Southwick raises transfer sticker fee by $15
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — The Select Board was talking trash during its meeting on June 1 before it raised the annual regular transfer sticker price from $180 to $195 and the senior sticker from $95 to $110.
The change will cover the increase of $7,000 in salaries for the DPW’s Solid Waste Division, but it won’t cover a drop in sticker revenue of over $100,000 over the last two years.
“How do you lose 600 stickers … where’d they go?” asked new board member Joseph Deedy about the number of stickers sold in 2025 versus 2026.
“I’ve been racking my brain,” said DPW Director Rich Bosak about trying to understand the steep drop in sticker sales.
In fiscal year 2025, there were 753 stickers purchased at the full rate of $170 and 1,325 stickers sold at the senior rate of $95. Other sticker categories, including prorated and second vehicle stickers, generated $266,159, which is $101,355 less than this year.
For this fiscal year, there were 526 stickers purchased at the full rate of $185 and 731 stickers sold at the senior rate of $105. Meanwhile, other sticker categories, including prorated and second vehicle stickers, generated $187,334.
“I drove around, and I’ve just seen more and more [residents using a private curbside pickup company]”, Bosak said.
“There’s a lot of trucks … they’re just more [trash] barrels,” said board member Russ Anderson.
Board member Douglas Moglin, who was chosen to be chair as the meeting started, said there were two things at play.
IN THIS EDITION
WESTFIELD
Westfield flag raising kicks off Pride Month
A ceremonial pride flag on June 1 kickstarted a bevy of events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
Page 2
SOUTHWICK
Plan to restore parts of conservation area
ConCom’s efforts focus on fixing North Pond area.
Page 5
“One is, you’re seeing more and more homes [taking] private pickup,” he said, adding that the increasing number of seniors who qualify for the senior rate has risen as the town’s elderly population has increased. “That’s reflecting the population in town,” he said.
Moglin also said that the increase in the sticker rate closes the difference between the cost of curbside pickup, which is between $400 and $500 annually.
“If you raise a sticker price to a certain point, people will start taking curbside, and then you start to run into the problem where you still have the fixed cost to operate the transfer station on way fewer users,” he said.
That drop in revenue means every taxpayer in town is on the hook for the division’s projected operating deficit of $495,277, which is a $141,954 increase from last year.
Before the board voted to raise the rates, Anderson said he had a “feeling that people will feel that 10 or 20 bucks in the sticker [price] more than they’re gonna feel the absorption of the tax rate.”
After the board unanimously approved the increase, Bosak proposed a change in policy for pricing prorated stickers that were bought after Jan. 1.
He proposed that prorated stickers, which cost $98, would only be for new residents or residents who have cancelled curbside pickup with DPW approval.
That proposal would have regular transfer stickers cost the same amount no matter what month of the year they were purchased.
“There are a lot of folks waiting until after [Jan. 1] and then getting it at the cheaper price … So I think that’s where we’re losing some funds,” Bosak said.
“So, they wait till January
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and then get a half-price sticker,” Anderson said, clarifying Bosak’s proposal.
To get the prorated sticker, Deedy said, there might be residents who “have snuck” into the transfer station for the first six months, waiting until Jan. 1 to buy it.
“There’s a hundred of them doing that a year now,” Deedy said to Bosak.
“Not that many. Not 100, but I mean – 20, 25 – anywhere in there,” Bosak said.
He also said that while part of the reason for the proposal was to generate additional revenue for the division, another part was to keep residents honest.
“This was just to have everybody be a little more honest,” he said.
“I understand where you’re coming from,” Anderson said.
The board elected to discuss the issue again at its next meeting on June 8.
Residents are shown tossing recyclables into the bins at the Southwick Transfer Station. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the crew that mans the station said anywhere between 300 and 400 vehicles will arrive to drop off household waste and recyclables.
Westfield kicks off Pride Month with sixth flag raising
By Ryan Feyre rfeyre@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — In the eyes of Kathi Bradford, the Pride flag is more than a fabric; it’s a promise to not mistake small progress for permanent justice.
“This flag rises in celebration ... but celebration without commitment is simply decoration,” said Bradford, the president of the Westfield Pride Alliance.
“Pride without action is only performance, so tonight cannot only be about being seen, it cannot only be ceremonial flying, here at the seat of our community government for the next week; it has to be about being responsible for one another every day.”
Bradford’s call to action came during the ceremonial Pride flag raising outside Westfield City Hall on June 1, which kickstarted a bevy of weeklong events celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community.
The kickoff event attracted many dignitaries, including Mayor Michael McCabe, state Sen. John Veils, state Rep. Kelly Pease, At Large City Councilor Cindy Harris, Ward 6 City Councilor William Onyski, Ward 3 City Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane and School Committee member Kathleen Hillman.
Velis, fresh off his recent Massachusetts National Guard deployment, used his time to laud Justice John Greaney, a Westfield-born resident who helped write the majority opinion for the Goodrich v. Department of Public Health case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court case in 2003 that required the state to recognize same sex marriage. The landmark decision was the first by the U.S. state’s highest court to find that same sex couples had the right to marry.
“To say [the Goodrich opinion] was seminal, to say it was unprecedented, and to say it was courageous, is an understatement,” Velis said. “You look back, and you read that opinion and the amount of pride that I felt when I saw that name, Judge Greaney.”
The June 1 event marked the sixth time that the city of Westfield has recognized Pride Month with a flag raising. According to the Westfield Pride website, the first Pride flag displayed openly in a Westfield municipal building was at a “Leap” Out to Breakfast event in February 2020. The event was created by Dennis Atkins and Tina Gorman, then-director of the Westfield Senior Center, to gather the underserved senior LGBTQIA+ population.
Following that event, a Westfield Pride ad hoc committee consisting of Atkins, Bradford, Christopher Clark, At Large City Councilor Kristen Mello, and former Councilors Mary O’Connell and Agma Sweeney. Later that year, on June 26, the Pride flag soared in front of City Hall for the first time.
Since that time, the alliance has grown in both numbers and Pride events, according to organizers, and they now work with sponsors and partners that include local public and private businesses, local churches and private citizens.
For the first time ever, the Mass Cultural Council gave Westfield Pride a $5,000 grant to help spearhead the activi-
ties throughout the month and year. Atkins, in his remarks, also thanked Velis, Westfield Gas & Electric, ESB Bank, the 100 individuals in the community who wrote checks, and many others who helped make Pride Month in Westfield possible.
Like Velis, he also touted Greaney’s contributions to the legality of same sex marraige across the country, noting that the landmark decision allowed him to be with his “beautiful husband, who he ”adore[s] to the ends of the world.”
“It wasn’t long after [the Goodrich decision], the U.S. Supreme Court would read [Greaney’s] decision and help guide them to make the national decision for gay marriage,” Atkins said. “So, my love and
support to you and to all the justices who made sure that I’m with the best man I have ever seen in my life.”
McCabe recognized Pride Month with a proclamation, and before the flag was raised with the help of Greaney, Bradford left the crowd with one final message. “As this flag rises, let something rise with it, your willingness to engage, your willingness to protect, your willingness to lead, and your willingness to keep going long after the applause fades and this flag raising ends,” Bradford said. “Because the future is not built by symbols hanging in the air. It is built by people who decide relentlessly, publicly, courageously, that every human being deserves the freedom to live openly and fully without fear.”
Above, The Pride Flag rising in front of Westfield City Hall on June 1. At right, flanked by dignitaries and Westfield Pride Alliance members, Mayor Michael McCabe read a proclamation recognizing Pride Month in Westfield during the June 1 flag raising ceremony.
Reminder Publishing photos by Ryan Feyre
SO THAT REMINDS ME — On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me”, hosts Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre sat down with Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby to discuss one of the most consequential votes facing the city in recent memory: a proposed $6.9 million Proposition 2½ override. To listen visit thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search
That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
Reminder Publishing photo by Chris Maza
Velis: Burden of data centers should not fall on residents
By Chris Maza cmaza@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — Acknowledging that the use of artificial intelligence and the need for supporting data centers are not only becoming a fact of life but also a potential economic boon for the state, state Sen. John Velis renewed his push for assurances that the energy and water impacts of these centers do not impact local rate payers.
The Executive Office of Economic Development issued final regulations for new tax incentive programs designed to entice investors in the emerging technology to develop data centers in the state in March.
“I firmly believe that Massachusetts needs to continue to be a leader of technological innova-
tion and advancement; in fact I think it is vital for Massachusetts to remain a competitive with other states however, these advances cannot be born on the backs of residents,” John Velis said in a statement on June 2. “Today’s costs already put enough strain on residents’ wallets, and that is why I firmly believe that any costs associated with data centers should fall squarely on the facilities that are directly responsible for the increased usage.”
Among the potential projects is a $2.75 billion center on a 10acre parcel on Servisar Industrial Way, proposed by Westmass Area Development Corp.
With rising energy rates already a concern for local consumers, Thomas Flaherty, general manager for Westfield Gas &
Electric, told The Republican earlier this year that the power draw from such a development would be the equivalent of the peak load required for the entire city of Westfield 85 megawatts.
Another set of developers are proposing a $200 million, 20-megawatt data center for a vacant property in Holyoke on the Connecticut River. Historically known as the Hampden Papers complex, which closed after 140 years in business in 2022, it was most recently the home of a cannabis growing facility. That project, which developers say involves an orphaned power supply, is smaller and would require only approximately 20 megawatts.
Velis, a Democrat from Westfield whose district also includes Holyoke, penned a pair of letters
to the Executive Office of Economic Development expressing concerns about the potential energy strain posed by data centers. He sent the first letter in October 2025 as the EOED was developing the regulations. The final regulations require any developer applying for state tax incentive program to provide information on peak energy demand. Following the release of the regulations in March, Velis reiterated in an April letter that “costs associated with increased energy usage or consumption should absolutely not fall to the residents of our communities”.
The City Council scheduled a June 18 public hearing on a proposed 12-month moratorium on data centers in the city of Westfield. City Councilor Kristen Mel-
lo, chair of the Natural Resources Subcommittee, presented the motion, which also called for sharing the proposal with the Planning Board, passed unanimously.
Mello said she had drafted what a moratorium for data centers would look like, giving the same definition as the one used by the state. She said a moratorium must state a specific time frame, exactly what the council needs the time for, and what they are going to do in that time.
She said the draft asks for a year, extendable only if public health is in danger, which will allow the city to look at what the environmental and public health consequences of these installations are and to get expert information on where in the city they can go without causing danger.
WG&E ‘Home Plus’program now includes all utility customers
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — In the name
of helping homeowners transition to energy-efficient heat pumps, Westfield Gas & Electric is expanding its innovative financing piloting program, called “Home Plus.”
The goal of the program is to increase the overall energy efficiency of the homes for those who qualify to customers throughout the city.
“This is a great opportunity to upgrade the comfort and value of your home,” said WG&E Key Account Sales Manager Andrew Short.
According to WG&E, the program eliminates the cost barrier that homeowners of-
SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden District Attorney’s Office recently concluded the inaugural year of HERizon, a young women’s empowerment program created to foster confidence, connection, leadership and self-growth among high school girls across Hampden County.
The final meeting of the year centered around an open roundtable discussion, encouraging participants to reflect on what they learned throughout the program, what they were proud of accomplishing this year and how they had grown both personally and socially.
To begin the discussion, participants were asked to describe how they were feeling in one word. Many girls chose words such as “sad,” “emotional” and “bittersweet,” reflecting on the reality that the evening marked the final HERizon meeting of the year — and for several graduating seniors, their final HERizon
ten face when seeking to upgrade to high-efficient heating and cooling systems by providing an interest-free loan of up to $27,000 for qualified homeowners.
When the program started, it targeted homeowners who own and reside in a Westfield Environmental Justice Block group designated by the Massachusetts 2020 Environmental Justice Populations Map. “The program was restructured to expand across all neighborhoods in the city,” Short said.
WG&E General Manager Tom Flaherty said homeowners who are considering applying for the program should think of it as a “friendly loan from your local neighborhood utility.”
meeting altogether.
During the discussion, participants were invited to ask candid questions to the women facilitators from the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, many of whom are in their mid-20s to early 30s. One of the central questions posed by the girls was whether life in your 20s is “scary.”
Facilitators acknowledged that life after high school and college can feel intimidating, but emphasized that with age often comes greater confidence, maturity and opportunity. Several women reflected that while uncertainty is natural in early adulthood, their late 20s and 30s became some of the most fulfilling years of their lives thus far, explaining that over time they became more secure in themselves, more intentional in relationships and more certain about who they wanted to be.
And the municipal utility is making it easy to repay the loan. WG&E noted that $150 will be added to a qualified homeowner’s monthly utility bill and paid off over 15 years. This allows homeowners who may not be able to qualify for a traditional bank loan to upgrade to a heat pump, which people often forget also operates as an air conditioner.
To qualify for the program, homeowners must currently be heating primarily with oil, wood, propane or electric baseboard systems, and they must be a current WG&E customer in good standing, Short said.
For those homeowners who qualify, the program will finance heat pump installation, insulation upgrades and win-
dow and/or door replacements.
WG&E will also provide a free home energy audit conducted by the Center for EcoTechnology. Homeowners can also use existing federal tax credits and WG&E rebates to reduce the amount financed.
WG&E also offers a rebate of $6,000 for the installation of a 4-ton heat pump, $2,000 for upgrading to energy-efficient windows, and $1,000 for upgrading a home’s insulation.
The utility is offering up to $3,500 to convert the electrical panel in a qualified home from 100 amps to 200 amps, which is required for the pump’s installation, Short said.
Qualified homeowners also have the freedom to choose
qualified, licensed contractors to perform the work, Short said. He added that several contractors in the city already meet those qualifications.
The Home Plus Pilot Program is backed by $1.5 million, which is self-funded by WG&E. The pilot will be limited to 50 participants, selected in rounds throughout the year. As the program evolves, the loan payments will be plowed back into a revolving account so additional homeowners can take advantage of it with the idea of it becoming self-sustaining. Interested homeowners can check their address eligibility and begin the application process by visiting wgeld.org/ form-pages/home-plus.
This unique board game features businesses, points of interest and landmarks all over the town of Westfield, Massachusetts.
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Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce 166 Elm Street, Westfield, MA
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Operations Director: Curtis Panlilio
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Staff Writers: Sarah Heinonen, Deb Gardner, Amy Porter, Trent Levakis, Cliff Clark, Tyler Garnet, Peter Tuohy
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Graphic Design Department: Leigh Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio
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Monson Savings Bank names new vice president
MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Wendy L. Wakefield as vice president, director of residential lending.
“Wendy’s depth of experience in residential lending, combined with her leadership and commitment to customer success, make her an excellent addition to our team,” said Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank. “We are confident that her expertise will further strengthen our mortgage operations and enhance the services we provide to our customers.”
In her new role, Wakefield will oversee the bank’s mortgage department, leading residential lending operations and supporting the Bank’s continued commitment to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals.
Wakefield brings more than 20 years of experience in banking and financial services, including 13 years specializing in residential lending. She most recently worked at North Brookfield Savings Bank, where
she was responsible for lending compliance, project management and loan servicing. Her extensive background and leadership experience will play a key role in enhancing the Bank’s residential lending services.
Wakefield holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from New England College of Business and a Project Management certification from Cornell University. Her educational background supports her strong operational leadership, strategic planning capabilities, and commitment to delivering efficient, customer-focused lending solutions.
Wakefield plays an active leadership role internally at Monson Savings Bank, contributing to the Bank’s Audit, Compliance, and CRA/Fair Lending committees. In these capacities, she supports key strategic and regulatory initiatives, helping to uphold the bank’s strong commitment to compliance, risk management and responsible lending practices. Her involvement highlights her dedication to maintaining the highest stan-
girls to participate, and offering suggestions for future topics and activities.
“At its core, HERizon was always about creating a safe and authentic space for young women to feel heard, supported and empowered,” said Hampden District Attorney Gulluni. “Watching these girls build confidence in themselves, form meaningful friendships, and openly discuss challenges they are facing has been incredibly powerful. The feedback we received confirmed exactly why programs like this matter.”
As part of the final meeting, participants were gifted commemorative HERizon sweatshirts from the District Attorney’s Office featuring the program’s logo — a rising half sun with the word “HERizon” across the front — symbolizing growth, hope and the future ahead.
Students also discussed ideas for the future of the program, including returning to the office over the summer to help shape next year’s meetings, brainstorming ways to encourage more
The evening concluded with an anonymous feedback session where participants were encouraged to share honest reflections on their experience during the program’s first year.
Overall, participants rated their experience an average of 4.8 out of 5, with 100% of participants reporting that HERizon helped them grow “a lot” as a person.
Several participants described HERizon as a place where they felt genuinely seen, supported and comfortable opening up.
“It was a breath of fresh air to connect with other girls face to face and build a community,” one participant shared anonymously.
Another participant wrote, “I loved being able to open up. Besides my own room, I feel like this was the room I was most comfortable. I think being in HERizon correlates to my increased confidence and the fact that I made so many friends this year.”
Others reflected on the relationships formed throughout the year, with one participant writ-
dards of operational excellence and reinforcing the Bank’s mission-driven approach to serving its communities. Outside of her role at the Bank, Wakefield is engaged in her local community as a participant in the Rutland Youth Soccer League. Her community involvement further reflects her dedication to supporting families and strengthening the communities she serves.
Wakefield shared that she was drawn to Monson Savings Bank because of its strong reputation and commitment to the communities it serves. She looks forward to collaborating with her colleagues and contributing to the Bank’s continued growth and success.
“I’m excited to join the team at Monson Savings Bank,” said Wakefield. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about helping individuals and families achieve homeownership, and I look forward to working alongside a group that shares those same values. Together, we will continue delivering trusted guidance and expand the ways
we empower individuals and families to reach their homeownership goals.”
To contact Wakefield, call 413-267-1216 or email wwakefield@monsonsavngs.com. To learn more about Monson Savings Bank and its team, visit monsonsavings.bank.
Members of the Hampden District Attorney’s Office HERizon team and student ambassador gathered for a group photo on the program’s final day, celebrating a year of mentorship, confidence-building and connection. Pictured from left are Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Simonian, Community Safety and Outreach Deputy Director Gina Anselmo, student ambassador Rista Pradhan of Putnam High School, Community Safety and Outreach Specialist Halie Matthew and Communications Director Payton North.
ing that the women facilitators at the District Attorney’s Office had “become like older sisters,” while another shared that the women involved in HERizon “showed me how I want to live my life when I get older.”
Participants also highlighted increased confidence, healthier boundaries, improved self-worth and personal growth as major impacts of the program.
“My confidence is so much better,” one participant wrote.
“The way I treat myself and my discipline has become better. This program allowed me to better reflect on myself.”
Another shared, “I’m more social and confident around people I don’t know well.”
Throughout the year, HERizon explored topics including confidence and empowerment, healthy relationships, positive self-talk, self-love, mental health, navigating stress and personal growth through both discussions and interactive activities. Participants also took part in hands-on workshops and conversations led by guest speakers throughout the year. One session fea-
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
tured a doula who spoke about women’s health and menstrual cycles. Another gave participants practical car maintenance lessons with Bob “the Bike Guy” Charland, who taught skills such as changing windshield wiper fluid, checking oil and changing a tire. HERizon also hosted a career panel featuring women working in entrepreneurship, law enforcement, healthcare, and mental health fields.
The Hampden District Attorney’s Office launched HERizon for the 2025-2026 school year as part of its ongoing commitment to youth outreach, prevention and community engagement. The program is facilitated by young women staff members from across the office and focuses on helping girls build confidence, leadership skills and meaningful peer connections in a supportive environment.
For more information about HERizon or to inquire about joining the program, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Community Safety and Outreach Specialist Halie Matthew at halie. matthew@mass.gov.
Monson Savings Bank Vice President, Director of Residential Lending Wendy Wakefield. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Commission plan to restore parts of conservation area
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — The Conservation Commission approved a plan it had been developing for over six months to restore the areas of the North Pond Conservation Area that have been severely eroded by foot traffic.
The decision followed a site visit with several staff members of the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
“That all kind of fits right into your plan here. So, that’s excellent,” said Commissioner Dennis Clark after commission Coordinator Sabrina Pooler gave an overview of the plan and suggestions from MassWildlife staff.
The Conservation Commission is focused on the most significant spot in the conservation area: the land just above the former King’s Beach, which has a steep slope and bare soil caused by years of visitor foot traffic.
Last year, the commission began developing a planting plan for that spot and other eroded areas and chose the types of trees and shrubs to plant. They closed off what’s considered the Scenic Trail, which leads down to the sandy beach, to limit access and give vegetation time to take root.
The work couldn’t start without the approval of MassWildlife and a negative determination by the commission — issued during the meeting — that the work wouldn’t harm any areas under the state’s Wetlands Protection Act.
The plan is still awaiting approval from MassWildlife.
Pooler said that during the site visit, the staffers had sever-
al suggestions for reestablishing vegetation on the eroded slope and proposed an alternative to the plantings.
She said that, instead of putting loam down for plantings and eliminating the need to keep them irrigated, throwing branches, trees, and stones into the gully areas could be an option.
“Over time, the soil will build up, and even in that time, we can do some like spot planting. That might be easier for maintenance,”
Pooler said.
If the commission decided to follow through with the plantings, the officials suggested adding sand to the loam to help drainage.
“They’re worried about, over time, the loam [will start] slouching, which is like slipping down the hill. So, if you add a little bit of sand in, it the help with drainage,” Pooler said.
The officials also suggested installing logs crosswise on the slope and straw wattles, also called straw worms or bio-logs, to reduce erosion.
When the commission found a negative determination regarding the Wetlands Protection Act, it also approved three phases to restore the eroded areas.
Phase I is essentially the plan to restore the bare slope.
During the meeting, Pooler did not speak in detail about Phase II but included Phase II in a report to the commission about the site visit, noting that it is in the area of one of several unapproved trails. Currently, there are only three approved trails.
That area contains “limited understory vegetation,” a sparse or absent layer of plants, shrubs
and seedlings growing beneath a forest canopy, and visibly compacted soils, according to Pooler’s report.
Soil compaction could be responsible for the limited understory vegetation and could prevent root penetration and establishment of planned plantings.
Pooler wrote that the MassWildlife staff suggested light scarification of soils using a garden rake may help improve rooting conditions and plant establishment.
Pooler wrote that the downside of that would be an increased possibility of erosion, which could be mitigated using water bars, such as shallow trenches or elevated bars, to redirect stormwater.
The plan for Phase III is to use one of the eroded, unapproved trails, which Pooler said appeared to be an old driveway, revegetate it with native plantings, and install a pea-stone pathway.
“The proposed pathway would involve the construction of reinforced wooden framed sections filled with pea stone to create a stabilized walking surface resistant to erosion and continued trail degradation,” Pooler wrote in the commission report, saying the pathway would be formally added to the approved trail list under the area’s conservation restriction.
“I think the reason for the stone path is to deter people from walking on a plant, and things like that, and stay on the stone path instead of venturing off and destroying what we fixed,” she said at the meeting.
The staff also proposed in-
stalling a fence at the beginning and end of the new trail to prevent ATVs from getting through and destroying the work.
Clark said there was already a fence at the beginning of the proposed new trail.
Pooler said there was some fencing, but “it’s not going to block it completely, but it’s a deterrence, and there’s only so much we can do.”
Commission Chair Norman Cheever said that, after the unanimous vote to approve the plan, the commission will now wait for the state’s response.
“Once we get those comments back from the state, we’ll have a clear idea of what we can do. And then maybe we’ll have another meeting on what we want to do,” Cheever said.
“Right,” said Commissioner
Jerry Patria. “They may give us further direction … and revise it and do another approval [of the plan]
Russell man indicted for 18 counts of child rape
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A Hampden
Superior Court grand jury indicted a Russell man on 17 counts of rape of a child with force. The charges include seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, seven counts of rape of a child with force, three counts of indecent assault and battery on a child under 14, and one count of witness intimidation, according to Hampden Superior Court records.
Andrew Derosier, 36, of 1298 Blandford Road, Russell,
was originally arraigned in connection with similar charges in Westfield District Court on Jan. 29 and ordered held without bail until May 29, according to district court records.
According to the indictments returned by the grand jury on March 3, the assaults occurred between April 2023 and November 2025.
Derosier was arraigned on March 29, when he pleaded not guilty.
Before that, however, Hampden County Assistant District Attorney Carrie Kenniston filed
a motion asking that he again be held without bail pending trial.
The typical period for being held without bail in superior court is 180 days.
The grounds for the motion were the severity of the charges and the intimidation of a witness, “which have the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person.”
Kenniston also said in the motion that “no condition of release imposed upon the defendant will reasonably assure the safety of the victim or the community.”
The findings said that he
would face significant time in prison if convicted on the charges.
Derosier was also described as having a dependency on drugs and alcohol, and there had been prior assaults on the victim and two other family members, including one who filed a restraining order against him, according to findings included in the court record.
The motion to keep Derosier in jail until he is tried on the charges was granted by Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Trapani, according to court records.
According to state law, if
Derosier is found or pleads guilty to just one charge of rape of a child with force or aggravated rape of a child, he will serve life in prison for no less than 20 years. imprisonment in the state prison for life or for any term of years, but not less than 20 years. The sentence also cannot be reduced to 20 years, and any person convicted is not eligible for probation, parole, work release, or furlough. Convicted people also cannot receive any deduction from a sentence for good conduct until they serve 20 years of such sentence.
Fund that covers uninsured faces ballooning deficit
By Alison Kuznitz State House News Service
BOSTON — The state account that handles the cost of health care for uninsured or underinsured Bay Staters could reach a $600 million deficit by fiscal year 2028 as patients, care providers and state officials struggle with the human and financial impacts of federal policy changes, a Healey administration undersecretary said on June 2.
The account faced a $300 million shortfall last year, forcing lawmakers to raise assessments on hospitals to cover costs. It now appears the fund’s deficits are widening, putting more pressure on policymakers to come up with solutions.
The Health Safety Net Fund is “under a lot of strain,” Undersecretary of Health Amy Rosen-
thal acknowledged during a health equity summit that united government officials, community health leaders, medical providers and students at the University of Massachusetts Boston.
“It will continue to only grow in its challenges,” Rosenthal said.
“The projection that we’re using by FY ‘28 is there will be a $600 million hole as we see more and more people become uninsured.”
The fund typically has about $318 million available for uncompensated care delivered at acute hospitals and community health centers, but $418 million is available in fiscal 2026 due to funding from the Legislature and federal revenues, according to a spokesperson for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.
That extra money combined with a cheaper pharmacy formulary brings the projected shortfall to
$150 million in fiscal 2026, the spokesperson said.
State officials project 300,000 residents could lose their insurance through MassHealth or the Massachusetts Health Connector due to federal policy changes within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The biggest losses will start in 2027, as new Medicaid work requirements and more frequent eligibility checks take effect. The turbulence comes as MassHealth Undersecretary Mike Levine steps down from his post next week.
Rosenthal said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released highly anticipated guidance on June 1 about how states are supposed to implement and administer the new requirements. The guidance is almost 400 pages.
“We are still literally actively processing and understanding
what that is,” Rosenthal said. “I think that there is certainly some concerns about what that guidance will say and what kind of disruption that will provide. But I would say the next couple of days and weeks, we’ll have a better handle on it.”
MassHealth is working to “minimize” the actions that people need to take to stay covered, including setting up infrastructure to automatically enroll eligible individuals, Rosenthal said.
In January, the Healey administration rolled out its plan to spend $250 million on heavily subsidized insurance offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector, in an attempt to help people struggling with the impacts of expiring federal tax credits.
Massachusetts is expected to lose $3.5 billion in federal dollars annually once all health care
provisions of the federal law take. Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said the looming “federal headwinds” feel more like a “federal hurricane.”
“I think these cuts are driven by profoundly mean-spirited mentality, like they’re doing exactly what they’re designed to do — to target the most vulnerable members of our society in the cruelest ways,” Driscoll said.
Driscoll also called the federal cuts “dumb,” saying, “If the federal government turns its back on providing for the most vulnerable, it only drives up the cost of care for everyone.”
Jen Cedor, supervising attorney at Health Law Advocates, spoke about using medical-legal partnerships to stave off coverage losses for immigrants. Some 36,000 immigrants lost healthcare
See UNINSURED on page 7
Horace Smith Fund awards $311,000 to area students
WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, June 18, at 6 p.m., the Horace Smith Fund will hold its 127th Annual Corporators’ Meeting and scholarship awards ceremony at the Carriage House of Storrowton Tavern for recipients, their parents, school counselors and corporators.
Wayne Webster, chair of the Board of Trustees, announced that this year there will be 21 Walter S. Barr Scholarships awards, with 17 going to graduating high school seniors and four to recipients currently attending college. The William R. Rooney Award will be granted to one high school candidate who has received special education services. There are also four Walter S. Barr Fellowship recipients. Providing that students maintain at least a B average in college, each scholarship provides a total of up to $12,000
over four years and each fellowship provides up to $15,000 over two years. Therefore, The Horace Smith Fund is happy to be able to grant a total award of $311,000 to area students this year.
The Horace Smith Fund was established in 1899 by the successful and generous philanthropist named Horace Smith. He and Daniel Wesson were the founders of Smith & Wesson, located in Springfield. Smith’s will provided that the residual of his estate, after several bequests to relatives and institutions, was to be used for public purposes at the discretion of his executors. They decided that it should be used to help deserving students finance their education.
The Walter S. Barr Scholarships and Fellowships are named for a West Springfield businessman, whose widow left the bulk
avoid those costly ER visits.”
subsidies on Jan. 1, in one of the first major cover losses due to shifting federal policy.
“We partner with hospitals, and community health centers, and organizations to represent folks who are actively facing health crisis and at the same time facing issues with their insurance coverage and service denials,” Cedor said. “And so we work with the providers, case workers, everyone on the health team in order to advocate for access to care and coverage for individuals.”
Ilana Steinhauer, executive director of the healthcare program
Volunteers In Medicine Berkshires, suggested setting a statewide self-pay rate that is “reasonable and affordable” for people who lose their insurance.
“We need to do that ASAP,” Steinhauer said. “This is important, so that when people come in and they do need something, we know what the cost is going to be before they have that bill come to them. So, we can have shared decision making and hopefully
Massachusetts did receive $162 million from the federal law to bolster rural health. State officials are reviewing proposals aimed at closing equity gaps in rural areas and investing in new ways to deliver care, Driscoll told the News Service. Rosenthal said that a Training Healthcare for Retention, Innovation and Excellence, or THRIVE initiative, will be focused on “providing support and strengthening the full continuum of the healthcare workforce in rural communities.”
of the family estate to The Horace Smith Fund in 1950. The William R. Rooney Award is named for a past executive director with a desire to assist special needs students. All recipients must be residents of Hampden County.
This year’s scholarship recipients who are graduating seniors are from the following high schools:
• East Longmeadow High School: Lily S. Gurung, Brodie T. Truong, Emerson C. Vigneux
• Gateway Regional High School: Theodore L. DeAngelis-Page, Eliza J. Mueller
Longmeadow High School: Yewon Kim
• Ludlow Senior High School: Benjamin B. Goodreau
• Minnechaug Regional High School: Aidan J. Dzierwinski, Tyler W. Jaslanek
• Pope Francis Preparatory
School: Akosua A. Ahenkang, Marcus K. Tran, Oliver Tran
• Springfield Central High School: Gabrielle S. Siphanoum
• Springfield International Charter School: Joseph Wong
• West Springfield High School: Mia E. Francis, Kaleigh A. Schneider
• Westfield High School: Brandon T. Cekovsky, Lani J. Ching
This year’s scholarship recipients who are already in college are:
• Elms College: Cianalyn E. Ricardi (Belchertown High School)
MCPHS: Anna Zhao (Agawam High School)
• WNEU: Janiya A. Martinez (Springfield Central High School)
• Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Nicholas M. Ritchie (Pope Francis Preparatory School)
The four fellowship recipients are graduates of the following colleges and high schools:
• AIC: Saniya J. Stewart (Chicopee Comprehensive High School)
• Harvard University: Richard Darkwa (West Springfield High School)
• Lafayette College: Roman F. Conca (West Springfield High School)
• Springfield College: Katelynn R. Mersincavage (Hampden Charter School of Science East) Students were selected on a variety of criteria, including their test scores, class rank, extra-curricular activities and a personal written account of why the student feels deserving of financial assistance. Applications for next year’s awards will be available Sept. 15 online at HoraceSmithFund.org or by calling 413-739-4222.
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.
OTIS
AGAWAM
Pamela E. Buoniconti
Jeffrey Scott Diduk
Alexandra G. Orr
FEEDING HILLS
Eva Jack
William M. Lemoine
Theodore G. LaBonte
SOUTHWICK
Thomas E. LaPolice
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz@ stateaffairs.com. TheReminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Jeffrey Paul “Jeff” Clark
WESTFIELD
Michael
Erik D. Nordstrom
Wilhelmina Hall
Virginia Louise “Ginny” Joslin
Christine M. Lapinski
J. Garcia
‘La Casita Experience’ to transform MassMutual Center
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Center will soon host one big celebration of community, blending music and dance, live performances, DJ sets and interactive visuals to represent the high energy nightlife experience rooted in Puerto Rican culture.
“La Casita Experience” rolls into Springfield on June 27, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the event at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39 for general admission and $67 for VIP.
The event is inspired by the traditional casita, which translates to “little house,” but culturally represents a deep symbol of home and community. Venues are transformed into immersive Caribbean environments where culture lives and breathes, with a custom-built casita structure surrounded by live salsa, bomba y plena performances and nonstop reggaeton.
It is the work of MLopez Promotions, a full service event production and entertainment company, created by Marcos Lopez, that has created high quality live experiences across the northeast for over a decade.
The mission of “La Casita Experience” is to “create cultural experiences to authentically represent Puerto Rican heritage and empower local communities by providing opportunities for artists, vendors and creatives to showcase their talent,” a press release said.
“‘La Casita Experience’ is more than just a cultural event, it is a movement that inspires pride, fosters unity and leaves a lasting
NORTHAMPTON — Reser-
vations are going fast for Valley Players’ music-, magic- and dancing-filled production of “The Tempest,” with half of net ticket sales to be donated to the Center for New Americans to support immigrant and refugee families in the Valley.
The will show go up as a picnic-theater performance at Black Birch Vineyard (108 Straits Road, Hatfield) on June 11, 12, 19, and 20 at 6:30 p.m. and June 21 at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a one-time performance at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., on June 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets are on a pay-what-youcan scale starting at $15 and can be booked at valleyplayers.org. While the June 11 and 12 performances are currently sold out, more tickets may become available for those shows depending on the weather. If more tickets open for those shows, notice will be posted at valleyplayers.org and through Valley Players’ social media and email list.
Guests to the performances at Black Birch can bring a meal to enjoy during the show or can grab an artisanal pizza from The Vintner’s Slice food truck, as well as choose from a selection of fine wines and other drinks, including non-alcoholic options, from Black Birch Vineyard.
“In our production, there’s something for everyone,” Franks said. “Young love requited, old men vindicated, frolicking fools and goddesses dancing. The audience can relax in a bucolic setting with a picnic and wine, and imagine being at London’s open-air Globe playhouse as our players bring to life Shakespeare’s beautiful words and vision at sunset in
legacy of cultural appreciation and community empowerment,” the release stated.
The event is following massive success in Rochester, New York, where it sold out to over 1,000 patrons. It makes a stop in Buffalo, New York, before heading to Springfield.
Jessica Del Valle, who was brought in to assist with marketing and communications for the event, said it’s partly rooted in the experience of a Bad Bunny concert and aligns with the
the Vineyard.”
“Part of Valley Players’ mission is to build community through community theater,” noted Pangallo, which is why the group donates half of net ticket revenue from each show to another Valley nonprofit with a mission that aligns with the story or themes of the play.
“‘The Tempest’ shows that the power of compassion and being welcoming is greater even than any magical power,” Pangallo explained, “and that what makes us human is our capacity for empa-
concept of promoting culture, ambiance and the traditions of Puerto Rico.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently transformed the field at the 2026 Super Bowl’s Apple Music Halftime Show into a full casita experience, similar to this event, that blended many aspects of Puerto Rican life and culture.
“This is just a whole vibrant event that really inspires, fosters unity and leads a legacy of cultural appreciation and commu-
thy.” Because of this, and because the play centers on cultural contact, the plight of the stranger and the power of language, Valley Players decided to use this production to support the Center for New Americans. “It was a natural fit,” Pangallo said, “and given the context of our own historical moment, we felt it important to support the crucial work being done by CNA.”
The Center for New Americans has been welcoming and serving immigrants in western Massachusetts for nearly 35 years by provid-
nity empowerment,” Del Valle said. “Anyone that appreciates diversity and enjoys embracing cultural diversity, music, rhythm, will definitely engage with and appreciate the experience. It’s a very colorful and vibrant experience … it’s basically the unity, community and tolerance in a festive ambiance, in a safe space where music and dances and artistic values can be combined.”
She said the experience in Springfield will be larger than previous shows, so they’re ex-
cited to build the space with the “ambiance that people enjoy.”
“There’s usually good Puerto Rican food and there are a lot of surprises that we try to implement in every city that we go to,” Del Valle said.” She gave special recognition to the MassMutual Center, Springfield Downtown, and the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade for giving support to the event. Tickets can be purchased at massmutualcenter.com/events/ detail/lacasitaexperience.
The “La Casita Experience” event in Rochester, New York, in March. Reminder Publishing
WESTFIELD
STARFIRES VS WORCESTER
BRAVEHEARTS
BASEBALL
The Westfield Starfires had their first game of the season May 27 at Bullens Stadium, losing to the Worcester Bravehearts 6-3.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARC ST. ONGE
The 2026 Westfield Starfires at their May 27 game with the Worcester Bravehearts.
Jack O’Neil gets under a Worcester fly ball.
Starfires’ Easton Sanders beats Worcester’s Danny Tambascia to first base.
J.J. Fox and Easton Sanders shake hands after scoring two runs in the third inning.
Anthony Armenia connects for a base hit.
Starfires mascot Stanley Squirrel oversees a kids’ between-innings hula hoop game.
Nick Fox tries to get the out at first on Cole Hambly.
Some of the crowd attending the first Starfires game of the season May 27 at Bullens Stadium.
Nick Fox tries for a pickoff at first on Tate Bannish.
EAST LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
131 Papers: Shawmut St., Mayfair St., Westminster St., Thompkins Ave., Partial-Gates Ave
64 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir.
161 Papers: Burbank Rd., Farmington Rd., Ellington Rd., Oakwood Rd., Partial-Converse St.
174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St.
207 Papers: Dover Rd., Birchwood Ave., Benedict Ter., Roseland Ter., Colony Rd.
62 Papers: Magnolia Cir., Primrose Dr., Merriweather Dr., Vanguard Ln., Ridge Rd.
229 Papers: Blueberry Hill Rd., Concord Rd., Green Willow Dr., Tanglewood Dr., Redfern Dr.
LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
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54 Papers: Bliss Rd.
87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd.
157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.
96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd.
99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd.
100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
157 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd.
115 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St.
42 Papers: Lynwood Dr., Duxbury Ln., Elizabeth Cir.
67 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd.
65 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy Rd., Partial-E. Greenwich Rd., Colony Rd.
149 Papers: Prynne Ridge Rd., Wyndward Rd., Wildwood Glen, Maplewood St., Partial-Maple Rd.
WILBRAHAM - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd.
61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr.
228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.
