Freedom Truck canceled after losing parking spot
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Police Department decided not to host the Freedom Truck Mobile Museum last week after Westfield State University rescinded its initial decision to allow the tractor-trailer to park in the south parking lot on its campus.
“It seemed like a good thing to do,” said Police Capt. Eric Hall, when describing why the department originally reached out to the Freedom 250 organization that operates a fleet of six state-of-the-art 18-wheelers.
The department has been planning for its annual Public Safety Night, which will be held on June 18 at the Old Juniper Park School, and several officers thought having the truck there would be an excellent addition to the event.
“We thought it was a federal program … so we thought it would be cool to be at Public Safety Night,” Hall said.
The only challenge was finding a place where it could be parked.
“They had very strict parameters on where to park it,” Hall said.
Those parameters include a parking footprint 140 feet long and 65 feet wide, placement on a paved or concrete surface, and a route that is clear of obstructions to allow the truck to navigate safely.
The department began looking for a space that fit those requirements, and there was nothing in the city that qualified except for the parking lots of several of the city’s public schools.
“We couldn’t use those because the students are still in
school,” he said.
Then, the south parking lot on the campus of Westfield State University was identified as an excellent lot to use.
Hall said officers with the Community Policing Unit contacted the WSU Police Department to ask if it was possible to use the lot.
“They ran it up their chain of command,” Hall said, adding that a day or so later, the department was told it could use it.
With space for the truck secured and available June 14-16, the department announced on its Facebook page that the truck would stop in the city.
“Almost immediately, we were getting comments that it was a partisan initiative,” Hall said.
The primary concern from
those comments online was that the truck was aligned with PragerU, which, according to its website, “is not an accredited university, nor do we claim to be. We don’t offer degrees, but we do provide educational, entertaining, pro-American videos for every age.”
PragerU also states on its web
site that “Marxists have intentionally infiltrated our educational institutions, seeking to impose their radical ideology on our students and transform our classrooms into social justice factories.”
PragerU partnered with Hillsdale College, a small Christian school in Michigan, to create the exhibits in the truck.
The Freedom Truck Mobile Museum is a public-private ini-
WESTFIELD
Westfield officers to wear body cams
WPD now has nearly $300,000 to fit its officers with body-worn cameras. Page 3
SOUTHWICK Board punts sticker fees
The Select Board decided not to eliminate prorated transfer station stickers. Page 4
tiative made possible by a $14 million grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to Freedom 250, which is a wholly owned subsidiary and limited liability company created by and housed inside the National Park Foundation. The IMLS is an independent agency of the federal government. It is the primary source of federal funding and support for the nation’s approximately 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums.
Responding to the backlash, Hall said the department released a statement saying its participation wasn’t “condoning any type of partisan event.”
See FREEDOM 250 on page 2
A visit by the Freedom Truck Mobile Museum, which is part of the Freedom 250 celebration, was called off by the Westfield Police Department last week after Westfield State University rescinded its initial invitation to host it in a parking lot on its campus.
Photo credit: U.S. Department of Defense
Winter’s snow cover contributes to explosion of ticks
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — It may sound counterintuitive, but the amount of snow the area got this winter has contributed to the dramatic increase in the number of ticks being reported by area health departments, including in Southwick.
“It was nice and cozy for them this winter, so they are really out this year,” said the town’s interim Health Director Caileen Simonds.
The snow cover was the perfect habitat for ticks, which are usually killed off during the winter by subzero temperatures, which the region did experience this winter, and freeze and thaw cycles.
And the statistics tell the story.
In April alone, the Northeast had the highest rate of emergency room visits at 188 per 100,000, the highest in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With the increase, Simonds and MaryAnn Deming, who serves as the regional health nurse for the Western Hampden County Public Health District have been working to get the word out to area residents.
Over the last month, Deming has given numerous presentations at senior centers in the region to alert them and their families to the real dangers of a tick bite.
In this region, Lyme disease is the illness most heard about, and fortunately, at least so far, there have only been five reported cases, Deming said.
However, in the eastern part of the state, especially on Martha’s Vineyard, there is an abundance of Lone Star ticks. Those are widely considered among the worst ticks in the country that carry a malady known as alpha-gal syndrome, which is a bizarre, life-altering red meat allergy. They also carry the diseas-
es ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis, which cause flu-like symptoms and if not treated can cause life-threatening complications.
For Simonds and Deming, prevention is the best protection from being bitten.
“We’re pushing prevention,” Deming said. They suggested following the guidelines published by the state’s Department of Public Health.
• Use tick repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient; always follow the directions on the label.
• Weather permitting, wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and long pants tucked
into socks. This will help keep ticks away from your skin and make it easier to spot ticks on your clothing.
• After spending time outdoors, taking a shower can help rinse off a tick before it becomes attached, and putting clothes in the dryer on high heat for 10 minutes can help kill ticks. Check yourself for ticks once a day; if you find an attached tick, remove it promptly using fine tweezers or a tick removal tool.
• Pets that spend time outdoors may bring ticks back inside. Talk to your veterinarian about the best ways to protect your animals from ticks and tick-
borne disease.
They also offered instructions on what to do, and not do, when a tick has bitten you and is attached.
Using tweezers, grab the tick as close as possible to the skin and pull up using gentle pressure, Deming said.
She said, if the mouthpart breaks off, don’t dig around for it, just leave it alone because it will eventually be pushed out by the skin. But she said to be extra safe visiting an urgent care center can help alleviate any fears and perhaps a prescription for doxycycline as a prophylactic.
Don’t try to burn it off or
Continued from page 1
“We are completely neutral,” Hall said on June 9. He then got a phone call from WSU President Dr. Linda Thompson, who he said had “legitimate questions” about the possibility of vandalism or even political violence.
Hall pointed to the No King rallies and rallies supporting President Donald Trump that have been held regularly over the last year or so on Park Square and on East Main Street. He said there have been no issues other than a few folks honking horns or making offensive hand gestures.
He said he told Thompson that if “you don’t want to host it, let me know.”
Her response was that she “would defer to your judgement,” he said.
Seconds later, Hall got a call from the chief of the WSU Police Department letting him know the university “no longer wanted” to host the truck.
When WSU was contacted to comment on the situation, it responded in an unsigned email:
cover it with petroleum jelly or nail polish.
“That doesn’t really work,” Deming said.
Simonds said the bite area needs to be closely monitored and if it begins to become red or starts to look like a bullseye that means a mandatory trip to the emergency room or urgent care center.
Simonds said anyone who has questions should not hesitate to call the Health Department at 413-569-1212.
The Health Department also has a limited number of free tick removal kits available in Town Hall.
“We’re here to help,” she said.
“Westfield State University’s role was limited to providing a venue for the event organized by the Westfield Police Department. The decision to cancel the event was made by the event organizers, and the University respects that decision.
“The University appreciates the interest expressed by members of the campus and broader community and remains focused on its educational mission and service to the region,” the email continued.
With that, Hall said another attempt had been made to find a spot in the city to host it, but none could be found.
That was when the department posted on its Facebook page that the event had been called off, without including WSU’s involvement in its decision.
Police Chief Jerome Pitoniak wanted to stress that the department has a “great relationship” with the university.
“Westfield State has always been a good partner. They do a lot for us,” he said, adding that it has regularly hosted the Regional Police Cadet program and academies.
Hall said the truck will set up at The Big E and be open for tours during the fair.
Maryann Deming (standing), who is the regional public health nurse for the Western Hampden County Public Health District, and Southwick’s interim Caileen Simonds stands with the presentation used when educating area residents about the dangers of ticks and how to prevent getting bitten.
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
Westfield
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Police Department now has nearly $300,000 to fit its officers with body-worn cameras, which was one of Police Chief Jerome Pitoniak’s goals when he was appointed in 2024.
“We hope that happens in a few weeks,” said Pitoniak.
Before that happens, the Westfield Police Patrol Officers Coalition must reach a contractual agreement with the city that allows its members to wear the cameras. That agreement could include additional financial compensation.
“We’re optimistic that it would get done soon,” said At Large Councilor Brent Bean II during a City Council meeting on June 4 about the negotiations.
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — At the request of Westfield City Councilor Brent Bean II, Police Capt. Steve Dickinson attended the council meeting on June 4 and spoke about the department’s activities in several areas, including community policing, retail store shoplifting calls, the size of the force and the Columbia Greenway Rail Trail.
“I’d love to expand that, but because of manpower issues, we’re not able to,” Dickinson said about the department’s ongoing community policing program.
He said the department had just appointed Sgt. Sean Smith as the director of Community Policing and gave a rundown of the officers now covering Union Street, Powder Mill Village, and Elm and Mechanic streets.
“When problems arise, we’ve met the challenges in certain areas,” he said.
He said that after the city installed a speed bump on Hubbard Street to slow motorists down, one resident who attended a community policing meeting was very happy.
Dickinson said the man told him that installing the speed bump had been very helpful
“Having a meeting and listening to the residents down there… that is what community policing is,” he said.
About shoplifting calls, Bean said he wanted to know if those calls, specifically at Walmart, were a drag on the department.
Dickinson said when he was first named captain, there were some communication issues between the retail store and the department.
“We decided to meet with them quarterly to iron some things out,” he said, adding that the service calls were up to one every 2.5 days.
Bean wanted to know if the country’s largest retail store would consider hiring police officers.
Dickinson said it would take too much time to discuss in detail
Local 574, the union that represents the department’s supervisors, has already approved the use of the cameras, Pitoniak said this week.
Bean made that comment after he reported to the council that the Finance Committee, on which he sits, had unanimously approved transferring $124,380 between Police Department accounts to complement a state grant of $174,000 awarded to the department in March for the cameras.
“I think the good news on this is that it will help protect the officer, the citizens, and the city on the liability side, but also just to be safer all around,” Bean said. “We all can appreciate that.”
Pitoniak and Police Capt. Eric Hall echoed Bean.
“It protects the offi-
during the council meeting, but that Walmart would only hire officers if there were violent disturbances or people being injured.
“We don’t reach that threshold,” he said.
As for the service calls there, Dickinson said every one requires two officers to respond because of officers being injured in previous incidents.
“We do have minimum manning, so when you’re talking about two [officers] going to a call [there], and sometimes more than that, they’re tying up resources,” he said.
He also said that most of the shoplifting calls don’t involve city residents but those from other cities and towns.
And when there is a city resident involved, the department refers them to the Behavioral Health Network or members of the community policing unit.
“So, we try to reach out to them to learn; why are they shoplifting? What is the issue?” Dickinson said.
Despite the ongoing challenges with the store, he said communication is better.
“I think there’s a better working relationship now…but it does take a toll on us,” he said.
The primary issue on the rail trail has been the dramatic increase in the number of e-bikes and e-scooters.
Dickinson complimented the council on recently approving a new city ordinance that will give officers additional tools, like levying fines, to keep the rail trail safer.
“We’re looking forward to getting guys out there to enforce,” he said.
The effort has already started with community policing officers on the trail educating residents and passing out flyers, and offering incentives for following
cers,” Hall said.
And when an individual files a complaint against an officer, Hall said: “The vast majority of the time it exonerates the officer.”
During the council meeting, At Large Councilor James Adams, who serves as the liaison between the council and the department, added that he had spoken to patrol officers who told him that “it protects them more than it protects anybody else. And that is what they want, protection.”
“When people say, ‘You’re doing this to me,’ and they actually aren’t, it can be proven,” Adams said.
While preparing to roll out the camera program, Pitoniak and Hall spoke with several other departments that already use the cameras to learn about
issues those departments had encountered.
The primary issue was requests from individuals for recordings of interactions they had with the officers, Pitoniak said.
“When they first got the program, they said they were overloaded with requests,” he said.
However, after about three to six months, the number of requests dropped off, Hall said.
This was attributed to most recording requests not producing the outcome the requesters wanted.
If there are many requests in the short term, Hall said it will be a challenge for the department because of the time it will take to pull the recording and make any necessary redactions. Those redactions would include graphic violence, blurred faces, home interiors and family
riding safe.
“Our community policing unit’s been handing out coupons for ice cream for kids that actually are following the law and have helmets on. That seems to be a big hit right now, so hopefully, that’ll spread,” he said.
About monitoring Hampton Ponds State Park, Dickinson said the department does use its boat to patrol the ponds, but it’s all about manpower.
“Those are overtime [hours], and it’s based on our budget. So, when we can afford that, we try to put the guys out there,” he said.
Responding to another query by Bean, who asked if there was a way to put pressure on the other agencies that have oversight of the park, like Massachusetts State Police and the Environmental Police, Dickinson said often neither agency has available officers nearby.
“When you’re calling the state police and there’s nobody close by, we’re the people that are responding,” he said, adding that MSP is spread thin and they do back up department officers, but it’s often a while away.
Dickinson then shifted to talking more specifically about manpower, which affects every aspect of policing the city.
“We’re supposed to have 66 patrolmen … as of right now, there are 55 working patrolmen,” he said.
There are a variety of reasons for that, he said, including injured officers and those who are in the military reserves.
Referring to budgeting, Dickinson said that when officers are out for reasons out of there control, “we can’t hire backup, so it comes out of overtime.”
He said the overtime alone could cover the cost of two to three more officers, while thanking the council for approving the
photos, muted audio to protect privacy and blacked-out license plates.
The funds will be used to purchase 87 cameras, associated software and data storage services, Bean said.
The full council also unanimously approved the transfer.
The grant was part of the Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Program, which was established in the state’s 20202026 Capital Plan. The grant represented the final award issued through the program.
It was designed to help departments shoulder the upfront costs of launching body-worn camera systems, including equipment, data storage, and maintenance, according to a statement from the Healey administration, which announced it in March.
department’s request to add four officers to the force. Bean II then asked about security cameras that cover various areas of the city and if they helped with policing.
Because of the number of
cameras operating, it would be impossible for the department to have personnel watching them all the time.
However, he said they were great for helping with investigations.
Westfield Police Capt. Steve Dickinson attended the City Council’s meeting on June 4 and updated it on department staff and programs.
Photo credit: Westfield Community TV
Operations Director:
Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio
Sales Manager: Scott Greene
Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro
Classified Account Managers: Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada
Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan
Financial Department: Nancy Banning
Circulation Department: Nate Halla, Holly Mulligan, Whitney Conlon
SOUTHWICK
Board punts sticker fees, approves pickleball court
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — With the DPW
director unable to attend the June 8 Southwick Select Board meeting, the board, at the director’s request, opted not to follow through on eliminating prorated transfer station stickers, which prompted a bylaw proposal from board member Douglas Moglin.
“Maybe we need some kind of local bylaw on enforcement at the transfer station,” Moglin said, referring to scofflaws who use the transfer station despite not purchasing a transfer station sticker.
After the board decided to raise the price of a transfer station sticker to $195 for residents and $110 for seniors on June 1, DPW Director Rich Bozak proposed eliminating the prorated sticker, which, for this year, will be $98 for those purchased after Jan. 1.
He said at the June 1 meeting that he knew there were some residents who snuck into the transfer station to dump their rubbish without a sticker, hoping not to get caught.
“This was to have everybody be a little more honest,” Bozak said.
Following that line of reasoning, Moglin proposed a slightly more punitive approach to the scofflaws.
“One of the other penalties for that would also be, potentially, you can’t get a prorated sticker after you showed up at the transfer station without a sticker,” he said.
He said the only penalty currently on the books is to issue a notice of trespassing to the scofflaw.
Forcing them to purchase a full-year sticker “might curb their behavior,” Moglin said, adding that it would be a future agenda item for the board.
The board also approved the contract with North Hatfield-based Omasta Landscaping Inc. for the construction of six pickleball courts and the installation of fencing, lighting and a pavilion at Whalley Park for $478,898.
Last month, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve Omasta as the contractor for the project using $670,000 approved by Special Town Meeting in January.
Omasta is a full-service landscape company that has also provided general construction for parks, playgrounds, ballfields, splash pads and more for more than 46 years, according to its website.
Omasta was also the contractor for a pickleball construction project for South Hadley, but problems with the courts’ surfaces made them unplayable.
According to an article in the Daily Hampshire Gazette, South Hadley officials found in August 2025 that the courts, which were designed by the Berkshire Design
Group, were being installed on a concrete slab that had a grade of 2.3%. A grade between 0.83% and 1% is recommended by U.S.A. Pickleball.
The cost of correcting the slope was estimated at $175,000, of which South Hadley taxpayers paid $34,000, with the balance covered by the Friends of Buttery Brook Park and a grant from USA Pickleball, according to the Daily Hampshire Gazette.
At the commission meeting, Rob Levesque of R. Levesque Associates presented the five bids on the project.
Parks and Recreation Commission Chair David DeiDolori asked whether Omasta was involved in the redo of the projects.
Levesque said he drafted a letter to Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Parker attesting to Omasta’s ability to successfully complete the project.
Levesque will also be reviewing the construction once it starts and said his firm has experience with monitoring pickleball court construction.
During the board meeting, a member asked when the project was expected to be completed. Parker said that, according to the contract, the project was supposed to be completed by Aug. 25.
However, she said the bid submission date was moved from February to early April, but the contract reflects the February submission date.
Levesque said his Westfield-based engineering firm became involved after the design flaw was discovered and the bid on the repair was awarded to a different contractor based in South Hadley.
“We have investigated and through communications with the town this was more of a design-related item and maybe some coordination items that caused that issue,” Levesque said.
“We’re not personally laying blame on any of those folks, but Omasta certainly is a company capable of doing this work,” he said adding that South Hadley officials didn’t blame Omasta specifically, but that it was more a coordination issue between the designer and the contractor.
“So, if we issue the contract on June 15, then September 15 would be good substantial date,” Parker, who contacted Levesque during the meeting, said. She said he told her the project should take roughly three months
One challenge in meeting that date is that once the pavement is installed, it must cure for up to 45 days before the surface can be installed.
Board member Russ Anderson said that could push the completion into October or later.
“We’ll have to see, but we gotta put a stake in the ground, no pun intended, to get it so that it’s ready for either late fall or early spring,” Moglin said.
Reminder Publishing photo by Cliff Clark
Rotary Club to host 20th annual Tag Sale/Flea Market
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — The Rotary Club of Southwick is having its 20th annual Tag Sale and Flea Market on June 27 to raise money for its community outreach projects and scholarships for students graduating from Southwick Regional School.
“There are all kinds of treasures you might find from our donations and vendors also have a lot of interesting things,” said Rotary Club President Bob Fox about the sale, which will be held at The Southwick Florist located at 636 College Highway from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 27, rain or shine.
The annual tag sale is one of the Rotary Club’s primary fundraisers sometimes generating as much as $1,000, Fox said.
While the flea market connects buyers with local vendors who bring an assortment of items, the tag sale offers residents a chance to get rid of all kinds of things, such as a treadmill being used as a clothes rack or gifts from well-meaning relatives you immediately considered regifting, which makes it a fun experience for the whole family.
As an example, a few years ago, an 800-pound organ was donated as a tag-sale item.
Fox said he’s been hesitant to throw it out because of its construction.
“It’s still up for grabs,” Fox said. “It would make a beautiful bar if the keys and pipes were removed. The woodwork is amazing.”
Every dollar raised is used to continue the good work the club does for the town and to fund two scholarships for deserving students at SRS.
One is in honor of Helen Nadeau, who taught first grade and kindergarten at the Woodland School for 35 years.
WESTFIELD — The Westfield Woman’s Club invites the community to an enchanting afternoon at the 28th Annual Garden Tea on Thursday, June 25, from 1-4 p.m. at the beautiful Stanley Park in Westfield.
Celebrate the arrival of summer surrounded by gardens, friendship and timeless elegance. Guests are encouraged to wear their prettiest hats and join in the fun of the club’s beloved Hat Parade, where creativity and style take center stage.
The afternoon will feature a selection of tea, freshly baked scones, and delicious trifles, creating the setting for a relaxing and memorable gathering. Enjoy live music as you visit with friends and take part in the festivities.
There will also be raffle prizes and special surprises throughout the event, making this a opportunity to support the Westfield Woman’s Club while enjoying one of the area’s most cher-
The club partnered with the Nadeau family five years ago to establish a substantial scholarship to be awarded to a Southwick-Tolland-Granville Regional School District graduate each year.
The Nadeau Rotary Scholarship for Deserving Students was established to memorialize her passion for sparking her students’ creativity and to instill in them a lifelong love for learning.
This year, the club offered a new scholarship in remembrance of the late Ellen Miles, who was
ished traditions.
A highlight of this year’s Garden Tea will be the recognition of Lucille and Danny Nason, recipients of Miriam Reed award.
For many years, the Nasons have generously devoted their time, talents, and energy to improving the Westfield community, according to the club. Through their volunteer service, community involvement and commitment to helping others, they have made a lasting impact on countless individuals and local organizations. Their dedication exemplifies the
a member of the club for over three decades, Fox said.
Former club member Brian Morrissey made the original suggestion to hold the tag sale, he said.
It was originally held in the parking lot of the Gristmill Plaza, but moved to the grounds of the florist shop, which also allowed it to use the business’ barn, Fox said.
The club welcomes donations of items such as sports equipment, gently used household goods, books, tchotchkes,
spirit of volunteerism and community service that strengthens Westfield and inspires others to get involved.
The Westfield Woman’s Club is proud to honor the Nasons for their outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to making our community a better place.
Whether you are a longtime attendee or experiencing the Garden Tea for the first time, this event promises an afternoon filled with charm, laughter and community spirit, according
small appliances, pet supplies (for example, harnesses, leashes, and dog and cat crates) and luggage.
“Donate something that doesn’t belong at the transfer station,” he said with a laugh.
Electronic items or clothing will not be accepted as donations, he stressed. Fox said all the items donated will be examined to ensure each is in good condition before tagging it with what, he said, would be considered a fair price.
The club is also offering
space on the florist’s grounds or in the barn to families or individuals who want to hold a yard sale.
The cost of the space is $35, he said, and those who purchase the space can keep any money they make.
After the sale, the unsold items are then listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace by Marie Daniels, who has been volunteering for the club for many years, Fox said.
For more information, call Fox at 413-579-4585.
Rotary’s Dan Welch helps a tag sale patron with an item at a past event.
Reminder Publishing file photo
Littleville Elementary celebrates beloved therapy dog team
HUNTINGTON — On May 28, Littleville Elementary School held a special event focused on teaching students how to safely and respectfully interact with dogs. Students from all grade levels participated in an engaging presentation about how to be a good “dog listener” around both family pets and unfamiliar dogs.
The event included an informative question and answer session where students learned important lessons about dog body language, safety and kindness toward animals. The presentation helped children better understand how dogs communicate and how people can build safe and positive relationships with them.
Following the presentation, the school community came together for a heartfelt celebration honoring Littleville Elementary’s beloved therapy dog team, Dory the golden retriever and her han-
dler, Steve Monkiewicz, for their outstanding service and dedication to the students and staff.
A touching slideshow featuring photos of Dory and Steve visiting classrooms throughout the years was shown while the song, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” played in the background. The slideshow highlighted the joy, comfort and support the therapy dog team has brought to the school community.
Students wore handmade Dory headbands and participated in several activities to celebrate the day. Younger students wrote kind words describing Dory on colorful paw prints, while older students reflected on why every school should have a therapy dog like Dory. The thoughtful messages showed just how much Dory has meant to the students over the years.
Staff members also created
a special poster reading “Dory Makes Our Days Pawsitively Amazing,” which was presented to Steve as a thank you gift from the Littleville Elementary community.
During the celebration, Steve was also surprised with the “Golden Retriever Kindness Award” for exemplifying what students and staff proudly call “Dory Traits” which are kindness, patience, comfort, loyalty and unconditional support. During their visits to classrooms and while interacting with students, both Steve and Dory have shown what it means to care for others and how to spread positivity.
In honor of Dory, Littleville Elementary also organized a donation drive to support the local animal shelter. Families generously donated supplies to help animals in need, continuing Dory’s message of kindness
and compassion.
The celebration included fun treats for everyone. Students enjoyed “Scooby Snacks,” while Dory was surprised with her own dog bone shaped cake and a cuddly Highland cow stuffed animal to take home.
The day was filled with
smiles, laughter, and gratitude as students and staff
the lasting impact Dory and
have made at
tary. Their kindness, comfort and dedication have touched countless lives and created memories that students will cherish for years to come.
celebrated
Steve
Littleville Elemen
Dory and friends.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
STCC announces dean’s list honorees for spring 2026
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield
Technical Community College and celebrates the 1,455 students who were named to the spring 2026 dean’s list.
The dean’s list is published each semester to recognize excellence in academic performance. To be considered, degree-seeking students must earn 12 or more college level credits in the current semester, or a total of 12 or more combined college-level credits earned during the fall and spring semesters, and achieve a 3.3 or above grade point average.
Student names are listed un-
der the towns or cities in which they reside.
Chester Shahnon D. Post. Granville Devin A. Loubier. Huntington Megan L. Courtney.
Russell Jessica Beaudry, Ivan Chepurenko, Melina V. Korchevskiy and Nico A. Paulson.
Southwick
Isabel L. Bailey, Sarah A.
Bedard, Robin I. Berry, Emily L. Davis, Margarita Gonchuk, Eric M. Haynes, Chanvy Heng, Mary K. Irzyk, Rylie Kearney, Yoeliany Lebron, Kelly C. McGuill, Candy E. Oyler, Alaina L. Parker, Vlad Renkas, Asma Siddiqui, McKinley E. White and Savannah R. Ziba.
Tolland
Luke B. Norman and Jacob E. Ritrosky
Westfield
Nathaniel J. Berrian, John Blake, Valeria M. Cruz Bonilla, Anzhelika Botyan, Veronica
Y. Botyan, Amanda M. Bruno, Evan Cardenales, Cemre M. Cayan, Tanya M. Cayo, Amelia Ciubotaru, Edward J. Colo, Alina Danyuk, Anita Danyuk, Hilari Demas, Nicholas R. Diaz, Mark Dobek, Illya Domin, George B. Dompreh, Robert Donnelly, Jenna L. Folsom, Stefan Goretskiy, Jayne M. Gosselin, Rylie M. Gour, Maraya Green, Prakriti Chhettri Gurung, Sangmyoung Han, Kiana K. Henriquez, Brandon L. Hodgdon, Sage J. Howes, Reem Ibrahim, Sonna Jiana, Brian R. Kimball, Khristina I. Kukharchuk, Aaron Liu, Tina Liu, Veronika Lukin, Jose J. Mar-
quez, Noah H. Martin, Hector O. Miranda, Nikita Misiruk, Darvin A. Munger, Danny Nesen, Yuliia Okhrimenko, Mendeleita Pacius, Victoria Paine, Angela Panasiuk, Ava M. Pease, Randy Perez, Andre B. Postell, Milana Povar, Krista M. Quaglieri, Mateo C. Reyes, Mackenzie B. Roberts, Dayanara Rosado, Jennifer A. Sanchez-Karch, Samantha M. Santos, Viktoriia Sereda, Brianna K. Sgambati, Elena L. Silvia, David J. Spice, Benjamin A. Tatro, Elicia T. Tracey, Meghan M. Wert, Darian S. Wheelock, Philip Yurovskiyh and Timothy Yurovskiyh.
Johnson, others secure trophies at Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic
SPRINGFIELD — After a great day at Franconia Golf Course for the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic, trophies were presented to Agawam Mayor Chrisopher Johnson and the team from Charlie Arment Trucking.
On Friday, June 5, the morning started with a putt-off between Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, Chicopee Mayor John Vieau and Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson, who took home the Mayor’s Cup Trophy. It was the second time he won the putting contest which was sponsored by Charlie Arment Trucking.
At the end of the day, it was the team from Charlie Arment Trucking who took home the Joe Superneau Award for the lowest score in the scramble-style tournament. The team included Will Arment, Ron Doe, Andy Mooney, Michael Hastie and their cheerleader, Dan Arment. Michael Frydryk won Longest Drive in the men’s category and Brenda McGiverin in the women’s category. Closest-to-the-Pin honors went
to Tito Truoiolo for the men, and Cheryl Clapprood for the women.
Roy Caso took home the MGM Springfield prize package for the “Hit the Green Challenge.”
All the players enjoyed lunch on the course sponsored by the David R. Northup Electrical Contractors, snacks donated by Hilton Garden Inn, and water bottles from the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission. Besides
great memories, they took home gift cards courtesy of the Springfield Business Improvement District and UNO Pizzeria & Grill, and golf glove with Spirit of Springfield ball marker that will keep them swinging all season.
Funds raised at the tournament will be used to support the Spirit of Springfield’s annual events. These include the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield, Springfield’s Sept. 11 Ceremony, City
of Bright Nights Ball, Bright Nights 5K Road Race, Bright Nights at Forest Park, military concerts and more.
The 2027 Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic will be held Friday, June 4, at Franconia Golf Course.
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
Walter A. Garstka
Geraldine Schilling-Nordal
FEEDING HILLS
Jean A. Gendreau
Kathleen Earnest Lombardi
SOUTHWICK
Angelina P. Italiano
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Anthony J. Bonacquisti
James M. Conroy
Virginia Louise “Ginny” Joslin
Christine M. Lapinski
Carol A. Salamon
WESTFIELD
Stephen R. Fallon (Red)
Nathaniel R. McCabe Tsatsos
Erik D. Nordstrom
Maryann G. O’Brien
Ruth M. Tinker
Left to right: Charlie Arment Trucking foursome: Andy Mooney, Ron Doe, Dan Arment, Will Arment and Michael Hastie. Mayor’s Cup Putting Contest: Left to right: Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, Dan Arment, Charlie Arment Trucking President Will Arment, Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt.
Photo credit: Chris Marion Photography
Thunder in the Valley returns with fireworks, music festival
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — In celebration of the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of America, the Thunder in the Valley concert and fireworks festival returns to Easthampton to provide the community with its biggest celebration yet.
The concert and fireworks event will take place on Saturday, June 27, at Molitoris Orchard on 95 Park Hill Road in Easthampton. The festivities celebrate the Fourth of July holiday and raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Baystate Children’s Hospital.
Advance tickets cost $20, while tickets purchased at the gate will cost $25. Children ages 6-15 can get tickets for $10, and children 5 and under get in for free. For tickets and more information on this year’s event, visit thunderinthevalleyma.com.
The festival is organized by nonprofit organization Unbroken Wings, whose work is committed to supporting children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma by providing comprehensive programs that nurture the mind, body and spirit of children recovering from trauma. The annual fireworks celebration has been a consistent supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Baystate Children’s Hospital over the last five years.
Unbroken Wings Board Director Mike Perrier told Reminder Publishing that the event has become a beloved community celebration for the Fourth each year, and the jam-packed day is filled with great vibes, great music and is capped off with a great fireworks show.
“It’s definitely the fireworks, people love fireworks, that’s the big draw, but we try to make it so much more, and each year we’ve gotten bigger and bigger artists to come in who don’t usually play this area,” said Perrier. “We just have a great community around us, granted, a lot of people come from outside this area to see the show. I would say this is more like an old-fashioned festival. It has that feel to it. People are all friendly, they take care of the grounds, they don’t trash nothing, it’s all respectful people. It’s cool and has a great atmosphere.”
rier said the musical acts have evolved over the years, and organizers are always looking to give audience members a great bang for their buck.
er said the fireworks are poised to be better than ever, and he added that it will be great to see people and their families enjoying the celebration of America.
“It’s all Jeep people who love their Jeeps. We have the Sheriff’s Department that comes and helps us, and it’s a nonstop right through lights and intersections from Metro in Chicopee all the way to Thunder in the Valley,” Perrier added.
Starting things off on the event grounds at noon is ChangeUp, which performs pop, rock and dance music. At 2:30 p.m.
Traveler, a Chris Stapleton tribute group, alongside Bluebird, a Miranda Lambert tribute singer, will perform together on stage, followed by Shania Twin, a Shania Twain tribute band at 5:30 p.m.
Closing the night of performances will be Bruce in the U.S.A., the world’s No. 1 Bruce Springsteen tribute band. Per-
The festival and music kick off at noon, and concerts run all through the afternoon and night. The celebration eventually culminates in the fireworks show. Before the festival kicks off, the Children’s Miracle Kruze, which starts at Metro Jeep in Chicopee, will lead Jeep-driving attendees to Molitoris Orchard right in time for the start of the festivities. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the Jeep rides begin by noon. Tickets for the ride will cost $20 per person and include admission to the Thunder in the Valley. According to Perrier, they can be purchased on the event’s website.
“We wanted to make sure people are getting more than their money’s worth. Each of these artists, if you go to see elsewhere, they’re like $65 a ticket to go see each one separately, so we’re trying to keep it at one price level as cheap as we can and still be able to pay for everything, and still have those donations,” he added.
The festival will have vendors of all types, including food trucks, beer and wine available to go along with the event. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed, but no easy-ups or tents of any kind are permitted.
Limited free parking is available, but carpooling from the center of Easthampton is recommended to combat parking woes. There will be an ATM on site, and the event will also feature many raffle prizes.
With another action-packed celebration set for June 27, Perri
“We want to thank the com-
munity, the people that volunteer and help, and the people that support it because it’s been a good cause and it keeps us going. Gives us old people something to be proud of,” Perrier said.
Photos from previous Thunder in the Valley festivals.
Photo credit: Thunder in the Valley
WESTFIELD
TECH VS CAPE COD
REGIONAL TECH
BASEBALL
The Westfield Technical Academy baseball team defeated Cape Cod Regional Technical High School 4-1 on June at Bullens Field.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARC ST. ONGE
WTA’s Josh Elmer (2) avoids a low pitch from Cape Cod Tech.
Logan Csekovsky (12) steals second base.
Ben Harrington (16) avoids the pickoff at first by Mason Tomlinson (13).
Westfield Tech Tiger Antonio Simpson (1) on the mound for their June 1 game with Cape Cod Regional Tech.
Tech Tiger Cam Witczak (4) knocks out a hit for Westfield.
Josh Elmer (2) tries to beat the throw to first base.
Ben Harrington (16) pulls down a foul ball for an out.
Colton Morawiec (19) tries for a bunt.
Antonio Simpson (1) makes contact.
Tech’s Josh McDonald (3) gloves a dusty pitch.
Logan Csekovsky (12) makes it to first base.
AGAWAM
Brian M. Rigali Sr., and Barbara J. Rigali to Niko Mario Passerini and Sarah Rachel Kelly, 646
Chestnut Hill Homes LLC, to Daniel Carlson and Lisa K. Carlson, 74 White Fox Road
Dianne L. Vecchiarelli to Jagdeep Kathuria and Hermeet Kathuria, 11 Mansion Woods Drive
Erica Zimmerman to Matthew T. Clarke, 102 Corey Colonial, Unit 102
Haskell Holdings LLC, to CCJ Properties LLC, 104-106 Moore St.
Hillside Development Corp., to Andrew Anselmo and Lisa Anselmo, 91 Nicole Terrace
Ian Fecteau, Ian Ross Fecteau and Catherine Fecteau to Brooke Quesnel, 180 Southwick St.
Jill Gagne Decker and Dena G. Linde to Carole L. Machietto, 138 Brookfield Lane
Mohammad Imran Asif and Nida Zaheer to Melanie Neece and Jeffrey A. Neece, 2D Sabrina Way, Unit D $460,000
Norman R. Lusignan Jr., and Susan Jean Lusignan to Jean Riendeau and Andrea Lynne Hawley, 112 North St. $417,000
Raul P. Ferreira to Cheyenne Bowman Lowell Jr., 1026 Suffield St.
HOLYOKE
Darwin Gomez to Ashton M. Weaver, 61 Pine St.
Jessica Cote and Jessica Dranka to Ernesto Noe Regus, 260 Race St.
Jordan Koltz and Gloria F. Koltz to Brendon Mackeen and Ana Orellana, 121 West Meadowview
Annis to Gareth Steven Barcomb, 348 Southampton Road
and
M.
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
83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St.
84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St. 109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St.
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:
