Although only three years old, AREA can claim at least one major victory - the city’s acceptance of Section 9D of Chapter 32B which allows the city to pay 50% of survivors’ health insurance premiums. Prior to the acceptance of Section 9D, Agawam survivors paid the full cost of health insurance.

“I’d like to point out that former Mayor Christopher Johnson and the City Council were very cooperative when we sought this benefit,” said Adele Gallano, a survivor. “Mayor Johnson went out of his way to find money for the survivors’ insurance... he felt the city had a responsibility to provide 50% coverage.”

Jim Coon Jr., the organization’s current president, is the retired assistant superintendent of schools. “We have a very active membership and are still growing,” said Coon. “Prior to becoming organized, John Criscola, a retired police officer, had been the leader among our retirees and he was instrumental in forming AREA. Adele Gallano, a member of our board of directors, is probably our most active member on a day-to-day basis. She stays on top of everything at city hall and is constantly recruiting new members.”

Coon also praised Richard Cohen, Agawam’s current mayor. “Mayor Cohen is a very strong backer of retired city employees. He’s in our corner all the way.”

Jack Walsh, our Association’s Western Mass Vice President, was a guest speaker at a recent AREA meeting. “They’re doing a good job in that community. Obtaining fifty-percent insurance premium payments for survivors was a major accomplishment,” Walsh said. “Their next goal is $10,000 group life insurance. That will take a lot of work. I wish them the best of luck.”