COMMUNITY SCHOOL SPORTS Pet of the week: Scholarship Mustangs take meet Charlene awarded care of Chicopee Page 2 Page 3 Page 9

SERVING PALMER, MONSON, BRIMFIELD, HOLLAND & WALES The Journal Register A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com July 22, 2021 ❙ Vol. CLXX, No. 25 ❙ $1.00 www.journalregister.turley.com

COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT PUBLIC SAFETY Hyrniewicz Spotlight on: Colin Morse, Park Firefighter/Paramedic ‘OK, this is cool. This is helmets as a little kid.” redesign Now, Morse—a Monson na- what I want to do’ tive—works for the Monson Fire Department and he attributes his concepts lifelong goal of working in emer- gency services to the way he was getting more raised by his mother. “She would always do charity events anytime anyone needed help. tweaks She was all for it,” he said. By Jonah Snowden “She was always involved in [email protected] the community. Anytime a family fell on hard times, she would do a PALMER – If there is one thing charity event for them...growing up to take from the recent public hear- having that as my role model is re- ing on Hyrniewicz Park, the rede- ally where that started to develop.” sign process of the project is being Morse grew up in Monson un- taken very seriously. til seventh grade, at which point he With the assistance and guid- moved to Wilbraham and attended ance of Berkshire Design Group Minnechaug and then Westfield Principal Carlos Nieto, three con- State University, where he received cepts of the park were introduced a Criminal Justice degree with a mi- nor in Psychology. to the residents on June 30. In the Courtesy photo first concept, Nieto said the current Colin Morse came back home to Morse has been with the Mon- structure of the park would remain Monson to serve the community not son Fire Department for three years, the status quo. just as a firefighter and paramedic, where he started as a call/volunteer “We have kept this circulation but also as someone who just cares member, and then transitioned to a very similar to what it is right now, about his town. Firefighter/EMT, and finally a Fire- meaning we still have the classical Turley Publication photos by Michel Harrison fighter/Paramedic. Morse said part center in a place where you have Katie Olszta, former Brimfield police officer Ryan Olszta’s sister, talks to a resident who showed up for the of the reason why he felt drawn your monument and paths that are first day of a petition drive to recall Brimfield Select Board Chair Suzanne Collins. Editor’s note: The Monson Fire back to his hometown was the op- going to it, but what we’ve added Department’s station house was portunity to serve even when it’s not here is a path or a sidewalk that goes built in 1978 and now an audit is responding to an emergency. all the way around,” Nieto said. underway to help determine a plan “Working in Monson is chal- “I look at circulation, that’s Recall petition drive against for bringing the facility up to mod- lenging and rewarding at the same kind of the bones of the park. So, ern standards. This is the second in- time,” he said. the way you walk around the park is stallment of a periodic series on the “You have to be a jack of all going to establish how we are orga- selectwoman picks up steam MFD and its personnel. trades,” Morse said, adding that there is a lot of “community in- nizing these spaces.” By Michael Harrison all of them be retained. stration as part of an effort to re- volvement” when working in a In the first concept, Nieto also [email protected] A motion to reinstate Olszta call select board Chair Suzanne By Kimberly Palmucci town such as Monson. brought the playground closer to the at Monday night’s select board Collins, one of the three who vot- Correspondent “You might show up to help gazebo and discussed the possibility BRIMFIELD – Ryan Olszta meeting was stalled on a 2-2 vote ed against retaining Ryan Olszta install smoke alarms for someone of a skate park being added to the may or may not ever be reinstat- with one member, who voted last month. Collins and Martin MONSON — Since he was a because they have issues getting up overall area. ed as a town police officer, but his against the now-former officer on Kelly voted to deny the motion child, Firefighter/Paramedic Colin on a ladder...during the winter, you In the second concept, the in- supporters aren’t taking no for an June 28, absent from the meeting for his reinstatement while Se- Morse always knew he wanted to might shovel paths in driveways and side of the park has been altered. answer. after trying to resign last week – lectmen Mike Doyle and Paul work in emergency services. put salt down. You really have to be “In this one in particular, what Nearly a month ago, Olszta though he apparently is still tech- McCarthy voted to retain Olszta. “That was constant from the involved in the community. “I’m we’ve done is we’ve created earth- was the only one of nine Brim- nically a selectman. The recall drive got under- time I was in preschool,” Morse more than just a Firefighter/Para- worms,” field police officers not given a Before the meeting, some of way July 14 when Katie Olszta said. medic. I’m a community servant, new contract despite a recommen- Olszta’s supporters, led by his “There’s pictures of me in po- PARK ❙ page 3 dation by Chief Charlie Kuss that sister Katie Olszta, held a demon- RECALL ❙ page 5 lice officer outfits and firefighter MORSE ❙ page 5

COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT Volunteers help local seniors who Special election on hold after want to ‘age in place’ technicality cited By Michael Harrison [email protected]

HOLLAND – It all started with the book. First Robin Cournoyer read it. Then she turned Linda Racine on to it. Before long, the two spear- headed a project with the Holland Community/Senior Center that connects elderly residents who live alone with volunteers who help with everyday chores young- er or more able folks may take for granted. Just as important, the volun- teers help local seniors from suf- fering the crippling effects of iso- lation. The book is “Alone and Invisi- ble No More” by Dr. Alan Teel and the project is Holland Helpers, the center’s latest outreach. “I was speaking with a nurse who does consulting work and is a health advocate for seniors,” Cour- Courtesy photo Courtesy photo noyer, 62, an Occupation Nursing Supporters of former police officer Ryan Olszta gathered outside prior to Monday’s Brimfield Select Board meeting professor at Goodwin University, A new volunteer program called Holland Helpers at the Holland Commu- nity/Senior Center is helping seniors who need some assistance “age in to protest the board’s 3-2 vote against retaining him while also soliciting signatures for a recall petition calling for said. a vote to remove Select Board Chair Suzanne Collins. “She told me about the book place.” Shown here (from left) are: Charlotte McIntyre, Robin Wilson, Out- and felt I would be interested in reach and Community Center Director Brenda Palmer, Council on Aging Chair Linda Racine, Robin Cournoyer, Donna Allard, and Suanne Hilbert. By Michael Harrison needs to inform Town Clerk Debra ternoon, Fagerstrom had not heard reading it.” [email protected] Fagerstrom if he wishes to resign. from Leaming, she said. Cournoyer shared it with ob- Several residents questioned Residents could file a recall vious intent. Racine, 72, chairs the ing helped. It gives them a sense BRIMFIELD — Residents the process and asked what options vote petition like one did last week town’s Council on Aging. Working with the premise of purpose and fosters new friend- hoping a date would be set Monday the town has if Leaming does not in an attempt to remove Collins. “Seniors need help as they age Holland “has always been a sup- ships.” night for a special election to fill a contact Fagerstrom and re-state his That petition has nearly half the sig- and can no longer do the things portive community where neigh- For decades, the trend in the seat on the town’s select board were resignation. Essentially none, they natures needed to set a recall refer- they used to do for themselves,” bors are always willing to help U.S. was for older residents, espe- quickly disappointed. were told. endum in motion. Racine, a retired IT business appli- each other,” Holland Senior Center cially those living alone, to tran- Earlier this month, on July 6, “An act of Congress wouldn’t In the announcement from cations developer, said. and Outreach Coordinator Brenda sition from their longtime home Pat Leaming announced his resig- change anything,” Fagerstrom said. Leaming that Collins read aloud “I liked the aspect of seniors Palmer was all-in on creating a vol- to assisted living facilities – and nation from the board via a letter Leaming, who served previ- July 6, he cited backlash on social helping each other as well as be- unteer-based program that makes it for many, whether they wanted to easier for local seniors in need to he sent to board Chair Suzanne ous terms on the select board but media and other reaction to his role or not. Now, the idea of “aging in age in place. Collins. He was not present at that had been out of office, was elected in the board voting 3-2 the prior place” is growing in popularity. After the last Holland Helpers meeting. Monday night, the public in the most recent town election, week not to retain popular police Sometimes, it just takes a helping was told Leaming remains a mem- meaning there is nearly three years hand. HOLLAND ❙ page 5 ber of the select board because he left on his term. As of Tuesday af- ELECTION ❙ page 5 July 22, 2021 ❙ THE JOURNAL REGISTER PAGE 9

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SOCCER SOCCER Mustangs take care of Chicopee Monson splits double dip with Aldenville By Tim Peterson was righthander Keith Smith, who Sports Correspondent helped the Ware varsity team advance into the Western PALMER—While the Major Mass. Division 4 finals. League baseball regular season is Smith allowed two runs on a marathon, the American Legion two base hits with nine strikeouts regular season is a sprint to the fin- in six innings against Aldenville. ish line, especially this year. The only reason Smith didn’t The Legion baseball season pitch longer was because he had in Western Massachusetts nor- reached the 105-pitch limit. mally starts in the middle of June “Keith is our number one and ends in late July. Because pitcher this year,” Tripp said. “I the MIAA baseball playoffs were wish that he could start every game pushed back a couple of weeks for us, but he can’t. He pitched re- due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ally well in the first game.” the Legion season didn’t start until The Aldenville starter in the June 27. first game was Brady Burnett, The weather was also a major who’s a crafty lefty. He was a Emily Provost tries to settle the ball. factor during the first week of the sophomore pitcher on the Chicop- Legion season as each team had a ee High School varsity baseball couple of games postponed or sus- team this past spring. pended. “Brady is a young pitcher Two of those teams are Alden- for us,” Phillips said. “He pitched ville Post 337 and Monson Post very well in tonight’s game.” 241, who are both members of Burnett, who allowed two Zone 2. They split a doubleheader runs (one earned) on seven hits, held at Legion Field in Palmer, on came very close to winning his July 5. first Legion game. Monson, who played their Aldenville, who was the home first home game of the Legion sea- team in game one, held a slim 2-1 son, won the opening game, 4-2, lead entering the top of the sev- in eight innings. enth inning, but Monson managed “Winning the first game in ex- to tie the score. tra innings was huge for us,” said James Delaney drew a leadoff Monson manager Steve Tripp. “It walk and moved to second base gave us the opportunity to sweep following a perfect sacrifice bunt the doubleheader, but things just by Thomas Swift. After advancing didn’t go our way in the second to third on a wild pitch, Delaney Rylee Bonneau winds up for a game. scored the tying run when Chance throw-in. Aldenville, who were missing Lee lined a single into right field. a couple of players in game one, At that point, Phillips decid- celebrated a 12-2 victory in the ed to make a pitching change. He nightcap. took out Burnett, who threw 90 “You have to give Monson pitches, and replaced him with a lot of credit for winning game righthander Brandon McKenna. one,” said Aldenville manager Lee was thrown out trying to MONSON – The Mon- Kyle Phillips. “We had our whole steal second and the next batter son High School girls sum- team here for the second game and grounded out to the first baseman mer soccer team continued our energy level was also a lot dif- ending the inning. to succeed in A Division ferent. We had nine hits and sev- Monson relief pitcher Mike action, downing Chicopee en walks in that game. I think we Mayberry, who’s a righty, struck last Thursday evening. The have a very strong team this year.” out two batters in the bottom half game was originally sup- Aldenville, who have players of the seventh. Aldenville also had posed to be held in Monson, from Chicopee and Holyoke list- a runner thrown out trying to steal but was moved to Chicopee. ed on their roster, had a 2-1 record second base. Monson was able to adjust Olivia Charzan following the doubleheader. Monson took the lead for the to the road trip just fine, makes her way Monson, who have players first time in the top of the eighth. with a 2-0 win. up the field. from Ware, Palmer, and Monson, Dillon Slattery, who drew a had a 1-2 overall record. one-out walk, scored the go-ahead The first game of the double- run following another walk by Olivia Charzan winds up for a free header was an old fashion pitch- James Delaney. Jacob Bollea, who kick. er’s duel. Photos by David Henry www.sweetdogphotos.com Monson’s starting pitcher MONSON ❙ page 10

SOCCER SOCCER Blue Sox swept in DH, Pioneers score another shutout to open playoffs By Tim Peterson announce promotions Sports Correspondent HOLYOKE – The Valley Blue Blue Sox, but top-seeded Valley had LUDLOW—The Western Sox hosted the Martha’s Vineyard trouble breaking the scoring deficit, Mass. Pioneers scored three or Sharks in a double header on Thurs- whereas the Sharks capitalized on more goals in six of their seven day, their second meeting of the big hits to secure their leads in both regular season home matches. The week. games. Pioneers scoring spree continued in Holyoke Gas and Electric spon- The losses tonight didn’t the USL League Two Eastern Con- sored a Blue Sox mini helmet give- change the Blue Sox standings as ference quarterfinal match. away for the first 250 fans through first in the Southern Division. The The second-seeded Pioneers the gates at MacKenzie Stadium. team will host the Bristol Blues on scored a pair of goals in each half The first of the two seven in- Saturday at 6:35 p.m. for St. Pat- against the seventh-seeded Cedar ning games ended with a score of rick’s Day in July, sponsored by Stars Rush en route to a 4-0 shutout 2-1 in favor of the Sharks, and the Holyoke Medical Center. victory before the largest crowd of second game started at 6:35 p.m., The Blue Sox invite all fans to the season at last and ended with a score of 2-4. celebrate by wearing green to the Friday night. Both low-scoring games saw “It feels very good to win a good offensive attempts from the BLUE SOX ❙ page 10 home playoff match,” said Pio- neer’s head coach Federico Mo- Martin Oyenard fields a pass. Federico Ucar follows through on linari. “We played very well as a Jordan Koduah sends a shot at the his shot. goal. Photos by Gregory A. Scibelli team tonight. Everyone has worked Both of the Pioneers first half SOCCER very hard this season.” “It was good for us to get a 1-0 lead sitano Stadium before losing to the goals against the Cedar Stars (8-3- in this match. The Pioneers, who finished in penalty kicks. 3), who are from New Jersey, were the regular season in first place in Late in the first half, Regragui Jay Willis, who’s one of the Pi- scored on free kicks by midfielder converted another free kick from T-Birds seek fan help for the Northeast Division standings oneer assistant coaches, along with Samir Regragui, who’s from the with a 10-2-2 record, won a home about 20 yards away giving his Dennis Gomes and John Voight, United Kingdom. team a 2-0 halftime advantage. playoff game for the first time since nd was a member of the Pioneers 2005 During the 22 minute of the “I just saw the keeper posi- jersey design 2005. squad. first half, Sebastian Arriagado was “Winning a playoff game feels tioned on the other side of the goal SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - The field Ice-O-Topes jerseys to be worn The quarterfinal match began fouled by a Cedar Stars player set- amazing, especially doing it at and I sent a bender into the left cor- Springfield Thunderbirds seeking on the ice during the February 12, an hour later than it was scheduled ting up the Pioneers first goal. home,” said Pioneer’s captain Fed- ner,” Regragui added. “I’m more of fan-created jersey designs as part 2022 game. to start. Regragui, who’s a member of erico Gutierrez, who anchors the a defensive midfielder, so it feels of their Ice-O-Topes Jersey Design Your artistic ability doesn’t A thunderstorm passed by Lu- the AIC men’s soccer team, took defensive unit. “We were able to nice to get on the score sheet.” Contest. matter; we want to see your designs. sitano Stadium delaying the start of the free kick from about 30 yards score four goals in tonight’s match, Regragui’s lone goal of the reg- Attention all cromulent artists The contest winner will receive the first quarterfinal match of the out. Cedar Stars goalie Ethan Koe- which will give us a lot of confi- ular season came in the final home and designers. a custom jersey in their design & an evening between the third-seeded hler froze on Regragui’s line-drive dence going into tomorrow’s match match against Black Rock FC. Have you ever wanted to de- Ice-O-Topes prize pack; all entrants Long Island Rough Riders and the shot, which sailed into the left cor- against Seacoast.” Regragui, who played in 11 sign a hockey jersey? The Spring- will be entered into a random draw- sixth-seeded Seacoast United Phan- ner of the net. Back in 2005, the Pioneers de- regular season matches, took all of field Thunderbirds are looking for ing to receive the custom winning toms by about 45 minutes. That “It was a power shot, and luck- feated the Wilmington (North Car- the Pioneers corner kicks and free designs for the next Ice-O-Topes jersey. match was decided in extra time ily their goalie didn’t make the save olina) Hammerheads in the USL kicks in the quarterfinal match. jersey! One lucky design will be with the Phantoms pulling out a 2-1 on it,” said Regragui, who’s a first- Second Division semifinals at Lu- chosen as the official 2022 Spring- T-BIRDS ❙ page 10 upset victory. year member of the Pioneers squad. PIONEERS ❙ page 10