Shelburne Falls & West County Independent

08/12/2026

Stop by and support the Bridge of Flowers as well as area artists who are donating 50-100% of sales. This year the show includes work by more than 75 participating artists. Friday through Sunday at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center.

08/11/2026

Herman Herzig

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Herman G. “Sonny” Herzig, Jr., 95, of South Deerfield, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on Jan. 17, 1931, he was the son of the late Herman G. Herzig, Sr. and Raigh M. (Caron) Herzig.

Sonny was raised in Colrain, where he attended local schools and began working at Dennison’s Lumber Mill after school at a young age, learning the value of hard work early in life.

After leaving school, Sonny proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for three years, and one year as an ammunition supplier. Following his military service, he worked at Wells Tool and later became a boiler operator for Kendall Mills in Colrain, where he remained for many years.

Sonny was predeceased by his beloved wife, Carol B. (Brothers) Herzig, who passed away on May 8, 2019. Together they shared a life filled with adventure and companionship. They especially enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, motorcycling, riding ATVs and snowmobiles on Catamount, and spending time outdoors. In retirement, Sonny and Carol spent 20 winters in Winter Haven, FL. Sonny enjoyed golfing there, although family members often joked he played mostly to make Carol happy.

A man of many interests, Sonny had a special fondness for old Model T automobiles and proudly owned one for a time. He loved working on old car engines and lawnmowers and was a familiar face at local car shows. His mechanical skills, quiet humor, and willingness to lend a hand will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

He was also predeceased by his brother, Edward Herzig, and his sister, Judy (Herzig) Tetreault. Sonny is survived by his sister, Betty Ann (Herzig) Cormier of Virginia; his daughters, Susan C. (Herzig) James and Karen R. Herzig, both of South Deerfield; and his cherished grandchildren, Ronda (Churchill) Goshea and her husband, Chris Baranowski, of South Deerfield, Brandon Lively of Greenfield, and Judy Lowry of Turners Falls. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Miranda (Noyes) Saladino and her husband, Joseph Saladino, of Whately, Deven Goshea and his wife, Rocio Campos, of Orange, Nicholas, Jayson and Johnathan Scribner of Greenfield; and step-great-grandchildren, Cody, Connor and Cali Grace Baranowski; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Sonny’s family will remember him as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, proud veteran, skilled mechanic, and a man who found joy in simple pleasures and time spent with those he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no calling hours.

A graveside service with military honors will take place Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 a.m., at West Branch Cemetery, Colrain.

08/07/2026

Anita M. Wall

SHELBURNE — Anita M. Wall, 88, formerly of Dragon Hill, Shelburne, died July 23, 2026 at the Legacy House of Centennial Hill in Las Vegas, NV.

She was born in Chicopee on Nov. 15, 1937, the daughter of Lillian (Petkus) and Rene Moineau. She was a graduate of Chicopee High School.

Anita married James K. Wall and enjoyed 56 years of a loving marriage. Together they owned and operated The Outpost on the Mohawk Trail. She enjoyed being active in the Mohawk Trail Association.

She was predeceased by her husband, James; sister, Bunny Frances; and her daughter-in-law, Bonnie (Thompson) Wall.

She will be missed by her daughter, Deborah; her partner, Arthur Connelly; her sons, Lawrence, Steven, and his wife, Melinda Connors; grandchildren, Eric and Kelsey, and two great-grandchildren.

She also leaves brothers, Rene, Donald, Robert and Anthony, along with several nieces and nephews.

A memorial graveside service will be held by the family at the East Shelburne Cemetery at a future date.

08/07/2026

Update: 2D8T (two districts, eight towns) sustainability project

BUCKLAND — Throughout the summer, the Mohawk Trail–Hawlemont Sustainability Initiative has maintained steady momentum, with significant progress occurring across several key areas.
On July 1, the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont regional school districts formally launched their partnership with the Mass. School Building Authority (MSBA) about the creation of appropriate elementary space at Mohawk Trail Regional School.
As part of the initial “eligibility” phase of the process, the districts will form a building committee composed of building professionals, local officials, representatives of the districts, and other stakeholders.
The Committee will work closely with the MSBA as the process proceeds.
The work of the Educational Visioning Advisory Group is virtually complete and a draft vision for what education in a consolidated district could look like was presented to the project Steering
Committee in July.
Visioning work began early in 2026 and has included
focus groups, interviews, an educator survey, and an all-day “visioning” event that gathered the ideas and perspectives of community members, educators, and caregivers.
"The work is not done," says School Committee Chair Martha Thurber. "Input from stakeholders will continue to shape and sharpen the vision in the coming months."
Additional community outreach will ramp up in Aug./Sept. and will include community meetings/information sessions and meetings to update Selectboards.
For project updates, reports, resources, and meeting dates, visit
http://2districts8towns.org.

08/01/2026

Hurrah for Davenport’s!

We were pleased to nominate Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School for the ExxonMobil educational Alliance Grant to be used for math and science programs. Thank you vice principal Joseph Moynihan for taking the time to accept it.

08/01/2026

Stephen Daniel Morganelli
Jan 10, 1951 — Jul 26, 2026

Stephen D. Morganelli, 75, of Venice, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Stephen was the beloved son of the late Samuel D. Morganelli and Jennie (Nicolini) Morganelli. He was raised in Canton, Massachusetts, where he attended Canton Public Schools and graduated from Canton High School in 1968. He went on to earn a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, beginning a lifelong vocation dedicated to teaching and inspiring young people.

Following college, Stephen settled in Deerfield, Massachusetts, and began his teaching career at Mohawk Trail Regional High School in Shelburne Falls, MA. He later taught at the Academy at Charlemont in Charlemont, MA, before moving to Caledon, Ontario, Canada, where he served as a religious education teacher at the St. Francis Center. Stephen eventually made Venice, Florida, his home, where he continued teaching science and math at Epiphany Cathedral Catholic School until his retirement.

Teaching was never simply a profession for Stephen—it was his calling. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to his students and their families, organizing school events, leading fundraising efforts, and creating unforgettable experiences, including Disney trips that became cherished memories for countless students. His classroom extended far beyond four walls, and the relationships he built with students and their families lasted a lifetime. His kindness, patience, and unwavering encouragement touched generations of lives, leaving a legacy that will continue through all those he inspired.

Stephen also treasured his family and friends. He had an adventurous spirit and a love of travel, and he especially looked forward to spending summers on Cape Cod, where time with loved ones created memories that will be cherished forever. He was the family historian as he had a love of sharing stories and retelling vivid memories of the past. His generous heart, thoughtful nature, gentle sense of humor, and genuine compassion made everyone around him feel welcomed and valued.

Stephen is survived by his loving mother, Jennie Morganelli of Venice, Florida; his brothers, Alan Morganelli of Venice, Florida, Ronald Morganelli and his wife, Joanna, of Hanover, Massachusetts, and Richard Morganelli and his wife, Diane, of Stoughton, Massachusetts; and his sister, Carol Kelly and her husband, Thomas, of Raynham, Massachusetts. He also leaves behind several nieces and a nephew, along with many great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Wednesday, August 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home, 265 Nokomis Avenue, Venice, Florida. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 6, at 11:00 a.m. at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota Street, Venice, Florida. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation https://www.npcf.us/donate/

Stephen's life was defined not by the years he lived, but by the countless lives he touched with his compassion, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, former students, and all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Use a credit card to donate now directly to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation to support the fight against pancreatic cancer.

07/30/2026

Joseph M. Scelsi

ASHFIELD – Joseph Maria Scelsi passed away in his family’s arms at his home in Ashfield on July 15, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on July 13, 1961 in Pittsfield, Joe was the only child of Anthony D. Scelsi and Carmella (Polcaro) Scelsi, who both predeceased him.

He attended Pittsfield schools in early years and later graduated from UMass/Amherst with an undergraduate degree in business and an MBA from the Eisenberg school.

To all that knew or met Joe, it was apparent how even-tempered, kind, and sincere a person he truly was. He was always accepting of people and a man who never spoke poorly of anyone. Joe was ever-caring to his family and a fair, considerate coworker to those he collaborated with and managed in various roles over 40 years.

Joe started his working career as a young teenager apprenticing in his parent’s self-made business, the C. Scelsi’s Berkshire Bakery. In this busy, loving atmosphere Joe cultivated his craft of baking and developed his passionate work ethic, paving his way into managing bakeries for Price Chopper Supermarkets in Amherst and Pittsfield in subsequent years.

Upon completing his MBA, he held positions in finance, working for Berkshire Life and later as finance director for the Words & Pictures Museum. Words & Pictures was a nonprofit, graphic art gallery and educational facility curated and owned by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle co-creator Kevin Eastman in downtown Northampton. This position at the comic museum introduced him to the world of sequential art, for which he developed a lifelong appreciation, leading his son, Tony, along the journey with him.

During Joe’s final decade of employment and prior to developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, he worked as the general manager of the Berkshire Mall, then as operations manager for the Lee Prime Outlets.

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karin Abderhalden and his son, Anthony Scelsi, and wife, Jennifer (Pride) Scelsi, and their daughter, Jolene (Jo), of Greenfield. Additionally, he leaves his brother-in-law, William R Abderhalden, II, of Lee and several nephews, niece, and cousins.

All are welcome to attend a vigil service on Tuesday, Aug. 4 with calling hours from 9-10:30 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Community, 489 Main St., Dalton, with burial following in the family plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Highland Ambulance EMS, 12 Williams Dr., Goshen, MA 01032 or in Joe’s memory to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.

To add to the Book of Memories, visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

07/30/2026

Joseph M. Scelsi

ASHFIELD – Joseph Maria Scelsi passed away in his family’s arms at his home in Ashfield on July 15, following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Born on July 13, 1961 in Pittsfield, Joe was the only child of Anthony D. Scelsi and Carmella (Polcaro) Scelsi, who both predeceased him.

He attended Pittsfield schools in early years and later graduated from UMass/Amherst with an undergraduate degree in business and an MBA from the Eisenberg school.

To all that knew or met Joe, it was apparent how even-tempered, kind, and sincere a person he truly was. He was always accepting of people and a man who never spoke poorly of anyone. Joe was ever-caring to his family and a fair, considerate coworker to those he collaborated with and managed in various roles over 40 years.

Joe started his working career as a young teenager apprenticing in his parent’s self-made business, the C. Scelsi’s Berkshire Bakery. In this busy, loving atmosphere Joe cultivated his craft of baking and developed his passionate work ethic, paving his way into managing bakeries for Price Chopper Supermarkets in Amherst and Pittsfield in subsequent years.

Upon completing his MBA, he held positions in finance, working for Berkshire Life and later as finance director for the Words & Pictures Museum. Words & Pictures was a nonprofit, graphic art gallery and educational facility curated and owned by Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle co-creator Kevin Eastman in downtown Northampton. This position at the comic museum introduced him to the world of sequential art, for which he developed a lifelong appreciation, leading his son, Tony, along the journey with him.

During Joe’s final decade of employment and prior to developing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, he worked as the general manager of the Berkshire Mall, then as operations manager for the Lee Prime Outlets.

Joe is survived by his wife of 44 years, Karin Abderhalden and his son, Anthony Scelsi, and wife, Jennifer (Pride) Scelsi, and their daughter, Jolene (Jo), of Greenfield. Additionally, he leaves his brother-in-law, William R Abderhalden, II, of Lee and several nephews, niece, and cousins.

All are welcome to attend a vigil service on Tuesday, Aug. 4 with calling hours from 9-10:30 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Bencivenga Funeral Home, 5 Elm St., Pittsfield, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Community, 489 Main St., Dalton, with burial following in the family plot at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Pittsfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Highland Ambulance EMS, 12 Williams Dr., Goshen, MA 01032 or in Joe’s memory to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, PO Box 329, Northampton, MA 01061-0329.

To add to the Book of Memories, visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.

Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home has served families in Berkshire County since 1928. Trust us for compassionate funeral and cremation services.

07/30/2026

Niles Gene LaValley

HAWLEY — Niles Gene LaValley of Hawley passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Baystate Franklin County Medical Center at the age of 39. The cause has not yet been determined.

Born on Oct. 5, 1986 in Greenfield, Niles lived a life defined by service, courage, laughter, and an extraordinary capacity to love others. Although his time here was far too short, the impact he made on his family, friends, coworkers, and community will be felt for generations.

Niles dedicated his life to helping others. He proudly served as a firefighter/paramedic with the Westfield Fire Department, Fire Chief of the Russell Fire Department, and as a paramedic for several ambulance services throughout western Massachusetts, including AMR Ambulance of Holyoke, RAM Ambulance of West Springfield, and ACTION Ambulance of Pittsfield.

He also served as President of Westfield Firefighters Local 1111, always advocating for those beside him. Fellow firefighters often described him as a "bull" of a firefighter — fearless, dependable, and exactly the person you wanted by your side when everything was on the line. He was also known as an incredible and knowledgeable paramedic, never afraid to do what was right.

Yet those who knew Niles best would tell you his greatest strength wasn't his courage, it was his heart. He was endlessly generous, fiercely loyal, wonderfully goofy, and always ready to make someone laugh. He had an unforgettable presence. Again and again, those who reached out after his passing shared the same sentiment: Niles was the kind of person who changed lives simply by being himself.

"As big as he was, it was his heart that was biggest of all."

Niles was a devoted husband and father. He often called his wife, Jennifer, the love of his life and best friend, and his son, Theo, the greatest gift. Theo lit up the moment he saw his Dad, calling out, "DaDa!" before running into his arms. Niles treasured tractor rides with Theo, taking him swimming, letting him "help" fix things in the garage, and dreamed of the day they would spend hours fishing together. He embraced fatherhood with the same wholehearted love that he gave to everyone fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennifer Jason; his son, Theo LaValley; his loving mother, Arlene LaValley; his sister, Eastyn LaValley; and his uncle, Dana Coya, who was raised alongside Niles. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gene LaValley; his brother, Tanner LaValley; and his uncle, Raymond Howell, who lived with the family.

Like many first responders, Niles quietly carried burdens and trauma that were often unseen and he had been working hard toward healing.

His story reminds us that even those who spend their lives rescuing and serving others sometimes need help themselves.

As we remember him, may we all take to heart the lessons he strove to live by: reach out when you're struggling, do not fear talking, and know that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Fire/EMS Helpline: Call 1-888-731-3473 for 24/7 confidential support dedicated to firefighters and EMTs.

COPLINE: Call 1-800-267-5463 for a 24/7 confidential peer support hotline for law enforcement officers and their families.

Safe Call Now: Call 206-459-3020 for a 24/7 confidential crisis referral service for all public safety and emergency personnel.

Crisis Text Line: Text "BADGE" to 741741 for free, confidential text support.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, Aug. 8 from 1-5 p.m. at Stanley Park, 400 Western Avenue, Westfield at the Pavilion Annex behind the rose garden.

Niles will be remembered for the lives he saved, the lives he fought for, the laughter he shared, the kindness he gave so freely, and the immense love he had for his family. His legacy lives on in every person who was fortunate enough to know him.

07/27/2026

Nancy Peck

CHARLEMONT — With heavy hearts, the family of Nancy May Peck announces her peaceful death at home on July 23, 2026, at the age of 89.

Born April 30, 1937 to W. Payson and Grace (Stacy) Stafford, Nancy grew up in a multi-generational home that instilled in her the values of compassion, hard work and kindness. She now joins her parents and her only sibling, William H. Stafford, in their eternal rest.

While Charlemont was her official childhood home, she spent a great deal of her youth in Heath, a place she loved dearly, with her Dickinson relatives and her families by love, the Landstroms and Burringtons.

Nancy was the beloved wife of Harvey E. Peck, with whom she shared 63 years of marriage. They were wed on June 30, 1963 at the Charlemont Federated Church, marking the beginning of a partnership filled with mutual respect, unwavering support, and countless cherished memories.

She was a devoted mother to two daughters, Barbara Giguere and her husband, Roland, and Janet Cross and her husband, Michael. She also leaves her bonus daughter by love, Mary (husband Randy) Jordan.

Nancy’s legacy lives on through her 11 grandchildren: Joseph (partner Alysha Renaud), Alexander (wife Korin Albert), Heather, Donald (fiancée Corrinne Peters) and Kasey Giguere, Mark (partner Michelle Garland) Overton-Giguere, Tiesha (partner Michael Lainey) Sweeney, Lauren (husband Joseph) Reed, Benjamin Veaudry, Nathaniel and Ivy Cross. She also leaves 12 great grandchildren who brought joy to her life. Many other children lovingly knew her as Daycare Grandma when Janet had a home daycare. In addition, she leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nancy always valued the education of women. Her own educational journey took her from the basement of the Charlemont school to the top floor (as each grade moved higher in the building), then on to Northampton Commercial College, where she earned an associate degree.

Her first job was in the accounting department at Monarch Insurance in Springfield while residing at the YWCA and later she worked at Northfield School for Girls, which eventually became part of Northfield Mount Hermon.

When she became pregnant with her first child, her focus shifted to prioritizing parenting. As her girls grew, Nancy took on roles at Valley View Orchards, the family farm. Whether packing apples, being “Miss Nancy” or “Boss Lady” to the many Jamaican workers, getting up early so Harvey had his breakfast before early morning spraying, or being home at exactly 12 noon to feed him lunch, Nancy always supported Harvey in every way she could.

Her dedication to community and faith was evident through her membership at the Charlemont Federated Church and later, the First Congregational of Shelburne.

She was also a proud member of the Shelburne Grange, contributing her time and talents to community initiatives. In her youth, she participated in 4H and attended Camp Howe. She then went on to become a 4H leader of the Shelburne Magic Thimblers 4H Club, teaching many children how to sew.

Nancy was an avid crafter, baker, and cook, possessing a remarkable talent for sewing, quilting, and knitting. Her home is adorned with her creations, each piece reflecting her talent and her love for her family. She found joy in sharing her talents, often gifting her handmade treasures to loved ones, especially knitted baby booties to every new baby she knew. She baked homemade goodies for the family and delivered many meals to friends when they were laid up or had a death in the family.

Her crafting became a business, Grandma’s Clothesline, in her later years, first as she made clothes for 18” dolls and later potholders, decorative towels, and quilted wall hangings to sell at craft fairs and then at the Apex Orchards Farm Store just up the hill from her home.

Her funeral will be held on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 1 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, Shelburne.

In lieu of flowers in Nancy’s memory, donations may be made to the First Congregational Church of Shelburne, 21 Common Road, Shelburne, MA 01370, attn: Treasurer.

As we celebrate Nancy’s life, we remember her as a loving wife, a devoted mother, a proud grandmother, and a cherished friend. Her legacy will forever be held in the hearts of those she touched.

We would like to thank Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, and The Eventide Singers for the care and comfort they provided in Nancy’s final days.

May she rest in peace surrounded by the love she so generously gave.