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THE ORIGINAL

SEPTEMBER 24, 2026 | FREE

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Data center permit decision postponed IN THIS By Amy Porter

WESTFIELD

City honors 9/11 victims, first responders Westfield recognized 9/11 victims and first responders on Sept. 11

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Town remembers tragic events of 9/11 Southwick recognized the 25th anniversary of 9/11.

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Councilor Bridget Matthews-Kane questioned the process and what the developers had been doing.

governor issued a blanket extension for all permits across the state,” he added. Matthews-Kane said it was heartening to see so many people and acknowledged there were strong arguments on both sides. She said her concern was more about the process and what the developers had done since they were given a special permit. She said certain permits were never filed and the company had withdrawn from a site study. “When Servistar withdrew from the site study, when they

ECRWSS

to renewable energy investments as a condition of approval. Speaking at the end of the public participation were City Councilors Dan Allie, Bridget Matthews-Kane, Karen Fanion and Kristen Mello. Allie thanked the Planning Board and the City Council for supporting a moratorium on new data centers, and the people who worked to get the word out about the meeting. “Your voice matters,” he said. “The data center proposal should have had to come back to Westfield when its permit expired two years ago. Instead, the

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 142

Photo credit: Westfield Community TV

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SPRINGFIELD, MA PERMIT NO. 142

WESTFIELD — The Planning Board, chaired by William Carellas, voted unanimously to postpone the decision on granting a three-year extension of the special permit for the Westfield data center proposed by Servistar Realties LLC. In its decision, which came after myriad public comments, the board decided it will ask the Law Department if the special permit is still valid. The question of the Servistar special permit’s validity came up with the first speaker who opposed the extension. Richard Labrie of Bigwood Drive contended that the original permit issued in November 2021 was subject to Servistar submitting a more detailed site plan and environmental review to the Planning Board, which had not been done. He also contended that the special permit was not registered by Servistar with the Registry of Deeds, as required by law. “The clear consequence of Servistar’s inaction is that the permit has lapsed and cannot be lawfully reinstated or extended. The two-year extension, which was granted by the governor, does not apply because the Servistar permit had already lapsed and that was only good for existing permits. The special permit had not been recorded by its own terms. It never took effect and has already lapsed, so it cannot be extended,” Labrie contended. Speaking in support of the permit extension was Michael Durkee

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of Bates Road, who described himself as a lifelong Westfield resident. “I’ve raised my family here. I intend on raising my grandkids here,” he said. “I personally have built, have worked in, worked around over a dozen data centers, and I know for a fact that a lot of the misinformation out there is a scare tactic… I question anybody who has a cellphone in their pocket today to tell me where all their data lives, and who has control of it. Why shouldn’t Westfield residents, the Westfield Public Schools, the Westfield Park and Rec fields, why shouldn’t they benefit from all of the revenue that’s going to be generated for this, for the decades and decades and decades to come?,” Durkee added. Mike Durkee of Washington Street said the proposed data center represents a substantial longterm investment in the city’s economic future, which is precisely why additional time is needed. “Projects of this size involve complex engineering requirements, including specialized cooling systems, redundant power infrastructure and rigorous cybersecurity and structural standards that go far beyond typical commercial construction,” he said. “Granting an extension acknowledges these realities rather than forcing a rushed timeline that could compromise safety, quality or compliance with the very regulations the permit process is designed to uphold.” He said some municipalities have negotiated agreements requiring data centers to fund local grid improvements or to contribute

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WG&E offers two-way texting for power outages WESTFIELD — As we transition into fall and the cooler months, Westfield Gas & Electric is encouraging customers to sign up for Two-Way Texting to quickly report power outages and receive important updates about their address when the lights go out. Since launching its new outage management system in 2021, WG+E has offered both the Outage Tracker App and Two-Way

Data Center Continued from page 1

ghosted the city, and when they refused delivery of permits, as far as I’m concerned, they broke faith with the city. For me, it’s not about whether this is good for the city or bad for the city? Can we allow a company that has dragged its heels, that has slowed the process down, that has refused to actually work with the city — why would we extend the permit? So I’m hoping you’ll take that into consideration as you make your decision,” Matthews-Kane said. Fanion said she appreciated hearing from both sides of the issue, the union workers and the people concerned about the data center. “I am very concerned about this matter. I know that the union workers, if there was a facility to be built, they would do a fabulous job. I’m sure they’re all great in their trades. However, as a previous speaker has just said, it’s all about the location. It’s just the wrong location for a data center to go. And therefore I ask that you deny this extension,” Fanion said. Mello said when the data center first came before the City Council in 2021, she spoke about the generators and the air pollution that would result from it after she spent hours on the phone with the Department of Environmental Protection in Boston going over the numbers. “I made that argument then, but

Texting to help customers stay informed during outages. As customer preferences have shifted towards Two-Way Texting, the WG+E Outage Tracker App retired on Sept. 18 and is no longer available. Customers who currently use the app are encouraged to enroll in Two-Way Texting to continue reporting outages and receiving updates. “During storms and other un-

expected outages, keeping customers informed is one of our top priorities.” said General Manager Tom Flaherty. “WG+E’s TwoWay Texting provides a simple, reliable way to report outages and receive updates, helping customers stay connected when they need information most.” Customers can register their mobile phone at wgeld.org/promo/outage-alerts/. Once enrolled,

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previously opted out. As the season changes, now is a great time to make sure your contact information is up to date and your household is ready before severe weather strikes. A few minutes of preparation today can make all the difference when the power goes out. For more information or to register for Two-Way Texting, visit wgeld.org/promo/ outage-alerts.

people didn’t listen,” Mello said. “Now you’re being asked to extend a permit that actually isn’t a permit that actually didn’t get any extension. I did as a city councilor, receive the emails from the union members. I respect you, I thank you for your work, I believe in you, and I look forward to all of you to be employed building something better than this.” As the discussion among board members began, City Planner Jay Vinskey said the matter before them was whether to extend the current permit, and not whether there had been any deviations from the original permit. He said if there were changes, that may be a separate consideration. “Right now, we’re just looking to bring that existing permit forward or not.” Servistar representatives Erik Bartone and Paul Corey then stated their case for a three-year extension of the special permit. Bartone, managing member of Servistar Realties LLC, said nothing had changed from the original application. “The designs haven’t changed, noise levels haven’t changed, equipment specs haven’t changed. Specifically, the original design was a closed-loop system. It does not use water from aquifers ... All the designs that were done by the engineers were meeting specific environmental law and code in the state of Massachusetts. They will continue to meet those requirements. If the codes and laws change, and they have changed over the last few years, we will

comply with those laws and codes. That is specific to what we’ve done. There has been no other change,” he said. Asked what the holdup was in the first three years after the city issued the special permit, Bartone said there was a tremendous amount of work that was done. “The city of Westfield is one small component to getting this project done,” Bartone said. “A big component of this is the integration of this system into the transmission and distribution grid of our electric system. A lot of that work had to be done outside of this process and that work was being done. Other work was being done as far as communication systems, all of the fiber optic design work, all that stuff had to be done independent of the city of Westfield and this body here.” Bartone said they also spent three sessions at the State House in Boston working on sales and use tax exemptions. “Tremendous amount of manpower, people working on it independent of this body. This was the starting point. There was a lot of work being done and there still has to be a lot of work to continue this. That’s why we’re here,” he said. Planning Board member Jane Magarian asked why the work and progress they were making hadn’t been communicated to Westfield. “I think we take offense to the non-communication,” Bartone said. “We communicated quite a bit with the city … Now do we have to ask the City Council for a pub-

lic meeting to tell everybody what we’re doing? No, it’s not required by us, but we have interfaced with many people in the city.” “Sir, it’s not required, but it certainly would have been a nice gesture on your part,” Magarian responded. “We acknowledge that. I’m not saying that we wouldn’t do that, but I just want people to understand that a tremendous amount of work is involved in this. This is not something that gets done in a month, a year. There is a lot of work. There’s a lot of coordination with it and there still is more coordination to go,” Bartone said. Planning Board member Dylan Sweeney said he was more concerned about the process. He asked if the decision and the permit were filed in the Registry of Deeds. He also asked on what legal basis they contended that the approval became effective and remained in effect until November 2024, which would have qualified them for the two-year extension. When Bartone said he could not answer those questions, Paul Corey of Servistar stepped in. “It’s our position that the Planning Board approvals are effective; they’re in place. They were extended by the state for two years, and they do expire in October. That’s why we’re here requesting a three-year extension for good cause, consistent with every other decision that this board has made extending other projects,” Corey said. “The first condition on your special permit is that you must register it with the Registry of Deeds. You did not do that. Did you guys forget?” asked Planning Board member John Bowen. “It’s our position that it’s legally in place,” said Corey. Bowen also asked how much construction had taken place and how much of the land had been

purchased. Corey said construction had not begun and that no land had been purchased yet. “And how committed to Westfield are you?” Bowen asked. “One hundred percent,” said Corey. “We have committed the full financing for this project, $2.5 to $3 billion, to build it out over a phase-in period consistent with our original application. We expect it to be built out in phases over a 10- to 15-year period. All of that is contingent upon the approval of a three-year extension.” Asked if they had a tenant in mind that they could share, Corey said they didn’t have a name they could give at this time. “But we can tell you that it is not an AI play as, as Mr. Bartone said, this is about essentially cloud storage for businesses in the commonwealth, particularly in Westfield.” Corey said they anticipated that many companies would move to the city to be close to the data center development, and that the development would also provide data center services for hospitals, universities, the biotech industry and financial entities in and around Boston. “This is the best site in New England. Please, folks, we looked throughout the entire New England landscape, throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and this is located in an industrial zone with transmission lines running right through the property. It’s surrounded by distribution centers with 18-wheeler trucks in and out all day long, and it’s close to the airport. So in our opinion you can’t get a better site in the city of Westfield (or) anywhere else in New England for a project like this,” Corey said. No date was set for the next meeting to discuss the extension until the Planning Board receives a response from the Law Department.

CORRECTION In the Sept. 17 story titled “Northampton Jazz Festival returns for 15th year,” it was incorrectly stated that the photos taken were from Northampton Jazz Festival. They were actually taken by Elizabeth Leitzell. Reminder Publishing regrets the error.

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PENNYSAVER | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026

Westfield honors 9/11 victims, first responders

From left: Westfield honor guard brings the fire and police to attention. A Fire Department truck hoists the American flag. Reminder Publishing photos by Amy Porter

By Amy Porter

had been on duty 25 years earlier; the other two were Firefighter Scott Bullock and Deputy Chief Seth Ellis. All four participated in the ceremony. Deputy Chief Seth Ellis rang the bell, the “Four Fives”, which he explained signified firefighters lost in the line of duty. Firefighter Steve Makos played the bagpipes as the formation was dismissed. Bullock and fellow firefighter Devun Nadeau lowered the flag to half-staff. At the 9/11 Memorial, Mayor Michael McCabe welcomed city councilors, city department heads and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Velis, Pease and state Rep. Michael Finn, all of whom were invited to speak. However, McCabe said all of them were not as important as the family members and first responders who were present. McCabe said Sept. 11, 2026, was a beautiful day — just like 25 years ago — picture perfect. “Like so many of you, I remember exactly where I was. Memory stays with us, and shapes us. Why we’re here is to remember Tara Shea Creamer, Brian Joseph Murphy, Daniel Patrick Trant and Thomas Holohan.” Holohan was a New York City firefighter whose widow and three children moved to Westfield after 9/11. McCabe said that he was present at the dedication of the 9/11 Memorial in Westfield, and said

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WESTFIELD — On Sept. 11, 2026, at both the 10 a.m. remembrance at the Westfield Fire Department on 34 Broad St. and the 11 a.m. service in 9/11 Memorial Park, the city of Westfield kept its pledge to never forget the sacrifices made and the victims lost 25 years ago. At the first remembrance ceremony, Fire Chief Eric Bishop welcomed families and friends, Mayor Michael McCabe and the members of the Westfield City Council, state Sen. John Velis, state Rep. Kelly Pease and, most importantly, he said, “the firefighters and police officers who serve and protect.” Bishop said that 25 years ago 343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice. “They were from different companies, but one brotherhood. 9/11 is not just a date,” he said. “Here in Westfield, every day, we understand that commitment. We have not forgotten; we will never forget.” Fire and police were then brought to attention, the flag was lowered to half-staff and a moment of silence was observed. Prayers were read by Capt. Keith Supinski and Firefighter Matthew Medeiros. Before the ceremony, both men said they were two of only four firefighters in the group that morning who

it was fitting that the new police station will now stand opposite it. “It matters that this memorial will always be watched over and cared for,” he said. Neal, who joined McCabe at the 9/11 Memorial, said Westfield does as good a job of remembering as anywhere in the country. He called 9/11 a moment of moral clarity for the police community in New York City. “They were innocents, getting on with their day-to-day obligations - not enemy combatants. Thank you to the City of Westfield for staying with it,” Neal said. Among the speakers were members of the Shea, Trant and Murphy families, all of whom also expressed their appreciation to Westfield for never forgetting. Katie Shea, who introduced herself as the wife of Brian Shea, brother to Tara Shea Creamer, said the family lost Tara at the age of 30. “It doesn’t feel like it’s been 25 years. On each anniversary, we are transported back in

time. We remember every detail. Many memories founder; this one never does — the grief and tragedy remain. We can choose to focus on pain or on love,” she said. She said the Shea family was deeply grateful to the community of Westfield. “You never let us carry it alone … from the first heartbreaking days to the 25th anniversary. You have truly kept the promise, we will never forget.” Matthew Trant, brother of Daniel Trant, said he had, in the past, let his family be represented by his mother and sister. “I came because you are here,” he said, adding that he wished the phrase ‘never forget’ meant the same thing to everyone. “I’ll tell you what happened, my brother was murdered at his desk,” he said. “I wanted to come back to say thank you, especially to the police and fire departments because of what you did. You guys are my heroes.” Trant also addressed Neal. “What you did for the Trant fam-

ily — you went to bat for us,” he said, adding that without Neal’s help, the family wouldn’t have survived. He thanked everyone for continuing to remember. Finally, Ann Murphy spoke on behalf of the Murphy family. She said 25 years ago was the last time that she heard Brian’s voice, when they spoke on the phone and he talked about his girls. She said his oldest daughter just completed her last year of medical school and will be doing a rotation in emergency medical services. His other daughter, a preschooler at the time, is studying law, and will be apprenticing with a chief justice. “We are truly grateful that you never let anyone forget,” Murphy said. At 6 p.m. that evening, the Sons of Erin also observed the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a ceremony and reception to remember the Westfield victims.

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SOUTHWICK — For some, the horrific acts of terror that forever changed our nation on 9/11 have faded, and for a generation born after the attack, it is history. For others, the tragic events of that day and those that followed are seared forever into their memories, even 25 years later. “It also strikes me that today is eerily similar in weather to that day 25 years ago. It’s so hard to believe those words because in so many ways, for many of us, September 11, 2001 still feels like yesterday,” said Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin during the 9/11 ceremony held at the Fire Department. The ceremony included the tolling of the firehouse bell for those who died, the playing of taps by Robert Frydryk, lowering the U.S. flag briefly to halfstaff, and the haunting sounds of a single bagpipe playing “Scotland the Brave,” performed by Susan Blanchette of the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band. “For those of us who were alive that morning, we remember where we were. We remember the weather. We remember the confusion, the disbelief, and then the terrible realization that our country was under attack,” he continued. While more than 3,000 innocent lives were lost that day, the numbers can never tell the whole story. “Every one of those people had a name, a family, friends, a job, a home, plans for that day and hope for the future. And among those who answered the call that morning were 341 New York City firefighters, 23 New York City police officers, 37 Port Authority police officers, two FDNY medics, along with EMTs and other emergen-

cy responders who ran toward danger while everyone else was trying to get away. They knew the risks. They went anyway,” he said. “That is what we remember here today,” Moglin said to the residents and city officials gathered to commemorate and reflect on the 25 years that have slipped by. Moglin, who grew up only a few miles from the Twin Towers, remembered many who never came home that day. “Besides the images of that day, one that haunts me to this day is a photo of cars at a parking lot days after the tragedy on 9/11; cars whose owners were never to return,” he said. But in the days that followed, the country came together in a way that only a few other events in its history have brought it together. “Despite its grief and fear, Americans seemed to discover a renewed sense of purpose. Flags appeared everywhere. Strangers helped strangers. People lined up to donate blood. And Southwick answered that call as well,” he said. “One of our police officers, along with their K9, went to Ground Zero to assist in the search and recovery efforts.” Many lessons were learned that day, and the country has changed since then, but “we are Americans, and when our neighbors need us, we respond. That’s especially true of the men and women who serve our community every day,” Moglin said. Fire Chief Richard Stefanowicz said Sept. 11 and Sept. 12 were unlike any two days in most Americans’ lives. “And our responses as a nation were unlike any other,” he said before thanking those who had attended the ceremony and the members of the South-

Top: With Southwick Police Chief Rhett Bannish looking on, Southwick Select Board Chair Douglas Moglin offered remarks at the town’s 9/11 ceremony. Bottom: To remember those first responders who lost their lives on 9/11 25 years ago, Robert Frydryk played taps. Police Officer Steven Pinette and Sgt. Michael Westcott (with K9) honored the fallen with salutes. Reminder Publishing photos by Cliff Clark

wick Regional School band, which played the national anthem to open it. “It is invigorating and uplifting to see all of you here today, and I genuinely mean that. Thank you all for making the effort. I certainly hope that today will be like next year and the year after that and the year after that,” Stefanowicz said. As Moglin wrapped up his remarks, he asked everyone gathered there to remember. “We remember those who

were lost, and we remember those who ran towards the danger. And we remember the families who were left behind. And remember the extraordinary way Americans came together in the days that followed. May we never forget them. And may we never forget what they gave. And may we never forget that, even in our darkest moments, there is strength in standing together. And as always, I’ll see you here, same time, same place.”

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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 William F. Borecki Sandra J. Moore FEEDING HILLS Judith A. Beauregard

Alfred L. Bouchard Doris E. Mozdzanowski WEST SPRINGFIELD Eva C. Fiorini Errol L. Holloway

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PENNYSAVER | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026

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

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

SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026 | PENNYSAVER

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classifieds

TO PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD CALL 413-213-6178 • CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON

community

APPLIANCE REPAIR

ELECTRICIAN

ALLEN ST. JEAN APPLIANCE

FLOREK'S ELECTRICAL SERVICE

Repairing all major brands of appliances. New Appliance Sales! A+ BBB Rating. Feel free to leave a quote on our services! www.allens-appliance.com

Fully experienced for all your electrical needs, in your home or business. No job too small or too big. Electrical service upgrades, new construction or additions, emergency generators; new installation and maintenance service. Fully insured/licensed.

Senior/Military discounts available. 413-562-5082

Call Jason, Master Electrician 413-568-6293

ARTICLES FOR SALE

JAMES FERRIS ELECTRICIAN

A.R.A. JUNK & FURNITURE REMOVAL RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL DEMOLITION SHEDS/PATIOS HOUSE CLEANOUTS Appliances & Garage We Recycle & Donate Free Estimates Credit cards accepted Same day service!

Lic.#E16303

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

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

BUSINESS PROPERTY FOR SALE: 35,000 square foot office/light industrial building on 4.5 acres of land in Concord, Massachusetts. Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, this property is 15 minutes from Rte. 128 and 20 minutes from Rte. 495. Not only is there town water and sewer but the town of Concord has its own electric company. In addition, Concord has underground Concord fibre optic internet. 7 minutes from historic Concord center, enjoy Walden pond, Louisa May Alcott's house and many other historic sites as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Use the entire building or keep some of the tenants already occupying the building. Mowing, plowing, and other maintenance already in place could remain. Call with any questions: 978.580.1895

POEHLMAN ELECTRIC All types of wiring. Free estimates. Insured. SPECIALIZING IN PORTABLE AND WHOLE HOUSE KOHLER GENERATORS, SERVICE UPGRADES, SMALL JOBS, POOLS. Gutter de-icing cables installed. All calls answered! Best prices, prompt service. Lic. #A-16886 (413)562-5816

FIREWOOD AFFORDABLE FIREWOOD Seasoned and green. Cut, split, delivered. Half-Cords/FullCords/Multiple-Cords. Now ready for immediate delivery. Senior, Veteran and Bulk discounts apply! Call: 413-530-4820

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

ELECTRICIAN

GENERAL SERVICES

SAM’S ELECTRICAL 5-STAR RATED ELECTRICIAN NO JOB TOO SMALL

A-1 A DUMP TRUCK Attic, cellars, garages cleaned out. Wood and brush removal. Scrap metal removal. Snowplowing/Removal

Real person. Fast answers. Fast response. Exceptional customer service. 24/7 Emergency Service Available Licensed & Insured Call or Text: 413-564-4054

MASONRY

GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade. 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-299-7135

MASONRY AND CHIMNEY REPAIR

DALE'S STRUCTURAL Termite damage, sagging floors, rotted beams, basement columns, foundation repairs, homes, garages, barns. Small jobs welcome. 413-667-3149

PETE 413-433-0356

Insured. 50 yrs. experience. No job too small. Call 413-330-3682 Raymour & Flanagan Lamont Reclining Power Sofa Removable backs. Recliners & USB charging on both ends. Like new/7 months old. Beige, 88"L X 37"W. Asking $900. Call 413-562-6514 or text 413-250-8731

HOME IMPROVEMENT

GENERAL SERVICES

CRYSTAL CLEAR WINDOWS & HOUSE WASHING Windows cleaned. Free estimates, fully insured. Call Paul 413-237-2053 RICHIE’S HOME IMPROVEMENTS Contractor/Mechanical Services/ Handyman Replacement windows, vinyl siding, roofing, gutters installed/cleaned, remodeling, painting, flooring/carpeting, masonry, carpentry, powerwashing & ceramic tiling. Residential/commercial. No job too small. Lic#148425/Insured 413-746-2171/413-246-0927 OLD SCHOOL WINDOW & GUTTER CLEANING Gutter Cleaning $95 any home; Power washing starts at $99; Window Cleaning starting at $75; Roof Moss Control $99. Call Bob 413-896-6442. FULLY INSURED www.windowcleanup.com

HANDYMAN Four Seasons Handyman Services 40-years experience in carpentry. Recently retired but want to stay busy helping you with any job you are afraid to ask help for. Todd 413-433-5319

HELP WANTED Love Horses? Part-time reliable barn worker, Monday-Friday 9:00-1:00, weekends and/or weekdays. Suffield, CT 860-874-8077.

(413)569-0794 (413)374-5377

HOME IMPROVEMENT A-1 AFFORDABLE BUILDING CONTRACTOR

JOSEPH'S HANDYMAN COMPANY Carpentry, remodeling, kitchen, baths, basements, drywall, tile, floors, restoration services, doors, windows, decks, stairs, interior/exterior painting, plumbing. Small jobs ok. Projects designed to fit your needs, all types of professional work done since 1985. Call Joe (413)364-7038

All brick, block concrete; concrete steps & walk-ways; new paver walk-ways; paver patios & retaining walls. Chimneys, foundations, hatchways, new basement windows installed and repaired. New hatchway & bulkhead doors. Sump pumps and french drain systems installed. Foundations pointed and stuccoed. Free estimates (413)569-1611 or (413)374-5377

HOUSE PAINTING ALWAYS CALL FIRST!!! M&M SERVICES 29 Years serving the Westfield area. Painting, staining, house washing, interior/exterior. Wall coverings. Water damage and ceiling/wall repairs. Commercial/residential. Free estimates. Insured. References. Call Carmine at: (413) 537-4665 No job is too small!!!

LETOURNEAU & SONS PAINTING ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! Family owned and operated, painting/home improvements. Serving Western MA since 1986. Specializing in residential/commercial , exterior/interior painting and staining. Exterior home repairs/carpentry of all type. Call Bill for your FREE no obligation estimate (413) 977-9633 or (413) 562-5727

LANDSCAPING HAGGER’S LANDSCAPING SERVICES, LLC Mulching, brush removal, lawn restoration and seeding, Bobcat services. -------Landscape design, decorative stone, plantings, patios, walkways, retaining walls and more! FULLY INSURED FREE estimates! (413) 626-6122 or visit: www.haggerscape.com

Trimming Edge Lawncare Now Booking for Fall Clean-Ups

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

AGAWAM

Amjad Real Estate LLC, to Bryan Gosciminski and Anthony Gosciminski, 30 Kathy Terrace, Cynthia J. Maloni to Geovanni Montesino and Madelaine Saborit, 335-337 Springfield St., Michael Hogan to Johnny East LLC, 562 Springfield St., Shahar Tal to Kamal Mirzay, 1159 River Road, Sharon A. Conte to Jan Castonguay and Timothy B. Castonguay, 1178 Main St.,

$433,000. $326,000. $145,000. $480,000. $355,000.

HOLYOKE

Charles Elfman, receiver, Holyoke City and Motherflippers Realty LLC, to Principia Holdings LLC, 97 Newton St., $120,000. Karen A. Hobert and Susan A. Duda to Heather M. Leveille and Fahd Khazraj, 26 Willow St., $240,000. Karen A. McCarthy to Tyler Ingraham, 45 Yale St., $370,000. Kimberli A. Paine and Sigrid A. Stevens to Maya E. Davis and Thomas C. Whittier, 27 Mount Tom Ave., $489,000. Lori L. Beaudry, trustee, Lori Beaudry-Flint, trustee, and Lori L. Beaudry Revocable Trust, trustee of, to Elizabeth D. Morgan, 33 Labrie Lane, $975,000. Robert E. Lafrenaye, estate, and Peter C. Warren Jr., representative, to Dreampath Home Buyers LLC, 62 Brookline Ave., $150,000. Ryan Randall Realty LLC, and KMAK LLC, to Halifax Capital LLC, 179 Sargeant St., $335,000. Theodore Harper to Ryan Taylor, 2 Oscar St., $310,000. Tracey John Leenders and Heather M. Leenders to Socrate A. Lopez, 11 Robert Drive, $385,000.

SOUTHAMPTON

Carol A. Bellinger to Philip J. Lailer, 55 Pequot Road, Dennis A. Williams and Susan C. Williams to Marie Buell and Jonathan Buell, 17 Bissonnette Circle,

SOUTHWICK

Oleg Kulyak and Liliya Kulyak to Jonathan Kupin, 7 Deer Run,

$605,000. $950,000. $700,000.

MISCELLANEOUS DONATE YOUR CAR, TRUCK, BOAT, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1888-305-7286 today! NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS! Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a non-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-925-2643 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details.

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as 1 day! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & military discounts available. 1877-543-9189 Consumer Cellular - same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees free activation. All plans feature unlimited talk & text, starting at just $20/mo. Call 1-877-751-0866 DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB games! Choice Pkg $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devic-es. HBO Max included for 3 mos w/Choice Package or higher. No contract or hidden fees! Restrictions apply. IVS 866-859-0405 End your tax worries today. Let us make your tax problem our priority. Scared, stuck with high tax amounts? Our A+ tax professionals can help. Free consultation. Priority Tax 855959-2267 Home Break-ins take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢/day! 1-877-9070316

Find us on Facebook facebook.com/ReminderPublishing

413-551-9653

~ Introducing the Park Square Realty FirstKey Program ~

The Best Way Home

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

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 877-461-0698. Have zip code ready when calling!

www.Ls-painting.com

29 Years Experience Licensed & Insured

Call Dave: 413-568-6440

MASONRY / CONCRETE ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

Light carpentry, Framing to finish carpentry. Specializing in decks, barn repairs, log cabin repairs, garage repairs, sheds, basement conversions, interior renovations; exterior repairs.

Veteran Owned & Operated 10% Sr. Discounts

Call or Text Chris 413-977-9041

HOME MAINTENANCE

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

Stucco/Repointing/Small Chimney Repairs/Rebuilds.

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

parksquarerealty.com

Peter J. Olson and Stephanie Fulbright to Sean Patrick Major and Ashley Elizabeth Major, 8 Wintergreen Circle, Richard G. Thompson Jr., and Georgiann Thompson, estate, to Richard George Thompson Jr., 48 Tannery Road,

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AAA Northeast to Pioneer Valley Credit Union, 150 Capital Drive, Israel Cordero to Alexis F. Rodriguez and Bryant Martinez, 59 Salem St., Janna M. LeClerc-McLaughlin and Jonathan A. Goodhind to Jarod Authier and Rachel Gelina, 75 Greystone Ave., William S. Brown to Kimberli A. Paine and Sigrid A. Stevens, 91 Braintree Road,

WESTFIELD

$745,000. $314,000. $2,350,000. $300,000. $340,000. $485,000.

Barbara F. Largay to Charles H. Surridge, 10 Tow Path Lane, $135,000. Bobbie C. Longo to Sabina Tamang and Biren Tamang, 70 Vadnais St., $355,000. Cameron J. Danalis and Mark E. Champiney Sr., to Geovanie Perez and Ashley Bernal, 33 Noble St., $410,000. Charles H. Surridge to Serge Nakhabenko, 10 Tow Path Lane, $46,000. Christopher Malinowski and Martin E. Malinowski to Andrew Warren, 97 Sunset Drive, $300,000. Donna M. Diduk to Lawrence Ward and Michelle Ward, 7 Darby Drive, $480,000. Naples Home Buyers Inc., to Juan Carlos Espinoza, 37 W School St., $310,000. Richard S. Egan, David M. Egan, Susan J. Ayr, Joanne M. Hewins and Karen A. Waters to Jessica Manganello and Frank Manganello Jr., 32 Spruce St., $500,000. Round Two LLC, to Mihail Patosca, 7 Sibley Ave., $275,000. Sean Major, Ashley Major and Ashley Marshall to Joanne M. MacDonald, 175 Pontoosic Road, $500,000. Stephen C. Sobczyk to Nery Perez Guzman, 179 Joseph Ave., $372,000.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

|7|

MISCELLANEOUS

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit cards. Medical bills. Car loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief and find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote: Call 1-844-955-4930

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

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as 1-day. Limited time, waving all installation costs! Additional terms apply. Subject to change & vary by dealer. Ends soon. 844-501-3208

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

MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure! 1-888-489-3936

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

Need cash quickly? We buy houses in any condition. Get a fair cash offer within 24 hours! Call today. Liz Buys Houses: 833-359-4707

PETS

No more cleaning gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter backed by no-clog guarantee & lifetime warranty. Call 1-833-610-1936 to schedule FREE inspection/estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Military & Seniors get additional 10% off. Limited time. Restrictions apply, see rep for details.

Trimming Edge Pet Care Dog Walking, Pet Sitting, Grooming, Drop-In Visits, Medication 413-551-9653/Call or Text

Peace of mind & early detection - Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life Line Screening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172

PLUMBING

Pest control: Protect your home from pests safely. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders & more. Locally owned & affordable. For service or inspection today! 877-916-2103 Have zip code ready! Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a free 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-948-6176 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network! For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products

KEITH'S UPHOLSTERY & REPAIRS 40+ years experience for home or business. 25% Discount off all fabrics. Get quality workmanship at a reasonable price. Call (413)562-6639 Monday-Friday, 9-5.

VACATION RENTAL WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 877-621-7517

For ALL your plumbing needs. No job is too small! Veteran Owned and operated MA Licensed and Insured

First Congregational Church of Westfield 20 Broad Street Westfield, MA 413-568-2833 Friday, October 2nd - 4PM-7PM

“JUST ADD WATER”

UPHOLSTERY

WANTED

RUMMAGE SALE!

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE

413-579-5619 Cell: 413-530-2982

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

TAG SALES

SunSetter. America's Number One Awning! Instant shade at the touch of a button. Transform your deck or patio into an outdoor oasis. Up to 10-year limited warranty. Save $350 today! 855-914-1148

American Tree & Shrub Removal, pruning, bucket/crane work. Light excavation and tree planting. Fully Insured/Free Estimates. 24-hour Emergency Services. 20+ years Experience

DAVID ROSE PLUMBING & HEATING

Call Dave 413-579-4073

Professional lawn service: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Free quote. Ask about first application special! 877-484-8583

TREE SERVICE

PENNYSAVER | SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026

WANTED TO BUY Wanted! CASH for: ANYTHING OF SIGNIFICANT VALUE! Machinist, Specialty, and Mechanic Tools, Electronics/Audio, Sports Cards, Vintage Toys, Antiques/Collectibles, much more! Call/Text Sam 413-531-5381

Saturday, October 3rd 9AM-3PM

Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ ReminderPublishing

CARRIERS & PART-TIME SUBS NEEDED! WE ARE OFFERING A BONUS INCENTIVE TO NEW CARRIERS AFTER COMPLETING 4 WEEKS!

EAST LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

132 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd. 103 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St. 128 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only) 58 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir. 131 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St. 135 Papers: Baymor Dr., Edmund St., Fifth St., Glendale Rd., Knollwood Dr.

68 Papers: Woolworth St., Woodside Dr., Blokland Dr., Wilkin Dr., Grassy Gutter Rd. 57 Papers: Park Dr., Brittany Rd., Normandy Rd., Partial-E. Greenwich Rd., Colony Rd. 149 Papers: Prynne Ridge Rd., Wyndward Rd., Wildwood Glen, Maplewood St., Partial-Maple Rd. 158 Papers: Burbank Rd., Farmington Rd., Ellington Rd., Oakwood Rd., Partial-Converse St. 201 Papers: Dover Rd., Birchwood Ave., Benedict Ter., Roseland Ter., Colony Rd. 61 Papers: Magnolia Cir., Primrose Dr., Merriweather Dr., Vanguard Ln., Ridge Rd. 230 Papers: Blueberry Hill Rd., Concord Rd., Green Willow Dr., Tanglewood Dr., Redfern Dr. 80 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St. 108 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St.

LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

WILBRAHAM - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY

73 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St. 85 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd. 146 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd. 95 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd. 97 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd. 100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd. 155 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd. 105 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St.

local

228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.

Call Holly @

413.788.1316

443B SHAKER ROAD, EAST LONGMEADOW, MA · 181 ROOT ROAD, WESTFIELD, MA

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES BOARD

WHO DOES IT Brick-Block-Stone

90 Flat Rate Residential Computer Repair Virus Removal • Hardware Upgrades • Data Recovery • Reinstalls Screen Replacements & More! (413) 333-5050 $

acceleratedit.net

650 New Ludlow Rd. • South Hadley, MA 01075 Hey Lorie. He said that the 800# on his WDI ad isn’t working and wants to change it to (413) 333 – 5050. And for any future ads to. Can you get me a revised proof of that WDI ad and send to me?

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE, CALL 413.213.6178

FREE ESTIMATES

FULLY INSURED

BAKER MASONRY Residential & Commercial

www.BakerMasonContractor.com

FIREPLACES • CHIMNEYS • STEPS • SIDEWALKS • PATIOS CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS • BILCO HATCHWAYS

BRICK - BLOCK STONE - CONCRETE

(413) 569-3172 (413) 599-0015

Remove Bobcat Services Insert in that spot: www.bakermasoncontractor.com

New or Repair

SOLEK MASONRY

Chimneys • Foundations • Fireplaces (413) 569-6855 (413) 569-3428

Free Estimates

GARAGE DOORS Sales • Installation Service & Repair

Residential & Light Commercial - Free Estimates Certified, Licensed, Insured

413-289-6550 • 413-626-1978 www.MENARDGARAGEDOORS.com BLINDS • SHADES • DRAPES • SHUTTERS • HOME AUTOMATION

WE BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU! BUDGET BLINDS OF AMHERST & WESTFIELD 413-875-2016 We Are Your Local Trusted Resource!

IT’S FALL! - Make the Most of New England‘s Most Beautiful Season!

Schedule Your COMPLIMENTARY In-Home Consultation TODAY!

SEPTEMBER 24 - 30, 2026 | PENNYSAVER

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THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

DINING ENTERTAINMENT www.TheReminder.com

Twisted Sister 50th anniversary tour comes to Big E Oct. 2 By Debbie Gardner

dgardner@thereminder.com

WEST SPRINGFIELD — If you wanna rock this fall, the Big E has the show for you. Legendary ‘80s heavy metal band Twisted Sister is slated to take the Big E Arena stage at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 2 for the only Northeast stop on their 50th Anniversary Tour. And it’s a tour with its own twist, as Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach will be replacing the band’s longtime lead singer Dee Snider. Snider had to pull out of the tour shortly after the tour dates

were originally announced due to health issues. “It was doing it, then not doing it, then doing it, to contacting Sebastian,” founding guitarist and Twisted Sister manager Jay Jay French told Reminder Publishing of the convoluted road that brought the band back together for this anniversary tour. Ironically, it was Snider, French added, who had convinced him and fellow founding member Eddie Ojeda to originally commit to the tour. The last time the band performed together was a one-off at their induction into the Heavy

Metal Hall of Fame in 2023. French said Twisted Sister fans should still expect a show worthy of their legend. “We replaced Dee with a bona fide superstar,” French said, adding that Twisted Sister isn’t the only iconic band that’s seen changes to their talent lineup and still gone on to produce great shows. Freddie Mercury, frontman for Queen, was replaced by an American Idol contestant, Adam Lambert. Sammy Hagar replaced Arrowsmith’s David Lee Roth. When fans want the music, bands find a way to keep providing the magic, French said.

“And Sebastian is a big fan of Twisted Sister,” French shared. French said Twisted Sister is ready to give fans a night to remember when they take the stage at the Big E. The audience can expect to hear their legendary rock anthems “I Wanna Rock” and “We’re Not Gonna Take It” as well as deep cuts like “Under the Blade” and “Burn in Hell.” The current setlist includes two of French’s admitted favorites from the band’s early albums, “We’re Gonna Make It” and “You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n Roll.” Bach is expected to add at least two Skid Row covers, “I Remember You”

and “Youth Gone Wild,” to the setlist mix. “If they’ve seen us before, they know what to expect,” French said of the upcoming Big E show. “If they haven’t seen us, they will see a performance that equals or exceeds the legend that Twisted Sister has created.” Twisted Sister will share the stage that night with fellow 1980s rock band Tesla. Advance tickets are required, and the concert is expected to be a sellout. To get tickets to Twisted Sister at the Big E Arena, which includes admission to the fair, visit tinyurl.com/TSist.

Hudson and Chester Granite VR ILLAGE P IZZERIA E S T A U R A N T Works tour slated for Sept. 27 “Our Family Cooks For Your Family”

College Highway, Rt. 10 & 202, Southwick, MA PATIO OPEN

DEBIT

413-569-3160 • 413-569-3403

PIZZA, GRINDERS & MORE SINCE 1982 ~ SEPTEMBER Grinder of the Month ~

8” Cooked Salami

with Lettuce, Tomato & Cheese

$ 95

Onions & Peppers 25¢ extra

OPEN: 11am-10pm Every Day • VILLAGE-PIZZERIA.COM

CHESTER — The Western Mass Hilltown Hikers is offering a guided group tour of the Hudson and Chester Granite Works on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. The Chester Granite Company was one of two granite finishing works in Chester for cutting and polishing stone brought down to the Historic Factory Village on the Chester and Becket Railroad; it was built for this purpose in 1896. “Chester Blue Granite” was brought down the steep mountain railroad from the Hudson and Chester quarry, known today as the Becket Quarry in Becket.

The finishing works burned down after many prosperous years in business making monuments and gravestones and has been private property since, until recently. In September, 2023, the Hilltown Hikers purchased the lot, including the 12-foot shot saw and all the remains of its buildings and equipment. This was the second largest stone finishing plant in the state. The saw is still the largest historical stone cutting saw in existence. Tour the property on its newly created walking path with a guide and learn about the Granite Industry in Chester and Becket. The

hike rating is easy, mostly on flat terrain on dirt. Sneakers are recommended; no open-toe shoes. Donations for the conserved Chester Granite and Polishing Works property are greatly appreciated. Suggested donation is $15. “I Saw it in Chester” t-shirts will also be available for sale. Registration per vehicle is requested at www.hilltownhikers. com. Maps and bottled water will be provided, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The event is volunteer-led. For more information, email westernmasshilltownhikers@aol.com or call/text 413-302-0312.

SACK THE STAFF FOOTBALL CHALLENGE 1 ENTRY PER person

WEEK 3: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th ENTRY FORMS MUST BE ENTERED ONLINE AT

sackthestaff.COm WEEKLY PRIZE: $25 GIFT CARD TO

GRAND PRIZE

2ND PRIZE

PAIR OF 2027 PATRIOTS TICKETS

3RD PRIZE

$100 GIFT CARD

COURTESY OF

3 country club road HOLYOKE, MA www.delaneyHOUSE.com

ALL WINNERS WILL BE ENTERED IN OUR END OF SEASON DRAWING!

SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN THIS EDITION. ALL PUZZLES & SOLUTIONS CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT WWW.THEREMINDER.COM/PUZZLE-CORNER/

ALL THAT’S

2026

FALL

Prepare your landscape for the change of seasons

By Melinda Myers

ardening author and TV/radio host Special to Reminder Publishing As summer comes to an end, it’s time to prepare landscapes for fall and winter. Proper fall care helps increase plants’ winter survival, supports pollinators, and promotes the overall health, longevity, and beauty of a landscape. Here’s a list of tips to get your lawn and garden ready for the change of seasons.

DON’T STOP SPRINKLING YET

Continue watering as needed. This is especially important for new plantings, evergreens and moisture-loving plants; but don’t overlook established trees. Drought stress makes plants, even established ones, more susceptible to life threatening insects and disease.

KEEP UP THE GARDEN CHORES

Remove weeds in gardens and mixed borders. Cooler temperatures and a shorter to-do list make See LANDSCAPE on page 2

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it easier to squeeze in more time for this task. Eliminating weeds now means fewer weeds to pull next year.

GIVE IT ONE LAST CUT

Don’t pack away the mower just yet. Keep cutting the lawn as long as it keeps growing. Mow over fall leaves and leave them and grass clippings on the lawn. The short clippings and quarter-size leaf pieces add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Just make a second pass with the mower, if needed, to cut the leaves down in size.

USE THOSE LEAVES

Put some of the fall leaves to work in gardens as a mulch. They insulate plant roots from temperature extremes, help suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and improve the soil as they decompose. Leaves also provide insulation and winter protection for a variety of beneficial insects, toads and frogs. Don’t waste garden trimmings Start a compost pile by mixing fall leaves with other landscape trimmings. Don’t add invasive plants, aggressive weeds or those gone to seed. Leave insect and disease infested or chemically treated plant debris out of the pile. Don’t add fat, meat and other animal products that can attract rodents. Moisten and occasionally turn the pile to speed up the process. Soon it will be a wonderful soil conditioner to put back into the landscape.

RESIST THE URGE TO CUT

Leave healthy perennials stand for winter. Many provide motion, form and texture to the winter garden. This subtle winter beauty may not be as colorful as your summer garden, but it adds interest to what may be an otherwise drab winter landscape. The standing perennials also support songbirds and beneficial insects. Seed heads of many perennials attract seed-eat-

ing songbirds, adding color and motion throughout the winter. They also provide winter homes and shelter for beneficial insects that pollinate plants, help manage insect pests and more.

GET RID OF THE BAD STUFF

Remove diseased plant debris and those infested with plant-damaging insects. Removing these from the garden reduces the source of future infestations which means healthier plants with less pest management required. Local municipalities can provide guidance on disposing of pest infested plant debris.

LET THE FROST GUIDE YOU

Wait for several hard frosts when cutting perennials back in the fall. This allows the plant to maximize energy produced and store it in the roots for healthy growth next spring. Make the cut two to three inches above the ground to avoid damaging the crown of the plant.

FENCE WHERE NEEDED

Protect plants and gardens susceptible to animal damage. A cylinder of hardware cloth at least four feet high sunk several inches into the ground can reduce the risk of rabbit, deer and vole damage. A five-feet-tall fence around small gardens, 8 feet

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by 13 feet or smaller, with a secure gate can reduce the risk of most critter damage. If fencing isn’t a practical option, consider using repellent. Applying repellent before animals begin feeding provides the greatest success. Look for rain- and snow-resistant repellent, allowing gardeners to reapply less often. Once fall landscape chores are complete, take time to clean, repair, sharpen and store tools for the winter and winterize the lawn mower. Move granular landscape care products to a dry place and liquids to a frost-free location. Store them in a secure location away from pets and children. Take advantage of the often-cooler fall days to prepare gardens for winter. Time spent now can help reduce winter damage and save time as the next garden season begins.

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An apple crisp everyone can enjoy

As soon as the calendar turns to fall, it seem, everything is awash in orange, including food. Pumpkin products are ubiquitous this time of year, and everything from muffins to cookies to coffees are given pumpkin-infused spins. Although it may seem like there is no room on the menu for anything other than pumpkin right now, fans of another fall favorite can rest assured that apples will never fall out of favor on the dessert table. Apples come into season early in September but remain tasty staples all the way through the holiday

entertaining season in December. That leaves plenty of opportunities to offer apple-based desserts. Crisps are desserts that have streusel-like toppings, and are close cousins to cobblers, which feature more of a biscuit topping. The crunch of the streusel on this “Apple Crisp” from “Danielle Walker’s Eat What You Love” (Ten Speed Press) is addictive. It replaces a traditional oats or flour-sugar mixture crisp into something those who are gluten-free can enjoy.

GLUTENFREE APPLE CRISP

Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients: 3/4 cup cashew flour 1/4 cup coconut flour 3 tablespoons arrowroot flour 14 cup maple sugar 1/4 cup coconut sugar 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/2cup chilled ghee, or palm shortening 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 3 pounds baking apples Finely grated zest of 1 orange Finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4teaspoon ground allspice Whipped cream (dairy or nondairy), optional Method: Preheat the oven to 350 F. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cashew flour, coconut flour, arrowroot, maple sugar, coconut sugar, and salt. Mix the ghee into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives,

until the mixture has the texture of coarse sand. Add the shredded coconut, and use your hands to toss and squeeze the mixture until large, moist clumps form. Place the bowl in the freezer to chill while you prepare the filling. Peel and core the apples, then cut them into large wedges. In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the apples with the orange zest, lem-

Delicious soup perfect for the season

Cooler weather arrives just as prime entertaining season heats up. Those who will be hosting gatherings soon can expand their recipe repertoire to feed guests and keep them satisfied. Borrowing some flavors from the season can make entertaining festive and even more flavorful. Pumpkins and winter squashes are popular in fall, and their versatility undoubtedly contributes to that popularity. However, when chilly days require something to warm you up from the inside out, nothing can beat a soothing soup. And soup recipes can be altered to easily feed a crowd. Cooks can step out of their chicken soup comfort zones and try this recipe for “Roasted Pumpkin Soup With Pumpkin Crisps” from “The Complete Mexican, South American & Caribbean Cookbook” (Metro Books) by Jane Milton, Jenni Fleetwood and Marina Filippeli.

on zest, lemon juice, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Remove the topping from the freezer and scatter it over the apples. Place the baking dish on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, until the top is brown and the sauce is bubbling. Serve warm with whipped cream on top. Article courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

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ROASTED PUMPKIN SOUP WITH PUMPKIN CRISPS

Ingredients: 3 to 3 1/2 pounds pumpkin 6 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, chopped 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 3-inch piece of fresh ginger root, grated 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric Pinch of cayenne pepper 4 cups vegetable stock Salt and ground black pepper 1 tablespoon sesame seeds Fresh cilantro leaves, to garnish

For the pumpkin crisps Wedge of fresh pumpkin, seeded 1/2 cup olive oil

Method: Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prick the pumpkin around the top several times with a fork. Brush the pumpkin with plenty of the oil and bake for 45 minutes or until tender. Leave until cool enough to handle. Take care when cutting the pumpkin, as there may still be a lot of hot steam inside. When cool enough to handle, scoop out and discard the seeds. Scoop out and chop the flesh. Heat about 4 tablespoons of the remaining oil (you may not have to use all of it) in a large pan and add the onions, garlic and ginger, then cook gently for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the coriander, turmeric, and cayenne, and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the pumpkin flesh and stock. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 20 minutes until tender. Cool the soup slightly, then puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Return the soup to the rinsed out pan and season well. Meanwhile, prepare the pumpkin crisps. Using a swivel-blade potato peeler, pare long thin strips off the wedge of pumpkin. Heat the oil in a small pan and fry the strips in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels. Reheat the soup and ladle it into bowls. Top with the pumpkin crisps and garnish each portion with sesame seeds and cilantro leaves. Article courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026

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Too much Halloween haul? How to repurpose that extra candy

hat can be better than spending a day with friends, decked out in costume as you accumulate a mountain of sweet treats? That’s what trick-or-treaters do every Halloween, and sometimes the cache of candy is more than a person can consume in a lifetime. When October rolls into November and Thanksgiving is on the horizon, few people want to be staring at a witch’s cauldron full of chocolate bars. Rather than be wasteful and throw it away, they can utilize that candy in many different ways.

S’MORES COOKIE

Turn miniature chocolate bars into a campfire treat with a cookie twist. Press premade cookie dough into a round cast iron skillet and bake until cooked throughout. Add chopped up pieces of chocolate and marshmallows on top, and place under the broiler a few minutes until melted and gooey. Slice up to serve or dig in with spoons.

CONFECTIONARY PIZZA

Purchase premade pizza dough or make your own. Bake the dough on a pan with no toppings. Afterwards, spread a layer of peanut butter or hazelnut spread on top. Then set up a fixings bar with various candies that others can add to their pizza slices. Options include chocolate candies, miniature pretzels, marshmallows, or gummy candies.

STAINED GLASS COOKIES

Turn hard candies (like Jolly Ranchers¨) into works of art. Fill sugar cookie cutouts with hard candies in the middle. When the cookies bake, the candies will melt and then turn soft after cooling. Candy-topped brownies

isiting a local apple orchard and picking one’s fill of apples is a quintessential fall activity. Apple picking is an ideal way to spend time outdoors when the

Brownies are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some embellishments. Mix chopped caramels into the batter, or add other candies for flavor and fun.

CANDY BARK

to first responders, veterans and others. It’s fun to gather treats on Halloween. But when the collected candy is simply too much to eat, there are various ways to put it to good use. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Melt down any chocolate you may have and spread it on a baking sheet. Sprinkle chopped up leftover candy on top and allow to cool. Break into pieces for a homemade chocolate bark.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE

Save the candy in a zip-top bag for freshness and reserve for decorating gingerbread houses around the holidays.

BIRTHDAY PI–ATA

If there is a birthday on the horizon, use the Halloween candy to stuff the pi–ata.

PARADE ROUTE

Veteran’s Day parades are held each November. Start a new tradition in town where donated candy will be tossed out to the crowd by those marching in the parade.

DONATE

Various organizations will gather and ship leftover candy to troops stationed overseas or donate the goods

Apple picking pointers

weather tends to be cool and pleasant. Gathering fresh-from-the-tree fruit to turn into favorite fall desserts like cobblers and pies is irresistible. According to the Economic Research Service, Washington state is the leading apple producer in the United States. It is followed very distantly by New York and Michigan. Apples were first cultivated in Canada by early French settlers, with the first trees planted in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley around 1633. Today, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia have become strong players in the apple business. While other areas may not be apple meccas, those look-

ing to pick their own have plenty of options across North American to enjoy this pastime. Prior to an apple picking adventure, people can do a little preparation to ensure the afternoon is fun and fruitful.

DO SOME RESEARCH

Before individuals head out, they should do research into the available orchards and which apple varieties they specialize in. Ripening seasons vary, so certain varieties may not be available at all times. Call ahead to learn which apples are ripe and when.

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trees have been heavily picked over. It’s also a good idea to visit the orchard early in the day, which means cooler temperatures and smaller crowds.

DRESS APPROPRIATELY

Orchards can be dusty, muddy and buggy. The ground also may be uneven. Individuals can wear comfortable clothes and closedtoed shoes that can get dirty. Also, they should dress in layers, as it can be chilly early in the day and then warmer later on.

PICK CORRECTLY

Instead of yanking on the apples, which can damage the tree and apples, people should gently roll or twist the apple upwards from the

branch. If the apple is ripe it will detach easily with stem intact.

AVOID BRUISING

It’s wise to inspect the apples to make sure they are firm and brightly colored. Those with bruising or insect damage should be left behind.

DON’T OVERLOAD

Only pick what you need. Apples are delicate, and overloading the apples into bags can crush or bruise the ones on the bottom. Plus, over-picking means that the apples may spoil before they can be eaten. After a day at the orchard, apples can be stored unwashed in a cool, dark place, which will help them stay fresher, longer. Article courtesy Metro Creative Graphics

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Sights to see at fall harvest festivals

ust as summertime is synonymous with concerts and carnivals, fall is a prime time for its own opportunities for seasonal entertainment, such as harvest festivals. Certain features overlap between summer carnivals and fall festivals, but the latter offers some unique offerings as well. The following are some things to expect when fall festival season hits full swing.

SEASONAL FARE

Many fall harvest festivals are built on the foods harvested in the fall for that region. In Wisconsin, that may be cranberries, while in Massachusetts it could be oysters. Apples also turn up in many areas starting in September. For those who canÕt wait to bite into food picked at the peak of its season, a fall harvest festival canÕt be beat.

WAGON RIDES

Farms and the tools of the farming trade are part of harvest festivals. Wagons transporting crops are a classic sight, even if theyÕre no longer heavily relied upon on the farm. Rather than a cargo bed full of corn or apples, harvest festivals tote families

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around on wagon rides or on hay bale beds towed by tractors.

APPLES GALORE

Some festivals are geared around chances to view the fall foliage that abounds in primarily rural areas. A mountain or forest backdrop adds vibrant color to any event. Coastal areas may set up fall foliage cruises that let guests see the leaves from a new perspective.

CIDER STATIONS

Fall festivals set up adjacent to or on farms may have corn mazes for the kids. These mazes may be kept up throughout October and repurposed into haunted mazes for older kids looking to get a scare for Halloween.

Candied and caramel apples and many other apple products feature prominently at many harvest festivals. Apple fritters, apple turnovers, apple pies, fried apples, and others are bound to be sold by vendors, along with traditional fair foods, like funnel cakes. Lemonade stands that are staples of summer give way to hot or cold cider offerings come the fall. Cold ciders are perfect for an unseasonably warm fall day while warm varieties are tailor-made for days when thereÕs a chill in the air.

PUMPKIN PATCHES

Fall harvest organizers pick and display pumpkins in fields to make it easier for youngsters to find the perfect pumpkin for Halloween carvings. ItÕs a sea of orange this time of year, and things may get more colorful with non-edible gourds in shades of white or yellow.

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WINE TASTINGS

Many grape varieties are harvested in the fall, so fall harvest festivals may capitalize on that and invite local vineyards to set up tables providing tastings of their vintages. Vineyards also may host their own fall festivals, featuring sips and snacks with live music. Fall offers a host of entertaining festivals geared around the harvest season. These festivals are ideal ways for people to see the sights and nibble on seasonal delights along the way. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

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Always a good scare at McCray’s

By Debbie Gardner

dgardner@thereminder.com

t’s as much a tradition on McCray’s Farm as fall pumpkin hayrides, ice cream from the creamery and the free petting zoo. As soon as the calendar flips to October, it’s time for Fear on the Farm. Brainchild of Holyoke native and avowed Halloween aficionado Dan Augusto, Fear on the Farm is the longest continuously operating haunted hayride attraction in the state. Even COVID-19 didn’t stop the scares. “We were the only attraction allowed to be open during the shutdown,” Augusto shared. This fall marks the 36th season for the annual Halloween scare fest that Augusto first created in 1991 on a small area of the farm that owner Don McCray let him use. “I did a Google search just for the heck of it because I started the same year as Spooky World did. They opened a week before us,” Augusto shared. “So, I just searched ‘What’s the longest running haunted hayride attraction in Massachusetts,’ and we’re it now.” Like Fear on the Farm, Spooky World was born on a farm, this time in Berlin, Massachusetts. Billed as America’s first major horror-themed scream park, it closed in 1998, then went through subsequent iterations at different Massachusetts locations before relocating to Litchfield, New Hampshire, in 2009. But while Spooky World had a famous producer and special effects artist as founders, a n d boasted celebrity guests, Fear on the Farm was a grassroots operation from the beginning and has always been a showcase for local talent Cutline and fellow Halloween-lovers.

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Fear on the Farm General Manager Briget Reilly said from the beginning, the original haunted hayride concept, dubbed Monster Mash, was a hit. “Within the first two weekends, there wasn’t enough parking space to park all the cars,” Reilly said. And the popularity never waned. At the 10-year mark, Augusto said Fear on the Farm added a haunted corn maze to the annual haunted hayride. At the 11-year mark, the crew created a small haunt in a 40-footlong car port. The car port eventually grew into what is now Massacre Manor. A string of damp fall seasons forced Fear on the Farm to eventually abandon the haunted corn maze. “There was just too much mud,” Augusto said. Massacre Mansion took on more prominence and was expanded as the seasons continued. When original farm owner Don McCray passed away before the 22nd season, Augusto and his crew created the D.O.N., or Diagnostic Operations Nexus, haunted walk-throughs, using his initials for the attraction as a homage to his years of support, bringing the scare areas to a total of four themes.

ALWAYS UPPING THE SCARE FACTOR

From the humble beginnings of backyard-built scare scenes and costumes from Augusto’s own collection to today’s crew of carpenters and costumed actors, Fear on the Farm has always strived to provide guests with the best in Halloween entertainment. That means taking a fresh look at the attraction areas — the 20-minute haunted haySee MCCRAY’S on page 9

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PICK

Continued from page 8 ride and the haunted walk-throughs — every season. “Each year we try to change each of the haunts and add on to different areas,” Augusto said. For example, they’ve slowly repurposed areas in Massacre Mansion that were out of public view to expand the attraction. “We currently have the whole front of the haunt, the front quarter of the mansion, torn off, and we’re rebuilding and retheming that,” Augusto said. He said the crew is also changing up the entire first section of the hayride for 2026. Reilly said Fear on the Farm is employing social media to showcase the changes they’re making for the upcoming season. “What you hear during the season is, ‘Oh well, they didn’t change this. They didn’t change much in the haunt, they didn’t change much on the trail,’ and that gets frustrating for the build crew because they are here every Saturday and Sunday during the summer,” Reilly said. “So, putting it out on social media is to try to show you, ‘Hey, we are changing. Hey, this is new.’” Reilly said they’ve also employed their Facebook page to showcase some of the attraction’s legacy characters, such as the Gravedigger, Jack O’ Lantern, the petrified pumpkin farmer, and some of the clowns, like Sparky, who were around before there was a Clown Town section of the haunt. Their colorful comic book-like profile pages will be collected into a commemorative book available at the attraction’s concession stand, Reilly added. Beyond highlighting characters on their Facebook page, Fear on the Farm is now also making character interactions available in the new Midway section, added during the 2024 season. Located in the lot below the farm’s min-golf area, the well-lit midway helps streamline the loading and unloading of hayride guests while it also offers waiting riders an opportunity to grab a snack or a

photo with a character. The concession stand offers Fear on the Farm T-shirts as well as snacks like mini-donuts, kettle corn, bottled beverages and, through a temporary permit, beer and alcohol. Augusto said Mike McCray, son of the original owner, closely monitors the alcohol sales to ensure the atmosphere is family-friendly all season long.

IT’S THE CHARACTERS THAT KEEP PEOPLE COMING BACK

Augusto said Fear on the Farm takes a different approach to its hauntings, allowing characters to develop their own personas rather than providing scripts for them to follow. For instance, the legacy character Gravedigger, developed during the hayride’s initial season, was the product of the last mask in the box, a tattered flannel shirt, a shovel and the actor’s imagination. Reilly said the secret is that Fear on the Farm actors “love entertaining people, not just scaring people, but making people laugh and suspending reality for everybody.” “I mean, not every wagon is blood-curdling screaming,” she continued. “Some wagons they’re laughing, some wagons they’re shrieking with laughter and wonder.” Their actor’s strength, she said, is being able to read the audience in front of them. “They’re able to read the customers in front of them and say, ‘Ok, I’m going to scare her. I’m going to entertain him, and I’m going to make him laugh’,” Reilly said. Augusto added, “The one thing that I love about our crew is they can terrorize one person, turn and see a child that is ready to burst out crying, and they’ll actually take the time to kneel down discreetly, let them know that it’s make believe and sometimes they’ll have candy or a little trinket to give the child so the child doesn’t leave with nightmares.” Reilly noted that last season, one of the clowns took a child aside and had that child scare her father, “So that child felt like she was part of the show.”

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HOPING FOR A GOOD SEASON

Fear on the Farm, which opens on Friday, Oct. 2 in 2026, has a total of 15 nights to scare and entertain guests during its five weekends of operation. Both Augusto and Reilly are hoping for a good run, with no rain to close the attraction down. “We’re at the mercy of the weather here in New England and we’re all outdoors, “Reilly said. “The only perfect season was 2004.” Augusto jokingly added, “Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate.” Fear on the Farm is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 p.m. until the last guest runs out screaming. General admission for the 2026 season is $30 per person. Fast pass admission, which allows ticket holders to skip the line, is available online for $55. For more information visit their website at fearonthefarm.com. For updated weather closures, visit their Facebook page, updated daily, at facebook.com/fearonthefarmatmccraysfarm.

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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026

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Pick your own!

othing says “autumn” more than heading out to an apple orchard or pumpkin patch to choose your own seasonal bounty! The following is a listing of the pumpkin patches and farmstands, and pick-your-own apple orchards in the region, courtesy of the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture website. Be sure to check out the website of each farm before venturing out to check on hours for farm stands ,and conditions innpick-you-own fields. To check out what else is available during the fall season, including the location of farmer’s markets, buylocalfood.org

PUMPKIN PATCHES AND FARMSTANDS: Plum Brook Farm 416 Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002 info@plumbrookfarm.com plumbrookfarm.com Pine Hill Orchards 248 Greenfield Road, Colrain, MA 01340 413-624-3325 info@pinehillorchards.com pinehillorchards.com

Fletcher Farm 17 Gunn Road, Southampton, MA, USA 413-203-1350 fletchcows@aol.com fletcherfamilyfarm.com

Park Hill Orchard 82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA 01027 413-303-0335 support@parkhillorchard.com parkhillorchard.com

67 South Main Street, New Salem, MA 01355 978-544-3437 cbhillman@gmail.com newsalempreserves.com

Red Fire Farm 7 Carver Street, Granby, MA, USA(17.95 miles) 413-467-7645 thefarmers@redfirefarm.com redfirefarm.com

Bashista Orchards 160 East Street, Southampton, MA 01073 413-527-9091 skyline@crocker.com gotcider.net

Hager’s Farm Market 1232 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne, MA 01370 413-625-6323 hagersfarmmarket@gmail.com hagersfarmmarket.com

Clarkdale Fruit Farms 303 Upper Road, Deerfield, MA 01342 413-772-6797 ben@clarkdalefruitfarms.com clarkdalefruitfarms.com

Apex Orchards 225 Peckville Road, Shelburne, MA 01370 413-625-2744 FarmStore@ApexOrchards.com apexorchards.com

Sentinel Farm 37 Cottage St., Belchertown, MA 01007 413-559-8435 Sentinelfarm37@gmail.com sentinelfarm.com

Pine Hill Orchards 248 Greenfield Road, Colrain, MA 01340 413-624-3325 info@pinehillorchards.com pinehillorchards.com

Roundhill Orchards 1 Douglas Road, Southampton, MA 01073 413-562-4985 andyappleseed@gmail.com

Fern Valley Farms 758 Main Street, Wilbraham, MA 01095, USA 413-367-4422 fernvalleyllcoperations@gmail.com fernvalleyfarmsllc.com/

Austin Brothers Valley Farm 270 West Street, Belchertown, MA 01007(21.27 miles) 413-668-6842 413-967-9470 austin.farmkids@gmail.com Austinsfarm.com Ioka Valley Farm 3475 MA-43 Hancock, MA 01237(35.15 miles) 413-738-5915 missy@iokavalleyfarm.com iokavalleyfarm.com/

PICK-YOUR-OWN APPLE ORCHARDS: Quonquont Farm 9 North Street, Whately, MA 01093 413-575-4680 info@quonquont.com quonquont.com Kielbasa Orchards 290 Bay Road, Hadley, MA 01035 413-455-6687 kielbasa.orchards@gmail.com kielbasaorchards.com

Phoenix Fruit Farm 249 Sabin Street, Belchertown, MA 01007, USA elly@phoenixfruitfarm.com phoenixfruitfarm.com Kosinski Farms 420 Russelville Road, Westfield, MA 01085 413-896-0475 kosinskifarms@comcast.net kosinskifarms.net New Salem Preserves

Plum Brook Farm 416 Bay Road, Amherst, MA 01002 info@plumbrookfarm.com plumbrookfarm.com/

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Breezelands Orchards 1791 Southbridge Rd, Warren, MA, USA 413-436-7100 marktuttle230@gmail.com breezelandsorchards.com/ Cook’s Farm Orchard 106 Haynes Hill Road, Brimfield, MA 01010 413-245-3241 cooksorchard@gmail.com cooksfarmorchard.net/ Information courtesy of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture

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ALL THAT’S FALL 2026

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Halloween craft ideas for kids

alloween is an enjoyable holiday for all, but particularly for children. Kids enjoy the opportunity to channel their whimsy and imagination, whether that involves choosing a clever costume or helping design the theme and scope of home decorations. Parents, guardians and educators can channel the creativity inspired by Halloween into various craft projects. Crafts can not only keep children busy when the “I’m bored” lamentations inevitably turn up, but crafts also are a way to keep children off of screens. Plus, the items that children create can be used to decorate rooms in the house Ñ helping to curb added expenses on commercial decor. The following are some Halloween crafts children can make alone or with the help of older siblings and parents.

JACK’S SLIME

The toothy grins of jack-o’-lanterns can be seen just about everywhere come Halloween, and the bright orange color of pumpkins heralds the start of fall. What better way to say “Halloween is here” than with a craft that can be displayed and also played with? Slime is something that’s always a big hit with kids. Here’s a recipe for slime, courtesy of The Best Ideas for Kids. Ingredients: 6 ounces of Elmer’s glue (substituting with another brand of glue may not produce the same results) Orange food coloring to create desired hue 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda 11/2 tablespoons of contact lens solution (one that contains boric acid in the ingredient list, as that is what causes the chemical reaction to form slime) Optional: 2 tablespoons of water added to the glue before the baking soda if you desire a stretchier slime Black felt or black construction paper, cut into the eyes and mouth of a jack-o’-lantern Small mason jar with lid

FOREST SPIDER

Take a trip to a nearby forest or wooded trail and gather up round pinecones that have fallen. Purchase brown pipe cleaners and cut four of the cleaners in half to form eight legs. Glue the legs on the pinecone and attach several small googly eyes and two larger ones to form the eyes of the spider.

PAPER ROLL TREAT HOLDERS

Rather than discarding the tubes inside of paper towel or toilet paper rolls, let kids transform them into monster craft treat holders. They’ll be perfect for party favors or even to give out to neighborhood trick-or-treaters. Cover the bottoms of the rolls with masking tape so treats won’t fall out. Paint the outside of the cardboard rolls and let dry. An alternative is to cover the rolls in colored paper for less messy fun. Then use markers or paper cut-outs to form faces of the monsters. Fill the rolls with treats, then stuff a piece of tissue paper in each top to add even more personality to the creations and hide the treats inside.

GHOSTLY LEAVES

Make a truly eco-friendly craft on Halloween, with ghosts made out of leaves, eliminating the need to use extra paper. Paint large leaves with white paint. On the narrow-most point on top of the leaves, paint black eyes and mouths. When completely dry, scatter on a table or sideboard for some scary fun, or use double-sided tape to stick to windows and doors. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

Method: Decorate the mason jar using a bit of glue to stick the black paper or felt face pieces to the outside of the jar. Mix all the ingredients of the slime in a small bowl and pour into the decorated jar.

Turn your home into a haunted house for Halloween

People celebrate Halloween with the same zeal as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Decorating for Halloween has evolved over the years, and many homeowners now go to great lengths to turn their humble abodes into horrific haunts. Achieving a haunted house vibe is easier than one might think with some creative ideas.

DIM THE LIGHTS

Turning down the lights immediately increases the spooky factor for Halloween. The mind may jump to its own conclusions about what is nestled in a shadowy corner or just around the bend. Turning off lights and relying on flickering candles or battery-operated lanterns will also hide any imperfections in your decor.

TACTILE SCARES

Hang loose, dark pieces of string, tattered scrap fabric or faux spider webs from ceilings so that they will lightly brush against passers-by in dark areas. A hidden fan can be positioned to blow a sudden, chilly draft across a doorway to mimic a passing spirit.

HAUNTED PORTRAITS

Outdoors, position low-angle spotlights or floodlights pointing up at walls or trees to cast long, harsh shadows that seem scary.

Inexpensive thrift store frames can dress up eerie vintage photos or lenticular shifting images purchased online. For a real fright, have someone pose behind a frame and actually move or reach out as visitors go by.

BOARD UP THE WINDOWS

CREEPY DOLLS

DIRECT LIGHT UPWARDS

Tape lightweight painted cardboard strips across windows to mimic the look of an abandoned home. Scary shapes cut from cardboard or black paper can be taped inside of windows and backlit by dim lights to create an eerie atmosphere.

UTILIZE FOG MACHINES

If available, a fog machine near an entrance or in a hallway can provide a dense, disorienting haze. Again, it will reduce visibility, which can make a haunted house seem more frightening.

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Gather tattered, old plastic dolls and hang or display them clustered together. Or paint them all white and splatter them with red paint to look like blood.

OBSCURED PATHS

Create blind corners and obscured paths so visitors cannot anticipate what is waiting ahead. Use dark sheets or black painter s canvas taped securely to the ceiling. Position actors along the way to achieve jump scares.

SCARY SOUNDS

Place Bluetooth speakers throughout the haunted house to

play a loop of screams, squeaky hinge noises or footsteps to keep guests off-kilter. A haunted house is expected for Halloween thrills, and it s easy to create a spooky atmosphere with a little effort. Article courtesy of Metro Creative Graphics

ALL THAT’S FALL 2026

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Tips for winterizing exterior living areas

hen the summer entertaining season draws to a close, homeowners need to ensure their outdoor living areas can handle weather that’s right around the corner. Although outdoor furniture and other items tend to be durable, the impact snow, wind and ice can have on them may lead to damage over time. That is why many homeowners take steps to winterize their outdoor spaces and protect their belongings. Here’s a look at how to prepare for the winter to come.

FURNITURE

Cover or store furniture to protect it from the elements. Covering it with weather-proof covers can be adequate if

storing items indoors is not possible.

DEEP CLEAN

Items that will be covered or stored should be thoroughly cleaned prior to being removed from spaces for the season. Lingering dirt and moisture can cause damage.

CHECK GUTTERS

INSULATE AND DRAIN

Don’t risk damage to pipes, which can freeze and crack in the cold. Shut off the water supply to exterior faucets and drain water lines to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting. Use foam pipe insulation to prevent freezing and cover any exposed pipes.

APPLY MULCH

After cleaning up garden debris, think about applying mulch to garden beds and cover tender plants to protect them from the weather.

INSPECT AND REPAIR

Inspect walkways and driveways for any damage and make repairs now so water will not seep in and cause further issues with freeze-thaw cycles. Consider applying a sealant to protect surfaces from snow and ice.

Be sure that gutters and downspouts are clear of leaves and any additional debris. If gutters and downspouts are not cleaned, ice dams may form on the roof and cause water damage.

POOLS AND SPAS

It’s essential to follow the industry or manufacturer recommendations for closing down swimming pools and spas for the season. While covers may not be essential in all climates, covering can help prevent leaves and other debris from getting in the water. Water should be expelled from pipes and tubing to prevent freezing and bursting. If space allows, consider moving the pool pump indoors to prolong its longevity. Turn off the electricity to the outlet where the filter is plugged in. There may be additional, region-specific steps to winterize a property, but these pointers are a good starting point to protect outdoor spaces. Article courtezsy of Metro Creative Graphics

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