COMMUNITY CUB SCOUTS IN THE CLASSROOM Pet of A Safe Santa Hobby turns the week visit into career path Page 3 Page 2 Page 11

SERVING PALMER, MONSON, BRIMFIELD, HOLLAND & WALES The Journal Register A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com December 31, 2020 ❙ Vol. CLXIX, No. 49 ❙ $1.00 www.journalregister.turley.com

LOOKING AHEAD Palmer Development Office plans for busy 2021 By Jonah Snowden According to the PCDO page on the “Our plan would be to hire domestic violence victims. The [email protected] town’s website, the office’s mission consultants to work on the redesign money will also be used to hire a is “To revitalize Palmer by: meet- with heavy public input. We want consultant to create a housing pro- PALMER – In 2021, the Palm- ing the housing and service needs to make sure that we’re renovating duction grant. A lack of affordable er Community Development Office of the low- and moderate-income the space so that it’s something that housing was mentioned during a plans to continue rolling out new population; building and repairing people want to utilize.” recent Palmer Master Plan Steering programs to address housing needs, infrastructure vital to the health and Although Szczebak said meet- Committee meeting as one of the improve infrastructure and boost safety of the residents; and support- ing details have yet to be all worked town’s more urgent issues. economic activity in and around ing business development and re- out, discussions on Hyrniewicz Park Whether it’s redesigning town, including for residents and tention.” will most likely take place online to Hyrniewicz Park, a 1.5-acre facili- businesses in surrounding villages. Community Development Di- observe pandemic health protocols. ty named in honor of a World War The office works with the Mas- rector Sarah Szczebak said prior to “We want to get a lot of public II veteran, or a list of other import- sachusetts Dept. of Housing and the COVID-19 pandemic, the office input and hope to create a commit- ant projects, Szczebak said she’s Community Development, Quabo- submitted a new application for a tee of residents who could then ad- excited over the progress she and ag Valley Community Development federal Community Development vise us on smaller or more detailed ❙ Corporation, U.S. Dept. of Housing Block Grant requesting $825,000 aspects of the plan,” said Szczebak. DEVELOPMENT page 3 and Urban Development, and other she hopes will be awarded to the Szczebak also said the money Courtesy photo agencies to secure funding, plan and town in early 2021. the town applied for will also in- A redesign of 1.5-acre Hyrniewicz execute an array of public projects “That grant includes money for clude funding for the CDO’s hous- Park in Three Rivers is one of the to improve the town and enhance a redesign of Hyrniewicz Park in ing improvement program and so- anticipated projects the Town of the quality of life of local residents. Three Rivers,” said Szczebak. cial service outreach to the town’s Palmer has in the works for 2021.

LIGHT UP PALMER WINNERS HEALTH & WELLNESS Health Tips for 2021 in your health Baystate Health doctors goals for the weigh in on what’s good year. For those who don’t Christmas lights contest for you have a primary brightened community’s spirit care provider, SPRINGFIELD – Now that a the best time PALMER — Light Up Palm- stressful 2020 has come to an end, to choose a er’s Neighborhood Decorating Con- there are many ways to make 2021 doctor is be- test had a total of 84 entrants with healthy and safe for you and your fore you need a total of 434 people voting for the family. one. Over time, People’s Choice award. Doctors at Baystate Health your health Dr. Linda Light Up Palmer’s Judging suggest setting realistic goals and care needs may Schoonover Crew this year was Donna Mead, prioritizing what is most important change or you Shannon Sweeney, Robin Lamothe, to you, taking small steps, and re- may face a new health challenge. Linea Lamothe, Audrey Barone, membering not to beat yourself up The relationship you have with your Gloria Byrnes, and Chris Smith. On if you encounter a setback in your healthcare provider, who knows you behalf of the Light Up Palmer Com- health goals for 2021. and your medical history, can lead mittee, Chair Chris Smith gives a Some healthy goals to consider to a better overall outcome that will special thanks to Demore’s Auto- as you continue on your journey to protect your health. Also, as the motive “for providing the standout good health are: global telemedicine trend contin- truck that gave extra enjoyment to ues, especially with the advent of children as we drove through neigh- • Make A Plan for Good COVID-19, it provides a fast and borhoods. You could see children Overall Health – While weight convenient way for you to connect peering out windows and people loss, health screenings, and stress with your doctor for urgent needs came out to wave or played music reduction are among some of the such as fever, cough, and skin rash, for the crew.” best ways to achieve and maintain as well as management of chron- For Christmastime in a year better health, creating a plan that is ic conditions such as diabetes and that was challenging for all, Smith manageable is the key to success. high blood pressure. said participation in the 2020 Light Look at the new year as a time to set Whether you want to lose Up Palmer helped renew faith in small, attainable goals that you can weight, quit smoking, or reduce the community and gave everyone maintain throughout the year, that stress, your healthcare provider can something to feel good about. will also lead to long term success suggest additional resources such as “We truly feel wonderful about and better health. support groups, reading material, or offering this contest to all Palmer Now is a great time to make if appropriate, medications or aids residents,” she said. “As we drive Courtesy photos an appointment for an annual CONTEST ❙ page 12 Traditional Winner: 4404 Main Street in Thorndike. exam and include your physician HEALTH ❙ page 5

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY Three Rivers residents celebrate the Demore’s ended a year of outreach spirit of giving by fulfilling Christmas wishes By Jonah Snowden By Jonah Snowden [email protected] [email protected]

THREE RIVERS – While the PALMER – As soon as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to COVID-19 Pandemic began nearly disrupt everyday life, people such a year ago, prominent local busi- as Three Rivers residents Jason and ness Demore’s Automotive began Dawna Wemette continue to go the several outreach efforts to help en- extra mile to bring some joy in their sure the community was taken care neighbors’ lives. of until life returns to normal. Through Facebook, Jason said Demore’s recent efforts in- he expressed his interest to donate cluded donating toys and sponsor- two Christmas trees to families ing families for the Santa’s Elves that couldn’t afford them. That’s for Palmer first ever “Stuff the how things started, but the couples’ Cruiser Event.” Over $1,000 worth quest to make a difference didn’t of toys and clothes were donated end there. to the event and more than $1,500 “I came up with an idea, think- in additional toy and clothes dona- ing back on some hard times that tions were collected from custom- I’ve had where I wanted to reach out ers and others in the community. Courtesy photos and see if there was anybody in the Breakfast and lunch were Co-owners of Demore’s Automotive, Jay and Michelle Demore. area that needed the hand,” he said. Courtesy Photos bought for the participants of the Dawna and Jason started do- Out of the goodness of their hearts, Three Rivers residents Jason and Daw- event and everyone had a free involved Santa’s Elves for Palmer careful not to blow his cover – or nating gifts and canned goods to na Wemette worked together to give neighbors in need a memorable Christ- chance to take home a prize from a Organizer Lori Chiacchia’s daugh- do anything to shatter a child’s be- families in need as well. Also, Ja- mas and inspired others to do the same in the process. cache of $2,000 in Christmas toys. ter, Catherine Chiacchia. During lief in Santa. Denmore’s produced the raffle, Catherine noticed a toy a video on its Facebook page be- son, Dawna and their son William been fortunate during the pandemic being in school and not being able That’s not all Denmore’s did Wemette dressed up as Santa, Mrs. in 2020 to show its love for the Jeep that was one of the prizes and forehand in which they made it because both are essential workers to play with their friends, to have knew what she wanted Santa to seem like Santa sent a letter saying Claus and The Grinch and invit- who couldn’t isolate and do their Christmas taken away from them community. ed residents to stop by their house The business paid $800 for the bring her. The little girl even went he will send the toy to Catherine in jobs. too, because of something out of as far to ask God to help her win it. care of Denmore’s to deliver off to for fun visits. Dawna said they’ve “We know a lot of people that their control.” standout truck used to take Light Up Palmer’s judging crew around That’s all Jay Demore needed her. weren’t as fortunate and not been What Jason said he enjoyed to know. Jay Demore said he was excit- able to provide for their families on the most about himself and Dawna town for the second annual Neigh- borhood Decorating Contest about He bought a second toy Jeep ed to Catherine’s joy. a day-to-day basis,” said Dawna. and brought it to Catherine a few “We didn’t want the kids, not 10 days before Christmas. RESIDENTS ❙ page 6 Another recent outreach effort days before Christmas. But he was DEMORE ❙ page 3 December 31, 2020 ❙ THE JOURNAL REGISTER PAGE 7

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SOCCER HIGH SCHOOL Boys field hockey moves forward

File photos Boys playing field hockey has been a controversial topic over the years, with some believing it has given teams a decided advantage.

By Gregory A. Scibelli pion in the mid-1990’s with boys [email protected] playing on the team. The team also enjoyed some success in the early REGION – This spring, the 2000’s with boys on the team. Massachusetts Interscholastic South Hadley was one of few Athletic Association Board of Di- teams that knock off Longmeadow rectors will vote on a proposal to one year in the Western Mass. fi- start a boys field hockey program. nals with a pair of boys playing on The rule change has already the team. Holyoke, while having File photos been approved at the committee a large number of talented female The Monson High School girls soccer team plays against South Hadley on Nov. 2. Monson defeated South Hadley for the first time in three years. level in votes taken earlier this players, have also had boys on its year, and will move on to consid- teams during the past decade. eration for adoption. The addition of boys field Field hockey has had its share hockey has been proposed by Monson girls season cut short by COVID-19 case of controversy over the course of Sherry Bryant, the MIAA Asso- By Tim Peterson final matches and advanced to the what this group of players could ers had an opportunity to have some many years as boys are current- ciate Executive Director and Field Sports Correspondent Western Mass. Division 3 finals in have done in the postseason tourna- type of a season this year,” Degnan ly allowed to play the sport with Hockey Committee Liaison. The 2018. ment had we had a normal season,” added. “With all of the uncertain- girls, the gender that typically field hockey committee fully sup- MONSON— Qualifying for Because of the COVID-19 pan- said Monson head coach Eric Deg- ty that was around us at the end of dominates the sport. ported the rule. the Western Mass. tournament has demic, the Lady Mustangs and ev- nan. “I’m really fortunate to coach the summer, there was a lot of talk It’s believed boys give many According to Bryant, the ra- become an annual event for the ery other girls varsity soccer team these kids. All of them are good about whether we would even have teams a competitive advantage tionale of the rule change is to “to Monson girls’ varsity soccer team in Massachusetts only played a reg- people and they get along with each a season.” and it has shown in small spurts allow the structure of this pathway during the past 15 years. ular season schedule. There was not other very well. They also work The Lady Mustangs had eight of improvement among various for boys to be created and avail- After winning four straight a postseason tournament held this very hard at practice and they’re al- seniors listed on this year’s roster teams over the years. able for individual schools and co- Western Mass. Division 4 titles past fall. ways ready to play every time they and they also had several talented Locally, Southwick, South op programs as they look to move between 2013 and 2016, Monson Had there been a postseason take the field.” underclassmen. Hadley, and Holyoke have been forward. We recognize that in the made the move up to Division 3 tournament, the Lady Mustangs The start of the 2020 regular “We had a good mixture of among teams that have benefited absence of viable gender specif- prior to the start of the 2017 regular probably would have been one of season was delayed a month and players on this year’s team,” De- from having males play over the ic programs that all high school season. The Lady Mustangs post- the favorites to capture the Western Monson was able to win all five of gnan said. “We had eight experi- course of the recent time. players may participate in the cur- season success continued, as they Mass. Division 3 title. the matches that they played. Southwick was a Western played in three consecutive semi- “It would’ve been nice to see “I’m just grateful that my play- MONSON ❙ page 8 Massachusetts Division 1 cham- FIELD HOCKEY ❙ page 8

BASKETBALL HIGH SCHOOL Hall of Fame announces Rollback will ‘not affect winter sports’ By Gregory A. Scibelli issuing a stay-at-home advisory As a result of that confirma- demic cancelled the end of the eligible candidates for 2021 [email protected] from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. tion, no further restrictions will winter state tournament Cash and Becky Hammon among The advisory will likely affect be added to the EEA’s release of last March. There has not been Planning Two Separate others. REGION – In a statement re- game times for the winter season, workplace safety and re-opening an MIAA-sanctioned tournament Enshrinement A first look at the list of eligi- leased last week by the Massachu- but the sports that will be allowed standards for businesses and other game since that time, and it is un- ble nominees was provided by The setts Interscholastic Athletic Asso- for the winter season will still go entities providing youth and adult known when there will be a tour- Ceremonies in 2021 Jump on ESPN, hosted by Rachel ciation, the rollback plan by Gov. on despite the restrictions. It is also amateur sports activities. nament game, though the spring Nichols, and Class of 2021 nomi- Charlie Baker will not affect winter possible some of the restrictions The EEA has been responsible season is a definite possibility as SPRINGFIELD – The Na- nee . A complete list of sports. will be lifted as the season goes on. for issuing the guidance utilized by a return to normalcy could be real- ismith Memorial Basketball Hall of eligible candidates can be found at- Baker’s plan decreases capac- Tara Bennett, director of com- the MIAA to conduct sports safely ized by June. Fame today announced the list of tached. ities in most businesses and other munications for the MIAA, said during the coronavirus pandemic, Winter sports in Western Mas- eligible candidates for the Class of Following the Hall of Fame’s venues, as well as the indoor gath- the Massachusetts Office of En- which is hopefully nearing its end. sachusetts are supposed to begin 2021, including first-time nominees traditional timeline, Finalists from ering size being shrunk to just 10 ergy and Environmental Affairs The EEA is mandating for most schools following the New Doug Collins, Michael Cooper, the North American and Women’s people. has been in touch with the MIAA mask-wearing in all sport environ- Year’s holiday on Jan. 4. Games Howard Garfinkel, Lou Henson, committee for the Class of 2021 Because of COVID-19 surg- regarding Baker’s rollback of the ments where it is possible to wear could begin on or around Jan. 14. Paul Pierce, , Yolanda will be announced in the timeframe es that have occurred over the last “re-opening” of Massachusetts. masks. There will also be limita- Basketball, hockey, and swimming Griffith and . of NBA All-Star Weekend, which is two months, Baker has strength- “The office (EEA) confirmed tions to the numbers of players and are supposed to take place with Returning to the ballot are scheduled for early March. The en- ened mask mandates, and scaled with the MIAA that Gov. Baker’s personnel allowed at basketball indoor track being moved to the fan-favorite nominees Chauncey tire Class of 2021, including those back business, and has established announcement on Dec. 22 of roll- courts and hockey rinks during the bubble season and wrestling could Billups, , Richard Ham- selected by the direct elect commit- an attempt at a curfew by closing backs on certain sectors will not winter season. In order to reduce potentially take place in the spring ilton, Bob Huggins, , restaurants at 9:30, shutting down have an impact on high school ath- potential for crowds, there will be season. , , Swin BASKETBALL ❙ page 8 alcohol sales at the same time, and letics.” no winter tournaments. The pan-

SOFTBALL Relics able to get through 2020 season LUDLOW – The Western Mass following: Relics, which is a Senior Softball * Temperatures were taken League that’s been in existence upon arrival. The players had to since 1994, was faced this Spring record a temperature below 100 de- with the possibility of their season grees. being canceled due to the Corona- * Players were required to wear virus. With the season questionable masks in the field. and the Relics always concerned * Social distancing was ob- for player safety, the Relics worked served when a team was batting. closely with the Board of Health, Players brought lawn chairs to ac- the Commonwealth of Massachu- complish this. setts, the Town of Ludlow and The * There was no tagging out a Submitted photos Fish and Game Club to be one of player. All plays were considered a The Western Mass. Relics, a softball league for senior, had one of the few suc- the few sports leagues in Western force play. cessful campaigns in 2020 with no cases of coronavirus during its season. Mass to play a full schedule. * Handshaking and fist pumps The Western Mass Relics had wasn’t allowed. More than 170 play- * Spectators weren’t allowed looking forward to the 2021 season 176 players agree to play and for- * Bats were wiped down and ers were able to be initially, but later in the season were and welcome all new players. For tunately not one person came down handled by the barrel. a part of the league allowed to watch the game from the further information go to their web- with the Coronavirus. Among the * New balls were frequently in 2020. parking lot. site: westernmassrelics.org. steps taken to play safely were the changed. The Western Mass Relics are