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Springfield marks 15 years since tornado

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

EDITION

Symphony orchestra to play live at StarSpangled Springfield This July 4, Springfield will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with the sounds of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra playing live at Riverfront Park.

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City Council approves $1.04B budget

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Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno makes remarks about the 2011 tornado before a bell tolls in commemoration.

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.

Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

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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

ECRWSS

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-

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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-

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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

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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

Tornado Continued from page 1

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

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

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-

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.”

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

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-

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

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

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SPRINGFIELD | JUNE 11-17, 2026

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

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno addressed the City Council regarding the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Photo credit: Focus Springfield

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

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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,

‘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

– NOTICE – 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 c. 132B sec. 6B) will be used.

Schedule for Herbicide Applications: Amtrak.............................................................................. 22 June - 17 July & 07 August - 30 September 2026 Grafton & Upton Railroad ......................................... 22 June - 17 July & 07 August - 30 September 2026 Massachusetts Central Railroad........................... 19 June - 17 July & 07 August - 30 September 2026 Pioneer Valley Railroad ............................................. 19 June - 17 July & 07 August - 30 September 2026 Providence & Worcester Railroad Co .................. 26 June - 31 July 2026 Housatonic Railroad Company .............................. 26 June - 31 July & 07 August - 30 September 2026 Massachusetts Coastal Railroad ......................... 10 July - 11 August & 21 August - 30 Sept. 2026 Questions or comments regarding this railroad vegetation control should be addressed to: Thomas Lewis TEC Associates 40 Mechanic Street South Portland, ME 04106 (207) 767-6068 tom@tecassoc.com RAILROAD RIGHTS-OF-WAY ARE PRIVATE PROPERTY AND TRESPASSING IS PROHIBITED BY LAW (MGL c. 160, sections 218 and 220)

JUNE 11-17, 2026 | SPRINGFIELD

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THEREMINDER.COM | WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS

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

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

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.

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

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SPRINGFIELD | JUNE 11-17, 2026

Residents want rent control, transparent budget process

By Sarah Heinonen

sheinonen@thereminder.com

The Springfield Reminder is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year.

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Dominique Boyd speaks in favor of participatory budgeting in Springfield.

Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen

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-

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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.

EASTHA

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.

WESTHAM PTON

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

HUNTIN GTON

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

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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.

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Aiden Archeval delivers a first-inning strike.

Springfield Central - 2026 PVIAC Western Mass. Class “A” Baseball Champions.

BASEBALL CENTRAL VS LONGMEADOW

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 WMass Class “A” baseball championship.

Right fielder Dasan Stratton sprints to the warning track and makes the catch.

Josiah Zayas dives safely back to first on the pick-off attempt.

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After hitting a home run, Edwar Fernandez (12) receives congratulations from Gabriel Miranda.

Eagles hero Jaliel Rodriguez hoists the WMass Class “A” baseball championship plaque.

Nathan Pok tries to outrun the throw to first base.

Eduardo Villafane hustles to third base, considers advancing but decides to stay put as Longmeadow’s Alejandro Santiago tracks down the errant relay.

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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-

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-

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

Union Station

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

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

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-

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

Eighteen local firefighters recently graduaed from the Firefighting Academy on June 2.

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 ma-

terial incident mitigation, flammable liquids, stress management and self-rescue techniques.

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.

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.

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.

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DINING ENTERTAINMENT www.TheReminder.com

‘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

The “La Casita Experience” event in Rochester, New York, in March.

Reminder Publishing submitted photo

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

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-

nity empowerment,” Del Valle said. “Anyone that appreciates diversity and enjoys embracing cultural diversity, music, rhythm, will definitely engage with and appreciate the experience. It’s a very colorful and vibrant experience … it’s basically the unity, community and tolerance in a festive ambiance, in a safe space where music and dances and artistic values can be combined.”

She said the experience in Springfield will be larger than previous shows, so they’re ex-

cited to build the space with the “ambiance that people enjoy.”

“There’s usually good Puerto Rican food and there are a lot of surprises that we try to implement in every city that we go to,” Del Valle said.”

She gave special recognition to the MassMutual Center, Springfield Downtown, and the Springfield Puerto Rican Parade for giving support to the event.

Tickets can be purchased at massmutualcenter.com/events/ detail/lacasitaexperience.

Shakespeare production to benefit Center for New Americans 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

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

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

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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.

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CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1157EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Luigina Ann Barbieri Date of Death: 04/16/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Luigina M. Dube of Ludlow MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Luigina M Dube of Ludlow MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/26/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: June 01, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (June 11)

community

CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1158EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Jynette Redd Also known as: Jynette M Redd Date of Death: 05/04/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Jynai McDonald of Springfield MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Jynai McDonald of Springfield MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/30/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written appearance and objection followed by an affidavit of objections within thirty (30) days of the return date, action may be taken without further notice to you.

UNSUPERVISED ADMINISTRATION UNDER THE MASSACHUSETTS UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC) A Personal Representative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised administration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including the distribution of assets and expenses of administration.

WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: May 28, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (June 11)

MORTGAGEE'S NOTICE OF SALE

By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by Alfonso Cummings to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”) as nominee for Applied Mortgage Services Corp. dated November 1, 2005, recorded with Hampden Registry of Deeds in Book 15467, Page 28, which mortgage was assigned to SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. by Assignment dated June 29, 2017, recorded in Book 21752, Page 384; further assigned to Rushmore Loan Management Services LLC by Assignment dated December 12, 2022, recorded in Book 24836, Page 482; further assigned to Specialized Loan Servicing LLC by Assignment dated June 29, 2023, recorded in Book 25059, Page 594; and further assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Owner Trustee of the Residential Credit Opportunities Trust IX-B by dated August 11, 2025, in Book 25980, Page 393, of which mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 11:00 AM, on the 22nd day of June, 2026, at the mortgaged premises described and known as 292 Forest Park Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts described in said mortgage, to wit: The land in Springfield, Hampden County, Massachusetts, with buildings thereon , bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point in the westerly line of Forest Park Avenue, distant two hundred eighty-five and 18/100 (285.18) feet southerly from the southerly line of Sumner Avenue; and running thence SOUTHERLY: On Forest Park Avenue, sixtyfive (65) feet; thence WESETERLY: At right angles with Forest Park Avenue, one hundred forty-two and 6/10 (142.6) feet to land formerly of one Gould, now or formerly of one Burke; thence NORTHERLY: On last named land and land formerly of one Miller, now or formerly of one Herrick, sixty-five (65) feet to land now or lately of one Merrick; and thence EASTERLY:On last named land one hundred forty-two and 6/10 (142.6) feet to the place of beginning.

The Mortgagee reserves the right to postpone the sale to a later date by public proclamation at the time and date appointed for the sale and to further postpone at any adjourned sale date by public proclamation at the time and date appointed for the adjourned sale date. The Mortgagee further reserves the right to open the bidding at the time, date and place appointed for sale, and if no bids are received, or the bids received are deemed unacceptable to Mortgagee, to postpone the sale to a later date by public proclamation.

Said premises will be sold subject to and with the benefit of all restrictions, easements, improvements, outstanding tax titles, mortgages, liens, rights of tenants and parties in possession, unpaid taxes, municipal liens and other public taxes, assessments or liens, having priority over the mortgage described herein, if any.

In the event that the successful bidder at the foreclosure sale shall default in purchasing the within described property according to the terms of this Notice of Sale and/or the terms of the Memorandum of Sale executed at the time of the foreclosure, the Mortgagee reserves the right to sell the property by Foreclosure Deed to the second highest bidder provided that the second highest bidder shall deposit with Mortgagee's attorneys the amount of the required deposit as set forth herein within three (3) business days after written notice of default of the previous highest bidder and title shall be conveyed to said second highest bidder within twenty (20) days of said written notice.

TERMS OF SALE: Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required to bid and be paid in cash or by certified check at the time and place of sale as earnest money. The balance is to be paid in cash or by certified check within thirty (30) days of the date of the sale at the Law Office of Michael J. Murphy, 5 Commonwealth Road, Natick, Massachusetts 01760.

The description of the premises contained in said mortgage shall control in the event of any typographical error in this publication.

CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON.

LEGAL NOTICES COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT HAMPDEN, Div. Probate & Family Court Dept.

HD26E0023PP To Nickadia Pearson of Hampden County, and all other persons interested.

A petition has been presented to said Court by Mickelia Annabeth Pearson, of Springfield, representing that they hold as joint tenants in an undivided part or share of land lying in Springfield, in the County of Hampden, setting forth that they desire that all of said land may be sold at a private sale or public auction for not less than Two Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Dollars ($284,000.00), and praying that partition may be made of all the land aforesaid according to law, and to that end that a commissioner be appointed to make such partition and be ordered to make sale and conveyance of all, or any part of said land which the Court finds cannot be advantageously divided either at private sale or public auction, and be ordered to distribute the net proceeds thereof after full adjudication of the equitable claims contained in said petition and supplemental memorandum filed with the Court.

If you desire to object thereto, you or your attorney, should file a written appearance in said Court at Springfield before ten o'clock in the forenoon on the twentieth day of July 2026, the return day of this citation.

Witness, Claudine T. Stoudemire, Esquire, First Justice of said Court, this 20th day of May 2026.

Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register (May 28, June 4, June 11) INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD26P1125EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Joseph Arshawsky Date of Death: March 22, 2026 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Howard L. Smukler of Berkeley CA a Will has been admitted to informal probate.

Howard L. Smukler of Berkeley CA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure.

A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

(June 11) CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1157EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Luigina Ann Barbieri Date of Death: 04/16/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Probate of Will with Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Luigina M. Dube of Ludlow MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Luigina M Dube of Ludlow MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/26/2026.

This is NOT a hearing date, but a deadline by which you must file a written appearance and objection if you object to this proceeding. If you fail to file a timely written

CITATION G.L.c. 119, § 23(a)(3) Docket Number: NO. HD25A0001CW COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 413-748-7758 In the matter of: Noah N Delvalle To: Jamie Sanchez A petition has been presented to said court by: DCF Western Legal Regional Office/Western Legal Division, 200 Front Street, 4th Floor, Holyoke, MA 01040, requesting that said court finds that said child is under the age of eighteen (18) and is without proper guardianship due to the death, unavailability, incapacity or unfitness of the parent or guardian.

Any decree under the provision of the General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 119, Section 23(a) (3), gives custody of the child to the Department of Children and Families and authorized the Department of Children and Families or an agency commissioned by the Department to determine the child's place of abode, medical care, and education; to control the visits to the child; and to give consents to enlistments, marriages and other contracts requiring parental consent.

IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT THERETO, YOU OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT Springfield ON OR BEFORE TEN O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON 06/24/2026.

YOU ARE ENTITLED TO THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY IF YOU ARE AN INDIGENT PERSON. An indigent person is defined by SJC Rule 3:10. The definition includes but is not limited to persons receiving AFCD, EACDC, poverty related veteran's benefits, food stamps, refugee resettlement benefits, Medicaid, and SSI. The Court will determine if you are indigent. Contact an Assistant Judicial Case Manager/Adoptions Clerk of the said Court on or before the date listed above to obtain the necessary forms.

WITNESS: Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court Date: June 3, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (June 11) CITATION ON PETITION FOR FORMAL ADJUDICATION Docket No. HD26P1158EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 Estate of: Jynette Redd Also known as: Jynette M Redd Date of Death: 05/04/2026 To all interested persons: A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Jynai McDonald of Springfield MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Jynai McDonald of Springfield MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of said estate to serve Without Surety on the bond in unsupervised administration IMPORTANT NOTICE You have the right to obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court.

You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on the return day of 06/30/2026.

NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor Docket No. HD26P1187GD Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 In the interests of Adriana Batalla of Springfield, MA Minor NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 06/01/2026 by Ivette Serrano of Easthampton, MA will be held 06/30/2026 08:30 AM Guardianship of Minor Hearing Located 50 State St, 4th Floor, Springfield, MA 01103 2. Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to: File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.

3. Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor.

4. Counsel for Parents: If you are a parent of the minor child who is the subject of this proceeding you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you want an attorney and cannot afford to pay for one and if you give proof that you are indigent, an attorney will be assigned to you. Your request for an attorney should be made immediately by filling out the Application of Appointment of Counsel form.

Submit the application form in person or by mail at the court location where your case is going to be heard.

5. Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.

Date: June 1, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (June 11) MORTGAGEE'S NOTICE OF SALE By virtue and in execution of the Power of Sale contained in a certain mortgage given by Alfonso Cummings to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”) as nominee for Applied Mortgage Services Corp. dated November 1, 2005, recorded with Hampden Registry of Deeds in Book 15467, Page 28, which mortgage was assigned to SunTrust Mortgage, Inc. by Assignment dated June 29, 2017, recorded in Book 21752, Page 384; further assigned to Rushmore Loan Management Services LLC by Assignment dated December 12, 2022, recorded in Book 24836, Page 482; further assigned to Specialized Loan Servicing LLC by Assignment dated June 29, 2023, recorded in Book 25059, Page 594; and further assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, as Owner Trustee of the Residential Credit Opportunities Trust IX-B by dated August 11, 2025, in Book 25980, Page 393, of which mortgage the undersigned is the present holder, for breach of the conditions of said mortgage and for the purpose of foreclosing the same will be sold at Public Auction at 11:00 AM, on the 22nd day of June, 2026, at the mortgaged premises described and known as 292 Forest Park Avenue, Springfield, Massachusetts described in said mortgage, to wit: The land in Springfield, Hampden County,

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST IX-B Present holder of said mortgage, By its attorney, Michael J. Murphy, Esq. Law Office of Michael J. Murphy 5 Commonwealth Road, Suite 4A Natick, MA 01760 Tel: (508) 650-9252 (May 28, June 4, June 11)

NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor Docket No. HD26P1188GD Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 In the interests of Yadiel Batalla of Springfield, MA Minor NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 06/01/2026 by Ivette Serrano of Easthampton, MA will be held 06/30/2026 08:30 AM Guardianship of Minor Hearing Located 50 State St, 4th Floor, Springfield, MA 01103 2. Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to: File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.

3. Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an

NOTICE AND ORDER: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor Docket No. HD26P1188GD Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 In the interests of Yadiel Batalla of Springfield, MA Minor NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES 1. Hearing Date/Time: A hearing on a Petition for Appointment of Guardian of a Minor filed on 06/01/2026 by Ivette Serrano of Easthampton, MA will be held 06/30/2026 08:30 AM Guardianship of Minor Hearing Located 50 State St, 4th Floor, Springfield, MA 01103 2. Response to Petition: You may respond by filing a written response to the Petition or by appearing in person at the hearing. If you choose to file a written response, you need to: File the original with the Court; and Mail a copy to all interested parties at least five (5) business days before the hearing.

3. Counsel for the Minor: The minor (or an adult on behalf of the minor) has the right to request that counsel be appointed for the minor.

4. Counsel for Parents: If you are a parent of the minor child who is the subject of this proceeding you have a right to be represented by an attorney. If you want an attorney and cannot afford to pay for one and if you give proof that you are indigent, an attorney will be assigned to you. Your request for an attorney should be made immediately by filling out the Application of Appointment of Counsel form.

Submit the application form in person or by mail at the court location where your case is going to be heard.

5. Presence of the Minor at Hearing: A minor over age 14 has the right to be present at any hearing, unless the Court finds that it is not in the minor’s best interests.

Date: June 2, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (June 11)

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT HAMPDEN, Div. Probate & Family Court Dept.

HD26E0024PP To Robert Pandoli, of Hampden County, Lawrence Pandoli, of Hampden County, Gregory Pandoli, of Hampshire County, Martha Leonard, of Hampden County, Lisa Blais, of Hampshire County, David Pandoli, of Hampden County, and to all other persons interested.

A petition has been presented to said Court by Susan Lucas, of Lamoille County, VT, and Janice Persson, of Hampden County, representing that they hold as tenants in common in an undivided part or share of land lying in Springfield, in the County of Hampden, setting forth that they desire that all of said land may be sold at private sale or public auction for not less than Two Hundred Sixty-Nine Thousand, Five Hundred dollars ($269,500.00), and praying that partition may be made of all the land aforesaid according to law, and to that end that a commissioner be appointed to make such partition and be ordered to make sale and conveyance of all, or any part of said land which the Court finds cannot be advantageously divided either at private sale or public auction, and be ordered to distribute the net proceeds thereof after full adjudication of the equitable claims contained in said petition and supplemental memorandum filed with the Court.

If you desire to object thereto, you or your attorney must file a written appearance and objection in said Court at Springfield on or before 10:00 A.M. on the return date of July 14th, 2026.

Witness, Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of said Court, this 19th day of May 2026.

Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register (June 4, June 11, June 18)

INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD26P1156EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Lauriana Lavallee Also Known As: Lauriana L. Lavallee Date of Death: May 2, 2026 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Gary W. Lavallee of East Longmeadow MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate.

Gary W. Lavallee of East Longmeadow MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure.

A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

(June 11)

Continued on next page

WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES Continued from previous page CITATION G.L. c. 210, § 6 Docket No. HD26A0066AD Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Probate and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103 (413)748-7758 In the matter of: Yadiel Joe Acevedo To: Maricelis Gonzalez Charlie Joe Acevedo any unnamed or unknown parent and persons interested in a petition for the adoption of said child and to the Department of Children and Families of said Commonwealth.

A petition has been presented to said court by: Jamie Lynn Devine of East Longmeadow, MA requesting for leave to adopt said child and that the name of the child be changed to If you object to this adoption you are entitled to the appointment of an attorney if you are an indigent person.

An indigent person is defined by SJC Rule 3:10. The definition includes but is not limited to persons receiving TAFDC, EACDC, poverty related veteran’s benefits, Medicaid, and SSI. The Court will determine if you are indigent.

Contact an Assistant Judicial Case Manager or Adoption Clerk of the Court on or before the date listed below to obtain the necessary forms.

IF YOU DESIRE TO OBJECT TO THERETO, YOUR OR YOUR ATTORNEY MUST FILE A WRITTEN APPEARANCE IN SAID COURT AT: Springfield ON OR BEFORE TEN O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING (10:00 AM) ON: 06/29/2026 WITNESS, Hon. Claudine T. Stoudemire, First Justice of this Court.

Date: June 1, 2026 Rosemary A. Saccomani, Register of Probate (June 11)

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877-484-8583 Reach millions of homes nationwide with one easy, affordable buy in the ADS Network!

For more information www.communitypublishers.com/category/all-products Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971 Water damage cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family & home value! 877-318-6832. Have zip code ready!

TOP DOLLAR PAID for old vintage Guitars!

Gibson, Fender, Martin, Grecsch, Rickenbacker, Epiphone, Etc. 1930's to 1980's. Call 866433-8277

PAINTING & WALLPAPERING AARDVARK PAINTING & HOME IMPROVEMENTS INC. Water Damage Repairs!

Quality residential & commercial carpentry, & painting since 1964.

413-596-4841

CHET & SON PAINTING

Interior and exterior painting, wallpaper, removal. Free estimates. Insured. Reliable.

413-772-9819 PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Interior, exterior, wallpapering, minor carpentry.

Low, low prices. Free estimates. Steve 413310-5099; 860-741-5588

PRAYERS Thank you St. Jude and God the Father for prayers granted. J.M.D.

ROOFING MAC HOME REMODELING & ROOFING 45 years in the business.

Licensed and insured.

Call Mike 413-455-3771 NEW ROOFS-REPAIRS-CLEANING Siding and windows, decks built and repaired.

Fully insured. MA Lic #CSFA106255. David Germaine 413-250-3263

TAG SALES HAMPDEN: 26 Allen Crest Dr., Fri/Sat June 12th-13th 9am-3pm.

Vintage glassware. Waterford Crystal, Hurricane & Tiffany-style antique lamps.

Coach purses, jewelry, furniture, general household.

June 13th 9am-3pm Rain date: June 14th 30 Englewood Rd, Longmeadow Something for everyone!

Tag Sale Friday June 12th & Saturday June 13th 9am-3pm 40 Blacksmith Rd, Wilbraham Tell them you saw it in The Reminder! Let our advertisers know that this is where you found them. They appreciate it, and so do we!

TANK REMOVAL UNDERGROUND ABOVEGROUND BASEMENT TANK REMOVAL Oil removal available. Permits obtained. Fully licensed/insured. Ground Breakers 566-2250; 530-2266

VACATION RENTAL WESLEY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts. Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare!

Free Consultations. Over 450 positive reviews.

Call 877-621-7517

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

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

Call/Text Sam 413-531-5381

Innovareno LLC, to Tatiania Henry, 14 Adams St. $340,000 $285,000 $375,000 JJJ17 LLC, to Demaris Cosme, 11 Ina St. Katie A. Verrochi and Dwight Gregoire to Karen Angelia Allen, 88 Agnes St. $280,000 Lisa Judkins, conservator, Gerald Nunes and Gerald E. Nunes to Nia E. Green, 179 Carver St. $225,000 $475,000 Kathleen Truman, representative, William Glen McCarthy Jr., estate, and William G. McCarthy , estate, $17,700,000 to Edouard W. Beauzile, 186 Bolton St. $290,111 Mary T. Mackley to Alex Rafael Baez, 62 Firglade Ave. $465,000 Maynard Hamre Investments LLC, to RGA Properties LLC, 140 Chestnut St. Unit 407 $65,000 $185,000 Natanel Crespo and Natanael Crespo to Jin Xin Huang, 140 Chestnut St. Unit 702 $94,000 North Harlow 4 LLC, to Brendaliz Cepeda, 185 Kerry Drive $295,000 $523,000 $2,750,000 Selpan Holdings LLC, to Lisa M. Lord and Lawrence F. Lord, 890-892 St. James Ave. $145,000 $165,000 Shynna Jackson-Pilet to Katrina Gusmao, 118 Longhill St. Unit 3B Stacy L. Riley, representative, and Paula J. Phaneuf, estate, to Jonathan L. Soto-Landrau and Awildo J. Morales, 14 Drew Court $190,000 $572,500 Spectra S1 LLC, to Pragya Verma, 21 Bloomfield St. $485,000 Thomas L. Aveyard and Sue E. Aveyard to 52 Bremen LLC, 52 Breman St. $255,000 Trang Dam, Asia Nguyen, representative, Le T. Do, estate, and Le Do, estate, to Anh Thi Kim Do, 8 Wilmont St. $305,000 $850,000 $100,000 Vladimir Kulenok, Irina G. Kulenok, Yuliya Saykina-Sevostianova and Vladimir Sevostianova to Angela B. Bradley, trustee, Kenneth J. Bradley, trustee, and Bradley Family Trust, trustee of, 68 Tallyho Dr. $620,000 $250,000 $295,000 $90,000 $45,250 $300,000 $280,000

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Frank A. Small and Isabell Small to Shahara Bakth, 92 Norman St.

WILBRAHAM

Frank Stellato and Rosa Stellato to John Graziano and Megan Graziano, 2 Edward St. Michael E. Petrick to Xiaochu Wang and Katalina Wang, 12 Old Carriage Road Scott R. Beals and Valerie R. Beals to David Rivera and Angeles Rivera, 2205 Boston Road Unit K-100

$292,450 $670,000 $600,000 $330,000

JUNE 11-17, 2026 | SPRINGFIELD

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