SPRINGFIELD — At exactly 4:38 p.m. on a pleasant and sunny June 1, the bell of Old First Church in Court Square rang 15 times, one for each year since a devastating EF3 tornado carved a path of destruction through the city of Springfield and nine other communities.
Tornadoes are common in the Midwest and southeastern states, like Tennessee and Alabama, but they are nearly unheard of in New England, where weather conditions are generally not right for such events. In the days leading up to June 1, 2011, however, meteorologists had been tracking a storm system coming east over Canada and the Great Lakes, drawing warm, moist air, while a cold front moved north. Together, these factors created instability in the atmosphere. When an upper-level jet stream brought significant wind shear over New England, all the ingredients were present to form a tornado.
A tornado warning was issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at 3:28 p.m. for parts of the Pioneer Valley. Another warning was issued less than an hour later for the greater Springfield area.
The tornado first touched down at 4:17 p.m. in Westfield, before cutting a trail through northern Agawam and West Springfield. When it crossed the Connecticut River into Springfield, a news camera atop Monarch Place caught video of the cyclone wending its way between Memorial Bridge and the North End Bridge.
The tornado tipped a tractor trailer on Memorial Bridge onto its side like a child discarding a toy truck. More than 500 homes and businesses were destroyed, with roofs pierced by trees and
buildings knocked off their foundation. The winds, which were estimated to have peaked at 160 miles per hour, sucked the mattresses out of dormitory windows at Springfield College. People sustained injuries from flying glass and debris. The South End, East Forest Park and Sixteen Acres neighborhoods suffered extensive damage. In total, about one-third of the city was affected.
The funnel left the city behind, spreading damage and disaster through Wilbraham, Monson, Brimfield, Sturbridge, Southbridge and Charlton, before evaporating at 5:27 p.m. In just over one hour, it caused three deaths, hundreds of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. It left a scar on the landscape and the memory of Western and central Massachusetts.
At the ceremony on the City Hall steps marking the 15th anniversary, Mayor Domenic Sar-
no said, “God works in mysterious ways. If this had occurred at 2:38 in the morning, there would have been no warning whatsoever. And if this occurred at 2:38 in the afternoon, all our kids, our students, including mine, my own daughters, were in school at that time. So, think of what could have happened.”
Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers was a motorcycle patrol officer at the time of the storm. He and his wife were watching “Die Hard” on television, and he remembered being irritated that the weather alerts kept interrupting the movie. Then, he received a call from a friend asking if he was all right. That was when Akers turned the news on and saw what had happened.
“I was shocked. What actually hit me the hardest was when I went up on Island Pond Road. I looked and there were no trees, there were no nothing, and I be-
came very emotional,” he said.
“To just look at it and see nothing there and homes destroyed, and just — no trees. That’s when it really set in.” Akers recalled the immediate aftermath of the storm.
“People were out there just, not knowing what in the world to do,” he said. “People were just shook, you know, as I was.”
Sarno recalled the oppressive humidity that hung over everything that day. He was driving back to City Hall after taking his daughter to an appointment when he heard that the tornado had touched down. He described the damage as “unimaginable,” and said the “devastation in certain areas was unrecognizable.” He spoke about the monumental task of clearing rubble and wreckage from sites across the city. People put debris on the tree belt for the city to collect. Sarno said teams
SPRINGFIELD
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno makes remarks about the 2011 tornado before a bell tolls in commemoration.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Symphony orchestra to play live at Star-Spangled Springfield
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — This July 4, as children play in the grass, families picnic on blankets and fireworks light up the sky over the Connecticut River, Springfield will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the sounds of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra playing live at Riverfront Park.
The free concert, a collaboration between the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and the Spirit of Springfield, will feature vocals by Vanessa Ford. It will kick off at 7 p.m., with its grand finale coinciding with the Star-Spangled Springfield firework show from Fireworks by Grucci launched from Memorial Bridge at 9:30 p.m.
“One of the things that I love most about Springfield is that this is a city that shows us. We show up for each other,” said Springfield Symphony Orchestra President and CEO Heather Caisse-Roberts. “This partnership is exactly what that is about. For the first time in decades, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will return to the city’s Fourth of July celebration
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were working for up to 18 hours per day during the weeks after the storm. All the while, the city had to continue providing services for the parts of the city that had been spared from destruction.
The mayor praised the tireless efforts of the city’s first responders and the kindness of neighbors helping neighbors. “It was the
with the Spirit of Springfield, and I genuinely cannot think of a better partner to do this with. Because Judy and her team understand that these events are not just events, They’re memories.”
The symphony last played during the fireworks in the late 1990s, but it was staged on the steps of Symphony Hall. John Sjoberg, president of the Spirit of Springfield Board of Directors, credited Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt with the idea of bringing the orchestra to Riverfront Park. Sjoberg said he had suggested a string quartet, but Matt felt the organization needed to think bigger for the country’s 250th birthday. John Sjoberg said Springfield’s militia served a pivotal role in the American Revolution, helping Continental Army Colonel Henry Knox transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to the camps outside Boston.
Including the symphony at the event will add an extra layer to the event, Mayor Domenic Sarno said. “The symphony is part of the fabric of Springfield,” he said. He noted many cities have disbanded their symphonies, but Springfield has worked hard to partner with it
people that kept us going. My team and with help from the state” and Congressional delegation, he said. “Everywhere we went, it was really the people, who said, ‘Mayor Sarno, it’s going to be okay.’” Sarno said he built relationships during the challenging times that continue today. Akers had similar memories.
He said, “You saw everyone coming with chainsaws and cutting trees in front of people’s homes. People would just have people
to preserve an expression of culture. Sarno added, “It’s wonderful to have the songstress of Springfield Vanessa Ford here, as well. When she sings ‘God Bless Springfield,’ I get goosebumps.”
When the community comes to Riverfront Park for the Fourth of July, Sarno said, “You see a beautiful mosaic of people of all creeds, colors and backgrounds with family, not only from Springfield, all the surrounding areas.” He said, “You cannot put a price tag on the morale boost these events do for our city,” said Sarno. “Free entertainment, free worldclass fireworks from the Grucci brothers.” He praised the work done by Spirit of Springfield, as well as the sponsors.
America will not be the only one celebrating its anniversary this year. Sponsor Mass Mutual marks its 175th year in 2026. Along with MassMutual, MGM Springfield and American Medical Response are major sponsors of Star-Spangled Springfield.
Akers said tens of thousands of people will converge in the park. “We want to make sure that every person, that every family comes to this park, feels
coming over. I had a few people come to my house because I didn’t lose power or anything because our lines were underground up there, and people would come to my house.” Akers noted that he had 13 rooms and space to temporarily house friends. “I saw that all over the city. People just helping people, bringing food and everything.”
Sarno said he doggedly pursued funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agen-
safe and able to be here with confidence and with pride.” He urged people who see something to say something to a member of law enforcement, whether the issue is suspicious behavior or someone in need of assistance.
The superintendent also cautioned, “There’s going to be a lot of traffic.” Vehicle traffic in the area will be shut down prior to the fireworks display and will remain that way until the pedestrians have cleared out, he said. He asked people to be patient.
Most importantly, Akers said, “Come in peace and enjoy the festivities.”
Fire Deputy Chief Miguel Rivera also had words of caution for residents. He reminded everyone that personal use of fireworks is illegal in Massachusetts. “Leave it to the professionals,” he advised. Rivera said even small fireworks can cause structure fires and injuries. Because many people have cookouts on the holiday, he reminded residents to move their grills away from the house and out from under overhangs and awnings.
Sjoberg said the Spirit of Springfield’s mission is to create events that bring people to-
cy and other government departments to cover the roughly $138 million of cleanup. Over the following six years, the city was rebuilt. Today, there are only a few left vacant since the storm.
2011 was a tumultuous year for Springfield. “First we had the ice storm in January, then you the tornado, same year, then we had a microburst and freak nor’easter that occurred pre-Halloween in October,” Sarno said. The city also suffered a gas explosion the
gether. “Every one of our events is free, with the exception of Bright Nights at [Forest] Park, which is our flagship, and that really helps support everything throughout the year,” Sjoberg said. He added that the organization’s events bring about $15 million in economic impact and revenue to the city.
“We have lots of charities in town that do wonderful work, that are very specific in what they do, whether it’s for the homeless, or the boys and girls or various things. The Spirit of Springfield is for everyone. It’s an all-inclusive organization that really does bring people together,” Sjoberg said.
Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan remarked, “When the Spirit of Springfield and the Symphony join together to put on a celebration, you know it’s going to... Bring down the house and light up the sky in a big, big way.”
Sarno assured that he would be at the park with his family for the event, and said, “We going to have one hell of a time as we celebrate the 250th birthday, anniversary of the greatest nation in the world.”
following year. “We dealt with it so well that we were the only standalone city to receive the resiliency grant in the United States of America,” Sarno said. As a leader in times of crisis, he said, “You got to let people know what happened, what you’re going to do about it, and just as important, hope — we’re going to get through this together.” Akers said, “Springfield and her residents are resilient. We’ve proven that time and time again.”
SO THAT REMINDS ME — On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me”, hosts Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre sat down with Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby to discuss one of the most consequential votes facing the city in recent memory: a proposed $6.9 million Proposition 2½ override. To listen visit thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform. Reminder Publishing photo
by Chris Maza
Council approves $1.04B budget, despite free cash request
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield City Council voted 10-3 to approve the $1.04 billion fiscal year 2027 budget, the first budget in the city’s history to top $1 billion. Before approving the budget, however, the process hit a snag when Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan requested the council to postpone the budget vote until they could meet with Mayor Domenic Sarno to discuss using free cash to offset the tax rate.
The mayor first announced the budget proposal on May 1, and since then, the council has conducted public hearings with each of the city’s departments to examine their funding requests. Sarno presented the budget to the council at its May 28 meeting.
The $1.04 billion budget proposal is 5.4% higher than the current FY26 budget. When the budget process began, the city faced a $23.7 million gap. Sarno said, “The FY27 budget was balanced through a combination of targeted spending reductions, vacancy management, strategic use of grant funding and realistic revenue estimates.” Cuts were made where possible, but no layoffs were necessary, and all programs were maintained. Sarno added, “The departments worked really hard, which I commend.”
Sarno pointed out that $862 million of the budget is dedicated to non-discretionary costs. Some of these expenses, including employee health insurance, are assessments through contracts or the state.
The mayor emphasized that he has presented a balanced budget, without using the city’s reserves, for 12 years. He also said Springfield has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 19 consecutive years. He quoted Standard & Poor, which determines the city’s
bond rating, as stating Springfield’s fiscal management is a “positive outlier” among communities in the area.
Sarno said Springfield is only the second municipality in the state to create a targeted tax relief program. There is $3 million in the fund currently and it is designed to help property owners whose income is slightly too high to make them eligible for state regulated tax relief. Sarno also said he lowered the age at which municipal tax abatements are available from 70 to 65 and doubled the amount those people can receive.
At Large City Councilor Brian Santaniello asked about the $20 million gap expected in the FY28 School Department budget. Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Sonia Dinnall told him that the team under Chief Financial Officer Patrick Roach is working on creative revenue sources and cuts that will not directly impact the classroom. Davilla asked how much it would cost to follow through on the School Department’s plan to create a day school program for students with an autism diagnosis who would otherwise be in substantially separate classrooms. Dinnall said it costs about $25,000 to establish a classroom.
Moving forward, At Large City Councilor Jose Delgado asked Chief Administration and Finance Officer Cathy Buono’s department to provide a line-item breakdown to examine salaries and expenses over $100,000.
Govan then motioned to continue the vote until after a discussion on using free cash to offset the tax rate. Free cash is previously allocated money left over at the end of a fiscal year. Sarno responded that the council had the budget for nearly four weeks and could have sat down with him during that time. He said it was “premature” to discuss using free cash because the amount is not official or available for use until certified by the state in Oc-
tober. Buono roughly estimated the free cash account has a balance of $8 million. She said last fiscal year the balance was $18 million, and it was $21 million the year before that.
Govan said she was speaking on behalf of her constituents, specifically those who are not eligible for tax relief but still cannot afford an increase to their property tax bill. She said taxes have increased every year for the past decade, while incomes have not kept pace.
Compared to other communities, many of which have sought Proposition 2 1/2 overrides this year, Sarno said, “I think we’ve done a damn good job. We’re trying to be as lean as possible.”
Sarno responded that using one-time funds for recurring costs will create a “yo-yo effect... The next year, when the well is dry, huge balloon payments.” When the tax rate is kept artificially low by using one-time funding sources, such as grants of free cash, the amount gets baked into the next year’s tax levy. Without more funding, the gap must be covered through taxes or services cuts.
Sarno said, “You tell me which libraries you want to close, what police officers and firefighters you want to lay off, what parks you want to stop, what DPW services you want to go.” Sarno also said the city’s reserves will be needed for FY28, which he expects to be a difficult year fiscally.
While Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila appreciated “the good spirit and good intent” behind Govan’s motion, he said he had spoken to many residents who were upset about their tax bills but also wanted services, including road maintenance and the fire service. “I do too,” he said. “They don’t like it, but they understand it.”
At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh said she was prepared to support the budget because there were no layoffs, and the city’s core services were kept intact.
Sarno remarked that if the city
cuts services, residents will have to hire private companies to manage necessities, and those companies will charge more than the tax increase. “They’ll be pennywise and pound foolish,” he said. Govan later clarified that she is not suggesting the city cut services, only to discuss tax relief. Sarno left the door open to consider “sustainable” use of free cash after it is certified.
Only Govan, At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst and City Council President Tracye Whitfield were in favor of the vote postponement. When that failed and a vote was held on whether to approve the budget, the same councilors voted against it.
After the meeting, Whitfield released a statement explaining her decision not to support the city’s operating budget. She thanks the mayor, Buono and the team of employees who design the city’s budget. “I recognize the effort required to manage a city of Springfield’s size and the dedication of the employees who continue to serve our residents every day,” she said.
“I oppose the City of Springfield’s proposed $1.03 billion budget for several reasons. Res-
idents were promised that the revenues generated from MGM would help reduce the burden of property taxes on homeowners and families. Instead, those funds have been redirected to other uses, while taxpayers continue to face increasing costs year after year. Many residents feel that commitment was never fulfilled, and it has contributed to growing frustration and distrust among taxpayers who expected meaningful relief.”
Whitfield went on, “Continued property tax increases are making it harder for residents, homeowners, and families to remain in the city ... A budget should reflect the future we are trying to build, and right now this proposal does not go far enough to address affordability and economic stability for Springfield residents.”
Whitfield said she agreed with the mayor that residents want services. “But residents also want quality services, and investing in data, improved policy, innovation and technology is how we get there.” She stated that the city should be using technology to reduce waste and eliminate “long-term contracts and outdated practices.”
Sarno threatens to end free buses after Union Station incident
By Sarah Heinonen and Dennis Hackett
sheinonen@thereminder.com and dhackett@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — In the wake of an incident involving dozens of youth gathered at Union Station and resulting in the arrests of eight teens, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno announced a crackdown on young people using the location as a “hang out.” Seeing farefree buses as part of the problem, he also announced he would seek to eliminate them in the city. However, elected officials have pushed back on that plan.
At a press conference on June 2, Metro Unit Commander Lt. Brian Elliott said that between 50 and 70 young people came to Union Station on June 1, with some participating in violent interactions. He said that in the 48 hours prior to the press conference, police made eight arrests there. Elliott also said that one officer sustained a broken finger and another broke their wrist while arresting the youth.
“This isn’t us against the kids,” said Elliott. “I was born and raised here, raised my sons here. This has nothing to do with us against them, police against juveniles.” He said, “This is behavior, antisocial behavior. You look at the news, any nightly news, and you see this across the country. There’s
curfews in Washington, D.C.
There’s curfews at the beach in New Jersey. Something happened at the beach in Rhode Island, New Hampshire over Memorial Day weekend. Springfield’s no different. We’re seeing it across the country, but I’m here to tell you, it’s over here at Union Station.”
Addressing the incident, Sarno said, “Last night, it turned my stomach. It was disgusting. The disrespect that some of our young people continue to show our public safety officials. Somebody could have been really hurt. God forbid somebody could have been killed, and we’re not going to tolerate it.” He said, “That young
lady who had to be subdued, and was fighting and was combative. I’ll never forget those words she said. ‘If I had a gun, I’d shoot every one of you cops.’ That can’t be tolerated.”
The mayor declared, “I don’t care if we have to make 15, 18, 20 arrests today. We’re going to do it. And to the parents, we’re asking you to set an alarm to know where the hell your kids are. And we’re going to be looking for parental escorts.”
Sarno said fare-free buses are a contributing issue. Citing Boston and New Bedford as precedents, he said, “This free bus has got to go. You want to do special vouchers, and this and that. You know what? Fine. Because they get on, they come down here, they hang out, they want to fight, they want to be disrespectful, they cause havoc. Our travelers don’t need to see that.”
Sarno continued, “And to the parents and the kids saying,
– NOTICE –
‘You’re being too heavy-handed, Sarno,’ I’m just as compassionate as the next person. We have a lot of positive youth activities you can do. If I can help you, I’ll help you. But we could be saving your kids’ life. So, just remember that.” Sarno’s plan to eliminate fare free buses hit opposition on June 3, as state Rep. Bud Williams and At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst released a joint statement.
See UNION STATION on page 8
This notice is provided in compliance with the provisions of Chapter 85 of the Acts of 2000 of Massachusetts law and the Massachusetts Rights-Of-Way Management Regulations 333 CMR 11.00.
The railroad companies listed below will be controlling vegetation on their rights-of-way both by mechanical means and the selective use of approved herbicide products, in conformance with approved Vegetation Management Plans and approved Yearly Operational Plans. Copies of these Yearly Operational Plans are available in your municipal office building at the Board of Health, Board of Selectmen (or Mayor), and Conservation Commission.
This annual program is necessary for public safety, to provide required sight distance, to provide well-drained and stable roadbeds, to reduce fire danger, and to allow for required inspection of track and roadbed structure. Approved herbicide applications will be accomplished by either backpack or on-track vehicles, and will be with Aquaneat, Opensight, Milestone, Oust XP, Roundup Pro Concentrate, Esplanade 200SC, Escort XP and/or Patriot. Only products approved by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and Environmental Protection Agency (MGL
will be used.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno addressed the City Council regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget.
Photo credit: Focus Springfield
Youth Commission structure would leave City Council in the cold
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris is hoping to resurrect the city’s Youth Commission. City Councilors voiced support for the program, but not at the expense of their oversight.
City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti said a Youth Commission was established in 1986 under the Department of Health and Human Services. Under the ordinance that created the body, the now-defunct commission focused on truancy and student misconduct. The new commission would focus on issues that are important to young people, including mental health, social media use, food insecurity, public safety, healthy relationships, financial literacy and civic engagement.
The commission would include 17 seats, significantly larger than its predecessor. Terms would be staggered, and 11 seats would be open to youth in grades 7-12. As written in the ordinance drafted by Buoniconti, the mayor, the police superintendent, superintendent of schools, School Committee vice chair, parks director and Caulton Harris would round out the commission. The city’s health and racial equity coordinator, Shenell Ford, would fill a guidance role.
Ward 5 City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce said it was a “great initiative,” but pointed out that there was no oversight or appointing power for a member of the City Council. Buoniconti said, “We believed that the School Committee was a better conduit and a better body to oversee the Youth Commission, rather
than the City Council itself.”
Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan agreed with Click-Bruce that the City Council should have a role in oversight. She noted that Ward 7 Councilor Gerry Martin is the current liaison to the School Committee. For his part, Martin said he would be happy to sit in at the commission’s meetings, regardless of whether he was a participant.
“I find it very interesting that you are here before us, asking the City Council to amend a commission, but at the same time, having no input from the City Council,” said At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh. She said she would not support it without the council having a role in the commission.
At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst wholeheartedly agreed and said he would also not support the ordinance change without
council oversight.
The method of choosing the students to sit on the commission also became a sticking point for several of the councilors. Buoniconti said he expected that conversations would take place in the schools, alerting students to the opportunity, and the mayor would appoint members from a list of interested candidates.
Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila was uncomfortable with what he saw as a lack of structure in how children would be chosen. Ward 1 City Councilor Maria Perez agreed that criteria for the students and their selection seemed vague. Davila also questioned language in the ordinance that mentioned “compensation.” Buoniconti said that language was included in case there were reimbursable expenses.
Ward 4 City Councilor Brown asked if it would be difficult to insert language. Buonicon-
ti said it would not be difficult, provided that the specific language is known.
City Council President Tracye Whitfield said the City Council president should have the opportunity to appoint someone to the commission because there are different skills sets among the councilors. She said she feels that vesting the appointing power with the mayor instead of the City Council president is an intentional effort to control who is appointed. Instead, she said appointment by the City Council president would be “fair and equitable.” Whitfield said that she also wanted to ensure that students from all neighborhoods were given the opportunity to sit on the committee.
The council voted 12-0 to send the ordinance to the General Government Committee for workshopping.
FOSTER MEMORIAL CHURCH MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE
SPRINGFIELD — Foster Memorial Church, UCC, will hold their monthly Food Drive on Saturday, June 13, from 1-3 p.m. in the church’s back parking lot. They will be collecting non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. All donations are very much appreciated. Our church is located at 1791 Wilbraham Road.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris takes questions on her proposal to recreate a Youth Commission, while Health and Racial Equity Coordinator Shenell Ford stands by.
Photo credit: Focus Springfield
Residents want rent control, transparent budget process
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — City residents crammed into the City Council Chambers for the Public Speak Out portion of the June 1 council meeting. Residents passionately advocated for several issues, including rent control, in-person meetings and a transparent budget process.
Joseph Bonilla and Nevah Cruz, both representing Neighbor 2 Neighbor, urged councilors to adopt rent control. “Here in Springfield, nearly half of residents in Springfield are rent-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing alone,” said Bonilla. Some spend as much as 50% of their income on housing, he said. At the same time, the cost of everything from groceries to child care. He said it is pushing younger people out of Springfield and the state. He made the case that the loss of residents will translate to the loss of economic participation. Bonilla said, “Housing policy is workforce policy.”
Cruz said, “We believe housing is a human right, not a luxury.” She said families are being pushed out of Springfield because of unaffordable or unsafe housing conditions. “Working families, seniors, immigrants and longtime residents are struggling to remain in the community they helped build,” Cruz said. She said rent stabilization is a tool to “create balance, accountability and protections that allow people to stay rooted in their neighborhoods.”
Many of the people in the room were representing the Pioneer Valley Project. Chris Brown said that, in January, the organization requested meetings with all 13 councilors regarding this year’s budget process, which culminated in a May 28 vote to approve the $1.04 billion budget. Brown thanked the eight councilors who took time to meet with PVP.
Brown said councilors told PVP members they were committed to a transparent city budget process and engaging with residents. However, he said being engaged in the process was often
difficult. “If it’s challenging for organized residents to even get a meeting with our councilors, what does that say about the accessibility of the budget process for residents who aren’t organized?” Brown asked. Mayor Domenic Sarno’s budget hearings were at 11 a.m., while the council’s hearings happened at 5 p.m. Brown said for people who work during the day, attending those meetings was not an option. He also said notice of the hearings is posted in the City Hall’s “basement.” Agendas for the hearings were available on the city’s website, and Focus Springfield recorded and posted the meetings on YouTube.
“We still believe the city is down for a community-driven budget process,” Brown said. He acknowledged that the council already passed the budget. He said, “Some of you might tell us we’re too late, but we’re not. We’re right on time.” Brown said PVP was advocating for participatory budgeting.
Another PVP member, Alejandra Morales, said the lack of accessible hearings “creates a barrier between the public and the decisions that shape our city. It causes us to question if our elected officials really want us to
be a part of the process.” Meanwhile, she said, residents often hear that they do not care and do not “show up.”
Morales said the budget documents are difficult to parse, pointing out that a $98 million category listed in the budget as “other” and ranged from the Springfield Parking Authority to the Springfield Museums. “This is not just a technical issue. It is a trust issue,” she said. “When budgets are hard to read, when meetings are hard to attend and when information is not clearly organized or explained, the result is that residents are excluded from the process.”
Dominique Boyd, another PVP organizer, said, “The people of Springfield deserve a real voice on how public money should be spent.” He called for Springfield to dedicate 1% of the budget “directly to the people.” He said “everyday people” should put forth ideas on how to improve their neighborhoods. He said participatory budgeting gives city leadership “direct insight into the hearts, minds and needs of the people.”
Moving on, three residents spoke in favor of Ward 7 Councilor Gerry Martin’s proposal to require councilors to attend meetings in person when possible.
Martin’s resolution was debated in May and sent to committee. Nicole Coakley said being able to physically see one another and read body language “strengthens communication, collaboration and accountability.” She said residents are expected to come to the meetings to participate in Public Speak Out. “Seniors take buses, families arrange child care and working people show up in person after long shifts because they care deeply about what happens in this chamber,” she said, adding that councilors should make the “same effort.”
Corrine Durham, a Ward 7 resident and rehabilitation counselor, said Martin’s proposal includes reasonable accommodations for hardships and disabilities. She said in person meetings are more effective for group communication and mutual trust.
Erica Cruz, another Ward 7 resident, said in-person attendance is “an issue about public trust, transparency, accountability and civic engagement.” She said technology provides flexibility for genuine emergencies and hardships, but in person attendance should be the norm. She also said in person attendance offers opportunities for residents to interact with their representatives.
Springfield unveils renovated Blunt Park fields, walking track
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield leadership has continued its work to improve the city’s neighborhood parks, with the unveiling of renovated grounds at Blunt Park.
Until recently, the park’s softball fields and track were worn, with patchy grass and cracked asphalt. The parking area was poorly graded, with significant potholes, and it flooded during rainstorms.
“Tommy probably could have launched the duck boats there,” Mayor Domenic Sarno joked, referring to Thomas Ashe, executive director of parks, buildings and recreation management.
Ashe described the improvement unveiling as “a tremendous day” for the city and the Parks Department. He thanked the state legislative delegation for securing partial funding and the department’s staff. City Councilor Kateri Walsh said the Parks Department “always responds to needs in the community.” She congratulated everyone involved.
Campora Construction Company completed the work on the park. Vice President James Soffen recalled that when he attended the High School of Science and Technology, the school would use the park’s facilities during gym class. When the project came up for bid, he said, “I knew I wanted it.” He described renovating the space as “a full circle” experience.
The project, which cost about $800,000, included paving the track, seeding the fields and adding picnic tables. The entire parking lot was regraded to eliminate flooding issues. The Campora performed the primary work last winter, but it had to wait for warmer weather to pave.
Lamari Jackson, state Sen. Adam Gomez’s district director, attended the ribbon cutting.
Speaking on behalf of the senator, she said that when most people think of protecting parks, their mind goes to state and federal land. However, she said the work begins at the local level.
“Our parks are nice and clean,” said state Rep. Bud Wil-
liams, who has attended many park reopenings in the city. “This is owned by the people, for the people, to the people... Let’s respect it.”
Sales
Circulation
State Rep. Bud Williams praises Springfield’s parks, surrounded by state Sen. Adam Gomez’s district director, Lamari Jackson, Mayor Domenic Sarno, At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh, Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Thomas Ashe and Campora Construction Company Vice President James Soffen. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Dominique Boyd speaks in favor of participatory budgeting in Springfield. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
CENTRAL VS LONGMEADOW
BASEBALL
In a game played at McKenzie Stadium in Holyoke on May 23, Central rallied for two runs in the last half of the seventh inning to defeat Longmeadow 8-7 and earn the PVIAC
Aiden Archeval delivers a first-inning strike.
CHE
Right fielder Dasan Stratton sprints to the warning track and makes the catch.
Springfield Central - 2026 PVIAC Western Mass. Class “A” Baseball Champions.
Josiah Zayas dives safely back to first on the pick-off attempt.
Central catcher Jordan Cruz throws to second.
Nathan Pok tries to outrun the throw to first base.
After hitting a home run, Edwar Fernandez (12) receives congratulations from Gabriel Miranda.
! Eduardo Villafane hustles to third base, considers advancing but decides to stay put as Longmeadow’s Alejandro Santiago tracks down the errant relay.
Eagles hero Jaliel Rodriguez hoists the WMass Class “A” baseball championship plaque.
Eighteen local firefighters graduate from Firefighting Academy
SPRINGFIELD — State Fire
Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership on June 2 announced the graduation of 18 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program.
Career Recruit Class #S45’s original graduation date was initially scheduled for June 1 but was pushed back by one day so students and staff could attend the funeral of Boston Firefighter Robert T. Kilduff, Jr., who died in the line of duty on May 23.
“Massachusetts firefighters commit themselves to protecting their communities and each other from every kind of hazard,” saidDavine. “We can never forget the danger that these men and women confront in service to others. We can never lose sight of the risk to their life and safety. And we must always remember those brave souls who make the ultimate sacrifice so that others might live.”
The graduating firefighters represent the fire departments of Bellingham, Chicopee, North Adams, Palmer, Pittsfield, Spring-
Union Station
Continued from page 3
“The residents of Springfield and beyond must understand that Fare Free Transit is funded by the state and is already codified into law by our state delegation. This means that in spite of Mayor Sarno’s desire to eliminate it, he has no jurisdiction to do so,” the statement read.
While the two officials felt that public safety “must remain a priority,” they stated that eliminating free public transportation would punish others in the community.
“It would punish the senior citizen who relies on public transportation to get to doctor’s ap-
field, Ware and West Springfield.
The graduates from the Springfield Fire Department include Joshua Harley, Jeremy Miller, Angel Reyes, Brentt Rodriguez and Luis Rodriguez. Jr.
The Richard N. Bangs Outstanding Student Award, which is presented to one recruit in each graduating career recruit training class, was presented to Firefighter Angel Reyes of Springfield Fire & Emergency Services. The award is named for a longtime chair of the Massachusetts Fire Training Council and reflects the recruit’s academic and practical skills, testing and evaluations over the course of the 10week program.
Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mail-
pointments, pick up prescriptions and maintain their independence,” they wrote. “It would punish the hardworking parent who depends on the bus to get their child to daycare before heading to work. It would punish the student who relies on public transportation to get to school, extracurricular activities, and opportunities that help shape their future. And it would punish countless working families who depend on these services every day to get to their jobs so they can provide for their loved ones.”
The statement continued, “Instead of simply locking our young people up, we should be building relationships with them, mentoring them, investing in opportunities for them and creating pathways to
box fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires. Upon successful completion of the Career Recruit Program, all students have met the national standards of NFPA 1010, Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications, and are certified to the levels of Firefighter I/II and Hazardous Materials First Responder Operations by the Massachusetts Fire Training Council, which is accredited by the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications.
Today’s firefighters do much more than fight fires: They train for and respond to all types of hazards and emergencies. They are the first ones called to respond to chemical and environmental emergencies, ranging from the suspected presence of carbon monoxide to gas leaks to industrial chemical spills. They may be called to rescue a child who has fallen through the ice, an office worker stuck in an elevator or a motorist trapped in a crashed vehicle. They test and maintain their equipment, including
success. When young people feel connected to their community, they are far more likely to become part of the solution. We must resist the temptation to take the easy way out as transportation is not a luxury — but a necessity.”
City Councilor At Large Jose Delgado also said he was opposed to eliminating free bus service in a statement released on June 4, and highlighted the importance of accessible transportation.
“Mobility drives opportunity. Access to transportation is something Springfield residents rely on to get to jobs, school, medical appointments, childcare and the broader regional economy,” he said.
Delgado also noted the current
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.
CHICOPEE
Alice M. Kovitch
Jeannine M. Martell
Roger A. Nelson
Leshia A. O’Neill-Wolcott
Robert Peterson
EAST LONGMEADOW
Sandra Quadrozzi
HOLYOKE
Rene D. Dulude
Ann C. Gorman
Pearson P. Helliwell Jr.
Thomas W. Manning
LONGMEADOW
Kenneth Norman Kinsley
Jacques C. Leroy Philomena Novitt
LUDLOW
William “Bill” Jarosz
Florence Shea
Linda May Veratti
SOUTH HADLEY
Harvey L. Cook
SPRINGFIELD
Angelina A. Braica
Isabel A. Dumais
Thomas George Gillan Jr. Josephine Anne Giorgi
Mark W. LaBonte
Barbara J. Murphy
Carter Lee Powell
George E. Sampson
Pasquale Scibelli
Walter J. Solzak
Richard L. Talbot
WILBRAHAM
Jeanne Denoncourt
Dana R. Gahres
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
self-contained breathing apparatus, hydrants, hoses, power tools and apparatus. At the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, recruits learn all these skills and more, including the latest science of fire behavior and suppression tactics, from certified fire instructors. They also receive training in public fire education, hazardous material incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management and self-rescue techniques.
economic climate and how free bus service can help alleviate economic strain on families.
“Families are already struggling with the rising cost of housing, groceries and everyday expenses. Eliminating free bus service would place an additional burden on those who can least afford it. We should focus on targeted solutions, not broad punishments,” Delgado said.
Delgado added that he was looking forward to bringing city leadership. public safety officials, community organizations and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority together to discuss improving safety at Union Station while protecting transportation access.
In a June 4 statement, City Council President Tracye Whitfield called Sarno’s comments an “impulsive reaction to a complex issue.” She also encouraged cooperation in finding a solution.
“The goal should be to address problematic behavior without punishing the overwhelming majority of riders who use the system responsibly. Let’s work together to find thoughtful, effective solutions that improve safety and accountability while maintaining access to a service that so many people depend on every day,” she wrote.
In a letter to PVTA Administrator Sandra Sheehan on June 4, Sarno appeared to walk back his comments about removing the fare free program.
“I want to be clear, I fully support a structured ridership program, including fare-free busing so that individuals of all ages including seniors, working adults, students, mothers with young children, etc., can take advantage of this resource and service and get to their medical appointments, jobs and classes,” he wrote.
The MFA provides recruit and in-service training for career, call, and volunteer firefighters at every level of experience, from recruit to chief officer, at campuses in Stow, Springfield and Bridgewater.
He said there needs to be a structured system in place to prevent disturbances, such as the one on June 1, and to identify bad actors. Sarno formally requested the structured system in his letter through the city’s weighted vote on the PVTA Advisory Board.
“If we can hold them accountable for their actions and remove them from the situation, I am confident that we can provide a very beneficial service to the vast majority of our riders, including seniors, working adults and good young students, so that they can safely go about their day,” he said.
Sarno suggested using a voucher system for fare free rides.
“This can be a fare-free voucher system where a Fare Engagement Representative is tasked and trained in youth engagement, de-escalation and customer service assistance to help enhance boarding and transit while also eliminating or reducing rider altercations both on and off the bus,” he wrote.
Sarno concluded his letter by thanking the PVTA for the work it does and said he was looking forward to working with them to address the safety concerns.
On June 5, the PVTA announced in a statement that it would not be getting rid of the fare-free bus program.
“At the direction of the PVTA Advisory Board, PVTA is continuing the fare-free program until further notice. Funding to continue the program has been included in the House, Senate, and Governor’s budget proposals. However, until a final state budget is approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, PVTA cannot confirm the duration of fare free service,” the statement read.
Eighteen local firefighters recently graduaed from the Firefighting Academy on June 2.
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
‘La Casita Experience’ to transform MassMutual Center
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Center will soon host one big celebration of community, blending music and dance, live performances, DJ sets and interactive visuals to represent the high energy nightlife experience rooted in Puerto Rican culture.
“La Casita Experience” rolls into Springfield on June 27, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the event at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39 for general admission and $67 for VIP.
The event is inspired by the traditional casita, which translates to “little house,” but culturally represents a deep symbol of home and community. Venues are transformed into immersive Caribbean environments where culture lives and breathes, with a custom-built casita structure surrounded by live salsa, bomba y plena performances and nonstop reggaeton.
It is the work of MLopez Promotions, a full service event production and entertainment company, created by Marcos Lopez, that has created high quality live experiences across the northeast for over a decade.
The mission of “La Casita Experience” is to “create cultural experiences to authentically represent Puerto Rican heritage and empower local communities by providing opportunities for artists, vendors and creatives to showcase their talent,” a press release said.
“‘La Casita Experience’ is more than just a cultural event, it is a movement that inspires pride, fosters unity and leaves a lasting
NORTHAMPTON — Reservations are going fast for Valley Players’ music-, magic- and dancing-filled production of “The Tempest,” with half of net ticket sales to be donated to the Center for New Americans to support immigrant and refugee families in the Valley.
The will show go up as a picnic-theater performance at Black Birch Vineyard (108 Straits Road, Hatfield) on June 11, 12, 19, and 20 at 6:30 p.m. and June 21 at 5:30 p.m. There will also be a one-time performance at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley St., on June 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Tickets are on a pay-what-youcan scale starting at $15 and can be booked at valleyplayers.org. While the June 11 and 12 performances are currently sold out, more tickets may become available for those shows depending on the weather. If more tickets open for those shows, notice will be posted at valleyplayers.org and through Valley Players’ social media and email list.
Guests to the performances at Black Birch can bring a meal to enjoy during the show or can grab an artisanal pizza from The Vintner’s Slice food truck, as well as choose from a selection of fine wines and other drinks, including non-alcoholic options, from Black Birch Vineyard.
“In our production, there’s something for everyone,” Franks
legacy of cultural appreciation and community empowerment,” the release stated.
The event is following massive success in Rochester, New York, where it sold out to over 1,000 patrons. It makes a stop in Buffalo, New York, before heading to Springfield.
Jessica Del Valle, who was brought in to assist with marketing and communications for the event, said it’s partly rooted in the experience of a Bad Bunny concert and aligns with the
said. “Young love requited, old men vindicated, frolicking fools and goddesses dancing. The audience can relax in a bucolic setting with a picnic and wine, and imagine being at London’s open-air Globe playhouse as our players bring to life Shakespeare’s beautiful words and vision at sunset in the Vineyard.”
“Part of Valley Players’ mission is to build community through community theater,” noted Pangallo, which is why the group donates
concept of promoting culture, ambiance and the traditions of Puerto Rico.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, recently transformed the field at the 2026 Super Bowl’s Apple Music Halftime Show into a full casita experience, similar to this event, that blended many aspects of Puerto Rican life and culture.
“This is just a whole vibrant event that really inspires, fosters unity and leads a legacy of cultural appreciation and commu-
half of net ticket revenue from each show to another Valley nonprofit with a mission that aligns with the story or themes of the play.
“‘The Tempest’ shows that the power of compassion and being welcoming is greater even than any magical power,” Pangallo explained, “and that what makes us human is our capacity for empathy.” Because of this, and because the play centers on cultural contact, the plight of the stranger and the power of language, Valley Players
nity empowerment,” Del Valle said. “Anyone that appreciates diversity and enjoys embracing cultural diversity, music, rhythm, will definitely engage with and appreciate the experience. It’s a very colorful and vibrant experience … it’s basically the unity, community and tolerance in a festive ambiance, in a safe space where music and dances and artistic values can be combined.”
She said the experience in Springfield will be larger than previous shows, so they’re ex-
decided to use this production to support the Center for New Americans. “It was a natural fit,” Pangallo said, “and given the context of our own historical moment, we felt it important to support the crucial work being done by CNA.”
The Center for New Americans
cited to build the space with the “ambiance that people enjoy.”
“There’s usually good Puerto Rican food and there are a lot of surprises that we try to implement in every city that we go to,” Del Valle said.” She gave special recognition to the MassMutual Center, Springfield Downtown, and the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade for giving support to the event. Tickets can be purchased at massmutualcenter.com/events/ detail/lacasitaexperience.
has been welcoming and serving immigrants in western Massachusetts for nearly 35 years by providing free classes in English, instruction in digital literacy, civics and employment searching, and lowcost immigration legal services.
The “La Casita Experience” event in Rochester, New York, in March.
