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Date: 12/31/2020
EAST LONGMEADOW - East Longmeadow made a couple of major changes in 2020, joining a regional dispatch and opening the town to a new type of housing development. Residents opened new businesses and people young and old gave their time and money to charitable causes, even while the pandemic carried on.
In March, East Longmeadow entered into a partnership with Chicopee-based dispatch company WestCOMM to handle the town’s emergency calls. The agreement with the regional dispatch company gives East Longmeadow access to upgraded equipment, including technology that maps a wireless phone’s location automatically.
In November, the town council adopted a new by-law governing mixed-use village districts in East Longmeadow. The bylaw allows for developments that combine residential units with commercial property and businesses. The bylaw was first considered in 2018, but picked up speed in September. After concerns over an influx of children in the school system, the mixed-use village districts were approved to provide services within walking distance of housing, offer opportunities for affordable housing and promote open space.
Business
Two new businesses have opened at the Heritage Village Shoppes. R&M Gun Vault, owned by Melissa and Russell Cardano opened in March, while an airbrush tanning salon, Stay Golden, cut the ribbon on its doors in November.
On Shaker Road, the mother-daughter team of Cindy Kennedy and her daughter, registered dietitian Kerah Henebery opened Pursue Wellness Integrative Health Center and Spa. The business seeks to treat chronic health issues with a holistic approach that includes functional medicine, nutrition, sauna detoxification, stress relief, massage and mental health therapy.
An established East Longmeadow business, olive oil importer TRE Olive, expanded its reach to customers by partnering with the online produce delivery service, Misfits Market. Misfits Market offers weekly or bi-weekly subscription boxes of fresh, slightly imperfect organic fruits and vegetables to 23 states.
Charity
One East Longmeadow business hosted two drives to benefit Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield and the East Longmeadow Council on Aging. Patty Aleks, owner of Frank’s Auto in East Longmeadow hosted a non-food drive in November and a drive for food and drink items that are hard to find at pantries, like coffee, tea, hot cocoa, cereal and crackers. in December.
The Open Pantry also benefited from the 9th Annual Stuffing the Pantry 5k run/2-mile walk, organized, in part, by Tim Murphy, owner of 4RUN3, a fitness training and athletic wear store in Center Square. Over 300 people took part in the fundraiser.
Field Artillery Officer Payton Grande ran the length of a marathon, 26.2 miles while carrying a pack on her back that weighed between 15 and 35 pounds. She competed as part of the 8th annual Military Friend’s Foundation Tough Ruck event. Grande ran in honor of Springfield Police Officer Kevin Ambrose, who died in the line of duty, and for 9/11 first responders.
Adults weren’t the only ones fundraising for a good cause this year. Fifteen students at Mountainview School sold wristbands that read “Band Against Bullying” to fellow students. The group donated the proceeds to the organization Unify Against Bullying, which raises awareness of the issue.