SENIORS The Wilbraham-Hampden PRSRT STD Paul U.S. POSTAGE Harris PAID Award PALMER, MA PERMIT NO. 22 Page 5 SPORTS ECR-WSS Junior LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER Legion in action Page 15 Dedicated to Improving the Quality of Life in the Communities We Serve A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.comTIMESJULY 22, 2021 www.wilbrahamhampdentimes.turley.com Knitting together at the Council on Aging Wilbraham By Dalton Zbierski Editor Selectmen WILBRAHAM – Every Thurs- receive day from 1-3 p.m., members of the knitting group at the Wilbraham Council on Aging innovate together. financial The group meets weekly in the Com- munity Room at the senior center, located at 45 Post Office Park #4502 audit The group meets weekly in the By Cara McCarthy senior center’s Community Room. Staff Writer Regardless of age or residence, any individual with an interest in knitting WILBRAHAM – The Wil- or crocheting is welcome to partake braham Board of Selectmen was in the fun. presented with the town’s finan- “It’s mostly a get together of peo- cial audit for Fiscal Year 2021 at ple that just want to socialize. As we its July 12 meeting. socialize, we knit or crochet or do Tanya Campbell provided the whatever craft we would like, but it’s audit, representing Melanson, a mostly social,” said Kathy Senecal. public accounting firm. Being an expert is not a requi- Campbell said Melanson is site to join the knitting group at the “ultimately responsible for ex- Wilbraham COA. Knitters of all skill pressing an opinion on the town’s levels arrive at the senior center each financial statements.” Thursday afternoon to improve at In 2020, Melanson gave the their favorite craft. town of Wilbraham an “unquali- “Before this group, if I had a proj- fied opinion” which means in the ect and had a problem, I had to put company’s opinion, the town was it away. You couldn’t finish anything, “in compliance with generally but here, someone will always help accepted accounting principles.” you. It’s good for peace of mind,” She reported the unreserved said Sue Costa. balance from the town’s general Facilitated by COA Activity/Vol- fund is approximately $3 mil- unteer Coordinator Jen Curtis, the lion. Campbell said this is a good group is slowly expanding, as seniors balance to have when compared return to the facility, after COVID-19 to the town’s overall budget. made it inaccessible to the public for She also looked at the town’s more than 15 months. unreserved stabilization fund, A return to knitting and crochet- which accounted for an addition- ing has served as a return to normal- al $1 million at the end of 2020. cy for many members of the group. Campbell said that amount of Diane St. Amand takes great plea- money is good for the town. sure in returning to the senior center, She added, “I know the town where she enjoys the comradery of has committed over the years the knitting group. to build funds up and use them “We would probably knit ev- when needed, but they are both ery day if we could because we do very healthy balances.” at home. I think we all have stashes Board of Selectmen Chair of yarn,” said St. Amand. “It’s great Robert Boilard asked Campbell just to be able to talk and to laugh Kathy Senecal, Diane St. Amand and Bonnie Byzocha participate in the knitting group at the Wilbraham Council on Aging, which occurs every Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Photo by Dalton Zbierski Please see KNITTING, page 8 Please see SELECTMEN, page 8 Science and Superheroes captivates audience By Dalton Zbierski Editor HAMPDEN – “Science and Superheroes” was the theme of an exciting program that oc- curred under the pavilion at Hampden Memorial Park on Main Street last Wednesday. The July 14 collaboration between the Hampden Public Library and Mad Science enter- tained a group of several dozen youths, all of whom witnessed firsthand the power of science and creativity. “I, personally, do think kids learn better when it’s fun for Gary Bessette of Mad Science presented in front of several dozen A young Mad Science participant swings Thor’s Hammer at them to learn. If you can make it youths on July 14. Photos by Dalton Zbierski Hampden Memorial Park on July 14. fun and can make it so they en- joy themselves while you’re also activity. region, travelling from Connecti- working with a production com- ences in a non-virtual setting. teaching, I think that’s a great Mad Science is the world’s cut and New York up to New pany that specialized in doing “It feels pretty good to be way for the kids to learn outside leading science enrichment pro- Hampshire and Vermont. family theatre shows. During the back out there,” said Bessette. of the school system,” said Gary vider. Bassette represents Mad Last week’s presentation was lengthy COVID-19 pandemic, “I love seeing the reactions. It’s Bessette, also known as Profes- Science’s Indian Orchards head- special for Bessette, a magician Bessette longed for an opportu- sor Presto, who led the July 14 quarters; he presents across the and actor who made a career nity to interact with young audi- Please see SCIENCE, page 9 Page 2 The Wilbraham-Hampden TIMES July 22, 2021 NEWS ABOUT TOWN VFW Post 9397 invites the public to July 31 summer picnic By Dalton Zbierski Editor HAMPDEN – On July 31, VFW Post 9397 in Hampden will host the 2021 Summer Commu- nity Picnic at its headquarters on Main Street. The event will be free of charge and open to all, as the VFW takes an opportunity to thank the community that has greatly supported its mission through thick and thin. “It’s a summer picnic, and we wanted to gear it around the end of COVID, if you will. It’s VFW Post 9397’s Summer a culmination of getting people VFW Post 9397 is excited Community Picnic on July 31 back out, but we also wanted to VFW Post 9397 on Main Street in Hampden welcomes the public to to invite residents to its will feature burgers, hot dogs, give back to the community that its free picnic on July 31. headquarters on Main Street on donuts ice cream, cotton candy July 31. Photo by Dalton Zbierski and more. has helped us survive through hamburgers, hotdogs, potato/ that helped us so much,” said COVID,” said Jared Sasen, Di- macaroni, salads, chips and cot- Sasen. “We decided to make cus will be placed on making rector of the Wilbraham Depart- ited the post are encouraged to ton candy. this a free event. We don’t want the July 31 picnic a “community ment of Veterans Services. make an appearance. During the COVID-19 pan- to charge anybody for the food event,” one that will offer fami- The July 31 gathering will “We all speak that language demic, Post 9397 ran into a myr- or the entertainment or the ser- lies an inside look at Post 9397. run from 1 p.m. until 6 p.m. of service,” said Sasen, a Navy iad of challenges, as did many vices there. That’s essentially the “Even though we are a VFW, and include a dunk tank, Shri- veteran. “Whenever we have any community-oriented groups. premise.” and our club is technically pri- ners clowns, face painting and veteran in need, we automatical- While the post received a Pay- On July 31, Post 9397 will vate, we still have events like this a 50/50 raffle. Numerous local ly have that sense of service to check Protection Program loan recognize its new Commander that are open to the public to let businesses have invested in mak- help that veteran. We’re there for from the federal government, Brandon Moran and salute out- them know that we’re here,” said ing the afternoon a special one. them. It doesn’t matter whether more help was necessary to keep going Commander Heath Jo- Sasen. “Without the community Meals will be provided by the they’re a part of our post or not the operation functional. seph. that so helps us, we couldn’t be Polish National Credit Union, or if they’re qualified to be part Sasen emphasized that the Representatives from Spring- here to help veterans. We’d like donuts will be made available of our post or not. It’s something residents of Hampden and Wil- field Vet Center, Veterans Inc. to give that back.” by way of Rice Fruit Farm and that we do. It’s one of our pil- braham did all they could to keep and New England Adventures While the pandemic prevent- Friendly’s will distribute ice lars.” the post afloat and, ultimately, will also be on hand to offer ed Post 9397 from holding an cream. Popcorn will be brought For more information on succeeded in the effort. veterans access to a variety of in-person, public event for well to the post by the Hampden De- the July 31 picnic, one can visit “Because of that, we dis- resources. All three local entities over a year, local veterans are partment of Parks and Recre- “VFW Post 9397” on Facebook. cussed at our general meetings prioritize the well-being of vet- excited to welcome in residents ation. that we wanted to do something erans. from all walks of life on July 31, The menu will also feature to give back to the community Sasen said that a strong fo- and veterans who have never vis- 18 Different All Organic Double Ground Premium Mulches Pine • Spruce • Hemlock • Cedar • Red, Black & Brown • AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • LIFE Playground • Forest Blend • Topsoil • Seasoned Firewood • Great Locations • Free registry service • Quotes gladly given • We make housecalls Please visit our website for an auto, homeowners, or life insurance quotes Eastfield Mall • 1655 Boston Rd.