DA, police ‘crack down’ on ‘illegal activities’
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni was joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and local and state police to announce that law enforcement had undertaken a multi-agency initiative to arrest and otherwise stop people who are threatening the city’s safety and quality of life.
Gulluni, backed by a cadre of state and local police, called a press conference on June 25 to explain that law enforcement had made dozens of arrests, motor vehicle stops and ordinance violation citations the previous night and would continue to have an enlarged presence on the streets citywide throughout the night.
During the operation, law enforcement engaged in traffic enforcement, targeted investigations, quality-of-life enforcement and code enforcement efforts. Some of the quality-of-life issues included drug activity, reckless driving, illegal dirt bikes and motorcycles, gang activity, nuisance properties, code violations and sex work.
“At its core, today is about responsiveness, visibility, partnership and public service. It’s about showing residents that when they raise concerns, their government, public safety officials, we’re listening and we act,” Gulluni said.
“Today’s mission focused on addressing concerns related to gang violence, illegal drug activity and other criminal behavior that negatively impacts those who call Springfield their home,” said Massachusetts State Police Maj. Mark Wheeler. “The mission is straightforward. To support efforts that make neighborhoods safer, strengthen public confidence and ensure that those who choose to break the law are
EDITION
Hurst alleges city clerk involved in potential corruption
At Large City Councilor
Justin Hurst declared he had “serious concerns” about one project that he said City Clerk Gladys OyolaLopez was involved with. Page 2
Springfield takes center stage for Jazz & Roots festival
The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival is returning to the historic Court Square July 10-11. Page 3
brought to justice.”
Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers thanked the various law enforcement agencies, including Amtrak Police, for their collaboration. “Because of their partnerships, the city and the citizens are safer and supported in a confident place,” he said. “Because when we stand together and when we share information, we combine our strengths. We make the community safer and stronger.”
Akers described the initiative as a “crack-down on ... illegal activities and bad actors.” He said, “We know as a police department that we cannot arrest our way out of everything and every challenge that happens in this city,” he acknowledged.
“But I do want you to know we stand with you. We stand for you. Our officers will be out there working very hard every single day to keep you safe, supported
and confident in the Police Department. The police are the people, and the people are the police. Police cannot do it alone.”
Akers advised residents that they would see a higher than usual police presence over the next few months. “We’re going to be out there doing our job. Not to harass, not to necessarily arrest everyone,” he assured. “But we’re going to be there for you, the residents and the visitors of the city of Springfield so you can feel safe.”
Sarno addressed the public, saying, “For those individuals that are going to go out and terrorize our neighborhoods or our streets. We’re not going to accept that type of behavior,” Sarno said. Gesturing to the city and state police behind him, he added, “And that’s why the cavalry is here. And they made some massive arrests and raids that occurred this morning. They’ll
continue tonight and there’ll be waves of these future engagements going on, all for the good of the citizens and the business community in the city of Springfield, no matter what creed, color or background.” He later added, “We’re sending a message” to people committing crimes. “You don’t rule the streets.”
The mayor also asked the state’s courts not to release “repeat, violent offenders.”
Sarno said the initiative is the result of two weeks of planning. Springfield police officers, investigators, prosecutors, city personnel and public safety partners, more than 80 state police were involved in the operation. Despite it being a difficult fiscal year, Sarno said he would fund the city’s portion of the initiative.
Asked why the operation was
See CRACK DOWN on page 2
Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, backed by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers, Massachusetts State Police Maj. Mark Wheeler and local and state law enforcement, announces operation to arrest criminals and address quality-of-life issues in the city.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Hurst alleges city clerk involved in potential corruption
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A run-ofthe-mill City Council hearing on community preservation projects took a turn June 22 when At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst declared that he had “serious concerns” about one project that he said City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez was involved with. According to Hurst, it “reeks of corruption” and was “possibly criminal.”
Community Preservation Committee Chair Robert McCarroll presented the full list of 21 projects that the committee recommended to the council. Springfield uses a tax, under the Community Preservation Act, to fund projects related to housing, historical properties and open space or recreation. Among this year’s projects was the redevelopment of the former Brightwood Elementary School into the Bella Apartments. The applicant for the project, which would turn the 1889 school building into affordable housing and add a wing onto the building, is the preferred developer, MPZ NNCC Plainfield Street LLC.
Hurst pointed out that the company owns Brightwood Elderly Living Loving Assistance LLC, of which Oyola-Lopez is one of two listed managers. He said Brightwood Elderly Living Loving Assistance had requested a waiver from the Zoning Board of Appeals. Oyola-Lopez is also the president of the New North Citizens Council Board of Directors, and Hurst claimed
Crack Down
Continued from page 1
the organization would “benefit directly” from the redevelopment of the city-owned property.
Further, Hurst said that because the city clerk has a hand in creating the City Council agenda, with the input and oversight of the City Council president, Oyola-Lopez was able to exert influence on the matter.
Summing up, Hurst alleged that the clerk, as one of the managers of a subsidiary of the preferred developer, was “intimately entangled” with the project. He wondered aloud if Oyola-Lopez had declared a conflict of interest and said she should have recused herself from the meeting. “Were there inside dealings?” he asked. He motioned for the matter to be sent to committee for further examination.
He also called for a legal opinion from City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti, adding, “I know our solicitor has gotten good at reporting things to the Ethics Commission.” This was a reference to a controversy this spring in which City Council President Tracye Whitfield partially oversaw the discussion of a matter that she and her son were financially involved in. Buoniconti had referred the matter to the state Ethics Commission.
“Through all the turmoil that this council has been through recently, nobody that I’m aware of has used the word that was just used now: corruption. Nobody has used that word here in this chamber,” said Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila, who had called for Whitfield to step down as council president in
May. He chided his colleague, “You spit up in the air, and it will come back and hit you.”
At Large City Councilor Brian Santaniello said that criminal and corrupt are “strong words.” He took exception to Hurst making the declaration in an open meeting, broadcast on live TV.
At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh said Hurst’s comments were getting close to character assassination, and the City Council rules do not permit that. Councilor after councilor, expressed full confidence in Oyola-Lopez but agreed that the matter should go to committee, “just to clear the air,” as Walsh put it. Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan said, “Questions
need to be answered.”
At Large City Councilor Jose Delgado said, “These are serious allegations that we’re throwing here. And to being the president of a nonprofit organization or asked to be stepped in, I don’t know how someone would benefit that. I don’t know if you’re supposed to recuse or not, but that is one thing.” He continued, “I want to make sure that we do our proper vetting before we put this out publicly because... you’re essentially saying somebody did something.”
Hurst said, “I don’t take these things lightly ... I’m also an attorney. I know something is wrong. I know it’s wrong. Now, to the depth of which it is wrong, I’m
not sure. But at the very least, somebody’s got to look into it.” Walsh asked to end discussion and vote on sending the matter to committee “before we all say things we regret and cannot take back.” With a unanimous vote, it was sent to the General Government Committee.
Throughout the entire discussion, Oyola-Lopez sat silently, recording the motions of the councilors. After the item was sent to committee, Whitfield asked if the clerk needed a break. She declined, and the council carried on with the city’s business.
Reminder Publishing reached out to Oyola-Lopez but did not hear back by press time.
launched now, Gulluni said, “We’re at the front end of the summer. There’s obviously been some incidents of late that certainly drew my concern and the concern of my colleagues.” Gulluni referred to violence that had occurred at Union Station at the beginning of June, while Wheeler recalled that State Police Gang Unit came under gunfire while conducting an investigation in Mason Square.
law enforcement had:
• Arrested 27 people, including five related to organized crime
• Issued six criminal summonses
• Seized two AR-15 rifles and two handguns
• Recovered one stolen motor vehicle
• Addressed 186 ordinance vi-
As of 2:30 p.m. on June 25,
olations and 120 code enforcement issues
Stopped 122 motor vehicles
“People deserve to feel safe where they live, work and raise their families,” Gulluni said. “This initiative reflects our commitment to addressing the concerns residents bring to us every day and ensuring that public safety resources are visible, responsive and present in the neighborhoods that need them most. When agencies work together, we can have a greater impact and better serve the community.”
Springfield At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst alleges City Clerk Gladys Oyola-Lopez is involved in “potentially criminal” matters that “reeks of corruption.”
Photo credit: Focus Springfield
Springfield takes center stage for Jazz & Roots festival
By Miasha Lee Correspondent
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival is returning to the historic Court Square. On July 10-11, get ready for an unforgettable weekend of music, culture and community. This year’s festival has an artist lineup spanning New Orleans funk, Afro-Cuban jazz and global roots.
Executive Director Kristin Neville of Blues to Green, the nonprofit organization that presents the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival said, “Attendees can expect an exciting mix of nationally acclaimed artists and outstanding local talent, along with youth performances, family-friendly activities, local vendors, and a welcoming downtown atmosphere full of energy and discovery.”
They’re also excited about special offerings beyond the stage, including a talk with Etienne Charles about Gullah culture and history and its connection to America’s 250th; a Stories & Songs event with All the Rivers and the First Gen Ensemble, sharing immigrant experiences through music and theater; an Afro-Cuban music and jazz workshop led by Zaccai Curtis; and a mural paint party lifting up the stories of youth, families and immigration in Springfield.
They will also screen short films, including a Blues to Green project focused on the Puerto Rican community in Western Massachusetts and climate justice and resilience, so people can expect not only great performances, but a fuller cultural experience rooted in music, storytelling and community.
The Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival is a free annual music and arts festival in Downtown Springfield that celebrates jazz, roots and the cultures of the African diaspora. It brings together nationally acclaimed artists, outstanding local performers, youth ensembles, family arts activities,
educational programming, local vendors and community organizations for a public gathering in the heart of the city.
From the beginning, Neville said the vision was to create a free, high-quality cultural event that would honor Black and diasporic musical traditions while also helping transform how people see Springfield. She wanted it to be a place where residents could feel pride in their city, where local artists and businesses could be uplifted, and where people from different backgrounds could come together through music in a spirit of joy and shared humanity.
“It also felt important from the start to celebrate Springfield’s cultural diversity and reflect that richness through artists from near and far,” Neville said. “Part of the inspiration behind the festival was to spotlight the extraordinary contributions that Afro-descended communities have made to our shared culture, including so much of the music we listen to today, while also honoring the many cultures that shape Springfield itself.”
And for her, especially
through her late husband Charles Neville’s life in music as a touring artist with the Neville Brothers from New Orleans, it was important not just to present the art, but to create opportunities for people to better understand the social, cultural and historical contexts out of which the music comes from. “There are stories in this music,” Neville said. “There are joys and struggles. And there is artistry and creative excellence that deserve to be recognized and honored.”
In an upcoming episode of “So That Reminds Me,” Neville also talked about her inspiration in organizing the festival.
“I felt inspired to try to work with music as a vehicle to bring people together, foster unity, healing and awareness, and action around social and environmental issues,” she said.
Neville’s hope is that this year’s festival will once again bring thousands of people downtown for a joyful, inspiring experience and leave them feeling more connected to the music, to one another and to Springfield itself. She wants the festival to be a place not only of celebra-
tion, but also of recognition: a place where people can experience beauty and enjoyment while understanding more about the histories, communities and lived experiences carried in the art.
“This year feels especially meaningful because we’re returning to Court Square, where the festival first began,” Neville said. “I want the legacy of the festival to be that it helped show what’s possible when a city invests in culture, community and joy. If it has helped people feel more pride in Springfield, more connection to one another, and more belief in a joyful, creative, just, and compassionate future, that would be a legacy I’d be very proud of.”
For more info and updates, go to springfieldjazzfest.com.
Neville will also talk about the Jazz & Roots Festival on the July 3 episode of “So That Reminds Me” with hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet. To listen to the episode when it airs head to thereminder.com/ourpodcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
The 2026 lineup includes:
• Dumpstaphunk: The legendary
New Orleans funk powerhouse carries forward the Neville family legacy with explosive live energy.
• Omar Sosa: The visionary Cuban pianist blends Afro-Cuban roots and global jazz into a rich, rhythmic sound.
Etienne Charles: Gullah Roots: The Trinidad-born trumpeter connects jazz with the history of the African diaspora.
• Zaccai Curtis: Cubop Lives!: The Grammy-winning pianist leads an ensemble at the intersection of bebop and Afro-Cuban jazz.
• Global & Local Standouts: From the immigrant-led ensemble All the Rivers and Uganda-rooted Zikina to Springfield favorites like Malado!, Chestina Thrower, and the vintage swing of Dan Gabel and the Gabeltones. David Rivera y La Bámbula: The Puerto Rican singer, songwriter and drummer blends tropical rhythms, R&B, hip-hop and Caribbean dance traditions into a bold, rhythm-forward sound. Managing Editor Dennis Hackett contributed to this report.
From left: Endea Owens & the Cookout performing at last year’s festival. The crowd dancing and jamming along to the music.
Photo credit: Sophie Markham
Executive
Managing
Staff Writers:
Graphic Design Department: Leigh Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio
Sales Manager: Scott Greene
Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro
Classified Account Managers: Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada
Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan
Financial Department: Nancy Banning
Circulation Department: Nate Halla, Holly Mulligan, Whitney Conlon
CLA collects $200K to fight housing discrimination
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Seven Massachusetts organizations that work to expand access to fair housing protections recently received funding from the first round of the HealeyDriscoll administration’s Fair Housing Trust Fund awards. One of those organizations, Community Legal Aid, received $200,000.
Community Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income and elderly residents. The organization serves people from Worcester County to the New York state border. The organization has six main offices, including ones in Springfield, Northampton and Greenfield, and two satellite offices, one of which is in Holy-
oke. While legal aid is needed in every community, Gabriel Fonseca, senior supervising attorney for the Fair Housing Project, said the greatest number of cases come from Springfield and Worcester.
Aside from housing, Community Legal Aid provides legal help with elder law, family law and domestic abuse, education law, veterans services, education and reentry after incarceration.
The state funding, which is administered through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, will allow Community Legal Aid to “continue enforcing housing law,” said Fonseca. The organization sees cases based on a variety of housing issues, including racial harassment, refusal to rent due to fami-
ly status, lead paint removal and disability discrimination. Housing discrimination can also be based on religious creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, marital status, genetic information, veteran status and source of income.
“The landscape of housing funding is in flux,” Fonseca said. “At the federal level, what we’ve seen in that funding for fair housing is under threat.” While no direct grants have been pulled, he said that the organization has been made aware that at least one pass-through grant, awarded to the state and then distributed to organizations, is no longer available. Community Legal Aid is completely funded through grants and donations, so shrinking funding sources is
a major concern for it.
“Massachusetts is hustling to build more homes in every region, but we need to also make sure that every resident has a fair chance to access it,” Gov. Maura Healey said in a press release. “At a time when the Trump Administration is stepping back from fair housing enforcement, Massachusetts is stepping up to protect residents from discrimination and expand access to housing. These first Fair Housing Trust Fund awards will help organizations across our state continue the important work of making housing more fair, accessible and equitable for everyone.”
To learn more about Community Legal Aid, call 855252-5342 or visit communitylegal.org.
BREW FEST — It may have been a hot summer day on June 12, but at the John Boyle O’Reilly Club, 33 Progress Ave. in Springfield, local breweries were serving up cold beers. Club patrons sampled beer from Vanished Valley Brewing, Sole Syndicate, Oakholm Brewing Company, Craft Massachusetts, Rustic Brewing Company and Skyline Beer Company. There was also whiskey, gin and vodka from Dingle Distillery, made in County Kerry, Ireland. For those who worked up an appetite, the Broken Wolf’s Backyard BBQ food truck was on
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
STCC team earns 2nd place nationally in innovation challenge
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield
Technical Community College students earned second place in the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge, a prestigious national competition sponsored by the American Association of Community Colleges in partnership with the National Science Foundation.
STCC was one of only 12 community colleges nationwide selected as finalists and the only community college in Massachusetts to advance to the competition’s final round. The student team presented its innovative project, HydroShield, during a poster session on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 9 before congressional leaders, including U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, STEM leaders and a panel of judges.
HydroShield is a replaceable washing machine filter designed to capture microplastic fibers before they enter waterways. The low-cost system uses a specialized coated textile layer and a sensor that alerts users when the filter needs replacement. The innovation aims to reduce microplastic pollution, improve water quality and address long-term environmental health concerns.
The STCC team consisted of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students Shahmeer Ali, Vincent Githiri and Sophia Landrau, who graduated in May with an Associate of Science degree in biology. The team worked under the guidance of Associate Professor of Biological Sciences and PTK advisor Dr. Reena Randhir.
“Congratulations to our talented students for this remarkable accomplishment,” said Dr. John B. Cook, STCC president. “As Massachusetts’ only technical community college, STCC has always focused on connecting classroom learning with practical solutions that improve lives and strengthen communities. We are incredibly proud of Shahmeer, Vincent, and Sophia for earning national recognition under the guidance of Dr. Randhir, who recently was honored as Faculty of the Year at STCC.”
Randhir described the accomplishment as “an extraordinary achievement for Sophia,
Shahmeer, and Vincent and a proud moment for us.”
“Their success reflects months of research, teamwork, and perseverance. Their courage to believe that their ideas can protect our water, advance U.N. One Health, and create meaningful change is truly inspiring,” Randhir said. “I am deeply grateful to the organizers (AACC and NSF), inspiring interactions with the other brilliant finalist teams, and for the priceless friendships we formed along the way.”
The Community College Innovation Challenge, now in its 10th year, encourages entrepreneurial thinking among community college students by challenging them to develop science, technology, engineering and mathematics-based solutions to real-world problems. This year’s finalist projects addressed issues ranging from food insecurity and water quality to search and rescue operations, energy efficiency, infrastructure, education accessibility and fraud prevention.
As finalists, the STCC students participated in an Innovation Boot Camp in Washington, D.C., where they worked with entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business leaders on topics including strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, business planning, and marketplace dynamics. The experience culminated in presentations before judges and a public showcase on Capitol Hill.
According to AACC, the 2026 finalist projects showcased student-led innovations that protect the environment, improve infrastructure, and advance public health and safety.
“You have distinguished yourself as creative thinkers and problem solvers,” AACC President and CEO DeRionne Pollard told the students during the event, according to a Community College Daily article.
The first-place award was presented to SUNY Broome Community College of New York for its Hands-On Quantum Education project. STCC earned second place for HydroShield, and De Anza College of California received third place for The Micro-Buoy project.
From left, students Vincent Githiri, Shahmeer Ali, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, Professor Reena Randhir and student Sophia Landrau. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy defeated Ayer Shirley Regional 3-0 on May 30 in a MIAA D2 State Tournament Round of 32 match played at Pioneer Valley Christian Academy in Springfield.
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (4) Quelliam Burgos attacks at the net.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY DAVID HOSMER
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (14) Sam Washington records a kill.
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (41) Isaac Souza makes a bump pass.
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (25) Charlie Kaye receives a serve.
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (19) Eduardo Rodriguez goes up for a block.
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (8) Owen Knox serves.
Pioneer Valley Christian Academy’s (10) Cole Schmidt stretches for a block.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
IRONMAN
The Ironman 70.3 Western Massachusetts held its fourth annual event with more than 1,200 participants competing in the triathlon. The race included a 56-mile cycling portion followed by a 13.1-mile run. Mike Consolini of Agawam, MA was the overall men’s winner while Jenny Marshall of Norwalk, CT was the overall women’s winner.
A pack of riders sprint past the Basketball Hall of Fame.
(85) Martha Berrouard of Springfield, MA, heads out of the transition zone to start her run.
(17) Esmee Anne de Meulmeester and (18) guide Katie Aurand cross the line together in the PC/ID division.
(249) Morgan McLaughlin of Exeter, CT, smiles and waves at the beginning of the race.
(137) Jenny Marshal of Norwalk, CT, heads to the final turn on her way to finishing as the top female competitor with a time of 3:59:01.
(644) Sean Whitehead of Lewes, DE, gets motivation from onlookers at the start of the race.
West Springfield Mayor (54) William Reichelt completes his run with a total time of 4:48:17.
(634) Maria Grill of New York starts the biking portion of the race in downtown Springfield.
(63) Derek Bushey of East Granby, CT, gets a high-five from a supporter as he starts his 13.1-mile run.
DA concludes investigation into officer-involved death
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden
District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has released the findings of his office’s investigation into the Dec. 20, 2025, shooting death of Dennis Girard at a residence on Worcester Street in Springfield. After a comprehensive review of all available evidence — including body-worn camera footage, witness interviews, surveillance video, 911 recordings, police reports, and autopsy and toxicology results — Gulluni has concluded that the actions taken by the Springfield Police Officers involved were reason-
able, justified and lawful. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting that a man who had ingested mushrooms was experiencing a mental health crisis, had jumped from a window, and was actively harming himself with a knife. Upon arriving at the residence, officers were informed that the individual was inside the home and cutting his throat with a knife. Officers entered the residence and encountered Girard seated on a bed holding a knife and covered in blood. Despite repeated commands
to drop the weapon, Girard refused to comply and continued harming himself. One officer deployed his department-issued taser multiple times while continuing to order Girard to drop the knife. After falling backward onto the bed, Girard still refused to release the weapon. As an officer moved in to place him in handcuffs, Girard suddenly swung the knife toward the officer. A second officer then discharged a single round from his department-issued firearm, striking Girard. Girard was immediately
handcuffed and officers began life-saving measures while awaiting emergency medical personnel. He was later pronounced deceased. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be gunshot wounds of the torso and left upper extremity, with sharp force injuries to the neck identified as a contributing factor.
The District Attorney’s Office communicated with Girard’s loved ones throughout the investigation. Prior to the public release of these findings, Gulluni and members of his team met
with the family to discuss the results of the investigation. “A loss of life is always a tragedy and our sympathies remain with Mr. Girard’s family and loved ones,” said Gulluni.
“The officers were responding to a call for help and made repeated efforts to resolve the situation through verbal commands and less-than-lethal force,” Gulluni continued. “When Girard swung a knife toward an officer, an immediate threat was presented, and the officer’s response was reasonable, justified, and lawful.”
T-birds honored with awards at AHL Team Business Meetings
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
— The Springfield Thunderbirds were honored amongst their peers with multiple award recognitions at the 2026 AHL Team Business Meetings presented by Victory Live in Grand Rapids. Both the T-Birds’ ticket sales and corporate sales departments received awards for reaching milestone benchmarks for the 2025-26 regular season. The ticket sales department hit the threshold of 600 new Full Sea-
son Equivalents, the industry standard for measuring full- and partial-season ticket sales. That excellence in acquiring new ticket holders played a pivotal role in the T-Birds achieving 18 sellout crowds inside the MassMutual Center and an average capacity of 92.1%, or 6,258 fans.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible support we continue to receive from our fans, partners and the Western
Massachusetts community,” said Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa. “Reaching 600 new full-season equivalents once again reflects the dedication of our staff and the strength of the relationships we’ve built throughout the region. We’re especially grateful to everyone who continues to make Thunderbirds hockey such a special part of this community.”
On the corporate arm of the business, the T-Birds were rec-
ognized for achieving a renewal rate exceeding 90% in corporate cash accounts. In addition, for a third consecutive season, Matthew McRobbie earned top-3 marks in the AHL’s Eastern Conference for corporate sales revenue.
“The relationships we build with our corporate partners are the foundation of so much of what we’re able to accomplish as an organization, both at the rink and throughout the community,”
said Costa. “Maintaining a stellar renewal rate speaks volumes about the value our partners see in the Thunderbirds brand and the commitment our staff makes to helping them achieve their goals. We’re especially proud of Matthew McRobbie for once again ranking among the top corporate sales performers in the Eastern Conference, a reflection of his professionalism, work ethic, and dedication to serving our partners every day.”
United Way to host CLC Leaders Lounge for Summer Step Up
SPRINGFIELD — United Way
Pioneer Valley will host a Community Leadership Connect Leaders Lounge on Wednesday, July 9, from 8:30-10 a.m. to celebrate the Summer Step Up initiative and connect critical com-
munity resources. The event will be held at UWPV’s offices in the TD Bank building, 1441 Main St. The Summer Step Up grant expands access to summer learning in early education across the region. Funded through the Massa-
chusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and administered by United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the grant is supported locally by United Way Pioneer Valley, which provides oversight and resource coordi-
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
Stanley Bator
Eileen A. Davis
Daniel G. Forest
Ronald G. Fournier
Pastor Patricia Marie Gibson
Suzanne C. Keating
Carol Ann Maroon
Aline A. Scheehser
Robert J. Slattery
EAST LONGMEADOW
Frances J. Anthony
Dino Graziano
HAMPDEN
Robert P. Doty Sr. HOLYOKE
Patricia F. Gagnon
Lorraine L. Perreault
Helen M. Wytrych
LONGMEADOW
Elizabeth A. Hammett
LUDLOW
Denis L. Houle
SOUTH HADLEY
Harvey L. Cook
Donald R. Dausch
Judith A. Higgins
SPRINGFIELD
Richard G. Dooley
Henry F. Fuss
Mark W. LaBonte
Denis W. LaMari
Arlene A. Mackie
Viola L. Moore
Wilhelmina C. Siracuse
Gary S. Thompson
WILBRAHAM
Richard Boswoth
Gloria E. Tomassetti
nation for participating agencies. In Springfield, grantees include Square One and the Springfield Boys & Girls Club; in Holyoke, grantees include Valley Opportunity Council and Holyoke Public Schools. Together, these local agencies are receiving $300,000 to broaden summer learning opportunities for area children.
This summer’s funding will support approximately 158 youth in six weeks of summer programming across July and August, with transportation provided so that more families can take part, and will fund 541 hours of professional development for early education staff.
Created in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant helps families with young children access expanded summer education as their children prepare to enter school age and transition into the coming school year. The programming’s earlier success in preparing youth for school led to its continuation and expansion, allowing more children and families to benefit each year. The funding supports increased professional development for early education staff, transportation assistance, and enrollment of children whose families do not have a child care voucher.
As part of UWPV’s CLC Leaders Lounge series, the July 9 Coffee Hour will bring grantees
together with the local resources they have identified as most critical to the families they serve. These include United Way Pioneer Valley’s own direct services — its Basic Needs and Financial Wellness programs — alongside regional partners the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and 413Cares, a local online resource directory. Each week, UWPV’s Basic Needs programs serve between 400 and 600 households, and its Thrive Financial Wellness program supports roughly 500 individuals each year. UWPV is a member agency of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and an outreach partner for 413Cares. The CLC Leaders Lounge is an ongoing offering of United Way Pioneer Valley that convenes local leaders to solve problems collaboratively and to support leadership development across Western Massachusetts. This session is designed both to highlight summer early education programming through Summer Step Up and to help partners connect programs and resources more effectively for the families who depend on them. Grantees, those involved in the resources being highlighted, and anyone interested in — or who has something to add to — the conversation on supporting families through early education, both in and outside of school, are welcome to attend.
Parties in the Park returns to Northampton this summer
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — The city’s free Parties in the Park weekly outdoor DJ series is returning with its 2026 lineup and is set to kick off July 8 for another summer of good fun and music in downtown Northampton.
The event is hosted by the Northampton Arts Council and the city of Northampton, every Wednesday, from July 8 to Aug. 26 from 6-9 p.m. at Pulaski Park will feature a vibrant, open-air dance floor celebrating community, music and the cultural viability of the city’s downtown.
The 2026 season is set to feature an eclectic, rotating cast of premier regional DJs spinning everything from reggae and global beats to classic soul, rare grooves and disco.
“Parties in the Park is more than just a dance party — it’s a weekly celebration of community and creativity in the heart of our downtown,” said Brian Foote, director of Arts and Culture. “We invite everyone to come down early, support our local downtown businesses, gran some dinner, and enjoy the incredible energy under the summer sky.”
The 2026 lineup is set to feature:
• July 8: DeeJay Theory
• July 15: Studebaker Hawk
• July 22: DJ Trends
• July 29: Apel Beats
Aug. 5: DJ Donuts
• Aug. 12: Iosnua (with Quills)
• Aug. 19: Wooly Bully
Aug. 26: Malik Abdul-Rahmaan Foote told Reminder Publishing that the goal behind Parties in the Park is to activate the
beautiful shared public spaces in downtown Northampton. He added that the event also aims to create an open, accessible and high-energy environment where the community can gather and connect with one another while letting loose to some good music and good vibes.
“By bringing free music and open-air dancing directly into the heart of downtown, we wanted to celebrate the cultural vitality of Northampton while offering an entirely free, multi-generational space for everyone to enjoy,” said Foote.
Hosted by Russell Caldwell, the local favorite will bring his well-known infectious energy to the park, Foote added.
“What makes him such a fantastic host is his innate ability to connect with a crowd, read the physical energy of the space, and keep the vibe universally welcoming, casual and fun for all ages. He sets the perfect tone for our fantastic, rotating cast of regional DJs,” said Foote.
The high-energy event fits right in with other summer series set downtown throughout the season like the Salsa in the Park series and Bands on Brewster, an intentional effort from Foote and the city to add on the cultural impact downtown has on the community.
“Parties in the Park functions as a key pillar in a broader, intentional efforts by the Arts Council and the city to keep downtown vibrant and alive almost every night of the week during summer,” added Foote. “While we have Salsa in the Plaza on Mondays and Bands on Brewster on Thursdays, Wednesdays belong
completely to Parties in the Park at Pulaski Park. Our ultimate goal in programming these diverse weekly series — ranging from live acoustic bands and Latin dance to cinema and electronic DJ sets — is to ensure that there is always a creative heartbeat downtown. We’ve seen an incredible impact on overall community morale; these events transform downtown into the city’s shared ‘living room,’ bringing immense joy, boosting foot traffic for local businesses and giving residents a weekly ritual to look forward to.”
All performances are weath-
er-dependent. In the event of inclement weather, a cancellation or postponement notice will be posted by 10 a.m. on the day of the event via Instagram (@nohoarts) and on the City of Northampton’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. Parties in the Park is presented by the city through its Economic Development Department, with organizational support from Northampton Arts Inc., and funding in part from the Mass Cultural Council, Greenfield Savings Bank and Monadnock Community Investments. For more information, visit www.
northamptonartscouncil.org or contact the Arts Council office at arts@northamptonma.gov.
“Our expectations for the summer ahead are sky-high. After seeing how much people love coming together in Pulaski Park, we anticipate great crowds and a lot of high-energy Wednesday nights,” said Foote. “Beyond just being a dance party, this event brings a vital sense of shared ownership and cultural celebration to Northampton. It proves that public spaces are at their best when filled with art, music and people.”
Basketball Hall Of Fame’s summer programming returns
SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announces its 2026 Summer programming lineup as its biggest and most interactive season yet, offering basketball fans of all ages an unforgettable schedule of events, activations, Hall of Famer appearances, youth clinics and exclusive autographed basketball raffles.
Throughout the summer, visitors will have the opportunity to connect with the game through a series of in-person and virtual appearances featuring some of basketball’s most celebrated legends including Leon Powe, Hall of Famer Lisa Leslie and more to be announced.
“Our Summer programming is designed to bring the greatness within the Hall of Fame to life in new and engaging ways, creating opportunities for fans to interact with the game beyond our exhibits. Each summer, the Hall of Fame becomes more than a museum, it becomes a gathering place for the entire basketball community,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “This
year’s programming brings together Hall of Famers, athletes, artists, community partners, and fans through experiences that educate, entertain, and inspire. We hope each one of our visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for basketball’s history and culture.”
The Hall’s summer programming calendar will feature the return of several popular events and community partnerships, including:
• July 3 — Leon Powe
• July 16 — The Harlem Triksterz
• July 20 — Lisa Leslie
• July 25 — Springfield Thunderbirds Community Caravan Day
Adding to the excitement, throughout the summer, Hall of Fame guests will have the opportunity to win autographed basketballs with items signed by Hall of Famers Kevin Garnett, Tamika Catchings, Steve Nash, Sylvia Fowles, Grant Hill and more. These limited-edition raffles will be available on select dates throughout the summer, and guests will be entered to win with the purchase of a museum admission ticket.
2026 Summer programming officially began June 29 and continues through Aug. 28. Visitors can also explore the Hall of Fame’s world-class museum, featuring more than 400 inductees, interactive exhibits, historic mem-
orabilia and immersive displays celebrating basketball’s greatest moments and personalities. Additional events, appearances, and giveaway opportunities will be announced throughout the summer. Schedule
subject to change. For the complete schedule of summer programming and the latest updates, visit hoophall.com/ visit/special-experiences/summer-programming.
Pulaski Park
Reminder Publishing file photo
