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EDITION SOUTHWICK

Select Board approves Special Town Meeting warrant The Select Board voted unanimously to approve the warrant for the Special Town Meeting that included an additional article related to health insurance for the town’s retirees.

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WESTFIELD

Westfield hires Balik as city’s new conservation agent At the Dec. 18 City Council meeting, Conservation Commission chair Joseph Giffune introduced Nicholas Balik as the new conservation agent for Westfield.

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HILLTOWNS

Free class with CPA offered for small business owners The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center will offer a free class for small business owners on how to prepare the Small Business Schedule C form with a certified public accountant.

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Athenaeum restoration nearly complete By Amy Porter

aporter@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — Linda Saltus, chairman of the Building & Grounds Committee for the Westfield Athenaeum, said the ongoing work at the library is nearing completion. “We are doing cosmetic work, as well as a restoration. Most of the things are not going to be changed. It will just be cleaner and brighter,” Saltus said. The current work, which she called phase three or four of a long-term renovation begun in 2017, involved both outdoor restoration of the historic 100-yearold building and indoor paint and repair of the Great Hall, among other items. During the work, the front Elm Street entrance has been closed, but the library has remained open throughout, with access in the rear and Children’s Library entrance on Court Street. The City Council approved a grant for $400,000 from the Community Preservation Commission that covered two parts of the restoration. Saltus estimated the total cost of the current work at $1.1 million. One part of the outdoor work covered by the CPC grant may have been observed by residents this summer and fall, when boom trucks that were brought in to reset the granite steps on the Elm Street side as well as the ones leading into the Children’s Library. Saltus said over time, water had gotten into the mortar between the steps. “They literally took all of the steps out and restored the piers underneath,” she said. At the same time, they did work on the water table at the edge of the roof, which diverts rainwater away from the building. She said those had also de-

Thirty-five-foot scaffolding is needed to repair and paint the ceiling of the Great Hall in the Westfield Athenaeum. Reminder Publishing submitted photo

teriorated over 100 years, and the contractors took out the old mortar, patched it and cleaned it. Saltus said the other part of the CPA money went to cover repair and paint of the Great

Hall, where they needed 35-foot scaffolding to reach the ceiling. She said it took the painters almost three weeks to repair all of the cracks in the ceiling, one of which ran from one side to the

other. She said the painting is 99 percent done. Taking advantage of the scaffolding, the library also had elecSee ATHENAEUM on page 2

JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | PENNYSAVER

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Boar’s Head Festival returns to Trinity Jan. 9-11 By Dennis Hackett

dhackett@thereminder.com

SPRINGFIELD — From Jan. 9-11, the Boar’s Head Festival will take place at Trinity United Church in Springfield. The festival is based on a medieval festival in England celebrating the Epiphany — the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” host Chris Maza sat down with Boar’s Head Festival Artistic Director Steve Hays to discuss the event. Hays said their version of the festival came into fruition in 1984 after one of the initial organizers had been to another festival and realized Trinity United Church would be the perfect place for it. “The architecture, which is kind of medieval, renaissance in flavor, we had a big music program, and we thought it could be a viable program,” he said. “We opened in 1984 with a pretty complete visualization of what it is today. It was quite a crazy time with making hundreds of costumes, organizing the fundraising, but it has paid off,” he said. Hays also explained what attendees can expect from its two-part program and said that the performance is set in 1526 in England in the Cheshire area. “The first, which we call the festival preparation, is the assemblage of a community that is going to put on the presentation. The festival preparation is about how they work together to pull this off,” he said. “Then there is the festival … and it involves a lot of wonderful music, dance, animals, we have three camels coming down the aisle for the arrival of the kings, a horse, sheep goats, chickens, geese.” As the director, Hays discussed one of the challenges of the festival performance.

Athenaeum Continued from page 1

tricians install LED lighting and filters on the ceiling lights that will be more energy efficient. Other lights were also upgraded, and new outlets installed. A new circulation desk is coming that has a lower area that is handicap accessible. The desk will sit on a newly laid epoxy floor for the high-traffic area, which will be easier on maintenance and patrons and will have a longer durability, Saltus said. Work to install the epoxy floor will begin next week, she said. “Once the floor is in there will be the final work on touch ups of paint, and we will put in the new bookcases and the new circulation desk. The final pro-

“As director, I’m trying to make it a blend of highly religious observation, but also earthiness. These are very earth-bound people, they are doing their best to make this festival work,” he said. Hays also spoke highly of the architecture in making the festival a “special event.” “We have wonderful stained glass and at the end of the festival when The Wise Men are there at the alter and everybody is presenting their attention to the Christ child, above the altar comes a stained-glass window of Christ and it’s lit from outside in the backyard and it’s a lovely moment,” he said. “It’s a wonderful area to present this kind of a festival.” Each year a committee of eight to 10 people does all of the planning for the festival each year, which can include an average of 200-plus people involved in the performances each day, according to Hays. Hays said that directing the festival is “like directing a circus.” “So much goes on throughout the building, it’s not focused on one particular area, it might be focused on about five or six. And that’s part of the fun of this, is that people who come see something going on all around and they enjoy it,” he said. The festival also includes a Madame Elixir with potions for attendees to “increase their life and enjoyment,” mind readers, a falconer and free cookies baked by the committee. “We have a lot of ways to interact with the audience and make them feel that they are part of this community that has put on this festival,” he said. Hays said one of the most important parts of the festival is the interaction between the cast and the audience. “My job is to keep that inter-

A photo from a previous Boar’s Head Festival. Reminder Publishing submitted photo

action within restraints. I want it to be true to the era, to the purpose of this and remind us all that our job is to create an Epiphany celebration, and I that I think is what ultimately motivates our cast to make it a religious experience,” he said. One thing that Hays called “sobering” is how long people have been participating in

cess will be to put all the books back, now in reference, the mezzanine and loft area — the last step,” Saltus said. The new bookcases are replacing temporary book cases installed earlier, and were built to match the original book cases in the Great Hall by Dan Gavrilyuk, a Westfield Technical Academy graduate who started his own business, DG Wood Co. The painters of the Great Hall, Martins & Sons, are also local, she said. “Everything will match, and it will be nice,” Saltus said. She said the library is also getting a Westfield green serpentine marble fireplace from the razing of the Atwater Mansion for the new police station. “We will display it in the Great Hall as a piece of Westfield history.” There will also be a new handicap lift in the Lang Au-

ditorium, thanks to a $69,000 Community Development Block Grant the library received this summer. “We hope that will be done in the next couple of weeks … and be back to full use so we can open the Lang and use the Great Hall.” Saltus said they are hoping to finish the work by mid-February, with a goal to complete it by the Annual Wine Taste on Feb. 13, normally held in December, which will now be a celebration of the renovations to the Great Hall. She said the Athenaeum is still in the process of trying to fundraise. “We have not yet met our goal. We need to raise another $100,000 to $150,000 to complete the work that’s being done right now in the Great Hall,” Saltus said.

the event for the course of over four decades. “It’s a little sobering — this is the 42nd year I’ve done this — to see people now in their 40s who weren’t born when we started this. Some of them started with children’s roles, teen roles, adult roles and now they’re moving even beyond that,” he said.

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online at eventbrite. com/e/boars-head-festival-ticket s-1219649948829?aff=oddtdtcreator To listen to the full conversation, head to thereminder.com/ our-podcast or go to your favorite podcasting platform and search “So That Reminds Me.”

CORRECTION In the Dec. 25 edition of The Original Pennysaver, our year in review included the original election night reporting, which cited results that differ from the official results. Official results of the 2025 Westfield minicipal election are as follows: • Mayor Michael McCabe earned a third two-year term with 4,041 votes to 1,478 cast for challenger Andrew Mullen. • Top vote-getter in the at large race was Dan Allie with 2,983 votes, followed by Nicholas Morganelli Jr. with 2,914, James Adams with 2,809, Brent Bean II with 2,793, Kristen Mello with 2,758, Knapik with 2,699 and Cindy Harris with 2,706 votes, all of whom were elected. Not elected were challenger Robert Parent, who was in the eighth spot with 2,600 votes, followed by Richard Sullivan with 2,572, Christopher McCrary with 2,119 and John Bowen with 1,845 votes. • The only contested ward race was for Ward 2 on the City Council, where incumbent Ralph Figy defeated challenger Jessica Britton in a close decision, with Figy receiving 342 votes to Britton’s 299. • Incumbent Kathleen Hillman received the most votes for School Committee with 3,475 votes, followed by Kick Sullivan with 3,402 and Jeffrey Gosselin with 3,177 votes. Reminder Publishing regrets the error.

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PENNYSAVER | JANUARY 8-14, 2026

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Select Board approves Special Town Meeting warrant By Cliff Clark

cclark@thereminder.com

SOUTHWICK — The Select Board voted unanimously to approve the warrant for the Special Town Meeting that included an additional article related to health insurance for the town’s retirees. It was Article 1 that essentially drove the need to have a Special Town Meeting, which will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 13, after the Select Board were formally asked by town employees in September to hold one to adjust the percentage the town pays for employee health insurance. Currently, the town pays 50% of the health insurance premium for each employee but with health insurance premiums skyrocketing there are some employees who received an annual cost of living raise but ended up bringing less money home after taxes and covering their portion of the premium. Fire Department Prevention Officer Brian Schneider, who represented the town’s employees, said adjusting the split would “make it a more desirable place of employment for both new and existing employees.” He also pointed out that the town has lost a few employees over the last year, in part, because of the unaffordable health insurance premium. Article 1 will only ask residents to approve adjusting the split. The split will be negotiated by the town administration and its employees if the article pass-

es, said Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Parker. However, the town doesn’t have to explain in the article how it might be paid for. Article 2, which has been added in the last two weeks, will ask residents at the Special Town Meeting to allow the town’s retired employees — with at least 10 years of service — to also have their 50/50 health insurance premium split adjusted. “This authorization is the same exact thing except [it’s] for retirees. So, it’s very similar to Article 1, but it covers our retired employees,” said board member Douglas Moglin. Article 3 will ask residents to approve of the town spending $220,000 to finish a public safety project to replace the town’s radio system. If approved, the funds will be used to purchase microwave repeaters that will be installed on the four nodes used by public safety to broadcast and receive radio messages throughout the entire town. Currently, the nodes are hardwired with copper cable, which is maintained by Verizon. The telecommunications company had alerted the town it will stop maintaining the lines in early 2027. “So, this $220,000 to complete the system and get the new radio system up and going is something that we need to do and we need to go in front of Town Meeting to get that approval,” Moglin said. At the board meeting, Fi-

Residents at the Town Meeting in May 2025. Reminder Publishing file photo

nance Committee Chair Joseph Deedy said that since free cash had been certified — it is $4,527,287 — the funds needed for the radio system would be withdrawn from that. Article 4 is a general bylaw

amendment related to the employment of outside consultants used by the Planning Board to review applications. Developers who submit the application bear the cost of the review. Article 5, which was re-

quested by the Planning Board, will ask residents to support a temporary moratorium on any renewable energy systems, like a battery electric storage system or the construction of large-scale solar array fields.

Owner of Congamond Road restaurant needs liquor license By Cliff Clark

cclark@thereminder.com

SOUTHWICK — With LakeView Tavern voluntarily closing in early November, the status of its liquor license was discussed during the Select Board’s meeting on Dec. 29 with the restaurant’s owner. “I understand that Fusion [Bar & Grill] is the owner of the license,” said Ken Eggleston during the meeting while referring to the first tenant he had after rehabbing the former Crabby Joe’s and the liquor license. “But that’s where I really have my problem … that it’s completely taken out of my hands.” When Eggleston bought the building at 141 Congamond Road in 2022, it was with the liquor license, and he spent the better part of a year updating the building while seeking a new tenant to run the operation. It was Fusion Bar & Grill that opened there first and then its name was changed to LakeView Tavern which closed about six weeks ago. However, the state’s Alcohol Beverages Control Commission requires the building’s owner to transfer the license to the restaurant’s operator or manager. “That just hurts me. I have no control over what has happened. None. And I don’t believe that’s right … but I’m happy to do the right thing,” he said, adding that he considered himself the owner of the license despite what the state says. “But I want the license back. The property is basically worthless without [it],” he said. The town’s Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Parker said the building’s current tenant Demyan Volkov had reapplied for the license renewal, but it was late, there were unpaid bills, like the water bill, and required inspections that needed to be done. “That wouldn’t necessarily keep us from renewing it in the event there were solid plans to open soon,” she said. But Parker said, “first and foremost,” the ABCC requires renewal applications to be submitted by Nov. 30, “which didn’t

happen until last week.” There was also an issue with the ABCC. When LakeView Tavern applied for the renewal, the ABCC returned it without approval because there were some “inaccuracies,” Parker said. She said LakeView had been essentially using the Fusion alcohol license once the ABCC returned LakeView’s application. “And they were open all year long,” Parker said of LakeView. She suggested that it would be “cleaner” to let the license lapse on Dec. 31 and have the applicant apply for a new license. She also said that if the Select Board were to renew the license, it would be renewing a license that technically doesn’t exist. If the license isn’t renewed, it goes back to the town and the Select Board decides on which business is allowed to use it. Select Board member Diane Gale added that the ABCC requires a certificate of good standing and “the owner of the license cannot obtain that at this time.” Select Board member Douglas Moglin said the best course of action would be for Eggleston to apply for the license, find a new

operator and then change the manager from Eggleston to the new manager when the restaurant is ready to open. “That was my thought as well,” Gale said. Eggleston said he was asking for the Select Board for help. “[I’ll] do whatever the right thing is. I’ll spend next week taking care of all of the outstanding debts,” he said. Moglin acknowledged Eggleston’s concerns. “All of your points are valid. We’re not closing any doors, but there’s a lot of things that need to happen in order for the license to continue,” he said. With LakeView closed, Eggleston is looking for a new tenant, one that he and current tenant Demyan Volkov hopes knows the restaurant business. Eggleston said that the group that opened Fusion before changing its name to LakeView Tavern had issues with the people it hired to operate the 10,000-squarefoot facility. Volkov was at the Select Board meeting on Dec. 29. “We tried it first year. We tried it second year. It needs somebody with a lot of experience to do it,”

Congamond Lake – Great Brook Watershed Notice to Prepare an Environmental Assessment

National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) is soliciting comments from the public regarding issues, concerns, impacts, and ideas that they believe should be included within the Environmental Assessment for flood protection at Congamond Lake in Southwick, MA. There will be two opportunities during which the public is encouraged to engage with the technical review team. The first meeting will be a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting occurring at the Southwick Town Hall, 454 College Highway, Southwick, MA or https://parecorp.zoom.us/my/nrcs.ma on January 14th, 2026 at 6:00pm. Assistance will be provided to anyone having difficulty in determining how to participate. This meeting will present the purpose and scope of the planning effort; public input is encouraged to support evaluation of formulated alternatives. Comments or questions may be submitted until February 14, 2026 by mail Congamond Plan EA, c/o Pare Corporation, 10 Lincoln Road Suite 210, Foxboro, MA 02035 or by email to Congamond@parecorp.com.

With LakeView Tavern closed, the building’s owner wants the liquor license issued to its former tenant returned to him. Photo credit: Google Earth

Volkov said. Eggleston confirmed Volkov’s observation of the restaurant’s operations. “They did not do a good job.

They didn’t. They didn’t know what they were doing. And I told them that for a year, but he would never listen to any advice,” Eggleston said.

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Young adults spread holiday cheer in city’s downtown By Amy Porter

gift card to Westfield Feed. Teacher Carolyn Busiere thanked the Transition Program, Westfield High School, and other agencies for their contributions to the drive. The Westfield Community-Based Transition Program is designed to prepare students with further support beyond high school, Busiere said. Students ages 18-22 are provided the opportunity to learn and grow through community, recreation, socialization, self-advocacy, travel training, internships and inclusive college at West-

aporter@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — Young adults in the Westfield Public Schools Transition Program spread holiday cheer with annual caroling stops at downtown businesses and a special delivery to the Westfield Animal Shelter on the Monday before Christmas. Items delivered to the shelter were collected through their “Operation Santa Paws Supply Drive,” and included blankets, towels, Clorox wipes, food, toys, treats, paper towels and a

field State University and Holyoke Community College. The program is based on the individual needs and vision of each student, whether it be life skills, functional academics, independent living and others. The teachers and staff assist students and families in connecting to community agencies, resources, and adult funding sources prior to the student aging out the day before their 22nd birthday. The goal is to have a more seamless transition to adult life as lifelong learners and productive community members.

Young adults in the Transition Program spread holiday cheer with a caroling stop at Cafe Zerno in downtown Westfield the Monday before Christmas.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

Westfield hires Balik as city’s new conservation agent By Amy Porter

aporter@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — At the Dec. 18 City Council meeting, Conservation Commission chair Joseph Giffune introduced Nicholas Balik as the new conservation agent for Westfield. Balik and his wife, Tricia, relocated from Arizona four months ago and are currently residing in Southwick. “We’re not from around these parts. We’re from the desert — scorching heat, 120 degrees weather on average, and seven inches of precipitation a year,” Balik said. He grew up in Phoenix Valley and met his wife, who is in the medical field, in Prescott in northern Arizona, where he

said it does snow. “I have shoveled snow,” he said. Balik, who used to guide backcountry hikes, said his body is still adjusting. “I used to joke there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear,” he said, adding that recently they bought some warm clothing. Before moving to Western Massachusetts, the couple had spent three years on domestic travel for a possible move. What drew them here was cleaner air and more reliable resources, including recreational resources. “There are awesome natural resources protected and preserved here,” he said. Balik has a bachelor’s degree in environmental and urban studies from Prescott College. He has

10 years of experience in water resources and small business entrepreneurship, most recently as the water resources and conservation planner for the Flood Control District of Maricopa County. In that role, he managed consultant contracts, facilitated inter-agency coordination, conducted public training, and guided regulatory compliance related to native vegetation, stormwater BMPs and riparian restoration. Balik said he brings municipal program experience and a working knowledge of environmental protection standards, and the communication skills needed to engage residents, developers, and partner agencies in the work of long-term environmental stewardship and public service.

Tricia and Nicholas Balik, Westfield’s new conservation agent. Reminder Publishing submitted photo

Before being hired as the conservation agent, he had served for the past few months as the wetlands compliance officer in Westfield under the previous con-

servation director. “I’m extremely excited to be in this role and to continue to See CONSERVATION on page 8

State to fund feasibility study for Westfield Reservoir dam removal By Amy Porter

aporter@thereminder.com

WESTFIELD — The HealeyDriscoll Administration recently announced $350,000 to support dam removal studies in seven municipalities. Easthampton, Littleton, Townsend, Wareham, West Springfield, West Tisbury and Westfield will have dams funded. Westfield Public Works Director Randal Brown said the Westfield Reservoir Dam, a high-hazard dam in Montgomery, is among those being studied. Its removal would protect downstream infrastructure and restore

the health of a coldwater stream. Brown said the Water Department applied for the grant. The Department of Fish & Game is the funding source, and the city will have an agreement with a local consultant to develop the study. “Fish & Game would like to see these reservoirs turned back into a natural state,” he said. “Dam removal is an important part of the commonwealth’s ambitious, whole-of-government approach to conserve biodiversity,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “With every aging, unwanted dam removed, we help people and nature thrive togeth-

er. Free-flowing, restored rivers are critical for fish and wildlife and make our communities safer, healthier and better prepared for severe storms.” According to the history of the reservoir on the city’s website, the Montgomery Reservoir was built in 1874. It has a capacity of 184 million gallons. This reservoir was one of the main supplies of water for the city of Westfield until 1929, when the Granville Reservoir was built. The Montgomery Reservoir was used until 1974, when a filtration

The Westfield Reservoir this summer

See RESERVOIR on page 5

Photo credit:Tighe & Bond

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Free class with CPA offered for small business owners By Amy Porter

aporter@thereminder.com

CHESTER — The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center will offer a free class for small business owners on how to prepare the Small Business Schedule C form with Certified Public Accountant Rosemarie Goyette. The class will be held on Saturday, Jan. 17, at 1 p.m., with a snow date of Saturday, Jan. 24, in SHAEC’s Chester classroom at the Village Enterprise Center, 26

Main Street, Chester. Intended for self-employed individuals, sole proprietors and independent contractors who receive Form 1099-NEC, the class will cover step by step how to fill out the Federal Form Schedule C income and expenses; the form on which revenue, expenses and deductions for tax purposes are reported. Other pertinent forms required when filing taxes as a sole proprietorship will be discussed as well. Rosemarie Goyette is an ac-

countant with over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping, and taxation, business operations, and streamlining accounting and best practices. Sign up to reserve your spot by calling SHAEC at 413354-1055 to preregister, emailing southernhilltownsaec@ gmail.com or signing up online at SHAEC.org. The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center started in the summer of 1999 and is a program of The Partnership for

Worker Education at UMass Amherst, part of the Office of Human Resources of UMass Amherst. A community resource for adult learners, SHAEC supports the student’s education and career goals in a learner-led environment. Individuals from the Southern Hilltowns of Russell, Middlefield, Chester, and Huntington can study math, science, reading, writing, social studies, computers and other subjects designed to enhance workplace skills and encourage leadership.

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Lottery eyes sales lift with $30 ‘cashword’ ticket BOSTON — A dip in instant ticket sales dented the Massachusetts Lottery’s numbers for November but the commission plans to introduce a fresh set of tickets in the new year, including one with the largest top prize the lottery has ever offered for a crossword-style instant ticket. Executive Director Mark William Bracken told the Lottery Commission November sales totaled $448.5 million, down $6.9 million or 1.5% from November 2024. It was partly due to a $17.5 million or 5.8% drop in instant ticket sales. So far this fiscal year, instant ticket sales are down $35.4 million or 2.2% from last fiscal year. Instant tickets are a traditional driver of sales at the lottery,

Reservoir Continued from page 4

plant would have been required for further use. “The reservoir flows through Moose Meadow Brook, which both feeds the reservoir and is the downstream discharge. It’s an obstruction of the brook,” Brown said. “One of the environmental considerations and benefits [of] removing the dam is to restore the natural stream flow of Moose Meadow Brook. The water in the reservoir does get warm — it will restore it back to a cold water fishery,” he said. Brown said the water is still up in the reservoir, which is classified as a high-hazard dam. “If it were to fail, there would be significant impacts downstream,” he said. By removing it, it would restore the natural stream — Moose Meadow Brook running naturally through a new channel where the reservoir lies. He said its removal would eliminate the potential of flooding. Brown said the grant is for a feasibility study only, with no commitment from the city to implement the findings. “The study will allow us to identify the impacts and the cost if we were to proceed with the dam removal project,” he said, adding that the city needs to bring a consultant on board to survey the reservoir, take sediment samples and determine if there are any contaminants or hazardous materials, which is part of the investigative

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efit migratory and coldwater fish species, important habitats, nearby infrastructure and surrounding environmental justice communities. Also included is the Bear Hole Reservoir Dam in West Springfield, another significant

hazard dam. According to the announcement, its removal would reduce risk to downstream infrastructure and also improve important coldwater and priority habitats, as well as connectivity for aquatic species.

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MPTON

work they’ll be undertaking. “We had an inspection done late summer. It’s a beautiful area,” he added. The Manhan River Dam, a significant hazard dam in Easthampton, will also receive funds for a feasibility study. Removal of the dam would ben-

HADLEY NORTHAMPTON

EASTHA

Treasurer Deb Goldberg told state budget writers this month that the lottery is on track to turn a net profit of $1.05 billion for FY26. Fiscal year 2025 marked the fifth straight year the lottery brought in more than $1 billion in profits. Online lottery offerings are launching next summer through the iLottery, which is expected to bring in $70 million in net profits during the first year and reach almost $360 million in a decade. Lucky for Life, which is set to be replaced in February, brought in $19.8 million in sales so far in FY26, down $500,000, or 2.5%, from last year. Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com.

WESTHAM PTON

State House News Service

$22.3 million compared to November 2024. The estimated payout for the month was 73.46%, up from the 70.47% payout in November 2024. Bracken said estimated profits for the first five months of fiscal year 2026 are $446.3 million — not including accruals for prizes that were won but not paid yet — up from $435.4 million recorded in the same period last year. After accounting for a calendar shift, the lottery’s profit for the fiscal year so far is an estimated $13.8 million increase over last year, boosted in part by a $59.3 million or 154.4% rise in Powerball sales. The payout so far for the year is 74.35% compared with 74.79% last year. Overall sales for the first five months of FY26 hit just under $2.5 billion and are up $23.5 million or 1%, Bracken said.

HUNTIN GTON

By Katie Castellani

where profits are steered by the state back to Massachusetts cities and towns as a form of local aid. Kate Sutton, the commission’s instant ticket product manager, also unveiled the instant tickets that are set to launch Jan. 6, including the lottery’s first $30 crossword-style or “cashword” ticket with a $10 million top prize, the highest the lottery has offered for a cashword. There will also be tickets available for $1 with a $10,000 top prize, $2 with a $100,000 top prize, $5 with a $1 million top prize and $10 with a $4 million top prize. Estimated profits for November — not including accruals for prizes that were won but not paid yet — were $82.6 million compared with $125.6 million in November 2024, Bracken said. After adjusting for a shift in the calendar, November profits dropped

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WESTFIELD VS WESTBOROUGH

HOCKEY

The starting line for the Westfield High hockey team lines up before their Dec. 27 game with Westborough High.

Westfield senior Brody Hollister duels with a Westborough defender for control of the puck.

Colton Moraweic weaves his way through the Westborough line.

Brady Corliss takes a shot on goal.

Westfield High played Westborough High Dec. 27 in the Amelia Park Rink, losing 3-4. REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARC ST. ONGE

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Brody Hollister has an audience as he digs the puck out behind the Westborough goal.

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PENNYSAVER | JANUARY 8-14, 2026

Westfield sophmore Colton Morawiec brings the puck up the ice.

Brody Hollister and Cody Bard work to get the puck past Westborough goalie Tristan Krumsiek.

Westfield goalie Owen Colbath blocks a Westborough shot on goal.

Westfield and Westborough battle at the boards.

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20 local firefighters graduate from State Fire Academy SPRINGFIELD — State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership on Dec. 19 announced the graduation of 21 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program. “Massachusetts firefighters are on the frontlines protecting their communities every day, and today’s graduates are needed now more than ever,” said Davine. “The hundreds of hours of foundational training they’ve received will provide them with the physical, mental and technical skills to perform their jobs effectively and safely.” “Massachusetts Firefighting Academy instructors draw on decades of experience in the fire service to train new recruits,” said Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Director JP Seivane. “Through consistent classroom instruction and practical exercises, today’s graduates have developed the tools they’ll need to work seamlessly with veteran firefighters in their home departments and in neighboring com-

munities as mutual aid.” The graduating firefighters of Class S43 represent the fire departments of Agawam, Athol, Charlton, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Greenfield, Holyoke, Marblehead, Southampton, Southborough, Southwick and Westfield. Michael Talaia of the Southwick Fire Department and Nicholas Black, Seth Longey and Jayden Rodriguez of the Westfield Fire Department were among the graduates. The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class, was presented to Firefighter William Kipp of the Southborough Fire Department. The award is named for a longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council and reflects the recruit’s academic and practical skills, testing, and evaluations over the course of the 10-week program. Basic firefighter skills Students receive classroom

training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. Today’s firefighters do much more than fight fires Modern firefighters train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to

Conservation Continued from page 4

serve in the public sector. I understand the need for environmental management and stewardship,” Balik said. “It’s a balancing act. I try my best to meet people where they’re at, and to find realistic, tangible compromises.” Balik said the Conservation Department’s main focus is on the city’s wetlands ordinance, which was recently updated and for which the Commission is reworking the regulations. “We recognize that the output has to be consumable to the public,” Balik said, acknowledging

TheReminder.com Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly. AGAWAM Phil D. Argiro Linda J. Gagne Joseph W. Weibel Jr. FEEDING HILLS Jeanne M. Macey

Peter O’Keefe William J. Smidt WEST SPRINGFIELD Christopher J. Kastel WESTFIELD Walter J. Beard

Edward G. Fitzgerald David W. Gannon Donald E. Plouffe Jeanette T. Rodriguez Very Rev Joseph H. Soltysiak

The most recent class of graduates from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Springfield. Reminder Publishing submitted photo

gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator, or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. They test and maintain their equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus, hydrants, hoses, power tools, and apparatus. At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also re-

ceive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management, and self-rescue techniques. The intensive, 10-week program involves classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training, and live firefighting practice. The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield, and Bridgewater.

that the rolling out of the new ordinance has been somewhat contentious. He said the discussions and effort will continue during the off-season. Balik said another focus for him to date has been the closing out of prior enforcement orders for properties that were not in compliance. “We want people to do construction in the best management practice ways. The permit process with the Conservation Commission allows input from a diverse, knowledgeable board of commissioners about these forms of development,” he said. Another area Balik mentioned is accessibility of conservation lands to the public. “Westfield has significant conservation lands that are accessible to the public, just not right now.” He said Westfield’s new Open Space

and Recreation Plan, which will be completed in the spring, has had comments on river access, for example, which are being drafted into the plan. Balik said the Conservation Commission will be included in the implementation of a tangible action plan for the findings of the OSRP. “We have a great Conservation Commission,” Balik said. “It’s diverse, with small business owners, landscapers, educational instructors — it’s a pretty solid group. I’m confident about what we can achieve in the next couple of years for residents.” “I’m looking forward to working with the public to do our best to protect the vitality of the wetlands for decades to come,” Balik said.

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Heartbeat Theater aims to bring intimate performances to valley By Trent Levakis

tlevakis@thereminder.com

EASTHAMPTON — Heartbeat Theater, a new theater company established by a group of passionate area stage actors and crew is debuting its inaugural production to kick off the new year as they will present “Proof,” opening on Jan. 16 in The Blue Room at CitySpace. Set in the early 2000s, “Proof” is a Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn and has received much critical acclaim due to its commanding exploration of truth, authenticity and the fine line between brilliance and instability. Jumping between past and present, the story centers on the family of a recently deceased mathematical genius. Through moments of profound revelation, deep healing, bitter judgement and good humor, “Proof” examines how we reconcile grief, question the future and make peace with the legacy left behind. “‘Proof’ confronts the burden of family legacy and how families can be torn apart by doubt and grief, only to discover deeper ties that bind,” said Director Jason Rose-Langston. “The play examines the struggle to know oneself and the need we all have to be truly known by others.” The cast features local talent, including former Ashfield Community Theater Director William Spademan as Robert, a professor of mathematics at the University of Chicago. Kimberly Gaughan joins him as Robert’s daughter and caretaker, Catherine. Anne Zager plays Catherine’s older sister, Claire. Shelton Windham rounds out the cast as Robert’s former student, Hal. Performances will begin on Friday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in CitySpace’s Blue Room. Following performances will be on Jan. 17, 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., and matinee showings will be on Jan. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at heartbeattheater.org. Rose-Langston and Gaughan both told Reminder Publishing the formation of Heartbeat Theater stems from the recent Easthampton Theater Company’s production of “On Golden Pond” which the two directed and starred in, respectively. As that production was wrapping up, Gaughan said she remembered asking fellow cast member William Spademan if he was familiar with the play “Proof.” “From my perspective it was sort of a oh, wouldn’t it be nice if the theater company did this play some day and we could be in it, but William being as creative and gung-ho as he is, suggested that we just do it together,” explained Gaughan. “I was really taken aback by that because I’ve been an actor for almost 20 years and you sort of rely on casting direc-

tors and production companies to cast you. You’re always kind of at their whim and this idea that we could just do it ourselves and cast ourselves I guess is slightly narcissistic, but it worked really well.” With the motivational push to see what was possible from Spademan, Gaughan said the two of them began discussions on forming a new theater group and brought Rose-Langston into the fold thanks to the “wonderful environment” he facilitated as director of “On Golden Pond.” “They approached me with this idea, and they didn’t know actually that ‘Proof’ was on my bucket list to direct so we had this wonderful conversation over dinner where they thought they had to convince me to direct it and I thought I had to convince them to let me direct it, so it was joyous from day one,” said RoseLangston. “It sort of happened very organically that we developed this new theater company and Heartbeat Theater came out of just the beautiful collaboration we had in ‘On Golden Pond’ and the continued friendship and collaboration that we want to bring into this new venture.” Wanting to be a part of a production of “Proof” since a teenager, Gaughan said this new endeavor was the perfect opportunity to make it happen. As stated by the theater company, Heartbeat Theater’s mission is to present simple, intimate productions of great plays — one heartbeat in the evolution of human society passing ever forward its stories. “I think part of the reason I was interested once William proposed starting a theater company was that I always envisioned a theater company that produces simple productions of great plays,” explained Gaughan. “I really love to see acting forward productions, so where the focus is on the actors, the narrative, the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love big theatrical things, you know, like ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ but I think that there is a space for more intimate shows in studio spaces with simpler sets where you really get to see the actors in their full glory. And I think ‘Proof’ is a play that really lends itself to that. It’s a forehander. Most of the scenes only have two or three people in them, so there’s a lot of focus on the story and so

From left: William Spademan as Robert and Kimberly Gaughan as Catherine, in a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’. Anne Zager as Claire and Shelton Windham as Hal, during a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’. Photo credit: River Hambleton, Heartbeat Theater

I thought it was a great play to start with.” Rose-Langston added that for this production, concentration on performances takes highest priority with the show’s intimate venue and story. He called “Proof” “one of those universal stories of family drama.” “The show grapples with the themes of grief, themes of loss, and really delves into the aftermath of legacy, because of the father’s legacy. What does that mean to the people who are left behind? What does that mean in terms of their own identities both connected to the father but also as separate individuals,” said Rose-Langston. He added, “It’s also a story that revolves around mental illness as well, which is one of my specialties as a professional, I’m a psychotherapist. And so that’s one of the things that drew me to the show. It’s one of the few pieces that I’ve found that really handles mental illness very accurately and also very compassionately. It doesn’t devolve into stereotypes or anything like that but really is embedded in the show in terms of mental illness and questioning your sanity is the importance of truth. The importance of understanding truth, recognizing truth, and being perceived as a truthful person, being trusted of your own mind, your own will. Those are the things that drew me to the piece.” Both Rose-Langston and Gaughan said they are eagerly awaiting the opening of Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of

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“Proof” and hope the shows can build momentum forward for the new theater group. “What I think we offer is something that the valley has been missing for quite a while, these very intimate, minimalistic productions that focus in on performance over production value. Production value is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, I love a big splashy show. It’s really beautiful to be part of that and I’m still part of ETC’s board of directors and still heavily involved with their shows as well. But this is something different. I thought it was a nice change of pace for the valley and it really allows us to focus on craft,” said Rose-Langston. Gaughan added, “I think the running joke currently is we’re just trying to get through this first production, but I do have visions for us. We’re such a wonderful community. I feel like we’re a little family of artists who’ve come together and we all have different

tastes and preferences, but I think there is a similar goal that we love really strong narratives. We love really strong tight plays, and we like doing them with simplicity.” Gaughan credited Easthampton Theater Company for their support in this new endeavor and added Heartbeat Theater is lucky to be based in the Pioneer Valley surrounded by artists who want to come together. “There’s just so much going on [in the area] and I found that people are so eager to be involved and create great art and I’ve never experienced that in my entire artistic career, this community of people coming together and uplifting each other,” said Gaughan, who moved to the area from Boston in the last year. “So, for us to be able to join this theater scene which we’re so grateful to be a part of it was very easy because everyone is so welcoming and helpful.”

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PENNYSAVER | JANUARY 8-14, 2026

UPHOLSTERY

SO THAT REMINDS ME

KEITH'S UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS

A podcast from The Reminder

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Find it on your favorite streaming platform

Call (413)562-6639 Monday-Friday, 9-5.

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PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry. Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588

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SNAP UP A DEAL in the CLASSIFIEDS Call now to place your ad!

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SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “CORNER TO CORNER”

413.213.6178

443B Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA • 181 Root Road, Westfield, MA

PLACE YOUR LEGAL ADS WITH REMINDER PUBLISHING & THE WESTFIELD NEWS! AFFORDABLE RATES AND PERSONAL SERVICE!

TO PLACE YOUR LEGAL AD CALL:

HATFIELD

Roxanne: 413.213.6178

HADLEY

sspada@thereminder.com EAST LONGMEADOW, ENFIELD/SOMERS, AND SPRINGFIELD REMINDERS

Evan: 413.213.6170

LUDLOW CHICOPEE

RUSSELL

emarcyoniak@thereminder.com FOR: HAMPSHIRE REMINDER AND CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD

HOLYOKE

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OTIS

PTON

WESTHAM

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NORTHAMPTON

EASTHAM

Shannon: 413.735.1660

PTON

rmiller-longtin@thereminder.com FOR: AGAWAM REMINDER, THE PENNYSAVER, AND WESTFIELD NEWS

AMHERST

WESTFIELD

GRANVILLE

MASSACHUSETTS

SOUTHWICK

WEST SPRINGFIELD

WILBRAHAM SPRINGFIELD

AGAWAM LONGMEADOW

CONNECTICUT

EAST LONGMEADOW

HAMPDEN

SOMERS ENFIELD

443B SHAKER ROAD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA • 413.525.6661 (DENSLOW ROAD ENTRANCE)

181 ROOT ROAD • WESTFIELD, MA • 413.562.4181 ~ Introducing the Park Square Realty FirstKey Program ~

The Best Way Home

Our goal is to help 100 First Time Buyers purchase a home in the next 12 months utilizing Mass Housing Down Payment Assistance. Qualified First Time Buyers can get $25,000 to go towards their down payment and their closing costs. Please contact one of our offices for details.

AGAWAM

Diane A. Kmec to Raymond Stephen Olko, 82 Dogwood Lane Unit 82 $260,000 Donna M. Moore and Brian N. Moore to Enver Salihi, 92 Dogwood Lane Unit 92 $280,000 Karen L. Withee, Robin L. Stacy and Stuart W. Randall to Kiana Stowell and James R. Hughes, 111 Cottonwood Ln. $475,000 Maritza L. Zavala to Lynnette Trujillo, 420 Main St. Unit 82 $199,000 Mary Rose Sitek to Lindsey Michelle Kiniry, 134 Mallard Circle $315,000 Nathan Charles Auger and Ariana Auger to Jonathan Navarro and Elvira Carrillo, 46 Plantation Drive $240,000 Pah Properties LLC, to Michael J. Serra, 869-871 Main St. $561,000 Robert D. Taupier and Lisa M. Taupier to Michael A. Nigro and Tara Bates, 64 Woodside Drive $475,000 Robert N. Dunn to James Peter Gastringer and Denise M. Gastringer, 15 Forest Ridge Lane $457,000 Samantha Anderson, Samantha Sanocki and Gregory Sanocki to Ryan P. Todesco, 691 Mill St. $285,000

HOLYOKE

Josue Colon and Carlos F. Colon to Roland Toussaint, 75 Elm St. Judy M. Keith and Patricia Bylicki to Juliana Olmstead and John Barbagallo, 43 King St. Russell J. Mawdsley and Helene M. Mawdsley to Kenneth P. Bachand Jr., 17 Cleveland St. WTM-SB LLC, to ND Logistics LLC, 120 Middle Water St.

MONTGOMERY

Western Mass LLC, to Kristin L. Chaffee and Matthew Thomas Dumphey, 3 North Road

SOUTHAMPTON

Richard L. Truehart, Richard L. Truehart Jr., and Paul E. Truehart to Fallon Holdings LLC, 6 Parc Place Daniel LaValley and Abigail LaValley to Christopher Hirsch and Amy M. Scott, 17 Glendale Road

SOUTHWICK

Denis Ukrainets and Inna Ukrainets to Gary Popovich and Heidi Popovich, 7 Sawgrass Lane

The Best Way Home WESTFIELD: 413.568.9226 W. SPRINGFIELD: 413.737.3600

parksquarerealty.com

Douglas Wentworth and Launa Wentworth to Rachel Sutherland and Craig Gay, 16 Grandview St. Kurt S. Shea and Meaghan Shea to Shae M. Harrison and Richard E. Harrison, 2 Gableview Lane Lawrence F. Hallisey, representative, and John P. Lodola, estate, to Jeffrey Carney, 3 Pine Road

$650,000 $1,175,000 $460,000

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Derek Joseph Murray and Siobhan Marie Murray to Karen Anne Pare and Robert Raymond Pare, 139 Upper Beverly Hills $339,900 John W. Read Jr., trustee, and John W. Read Jr. Living TruSt. trustee of, to Vitaliy Redka and Inna Redka, 0 Bear Hole Rd. $56,000 Kenneth Thivierge (REP) and Richard G Thivierge (EST) to Hassle Free Llc, 18 Salem St. $245,000 Michael Theulen and Marjorie Theulen to William Fontaine and Jean Fontaine, 43 Wishing Well Way $540,000 Paul K. Graves Jr., to Alejandro Marrero, 278 Elm St. $399,900 Stephen M. Cross and Deborah Ann Cross to Michael Theulen and Marjorie Theulen, 64 Apple Ridge Road $542,000 West Co. Investments LLC, to Siobhan M. Murray and Derek J. Murray, 42 Gregory Lane $560,000

$450,000 $290,000 WESTFIELD $469,900 Cornerstone Homebuying LLC, to Lanee N. Sutherland and James R. Smith, 444 Loomis St. $875,000 Huse Family Realty LLC, to Westfield Falcon 160 LLC, 160 Falcon Drive Lynn Ann Morris to Tyler Delgado, 549 Russell Road Unit 15C $549,000 Mary D. Jez, Mary D. Herzog and Wolf Herzog to J. Sperry Realty LLC, 229 Union St. Marybeth Hayes and Andrew C. Hendricks to Jenna Lee-Guiffre and Kyle Guiffre, 40 Heritage Lane $350,000 Pizza Town Holdco LLC, to Kingsbridge Vermont LLC, 286 East Main St. $520,000 R & A Realty Inc., to 82 Medeiros Way LLC, 82 Medeiros Way Robert A. Greenleaf Jr., to Eric J. Clarke and Meagan E. Clarke, 243 Holyoke Road $647,000 Talia K. Williams, representative, and Stanislawa Steglinski, estate, to DL Homes LLC, 10 Ethan Ave.

$460,000 $4,000,000 $150,000 $240,000 $491,000 $2,879,984 $576,000 $320,000 $187,500

JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | PENNYSAVER

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