APRIL 2, 2026 | FREE
IN THIS EDITION
Future Lawyers of Springfield participate in mock trial
A few dozen high school, college and law school students recently had a chance to demonstrate their skills in the courtroom, taking on the roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys in a mock trial as part of the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office program, Future Lawyers of Springfield.
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Faith-based orgs receive grant fundings to secure against hate
Six faith-based Springfield nonprofits were recently awarded state grants to ensure they remain safe in an atmosphere in which threats and hate crimes have become commonplace.
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Rocky’s Ace Hardware celebrates 100 years of solving problems
This year Rocky’s Ace Hardware is celebrating 100 years of being in business.
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No Kings III yields dedicated crowd of protestors
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — About 1,000 people, bundled up against the cold, stood shoulder-to-shoulder in Court Square, with colorful signs lifted overhead that read “No Kings,” and “Defend Democracy.” The protesters chanted slogans and booed when speakers recalled actions taken by President Donald Trump, including the widespread detainment of immigrants and launching a war against Iran. This was the scene at Springfield’s No Kings III rally on March 28.
Amid the protest songs and chanting, half a dozen speakers took the mic to speak on behalf of organizers, politicians, legal scholars and everyday people.
John Rucci, a retired U.S. Marine who served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Djibouti, Somalia and Iraq, was among those who addressed the crowd from the steps of City Hall.
“I’m here as a veteran who doesn’t recognize his country and what it’s becoming,” Rucci said. He spoke about “radical thoughts” about respecting everyone, welcoming strangers instilled in him by his mother and his Catholic School classes. He said the U.S. Marines taught him to “protect those you are put to lead. Eat last or don’t eat at all.” Using one of Trump’s nicknames, he asked the crowd, “Do you think The Donald has ever eaten last in his life?”
Rucci asked the crowd what radicalized them. “Was it watching your fellow citizens be treated like enemies of our own country? Because if believing in basic rights, if believing that no agency is above the law, if believing that power must answer to the people, if that makes you radical then maybe we aren’t the problem.”
Protestor Fergus Marshall handed out flyers that he hoped would “make it to the hands of someone in the Army Nation-
al Guard.” On the flyers was the oath that service members swear to uphold the U.S. Constitution. Meanwhile, Andrew Cornick of the Democratic Socialists of America handed out information about the organization, which he said was “opposed, on a very fundamental level, to the way we’re being left behind.” Personally, Cornick said, “I think the issue that motivates me the most is the wealth inequity in the country.”
Massachusetts’s two U.S. senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, sent staffers to read prepared statements. Markey said, “Friends, across this nation, we are witnessing a dangerous attempt to concentrate power in the hands of one man, to silence dissent, weaken our institutions and erode the foundations of our democracy.” He remarked on the SAVE America Act, a bill that Trump has pushed for, which would have required proof of citizenship when registering to vote.
The bill failed a recent vote in the Senate. Markey said, “This isn’t about protecting democracy; it’s about deciding who deserves to participate in it.”
“What they truly fear most is the power of the people when we come together,” Markey said. “The story of America has never been about those who seek to rule. It has always been about those who rise up to be heard.” He went on, “You affirm our belief in a democracy where every eligible voter can cast a ballot without barriers.”
Mark Antonio Williams, Warren’s regional director, read a statement from the senator: “Each and every day that Donald Trump is president, I’m reminded why we don’t have kings in America. Today, reason number one is that the United States should not be dragged into war by one man. U.S. service members should not
SPRINGFIELD
From left: Marie Holmes dressed as a court jester, explaining that historically, they were the one person who could satirize the monarch. The crowd at protestors at No Kings III claps along to live music. A protester wears a leather jacket emblazoned with the opening lines of the “The New Colossus,” a sonnet by Emma Lazarus that is inscribed on the Statue of Liberty.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
See NO KINGS on page 4
STRM: Woo Sox, Yard Goats ready to tee up seasons
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Chris Maza sat down with Hartford Yard Goats General Manager Mike Abramson while Tyler Garnet and Dennis Hackett sat down with Worcester Red Sox’s Marketing Vice President Steve Oliveira to talk about their organizations upcoming minor league baseball seasons.
Worcester Red Sox
The Worcester Red Sox, Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, opened its season on March 27 against the Syracuse Mets at Polar Park.
Oliveira said offseason renovations at Polar Park include a new patio area in the Triple Decker Garden and added covering at the Hanover Deck to better accommodate fans in changing weather.
Promotions this season include bobblehead giveaways for former WooSox players Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela, along with Clara-themed giveaways and tri-corner hats in June to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Returning favorites include Friday fireworks, Saturday postgame catch on the field and Sunday kids base running.
Like all minor league teams, Worcester will have alternate identity-themed nights throughout the season. As part of the program, the Worcester Woo Sox will transform into the “Pawtucket Hot Wieners,” the “Worcester Kelley Squares,” and “The Art of the Woo,” for select games during the upcoming season.
“Some good ole minor league fun,” Oliveira said. “The type of things that you don’t necessarily see at the major league level.”
Oliveira also mentioned new offerings that guests can look out for this year, including a
“Smiley” meal for kids, which he described as the WooSox’s version of a Happy Meal; a $5 beer offering 16-ounce beers; and a specialty Battle Burger, themed for the visiting team that week. For example, when the Buffalo Bisons visit Polar Park, buffalo wings will be added to the specialty burger.
Aside from the added beverage and food options, there are plenty of players that fans can look forward to this season, according to Oliveira, including infielder Mikey Romero, and pitchers Jake Bennett and Payton Tolle.
“Our manager, Chad Tracy, was just recently talking in Spring Training saying he thinks this has the chance of being the best WooSox team that he’s been apart of the last five years, which is awesome to hear.”
Oliveira said there’s always the possibility major league players get assigned for their rehab assignments in Triple-A, and prospects are constantly sent down or called up throughout the season.
For more information on the WooSox’s upcoming schedule and offerings, readers can visit woosox.com.
Hartford Yard Goats
The Hartford Yard Goats, Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will celebrate its 10th season at Dunkin’ Park after relocating from New Britain in 2016.
Abramson said the organization has welcomed over three million fans to the ballpark and has “sort of continuously [shattered] every record for the most number of fans in the shortest period of time.”
The ballpark has repeatedly ranked among the top Double-A venues.
Promotional nights this season include a Negro League celebration on June 24, honoring Hartford School Boys play-
er Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, and multiple Los Chivos de Hartford games celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture, including a Roberto Clemente tribute in August.
“We definitely like to tie back, when we can, to the history through our themes. Obviously, diversity, equity, inclusion, those are all really important initiatives for us here in the ballpark. We want to celebrate things that are reflective of the community that we’re in,” Abramson stated. “You need to serve everybody, so we’re honoring the history of baseball, but
we also have Banana Ball coming back, which is the newest iteration, I guess, of so-called baseball. We’ll do anything to get people here.”
Opening weekend features a 10-year celebration, jersey giveaway, fireworks and appearances by Mario, Luigi and Bluey. Other themed events include a divorce party night, Halloween game, Rock Cats throwback nights, and Eras night with DJ Swiftie, a wedding vow renewal night and a Hartford Whalers alumni event.
Abramson also discussed the viral new food item that the Yard Goats will debut this season on certain nights, which is designed to resemble a friendship bracelet called the “Anti-Hero.” It is a 2-foot all beef hot dog served on an artisan Italian loaf bun, topped with 11 powdered donuts, a mustard-ketchup drizzle with sweet candied pink and blue sprinkles.
Other new food items include munchkin nachos, a frycuterie board and a cinnamon bun burger.
“We marketed ourselves as Connecticut’s largest restaurant,” Abramson said. “We are as much a restaurant as we are a sports venue. The vast majority of people come out here because it’s an entertainment option, not because they have a deep love of baseball in general.”
Abramson talked about a few prospects to look forward to this
season, including catcher Cole Messina, pitchers Everett Catlett and Griffin Herring, infielder Roc Riggio and outfielders Cole Carrigg and Charlie Condon, who have a good chance of being called-up to the major league club.
“There’s probably a couple players you want to come out and see once or twice because I do think you’ll see them perform in the majors,” Abramson said. Although a good roster and wins are a plus, Abramson talked about the importance of selling entertainment to get fans in the seats, as the roster can constantly change because players are continuously called up or traded.
“Double-A is all about development. They are putting a team together that can play as a team, but they’re also hyper focused on the individuals who are figuring out what their limitations are,” the Yard Goats general manager said, “We don’t sell baseball wins and losses, we sell entertainment, but it does not hurt to have a team that is fun to watch on the field.”
For more information on the Yard Goats upcoming season, readers can visit milb. com/Hartford.
To hear the full episode, visit thereminder.com/our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
ALLEN BIRD CLUB OF SPRINGFIELD PRESENTATION
On Monday, April 6, at 7 p.m., the Allen Bird Club of Springfield invites the public to attend the presentation, Nature Odyssey East: Vermont to Florida by Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary naturalist and nature photographer, John Green. In his presentation, Green will guide his audience on a visual tour of the wildlife, birds, and beauty of America’s vibrant east coast. This presentation will be held, free of charge, in the Tolman Auditorium of the Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards St.
FOSTER MEMORIAL CHURCH QUARTER AUCTION
SPRINGFIELD — Foster Memorial Church is holding a Quarter Auction on Friday, April 10. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the auction begins at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to bring quarters and friends for a fun evening and a chance to win some great items from our vendors! There will also be a raffle! Admission: $5 for two paddles. A portion of our proceeds will go to One Call Away Vereans Support Center. Bring a non perishable food item for OCA’s pantry and receive a free third paddle! Dinner food and snacks will be available for purchase. The church is located at 1791 Wilbraham Road.
REMINDS
Worcester Red Sox’s Marketing Vice President Steve Oliveira (left) sit down with “So That Reminds Me” hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet.
Reminder Publishing photo by Debbie Gardner
New path on sheriffs’ spending may come with pain
By Colin A. Young State House News Service
BOSTON — Buckle up.
That was the message on March 24 from the Legislature’s budget-writing committee to the state’s county sheriffs, a group that attracted the attention and ire of lawmakers with their latest request to cover budget overruns last year. Nine of the state’s 14 sheriffs sat shoulder-to-shoulder and both defended their work and pledged to be partners in reforming the system.
“We agree that corrective action is needed to rectify the sheriffs’ budget process, to make the sheriffs whole and eliminate the supplementary funding exercise as much as possible. We do understand a lot of effort will be needed between the sheriffs, the administration and the Legislature to work collaboratively to a resolution for our situation,” Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane said. “As the inspector general’s preliminary report clearly indicated, the funding of the sheriffs is problematic and this situation has been longstanding and widely known, if not openly recognized.”
Last fiscal year, county sheriffs collectively presented the Legislature with a $110 million end-of-year deficit to make up.
Lawmakers balked at covering the full amount of the deficiencies, and tasked Inspector General Jeffrey Shapiro with assembling a detailed accounting of sheriffs’ expenditures in fiscal year 2025 and an analysis of sheriffs’ offices’ compliance with state finance laws among other issues.
“That wasn’t a year, one fiscal year. That has been a compounding of fiscal year after fiscal year. And we probably should have done — no, we should have done, as sheriffs, a better job of pulling back rather than continuing to spend. We should have done a better job,” Cocchi said. He added, “There’s work to be done, and we’re ready to do it. But I was hurt when people looked at us and said, ‘Shame on you people.’”
The preliminary report Shapiro released in early March found that many sheriffs overspend their budgets annually, possibly in violation of state finance law — but that fault laid both in appropriations and spending.
The Legislature routinely underfunds what they know the sheriffs will need, expecting to later fill in gaps with supplemental spending, the IG said. But the county offices also overspend and do not wait until they have the additional dollars in hand to spend that money, putting budgets in a deficit and forcing the Legislature’s hand.
“It is apparent that the role of the sheriffs’ offices may not be as narrow as some legislative leaders expect, nor as expansive as some sheriffs believe. While the creation of the sheriffs’ office date back to the origins of this country, the work of the offices is set by statute. The Legislature has an opportunity to clarify such roles and responsibilities while also reforming a fundamentally broken budget process,” Shapiro wrote in the report, which is due to be followed by a final report by May 31.
Key lawmakers in both chambers have indicated that the appropriations and spending process for sheriffs is an area ripe for reform. But with report due just after the Senate is expect-
Some sheriffs have argued, as Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi did before the Joint Ways and Means Committee at a hearing in Foxborough, that “we’re not overspending. We’ve been underfunded.” He said he was hurt by the way “people stood up and said, ‘We’re shocked. We are shocked at the sheriff’s spending.’”
ed to have passed its fiscal year 2027 budget and one month before the start of that new budget year, the timeline for reform remains unclear.
“We’re going to get what that final recommendation looks like, and buckle up. I guess we’re all going to have to be prepared together,” said state Rep. Todd Smola, the committee’s top Republican. “I think one of the things that’s extremely clear is that our system for funding sheriffs is poor at best. And I think we have as much of the blame as anybody, because we’ve kind of perpetuated it over time, and that’s problematic. I think most of us see this as a structural problem.”
While independently elected, the sheriffs were run jails and houses of correction around the state rely on state funding for their operations, and the Legislature has traditionally filled in funds to cover county budget gaps.
State Sen. Paul Feeney, the Foxborough Democrat who chaired the hearing, said he was “hearing a lot of this renewed spirit of collaboration on trying to figure this out, and I hope that’s the case among everybody.”
Cocchi held a press conference on March 25 to announce a budget reduction plan that will see about 50 jobs under his office eliminated or redefined, and external law enforcement partnerships that have sheriff’s deputies conducting traditional policing for surrounding towns cut back. Cocchi said the first phase of this plan is expected to save between $3.6 million and $4 million.
Cocchi’s office said that while the sheriff believes the partnerships he will scale back “go hand-in-hand with good correctional practices, it is clear that his view is not shared by everyone on Beacon Hill.”
“In light of that perspective, and in the absence of clear direc-
tion about how those activities should be funded going forward, we believe the responsible course is to begin scaling back those external operations,” Cocchi said in a statement. “If the financial situation in the Commonwealth improves, we will request prior approval of funding through the legislature to again support the public safety gaps and deficiencies in Hampden County. But as of now, this is the sad reality we are facing.”
The sheriff alluded to his budget-cutting plan at the hearing.
“I may have had initiatives that aren’t in the scope of everyday work. They’re being reeled back as of today. When I mean as of today, I put 50 layoff notices out. And we can live to fight another day on that front,” he said. “Today, we need to get in compliance with a number that makes sense to each of these sheriffs and their sheriff’s offices, and we need to be respectful to the process. We’re willing to do that.”
Cocchi’s March 25 announcement said his deputies have been providing “full patrol coverage on two shifts, seven nights per week” in Palmer, with deputies handling calls for service, patrol duties and community policing. His deputies also maintain a continuous presence at Springfield’s Union Station, conduct targeted speeding details and traffic patrols for West Springfield’s police department, assist with large-scale events in Holyoke, patrol the Connecticut River, and “act as force multipliers” when Chicopee has low police staffing. Those efforts will all come to an end unless the costs are paid or reimbursed by other agencies or municipalities, the sheriff announced.
Worcester County Sheriff Lew Evangelidis, a former state representative, told committee members the Legislature should more clearly define the
job of a sheriff’s office and then determine budgets that recognize the differences among the 14 sheriffs.
“Everyone agrees with our core mission of care, custody and control of the inmate population. And then you have the additional services that I’m sure you all support, the idea of mental health services, substance treatment, education, reentry services, all those things. So I think what we’re gonna have to do is take a look at — you’re gonna have to give us the guidance. You have to determine what do you want us to do,” he said, describing himself as a “core mission guy” while mentioning that other sheriffs offer more programs. “And then the hard part is going to be come up with a reasonable budget for each of us, and they’re going to be different.”
Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2027 budget (H 2) proposed about $759.5 million for the sheriffs, up from roughly $738.4 million in projected spending this fiscal year.
Though not all spoke, the following sheriffs were present for the budget hearing in Foxborough: Cahillane, Cocchi, Evangelidis, Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden, Essex County Sheriff Kevin Coppinger, Franklin County Sheriff Lori Streeter, Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, Plymouth County Sheriff Joseph McDonald, and Suffolk County Special Sheriff Mark Lawhorne.
Absent from the hearing were Barnstable Sheriff Donna Buckley, Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler, Bristol County Sheriff Paul Heroux, Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian and Nantucket County Sheriff James Perelman.
Colin Young is the deputy editor for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach him at colin. young@statehousenews.com.
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Future Lawyers of Springfield participate in mock trial
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A few dozen high school, college and law school students recently had a chance to demonstrate their skills in the courtroom, taking on the roles of prosecutors and defense attorneys in a mock trial as part of the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office program, Future Lawyers of Springfield.
Hosted in the Moot Court Room of Western New England University’s Blake Law Center, the mock trial allowed students to deliver opening statements, question witnesses and present closing arguments in an authentic setting. Participants tried a case in which a person had been arrested and charged with operating under the influence, but as is often the case in real life, the details showed that there is no such thing as an open and shut case.
The mock trial is the culmination of the Future Lawyers of Springfield program, in which students learn from working professionals about the various roles within the criminal jus-
have their lives sacrificed on the whims of a single person.
“Instead of building schools and hospitals here at home, he’s bombing them abroad. Instead of putting money toward helping people afford groceries and health care, he’s shoving the global economy off a cliff.”
State Sen. Jake Oliviera stood in the crowd, wearing a pin that read, “Democracy is not a spectator’s sport.” Referring to a protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s tactics that he attended on the steps of City Hall a month before, he said, “Last time we were here, Iran hadn’t even happened. We were here protesting the way our country was less safe. Now, the world is less safe. It’s just getting worse and worse.”
Meghan and Martin Lynch, and their neighbor Sarah KofkeEgger, brought their respective children, Henry Lynch, Aisha Mandhry, Sakina Mohamed and Ilyas Mohamed. Asked why it was important to have young people at the protest, Sarah KofkeEgger said, “So, they can learn
tice field and the details of legal proceedings.
Kiara DeJesus is in her last year at Western New England University School of Law. After graduating in May, she plans to work as a criminal prosecutor. This was DeJesus’s fourth year participating in the Future Lawyers of Springfield program. Reflecting her career ambitions, DeJesus served in the role of a prosecutor in the trial.
“I think it’s a great program to attend,” she said. As someone who grew up in “the projects as the daughter of a single mother,” she said, “I think it’s great for inner city kids. Sometimes, when you grow up in these neighborhoods, it can feel like your options are really limited. This gives you a chance to see what options are out there.”
Alexandra Sophia Rivera was one of the students defending the accused. Last year, she participated in a Law School for a Day program offered by Central High School, where she is a senior. She said it made her realize she had an interest in the field of law, so
from a young age to stand up for what’s right.” Meghan Lynch added, “Kids have a voice, too.”
Henry Lynch said, “I came because nothing’s going to stop” unless “we’re here all together and to support democracy.” Ilyas Mohamed wanted to “stop what Trump is doing. He’s being racist and making brown people move away.” Mandhry added, “It’s just really sad. It’s not what the country should be.”
Organizer Joseph Bonilla spoke about being a 13-year-old when Trump was first elected in 2016. At 13, he said, “You are taught that truth matters, that cruelty disqualifies and that fairness is not optional. At 13, you should be worried about school, about friends, about who you are becoming, not about whether your country views your community as a threat.”
Bonilla said the Holocaust was only possible because of “the vast majority of those who did not interrupt it.” He added, “If we are truly honest with ourselves, we can see the same patterns now, maybe not identical but recognizable. Because today in this country we are normalizing systems that detain and disappear people.
in fall 2025, she signed up for the Future Lawyers of Springfield program. She said the program taught her more than she thought she would learn.
Rivera said she found it “fun” to participate in courtroom proceedings. “I think everyone feels a bit of pressure,” Rivera said. “Being able to step into this position makes me feel like I have what it takes for the future. I feel that government is in my future. Being a lawyer is in my tops.”
Rivera said she would advise other students to “take a chance and take this program because it’s fun and you might find you have an interest you didn’t know you have.”
Having experienced criminal proceedings, the students are scheduled to visit the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in Boston to observe oral arguments and meet with an Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Appeals Court.
Bonilla said, “Silence is not passive. It is a system. It is how harm perpetuates.”
About 20 members of South Congregational Church attended the protest, including Dionne Raines, Kim Figueroa, Brett Sandman and Jan Burdwik, who stood together on the sidewalk. Asked what brought them out, Figueroa said, “Our Christian faith, love your neighbor as yourself.” Raines said the Trump administration had only grown “bolder” since the last No Kings protest.
When asked if displays like the No Kings protests have an impact, Donna “Dee” Fellows, an organizer with Defending Democracy in Hampden County, said, “That’s a really good question. I think it has an impact for creating energy for the people who are fighting for democracy. It just shows that there’s other people as well as them, so it just gives them the feeling of being involved and having people who support with them.”
Fellows agreed that the actions of the Trump administration have become more intense, since the first No Kings rally. “Their response to protestors has been vio-
lent, and more violent, and it will probably continue to get even more violent. The government has changed. Trump has only made things worse and worse. His actions are getting more radical, like starting a war overseas when they weren’t anywhere near harming us in any way over here.”
Fellows said, “That’s why we want people to show up.” She said fewer people registered to attend this rally than the past two. Nationwide, 5 million people came to the first No Kings protests in April 2025. For No Kings II, six months later, 7 million people came across the country. “We’ll see for No Kings III. It’s a freezing cold day. So, I’m glad that we had about 1,000 people here. We call that a success,” Fellows said.
“People are getting afraid to speak out and to show up. They’re seeing the push back, the violence. But that’s what we don’t want to happen because that is what authoritarianism wants. Authoritarianism wants people staying home, being comfortable in their chairs.” She said, “If people stay comfortable and don’t fight back, that’s how authoritarianism takes over. That’s how it happens all over the world.”
Alexis Perez cross examines Victim Witness Advocate Alyssa Cafaro, who played a defendant in a Future Lawyers of Springfield mock trial. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
From left: Three people operate an effigy of the Statue of Liberty. A protestor wears an inflatable dinosaur costume to drive home their point.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
Faith-based orgs receive grant fundings to secure against hate
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Six faithbased Springfield nonprofits were recently awarded state grants to ensure they remain safe in an atmosphere in which threats and hate crimes have become commonplace.
The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant and Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant programs are awarded to nonprofits that have a demonstrated need, such as having received threats or experienced hate crimes, and have identified cost-effective solutions to high priority security issues. In total, the state awarded $5 million to 167 Massachusetts organizations, including faith-based institutions, health care facilities and human service agencies.
“Nonprofits and faith-based
organizations play a vital role in supporting families and strengthening our communities, and they deserve to operate without fear of violence or intimidation,” state Sen. Adam Gómez, who serves Springfield in the Hampden District, said in a press release. “These grants will help organizations in Springfield and across the commonwealth take meaningful steps to protect their staff, members, and facilities. At a time when many communities face rising threats and hate incidents, investing in safety ensures that people can gather, worship, and access services with confidence.”
Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Presbyterian Church is one organization that has had first-hand experience with hate crimes. On Dec. 28, 2020, a man set fire to the church and was later charged with federal hate crimes for the
blaze, which gutted the interior of the structure.
“We’ve been trying to make sure we’ve secured the church since then,” Rev. Dr. Terrlyn Curry Avery said. When the church was rebuilt, leaders collaborated with owner’s project manager, My-Ron Hatchett, to incorporate security throughout the structure. The grant the church received this year will be used to add additional cameras to the property. Curry Avery said the church may apply for a nonprofit security personnel grant next year.
“As a congregation, we have tried to heal our grief,” Curry Avery said. “We continue to serve the community. We continued to have weekly service throughout the whole five years. It’s really just about uplifting our community.”
Antisemitism has also been on the rise in the United States.
“We have many windows people can either shoot into or observe those inside,” explained Richard Alpert, president of Sinai Temple Endowment Trust.
Most of the funding will be used to help fortify the windows, but some of it will allow the temple to install two security cameras facing the temple’s parking lot. To identify the temple’s security needs, Alpert said the trust consulted with the Springfield Police Department and Andrew Hoffman, deputy regional security advisor for the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts.
Alpert emphasized that there have not been any threats or incidents at the temple. “It’s all proactive. We’ve done a lot to improve our security.” This includes requiring security fobs to access the temple, employing a guard at events and stationing a greeter at the temple entrance,
who would recognize anyone unfamiliar.
Alpert credited Mechilia “Chile” Salazar, the chief development officer at the Springfield Jewish Community Center, for helping the trust apply for the grant. “It’s a good example of collaboration between two Jewish organizations,” he said.
“We’re very grateful for the funding,” Alpert said. He noted that the temple spends between $30,000 and $35,000 each year on security. He said Jewish organizations across the country have stepped up the amount of money they spend on security each year.
The other Springfield nonprofits to receive the grants were First Baptist Church, Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Greater Springfield, Pope Francis Preparatory School and Springfield Jewish Community Center.
Rocky’s Ace Hardware celebrates 100 years of solving problems
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
It is a milestone for any company to stay in business for 100 years. It is even more impressive when that business is family-owned and an institution in more than 50 communities.
On March 6, 1926, Rocco “Rocky” Falcone opened a hardware store at the corner of Main and Union streets in Springfield. His great-grandson, John “Johnny” Falcone, director of acquisitions and part of the fourth generation of Falcones operating Rocky’s Ace Hardware, explained that when the Great Depression broke out, the store became “Rocky’s Rental,” because people largely could not afford to buy tools. A rental business was particularly well-suited to the customers’ needs.
Over the years, the business continued to evolve to meet the needs of its customers. In the 1950s and 60s, the stores became
neighborhood hardware stores where people could buy what they needed and get advice from the employees. By the 1990s, the company had pivoted to a more expansive view of home improvement, with showrooms so people could envision how their project might look.
In the 1970s, Rocky’s became part of the Ace Hardware cooperative of 5,800 independently owned retailers in 50 states and 60 countries. By joining with Ace, Rocky’s was able to take advantage of the buying power of a national entity.
Today, Johnny said, the stores offer convenience, not just in what products they sell, but in how people can access those products, whether it is through the company’s app, website or in-store.
“The journey is not linear anymore,” Brian Bowler, head of marketing and sales, said of how people shop. Some customers come to the store and then compare prices online. Others start
online to get an idea of what they need and then pick it up in the store so they can see what they are buying. Customers who are mid-project can even have items delivered to their home via DoorDash. And when customers are tackling projects, Johnny said the team of up to 850 Rocky’s Ace
Hardware employees is always available to help. He said, “We have incredible, smart people on our team.”
Through it all, Rocky’s Ace Hardware has remained a family business. In 1966, Rocky’s son, James “Jim” Falcone, became president and expanded the busi-
ness
with stores also in Ohio, Pennsylvania,
to seven stores. Since Jim’s son, Rocco Falcone — named for his grandfather — became president in 1992, the number of stores has exploded to 50, stretching across New England,
See ROCKY’S ACE on page 8
Mya Ocana Saunders cuts back with the dribble.
Genesis Grimes fights for position and the rebound.
Zi’yan Wallace beats the defender for the basket.
Noelani Rodriguez stops on a dime with the dribble.
Mya Ocana Saunders goes up for the layup.
CENTRAL VS WACHUSETT
BASKETBALL
The Springfield Central girls basketball team lost in the MIAA D1 State Championship to Wachusett High School 55-47 on March 14, at the Tsongas Center in Lowell, MA.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY DAVID
HOSMER
Arianna Dejesus squares up a three-pointer from the wing.
Zi’yan Wallace hangs in the air to get the shot off.
Giavanna Mars lines up the three-pointer.
Jada Watson pushes the ball over half court.
Zi’yan Wallace pushes the pace in transition.
Genesis Grimes gets the shot off under the basket.
Neighbors oppose development of wooded land for housing
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A proposal for a zone change that would allow a developer to turn a wooded area of Indian Orchard into multifamily housing met opposition from a group of neighbors at the Springfield City Council meeting on March 23. A 1.21-acre parcel on Hampshire Street abutting Long Pond and Goodwin Park was purchased with the intent of building four two-family homes. To do so, the property must be changed from Residence B to Residence C, which allows for a higher density of units.
Petitioner James Ferrera said the zone change is only the first step in the process. If the zone change is approved, the Planning Board would need to approve a site plan or special permit, and the Conservation Commission would have to review the project before the project could be built. Ferrera said his team is working
with the Indian Orchard Neighborhood Council and is “hopeful” that he can continue to work with “neighborhood groups.”
“We look forward to bringing some much more needed housing to the city of Springfield,” Ferrera said.
A group of four residents attended the meeting to oppose the development and express concerns that the land is too steep, and wet to be buildable. They were largely concerned with environmental issues. Residents Barbara Footman and Denise Hudson insisted the site was a wetland.
However, Deputy Director of Planning Philip Dromey explained that nearby Long Pond is the wetland and that there is a 200-foot buffer around it. As the plan was presented, the Conservation Commission would decide whether to approve the developer or to build within the buffer. Ferrera said his team is willing to work on any environmental issues with the Conservation Commission.
The opponents were not persuaded. Hudson noted that the lot was heavily wooded, and the project would cut down the trees. “There’s no place for the birds. There’s no place for nature anymore,” she said. Mike Pietras of Engineering and Land Solutions, the engineer on the project, countered that the plan covers less than 24% of the site, leaving 76% “open and green.”
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
CHICOPEE
Germaine G. Beger
Theodore J. Beauregard
Edward Brayley
Marion J. Grenier
Helen M. Kulig
Peter A. Lizak
Jeannine M. Martell
Irene E. Radomski
EAST LONGMEADOW
Joan M. O’Shaughnessy
HOLYOKE
Eric S. Boruch
Marie E. Cohen
LONGMEADOW
Mary M. Brunton
Pietras said the site has sandy soil and is buildable. He refuted comments from Footman that the basements of the homes would flood, noting that the footing for the homes would be eight feet above the water level. He quipped, “We’d have bigger problems than these basements flooding if it was rising eight feet.”
Dromey addressed comments by the abutters that the land “used to be” unbuildable, but now it is buildable. He explained that the lot had been labeled with an assessors’ code used for unbuildable
Continued from page 5 TheReminder.com
Michael S. Cohen
Maximilian A. Winkler
LUDLOW
Harvey L. Fontaine
SOUTH HADLEY
Emery F. Filarsky Jr.
Thomas Norman Hazen
Kendall M. Johnson-Smith
John P. “Jack” Leonard
SPRINGFIELD
Michael Joseph Rejean Belanger Geremia Botta
Corado “Nino” Bracci
Allene Begley Curto Jessie Desmarais
J. Aurora Fleming
Jerald “Jay” Griffin Sr.
Peter B. Hogan
Christian L. Hinshaw
Margaret Kazalis
Adelia Kordzikowski
Richard N. LaPierre
Dianne Evelyn MacLure
Nancy L. Martin
Joan C. Ruane
Jerrilynn C. Weller
Ralph J. Valenti
WILBRAHAM
Thomas F. Landers Jr.
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.
327 Papers: Melwood Ave., Chestnut St., Bluegrass Dr., Maple St., Powder Hill Rd., Fairhaven Dr.
174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St.
150 Papers: Breezy Knoll Rd., Elm St., Mapleshade Ave., Pleasant St., Oak Bluff Cir.
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.
54 Papers: Bliss Rd.
87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd.
157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.
Rocky’s Ace
Florida and New Jersey. Two additional stores — in Manchester, Connecticut, and Kennebunkport, Maine — will be opening in the year ahead. Rocco owns the company alongside his aunt Clair Falcone. Johnny’s sister, Melissa Falcone, is a marketing specialist and their cousin, Anthony DeLiso is the company’s promotions coordinator.
lots. “Just because the assessors assess it as unbuildable, does not mean it is unbuildable,” he said. Hudson said Indian Orchard home prices are depreciating and worried that higher density housing would add to that trend. She gave the councilors copies of a petition signed by neighbors who opposed the development.
Ferrera assured the council that he was willing to work with abutters to address their concerns. He and the lawyer for the project, Rachel Fancy, had already spoken to the abutters several times regarding their apprehension. He said many of their concerns would be addressed in the Planning Board’s and Conservation Commission’s processes.
Hudson expressed frustration that Ward 8 Councilor Zaida Govan, who represents Indian Orchard, was absent from the meeting, but Ward 7 Councilor Gerry Martin defended his colleague as “a woman of extreme integrity” who “is always responding to her constituents.”
Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila questioned whether the road would be continued. Dromey explained that the public way of Hampshire Street would stop at the property line, and the developer would need to continue it into the parcel. He confirmed that the DPW would require that it meet public way standards so it can be plowed. The driveways would branch off of the private portion of the road.
Because only nine councilors were present — the minimum number needed to approve a zone change — the council, Dromey and City Attorney Kenneth Shea discussed a relevant state law under which a failed vote would prohibit the zone change from being resubmitted within two years. Considering that, the petitioner said he would prefer the full committee to decide the matter. The council voted to continue the item to the April 27 hearings meeting.
Johnny said the key to Rocky’s Ace Hardware’s success is putting customers first, satisfying their changing needs and solving problems. For the next 100 years, Johnny said he envisions Rocky’s Ace Hardware will “continue to be who we are at our core; that is helping others,” Johnny said. Brian agreed. “We don’t sell hardware. We don’t sell nuts and bolts. We help people solve problems,” he said. “We’re rooted in the community. We’re not going anywhere.”
96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd.
99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd.
100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
157 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd.
115 Papers: Hopkins Pl., Hawthorn St., Fairfield Ter., Laurel Ln., Partial-Laurel St.
42
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
St. Patrick’s Parade goes on despite soggy weather
Provision’s Picks: Light white wines from Muscadet
As winter wears on and spring seems closer than ever, I like to put aside the robust reds that we tend to favor during the cold months and start exploring warm weather wines ahead of the season’s change. It’s not so much a change of necessity, it’s still quite chilly here in Massachusetts, but rather a sort of optimistic look towards spring and summer just around the corner. Perhaps there is also a degree of palate fatigue from enjoying so much rich food and drink during the winter months. So let us look at something markedly different from the winter’s hearty reds and turn our attention to one of the most refreshing of light white wines: Muscadet.
Muscadet is the westernmost edge of the Loire, surrounding the city of Nantes near the Atlantic coast. The region works with only one grape, Melon de Bourgogne, and specializes in the dry, white and sea food friendly wine that bears the region’s name. This is not to be confused with the similar-sounding Muscat grape that is grown all over the world to produce fruity, floral wines, often of substantial sweetness. Muscadet is a fairly neutral grape with more notes of minerality than of fruit as a result of the local soil’s richness of calcium and potassium. These wines are often richly textured and long lived as a result of a practice known as “lees aging” wherein the wine is rested or aged on the yeast sediment left over from fermentation to create a richer mouthfeel and more savory aromas. Lees aging may last as little as a few months but in top cuvees can go on for as long as five years. The region has historically produced oceans of simple, high acid white wine meant to be paired with seafood, however, the tide is turning in Muscadet, and today you can find a number of excellent producers
making superb, thirst quenching wines of both enjoyment and terroir. Check out some of our favorites below:
Claude Branger Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sevre et Maine ($16.99): Claude Branger and his son Sebastian are meticulous farmers focused on working entirely by hand, lowering yields to improve quality and organic farming (the estate has been certified organic by the EU since 2019). Le Fils des Gras Mouton is produced from a single vineyard containing the familly’s younger vines grown on shallow granitic soil, and the wine spends six to seven months on the lees before bottling. Notes of citrus peel, salt and crushed sea shells. An outstanding value!
Jo landron Amphibolite Muscadet Sevre et Maines ($23.99): The Landron family have proven to be true stars of the region, a reputation they have surely earned through their meticulous yet minimal intervention winemaking and comittment to biodynamic viticulture. In fact, Jo Landron was an early pioneer of natural farming in the largely conventional region, converting to organic in 1999 and biodynamics in 2011. Amphibolite is a blend of multiple parcels of 35to 40-year-old vines grown on the regions green amphibolite soils, and the wine spends six months on the lees. Slightly riper and more textured than many other entry level Muscadets with notes of citrus, apple and minerality.
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Mise Precoce ($22.99): Widely regarded as one of the top domaines in the region, Pepiere’s wines are not to be missed. Led by the Olivier family, the estate was one of the first to focus on single vineyard expressions back in the 80s, fighting an uphill battle for recognition in a region better known for bulk
production. This focus on terroir led them to acquire some of the best vineyard sites in what are now the formally recognized cru zones of the region. As a result of this investment in terroir, they are able to source 50% of the
fruit for their entry level Muscadet from the higher-tier cru sites with the remainder coming from good vineyards in the greater Muscadet-Sevre-et-Maine appellation. The Muscadet Mise Precoce is a special early bottling
produced only in certain vintages to showcase a lighter and more acid driven style of Muscadet. Linear and very bright with savory notes of sea breeze, lemon and crushed rock.
A rainy day couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered for the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 22.
from left: Springfield Parade Marshal Beth Hawley. Paul G. Caron Award winner Joe Christofori. John Boyle O’Reilly Club Color Guard. Botttom row, from left: Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers leads the department’s contingent. Springfield Fire Department. Springfield Puerto Rican Parade Marching Unit.
Reminder Publishing photos by Marc St. Onge
