sports viewpoints times the wilbraham-hampden local...

TIMESVIEWPOINTSGood newsto start the new yearPage 5

SPORTSGirls out to perfectstart0

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPALMER, MA

PERMIT NO. 22

The Wilbraham-Hampden

TIMESJANUARY 2, 2020 www.wilbrahamhampdentimes.turley.comA TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com

Dedicated to Improving the Quality of Life in the Communities We Serve

ECR-WSS LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER

Editor’s Note: As we turn the page on another year, we’re giving our readers a chance to look back at some of our

favorite moments from 2019 in a special compilation of photos.

In piecing together this issue, we are reminded how much

took place in the past year. As you flip through the pages of

this special edition, you’ll see familiar faces, places and scenes from Hampden and Wilbraham.

We hope you enjoy this small sampling of what appeared in

The Wilbraham-Hampden Times as much as we enjoyed bringing it you, “dedicated to improving

the quality of life in the communities we serve.” We look forward to continued coverage of our communities in 2020!

A Yearin Photos

Ken (left) and Andrew Johnston pose at the benefactor wall at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The father and son aimed to raise $21,800 for cancer research in honor of Ken’s mother, Elizabeth Johnston, by hiking the Appalachian Trail over the summer. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Green Meadows students Clare McMahon, Jillian Rumplik, Erin Devine and Alana Devine perform an Irish dance routine to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphy’s during the school’s Talent Show May 21 at Thornton W. Burgess Middle School. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Minnechaug students (in no order), Scott Dunbar, Elanore Worthington, Aneillo Siniscalchi, Jessica Smith, Chilion Graham, Savanna Rescia, Brianna Rossini-Beamon and Dylan Wehr dance to various songs from the stage of Springfield Symphony Hall during graduation ceremonies May 31.

The Rev. Adolf Busobozi (center), of Uganda, joins the Rev. John McDonagh (left) and the Rev. Timothy Murphy of St. Mary’s Church in Hampden, for a Tuesday evening mass Sept. 3 and an update on the health clinic funded in large part through the work of the Hampden parish. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Students and staff at Wilbraham Middle School wave goodbye and cheer on the district’s Special Olympians competing in the Monson Special Olympics, Unified Games Oct. 4. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Catherine Martin (center) and her friends from the Wilbraham United Players prepare to wow audiences with their “Vocal Concert” of various Broadway hits Jan. 12, 2019. Proceeds from the event supported Martin’s tuition for the nonprofit Up with People. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Wilbraham Fire Chief David Bourcier (left) congratulates the Rev. Donald Fenestre-Marek on becoming the pastor of Grace Union Church in Wilbraham and First Church in Ludlow. Bourcier was one of several community leaders to join in the installation service Sunday, April 7. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

The preschool students in Lisa Person’s afternoon classroom at Mile Tree Elementary School celebrate the work and birthday of Theodor Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, March 2 with one of the author’s favorite characters, the Cat in the Hat. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Jennifer Sadler, of the group Teddy to the Rescue, sits with Paige the springer spaniel after successfully capturing the runaway pooch in nearby Indian Orchard Feb. 15. Paige traveled roughly 30 miles in 43 days, sparking a search spanning two states and many communities, including Hampden and Wilbraham. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Youth riders take off from Fountain Park, ready tackle the family-friendly 8-mile loop of the Rotary Club’s Tour de Minnechaug Mountain fundraiser May 5. The loop took cyclists on a mostly flat ride through the two towns. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

2019

The Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES January 2, 2020

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The Hampden-WilbrahamRegional School DistrictWe will be taking applications for our early childhood programs for district

residents for the 2020-2021 year. Programs are for 3 and 4 year olds.

If your child will be three bySeptember 1, 2020 you may obtain an application at hwrsd.org website

under "Departments," "Student Services"

or call student services at 566-8950Applications will be available

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will be given to applications received prior to January 31, 2020.

Bitten by the reading bug, the Cianflone family’s 4-month-old pooch Stanlee catches up on his hometown newspaper and Minnechaug sports. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sgt. Joseph Celetti, of Hampden, receives his award from the American Jail Association May 21 in Louisville, Ky. Celetti, who works at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, was named Correctional Training Officer of the Year. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Fire Chief David Bourcier sits at his desk, preparing for his final days in the department. Bourcier retired June 30 after 37 years in his hometown department. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

State Sen. Eric Lesser (left), D-Longmeadow, and Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux (right) join Hampden’s Andrew Ferrindino of Ferrindino Maple March 1, celebrating the state’s maple producers for the ceremonial tapping of the first maple tree at the Hampden property. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Hampden Selectmen John D. Flynn (second from left) and Donald Davenport (center), and Deputy Fire Chief Edward Poulin (right) congratulate Fire Department clerk Jane Budynkiewicz (left) and Fire Chief Michael Gorski on their years of dedication to the community. Both stepped down from their positions June 30. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Bill Sullivan (left), first vice president at PeoplesBank and a member of the MRHS Class of 1978, and classmate Joe Roberts (right), of Wilbraham, visit the Make-A-Wish West Springfield office to present a donation to MAW Regional Director Peg Wheble. Sullivan coordinated a GoFundMe fundraiser in honor of Roberts’ brother James, of Ludlow, who was killed in the B-17 crash Oct. 2 at Bradley International Airport. The community raised more than $2,500 in honor of James Roberts. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Minnechaug Regional High School field

hockey players take to the new turf field for practice. Crews

finished construction on the field Aug. 15. With

construction complete, the Field Renovation

Committee seeks the help of the community

to finish financing. Visit turfatchaug.org for more information. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

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Newly appointed Wilbraham Fire Chief Michael Andrews (second from left) and his wife Lisa (left), pose for pictures with the Board of Selectmen (from left) Chairman Susan Bunnell, Robert Boilard and Robert Russell in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room Aug. 12. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Members of the Hampden-Wilbraham Educational Association stand outside the Minnechaug Regional High School auditorium Oct. 24 advocating for a new contract they consider fair to the district’s educators. The Regional School Committee and HWEA are in contract negotiations following the expiration of the previous agreement June 30. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Minnechaug Regional High School senior Nathanial Lopes (left), of Wilbraham, spent his spring semester interning with the Hampden Police Department with his mentor, Sgt. Michael Cooney. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

The Rumplik family – Jillian, Kate and Jack – poses with the 501st New England Garrison unit of the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club at the Hampden Free Public Library July 25. The group made an appearance as part of the “Universe of Stories” summer reading program. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Wilbraham woman Cindy Macchi and her pets deliver Wag’N O2 Fur oxygen masks to the Fire Department to assist furry friends in need. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

NOTICEERRORS: Each advertis-er is requested to check their advertisement the first time it appears. This paper will not be responsible for more than one corrected in-sertion, nor will be li-able for any error in an advertisement to a greater extent than the cost of the space occu-pied by the item in the advertisement.


Letters to the editor should be 350 words or less in length. No unsigned or anonymous opinions will be published. We require letter writers to include his or her town of residence and home telephone number. We must authenticate authorship pri-or to publication. We reserve the right to edit or withhold any submissions deemed to be libelous or contain un-substantiated allegations, personal attacks, defamation of character and offensive language. All unknown or alleged facts and quotations offered by the author need to cite credible, unbiased sources. Send letters to: Editor, Wilbraham-Hamp-den Times, 24 Water Street, Palmer, MA 01069, faxed to 413-682-0013 or via e-mail to [email protected]. The dead-line for submissions is Friday at noon.

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The Wilbraham-Hampden

TIMESThe Wi lbraham-Hampden Times is published every T h u r s d a y b y T u r l e y Publications, Inc., 24 Water St., Palmer, Mass. 01069. Telephone (413) 283-8393, Fax (413) 289-1977.

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Letters to the Editor

VIEWPOINTS

As we enter the New Year, we want to take this opportunity to remind our readers that the single most important

feature of this community newspaper is you – your stories, your events, your achievements, your struggles, your ideas and your opinions.

As your paper of record, we attempt to cover all general news stories, which include Board of Selectmen and School Committee meetings, as well as spot departmental meet-ings, with coverage determined by the issue’s relevance to our readers. We also cover major community news and personality profiles, but we are more than open to suggestions of other features about Wilbraham and Hampden – the communities we cover – and their many inter-esting occupants.

We are committed to maintaining a strong presence in our schools, both in terms of class-room, student and faculty features and sports, but we need advance notice. Please contact us with coverage requests at least three days in ad-vance by either calling 413-283-8393 or email [email protected]. If we can’t be there, we wel-come your submitted stories, briefs and photos.

Our loyal advertisers provide funding for this paid staff coverage.

With a small staff, we rely upon and wel-come your submissions. Whether you’re an “old hand” at submitting news items and an-nouncements to The Times or it’s a new idea that you are considering for the first time, we want to provide you with some tips that stream-line the process.

First, whether it’s a news tip or a letter to the editor, we need a way to contact you for more information and to verify authorship. Include a phone number or email address with your sub-missions. We can never guarantee publication of staff-written or submitted news items.

Our “News About Town” section is intended to promote the activities of local clubs, church-es and volunteer-driven organizations; free events and fundraisers that benefit the commu-nities in our coverage area. Include a brief ex-planation of the event, the date, time, location and contact information. Be sure to identify if a phone number is for press contact only so we don’t publish your private number.

As a free service for our readers, we print birth, engagement and wedding announce-ments. Additionally, we print information about a milestone anniversary, major birthday, mili-tary achievement and educational honors and awards. High resolution photos to accompany these announcements are always welcome. If you send hard copies of photos that you would like returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope and we will gladly return them.

When submitting via email, please send photos as an attachment. We are unable to use embedded or clip art images within documents.

We want to know your business. Local busi-nesses and merchants are institutions in our towns, just like schools and libraries. Without them, there are no towns. We will feature cov-erage for businesses that are new, under new

management or ownership, celebrating a mile-stone anniversary or have been thrust into the news realm. Merchants can request that cov-erage through our Advertising Representative Jocelyn Walker at 413-283-8393 or via email at [email protected].

We love letters to the editor and guest col-umns and consider them the heart and soul of this newspaper; however, we don’t print what we can’t prove – if you allege something we cannot verify, we will consider it a news tip and look into it. We always encourage readers to celebrate our communities in letters to the editor. We only print signed letters that include contact information for verification purposes.

Our Sports Editor Greg Scibelli and his re-porters and photographers cover select varsity school games weekly as well as youth and adult sports leagues. To help us expand our sports coverage, we rely on coaches, players and par-ents to send in their photos and write-ups, too. You can email Greg at [email protected] for more information.

There are multiple ways to send us your stories, announcements, photos and letters: via email – send your submissions in Word format and raw digital photos in jpeg format to [email protected] – or via regular mail to The Wilbra-ham-Hampden Times, 24 Water St., Palmer, MA, 01069.

From all of us at The Wilbraham-Hampden Times, have a safe and happy New Year. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Will you make the news in 2020?

To the editor:

I want to thank Ms. Brennan for responding to my communi-cation in The Wilbraham-Hamp-den Times Dec. 19, 2019. I duly respect her gerontology creden-tials and applaud her work in helping the seniors in our area. However, she did not address the point of my letter, which was the feasibility study of converting Memorial School into a Senior Center structurally and financial-ly in comparison to the cost of the new Senior Center currently proposed to be constructed be-hind our Town Hall.

As taxpayers in one of the highest taxed towns in our state, we deserve a fair, unbiased as-sessment of both of these op-

tions, not just a decision made on research and site visits. The fact that Memorial School was orig-inally built for children does not negate the fact that it can be used for other purposes, and several towns in Western Massachusetts have converted schools or other vacant buildings into wonderful Senior Centers. Wasn’t the Me-morial School building sound enough to be recently used by Cathedral High School for a few years?

Once again, I urge all taxpay-ers in Wilbraham to demand the following information before we vote to float yet another bond in May of 2020 for a new Senior Center:

-A total feasibility study done by a non-biased outside consul-

tant detailing the actual cost of converting Memorial School into a Senior Center.

-The total cost of building a new Senior Center behind Town Hall including the cost of hook-ing up to town water, sewer, etc.

-The actual amount of what each of these proposals will have on our taxes when accepted.

If the Senior Center Feasibili-ty Committee is not willing to get this information for the taxpayers in Wilbraham, one can only as-sume that a new multi-million dollar Senior Center is still the only option they have in mind.

Marguerite Myers-KilleenWilbraham

Residents will need a cost breakdown of Memorial, new senior center

THE PEACOCK AND THEPOLITICIANBy Lou ScungioWilbraham

One has feathers.The other does not.One has a strutthe other may want.One spreads his plumewhen wooing his mate.The other spreads wordsto have the same fate.One prances ‘roundan’ ‘round all the day.The other one chirpswith nothing to say.Who’s who, you may ask?To that you must guess.Just answer the query:Who leaves a big mess?”

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Some good news to start the New YearWe came across the survey in

the Wall Street Journal that might be of interest to those

of us who stream video as well as watch Spectrum TV Cable in Wilbraham and Hampden. In a survey of 2,000 viewers, Americans said they are willing to spend up to $44 monthly on streaming video. That is up roughly $14 from what most people pay now. However, nearly 1 in 3 Netflix subscribers said they would likely cancel the service in the next three months.

Congratulations to Hampden Police Chief Jeff Farnsworth who was installed as president of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. The installation took place at The Starting Gate at GreatHorse in Hampden Dec. 19. State and local officials, family and friends were there to help Jeff celebrate. Western Massachusetts and Hampden now will have a voice at the top of one of the state’s most powerful law enforcement advocacy groups, helping to shape police policy and collaboration across the Commonwealth. “It’s an honor to be recognized by the chiefs across the state,” Farnsworth told Tyler Witkop, editor of the Times.

I ran into Barbara Fitzgerald at Cumberland Farms on Boston Road a few days before Christmas. She was having an egg salad sandwich and I enjoyed one of Cumberland’s all-beef hot dogs. She is a member of the St. Cecilia’s Adult Choir and I told her how much we enjoyed the “Festival of Carols” on Dec. 15 under the direction of music director Dr. Todd A. Rovelli. We reminisced about when she used to bring me press releases at our news office publicizing the concerts every year in The Wilbraham-Hampden Times. She wrote the releases in longhand and had the best penmanship of anyone I ever met. Her writing was as artful as her voice.

Kudos to the Employees of the Month at Minnechaug: Michael Netkovick, social studies teacher and Rebecca Lewis, foreign language teacher.

We heard some good news for a change out of Washington recently. The Senate approved a bill Dec. 20 to crack down on robocalls, sending to President Trump a bill meant to combat a costly and troublesome problem for us here in our hometowns and all across America. The bill was proposed by our own Sen. Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) that Trump is expected to sign, that would stiffen enforcement and require that phone companies offer free consumer tools to identify and block the scam calls and

calls for tougher fines when they get caught. It builds on the FCC and state attorneys general push to speed up telecom companies to protect Americans from the billions of scam calls made each month.

While browsing through the Wilbraham Senior Center newsletter we found some interesting facts that we did not know: The Senior Center has three pieces of exercise equipment that can be used by seniors with a doctor’s note? See the Front Desk for specifics and instructions. The center has a medical equipment loaning closet?

Wheelchairs, walkers, bath seats and benches, raised toilet seats and commodes are available on a first-come first-served basis for free use by Wilbraham residents. The Senior Center sells recycling bags for the transfer station so you can save a trip to Town Hall. Presently the cost is $27.50/roll of 10 bags.

The six-week Winter Storytime session at Wilbraham Library is now taking registrations for programming that begins Jan. 8 for two age groups. Sessions conclude Feb. 13. Children ages 2 ½- to 3-years-old with a caregiver meet Wednesdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Children ages 3 ½- to 5-years-old, independent, meet Thursdays from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For more information or to register, visit wilbrahamlibrary.org or call 596-6141.

For older readers this season, children and teens are encouraged to open their imaginations and a few books, participating in the second Winter Reading Challenge at the Wilbraham Library. The program runs throughout the month of January. Registration is now underway. Children read one to three books of their

choice and log them online by Jan. 31, says Youth Services Librarian Heidi Kane. Teens need to write a book review. They will receive up to three tickets to enter the winter raffle of prizes and gift cards. All of the prizes were donated by the Friends of the Wilbraham Library. Heidi said participants must log their reading through Beanstack, the same service

used by teens throughout the year and in the annual Summer Reading Program. Additionally, teens must log a book review. Challengers will receive up to three raffle tickets, which will be

available to pick-up at the library starting Jan. 30. All tickets must be entered into the raffle no later than 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. The winners will be drawn and notified Tuesday, Feb. 11. For more information or to register, visit the library at 25 Crane Park Drive, call 596-6141 or visit wilbrahamlibrary.org.

Local political consultant Tony Cignoli, whose Dad “Papa Lou” was a popular volunteer in the Wilbraham schools, will be speaking at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce Breakfast next month. Tony predicts a wild ride to the 2020 election – from Massachusetts to the Capital Beltway. Tony will offer his take on everything from the Presidential Primary to the U.S. Senate campaign and the First Congressional District House Seat contest when he speaks at the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Rise & Shine Business Breakfast Wednesday, Feb. 5 from

7:15 to 9 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Reservations are $25 in advance for Springfield Regional Chamber members ($30 for member walk-in registrations) and $35 for general admission ($40 at the door). Reservations are suggested and can be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

Registration has begun for the 2020 Great Decisions Discussion Group, to be held at the Wilbraham Public Library beginning in February. The topics from the upcoming series, selected by the Foreign Policy Association, are “Climate Change and the Global Order,” “India and Pakistan,” “Red Sea Security,” “Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking,” “U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle,” “China’s Road to Latin America,” “The Philippines and the U.S.,” and “Artificial Intelligence and Data.” Sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 12, 19, 26, March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1, 8 and 15. Extra meetings have been built into the schedule to allow for makeup dates due to bad weather. For more information about the series topics, visit fpa.org/great_decisions or stop by the library. To register call 596-6141.

A Wilbraham police officer arrested a woman for speeding. The cop asked to see her driver’s license. It was a restricted license and it read she must always wear her glasses while driving. The officer, seeing she was wearing none, said: “Where are your glasses?”

“But officer, I have Contacts,” she said.

“I don’t care who your friends are. I am going to give you a ticket anyway,” he said.

Does your club have an upcoming meeting? Do you have a special birthday or anniversary coming up? Have someone you would like to salute? Please send the information including the contact info to [email protected].

TALKOF THE TOWNS

Charles F. Bennett

News From Yesteryear59 Years Ago

Heavy Storm Shuts SchoolsHere is a news clipping reported by my mom, Ethel M. Bennett, who was

the Wilbraham correspondent for the Springfield daily newspaper The Morning Union from the 1940’s through 1970’s. From a January 1961 edition. “The fire siren blew here at 7 a.m. Friday giving the signal that the youngsters like to hear, that schools would be closed the second time this week due to the snow.

Highway Supt. Herbert Butler called out his crews early Friday morning to combat one of the most severe storms since he has headed the department. Events scheduled for today which are canceled are the gymnastic meet with New Bedford at Minnechaug Regional High School, the Police Auxiliary Record Hop at Pines School and all catechism classes at St. Cecilia’s Church.”

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40. Popular dance43. American state44. CSI actor45. Having a keen

enthusiasm for49. Swiss river50. Restaurant item51. Intense unhappiness53. Unit of loudness54. Increase in velocity56. Mesoamerican

religion58. Early multimedia59. Forearm bone60. An unprincipled

person63. Swarming with64. Shellfish65. Root of taro plant

CLUES DOWN 1. More silly 2. Adult beverage 3. Iron used for lofting 4. Noses

5. Smile 6. One who examines

closely 7. Lethal dose 8. Denotes past 9. “This Is Us” actor Fitch10. Dabbling ducks13. Polish beer14. A type of cat15. Shows respect for20. Of I21. Commercial22. Chai and chamomile

are two23. Lodging option27. Geological times29. Unit of electrical

inductance (abbr.)30. Where G-men work31. Hot beverage32. One of the six noble

gases33. Southern constellation34. South American

nation

35. Suitable for use as food

36. The back37. I (German)38. Blood group40. Fit to stand trial41. Praise excessively42. Female’s title44. EU predecessor45. Acutely insightful and

wise46. Disguised47. Improved the

appearance of48. Generator50. The real __, the

genuine article51. Male’s title52. Home of the

Hawkeyes54. About aviation55. At all times57. Military peace officer61. College degree62. Indicates position

Students in the class of Jessica Paris (not pictured) glue craft sticks to construct their own bridge as part of Stony Hill School’s STEAM Ahead festivities during the week of Feb. 18, 2019. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

A group of Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School students celebrates after participating in a Model U.N. competition at Clark University Feb. 23. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sally Geoghegan, of Wilbraham, recently won the Wilbraham & Monson Academy Middle School Geography Bee Jan. 28. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Minnechaug Regional High School Yearbook team (from left) student editors Taylor Hapgood, Emma O’Connor, faculty adviser Renee Considine and student editor Alex Trombley, arrive at Pepperdine University for the Balfour Ignite Conference in hopes of enhancing the school’s yearbook. TIMES PHOTO COURTESY RENEE CONSIDINE

The Green Meadows School choir performs a short concert for the community Jan. 31 prior to the scheduled meeting of the School Committee. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

The Minnechaug Regional High School Above the Influence Club collected 20 large bags of clothes and 250 books for the Providence Behavioral Health Hospital and their Substance Abuse Unit earlier this year. TIMES PHOTOS SUBMITTED

From left Wilbraham Middle School student Harrison Hill, teacher Sheila Slawiak and student Bella Loddo prepare to present technology lessons to state legislators in Boston June 5. TIMES PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER LODDO


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ARTS & LIFESTYLES

Nan Hurlburt, president of the Scantic River Artisans, displays one her paintings during the group’s Art Blizzard Jan. 26. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Brad Shepard (left), in the role of Willie Clark, and Robert Howarth, in the role of a patient, act out a scene from Neil Simon’s comedy “The Sunshine Boys” with the Theatre Guild of Hampden. Performances took place at the Hampden Town House, 625 Main St. in November, directed by Rick Rubin (not pictured). TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Janet Vitkus poses with her first-prize photograph through the Wilbraham Art League. The Art League exhibited throughout the month of April at the Dane Gallery in the Indian Orchard Mills. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wilbraham’s Natalie (left) and Jared Duff celebrate Oct. 26 having each won their respective divisions of the Valley Voice competition at the Ja’Duke Theater in Turners Falls, the first ever father and daughter to win. Natalie, 10, took the Kids and Teen division title and $500 while Jared won the Adult competition and $1,000. Additionally, each will receive a one-hour recording session at Next Level Records. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Aelan Lisowski as Connie Miller and Austin Kopp as BJ Gibson rehearse a scene for “The 1940’s Radio Hour” with the Wilbraham United Players. The show opened at Wilbraham United Church Friday, Nov. 15. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Mark Giza (third from right) acts out a scene as Henry Higgins with the cast of “My Fair Lady” through the Theatre Guild of Hampden. Performances took place in June at Minnechaug Regional High School. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

The cast of “Something’s Afoot,” the latest production of the Wilbraham United Players, rehearses for their March 29 performance. TIMES PHOTO COURTESY STACY GILMOUR

Local artist Pam Brown conducts a demonstration on the ancient art of encaustic painting, which mixes paints with beeswax. Brown’s demonstration was part of the Scantic River Artisans’ July 20 exhibit. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLERT S. WITKOP


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Please note that if you send us a photo of the Times in different parts of the world,

please include a recognizable landmark in the background. Examples: Eiffel Tower;

castle in Spain.

A COMMUNITY GALLERY

WILBRAHAM HAMPDEN

The Hampden Lions Club dishes out a low cost breakfast to the community at the Hampden Senior Center Feb. 3. Diners received an all-you-can-eat breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, and a fun time, for a cost of $5. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Wilbraham youngster Ella Harlan enjoys the company of the Easter Bunny April 6 during the Junior Women’s Club’s annual Bunny Breakfast at St. Cecilia’s Church. In addition to having pictures taken with the bunny, families could have a pancake breakfast and complete themed crafts. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Community members and customers of the Wilbraham Big Y store gathered in the parking lot Dec. 14 to “Stuff-A-Cruiser” with the Wilbraham Police Department. Folks were asked to donate new, unwrapped toys and gift cards for local children in need. By noon, the department had received enough donations to fill two cruisers and two pickup trucks. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Wilbraham Middle School Principal Tom Mazza (left, back row), coach Devin Ryan (right, back row), coach Kelly Kwok, and coach Sam Lam (right, front row) lead the school’s robotics students in a LEGO League event held in Littleton Nov 9. WMS Robotics was established in September to promote STEM education at Wilbraham Middle School. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wilbraham Police Officer Karl Osborn takes time to connect with children along Manchonis Road

in town while out on a patrol of the neighborhood in May. Osborn played a quick game of basketball

and let the youngsters explore the cruiser to the delight of the families in the neighborhood. TIMES

PHOTO SUBMITTED

NASA ambassador Bill Fournier holds up a meteorite for children at the Hampden Free Public Library July 17. Part of the summer reading program, the “Moon, Mars and Meteorites” presentation helped children expand their knowledge of space. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED


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Editor’s note: Each week we provide a glimpse at Greg the Barber’s window. This is the next in our series of photos.

‘A Window onthe Community’Greg extends birthday wishes to Wilbraham’s Peg Stearns.TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

WILBRAHAM HAMPDEN

Hampden siblings Merida and Daniel Hebert celebrate having recently completed their commitment to read 1,000 books before kindergarten at the Hampden Free Public Library. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Katrina Farnham of Wilbraham has fun with her new snow friends Charlie and Carly. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Madeleine, 8, and Hudson O’Sullivan, 5, of Hampden, enjoy their day off of school Oct. 17 following a powerful wind storm that caused power outages throughout the community. The two climb on top of a large oak limb that fell on family property on Carmody Road. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Wilbraham Middle School Principal Tom Mazza (left, back row), coach Devin Ryan (right, back row), coach Kelly Kwok, and coach Sam Lam (right, front row) lead the school’s robotics students in a LEGO League event held in Littleton Nov 9. WMS Robotics was established in September to promote STEM education at Wilbraham Middle School. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Toto “the Tornado Cat” and his owner, Brimfield paramedic Jonathan Hall, visits with Isadora Maurice (left) and Jillian Truk (right) during Hall’s presentation June 9 at the Old Meeting House Museum on Main Street in Wilbraham. Hall, author of a children’s book about the cat, adopted Toto after he was blown to a treetop by the June 2011 tornado. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Hampden’s Sam Castellano is full of smiles after

completing his commitment to read 1,000 books

before kindergarten at the Hampden Free Public

Library. To learn more, contact Children’s Librarian Kate Rumplik at krumplik@

cwmars.org or call 566-3047. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED


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SPORTSStatewide tournamentcould replaceregional tourneys

By Gregory A. [email protected]

REGION – Worcester North vs. Chicopee? Nip-muc vs. Belchertown? Perhaps Minnechaug vs. Boston Public, or maybe little town of Mashpee vs. Granby?

These matchups could all soon be reality after the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association endorsed a statewide tournament proposal at its most recent meeting.

The change could bring a completely overhaul to the alignments used in current Massachusetts inter-scholastic sports.

Sean Mackin, athletic director for Chicopee’s high school, Chicopee High and Chicopee Comprehensive, said the proposal is likely to pass at the state level, potentially changing things in a big way for Western Massachusetts Schools.

“It’s something that is probably going to happen,” said Mackin, who is a member of the Tournament Management Committee.

According to the proposal, a statewide tournament would be invoked, involving up to 32 or more teams in a given division. It would create an “equal path” to a championship, according to the proposal, and there would be an assured way that schools would play “like-sized” schools.

It would also create a uniform format for tourna-ment play in the entire state.

Opponents and skeptics in Western Massachusetts, however, are fearful of losing the Western Massachu-setts Tournament, where now, the champion goes on to a small state tournament to face that division’s section-al champion. The state is currently divided into four regions, West, Central, Northeast, and Southeast.

David Stratton, athletic director at Agawam High School, is just one administrator in Western Mass. that has concerns about the proposal.

“We really like our Western Mass. tournament here,” said Stratton. “A lot of people do not want to lose it.”

Stratton said it is possible, however, that in the re-gion, the Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Asso-ciation, which governs local league play and school participation in sports, could hold its own tournaments prior to the state tournament.

“But the Western Mass. tournament is ours,” said Stratton. “It’s something the kids like to play for be-cause they are playing against schools they know.”

For Western Mass. the region has always had some-what of a disadvantage to the higher and more dense-ly populated regions near Worcester and Boston. The competition is simply at a higher level on that side of the state, even at like-sized schools.

Western Massachusetts also uses the Walker Sys-tem for many of its tournament because of the diver-

By Gregory A. [email protected]

REGION – Thinking about breaking into the world of high school sports in Massachusetts?

Now, more than ever, officials are needed in so many sports that even the sports with most refer-ees are starting to feel the pain.

According to Minnechaug Regional High School Athletic Director Michael Roy, the diffi-culty in getting officials has been getting greater, even in a sport

like basketball where there has always been an abundance of of-ficials over the years.

“We are seeing more and more officials either leave or only want to do college games now,” said Roy. “We had an ice storm last week (on Dec. 17). When I checked with the referee arbiter, I was given some dates where there was no possibility of me getting officials because they were either not available or had college games that day.”

Roy said officials are starting

to become more scarce because of the large amount of heckling that happens along with many referees aging and going into “retirement” from officiating.

The heckling and taunting from the stands has become worse as time has gone on, and could be attributed to the main-stream media and criticism of officiating in professional sports like NBA, NFL, or MLB.

But regardless of the reason, Roy said schools in the regional need to do a better job of con-

trolling crowds and making, es-pecially basketball venues, more comfortable for officials to do their jobs.

Agawam High School Ath-letic Director David Stratton said he agrees, and believes there is an effort out there to try and keep fans from picking on officials.

“It’s definitely something we try to keep from happening,” said Stratton. “Some schools do it better than others.”

Stratton said there is initia-tive that has been started at the

Pioneer Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference. They have started a leadership conference with area students with the goal to create a uniform policy for fan, player, and coach behavior at athletic conferences. That ef-fort is ongoing and more meet-ings are scheduled, said Stratton.

But beyond that, Stratton said with aging officials getting out of the profession, attracting younger officials has become a

Area athletic directors see need for more referees

Perfect start for Falcons

WILBRAHAM – With a dominant 63-28 win over West Springfield on Dec. 23, the Minnechaug Regional High School girls basketball team is perfect so far this year at 3-0. In the win, West Springfield was limited to just 11 second half points by the Falcons. Emily Howard led Minnechaug with 13 points, Madison Sanborn had 12 points, and Lauren Barry scored 11. Minnechaug faces Central in a big game on Dec. 27, then travels to Holyoke on Dec. 30.

Lily Grono makes a long

three-point attempt.

Madison Sanborn

passes along the perimeter.

Photos by David Henry www.sweetdogphotos.comAutumn Strange takes a shot.

Emily Howard makes her way down the court.

Please see TOURNEY, page 11

Please see REFEREES, page 11


bit difficult. He believes the problem is two-fold.“We have the issue of fans heckling officials,” said

Stratton. “But that problem has always existed. Fans, players, coaches will always want to argue with officials’ calls. And that happens. But the officials should know that and have to develop a bit of a thick skin for it. Right now, some people don’t believe the money they are paid for officiating a game is worth what they take from the stands.”

In high school basketball, venues are smaller and more intimate. When there is a bad call by a basketball official, they hear it loud and clear versus an open field or a larger arena at a college.

There are still numerous openings at the high school for officials. For more information about being an offi-cial, go to https://www.iaabo31.com/

sity of the region. The Walker sys-tem utilizes a ranking system based on wins, wins against tournament teams, and strength of schedule to determine its seeds. Central Mass. has used the format in some cases, but North and South regions go by records with tiebreakers for teams with the same records.

In order to balance the competi-tion throughout the state, it appears a fifth division would be added. Cur-rently, most Massachusetts sports like soccer, basketball, and base-ball utilize four divisions. Football currently has eight. A fifth division

could likely move many Western Mass. teams currently in Division 1 down to Division 2. Division 3 and 4 teams would likely move to 4 and 5, respectively, Stratton estimates.

The proposal suggests there would be five divisions for baseball, soccer, softball, basketball, football, and even girls volleyball. There would be four divisions for tennis, lacrosse, and field hockey, three di-visions for ice hockey, and two divi-sions for boys volleyball.

Travel is another logistic West-ern Mass. schools are nervous about in a state tourney format. For instance, if a Berkshire team like Wahconah or Pittsfield has to travel

to the Cape. That could be a four-hour ride for that team in either di-rection.

“I’d have to dismiss my kids very early to do that,” said Stratton. “And that’s a long bus ride and then to get out and play.”

According to the proposal, the higher seed would host playoff games in the first three rounds of a potential 32-team tournament.

The statewide tournament is coming to a vote at a special meet-ing in February. It’s unclear if the proposal would be put in place for fall 2020, or fall 2021

By Karen A. LewisSports Correspondent

OAKHAM - Gymnastics has become a way of life for the Gatulis sisters of Oakham, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Some of my best memories at gymnastics are just spending time with my teammates at practice,” said Quabbin sophomore Emma Gatulis, with her younger sister, Quabbin seventh grader Ruby in agreement.

“Some of my favorite memories are at the gym, hav-ing fun at practice, laughing with my teammates and competing in meets,” Ruby Gatulis said.

It’s certainly been a juggling act for the pair of sib-lings, first shuttling from Barre (where they used to live) to Sterling Gymnastics. Over the last five or so years, they made the transition from their new home in Oakham to Meridian Gymnastics in Gardner.

It’s definitely a juggling act they do well.Practicing on average nine hours a week – 3.25 hours

for two days and 2.5 hours an additional day, playing school sports, participating in the school music program, and still managing to find time to get homework complet-ed while getting good grades is a testament to their time management skills.

“Gymnastics has taught them both how to prioritize their time,” mother Jessica Gatulis said. “They are bet-ter students because of the discipline they learn through the sport. They know school comes first, so they learn to utilize free time at school, and in the car to get all of their work done. The team is such a good social support system for them, it makes it all worth it.”

Gravitating to gymnastics seemed like the natural track to take for her daughters, according to Mrs. Gatulis.

“Emma was always climbing everything, and chal-lenging herself with monkey bars, etc.,” Jessica Gatulis said. “She started out doing a karate/gymnastics class at age three; and continued straight into gymnastics.”

And where the older sister goes, the younger sister followed, proving to also have a knack for the sport.

“I don’t really mind doing gymnastics with my sister, it’s pretty fun because we have a lot of the same friends,” explained Ruby Gatulis.

Meridian Coach Kelsey Joyal has been coaching Ruby for five years and Emma for four, because of Em-ma’s desire to stay with Sterling Gymnastics for the ad-ditional year to be with close friends.

“Emma is such an easy going, go with the flow type of person,” said Joyal. “She is extremely helpful to both her teammates and her coaches. She will set her mind to something and not stop until the task is complete. Emma can also be very competitive, which is a good quality to have as a gymnast.”

Joyal shared there are two competitive team programs offered at Meridian – the Junior Olympic Program and the Xcel team, which allows gymnasts to progress at their own pace and to be more challenged on certain events.

Within Xcel there are levels – and both Gatulis girls improved and moved to higher levels in Xcel this year.

“Emma is in Xcel Platinum (4th) Division,” stated Joy-al. “She completes quite difficult skills that take many years of training to successfully master. She is also very creative which makes her routines very unique.”

“Ruby moved up to Xcel Gold this year and is adjust-ing very well,” continued Joyal, mentioning Ruby’s kind-ness, humor and helpful attitude. “Ruby did very well at this past year’s competitions. At one of the meets she placed first in her division as well as scoring her highest all around score in her gymnastic career.”

Although gymnastics is a year long activity and the gymnasts train during the summer, the competition sea-son runs from November through May, with tournaments usually once a month around the state, and one “travel” meet per year that could be as far as Florida or California. This year the Xcel Team will be traveling to Connecticut.

Both Gatulis young women compete in all four events, the vault, uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise.

Ironically both shared the uneven bars is their favor-

ite event, with Ruby adding she has per-formed well on the vault.

Joyal made sure to mention Emma had a great show-ing last year, plac-ing second at State Cup and fifth at State Championship, both highly competitive and requiring being able to qualify to par-ticipate.

This past weekend both Gatulis athletes participat-ed with their teams in the Shen’s New England Holiday Classic at Worcester State University. Emma earned fourth overall and her team, Excel Plantinum, walked away with a first place victory.

One of the amazing things about the Gatulis’ involve-ment with gymnastics is the allowance for them to also participate in scholastic sports, an opportunity that is un-fortunately becoming more rare for the year-round sport participant. Emma has been a member of the Quabbin cross-country team in the fall and is currently involved with winter track and will register for spring track soon. Ruby played on Quabbin’s middle school soccer team this past fall.

Looking into the future, both young women know that although they are strong, well trained and talented gymnasts, the level of ability is extremely high for par-ticipation on college teams, but both hope to continue on some level after high school.

“I would love to continue gymnastics after I graduate high school if I’m able to,” said Emma Gatulis with her sister in agreement. “I could probably continue in col-lege, but I don’t think my skills will be advanced enough to be on a competitive team at that level.”

The Gatulis parents are proud of their daughters, will support whatever choices they make regarding gymnas-tics and have been happy for their involvement with the sport.

“I will always remember that it taught my girls how to work hard for something, and attain a goal,” concluded Jessica Gatulis. “They also learned the valuable lesson of how to fail, and then try again. The discipline, strength

and mental fortitude that goes into a year-round sport is astounding to me. I have such admiration for how hard all the girls work on the team, and how they support one another at each meet.”

Sisters balance life, beam

Emma Gatulis shows incredible form during her floor routine last weekend.

Ruby Gatulis competes on the uneven bars at last weekend’s Shen’s New England Holiday Classic.

Ruby Gatulis gets into her floor routine at weekend’s competition.

Emma Gatulis performs a floor routine at last weekend’s Shen’s

New England Holiday Classic.Submitted photos

REFEREES from page 10 TOURNEY from page 10

The week aheadMinnechaug Regional High School

Boys BasketballFriday, Jan. 3 Home Holyoke 7 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 7 Away Chicopee 7 p.m.

Girls BasketballMonday, Jan. 6 Home South Hadley 7 p.m.

Ice HockeySaturday, Jan. 4 Away Agawam 8 p.m.Monday, Jan. 6 Away Amherst 5:10 p.m.

SwimmingFriday, Jan. 3 Away Amherst 5 p.m.Tuesday, Jan. 7 Away Northampton 4 p.m.

WrestlingThursday, Jan. 2 Away Chicopee 7 p.m.Saturday, Jan. 4 Home Falcon Invit’l 9:30 a.m.Wed., Jan. 8 Home Quabbin 7 p.m.

Ludlow announces alumni game to take place

LUDLOW – Attention all former LHS boys and girls basketball players. Do you still have Game? Relive your high school days at our Alumni Game Saturday, Jan. 4, at 10 a.m. Cost $10 all proceeds will help support the girls and boys basketball programs. Register today on FamilyID https://www.familyid.com/programs/basket-ball-alumni-game or contact Tim Brillo [email protected]


Turley Publications offers two types of obituaries.

One is a free, brief Death Notice listing the name of deceased, date of death and funeral date and place.

The other is a Paid Obituary, costing $120, which allows families to publish extended death notice information of their own choice and may include a photograph. Death Notices & Paid Obituaries should be submitted through a funeral home to: [email protected].

Exceptions will be made only when the familyprovides a death certificate and must be pre-paid.

Obituary PolicyWilbraham-Hampden Times

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OBITUARIESKellie A. McGuire, 35

WARE – Kellie A. (Finn) McGuire, 35, of Ware, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, at her home after a long battle with cancer.

She leaves her husband, Jon-athan R. McGuire of Ware, and their two children, Liam J. and Megan C. McGuire; her par-ents, William J. and Joan C. (Mc-Dermott) Finn of Wilbraham; her sister, Kathleen Finn, and brother, Bryan Finn, both of Wilbraham; and her in-laws, Rob-ert and Alice McGuire of Ware.

Kellie was born in Springfield and lat-er moved with her family to Wilbraham. She graduated from Minnechaug Region-al High School, and worked for Sleep Medicine Services in Springfield before

becoming a stay at home mom. Kellie loved her family and her children and was very proud of her Irish heritage. She enjoyed being with her family for vaca-tions on Cape Cod, the fun of amusement parks, and bowl-ing or a competitive round of miniature golf with them. She was always fun to be around and could make you feel hap-py easily.

A Funeral Mass for Kellie was held Dec. 31 in St. Mary’s Church, 60 South St. in Ware. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Chil-dren’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38148 or www.stjude.org. An online guest book is avail-able at charbonneaufh.com

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SENIORS

Death Notices

McGuire, Kellie A.Died Dec. 17, 2019

Funeral MassDec. 31, 2019

St. Mary’s Church, Ware

Mussi, Mary F.Died Dec. 21, 2019

Services were held atWilbraham Funeral

Home

Robert Page (left) and Kathy Phipps show their Irish spirit, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day March 12 at the Wilbraham Senior Center. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Ann Setnes of Wilbraham speaks out during a forum Nov. 13 highlighting the report of the Senior Center Building Feasibility Committee. TIMES PHOTOS BY DAVID MILES

Becky Moriarty (center), executive director of the Hampden Council on Aging, makes sure Bebe Moriarty (left) and Judy Hatch have a fun time at the center’s 20th Anniversary Gala at GreatHorse. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

HEALTH & WELLNESS

From left Tracy Bauduccio, youth liaison for the Hampden-Wilbraham Partners for Youth Coalition, Alexandria Karpinski, Rotary Club President Larry Ottoson and Michael Talaia pose following a presentation to the club March 27. Karpinksi and Talaia attended an anti-drug conference in Maryland. The Minnechaug students spoke about numerous health issues, including vaping among their peers. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Wilbraham resident Gail Smead smiles as she gives blood July 30 at the Scantic Valley YMCA. The event was coordinated through Mercy Medical Center. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Wilbraham resident Diane Testa has her blood pressure monitored during the Wilbraham Fire Department’s open house May 25. She’s pictured with her daughter Therese. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Wilbraham Firefighter Matthew Sterling demonstrates the proper way to tie a tourniquet in a Stop the Bleed class at the Scantic Valley YMCA May 23. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP


SALUTE TO SERVICE

Members of the Western Massachusetts Purple Heart Chapter 875 join the Hampden Board of Selectmen April 8 celebrating the town’s decision to become a designated Purple Heart Community. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY DALTON ZBIERSKI

The VFW Post 9397 leads the parade procession along Main Street in Hampden as part of the annual Memorial Day Parade. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

Veterans Day guests (from left) including speaker, retired Army Sgt. Michelle Barrett, Selectmen Chairman Susan Bunnell, state Rep. Angelo Puppolo Jr. and state Sen. Eric Lesser, salute the flag in Crane Park Nov. 11. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Matthew Drumheller, of Wilbraham, a 2014 Minnechaug Regional High School graduate, leaves for active duty service at Fort Benning in Georgia, where he will complete his U.S. Army Basic Training as specialist infantryman. Drumheller is a 2019 graduate, cum laude, from Westfield State University, with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wilbraham Selectman and veteran Robert Russell (right) thanks Wilbraham’s Director of Veteran Services Jered Sasen (left) for coordinating the Veterans Outreach event at the Wilbraham Big Y April 24. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

SCOUT AND ABOUT

Wilbraham Girl Scouts Gabriella Duffany (left) and Charlotte Powell sell cookies to patrons outside of Rice Fruit Farm this past weekend. The annual Girl Scout fundraiser is winding down. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Girl Scouts from Hampden, Wilbraham and Longmeadow gather in the kitchen of Wilbraham United Church April 13 to make loaves of bread for those in need. The girls delivered the finished product to the Community Survival Center in Indian Orchard. TIMES STAFF PHOTO BY TYLER S. WITKOP

The Girl Scout Juniors of Troop 12945 in Wilbraham gather at the Wilbraham Public Library having completed their service project for the Bronze Award. The Scouts collected more than 7,000 plastic grocery bags and cut them into strips to be crocheted into a sleeping mat for a person in need. Using money from cookie sales, the girls purchased copies of “One Plastic Bag,” by Miranda Paul for the Wilbraham elementary schools and library. Pictured in no order are Maddie Rooney, Kate Socha, Amanda Fenyes, Molly Gallagher, Kadence Carriveau, Mackenzie DaFonseca and Ashley Kane. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Mike (left) and Noah Magill, of Wilbraham Scout Pack 359, sell popcorn outside of Rice Fruit Farm Sept. 27 as part of a Scouting fundraiser. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES

Wilbraham Boy Scout Troop 359 carries the flag through Wilbraham’s Crane Park Sunday, May 26 as part of the town’s Memorial Day ceremony. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

From left Matthew Wallace, Mike Magill, Noah Magill, Jackson Rust and Gabriel Wallace of Wilbraham Cub Scout Pack 359 gather after a successful bottle and can drive at St. Cecilia’s Church May 4. All proceeds from the collection will support the Pack’s Scouting endeavors. TIMES PHOTO BY DAVID MILES


ClassifiedsA TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE Call us toll free 800.824.6548

13 WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS ❙ SERVING 50 LO CAL C OMMUNITIES

ANTIQUE AND PERIOD CHAIRS – Restored with new woven seats – Many styles and weaves available. Call (413)289-6670

DISH TV - $59.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Call 1-877-925-7371

FREE WOOD Clean heavy duty skids. Great for burning. 413-222-2514

FIREWOOD2 YEAR SEASONED OAK & Hardwood. Cut, split, delivered. 2, 3, 4 cord loads. R.T. Smart & Sons (413)267-3827 www.rtsmart-wood.com.

FIREWOODFresh cut & split $160.00

Seasoned cut & split $220.00All hardwood.

Tree length available*Also have seasoned softwood

for outdoor boilers (Cheap). Quality & volumes guaranteed!!

New England Forest Products (413)477-0083

LOG LENGTH FIREWOOD for sale. 7-8 cords delivered. $700.00 delivered locally. Pricing subject to change. Place your order today. We also purchase standing timber. 413-245-9615.

SEASONED FIREWOOD 1 and 2 yr. old. Prompt response and delivery. Call now S & K 413-267-3100 or 800-607-5296.

!!!!SEASONED FIREWOOD!!!! Over a cord guaranteed. Cut, Split, Prompt delivery. Call D & D Cordwood (413)348-4326.

MISCELLANEOUSA PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s largest senior living referral service. Contact our trusted, local experts to-day! Our service is FREE/no obliga-tion. CALL 1-855-799-4127

DEALING WITH WATER DAM-AGE requires immediate action. Local professionals that respond immediate-ly. Nationwide and 24/7. No Mold Calls. 1-800-506-3367

DO YOU HAVE chronic knee or back pain? If you have insurance, you may qualify for the perfect brace at little to no cost. Get yours today! Call 1-800-217-0504

INVENTORS- FREE INFOR-MATION PACKAGE Have your product idea developed affordably by the Research & Development pros and presented to manufacturers. Call 855-380-5976 for a free idea starter guide. Submit your idea for a free con-sultation.

LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of a button sends help FAST! Medical, Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach a phone! FREE brochure. CALL 800-457-1917

MOBILEHELP, AMERICA’S PRE-MIER MOBILE MEDICAL ALERT SYSTEM. Whether you’re Home or Away. For Safety and Peace of Mind. No Long Term Contracts! Free Bro-chure! Call Today! 1-844-892-1017

OXYGEN-ANYTIME. ANY-WHERE. No tanks to refill. No deliv-eries. Only 2.8 pounds! FAA approved! FREE info kit: Call 1-800-732-0442

PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, ser-vice or business to 1.7 million house-holds throughout New England. Reach 4 million potential readers quickly and inexpensively with great results. Use the Buy New England Classified Ad Network by calling (413)283-8393, [email protected]. Do they work? You are reading one of our ads now!! Visit our website to see where your ads run communitypapersne.com

STAY IN YOUR HOME longer with an American Standard Walk-In Bath-tub. Receive up to $1,500 off, including a free toilet, and a lifetime warranty on the tub and installation! Call us at 1-866-945-3783.

STOP STRUGGLING ON THE STAIRS. Give your life a lift with an ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for $250. OFF your stairlift purchase and FREE DVD & brochure! 1-844-286-0854

*******A & B HOUSEHOLDREMOVAL SERVICE*******

Cellars, attics, garages cleaned, yard debris. Barns, sheds, demolished. Swimming pools removed. Cheap-er than dumpster fees and we do all the work. Lowest rates. Fully insured. (413)283-6512, cell (413)222-8868.

*****A CALL WE HAULWE TAKE IT ALLWE LOAD IT ALL

Lowest Rates,accumulations, junk, estates,attics, garages, appliances, basements, demo services

10% disc. with this ad.All Major CC’s

CALL NOW (413)[email protected]

BILODEAU AND SON ROOFING. Established 1976. New re-roofs and repairs. Gutter cleanings and repairs. Licensed/ insured. Call (413)967-6679

BOB ROBILLARD’S RUBBISH REMOVAL attics, cellars, garag-es cleaned. Light moving. Gutters Cleaned. Family owned/ operated since 1950 (413)537-5090

CHAIR SEAT WEAVING & re-finishing - cane, fiber rush & splint - Classroom instructor, 20+ years expe-rience. Call Walt at (413)289-6670 for estimate.

DRYWALL AND CEILINGS, plas-ter repair. Drywall hanging. Taping & complete finishing. All ceiling textures. Fully insured. Jason at Great Walls. (413)563-0487

NEED AN ILLUSTRATOR for your next ad, website, or book project? Freelance illustrator Sadie Parrotta is taking commissions. Examples of her work can be seen at sadieparrotta.weebly.com. Contact her at [email protected] for more information.

PAINT AND PAPER Over 25 years experience. References. Lic #086220. Please call Kevin 978-355-6864.

WE RENOVATE, SELL & PUR-CHASE (any condition) horse drawn vehicles such as sleighs, carriages, surreys, wagons, dr’s buggies, drive-able or lawn ornaments. Some fur-niture and other restoration services available. Reasonable prices. Quality workmanship. Call (413)213-0373 for estimate and information.

DEMERS & SONSBELCHERTOWN, MA

CHILD SERVICES*NEW STATE LAW. Anyone adver-tising caring of children must list a li-cense number to do so if they offer this service in their own home.

ELECTRICIANBILL CAMERLIN- ADDITIONS, service changes, small jobs for home-owners, fire alarms. Fast, dependable, reasonable rates. Insured, free esti-mates E280333. 24 hour emergency service. (413)427-5862

ELECTRICIAN DEPENDABLE ELECTRICIAN, FRIENDLY service, installs deicing cables. Free estimates. Fully insured. Scott Winters electrician Lic. #13514-B Call (413)244-7096.

GARAGE DOOR SERVICES

MENARD GARAGE DOORS Spe-cializing in the best quality and selec-tion of insulated Haas garage doors. Sales, Installation, service and repairs of residential and commercial garage doors and openers. Fully insured. Free estimates. Call (413)289-6550, (413)626-1978 or www.menardga-ragedoors.com

HOME IMPROVEMENT

C-D HOME IMPROVEMENT. 1 Call for all your needs. Windows, sid-ing, roofs, additions, decks, baths, hardwood floors, painting. All work 100% guaranteed. Licensed and in-sured. Call Bob (413)596-8807 Cell CS Lic. #97110, HIC Lic #162905

CERAMIC TILE INSTALLATION Kitchen, bath, foyers. Referenc-es. Lic #086220. Please call Kevin (978)355-6864.

DELREO HOME IMPROVEMENT for all your exterior home improve-ment needs. ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS, DOORS, DECKS & GUT-TERS. Extensive references available, Fully Licensed & Insured in MA. & CT. Call GARY DELCAMP @ 413-569-3733

WATER DAMAGE_CALL JAY (413)436-5782-

FOR REPAIRSCOMPLETE DRYWALL SERVICE. FINISHING, PAINTING, CEILINGS

(SMOOTH OR TEXTURED). 40+ YEARS EXPERIENCE.

FULLY INSURED.

LANDSCAPING**ALL SEASON** Specializing in shrub trimming, pruning, design, deliv-eries, loader, backhoe, insured. Pro-fessional. Please call Bob (413)537-5789 (413)538-7954.

MASONRY

STOP WET BASEMENTS

ABC MASONRY & BASEMENT WATERPROOFING

All brick, block, stone, concrete. Hatch-way doors, basement windows, chim-neys rebuilt & repaired, foundations repaired, basement waterproofing sys-tems, sump pumps. BBB+ rating. Free estimates. Lic #14790. Call (413)569-1611, (413)374-5377

PAINTINGFORBES & SONS PAINTING & STAINING Interior, residential, com-mercial, new construction, wallpaper removal, sheetrock, plaster and car-pentry repairs. Quality products. Since 1985. Free consultations. Insured. HIC Lic #190875 www.forbesandsonspaint-ing.com Call/ text 413-887-1987.

PLUMBINGGREG LAFOUNTAIN PLUMBING & HEATING Lic #19196 Repairs & Replacement of fixtures, water heater installations, steam/HW boiler replace-ment. Kitchen & Bath remodeling. 30 years experience. Fully insured. $10 Gift Card With Work Performed. Call Greg (413)592-1505

LINC’S PLUMBING LIC. #J27222“New Season”“New Projects”

Call LINC’SFor Your Connection(413)668-5299

FOR SALE SERVICESFOR SALE SERVICES SERVICES

MAIL TO: Classifieds, 24 Water St., Palmer, MA 01069or call toll free: 800-824-6548

Name: ____________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________

Address: _______________________________________________________________________________

Town: _____________________________________________________ State:_______ Zip:_____________

Number of Weeks: _________________________________________ X per week rate = $______________

Credit Card: ❏ MasterCard ❏ VISA ❏ Discover ❏ Cash ❏ Check# ___________

Card #: ______________________________________________ Exp. Date ___________ CVV __________

Amount of charge: ___________________________________________________Date: _______________

QuabbinVillage Hills

Circulation:50,500

Buy the Quabbin Village Hills or the Suburban Residential ZONE for $26.00 for 20 words plus 50¢ for each additional word. Add $10 for a second Zone or add $15 to run in ALL THREE ZONES.

First ZONE base price ___________

Add a second ZONE ___________

Add a third ZONE ___________

Subtotal ___________

x Number of Weeks ___________

TOTAL Enclosed ___________

$10.00$5.00

Quabbin❏

Suburban❏

Hilltowns❏

Run my ad in thefollowing ZONE(s):

Includesadditional words

Suburban ResidentialCirculation: 59,000

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16

17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24

25 26 27 28

29 30 31 32

33 34 35 36

37 38 39 40

Base Price$26.00

Base Price$26.50

Base Price$27.00

Base Price$27.50

Base Price$28.00

Base Price$28.50

Base Price$29.00

Base Price$29.50

Base Price$30.00

Base Price$30.50

Base Price$31.00

Base Price$31.50

Base Price$32.00

Base Price$32.50

Base Price$33.00

Base Price$33.50

Base Price$34.00

Base Price$34.50

Base Price$35.00

Base Price$35.50

Base Price$36.00

FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS MONEY MAKER

CATEGORY:

DEADLINES: QUABBIN & SUBURBAN – FRIDAY AT NOON HILLTOWNS – MONDAY AT NOON

OUR CLASSIFIEDS REACH 50 COMMUNITIES EVERY WEEK!

HilltownsCirculation: 9,800

A&M TUNE-UPSPush Lawnmowers, Riding Mowers

and Small Engine Repair. Work done at your home.

Call Mike (413) 348-7967

SNOWBLOWER & LAWNMOWERTUNE UP & REPAIR

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER




ROOFINGFREE ROOF INSPECTIONS. All types of roofing, shingle, flat and slate. Call Local Builders (413)626-5296. Complete roofing systems and repairs. Fully licensed and insured. MA CS #102453, CT Reg. 0615780. Lifetime warranty. Senior Discount. 24 hour service. Veteran Discount.

TREE WORKAAA H & H TREE SERVICE Fully insured. 15 yrs experience climbing. Skid steer work, land clearing. Call Dave. 413-668-6560 day/night.

ATEKS TREE- Honest, quality tree service. From pruning to house lot clearing. Fully insured. Free estimates. Firewood sales. (413)687-3220

DL & G TREE SERVICE- Every-thing from tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, storm damage, lot clearing and brush chipping. Honest and Dependable. Fully insured. Now offering a Senior Citizen and Veteran discount. Call today for free estimate (413)478-4212

CASH FOR JUNK

AND REPAIRABLE

CARSCALL OR TEXT413-219-6839

FREE TOWINGFAST SERVICE

CASH PAID AS IS

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2000-2019! Any Con-dition, Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-513-1505.

RETIRED RACINGGREYHOUNDS AVAILABLE

FOR ADOPTIONSPAYED/NEUTERED, WORMED, SHOTS, HEARTWORM TESTED,

TEETH CLEANED

MAKE A FAST FRIEND!

GREYHOUND OPTIONS INC.CALL MARY AT 413-566-3129OR CLAIRE AT 413-967-9088

OR GO TOWWW.GREYHOUNDOPTIONS.

ORG

HORSESHORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS offered year round at our state of the art facility. beginner to advanced. Ages 4 years to adult. Boarding, sales and Leasing also available. Convenient lo-cation at Orion Farm in South Hadley (413)532-9753 www.orionfarm.net

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR Oil Truck Driver for home heating deliv-eries. Class B license, Air Brakes, Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements a must!! Full time position with opportu-nity to learn HVAC business during off season. Please call 413-323-4123 between the hours of 9 and 3.

TOWN OF PALMER- DPW OPERATIONS –

TRUCK DRIVER/LABORERGeneral Statement of Duties and Re-sponsibilities:Routine manual work performing maintenance, repair and construction tasks in connection with the Highway Department. Related work as required.Duties and Responsibilities:Assists in pipe laying, road patching and performing manual work required on digging and backfilling excavations. Performs manual work in connection with snow and ice control programs. Removes materials in street or side-walk cleaning. May be required to assist other Departments at times, but not limited to. Considerable knowledge of departmental field operations. Abil-ity to apply knowledge and experience to any Highway departmental func-tion. Require High School Diploma or G.E.D. Equivalency, plus previous work experience (3 to 12 months) to adjust within a month to work pro-cedures and job terminology; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of Class B Operator’s and CDL License issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. A Ma. Hoister’s license is favorable. For full job description please go to www.townofpalmer.com Please submit resume and letter of interest or Town application to Town Manager’s Office, 4417 Main Street, Palmer MA 01069. Application can be mailed to 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069 or by emailing [email protected]. Open until filled.

TOWN OF PALMER-MECHANIC –

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR:The Town of Palmer is seeking a Semi-skilled to skilled manual work performing journey-man level mainte-nance and repairs and operating light to heavy automotive construction and maintenance equipment at the Palmer Highway Department; related work as required. Thorough knowledge of High-way Department operating procedures and highway, street and road system. Ability to make equipment repairs and recognizes the reason (s) for mal-functioning of equipment units. Skill at the journeyman level in automotive mechanics and welding required for re-pairs to heavy automotive construction and maintenance equipment.Special Qualifications: Possession of Class II Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License, (CDL). Posses-sion of Hoisting License issued by the Department of Public Safety. For full job description, please go to www.townofpalmer.com.Please submit resume and letter of interest or Town application to Town Manager’s Office, 4417 Main Street, Palmer MA 01069. Application can be mailed to 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069 or by emailing [email protected]. Open until filled.

TOWN OF WILBRAHAMHEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATORPART-TIME EMERGENCY

DISPATCHERFor application and more information please visit www.wilbraham-ma.gov. Application deadline 1/31/20 at 4:30 PM. EOE

FOR RENTAGAWAM DUPLEX FOR RENT 2 BD, 1.5 bath. Completely remodeled, new appliances, full cellar, gas heat. $1,200/ mo plus utilities. No Pets. 413-317-7955.

ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not know-ingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

VACATION RENTALS

WARM WEATHER IS Year Round In Aruba. The water is safe, and the dining is fantastic. Walk out to the beach. 3-Bedroom weeks available. Sleeps 8. Email: [email protected] for more information.

SERVICES REAL ESTATEHELP WANTED

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (number of children and or pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain about discrimination call The Department of Housing and Urban Development “ HUD” toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. For the N.E. area, call HUD at 617-565-5308. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

FOR RENT

Classified AdvertisingDEADLINES

QUABBIN & SUBURBAN

FRIDAY AT NOON

HILLTOWNSMONDAY AT NOON

Read your local newspaper online atwww.newspapers.turley.com



ROOFINGFREE ROOF INSPECTIONS. All types of roofing, shingle, flat and slate. Call Local Builders (413)626-5296. Complete roofing systems and repairs. Fully licensed and insured. MA CS #102453, CT Reg. 0615780. Lifetime warranty. Senior Discount. 24 hour service. Veteran Discount.

TREE WORKAAA H & H TREE SERVICE Fully insured. 15 yrs experience climbing. Skid steer work, land clearing. Call Dave. 413-668-6560 day/night.

ATEKS TREE- Honest, quality tree service. From pruning to house lot clearing. Fully insured. Free estimates. Firewood sales. (413)687-3220

DL & G TREE SERVICE- Every-thing from tree pruning, tree removal, stump grinding, storm damage, lot clearing and brush chipping. Honest and Dependable. Fully insured. Now offering a Senior Citizen and Veteran discount. Call today for free estimate (413)478-4212

CASH FOR JUNK

AND REPAIRABLE

CARSCALL OR TEXT413-219-6839

FREE TOWINGFAST SERVICE

CASH PAID AS IS

CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All Makes/ Models 2000-2019! Any Con-dition, Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call Now: 1-888-513-1505.

RETIRED RACINGGREYHOUNDS AVAILABLE

FOR ADOPTIONSPAYED/NEUTERED, WORMED, SHOTS, HEARTWORM TESTED,

TEETH CLEANED

MAKE A FAST FRIEND!

GREYHOUND OPTIONS INC.CALL MARY AT 413-566-3129OR CLAIRE AT 413-967-9088

OR GO TOWWW.GREYHOUNDOPTIONS.

ORG

HORSESHORSEBACK RIDING LESSONS offered year round at our state of the art facility. beginner to advanced. Ages 4 years to adult. Boarding, sales and Leasing also available. Convenient lo-cation at Orion Farm in South Hadley (413)532-9753 www.orionfarm.net

IMMEDIATE OPENING FOR Oil Truck Driver for home heating deliv-eries. Class B license, Air Brakes, Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements a must!! Full time position with opportu-nity to learn HVAC business during off season. Please call 413-323-4123 between the hours of 9 and 3.

TOWN OF PALMER- DPW OPERATIONS –

TRUCK DRIVER/LABORERGeneral Statement of Duties and Re-sponsibilities:Routine manual work performing maintenance, repair and construction tasks in connection with the Highway Department. Related work as required.Duties and Responsibilities:Assists in pipe laying, road patching and performing manual work required on digging and backfilling excavations. Performs manual work in connection with snow and ice control programs. Removes materials in street or side-walk cleaning. May be required to assist other Departments at times, but not limited to. Considerable knowledge of departmental field operations. Abil-ity to apply knowledge and experience to any Highway departmental func-tion. Require High School Diploma or G.E.D. Equivalency, plus previous work experience (3 to 12 months) to adjust within a month to work pro-cedures and job terminology; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Possession of Class B Operator’s and CDL License issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. A Ma. Hoister’s license is favorable. For full job description please go to www.townofpalmer.com Please submit resume and letter of interest or Town application to Town Manager’s Office, 4417 Main Street, Palmer MA 01069. Application can be mailed to 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069 or by emailing [email protected]. Open until filled.

TOWN OF PALMER-MECHANIC –

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR:The Town of Palmer is seeking a Semi-skilled to skilled manual work performing journey-man level mainte-nance and repairs and operating light to heavy automotive construction and maintenance equipment at the Palmer Highway Department; related work as required. Thorough knowledge of High-way Department operating procedures and highway, street and road system. Ability to make equipment repairs and recognizes the reason (s) for mal-functioning of equipment units. Skill at the journeyman level in automotive mechanics and welding required for re-pairs to heavy automotive construction and maintenance equipment.Special Qualifications: Possession of Class II Massachusetts Motor Vehicle Operator’s License, (CDL). Posses-sion of Hoisting License issued by the Department of Public Safety. For full job description, please go to www.townofpalmer.com.Please submit resume and letter of interest or Town application to Town Manager’s Office, 4417 Main Street, Palmer MA 01069. Application can be mailed to 4417 Main Street, Palmer, MA 01069 or by emailing [email protected]. Open until filled.

TOWN OF WILBRAHAMHEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATORPART-TIME EMERGENCY

DISPATCHERFor application and more information please visit www.wilbraham-ma.gov. Application deadline 1/31/20 at 4:30 PM. EOE

FOR RENTAGAWAM DUPLEX FOR RENT 2 BD, 1.5 bath. Completely remodeled, new appliances, full cellar, gas heat. $1,200/ mo plus utilities. No Pets. 413-317-7955.

ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.” We will not know-ingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

VACATION RENTALS

WARM WEATHER IS Year Round In Aruba. The water is safe, and the dining is fantastic. Walk out to the beach. 3-Bedroom weeks available. Sleeps 8. Email: [email protected] for more information.

SERVICES REAL ESTATEHELP WANTED

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status (number of children and or pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, or any intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate that is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertising in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain about discrimination call The Department of Housing and Urban Development “ HUD” toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. For the N.E. area, call HUD at 617-565-5308. The toll free number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

FOR RENT

Classified AdvertisingDEADLINES

QUABBIN & SUBURBAN

FRIDAY AT NOON

HILLTOWNSMONDAY AT NOON

Read your local newspaper online atwww.newspapers.turley.com

TIMES TRAVEL

Dan and Carla Boutin, of Wilbraham, read their hometown paper in front of The Opera House located in Sydney, Australia on Jan. 3. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

The NEFC Boys West Team was invited to train with the Tottneham Hotspurs in England during the winter break. They even had time to catch up on their community happenings from Buckingham Palace in London. From left are Chase Henderson, Nicholas Cianflone, Boston Childers and Trevor Steele. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Nathaniel Burt (left), of Longmeadow, joins his aunt and uncle, Hampden’s Stephen (center) and Kathleen Witkop, at Fernie Alpine Resort in British Colombia on a recent ski trip with the New England Powder Pigs ski club. In between runs, the group even had time to stay abreast of their hometown news. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wilbraham residents Diane and Therese Testa keep up with their hometown happenings at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota with the Pufahl family. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED The Baltazar and Meunier families

of Wilbraham catch up on their hometown happenings during a

recent vacation to Aruba. Holding the paper are Gavin Meunier and Adriana Baltazar. Pictured (front

row from left) are Alex Danio, Taylor Meunier, Elena Baltazar,

Ryann Meunier and Jenna Danio. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Kathy and Thom Page, of Hampden, catch up on their hometown from the deck of the Carnival Miracle during a recent cruise. The couple passed through the Panama Canal on their way from Tampa, Fla. to Los Angeles, Calif., on a two-week cruise. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED


When your advisor is a former professional basketball player,Your coach studied meditation in Nepal,Your teacher was in the Peace Corps,And your best friend is from Nigeria.

You are at home. In the World.

OPENHOUSESUNDAY, JAN. 12, 1 PM | www.wma.us/openhouse

At Home. In the World.

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BUY DIRECT FOR SAVINGS • SELECTION • SERVICE

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PUBLIC NOTICEWILD FOR WILDLIFE

Wilbraham resident Craig Lareau spotted this eastern screech owl at Fannie Stebbins Wildlife Refuge in Longmeadow. The small owl is known to roost in the cavities of trees. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Wilbraham resident Craig Lareau caught this Baltimore oriole snacking on an orange at his home. TIMES PHOTO SUBMITTED

Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Trial CourtHampden Probate and

Family Court50 State Street

Springfield, MA 01103(413)748-7758

Docket No. HD19P2419EAEstate of:

Helen V MichalczykDate of Death: 05/30/2017

CITATION ON PETITION FOR

FORMAL ADJUDICATION

To all interested persons:A Petition for Formal

Probate of Will has been filed by: Michael Vogel of Chicopee, MA requesting that the Court enter a formal Decree and Order and for such other relief as requested in the Petition.

The Petitioner requests that: Michael Vogel of Chicopee, MA be appointed as Person al Representative(s) of said est ate to serve Without Sure ty on the bond in an unsupervised adminis-tration.

IMPORTANT NOTICEYou have the right to

obtain a copy of the Petition from the Petitioner or at the Court. You have a right to object to this proceeding. To do so, you or your attorney must file a written appear-ance and objection at this Court before: 10:00 a.m. on 01/17/2020.

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

UNSUPERVISEDADMINISTRATION

UNDER THEMASSACHUSETTS

UNIFORM PROBATE CODE (MUPC)

A Personal Represent ative appointed under the MUPC in an unsupervised adminis-tration is not required to file an inventory or annual accounts with the Court. Persons interested in the estate are entitled to notice regarding the administration directly from the Personal Representative and may peti-tion the Court in any matter relating to the estate, includ-ing the distribution of assets and expenses of administra-tion.

W I T N E S S , H o n . Barbara M Hyland, First Justice of this Court.Date: December 20, 2019

Suzanne T. SeguinRegister of Probate

1/02/2020

NOTICEERRORS: Each advertiser is requested to check their advertisement the first time it appears. This paper will not be responsible for more than one corrected insertion, nor will be liable for any error in an advertisement to a greater extent than the cost of the space occupied by the item in the advertisement.

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