SPRINGFIELD
JULY 30, 2026 | FREE
Officers celebrate promotions with officials, family
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Four Springfield police officers were officially promoted at a pinning ceremony on July 17. Eleni Barbieri and Derek Cook ascended to the rank of captain, while Jacob Strange and Jason Sleeper made lieutenant.
“Captains Barbieri and Cook, you now are commanders of your own units,” Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers told them at the ceremony in City Hall. “Make sure that your supervisors ... know the direction you want to lead this department. With one thing, it has to be the same thing that I want,” Akers joked, then said, “We all have to be on the same team, moving in the same direction. You’re in a very important position to do that.”
Referring to the officers the captains now command, Akers said, “They will follow you, as long as you’re firm but fair.”
Addressing Strange and Sleeper, Akers said, “You’re now the leaders on the street. No more calling the lieutenant for the solution because you are the solution... You’ve got to be ready to accept that challenge.” He said, “You don’t need to change. You just need to be there for the people that are depending on you.”
Akers told the officers, “Wear your new rank with pride. Lead with purpose. Never forget that true leadership is not measured by bars on the shoulders, but by the lives you influence and the examples that you leave behind.”
Mayor Domenic Sarno recognized the officer’s families. “I thank you for allowing these young men and young lady to continue to serve the city of Springfield ... You not only stand behind them, you stand right beside them.” He said a support system is deeply important.
“I am proud to congratulate
our brave and dedicated Springfield police officers who are being promoted today,” Sarno said.
“Thank you to each of you and your families for continuing to step up to serve and protect all of our residents and business community with courage, professionalism, honor and integrity. We are grateful for your service and continued brave and dedicated efforts in keeping our Springfield community safe.”
Among those present to see the promotions were the department’s command staff, members of the Board of Police Commissioners and Wards 3 and 6 City Councilors Melvin Edwards and Victor Davila, and police officials from other area cities.
Akers said the Springfield Police Department focuses on promoting from within. “If you come in this department and you study hard and you do a good job, you have a chance of being promoted,” Akers said. He explained that people retire regularly and there are always opportunities for people who want to put in the work.
The superintendent reflected on each of the officers. “Capt. Barbieri is going to continue to be my commander, director of my academy ... She’s been in that position probably about 15 years, so she was the best person for that job. I needed someone with experience there.”
Speaking of Cook, Akers said, “He’s done a lot for this department. He’s done a lot of different units. I think absolutely he’s going to be an asset.” He said Cook oversees the third-shift uniform division, where many of the younger, less experienced officers work. Strange and Sleeper are both assigned to the uniform division. Akers said Strange has the training to help young, uniformed officers, while Sleeper came from the traffic division. “So, these officers have always been in places where they can take their expertise and bring them to the uniformed officers, especially the young officers.”
Reflecting on his career, Cook said, “It’s been a very long journey, one that I wouldn’t change
for anything. I would say the most important thing is, as we grow as people, we make mistakes. You mess up. But life teaches us that we can grow from those mistakes and errors and learn from them. I would like to think that I’m a culmination of 34, going on 35 years of errors and mistakes with corrections. I’m truly humbled and blessed to be here.”
Sleeper described his career as “fantastic ... a learning experience.” A Springfield native, he said he was “glad to be here, glad to work here in this city that I love ... I put in the time, I put in the hours, and it paid off and it feels fantastic.”
Barbieri had a different perspective on rising through the ranks. “It’s been a challenge for sure, as a woman in law enforcement. It’s an extremely humbling experience to be where I am today. It’s been extremely rewarding to show what hard work and good leadership can accomplish.”
SPRINGFIELD Prefere Melamines celebrates 80 years
A manufacturing institution in Springfield celebrated its 80th year in business at the company’s annual Family Day barbecue.
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Springfield Target hosts ribbon cutting
The arrival of Target at Springfield Crossing was celebrated on July 21, ahead of its July 26 grand opening.
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African Community Festival returns
The African Community Festival will take place Aug. 8 at Marshall Roy Park. Page 5
Mayor Domenic Sarno stands with Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers, Deputy Chiefs David Martin and David Kane, newly promoted Capts. Eleni Barbieri and Derek Cook, and Lts. Jacob Strange and Jason Sleeper.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
For autistic children, wandering presents persistent danger
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
A nonverbal teen with Down syndrome named Matteo left his house in Monson on June 29 without an adult’s knowledge. He was found two days later about a mile from his home. While the incident ended safely, it brought the issue of wandering among children with developmental disabilities to the forefront. State Rep. Angelo Puppolo joined the Office of the Child Advocate and the Department of Developmental Services in efforts to raise awareness about wandering among children with autism spectrum disorder.
Wandering, or “eloping,” is a common behavior among autistic children. While all children tend to wander in their toddler years, those with autism may continue to do so later in their childhood and teen years.
The National Autism Association states that autistic children may elope to pursue an interest or avoid overstimulation from noise or fears. “These impulses and incidents can increase with added anxiety and stress, especially if the individual has challenges with coping, calming or regulating their emotions,” the association states on its website.
Elopement is especially dangerous because people with autism are more vulnerable to hazardous situations — accidental drowning is the number one cause of death among autistic children. According to the National Autism Association, other dangers include dehydration, heat stroke, hypothermia, falls and encounters with strangers. The risks also increase with the severity of autism.
“This is a deeply serious safety issue for families across Massachusetts. The recent incident involving Matteo from Monson is a reminder of how quickly a wandering situation can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Thanks again to all the first responders and volunteers who made sure Mateo returned safely. Our focus must remain on prevention, awareness, and ensuring families have access to the tools and supports they need,” Puppolo stated in a press release.
Dr. Bruce Waslick, Baystate Medical Center Chief of Child Psychiatry, cited a 2012 study in the journal “Pediatrics” that found 49% of autistic children over the age of 4 have eloped, and 26% of them were missing long enough to concern their caregivers. “Most of those kids are going to be fine,” Waslick said, but some may find themselves in “potentially life-threatening situations.”
Catherine “Cat” McEachern has a particular perspective on the issue of wandering among autistic children. In addition to being the Research and Professional Training Coordinator at Autism Connections of Western Massachusetts, a ServiceNet partner, McEachern is autistic and used to elope as a child.
Asked why autistic children elope later in life than their non-autistic peers, McEachern said, “There’s a lot of theories out there. For me, it was a sensory escape. I would run into the clothing aisles to have an enclosed environment within a big, scary store.”
McEachern said, “It’s the way autistic people explore the world... Special interests can draw us. It can be types of rocks, or trains — that’s very common. Nature’s
a big attraction for a lot of autistic people,” she said, explaining that many autistic people cannot filter out background noise and find being in nature calming. Unfortunately, it can lead to dangerous situations.
“A lot of autistic people struggle with putting themselves in other people’s shoes,” McEachern said. If she were in a situation with someone with ill intent, she would not necessarily recognize the social cues that would warn a non-autistic person, because she cannot imagine having such ill-intent toward another.
Waslick also said that many autistic children do not understand situational risks and dangers presented by their environment or by other people. “Kids don’t have a really good understanding of the social world. Kids with autism are unable to see the danger in following someone who could do them harm. Parents worry about kids wandering off, getting into pools or lakes. They can’t discern the dangers,” Waslick said.
When it comes to autistic children, Waslick said, “Parents instinctively provide a lot more supervision for a lot longer.” He said they also expect a similar level of supervision when children are at school and other structured activities.
However, Waslick said, “Realistically, you can’t watch kids 24 hours a day.” He said children may run off when a parent’s attention is on siblings or wake up in the middle of the night and climb out a window. “A lot of parents really worry about this,” Waslick said. “It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. It causes a lot of stress for families.
You want to support the development of independence but also keep them out of dangerous situations,” he said. The first line of defense is being aware of what triggers elopement for a child, whether due to sensory overstimulation or interest seeking. The Centers for Disease Control recommends taking steps before a child elopes, including being alert about the child’s location, noticing the child’s behaviors, like making a specific sound or looking toward the door, having an emergency plan to respond and keeping up-todate information about the child.
It is also important to speak to children about expectations. McEachern said her mother was injured when she was a child and because her mother could not chase her, she was very explicit about when and where McEachern could walk away or explore on her own. Autistic children need that, she said. “Having that conversation with children, even if the children are nonverbal, they understand.”
McEachern said children, even those who are nonverbal, can express their agency by giving them “break cards” — individual index cards with a photo of the places the child likes to go. They can bring the card to a caretaking adult to let them know they need a break and want to visit one of their favorite places.
Physical deterrents, such gated yards or childproof door and window locks can help keep children from eloping, but McEachern noted that many of the children she has worked with in the past can take windows apart. She suggested alarms to alert parents when an autistic child opens a window or
exterior door. It is also important to instill safety protocols in case a child successfully elopes. McEachern said medical alert bracelets are helpful, but even stickers with the parent’s name and phone number can be placed on the back of the child’s shirt. Electronic trackers, such as those made by Angel Sense, can be affixed to a child’s belt or something else they never leave without, giving the parent or first responders a method of finding their child.
“Swim classes are a big thing, not just for fun, but ‘What do you do if you fall into the water?’ That’s the kind of trainings that I work on,” McEachern said. She said YMCAs and similar organizations can reach out to her at 413-5602600 to organize those trainings. If a child elopes, the CDC recommends alerting first responders, informing their school and neighbors. Safety skills can be critical in such situations. These can include crossing the street, responding to commands like “stop,” and being able to give their name and phone number or show an identification card.
The entire system — alarms, locks, break cards, swim lessons, even Angel Sense — can keep autistic children safe,” McEachern said.
More information on the resources offered by Autism Connections of Western Massachusetts can be found at autismconnections.servicenet.org. The National Autism Association also offers a free Be REDy Booklet for family use and to provide to local first responders. It can be downloaded at nationalautismassociation.org.
Liberty Bank Foundation makes named gift to support dinosaur exhibition
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums officially recognizes Liberty Bank Foundation’s generous support of its new permanent exhibition, “Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs,” with the unveiling of new exhibition signage during a special ceremony on Thursday, July 16.
Representatives from Liberty Bank, the Springfield Museums and local elected officials gathered at the Springfield Science Museum to celebrate the partnership and investment in science education for the community.
“Liberty Bank Foundation’s generous investment demonstrates the power of community partnerships to create meaningful educational opportunities for generations to come,” said Kay Simpson,
SPD Officers
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president and CEO of the Springfield Museums. “‘Dinosaurs Still Live’ inspires curiosity, encourages scientific exploration, and makes complex concepts accessible through interactive learning. We are deeply grateful to the Liberty Foundation for helping bring this permanent experience to life.”
”This partnership between Team Liberty and the Springfield Museums is exciting and shows what we can accomplish by working together,” said Tony Liberopoulos, Liberty Bank’s Massachusetts Market president for commercial lending. “At Liberty, our brand promise is to ‘Be Community Kind,’ and that means doing what we can to help our community grow and thrive. Creating educational opportunities through
John Barbieri, pinned her captain’s badge to her uniform during the ceremony. Of her husband, Barbieri said, “He’s been an unbelievable mentor, and I look up to him in all aspects of where I am today. Through his guidance and
the Dinosaurs Still Live exhibition does just that.”
The July 16 ceremony coincided with the Springfield Museums’ participation in Dino Trail Week, a regional celebration of the Connecticut River Valley’s dinosaur heritage. The museums will offer dinosaur-themed activities free with museum admission, including exhibit tours, live reptile demonstrations, a fossil matching game, hands-on art and science and a dinosaur costume character.
“Dinosaurs Still Live: The Story of Archosaurs” is a bold, 1,400-square-foot exhibition that invites visitors of all ages to discover the remarkable connections between dinosaurs, birds, crocodilians and pterosaurs through immersive environments, hands-
his honorable leadership has truly molded me into the person that I am today.”
Cook was pinned by his wife. Sleeper’s daughter and grandson did the honors for him, while Strange’s two young sons pinned
on experiences and engaging storytelling. Since opening in March, the exhibition has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors, quickly becoming one of the museum’s most popular spaces for families, school groups and lifelong learners. Archosaurs are the evolutionary group that includes all living birds and crocodiles, along with their extinct relatives, including dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and many ancient reptiles. Throughout the gallery, interactive components encourage exploration, discovery, and play, helping visitors connect with science in memorable and meaningful ways. Rotating displays and changing specimens provide fresh experiences throughout the year, encouraging repeat visits.
Designed with families in
his badge on his uniform.
Each of the officers shared one common theme — a desire to train the department’s newer, less experienced officers.
“I think the most important thing is I’m looking to mold the new officers that have been hired. We have a very young department. They have a little bit of experience, and I want to increase that and take what I’ve learned in 35 years and pass it down, so they can also grow big and strong,” Cook said with a laugh.
mind, “Dinosaurs Still Live” combines contemporary exhibition design, vibrant environments, tactile learning opportunities and bilingual interpretation in English and Spanish. The exhibition reflects the Springfield Museums’ ongoing commitment to innovative, inclusive education that welcomes learners of all ages and abilities. Additional support for Dinosaurs Still Live was provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, with funding secured by state Sen. Adam Gomez; and contributions from Harry and Lynne Ahern, Laurence and Barbara Derose, Bill and Patti Kelliher, and Susan Piccin.
Barbieri said she is most looking forward to “being a voice for, primarily, the women and men who don’t have a voice in our profession right now, and just to lead with dignity and honor, and holding myself accountable and ... our people accountable.”
There’s one thing Cook wanted people to understand about the city’s police force. “The Springfield Police Department is made up of people who are here to do one thing, and that is to keep people safe,” he said. “We also want to teach people that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to embrace the different styles that we bring to the table, but one thing that the Springfield Police Department doesn’t ascribe to is crime. So, do it, but do it right. If you don’t, we’re there to be there and catch you.”
Barbieri’s husband, retired Springfield Police Commissioner
Chemical manufacturer Prefere Melamines celebrates its 80th year
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield manufacturing institution celebrated its 80th year in business at the company’s annual Family Day barbecue. Prefere Melamines, a company that makes melamine-formaldehyde resin used in products that range from laminate flooring to vehicle clear coats, welcomed Mayor Domenic Sarno and representatives from state Sen. Adam Gomez’s office to celebrate the milestone.
Director of Operations Ray Carillon said the company has faced numerous challenges over its eight decades of operation, but its success was “a direct result of extremely hardworking” employees. Most of the facility’s roughly 50-person team are local, living in the city and its
HOLYOKE — Each semester, Holyoke Community College recognizes superior scholarship through the dean’s list. A student is placed on the dean’s list if their GPA is 3.2 or higher. The students listed below have earned dean’s list honors for the spring 2026 semester.
Indian Orchard Amanda Leigh Desmarais, Katelyn Lydia Fiorentino, Cara Brie Mock, Douglas Moore Jr.
Springfield Alison Elizabeth Abare, Daniel E. Abelin, Owen Keel Acuff, Kelsey Almonte, Tatiana Alvarado, Karla Alvarez, Zyana Naje Amparo, Suzette Appiah, Mia E. Arrastia, Jessica Marie Arroyo, Amara Grace Audette, Benjamin Aviles, Shaquetta Lee Batchelor, Hajar Bint Farooq Carter, Javiela M. Blanco Hernandez, Margaret Mae Bolus, Alianiz Enid Bonilla, Iliana Marie Caban, Zavalier
surrounding communities. He said their common goal was to “keep manufacturing in Springfield for another 80 years.”
The company is located on Springfield’s Eastman Indian Orchard Campus. Eastman Site Manager Dennis Van Nevel remarked that there was a strong partnership between Eastman and Prefere Melamines.
Carillon said being in Springfield, near substantial industrial infrastructure, including rail lines, “allows us to take advantage and be efficient.”
“Eighty years. You all look fantastic,” Sarno joked. “Some companies ... don’t last eight years, much less 80 years.”
He remarked on the longevity of many of the employees, some who had been with the company for 25 or 30 years.
Sarno commented that Prefere Melamines was continuing the
Cabrera, Selina Cano Cruz, Robert Caudle, Justin Michael Cepeda, Elisa Chamorro, Saran Chan, Jacob Chesbro, Zachary Michael Ciano, Jennifer Cigler, Tamicha Marie Colon, Aleisha Mabel Correa Gomez, Wayne T. Corso, Caroline Mary Cote, Crystal Rose Coulson, Kayla Beth Dagenais, Joshua Manuel Leslie De Souza, Johazel A. DeJesus, Leylene Delgado, Kiarelys Angely Dones, Joan Doucette, Kamille Duran Canela, Kyle A. English, Ana Ruth Estien, Ariana Marie Fitzpatrick, Yadelyn Alejandra Francisco, Virginia Lane Futrell, Isabelle Catherine Garutti, Tiffany Gibbs, Lisa Ann Glidden, Edwin Paul Gomez Jr., Geyssa Linette Gonzalez, Arianna Gonzalez, Esbalni Gonzalez, Gabriel Roberto Gonzalez Diaz, Jhianny Clarimil Gonzalez Paulino, Nastasha Guadalupe-Fontan, Keith Jonathan Hajjar, Michael Ange-
manufacturing history of Indian Orchard and presented Carillon with a proclamation from his office and a citation on behalf of Ward 8 City Councilor Zaida Govan.
“You really can’t celebrate the name without celebrating the people behind the name,” said Lamari Jackson, district director for state Sen. Adam Gomez. She said she had toured the facility last year and was struck by how enthusiastic employees were to talk about their work. She also presented Carillon with a citation from the Massachusetts Senate.
Prefere Melamines is part of the international company, Prefere Resins, headquartered in Germany. The Indian Orchard site is the company’s only location in the United States. It supplies 50% of the American market with the resin used in
lo Heckstall, Evelyn J. Hernandez, Olivia Rose Hersey Brown, Yuliia Volodymyrivna Honhalo, Kaelin Housey, Lydia Chinweizu Iheanacho, Nyles Irving, Annabeth Geraldine Iverson, Corey Jiles, Celinez I. Jimenez, Yvania Yazmin Jimenez, Alyssa Johnson, Josiah Lehron Jordan, Ellianna Makana Lani Aloha Kaimi, Mariia Konokhovych, Samuel Bruno Kroll-Flores, Elizabeth Jordan La Croix, Autumn Skye LaBranche, Amanda R. Lafleur, Zephaniah Hatano Langley, Zongyi Lin, Cristian Alejandro Lopez, Carla Lilliany Lopez, Marqueli Rachel Lopez Argueta, Michael Iverson Luciano, Samuel Lucien, Antonio Luis Malave, Natalie Aurora Mangan, Jeniah Jeannette Marrero, Valarie Lynn Marsh, Jocelyn Marti, Leonardo Izael Martinez, Jessenia Martinez, Andres Martinez-Matamoros, Katherine Martinez-Taveras,
vehicle paints and clear coating. Over the past 80 years, the company has weathered several periods of economic volatility while remaining a leader in the industry. As one example,
Carillon said the 2025 federal tariffs provided a challenge, but said the company provided its customers with real-time communication backed by a longterm relationship of trust.
Brennan McGinley, Nigja Monique McQuarley, Damean Austin Medina Cruz, Aidyl Melendez, Nathaniel Elizer Mercado Jr., Odalis Merced Gomez, Camrin Meyer, Nathan Joel Morales, Krystal Tiffany Morales, Jessica Morales-Diaz, Norma Carolina Moreno, Evelina Maria Moses Sanchez, Noah Michael Mulcahy, Antonio Mutti, Marianna Nena Navarro, Ilayshia Nevaeh Negron, Jarielys Negron, Rousmery Negron-Diaz, Johnny Le Nguyen, Kayla Nguyen, Anahis Nieves, Natacha Nieves, Briana Marie Ocasio, Lilibeth Altagracia Ofarrill, Aniecia Parker, Mia Elizabeth Perkins, Brandon Lee Phommasith, Aidan Eric Plahna, Eddie Elizabeth Pomeroy, Luna Puchalsky, Stefanie Alyssa Ramirez, Ruth M. Ramirez Jaime, Eliezer Rivera, Destiny Latoya Robertson, Ahiritza Alejandra Robles Marrero, Tahlee Danae Rodriguez, Adriana Zoe
Rodriguez Jimenez, Victor Manuel Rodriguez-Colon, Annie l. Rosa, Yarianis Rosado Figueroa, Kaylanie Marie Rosario, Idaisha Jennifer Rosemond, Yaritza Ruiz, Robert H. Ryan, Dianelly Marie Salgado, Osiris Adrian Sanabria, Maddison Santaniello, Dalmary Santiago, Vilmary Santiago, Adriana Santiago Cruz, Elianette Y. Santiago Rodriguez, Naileah Soler, Brian Joseph Sutter, Kathleen Elizabeth Tavernier, Brandon Thompson, Adam Thurber, Ninoshka Marie Tirado Davila, Brittnylynn Blanca Iris Torres, Carla Fernnada Torres Tiburcio, Kaylie Vanzant, Judelfy G. Vasquez, Thalia Vasquez, Tiffany Vega, Jessica Velazquez, Erlin Yeraldo Ventura Reyes, Jinnette M. Villafane, Giovanni Villafane, Sylvia Muthoni Wachira, Narya Nicole Waring, Katie Whitmore, Anna Whittemore, James Gideon Willingham, Melissa Carol Wing.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno congratulates Prefere Melamines Director of Operation Ray Carillon on the company’s 80th year in operation.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Target at Springfield hosts ribbon cutting ahead of grand opening
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — With a shower of red confetti and the snip of a bullseye-dotted ribbon, the arrival of Target at Springfield Crossing was celebrated on July 21, ahead of its July 26 grand opening.
Mayor Domenic Sarno said it is a “massive store. Anything you need or want is right here in Springfield Crossing.” The 135,000-square-foot store has a workforce of 150 people. Mayor Domenic Sarno said 70% are Springfield residents.
Sarno said that long before the city was able to publicly confirm that Target would be an anchor for the plaza, people would ask him if the store was coming to Springfield. “Now I can say, Target was our target, and we’re happy to have them here,” he said. “Thank you for your belief and investment in the city of Springfield,” he said.
The mayor said Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan worked hard to facilitate the turnover from the Eastfield Mall into the Springfield Crossing plaza. He said Springfield Crossing is one of many projects across the city that came to fruition despite naysayers. “It’s cause we have a can-do attitude and we’re business friendly,” he said.
“You definitely hit the bullseye ... with this Target here,” state Rep. Angelo Puppolo joked, referring to the company’s logo.
Springfield Crossing is in Puppolo’s district but was formerly a part of state Rep. Orlando Ramos’s constituency. The two co-signed a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives congratulating the store on its grand opening. Puppolo said, “The entire Springfield delegation, right, we know how important business is, how jobs and economic development — and this is second to none.”
Ramos said Boston Road used to be known as the economic and
retail hub of Springfield. “And so, to see it come back, it’s a beautiful thing ... Please know that you have a friend in us at the state level,” he said.
State Rep. Brian Ashe commented that, despite the “torrential downpour, this place is packed.” Echoing Puppolo’s comments, he said the Springfield delegation was proud to have a Target in the city. Leading a round of applause for “everybody in a red shirt.”
Lamari
Jackson, district direc-
tor for state Sen. Adam Gomez, said, “You guys are the powerhouse of this city.” She presented the store manager with a citation on behalf of Gomez and state Sen. Jake Oliveira.
Target Group Vice President Mariann Batista said she believed the Target would be good for the community, and highlighted the opportune time of opening during back-to-school season. “I’m so proud of the team. They’ve worked so hard,” she said. “I’ve opened up a few
stores, and this is one of the biggest we’ve opened in the area.” Batista touted the large market area, carrying groceries, fresh produce and frozen items. “We are calling that ‘food forward’ and it’s something that we really want to bring to our communities.” Target has a food distribution center in Connecticut, allowing the store to keep fresh produce in stock. Batista said, “We want to make sure that we are close to every family in America.”
Pioneer Valley Financial Charitable Fund donates $10,000 to TJO
SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals recently announced a $10,000 donation from Pioneer Valley Financial Charitable Fund to support the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center as it responds to recent cases of parvovirus and panleukopenia that temporarily disrupted shelter operations.
The gift will provide funding to help the shelter recover from the outbreak and ensure it has the supplies needed to continue providing lifesaving care to animals.
Funds will be used to replenish personal protective equip-
ment and parvovirus vaccines for the veterinary clinic, as well as purchase diagnostic tests, treatment supplies, cleaning and disinfecting products and food for the animals currently in the shelter’s care.
“An outbreak like this, places an enormous strain on shelter resources,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals. “Every day, the veterinary and animal care teams are working tirelessly to protect the health of the animals while preventing further spread of disease. This generous
donation from Pioneer Valley Financial Group allows the clinic to replace critical supplies and continue providing the highest level of care during a very challenging time.”
Parvovirus and panleukopenia are highly contagious viral diseases that primarily affect puppies and kittens, as well as unvaccinated animals. Managing these illnesses requires strict isolation protocols, enhanced sanitation procedures, additional personal protective equipment, specialized medical treatment and increased vaccination efforts, all of which
significantly increase operating costs for the shelter.
“This contribution is about more than replacing supplies,” Brown added. “It’s about ensuring that every animal who comes through the doors has access to the medical care, protection and nutrition they need while their team works to safely navigate this situation.”
The Foundation for TJO Animals serves as the nonprofit fundraising partner for the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, providing financial support for veter-
inary care, medical equipment, shelter improvements, enrichment programs and emergency treatment for thousands of animals each year.
The Foundation extended its gratitude to Pioneer Valley Financial Group for stepping forward when the need was greatest. Their generosity will have an immediate impact on the health and well-being of the animals in TJO’s care. For more information about the Foundation for TJO Animals or to support its mission, visit the Foundation’s website or contact the Foundation office.
DA’s Office to not proceed with charges in Springfield shooting
SPRINGFIELD — Following the investigation into the fatal shooting that occurred on Fairfield Street on July 5, Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has announced that no criminal charges will be filed.
The investigation determined that the incident began with a dispute on social media that led to the decedent, Robert Murchison, 35, of Springfield, traveling to the home of a male and female known to him. A physical altercation was initiated by Murchison with the male homeowner on his personal property. Murchison then produced a
handgun and pursued the male while pointing the firearm at him. The involved male’s wife, a licensed firearm owner, who witnessed her husband facing imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury, discharged a single round, striking the decedent. The homeowners then immediately called the police and fully cooperated with the investigation.
The investigation included the accounts of the parties involved in the matter, as well as an account of an independent percipient witness, Ring camera footage, 911 recordings, phys-
ical evidence recovered at the scene, and text and social media messages exchanged prior to the incident. That evidence clearly establishes that the female party acted in lawful self-defense and defense of another only after the decedent arrived at her and her husband’s home, engaged in a physical altercation on their property with her husband, and ultimately produced a firearm and posed an immediate threat to her husband.
Under Massachusetts law, the use of deadly force is justified when a person reasonably believes such force is necessary
to defend themselves or another person from an imminent threat of death or serious bodily injury.
After reviewing all available evidence, the district attorney determined that his office could
CORRECTION
not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the homeowner’s actions were unlawful. Accordingly, no criminal charges will be filed, and the matter is considered closed.
In the July 16 edition of The Reminder in the article titled “Rachel’s Table celebrates truck to help with gleaning program” Rachel’s Table’s Community Gleaning & Farm Rescue Coordinator Sarah Bluestein was incorrectly identified as a volunteer. It was also stated that Rachel’s Table gleaned 117 pounds of fresh produce in 2025, this was incorrect; they gleaned 117,000 pounds of produce. Reminder Publishing regrets these errors.
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan and Lamari Jackson, district director for state Sen. Adam Gomez, stand with Bullseye, the Target mascot.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
African Community Festival returns to Marshall Roy
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Marshall Roy Park will be filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of African traditions on Saturday, Aug. 8, as the African Community Festival connects cultures and generations.
The festival began four years ago as a community cookout to bring together members of the African diaspora living in Western Massachusetts. A year later, Naefia Padi founded the nonprofit Unity Hearts Foundation and rebranded the event as a festival.
“People typically see Africa as one place, not as a collection of different countries and cultures,” said Event Coordinator Evelyn Ansah. However, the continent is composed of 54 countries, each with unique aspects of its culture. Padi added, “Our aunties, our uncles, our parents, they wear a rich cloth.”
Ansah said there will be food from a variety of different African cultures, as well as American
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Big E has recruited five local high schools from the Pioneer Valley and tasked their students with designing and executing a creative reimagining of the fair’s agricultural mascot, Chick-E, minding the 250th anniversary of the United States’s independence. The patriotic Chick-E statues, which have each been carefully hand-painted by high schoolers, will be on display during The Big E, Sept. 18 to Oct. 4, where fairgoers can vote for their favorite design.
Participating high schools include Agawam High School, Holyoke High School, Westfield High School, West Springfield High School and Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield. Fair organizers contacted the heads of each school’s art department to coordinate and provide detailed instructions for weather-proofing student designs, a stipend for supplies and expectations given the mission of fair presenter and host site, Eastern States Exposition, and the America 250 motif.
Agawam High School’s Chick-E is titled “Agawam HER-story.” A total of 18 students contributed to the completion of the statue, which they designed as a “visual representation of the women who have, are and continue to be the foundation of our community,” explained Amber Waters, an art teacher at Agawam High School.
“This includes farmers, teachers, artists, coaches, veterans, entrepreneurs, students, innovators and mentors,” said Waters.
food, and include a traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony. The festival will feature a friendly tasting competition around jollof rice, a common dish in many African countries, which is prepared differently depending on the cultural tradition. In the “Jollof Wars” contest, versions of the dish from Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Gambia will compete to be crowned the best.
The festival will provide music from Orchestre Moto, a live Congolese band specializing in rumba, soukous and ndombolo rythyms. Entertainment will include a Ugandan dance ensemble by AfroDiamonds, a Senegambian Kankourang masquerade dance and an afrofusion fashion show.
There will also be free face painting, family-friendly activities, cultural games, virtual reality experiences, a raffle, a marketplace and resource vendors. Additionally, Unity Hearts Foundation is hosting a backpack giveaway while supplies last for students ahead of the start of school. This
“The women of Agawam are always striving to make our community great, and the work of these strong women has created a thread that is woven into the diverse tapestry of our great country. We acknowledge and applaud them as the United States celebrates 250 years.”
Holyoke High School’s painting team consisted of 12 students. Their Chick-E, “Peep,” was inspired by their city’s own history.
“Holyoke was originally home to the Nonotuck, an Algonquin-speaking people,” said Giuseppe Duran, a fine arts teacher at Holyoke High School North.
“To honor the Native Americans who first lived in our city, Peep’s wings are painted with feathers traditionally worn by indigenous peoples, and Peep is depicted as a bald eagle, one of America’s most recognized symbols of freedom.”
Additionally, Peep’s tail is painted to resemble an American flag, painted with broad stripes and white stars. A peace sign shines in the statue’s left eye, and fireworks are reflected in the right eye, inspired by the National Anthem’s mention of “the rocket’s red glare.” The entire design is bursting with symbols of independence to celebrate the courage it took to earn our country’s liberation from the British crown.
Westfield High School’s Karen Kane supervised the creation of their Chick-E, “Bomber,” whose name is a nod to their school mascot, but the design takes the reference a step further; Bomber is painted like a pilot in a display of appreciation for the National Guard that works at Barnes Air-
year, the free festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. at the park, 162 El Paso St. It is sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Spark Good, Mass Cultural Council and Springfield Community Resources. Referring to the region’s African diaspora, Ansah said, “We kind of live in tiny little pockets.”
Because people live in those pockets, she said the festival provides a sense of wider belonging for many.
“It is a time we can come together and share our culture. It is very important to educate our children in this. We can bring our culture for them to see,” Padi said.
Among the cultures represented at the festival are those from Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Sudan, Somalia and South Africa. “Last year, there was somebodies from Uganda. We didn’t even realize there was that many Ugandans in Western Massachusetts,” Ansah said.
Ansah, who was born in Ghana, but whose siblings were born in the United States, said the fes-
port in Westfield. Karen Kane of the school’s Art department oversaw the four students — Rylee Rumplik, Kara Sweeney, James Thompson and Eric Villafane — who worked diligently to complete their school’s statue.
West Springfield High School said they had a lot of fun naming their Chick-E when students opened the decision to a schoolwide vote. The winning name? Ben Chick-man Franklin, named for one of the country’s Founding Fathers.
However, the democratic feedback did not end with the naming of the statue; the painters and larger Art department polled students to find out where their families hail from. Ben Chickman Franklin was designed to ensure that the more than 20 nationalities represented by the student body each had a place on the statue.
“Ben Chick-man Franklin embodies West Springfield High School’s superpower: the many cultures and languages of our school,” said Anne Charron, fine and applied Arts department head at West Springfield High School.
“His superhero cape was painted by a dedicated crew of more than
tival allows young people to connect with their heritage. “It allows them to know their cultures. I can see how attending the festival year after year, they have pride in their cultures,” she said.
While children may have grown up hearing stories about their family’s culture, it has a different impact when they can taste the food and listen to the music, Ansah said. “For a lot of young adults, it is a way to better understand where their culture comes from,” she said.
“It’s so beautiful,” Padi said. She said she knows Black Americans, who do not identify as African, who were inspired to take a vacation to an African country after attending the festival. She said she would like to invite everyone in Western Massachusetts to attend the festival, regardless of whether they are of African descent.
“Experience different cultures,” said Padi. “One community, one love. That’s what Unity Hearts Foundation is about — to bring everyone together.”
design
20 students from countries like Rwanda, Ireland, Syria and Kyrgyzstan. Our hope was to make Ben a friendly, welcoming representation of The Big E while celebrating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding.”
Jacqueline Boudreau-Kinsey, Art department head at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, Mass., is the point person for their school’s Chick-E. The statue was designed and started upon by the rising upperclassmen in Boudreau-Kinsey’s Advanced Placement Art class at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, and their vision will be executed and expanded upon by the juniors that remain as seniors and additional AP Art students at the start of the 20262027 year. The statue is sure to be a shining example of creative collaboration. The statues will be on display in the New England Center among other Creative Arts contest entries throughout The Big E, Sept. 18 through Oct. 4. Follow us on social media, @TheBigEFair, for more details about how you can cast your vote for your favorite design.
FOSTER MEMORIAL CHURCH MONTHLY FOOD DRIVE
SPRINGFIELD — Foster Memorial Church, UCC, will hold its monthly Food Drive on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1-3 p.m. in the church’s back parking lot. We will be collecting non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Cupboard of the Open Pantry. We are also collecting school supplies for the students at Rebecca Johnson School in Springfield. All donations are very much appreciated. Our church is located at 1791 Wilbraham Road.
THE WICK 338
The AMA Pro Racing-sanctioned Pro Motocross Championship stopped at The Wick 338 in Southwick, on July 11. Tens of thousands of fans cheered on riders in the 250 and 450 classes as local competitors lined up against some of the best racers from around the globe.
CHECK IT OUT
Ty Lepicier of Lanesborough gets in laps during 250 Class qualifying.
The 2026 Crestview Construction Southwick National was the sixth stop on the AMA Pro Motocross outdoor schedule.
Larry Fortin qualified fourth overall in the 250 Class.
Andrew Boccarossa of Redding, Connecticut, races over the jump
Cole Szestakow of Higganum, Connecticut, races out of the shadows in the 250 Class.
The 450 Moto 1 field comes around the first turn at the start.
Kris Corey of Southwick banks into the turn during 450 Moto 2 on his way to a 31st-place finish.
Jacob Walker of Southwick flies over the jump.
Joe Tait screams around the turn on his way to finishing 30th overall in the 250 Class.
Justin Cokinos of Hanover leans into the turn.
Kyle Murdoch of Winchendon hits the jump during a 250 Class race on his way to finishing 26th overall.
DA, law enforcement solve 31-year-old murder of Celestina Perez
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield family can rest a little easier after more than 30 years of heartbreak and sleepless nights now that the person who killed Celestina Perez in 1995 has been identified by the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office.
“Following extensive investigative work over the last year, including the use of cutting-edge forensic testing, led by the Unresolved and Unidentified Case Investigative Unit of the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office, Springfield Police Department, and with the support of the Massachusetts State Police, there is sufficient evidence to conclude that Joseph James Ceravolo, Jr. killed Celestina Perez in the early morning hours of June 2, 1995,” Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni announced, flanked by Springfield Police Department Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. Perez was found in a ravine near Genesse and Warwick streets by two people walking through Gurdon Bill Park. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was asphyxia due to strangulation. Gulluni said there had been a violent struggle prior to her death, and blood evidence collected at the time, including Perez’s clothing and leaves foliage, suggesting that the assailant had been injured.
Forensic evidence testing at the time of the murder focused on swabs taken during the autopsy, and an examination in 2009 did not provide enough DNA for testing. In 2024, the Unresolved and Unidentified Case Investigation Unit determined that
advances in DNA testing might shed more light on the case.
After reexamining the evidence, including Perez’s bloodstained clothing, the State Police Crime Laboratory extracted enough DNA to enter a profile into the Combined DNA Index System. The profile matched Ceravolo and excluded 99.99% of the population. Ceravolo was a Springfield resident at the time of the murder. The State Police Crime Laboratory retested the samples to confirm the match, and an independent laboratory,
QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY GRADUATES
HAMDEN, CONNECTICUT — The following Springfield students received degrees from Quinnipiac University during commencement ceremonies held in May: Julia Hong, Master Health Science in Pathology; Alexis Johnson, Master of Social Work; Makenna Simis, Bachelor of Science in Health Science/PA.
DNA Labs International, tested a different sample, again determining the same genetic profile. Gulluni said his office is satisfied that Ceravolo was the only one involved in Perez’s murder.
Ceravolo died in 2013, and Gulluni acknowledged that the inability to prosecute him is a “painful fact.” He said, “Sometimes, justice is swift. An assailant is identified and taken into custody within hours or days. In other cases, justice is delayed, and the truth takes — even decades — to reveal itself.”
Akers was a detective at the time of the murder and responded to the call, along with then-cadet Trent Duda, who is now a captain in charge of the city’s homicide unit.
“On behalf of myself and the Springfield Police Department. I want to say that I’m truly sorry. I’m sorry for the loss that you
suffered all those years ago and I’m sorry for how long it’s taken to bring the answers to you and bring the peace that you deserve,” Akers said to Perez’s family, who was at the press conference about the development.
“In law enforcement we know that we can not undo the past, but we also know that we can honor it by never giving up,” Akers said. “I remember that day well. I remember being one of the first detectives to respond to the call.”
He spoke about the importance of collecting all possible evidence, even when technology is not yet available to use that evidence.
Akers said, “Justice should never depend on a person’s zip code, their income or the neighborhood they called home. Every victim deserves to be remembered, every family deserves answers and every community deserves the same commitment
to justice.”
Later, Akers said that it stays with officers when a case remains unsolved. “It means something to us personally. It’s like a feather in your cap when you can say, ‘Hey, I solved this.’ It makes you feel good, it’s a good feeling,” he said. “But when you run into a brick wall and there’s really nowhere else to go … you think about it before you go to sleep, you think about it when you wake up.”
José Reyes, Perez’s nephew, spoke on behalf of the family. “Today, my family closes a chapter that has been open for 31 years. During all this time we’ve lived with questions, pain, uncertainty. We never stopped remembering our dear Celestina,” Perez said. “Knowing the truth allows us to take a final step toward justice and begin to find a little peace.”
Second Chances through Trucking, Trades & Real Estate comes to Hall of Fame
SPRINGFIELD — Justice 4
Housing and TradeCore has announce an afternoon celebrating Second Chances through Trucking, Trades & Real Estate, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Basketball Hall of Fame from 3-8 p.m..
This event brings together business leaders, employers, develop-
Every week
Thomas
Janice S. Provost Barbara
TheReminder.com
ers, contractors, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs and community members to highlight how opportunity, workforce development and mentorship can transform lives.
Guests will hear stories from individuals who have overcome incarceration and adversity to build successful careers and businesses. The event will also showcase the launch of workforce initiatives connecting at-risk youth and justice-impacted individuals with hands-on training, employment pathways and community revitalization projects. Tickets are available at corepathalliancesecondchancemixer. eventbrite.com/.
Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, flanked by Springfield Police Department Superintendent Lawrence “Larry” Akers and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble, announces a murder has been solved after 31 years.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
HD26E0031PP
To Xiomary Morales of Spr ngfield Hampden County; and all other persons interested
A petition has been presented to said Court by Ange C Aviles of Rochester New York Monroe County representing that they hold as joint tenants in an undivided part or share of
auction and be ordered
tribute the
proceeds thereof after full adjudication of the equitable claims contained i n said petition and supplementa memorandum filed with the Court If you des re 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 twenty-sixth day of August 2026, the return day of this citation W
6 Rosemary A Saccomani Register (July 30 August 6 August 13)
CITATION GIVING
Jackson NH
Petitioner Anast G Heropoulos of East Longmeadow MA
a Wil has been admitted to informal probate John A Heropoulos of Jackson NH Anast G Heropoulos of East Longmeadow MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the
and
penses of
Interested parties are entitled to petit on the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Persona Representatives appointed under informal procedure A copy of the Pet tion and W ll if any can be obtained from the Petitioner (July 30)
and Family Court 50 State Street Springfield, MA 01103
In the matter of: Beverly Ann Blake Of: Springfield MA RESPONDENT (Person to be Protected/Minor) To the named Respondent and all other interested persons a petition has been filed by Randolph S Blake of Springfie d MA
Beverly Ann Blake is in need of a Conservator or other protective order and request ng that Randolph S Blake of Springfie d, MA (or some other suitable person) be appointed as Conservator to serve With Surety on the bond The pet tion asks the court to determine tha t the Respondent is disabled that a protectiv e order or appointment of a Conservator is necessary and that the proposed conservator is
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: Damian Sanchez Machin
Date of Death: 11/08/2025
A Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy and Appointment of Personal Representative has been filed by Jose A Sanchez of Springfield MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition The Pet tioner requests that: Jose A Sanchez of Springfield MA be appointed as Personal Representative(s) of s a i d
You have the right to
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 08/17/2026 This
AGAWAM
Agawam Properties LLP, to Amat Victoria Curam LLC, 643 Suffield St., $3,050,000.
Agawam Properties LLP, to Lachenauer LLC, 408 Meadow St., $3,000,000.
Aspasia Arvanitis to Timothy Czerniejewski, 4 Ash Lane, Unit 4, $277,000.
Brendan Reed and Sarah Reed to Erika Theriaque and Michael Richards, 181 Southwick St., $595,000.
SPRINGFIELD 148 Jamestown LLC, to Jada Wanzo, 148 Jamestown Drive, #148, $296,500.
Ada E. Gonzalez to Iris Mireya Roman Munoz, 65 Hyde Ave., $237,500.
Andrea M. O’Connor, receiver, and Spring Park Properties Inc., to Michelle Lemelin, 133 Oak St., $195,500.
Angel L. Gonzelex and Angel L. Gonzalez to Property Advantage Inc., 18 Foster St., $125,000.
Angel L. Rojas and Yanirelis Quinones to Samuel Buabeng, 289 Morton St., $345,000.
Beth T. Wallace and William D. Wallace Sr., to Nicholas Sergey Moynihan, 33 Overhill Dr, $300,000.
BHO Realty LLC, to Latoya Lewis Davis, 192 Birchland Ave, $350,000.
CHD Investments LLC, to Petula Williams, 97 Maebeth St., $399,600.
Demi LLC, to Push Ventures LLC, 11-15 Belmont Place, $760,000.
Gabriela Aviles Sanchez and Kevin Y. Serrano Rivera to Denise M. Diaz Rosa and Francisco Rosa, 376 Hermitage Drive, $352,500.
Gary A. Daula to Ezequiel Tejada, Ezequiel Tejada Cordero Jr., and Frankiel Tejada Cordero, 723 Belmont Ave., $550,000.
Gary G Brisbois and Karen M Brisbois to Naples Home Buyers Inc, 17-19 Davis St, $215,000.
Gustavo Rosa to Edlin M. Diaz-Martinez, 48 Donbray Road, $258,000.
Holly Wedderspoon to Naomi A Wilson and Laura Skwira, 9 Texel Dr, $355,000.
J B Camerlin Real Estate LLC, to MTM Flooring & Cleaning Services LLC, 218-226 St. James Boulevard, $360,000.
Jacqueline Rodriguez and Angel Luis Hernandez Rodriguez to Sebastian Cotto Ortiz, 43 Agnes St., $270,000.
Jane C. Odindo to Justin O. Perez, 58 Eureka St., $247,000.
Jannette Sarrasin, Jannette Negron and Scott Sarrasin to Luz Rachel Valentin, 269 Morton St., $370,000.
Jeffrey Wingate to S&M Holdings LLC, 109 Powell Ave., $220,300.
Joshua P. Moon and Stephanie Ngoc Nguyen-Moon to Nhat-tan Duong and Olivia Le, 44 Harding St., $270,000.
Juan Hernandez and Patricia Jusino-Hernandez to Anthony Ramirez and Dachanira Ramirez, 60 Navajo Road, $255,000.
Justin David Devine and Erin Devine to Michael Gibson Jr., and Tammi F. Gibson, 89 Weymouth St., $340,000.
Kalvin I. Torres Ortiz and Yanisse Ortiz Rivera to Rose Jean and Yvener Ticy, 73 Oklahoma St., $320,000.
Lauren Amy Brin and Tyler Brin to Caitlin Bateman, 224 Nassau Drive, $215,000.
Lutece P. Richardson to Imani Alexis Plummer, 182 Marsden St., $310,000.
Margaret M. Burbine, representative, Margaret M. Oliveri, representative, and Josephine M. McNulty, estate, to Margaret Burbine, 80 Judson St., $266,666.
Matthew A. Lopez and Danielle K. Barry to Carlos Gonzalez and Altagracia Torres, 86 Peekskill Ave., $350,000.
Michelle A. Hyland to 65 Barber Street LLC, 65 Barber St., $200,000.
Miguel Nieves and Yaritza Cotto to Daniel Mendoza Bruno, 222 Edendale St., $325,000.
Norman A. Tremblay to Emtay Inc., 5-7 Ellen St., $226,000. Rayana T. Williams and Aske E. Encarnacion to Jaidys L. Troncoso, 179 Cabinet St., $415,000. Richard A. Sypek and Catherine M. Sypek to Community Music School
zetti
