionally, she stated that federal income tax for people making $100,000 a year is not necessary. “We need that money to live,” Milleron said. “We are not doing good things with our tax dollars on the federal level. So, it’s better to keep that money in our households and in our communities where we will use the money in a much better way.” A high school educator of 11 years, Whalen similarly found himself jaded by the federal government, particularly President Donald Trump’s decision-making during both of his terms. He also noticed that Neal is one of the top recipients of corporate money, which Whalen found to be “unacceptable.” “I said that we could do better,” said Whalen, who added that healthcare, education and the economy would be his three areas of focus if he were elected to the seat. A supporter of Medicare for all, Whalen said that the 20-40%

increase in health insurance costs over the past year is breaking the budgets of households and municipalities. In the education realm, he said the federal and state governments need to look at the totality of the child by paying teachers, paid professionals and educators more. He added that tuition-free community college and vocational training are important tenets of an improved education system as well. “And we have a model for that; it’s called the Fair Share Amendment right here,” Whalen said. “Four percent surtax on incomes over a million dollars. We proved it works since it’s enacted.” Whalen also stated that it has not been difficult to run against a longtime incumbent in Neal because he’s shown up to every opportunity available to him. “I look around here at this picnic and I see a lot of familiar faces and a lot of handshakes and a lot of people that say that they’re voting for me,” Whalen said. “Why? Because I’m here shoulder to shoulder with them doing the hard work. And they respect that.” Neal’s team declined an interview when asked at the picnic by Reminder Publishing. To hear the full conversations with more local and state elected officials, head to thereminder. com/our-podcast or search for “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcast platform.

we made,” Neal said. “Nobody did it any better than East Longmeadow. They treated them as long-term investments, as evidenced by public safety.” The town also used funds

for the future Town Hall, which Neal said is a wise expenditure. He said the idea is to put money in the hands of people who needed it with immediacy to make long-term capital investments.

“Oftentimes, the public tends to become a bit jaded because they wonder where the money went,” Neal said. “We have examples and visuals that they can highlight and remind them how the money was spent.” Neal told Reminder Publishing that Massachusetts has received billions in funding and the partnerships will continue. He stated that East Longmeadow has been “savvy” with the funding.

Fire Chief Christopher Beecher said the Fire Department purchased and make lease payments toward multiple news vehicles, which will last another 15 years. Police Lt. Steven Manning said the Police Department purchased two patrol vehicles, which the department wouldn’t otherwise have if not for the funding. Town Manager Tom Christensen said the funding takes four years of projects off of the town’s capital plan. “It’s impossible to even quantify how much that means to a community of our size,” Christensen said. “We’re very grateful.”

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Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly. CHICOPEE Constance Croze Bruce A. Dufresne Gary S. Lambert Constance L. Rondeau John C. Spinks EAST LONGMEADOW Vitantonio Granaudo Wayne Hallett Doris Philis Henault Brian J. Staples HAMPDEN Camron M. Gray

HOLYOKE James M. Eckert Elizabeth A. Kane Linda Ann Larivee Norman M. Roy LONGMEADOW Steven F. Douglas Clayton T. Shay Jr. LUDLOW Antonio Z. Braz Idalina DaSilva William David Henry Joan Kopinsky Carol A. Nodurf

Derek Victor Rodrigues SOUTH HADLEY Paul E. Cote SPRINGFIELD Barbara J. Bendtson Elisabeth Buddington Shirley Finch Donald Anton Keinath Geraldine F. Spear Kathleen F. Wright WILBRAHAM Elaine B. Broderick Dr. James Michael Leone Richard S. Midura

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Shots from past years at the Three County Fair. Photo credit: Jessica Kaczenski, Three County Fair.

Three County Fair returns for its 209th year on Labor Day weekend By Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com

NORTHAMPTON — One of America’s oldest ongoing fairs will return for its 209th year this Labor Day weekend with another four-day slate of classic Americana fun, food and celebration at 54 Fair St. in Northampton. The Three County Fair will run from Sept. 4-7 in what has become a celebration and promotion of local agriculture, agricultural education and agricultural science in the state. Each year, the nonprofit organization The Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden County Agricultural Society hosts the event. According to organizers, the fair has evolved to offer a variety of experiences for its attendees, including carnivals, games, livestock demonstrations, crafts, demolition derbies, music, food and entertainment performances in preparation for harvest. Farmers also typically share their techniques at the fair each year. Three County Fair Executive Director Taylor Haas told Reminder Publishing that attendees can expect a combination of the fair’s classic elements and new additions to bolster the event in its second century. “I think the community just loves our fair because it’s been around forever, but I do think what we offer the community and the greater tri-county area is that we have a lot of entertainment and the typical fair elements through our animal competitions, the agriculture, the midway and

the rides. This fair has transformed from its heyday of horse racing, which was the fair’s bread and butter for the majority of its lifespan, to now just being an agricultural fair,” said Haas. “I think a lot of the community felt like the fair was losing something so beloved by losing horse racing, but now we have this really special tradition that we can celebrate not only our community, but farms in our community and also just each other.” Returning to the fair this year are the infamous Wall of Death extreme motorcycle thrill show, the Wee Wee Wee Racing Pigs and the truck and tractor pulls following a hiatus. Also back for this year’s fair are the regular farm livestock competitions and exhibition hall classics, the pie-eating contest, the New England Mobile Dairy Bar in partnership with Maple Line Farm, the Magic of Lance Gifford, lawnmower racing and, of course, the iconic demolition derbies. Over 20 different food trucks and plenty of other fair dining options will be available during the weekend, as well. Haas explained that the fair will feature a large mobile stage highlighting tribute bands each day to coincide with America’s 250th birthday. Kicking off the weekend at 7 p.m. will be Aquanett, a 1980s tribute band, followed by an Earth, Wind and Fire tribute band on Saturday. Sunday will feature 1990s country tribute band Cottonwood, and on Labor Day, the stage will see Sweet Hitch Hiker, a Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute band, close

out the weekend of performers. “What better way to celebrate all things Americana than at a country fair?” Haas added. The fair will once again offer free parking, and tickets can be purchased on the fair’s website. Advance tickets ordered online save buyers $3, while tickets purchased at the booth during the fair will cost $15. Admission for seniors and veterans is $10, and youth aged 11 and under can enter for free. A four-day pass is available online only for $32 through Sept. 4.

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their faces when they’re at the fair just feels so rewarding to see all of our hard work pay off during the fair,” Haas said. “I really want to remind the community that this fair exists for all of us. We hope to keep things accessible for all members of our community. We don’t charge for parking, and once people are in the gates of the fairgrounds, there’s so much free entertainment and activities.” To view the full concert and events scheduled for the four-day weekend, visit 3countyfair.com.

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Haas added that she and the team she works with daily, as well as the board of directors for the fair and the over 190 members involved, are dedicated to preserving this tradition in the Pioneer Valley. She said that they are hoping for another exciting year in celebrating state agriculture and the community. “What it means for us to continue this tradition is, I think we all take a serious responsibility for the future of this fair and being able to have this every year, and seeing people’s smiles on

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EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

EAST LONGMEADOW CONSERVATION COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292 5067839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVE yea0ljsvr.1 Case SITE-2026-05: Request for Amendment of existing Site Plan Review (SITE-2025-03) for East Longmeadow Redevelopers, LLC to modify/extend Condition 5(E), at 330 Chestnut Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 18-38-0) located in the Industrial Garden Park zoning district. Applicant: East Longmeadow Redevelopers, LLC. 46 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (August 27, September 3)

The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292 5067839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVE yea0ljsvr.1 Case SP-2026-05: Request for Amendment of existing Special Permit (SP-2024-05) for Little Caesars Pizza for the modification of operating hours at 626 North Main Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 1-17-49) located in the Business zoning district. Applicant: John Stefanidis, 681 West Street, Ludlow, MA 01056 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (August 27, September 3)

CITATION GIVING NOTICE OF CONSERVATOR’S ACCOUNT Docket No. HS24P0161PM Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampshire Probate and Family Court 15 Atwood Drive Northampton, MA 01060 In the matter of: Barbara Ann Miller Of: Middlefield, MA Protected Person/Disabled Person/Respondent To the named Respondent and all other interested persons, you are hereby notified pursuant to Rule 72 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court, that the Second account(s) of Robert P. Miller of Chester, MA Marilyn R. Miller of Chester, MA as Conservator of the property of said Respondent has or have been presented to the Court for allowance. You have the right to object to the account(s). If you wish to do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this court on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of 09/16/2026. This day is NOT a hearing date but a deadline date by which you have to object to the account(s). If you fail to file the written appearance and objection by the return date, action may be taken in this matter without further notice to you, including the allowance of the account(s). Additionally, within thirty days after said return day (or within such other time as the Court upon motion may order), you must file a written affidavit of objections stating the specific facts and grounds upon which each objection is based, and a copy shall be served upon the Conservator pursuant to Rule 3 of the Supplemental Rules of the Probate & Family Court. You have the right to send to the Conservator, by registered or certified mail, a written request to receive a copy of the Petition and account(s) at no cost to you. 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. Diana S. Velez Harris, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 11, 2026 Mark S. Ames, Register of Probate (August 27)

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1780EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Mary M Brunton Date of Death: 03/21/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Peter A DePergola, II of Granby CT requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Peter A DePergola, II of Granby CT be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 09/16/2026. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 20, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (August 27)

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1755EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Virginia Ann Zemianek Date of Death: 06/09/2020 A Petition for Late and Limited Formal Testacy and/or Appointment has been filed by William R Braidwood of E Longmeadow MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 09/15/2026. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 18, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (August 27)

EAST LONGMEADOW PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE The East Longmeadow Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 and via Zoom webinar: https://eastlongmeadowma.zoom.us/j/8292 5067839?pwd=BrR4wHWZesHuXWoyDYSVE yea0ljsvr.1 Case SP-2026-06: Request for Special Permit for Gatsby Golf Company LLC for operation of a restaurant and for an indoor golf simulator recreation facility at 45 Baldwin Street (Assessor’s Parcel ID 27-11-C) located in the industrial zoning district. Applicant: Gatsby Golf Company LLC, 45 Baldwin Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Board, Robert Tirrell, Clerk (August 27, September 3) EAST LONGMEADOW CONSERVATION COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING LEGAL NOTICE The East Longmeadow Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 NOI-2026-04: Notice of Intent at 3 Farmer Circle (Assessor’s Parcel ID 54-6-13A) for the construction of a single family home subject to the Wetlands Protection Act 310 CMR 10.00 and local wetland bylaws Chapter 424 Wetlands Protection. Applicant: Malgorzata Misniakiewicz, 21 Wood Avenue, South Hadley, MA 01075 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Commission, Thomas O’Brien, Clerk (August 27)

The East Longmeadow Conservation Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in the Pleasant View Senior Center, 328 North Main Street, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 NOI-2026-05: Notice of Intent at 275 Hampden Road (Assessor’s Parcel ID 90-8-0) for the construction of a residential addition adjacent to the existing dwelling subject to the Wetlands Protection Act 310 CMR 10.00 and local wetland bylaws Chapter 424 Wetlands Protection. Applicant: Douglas Fisher, 275 Hampden Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028 Information relating to applications filed with the Department of Planning & Community Development are available for public inspection at the Town Hall, 60 Center Square. To view an electronic version of case files please visit: htt ps://www.eastlongmeadowma.gov/955/ActiveCase-Files For the Commission, Thomas O’Brien, Clerk (August 27) CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1703EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: William Sinnott Madden Date of Death: 05/27/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for S/A - Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Lawrence W Madden of Longmeadow MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition. The Petitioner requests that: Lawrence W Madden of Longmeadow MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 09/18/2026. This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you. UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration. WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court. Date: August 14, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (August 27)

EAST LONGMEADOW

Brownmeadow LLC, to William F. Houle, trustee, and William F. Houle Trust, trustee of, 284 Maple St., $185,500. Christian S. Walden and Kristin L. Miorandi to Adrien Oriel Hawke and Bellalorraine Marcella Hawke, 61 Saugus Ave., $272,000. Ellen Marie Parisi and Edward Allen Moses to Tri Chau and Long-Chau Van, 12 Pondview Drive, $850,000. Haoran Zhang to Yongliang Zhu, 109 Vineland Ave., $440,000. Katelyn A. Kennedy, Katelyn A. Harrison and Katelyn A. Parsons to Katelyn A. Kennedy and Aaron P. Kennedy, 1 Pecousic Drive, $100. Robert Hill and Adele Hill to Bernard Whall and Kelley Whall, 123 Maple St, $392,000.

LONGMEADOW

Boniface A. Anoje to Roseline Omeh, 108 Bel Air Drive, $515,000. Demetrios Sotiropoulos and Isadora Sarto to Centura Bay LLC, 128 Meadowbrook Road, $429,000. Jacqueline Crowley Soltz Anderson, Alison K. Anderson and Judith Hall Soltz to Arthur Lukomyansky and Ghilyana Dordzhieva, 32 Lincoln Road, $425,000. Jenny Anne Lehouiller and Jennifer Melnik to Sarah Marie Trainor Doughty, 23 Berwick Road, $333,000. John C. Cardinal and Carol J. Cardinal to Rachel A. Knauerhase, Westmoreland Avenue, $458,000. Margaret Byrne to Ashley Marvel, Alexander Bistran, Adam Bistran and Richard Bistran, life estate, 165 Converse St., Unit 1, $486,000. Michael Agen, Darleen Agen and Darleen Athas to Joseph Michael Thompson Jr., and Kristin B. Thompson, 435 Converse St., $560,000. Michael J. Consedine and Maria Consedine to Ian Simms Hart, 141 Ellington St., $725,000. Robert J. Hennessy III), Maria Owen-Hennessy and Maria O. Hennessy to Alvaro Soares and Carla Soares, 99 Birchwood Ave., $405,000. Ruth Ebert to Matthew W. Dziok and Danielle K. Dziok, 123 Englewood Road, $886,600.

MONSON

Delmar Enterprises LLC, to Braymar LLC, 148 Boston Road West,

1,750,000.

TAG SALE AD

Special

PLACE YOUR TAG SALE AD IN THE REMINDER AND GET 3 TAG SALE LAWN SIGNS! Can be picked up at our East Longmeadow or Westfield offices.

CLASSIFIED AD INCLUDES UP TO 15 WORDS; 75¢ EACH ADDITIONAL WORD.

Judith Moskal Kanz to Thomas Gregoire and Katie Winkler, 111 Bogan Road, Karen Lenahan and Steven Lenahan to Jane Cahill, 25 Flynt Ave.,

PALMER

Ileana Garcia to Abigail Shute, 2B Forest Hill Drive, Michael A. Ziemba and Shauna L. Ziemba to Elijah Jamil Edmonds III, 42 Mechanic St.,

$75,000. $357,000. $250,000. $475,000.

SPRINGFIELD

7-9 Brandon Ave LLC, to Catherine L. Sanchez De Leon and Reydi Renato Lopez Jimenez, 7-9 Brandon Ave., $443,000. Alex S. Krake and Meredith L. Krake to Francisco Miguel Perez and Gabriel Perez Velazquez, 138 Wilber St., $260,000. Barbara Dyer and Rosemary Maynard to Teslyn James, Noel James and Kadian James, 185 Marmon St., $340,000. Candice Person and Jenell Smith to Pagero Pierre, 158-160 Oak Grove Ave., $425,000. Carrie E. Figiel and Carrie E. Calvi to Judith Santana, 210 Winton St., $410,000. Dennis Mullen to Santiago Home Buyers LLC, 22 Sargon St., $205,000.

WILBRAHAM

AC Homebuilding LLC, to Lynne Kleeberg, Sandalwood Drive, Unit 84, $848,388. Ian Hart and Jennifer Hart to Jessica Guerriero and Nicholas Guerriero, 52 Shirley St., $680,000. Joseph R. Kennedy and Cynthia A. Kennedy to Stephen C. Bohn and Gail Skvirsky-Bohn, Sandalwood Drive, Unit 34, $607,000. Lynne A. Maheu, trustee, and Sears Family Trust, trustee of, to Mark Gerald Broughear and Debra Lee Broughear, 543 Stony Hill Road, $260,000. Mary K. Berman to Bradley M. Senft and Shannon J. Senft, 14 Stonegate Circle, $650,000. Robert F. McDiarmid to James Bradley Carney and Kristina Joy Carney, 2 Christopher Circle, $680,000. RRM Homes LLC, to Iqra Hunter and Shamim Vohra, 717-719 Stony Hill Road, $400,000.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD26P1693EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Thomas D. Stevens Date of Death: April 07, 2026 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Elliot Stevens of Agawam MA Elliot Stevens of Agawam MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (August 27)

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

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

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 other historic sites as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Use the entire building or keep some of the tenants already occupying the building. Mowing, plowing, and other maintenance already in place could remain. Call with any questions: 978.580.1895

CEILINGS PRIME PAINTING

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

DRYWALL PAINTING, DRYWALL, STUCCO AND CARPENTRY 413-364-3157

ELECTRICIAN JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN Lic.#E16303

Insured. 50 yrs. experience. No job too small. Call 413-330-3682

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

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

PETE 413-433-0356

| 17 |

HOME IMPROVEMENT

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

HEALTH & MEDICAL Dental insurance from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400+ procedures. Real dental insurance - not just a discount plan. Get your free Information Kit with d e t a i l s ! 1 - 8 5 5 - 5 2 6 - 1 0 6 0 www.dental50plus.com/ads #6258

HELP WANTED Leveille's Auto Recycling is a leading auto recycling facility dedicated to sustainable vehicle disposal and high-quality used auto parts. We take pride in our commitment to environmental responsibility and exceptional service. Join our team and be part of a growing industry that makes a difference! We are seeking a reliable and experienced Flatbed/Tow Truck Driver to transport vehicles to our facility. The ideal candidate will have a strong work ethic, a focus on safety, and excellent customer service skills. Key Responsibilities: •Safely operate a flatbed or tow truck to pick up end-of-life vehicles from customers, auctions, and other locations. •Secure and transport vehicles efficiently while following all safety and DOT regulations. •Complete necessary paperwork and maintain accurate records of pickups and deliveries. •Perform routine vehicle inspections and report maintenance needs. •Provide friendly, professional service when interacting with customers and vendors. •Assist with general yard duties as needed. Qualifications: •Valid Driver's License (with a clean driving record) and DOT Medical Card. •Experience operating a flatbed or tow truck (auto recycling or towing industry experience is a plus). •Knowledge of vehicle loading, strapping, and safety procedures. •Ability to lift and move heavy items as needed. •Strong attention to detail and time management skills. • Must pass a background check and drug screening. Why Join Us? •Competitive pay & benefits •Steady work in a growing industry •Friendly team environment •Opportunity for advancement •New trucks Ready to get behind the wheel? Apply today and become part of our dedicated team. Job Type: Full-time Pay: Salary Commensurate with Experience Benefits: •401(k) •401(k) matching •Health insurance •Paid time off Work Location: In person Cindy Piekarski HR/Payroll Manager Mitchell’s Auto Parts, Inc. d/b/a Chuck and Eddies Used Auto Parts 384 Old Turnpike Road Plantsville, CT 06479 860-426-8975 direct 860-628-7013 fax Westfield Area Landscape Company seeking landscape laborer and winter help. Starting immediately, top pay, must have license and own transportation. Experience preferred. Call 413-209-0270 Neonatologist Baystate Medical Practices, Inc. (BMP) has a position available in Springfield, MA for BE/BC (Board Eligible or Board Certified) Neonatologist to provide comprehensive care for critically ill premature and full-term infants from birth until discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Diagnose and treat newborns with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects. Willingness to travel to other hospital location in Western Massachusetts as needed, required. Salary range $260,000 - $385,000. Apply to physician.app.recruitment@baystatehealth.org Job ID: Neo26. Physician Assistant Baystate Medical Practices, Inc, (BMP) has a position available in Springfield, MA for a Physician Assistant to provide comprehensive patient history, conduct physical examinations and treatment, and order laboratory and diagnostic tests. Develop and implement a plan of care utilizing appropriate diagnostic studies and treatments and evaluate the outcome of care. Work with other health care team members, consulting and referring as appropriate; and maintains responsibility for the clinical management of the patient. Salary range $128,780- $164,400 per year. Apply to physician.app.recruitment@baystatehealth.org, Please reference job code PABMC26.

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade. 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-299-7135 AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Kitchen & Bath Remodel Services. Water Damage Repairs! Quality since 1964. (413) 596-4841 Joseph’s Handyman Company. Carpentry, remodeling, interior/exterior painting, floors, tile, stairs, drywall, cabinets, plumbing. Professional artist. Small jobs ok. Home improvement. Projects designed for your needs. Since 1985. Call Joe, 413-364-7038

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

Panzetti

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION Landscape excavation, grading, lawn installation, seeding and hydroseeding, overgrown shrub and tree removal, mini-excavator and skid steer services. Call 413-478-0522

Personal Touch Garden Service

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

MASONRY / CONCRETE

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

413-297-4276

Trash Removal No matter how small Free estimates Call 413-335-5546 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 Retired Handyman Exterior Painting/Tree Work Roofing/Rough Carpentry Senior Discount Call Dave 413-244-7572

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

MISCELLANEOUS

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!

TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277

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

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 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 Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-877-9070316 Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930 Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208 MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936 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.

ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

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!

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 TMR MASON CONTRACTOR All types of masonry and concrete: brick, block, stone stucco. Chimney repairs, foundation repairs, bulkheads, concrete sidewalks, stairs and patios, Fully licensed/ insured. Todd: 413-575-3839

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

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

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

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

CHET & SON PAINTING

Interior and exterior painting, wallpaper, removal. Free estimates. Insured. Reliable. 413-772-9819 PRIME PAINTING Fully insured, interior/exterior, carpentry, drywall, cabinet finishing and detailing. References upon request. Free estimates. 594-4479 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry. Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588

ROOFING NEW ROOFS-REPAIRS-CLEANING Siding and windows, decks built and repaired. Fully insured. MA Lic #CSFA106255. David Germaine 413-250-3263

TAG SALES Multi-Family Tag Sale 2 Merrill Rd, Wilbraham Sat August 29 & Sun August 20 8am-3:30pm Something for everyone. Old and new items, some antiques, gold, automotive tools and tires Saturday August 29th 9am-3pm 106 Glynn Farms Dr, East Longmeadow Years of accumulated items ENFIELD: 50 Long Hollow Road, Thurs/Fri/Sat, August 27th/28th/29th, 12noon4pm. Many Household Items, Round Glass Tabletop, Vintage Carpenter's Tools/Small Hand Tools, Barbie Dolls, Fishing Supplies, Meat Slicer & Lawn Tools

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

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

MISCELLANEOUS

OUR SERVICES

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. 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

HOME IMPROVEMENT

CHAMELEON REMODELING & PAINTING

When it's time for a change

MISCELLANEOUS

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

Free Estimates Credit cards accepted Same day service!

D&S Home Improvement Quality Work at a Fair Price! Licensed and Insured Dave 413-592-9490

EAST LONGMEADOW | AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

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WESTERN MA • NORTHERN CT FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1970

TREE REMOVAL TREE TRIMMING/PRUNING STUMP GRINDING MECHANIZED CRANE REMOVAL BUCKET TRUCK SERVICES TRACKED LIFT SERVICES CRANE SPECIALISTS

THE ROAD BACK TO SCHOOL STARTS HERE!

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- INTERIOR & EXTERIOR -

Remodeling Kitchens, Baths, and so much more! Residential/Commercial

Fully Insured · Free Estimates

413-351-1147

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

528 North Main Street • East Longmeadow

CONTRACTED SUB WANTED FOR THURSDAY AND FRIDAY DELIVERY OF THE REMINDER NEWSPAPER. Call Holly at

413-788-1316

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

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AUGUST 27 - SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 | EAST LONGMEADOW

| 18 |

THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

Nominate the hero in your life. We could reward them for all they do with a brand new Hyundai TUCSON. Nominations end September 13, 2026.

Scan QR code or go to HyundaiSaluteToHeroes.com

Nominations Deadline: Sunday, September 13, 2026 Balise Hyundai

683 E. Columbus Ave. Springfield, MA 01105 413-306-3699 balisehyundaispringfield.com

Country Hyundai 347 King Street Northampton, MA 01060 413-300-9972 countryhyundai.com

Gary Rome Hyundai 150 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke, MA 01040 413-536-4328 garyromehyundai.com