JUNE 18, 2026 | FREE
City reopens Magazine Park, latest in park rehabs
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — It was a sunny, idyllic summer day in Springfield when U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Mayor Domenic Sarno and state Rep. Bud Williams joined residents to cut the ribbon on the renovated Magazine Park.
Sarno described Magazine Park as being a refuge in the center of Springfield. The park is a few blocks from Springfield Technical Community College. Sarno often describes the city’s parks as “my Riviera growing up.” He recalled coming to Magazine Park when he was a student at the nearby High School of Commerce.
“I don’t think there’s an inch of the parks system I didn’t play in,” said Neal. The one-time Springfield mayor said the parks look “terrific.” He recalled the history of the McKnight neighborhood, where he said titans of Springfield’s industrial past lived. McKnight Neighborhood Council President Walter Kroll explained that the McKnight Brothers were intentional about creating parks while they were developing the area.
The renovations to the park provide more than new benches and a playground. Kroll said families were not safe in the park. While the neighborhood council had originally asked for minor upgrades, he said the Parks Department devoted effort and money to creating a new, safe space for McKnight’s families.
Williams said parks are “an escape for a lot of young people”
and the money put into them are “an investment in people.” Of the several parks in Williams’ district, he said, “This one stands out. I’ve been fighting for 10 years for this park,” He added, “Magazine is in our heart.” Thomas Ashe, executive director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, said the park was a “total gut.” The renovations include a new accessible playground, a baseball field, two basketball courts, a spray pad, a paved walking path, a pavilion with picnic tables and park benches. A fence around the park and lighting make for a safer experience.
The project’s total cost was
$2.3 million. One million dollars of that funding came in the form of a federal Department of the Interior Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, secured with Neal’s help. Ashe thanked Neal for “pitching in in a big way.” Springfield’s Community Preservation Committee awarded the project a $235,000 grant and the city filled the gap of $800,000.
Ashe said Sarno has made neighborhood park renovation a major initiative of his administration, overseeing upgrades and renovations worth an estimated $120 million. “If you [had] a park in your neighborhood,” while growing up, he said, “you still have it in your heart. We
make sure every family has a place they can go.” He said parks are where children create memories. “That’s why we do what we do,” he said.
“This was years in the making,” said Sean Johnson of the McKnight Neighborhood Council. Prior to the renovation, Johnson said the park playground was undersized for the number of children in the neighborhood. He said there are several day cares in the homes surrounding the park. Johnson said, “This is the beginning of the heart of downtown. It’s the easiest spot to stop without going to Six Flags,” he
Mayor Domenic Sarno uses the swing set at the new playground at Magazine Park. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Pride Parade returns to Springfield for another celebration
Park
Continued from page 1
said, referring to the amusement park in Agawam.
Johnson used to bring his daughter to the park to clean it up.
Commenting on keeping the park clean, he said, “If you give people trash cans, they’ll use them.”
Mike Davis oversees maintenance of Magazine Park and several others. His crew consists of three residents from the Hampden Department of Corrections. He said the crew visits each park
daily to monitor the grounds, examine the equipment and address any issues. But Davis said he relies on the park “regulars” to let him know about any concerns they may have.
Tyrell Springer brought his toddler, Shai Springer, to the park. He said the improvements
were welcome, adding, “It brightens up the neighborhood.”
Another parent, Danoris Rivera, was walking by the park with her young daughter, Mila Lopez Rivera, when she saw the reopening. “This is nice,” Rivera said, looking around. Her daughter got to help cut the grand reopening ribbon. After the dignitaries and members of the community spoke, Sarno tried out the swing set. “I haven’t done this since Forest Park,” Sarno said, recalling years gone by. He jokingly asked if he should try to swing over the set’s top bar.
SPRINGFIELD — On June 6, the annual Springfield Pride Parade took the streets once again. Community members along with organizations celebrated the annual parade, which marched from Springfield Technical Community College to Stearns Square and Tower Square Park. Top row, from left: Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno; state Sen. Jake Ol-
iveira; Ward 2 City Councilor Mike Fenton; and Executive Director of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Tom Ashe gather at Springfield Technical Community College for the fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade. The fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade starts from Springfield Technical Community College to Stearns Square and Tower Square Park in downtown Springfield. MGM Springfield marchers have fun at Springfield Technical Community College prior to the fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade. Bottom row, from left: Ben Bland and Cody Lyons at Springfield Technical Community College for the fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade. Six-year-old Josephine has fun with her bubble gun at Springfield Technical Community College. Educators of the Massachusetts Teachers Association marchers gather at Springfield Technical Community College for the Springfield Pride Parade.
Photo credit: Leon Nguyen
Rally calls on Baystate to support Massachusetts Medicare for All
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A small group of people, led by Nadia Milleron, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives, stood outside Baystate Health’s administrative offices in Springfield, urging the company to support single-payer universal health care in Massachusetts.
The group hoisted signs reading, “You die when insurance decides,” “Let doctors decide, not insurance companies” and “Health care workers save lives. Insurance companies do not.” Several vehicles honked their horns or called out cheers of support as they drove by.
Milleron said Baystate Health’s lobbyists, including former state Sen. Michael Knapik, are pushing to stop a pair of bills in the Legislature that would establish single-payer universal health care. Milleron said that because Baystate Health owns the insurance
company Health New England, it has a vested interest in keeping the state from adopting the health care system.
The bills that would institute “Medicare for all” are stalled in the Legislature, Milleron said. State Senate bill S.860 and its companion bill in the state House of Representatives, H.1405, assert that Massachusetts residents have a right to equitable access to “comprehensive” health care “without co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, or any other form of patient cost sharing.” A health care tax on employers, workers and residents would replace the insurance premiums and outof-pocket expenses people currently pay, and a dedicated trust set up by the state would pay health care providers.
The House and Senate bills were introduced in February 2025 and referred to their respective health care financing committees. After a joint hearing in June 2025, the state
House has twice extended the deadline to hear about the bill, while the state Senate ordered
a study in January of this year.
The Legislature’s session will officially end on Jan. 5, 2027,
but historically, not much legislation has been passed in the last six months of the session.
Springfield Council of Jewish Women awards over $84,000 in scholarships
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Council of Jewish Women is proud to announce it has awarded over $84,000 in educational scholarships to 48 deserving high school and college students across Hampden County for the upcoming academic year.
For decades, the council has remained deeply committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership and community responsibility. This year’s robust applicant pool showcased an extraordinary level of resilience, civic engagement and scholastic achievement among the region’s youth, making the selec-
tion process both competitive and inspiring.
“Investing in the education of our youth is one of the most powerful ways we can strengthen our communities and secure a brighter future,” said Nedra Mirkin of the Springfield Council of Jewish Women. “These 48 exceptional young people have demonstrated not only academic dedication but also a profound commitment to making a positive impact on the world around them. We are honored to support their educational journeys as they pursue their dreams at colleges and universities across the country.”
The SCJW scholarship program, a part of the Jewish Endowment Fund of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts provides critical financial assistance to students navigating the rising costs of higher education. Funds are awarded based on a comprehensive review of academic merit, financial need, leadership potential and a demonstrated commitment to community service — reflecting the core values of philanthropy and repair of the world (Tikkun Olam) that guide the organization.
The scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of schools
and fields of study throughout Hampden County, with aspirations ranging from medicine and engineering to education and social justice.
While the Springfield Council of Jewish Women administers and stewards these funds with a strict dedication to local impact, specific details regarding individual trust legacies, named memorial funds, and exact application cycles for the upcoming year are continuously updated. Families, educators and students interested in learning more about eligibility criteria or supporting the scholarship fund are en-
couraged to visit jewishwesternmass.org/scjw-scholarships or contact the Council directly at meverett@jewishwesternmass. org/413-737-4313.
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A handful of protesters, including congressional candidate Nadia Milleron, hold signs outside single-payer universal health care outside Baystate Health administrative offices. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Operations Director: Curtis Panlilio
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DA’s office issues nearly $120,000 to local nonprofits
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden
District Attorney Anthony Gulluni and his office are helping to ensure the expansion of community-based programs in Hampden County after distributing $119,700 to 32 nonprofit organizations, the largest award amount and number of recipients in program history.
Gulluni hosted the 2026 Forfeiture Community Support Program at the Springfield Boys and Girls Club on June 11, where he detailed each organization with praise and distributed checks to each of the nonprofit’s representatives.
The Forfeiture Community Support Program takes assets forfeited through drug-related investigations and redirects them to “support a wide range of initiatives focused on youth development, public safety, education, health and victim services.”
“These funds come from a state law that allows money seized in drug cases to be forfeited through the courts and redirected back into our community, only after due process,” Gulluni said. “Instead of benefiting those who profit from addiction and crime, these resources can now be reinvested into programs that support young people, families, extend opportunities and improve public safety.”
The program received 54 applications this year, the highest application total in program history, and Gulluni stated that his office “works carefully to maximize the impact of these dollars and support as many worth
while projects and organizations as possible.”
“I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of these organizations’ tireless work they do each and every day,” Gulluni said. “These grants represent more than financial support, they represent partnerships be
tween community organizations, residents, law enforcement and my office, working together to address challenges before they become crisis … each of these organizations is helping to make Hampden County a stronger and safer place to live. Thank you for all your dedication, compassion, commitment and all that you do to serve others.”
The first organization Gull-
uni recognized was Springfield’s African Diaspora Mental Health Association, represented by Administrative Director Garry Porter. Gulluni said the organization works to expand access to responsive mental health resources and support services, with this funding going towards alcohol programming and educational resources.
Gulluni said the organization is a critical partner in work at the courthouse, and that it works with young people who have committed serious crimes and are in the process of turning their lives around. He added that mental health is a serious issue for young people, and that organizations’ work is indispensable.
Another one of the recognized organizations was Springfield’s Central City Gym, established in 2015 by Springfield Police Officer Dean Fay. Gulluni said the gym is a “frequent flier for good reason” with the program.
“They do tremendous things for young people, doing the hard work of consistent mentorship and really teaching life skills,” Gulluni said. “Central City Gym uses boxing and fitness to teach discipline, perseverance and
healthy habits to young people … this does not tell the whole picture. If anybody’s been to Central City, you’ve seen the incredible facility, as I have. Dozens and dozens, if not hundreds, of young people engaging in healthy habits.”
He added that Fay is taking young people “who would be doing all the wrong stuff and giving them the capacity to do the right stuff.”
The Embodied Leadership Project received funds, which is a trauma informed organization providing mindfulness, creative arts and equine-assisted learning programming to community members. The funds will go toward musical instruments for programming.
“Obviously, the arts and music are so important for our young people,” Gulluni said. “Exposing them at a young age maybe gives them something they can pursue their entire lives and change their lives for the better. So, so proud to support you.”
Kane’s Krusade was recognized, which provides animal care for veterans, domestic violence survivors, those experiencing homelessness and other indi-
viduals in recovery. Gulluni said the funds will be going toward housing assistance to those who would “otherwise face barriers in keeping their pets.”
The other 28 organizations that received funds were Big Brothers Big Sisters, Center Community Center, Collectively Recognizing Empowerment Within, Criminal Justice Organization of Hampden County/Springfield Safe Neighborhood Initiative, Darrell Lee Jenkins Jr. Resource Center, East Springfield Neighborhood Council, Friends of Libertas Academy Charter School, Gray House, Greater Holyoke YMCA, Hope for Youth and Families, Mason Square C3, Mission, Inc., Women of Color Health Equity Collective, Neighborhood Generals Youth Football and Cheer, Paper City Basketball Club, Paper City Futbol, Parent Villages, Performance Project, ReGreen Springfield, Salvation Army, Springfield Boys and Girls Club, Springfield Cultural Partnership, Springfield Rescue Mission, Springfield Together, Strong Youth Minds Youth Development, Westfield Police Cadets, YMCA of Greater Springfield and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
Law firm says estate planning defends against AI scams
SPRINGFIELD — As AI and high-tech scams targeting older adults become more sophisticated and more widespread, attorneys at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. are encouraging families to view estate planning as an important tool for financial protec-
tion and fraud prevention.
The most recent Federal Trade Commission numbers show older Americans reported losing $2.4 billion to fraud, four times the amount reported just four years earlier. Increasingly sophisticated scams target seniors through
fake tech support alerts, impersonation schemes, investment fraud, online romance scams and other digital tactics.
Estate planning and elder law attorneys say documents such as durable powers of attorney, trusts, health care proxies and trusted financial contacts can help families respond more quickly when suspicious activity or signs of diminished capacity arise.
“Estate planning is not only about what happens after someone passes away,” said Attorney Carol Cioe Klyman, a shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C. and co-author of the third edition of Massachusetts Elder Law. “It can also help protect individuals during their lifetime, especially at a time when financial scams are becoming more aggressive and increasingly targeted toward seniors.”
Attorneys say in many cases, victims may not realize they are being exploited until substantial financial damage has already occurred. Proactive planning and conversations among family members can help establish safeguards before problems develop. Having legal documents in place can provide trusted individuals with the authority to assist with financial decisions, monitor concerns and intervene when necessary.
Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni kicks off the 2026 Forfeiture Community Support Program.
Reminder Publishing photo by Peter Tuohy
Activists protest proposed Eversource gas pipeline in Springfield
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A few dozen people, armed with signs, props and theatrics, met at the Eversource location on Cadwell Drive in Springfield. The group was there to bring attention to the ongoing battle over Eversource’s efforts to install a new gas pipeline through the city, which has consistently ranked among the country’s worst for air quality.
Activists in Springfield have been fighting against the pipeline since it was first proposed by Columbia Gas in 2017. After a Columbia Gas explosion in the Merrimack Valley in 2018, Eversource purchased the gas infrastructure that runs through Springfield. In 2021, the company resurrected the old Columbia Gas plan when it proposed the Western Massachusetts Gas Reliability Project.
Eversource has argued that the pipeline is not an effort to add more gas customers. Instead, it said the pipeline would function as a redundancy if something were to happen to the existing pipeline that runs under Memorial Bridge to the Bliss Street station. The line serves 52,000 metered customers in the lower Pioneer
Valley. The redundancy line pipeline would run from a metering station in Longmeadow, near an existing Tennessee Gas pipeline, through the town and north to the Bliss Street metering station.
Residents have consistently pushed back against the pipeline several concerns. Springfield residents, who experienced a natural gas explosion of their own in 2012, are concerned about the safety of high-pressure gas lines. They also cite the impact of fossil fuels on the environment and the $85 million pricetag, which will be borne by ratepayers.
“The reason I came out, I was told by Eversource, there are more than 1,000 gas leaks in Springfield. Before we even talk about new construction, let’s fix the gas leaks,” said Charlie Holmes. He explained that his house was shaken by the 2012 gas explosion and said that, unlike that gas line, the proposed line will be under high pressure.
“Springfield is the City of Firsts,” Holmes said, using one of Springfield’s monikers. “We should be the first with clean energy.” Holmes said he is not against Eversource as a company, but added, “I want them to do the right thing by Springfield.”
Teniel Rhiney is an organizer
FARMERS MARKET — People downtown on their lunch hours strolled through the Downtown Springfield Farmers’ Market at The Landing on June 5, the first Friday of the market’s season. While one person surveyed the fresh vegetables available from Deershorn Farm, others lined up to get relief from the heat with a popsicle or ice cream from CZP’s Frozen Treats. The farmers market on Bruce Landon Way also featured live music. Alongside a food truck from Cousins Maine Lobster, local restaurants, including Tayo Contemporary Filipino Eatery and Wooster Street Pizza Shop, set up booths to attract hungry patrons. Other vendors included crafters, like Lady P’s Divine Jewelry and Still River Homestead, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts and GoNetSpeed. The market will be open on Bruce Landon Way every Friday throughout the summer.
with Arise for Social Justice. She said Eversource has been in “a holding pattern” since the state rejected Eversource’s Environmental Impact Statement in 2023. The company was told it would need to do more outreach to justify the project. In 2025, Eversource hosted a listening session for Springfield and Longmeadow residents.
The protest was one of three hosted throughout the state in conjunction with the group Mass Power Forward. Rhiney said the purpose of the action was to keep the pipeline in the public’s mind,
“But also to tell legislators they can do things to help.” There are several bills making their way through the Legislature that would affect the pipeline issue.
Senate bill S.2291 would prevent companies from passing the cost of pipeline projects onto ratepayers, while S. 2290 would establish a moratorium on new gas system expansion.
Naia Tenerowicz called out state Sens. Adam Gomez and Jo Comerford, and state Reps. Orlando Ramos and Bud Williams for the work they have done on this issue. However, she
said Eversource and other utility companies are paying many legislators through donations to ignore the needs of Massachusetts residents.
“People’s energy bills are sky high,” Rhiney said. Meanwhile, “Eversource has continued to say, ‘No matter what you think or feel, we are going to continue to do this.’” She said that showed a “blatant disregard for the people of Springfield.”
Eversource provided the following comment in response to
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
Protestors hold signs decrying Eversource’s proposed pipeline, which would run through Springfield. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
See PIPELINE on page 8
SPRINGFIELD INTERNATIONAL VS VERITAS PREP
VOLLEYBALL
Springfield International Charter School boys’ volleyball upset Veritas Prep Charter School, 3-2, on May 29 in a MIAA Division 2 state tournament Round of 32 match at Veritas Prep Charter School in Springfield.
SICS’ Justin Pham (4) gets under the ball for a set.
SICS’ Jaswar Nunez (2) returns a serve.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY DAVID HOSMER
Veritas Prep’s Richard Cubi (3) goes up for an outside hit.
SICS’ Gavin Dailey (21) celebrates after winning a point.
SICS’ Kahleb Cruz (15) watches his shot clear the net.
SICS’ Japheth Wray (7) goes up for a block at the net.
Veritas Prep’s Kyle Rhodes-McQueen (10) wins a battle at the net.
Veritas Prep’s Daniel Langone (15) jumps for a quick set at the net.
Veritas Prep’s Sam Cruz (8) celebrates after winning a point.
Veritas Prep’s Ben Torres (14) leaps for a kill.
Veritas Prep’s Joshua Rivera (7) stretches to keep the point alive.
SICS’ Ismael Ortiz (12) rises for a spike.
SICS’ Peter Nguyen (8) splits the defense.
Residents earn scholarships from The Massachusetts Society of CPAs
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants on June 8 announced that students from East Longmeadow, Springfield and Westfield were awarded scholarships by the MassCPAs Educational Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Program. Fifty students were honored for their awards at MassCPAs’ annual, member-wide network-
ing event, Connect 2026, on May 13. The following local students received scholarships:
• East Longmeadow’s Dominic Burack, Western New England University, Johnson O’Connor Feron & Carucci LLP Scholarship Springfield’s Anais Jones, Springfield Technical Community College, Lisa Russell, CPA, Memorial Scholarship
• Westfield’s Kelsey Bouchard, Western New England University, Edwin Doubleday CPA Memorial Scholarship
“It’s truly inspiring to see the talent and drive of this year’s scholarship winners,” said Zach Donah, CAE, president and CEO of MassCPAs. “Their commitment to excellence gives us great confidence that the accounting profession in Massachusetts will
TIME TO PLAY — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was joined by members of his administration, Ward 1 City Councilor Maria Perez and At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh to cut the ribbon on the redeveloped Linda Petrella Park at the corner of Main and Cumberland streets. Over the past month, the city has reopened four neighborhood parks. Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Executive Director Tom Ashe said Angelina Park and Richard E. Neal Indian Orchard Community Park will be renovated over the next few months.
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
Brinda Adkins
Helen C. Banas
Lorraine I. Babij
Shirley A. Brow
Robert B. Forster
Jose Antonio Lopez
Jeannine M. Martell
Phyllis J. Murdock
EAST LONGMEADOW
Priscilla Gagner
Stanley P. Garstka
Walter J. “Joe” Krol
HAMPDEN
Jon P. Abrahamson
HOLYOKE
Helen G. Cadigan
Linda Duckworth
Kevin J. “Nipper” Fitzgibbon
LONGMEADOW
Kenneth Norman Kinsley
Vartanian LUDLOW John “Jack” Alves
Diniz Robert “Bob” Long
Joseph Sambor
HADLEY
E. Beer
Joan Casavant
Harvey L. Cook
Sheila A. DeRosier
Albert E. Hayes
SPRINGFIELD
Angelina A. Braica
Barbara Candage
Geoffrey E. Donovan
Henry F. Fuss
Philip Harris
Mark W. LaBonte
Mary Postell
Sylvia Gheno Sullivan
Margaret Trase
Jerome Thomas Weldon Sr.
continue to thrive under their leadership. We are honored to play a role in their success and extend our deepest gratitude to the donors and volunteers who make this investment in our future possible.”
Scholarships are funded 100% through donations to the MassCPAs Educational Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to inspire and support the next generation of CPAs in Massachusetts. Since the program’s inception in 2006, the foundation has awarded 500 scholarships to aspiring CPAs, ranging from $1,000-$10,000 and totaling more than $2.25 million. MassCPAs scholarships are available for both undergraduate and graduate accounting students who are attending a college or university in Massachusetts or attending a college or university out-of-state with a permanent residence in Massachusetts. Scholarship funds are issued directly to the students and can be used for tuition, books, interviewing expenses or other needs.
“Empowering students through these scholarships is at the heart of our mission to build a robust and resilient accounting workforce,” said Allie Orlando, director of academic and career development at MassCPAs. “We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing the significant contributions they will make to the profession.”
Pipeline
Continued from page 5
concerns about the project, “Addressing affordability while also maintaining safe, reliable service and achieving the commonwealth’s decarbonization and electrification goals is an incredibly delicate balancing act. We keep affordability and reliability front of mind in everything we do to ensure that customers have access to the essential services they depend on every day – including meeting their heating needs during the winter, which is not optional in New England,” the statement read.
In the statement, Eversouce also said the project will support existing customers in the area.
“The Western Massachusetts
Gas Reliability Project was proposed to address reliability constraints in the region, strengthen the existing natural gas system serving approximately 53,000 customer service connections in the Greater Springfield area, representing roughly 180,000 residents, and help protect against service interruptions during periods of peak winter demand. The project is intended to improve system resiliency, reduce the risk of outages resulting from maintenance or an unexpected disruption, and help ensure customers continue to have heating service when they need it most. This is strictly a reliability project to meet the essential needs of existing customers, and no new customers would be served as a result of the project,” the statement read.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Anais Jones Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Thunder in the Valley returns with fireworks, music festival
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — In celebration of the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of America, the Thunder in the Valley concert and fireworks festival returns to Easthampton to provide the community with its biggest celebration yet.
The concert and fireworks event will take place on Saturday, June 27, at Molitoris Orchard on 95 Park Hill Road in Easthampton. The festivities celebrate the Fourth of July holiday and raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Baystate Children’s Hospital.
Advance tickets cost $20, while tickets purchased at the gate will cost $25. Children ages 6-15 can get tickets for $10, and children 5 and under get in for free. For tickets and more information on this year’s event, visit thunderinthevalleyma.com.
The festival is organized by nonprofit organization Unbroken Wings, whose work is committed to supporting children who have experienced physical or emotional trauma by providing comprehensive programs that nurture the mind, body and spirit of children recovering from trauma. The annual fireworks celebration has been a consistent supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Baystate Children’s Hospital over the last five years.
Unbroken Wings Board Director Mike Perrier told Reminder Publishing that the event has become a beloved community
celebration for the Fourth each year, and the jam-packed day is filled with great vibes, great music and is capped off with a great fireworks show.
“It’s definitely the fireworks, people love fireworks, that’s the big draw, but we try to make it so much more, and each year we’ve gotten bigger and bigger artists to come in who don’t usually play this area,” said Perrier. “We just have a great community around us, granted, a lot of people come from outside this area to see the show. I would say this is more like an old-fashioned festival. It has that feel to it. People are all friendly, they take care of the grounds, they don’t trash nothing, it’s all respectful people. It’s cool and has a great atmosphere.”
The festival and music kick off at noon, and concerts run all through the afternoon and night.
The celebration eventually culminates in the fireworks show.
Before the festival kicks off, the Children’s Miracle Kruze, which starts at Metro Jeep in Chicopee, will lead Jeep-driving attendees to Molitoris Orchard right in time for the start of the festivities. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and the Jeep rides begin by noon. Tickets for the ride will cost $20 per person and include admission to the Thunder in the Valley. According to Perrier, they can be purchased on the event’s website.
“It’s all Jeep people who love their Jeeps. We have the Sheriff’s Department that comes and helps us, and it’s a nonstop right through lights and intersections from Metro in Chicopee all the
way to Thunder in the Valley,” Perrier added.
Starting things off on the event grounds at noon is Change-Up, which performs pop, rock and dance music. At 2:30 p.m. Traveler, a Chris Stapleton tribute group, alongside Bluebird, a Miranda Lambert tribute singer, will perform together on stage, followed by Shania Twin, a Shania Twain tribute band at 5:30 p.m.
Closing the night of performances will be Bruce in the U.S.A., the world’s No. 1 Bruce Springsteen tribute band. Perrier said the musical acts have evolved over the years, and organizers are always looking to give audience members a great bang
for their buck.
“We wanted to make sure people are getting more than their money’s worth. Each of these artists, if you go to see elsewhere, they’re like $65 a ticket to go see each one separately, so we’re trying to keep it at one price level as cheap as we can and still be able to pay for everything, and still have those donations,” he added.
The festival will have vendors of all types, including food trucks, beer and wine available to go along with the event. Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed, but no easy-ups or tents of any kind are permitted.
Limited free parking is available, but carpooling from the
center of Easthampton is recommended to combat parking woes. There will be an ATM on site, and the event will also feature many raffle prizes.
With another action-packed celebration set for June 27, Perrier said the fireworks are poised to be better than ever, and he added that it will be great to see people and their families enjoying the celebration of America.
“We want to thank the community, the people that volunteer and help, and the people that support it because it’s been a good cause and it keeps us going. Gives us old people something to be proud of,” Perrier said.
Photos from previous Thunder in the Valley festivals.
Photo credit: Thunder in the Valley
Alfred J. Albano Jr., commr, and Tammey D.
53 Pidgeon Drive
Unlimited Property Services LLC, to Francine Valleshia Martin-Mighty, 78 West Bay Path Terrace
Christopher Nascembeni to Zachary Self and Hannah Self, 28 Old Lane Rd.
City Enterprise Inc., to Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC, 64 Berkshire Ave. $130,000
D&E Innovations LLC, to Kaissy Obeng Kwakye, 16-20 Cambridge St.
David Cubi to Brian Smith, 25-27 Santa Barbara St. $355,000
Deivi Tovago Margarin to Tavernier Investments LLC, 581-583 Union St.
Enriquez Properties LLC, to Claudio Santos-Marti, 118 Quincy St.
Evelyn Rivera and Alexander Valentin to Luis A. Pagan Lopez, 5 Oakhurst St. $265,000
Fortin Investments LLC, to D & E Innovations LLC, 0 Cambridge Street
Freehold Properties LLC, to Nilo A. Cruceta, 113 Lexington St.
Gage M Miller and Cassidy B Whitten to Tharen Johnathon Ring, 10 Hemlock Court
Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Ingrid Small, 64 Central St. Unit 403
Jackline Alston and Gilbert Baguma to Queen LLC, 304-308 Belmont Ave.
Joaquin Vasquez and Maria Vasquez to Evan Ingersoll, 29 Eddywood St.
Joshua M. Gonzalez and Precious DeJesus Gonzalez to Lucy Njenga, 101-103 Oak St.
EAST LONGMEADOW -
THURSDAY, HOOK
DELIVERY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Pembroke Terr., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln., Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
131 Papers: Shawmut St., Mayfair St., Westminster St., Thompkins Ave., Partial-Gates Ave
64 Papers: Anne St., Helen Cir., John St., Vadnais St., Converse Cir.
161 Papers: Burbank Rd., Farmington Rd., Ellington Rd., Oakwood Rd., Partial-Converse St.
174 Papers: Orchard Rd., Pine Grove Cir., Partial-Parker St., Porter Rd., Allen St.
207 Papers: Dover Rd., Birchwood Ave., Benedict Ter., Roseland Ter., Colony Rd.
62 Papers: Magnolia Cir., Primrose Dr., Merriweather Dr., Vanguard Ln., Ridge Rd.
229 Papers: Blueberry Hill Rd., Concord Rd., Green Willow Dr., Tanglewood Dr., Redfern Dr. LONGMEADOW - THURSDAY, HOOK DELIVERY
83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St.
84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St.
109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St.
54 Papers: Bliss Rd.
87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd.
157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd.
96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd.
99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd.
100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
157 Papers: Birch Rd., Yarmouth St., King Philip Dr., Sheffield Ave., Partial-Wolf Swamp Rd.
115 Papers: Hopkins Pl.,
35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd.
61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr. 228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice
