During a meeting on Jan. 21, the Easthampton City Council focused most of its time on the safety of the city.
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NORTHAMPTON
Hampshire HOPE offers free Narcan training
A community naloxone training hosted by Hampshire HOPE and the Drug Addiction Recovery Team will take place on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity.
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DCC asks to ‘share the warmth’ with clothing drive
With the winter season in full swing, the Division of Community Care is seeking community support and donations toward its “Share the Warmth” clothing drive.
Page 5
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
Derby talks future goals for Easthampton
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — Having already served in an interim capacity for several months, Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby said he’s already found his footing in his first official term at the city’s helm.
“Now that I’m about seven months in, I’m feeling like I’m really starting to hit my stride, which is great because this is where most mayors are actually literally in their first two weeks, so I have a head start,” he said.
Derby officially became interim mayor of Easthampton last July following the resignation of former Mayor Nicole LaChapelle. After eventually deciding to throw his hat in the race in the fall, Derby was ultimately elected as the fourth mayor in Easthampton’s history during the November election.
In a recent check-in with Reminder Publishing, the 22-year City Council veteran said his time as interim mayor allowed him to further accentuate his resourcefulness and communication skills. He said he is now ready to work closely with department heads as the budget season evolves over the next several months.
“They all know that we’re trying to be as mindful as we can about how we spend money and getting value for the money that we do spend. That’s been one of my priorities from the get-go,” said Derby. “Mayors right now are just getting into the, ‘this is what I’m about,’ but I’m at the place where they kind of know what I’m looking for, and now they’re able to come to me as we’re getting to the budget season.”
Derby said his leadership and
what the shared mission for the community will ultimately be are two of the many focuses he has in his first official term as mayor.
“Leadership is not done in a vacuum. Leadership is based on relationships and expectations, and it’s really so much easier when everyone is on the same page, and when you have clean, open lines of communication and mutual respect,” Derby said.
With the added focus, Derby noted this effort will be a work in progress as he aims to continue growing and learning from his new position. As a third-generation teacher who has taught physical education and wellness at Northampton High School for two decades, Derby said his life has always been about understanding leadership and the dynamics and interpersonal communications that come with his previous roles.
“If I can help people be able to feel good about coming to the job and feel good about the work that they’re doing, and if I can have even a little part in that of making them feel good about that, that’s huge,” said Derby. “One of the things I’ve learned about being mayor is there’s no typical day. It is dynamic. It is exciting. It is scary. All of the above. But when you have the pieces in place that allow you to be successful, all of those things are manageable.”
Derby said another focus in his first term as mayor is building on the city’s relationships with state and federal partners. Derby called these relationships critical. He said that although the federal government is currently “in a place of chaos and craziness,” having relationships with federal representatives is still
crucial because there are earmarks that could benefit the city in the future.
“We need to make sure that we not only can access those funds, but can advocate for those funds. For me, one of the things I see as an important piece in my role is to advocate for Easthampton every opportunity I can,” said Derby.
Looking ahead to the new year, Derby said he is focused on reestablishing the city’s social media presence to improve communications so citizens are better informed on what’s going on in Easthampton. Derby shared excitement for a new Easthampton city app that will help mitigate any communication gaps.
“We are … creating a city app where it will be an integrated app. We haven’t decided on a name yet, but what it’s going to
do is have all of city services incorporated into a one-stop shop. Paying water and sewer, paying real estate taxes, excise taxes, getting permits — whether it’s a burn permit from the Fire Department or a tag sale permit from the clerks. Mountain Road closed? You get a push notification to your phone. Emergency communication goes out, you get a push notification to your phone,” Derby explained. Information regarding recycling and trash hauling options will also be included on the app, as well as press releases from city officials and departments. There will also be a way residents can report potholes or un-shoveled streets.
“Part of the functionality is,
Mayor Salem Derby
Reminder Publishing file photo
See DERBY on page 3
Hatfield Rally House creates clubhouse for tennis, pickleball
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
HATFIELD — The Hatfield Rally House, located just off exit 30 on Interstate 91, is a new home base for tennis and pickleball players looking to hone their skills.
Born from a lifelong love of tennis and the desire to create a welcoming space where players of both sports can play in harmony, the house is a facility that features a community of supportive instructors and players of all ages.
Married owners Ashley Schaffer and Pat Roche are both former tennis players who built this new endeavor together. Roche said opening the Rally House was the couple’s dream, but Schaffer’s mission.
“I’m more of a ‘head in the clouds’ kind of guy, and she can do both. She can see it and make it happen,” said Roche.
Originally a multi-generation family farm, the site of Hatfield Rally House has long been a place for people to come together, and now Schafer said she is proud to continue carrying the tradition forward as they bring the regional community together for fun, fitness and friendly competition. The 60,000-square-foot facility has devoted spaces to both tennis and pickleball, with four total tennis courts and eight pickleball courts on each side of the building.
Originally from Texas, Schaffer moved to the area in 2001 for graduate school. Fast forward about 15-plus years, she found herself playing tennis alongside Roche.
“I’ve been playing tennis my whole life; it began as something I did with my family. Both my parents played, so I spent a lot of time just hanging around the court with my sister just playing with ants on the court, that kind of thing,” said Schaffer.
The couple met in 2012 and
See CLUBHOUSE on page 3
Top row, from left: The Hatfield Rally House for tennis and pickleball is located at 255 West St. in Hatfield. A view from above the Hatfield Rally House pickleball courts from the clubhouse mezzanine area. Middle rown, from left: A closer look at the pickleball courts inside the Hatfield Rally House. The lounge space will help members of the Hatfield Rally House feel right a home in between games and allow for perfect views of the courts. Third row, from left: The grab and go café space inside the Hatfield Rally House. The Hatfield Rally House pro shop. Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
Clubhouse
Continued from page 2
would bond over their love for tennis and the fact that both had fallen out of actively playing the sport. Roche played tennis in college and coached some afterwards, while Schaffer had not actively played since she was younger.
“I immediately fell back in love with it, and we eventually started to talk about maybe we should open a tennis place. Ashley wanted to have a nice club for tennis, as most of the places to play tennis in the area currently are not clubs, but more-so spaces with courts,” said Roche.
With their reignited passions for the sport, the two began brainstorming to see if opening a tennis club would be a worthwhile endeavor.
“I would go home a few times a year [in Texas] and I’d look at the clubs there, and they’re really nice,” said Schaffer. “But then I’d come back here and there was nothing.”
Roche said the plans to open a tennis-only club were eventually put on the backburner because it would likely be a challenge opening a dedicated clubhouse to just tennis in the area. Luckily for the two, the popularity of pickleball skyrocketed and created a new angle to achieving their goal.
“After the pandemic, when pickleball really took off around here, we started to think maybe we can have both. Pickleball people can help float the tennis side, and maybe we can bring the two communities together,” added Roche.
He said that while people are attracted to the more “social vibes” of pickleball, he has also seen pickleball players looking to make the jump to tennis. Roche said they want the Rally House to feature players of all ages and experiences between the two sports.
“There’s so many of our tennis friends who are 50-plus [years old] playing tennis. Once you get below that age range, the number of players is not as robust, so we’ve been trying to get those numbers up. And pickleball has been the same way,” he added.
The Hatfield Rally House officially opened in December. Aside from featuring the four full tennis courts and eight full pickleball courts, there is also an emphasis on establishing a clubhouse-style space.
Hatfield Rally House Director of Operations Keshawn Dodds gave Reminder Publishing a tour of the space and spoke about the efforts going into making the space a clubhouse for the community. Dodds was the executive director for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club prior to changing roles.
“Our goal is to make this more of a community, not just a place where you come in to play pickleball, tennis and leave. We’re trying to call our members our family members. We want people to come in, enjoy our grab-andgo café or the lounge where they can sit and relax.”
Before approaching the courts inside the Rally House, visitors will notice a café space that features plenty of tables, a bar space, televisions and Wi-Fi accessibility. All members will have access to free coffee, tea or hot
chocolate, along with a microwave and fridge.
There are food and drink for sale inside the Rally House provided by Prospect Meadow Farms and Berkshire Naturals.
“We’re trying to keep it all local and build upon what we have, and making sure that people know that one, we’re not a franchise. We’re family owned. And number two, we’re here to stay and make sure there’s going to be good traffic coming through and great revenue coming to the city,” Dodds said.
Past the café space is the current pro shop, with items from either sport available for purchase. In this area is the lounge space, which sits between the two courts. Above this lounge space is the house’s mezzanine, which has views from above of both courts.
The space also features new locker rooms, showers and a stretching area.
“It’s the wow factor, but it’s also comfort,” added Dodds. “Some will just come sit and watch. It’s all about making people feel comfortable, and it’s not like you’re obligated to just come
in, keep your head down and go to the court. You can actually come and feel like you’re part of a family. It’s a second home. That’s been the biggest response so far, and it’s a good sign.” Plans are to host tournaments and regularly scheduled programming for both sports. Dodds also noted that the Rally House will utilize its outdoor space on property when the weather improves. The plan is to invite food truck vendors and introduce outdoor volleyball and bocce options.
Schaffer said she is thankful the “guinea pig project” that is the Hatfield Rally House has been made a reality. She hopes that it will serve as an example of what is possible for local athletics clubs.
“We hope that having more options here will appeal to a wider range and we’ll get people who maybe wouldn’t think of trying the other sport giving it a chance,” Roche said.
To learn more about membership options or more about the Hatfield Rally House in general, visit hatfieldrallyhouse.com.
‘oh man, there’s a huge pothole right here.’ Boom, take a picture. And it has GPS location, and will send to the right department,” Derby added.
Derby said the app idea came from him wanting to better streamline city information and communications for the public because social media postings don’t always reach enough of the city’s residents. The app will be conceived from the city’s website, so any postings there will be integrated into the app.
The mayor also plans to propose a live music subcommittee made up of local musicians and artists charged with looking at opportunities to promote and bring live music to Easthampton.
“Some of the things we were
thinking [are] a more regular music series at Millside Park. So instead of just having Millpond Live for one weekend, we’ll look at having things throughout the summer,” explained Derby.
Partnering with the area’s talent would only help the city’s continued efforts to expand its entertainment options and help create more communal spaces for the public to gather, according to Derby.
“That’s what that committee would be, to really try and promote. Not just work with the venues that we have, but work with the artists. We have so many amazing artists in the valley,” said Derby. “Where some communities are starting to lull with their live music, for us to really bring it to the next level with live music would help add to the vibrant arts and music culture in town.”
Derby added that more live
music opportunities would further augment economic development in Easthampton.
“As many opportunities as we can get to bring people into the city, to bring more economic development in, to make Easthampton more vibrant, that is priority number one, because its going to help me with my budget, it’s going to help us provide the services that people want, and it’s going to make it a better place,” said Derby.
Aside from these grounded short-term initiatives, Derby said he also has some bigger “pie in the sky” ideas on the back burner. He explained that he often thinks about how the city can establish a new Senior Center for the city’s seniors. Right now, they use the Library Annex as a temporary home.
“I wish the economic climate was better because what I would really love to see is a community
center where the Senior Center has their own dedicated space, but it was connected to a boarded recreation center with a gym, a pool, activity space, connected to a community space that has some meeting space, had some offices, a dedicated spot for the Easthampton Community Center to have a more appropriate food pantry, and have that be on a campus,” said Derby.
He said that a multi-purpose community center was a lofty goal, but it is something that would probably give the city the most bang for its buck, specifically for the recreational spaces, as it would provide resources to people of all ages.
“With the economic climate that we’re in right now, where rents and everything are going up, it’s a hard sell. So I’m pulling back on that a little bit, but really, if I could wave a wand, I would love to see that. And
again, I’m not done. And that’s where those relationships with our federal delegation are so important. Finding an earmark for a project like that to help us offset costs would be huge,” said Derby.
Overall, Derby reiterated his resourcefulness as a strength of his as he continues to build upon the city’s foundation in his first term as mayor.
“It means something,” he said, regarding his resourcefulness. “It’s just part of who I am, which is I’m going to try and find the most efficient path to the best result. In my campaign, I felt like I was using my resourcefulness and my skills to be able to find the most efficient path to becoming mayor. I spent the least, I was in the race the shortest amount of time, and I got the best result.”
He added, “I do take that philosophy very to heart, and it really is part of who I am.”
City Council hears about safety public concerns
By Tina Lesniak Correspondent
EASTHAMPTON — During a meeting on Jan. 21, the Easthampton City Council focused most of its time on the safety of the city.
During public comment time, Cherie Braun spoke about her experience being hit by a car on Cottage Street this past fall, praising the response of emergency responders but noting that many people have been hit. According to Braun, the driver, who stayed on scene, claimed not to have seen Braun and her husband, who was also hit.
She asked the council to improve the safety of the area. Director of Public Works Greg Nuttelman spoke about plans to improve the area, using a $100,000 state appropriation. Nuttleman explained that the project is currently in the design phase, but he expects it to go out to bid soon and for construction to begin in summer of 2026. Nuttelman expects the project to include ADA compliant entries to crosswalks as well as more signage and lighting “to make it much safer.”
The council also approved the new position of public safety dispatch director. Police Chief Chad Alexander explained that he has been doing most of that work himself, but it really needs someone who is dedicated solely to it. Alexander explained that the position would be grant-funded for the first three years.
The position, which will report to the mayor, will be posted soon and go through the city’s normal hiring process. Human Resources Director Emily Russo reviewed the job description and assured the council that the hiring committee would look at people with both degrees and people who had significant experience but may not have a degree.
“We always consider all factors,” said Russo.
In Mayor Salem Derby’s report to the council, he noted that there have been several complaints about the use of Nashawannuck Pond, ranging from trash being left to ones that could cause injury, like ice fishing holes not being covered and bonfires directly on the ice.
Derby said that he will work
with various city departments as well as the supporters of the pond to come up with solutions to these issues.
The council also voted to
renew the slightly revised hazard mitigation plan. In addition to a few wording changes, Councilor Amanda Newton explained that the only real
Easthampton Theater Company announces
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Theater Company is delighted to announce its upcoming theatrical production of Enchanted April, by Matthew Barber, adapted from the novel by Elizabeth von Arnim. This play will be presented live on stage, offering audiences warmth, humor and unexpected transformation.
“With Enchanted April, we’re inviting audiences into a story that celebrates hope and the possibility of renewal,” said Gilana Chelimsky, director. “It’s a story
about friendship, love and the quiet courage it takes to open yourself to joy again.”
Set in 1920s England and Italy, Enchanted April follows four very different women who, feeling stuck in their ordinary lives, pool their resources to rent a secluded villa on the Italian Riviera. A practical arrangement quickly turns into a transformative journey, as the setting and unexpected connections reshape the characters in unforeseen ways. Enchanted April earned a Tony
Award nomination for Best Play in 2003 as well as a 2003 Outer Critics Circle Award for Best New American Play, and a Drama League Award for Distinguished Production of a Play.
Enchanted April is not a conventional romance, but a richly layered story filled with wit, emotional insight and profound transformation. Humor sparkles throughout, but it is balanced by moments of honesty, vulnerability, and hard-won grace, while acknowledging the importance of
love in its many different forms, according to ETC.
“This play sneaks up on you,” said Michael Budnick, producer, co-founder and president of Easthampton Theater. “It’s funny and sharp, but also deeply human. By the end, audiences realize they’ve been part of something quietly extraordinary.”
Easthampton Theater Company’s production features a talented regional cast and creative team, bringing Barber’s lyrical dialogue and richly drawn char-
change is shifting the location of emergency shelters to Mountain View School now that the other elementary schools have closed.
acters vividly to life. Known for producing thoughtful, high-quality community theater, ETC continues its mission to present compelling stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Performances of Enchanted April will take place March 14, 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and March 15, 22 at 2 p.m. at Williston Theater in Easthampton. Tickets are $25 ($23 for students, seniors and military) and are available on the company’s website at easthamptontheater.com.
Benson receives Mass. Fire Services Commission accreditation
EASTHAMPTON — The Massachusetts Fire Service Commission granted accreditation to Deputy Chief Kevin Benson of the Easthampton Fire Department on Jan. 15. This designation recognizes fire service professionals who have demonstrated the required fire service experience, education and certifications for accreditation.
This accreditation is granted through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief. Belchertown Fire Chief
John S. Ingram, who serves as chair of the commission said, “The program establishes requirements based on education, training, and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.”
The applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training and experience.
Fire Chief Christopher Norris said, “This accreditation recognizes the professionalism and commitment by Deputy Chief
Benson which he has demonstrated throughout his career. Easthampton should be proud to have such a capable fire service leader that serves this great community. His leadership will continue to initiate positive change throughout the organization.”
Easthampton Fire Captain Tom Rice also recently renewed his fire chief credentials early in the fall. Credentialed participants will be required to renew their credentials every three years. The program is open to all members of the fire service in the commonwealth serving as chief of department. Additionally, any person holding the rank of lieutenant or above in that department is also eligible to apply for credentialing. Participation in this program is voluntary and all eligible personnel are encouraged to participate.
The Easthampton City Council met on Jan. 21 to talk about safety across the city.
Photo credit: E-Media
Hampshire HOPE offers free Narcan training
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — A community naloxone training hosted by Hampshire HOPE and the Drug Addiction Recovery Team will take place on Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity.
Offered through the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services, the training is free and open to the public, and registration is not required.
Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name “Narcan,” is a life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication. Hampshire HOPE Coordinator Lauren Kelly told Reminder Publishing that community members are invited to learn how to identify signs of a potential overdose, strategies for responding to an overdose, steps for administering naloxone and where to access Narcan and other community resources.
“Narcan education and distribution has been a cornerstone of Hampshire HOPE’s work for the entire existence of the coalition as a means of making sure that all our community members, one, not only have access to naloxone, which we know has proven to be a life saving medicine for overdose prevention, but also making
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — With the winter season in full swing, the Division of Community Care is seeking community support and donations toward its “Share the Warmth” clothing drive.
The drive, which began on Jan. 12 and runs through Feb. 20, will support community members most vulnerable to extreme cold. DCC Coordinator Anna Ganote told Reminder Publishing that, with the winter season in full swing, access to warm clothing can mean the difference between safety and serious harm for individuals experiencing homelessness.
“We saw a really good response to our Fall Drive, but in addition to that, we saw a really high need in the community continuing throughout December for cold weather clothing and cold weather gear,” said Ganote. “There are a lot of people in need, and partner agencies and other service providers are seeing that as well, so we decided it would be a good idea and helpful for the
sure that community members feel empowered and equipped with the skills to both identify a potential opioid overdose, and being able to respond to that overdose,” explained Kelly.
She said that through Hampshire HOPE and DART’s collaboration around Naloxone education, they have hosted similar training events for many groups, including schools, businesses and organizations that request the educational training.
The last community-wide naloxone training in Northampton was last fall in collaboration with Tapestry and the city’s Division of Community Care, where about 20 public participants attended. Kelly said while they do not have a set schedule for community-wide trainings, they still look to host them regularly so naloxone education is accessible.
“We also wanted to meet people where they are and be proactive at the same time. So, in addition to always taking training requests and working with individual groups and organizations and schools, we also wanted to host some community-wide sessions as well so that somebody who maybe doesn’t know much about naloxone or hasn’t necessarily encountered an opioid overdose, or maybe has, can have
community to try and do another drive this winter.”
At this time, there is a critical need for men’s winter clothing, including coats, sweatshirts, thermal layers, hats, gloves, socks and boots. Donations of winter gear such as blankets, sleeping bags, tents and tarps are also greatly needed, according to the DCC.
“Also, there’s been a really high need for men’s clothing, particularly in larger sizes. We’ve gotten a lot of donations, and we will accept anything because everyone needs stuff, but men’s clothing is a particularly high need this season,” Ganote added.
Cold weather poses significant risks, especially for individuals without stable housing. Exposure to freezing temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia, frostbite and other serious health complications. Warm clothing and protective gear are essential tools in preventing cold-related illness and injury and are often the first line of protection for people liv ing outdoors.
Every donation, large or small, helps provide warmth, dignity and safety, according to Ganote.
a space to really understand the role of naloxone, the importance of it, and also ways to respond and support any of our community members who might be in distress experiencing an opioid overdose,” added Kelly.
Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity collaborated with Hampshire HOPE for a naloxone training last fall for the center’s staff. Following what was a productive session, Bombyx reached back out to the team at Hampshire HOPE with the idea for the community gathering in February.
“We’re really grateful to Bombyx. They were really interested in using their space to host a community-wide training,” said Kelly. “They found it so valuable for themselves, and also recognized their role as a community space and being able to reach a wider audience. I really have to give them credit for helping to be the catalyst for this opportunity.”
DART Coordinator Kathi Cotugno co-hosts these trainings with Kelly and Hampshire HOPE. Kelly explained that she and Cotugno often try to collaborate, especially when it comes to Narcan education and distribution. She said the collaboration has been a great opportunity in educating the public.
A big part of naloxone training
The DCC will also accept unused hand warmers and hygiene items.
“We will accept anything that people have to donate as long as it’s in usable condition. If folks have handwarmers or other hygiene items [that] we’ve received before, we will accept that,” said Ganote.
DCC is welcoming donations at their community space at 1 Roundhouse Plaza, and community members can also bring donations to City Hall, Forbes Library, Lilly Library, the Northampton Senior Center, PVTA Northampton, Thornes Marketplace, the Unitarian Society in Northampton, the municipal building outside of Council Chambers, the Northampton Police Station and the Northampton Fire/Rescue Headquarters.
Ganote said DCC is always happy to work with anyone seeking shelter because they can help
is eliminating the stigmas around the life-saving opioid overdose reversal medication, explained Kelly. Often, attendees come in with a surface level thinking around how to use a Narcan cartridge, but Kelly said there is so much necessary education that people need to be aware of.
“One of our first slides is talking about the role and power of language when we talk about people who are experiencing issues or needs or concerns surrounding substance abuse, and the words we use to describe individuals or their experiences and how that can be so rooted in stigma and judgment,” said Kelly. “So, when we talk about creating a community and environment centered around care and compassion and wellbeing, it starts with how we talk about each other and how we show up for each other, in addition to how we respond in those moments of crisis.”
Kelly continued, “I think in normalizing it and bringing awareness and consciousness, we’re not putting it in the shadows, but really shining a light on it. I think that’s so important in terms of challenging and breaking stigma, that we’re not ignoring it or shying away from
provide referrals and connect people with shelter options.
Ganote said the community’s consistent support for DCC clothing drives means a lot to her and the team.
“A lot of the work of the DCC is bringing people together and supporting the community as a whole, and it really is encouraging, heartwarming and very much appreciated to see folks who can donate things that they have and just really try their best to pull it together for the community who is in need,” said Ganote. “All the donations we receive, we really appreciate it, and we hear directly from community members how much it makes a difference for them to have coats, gloves, or boots when they didn’t before. Anything that people can donate, or have around that they think other people could benefit from, we will accept those.”
Logan Boyle throws the ball to an open teammate in the corner for a three pointer.
Jay Brown shoots a fade away two pointer while being closely defended.
Wide open Ramon Motherin shoots and makes the three pointer.
Ryan Guyell gets ready to take the free throw.
Patrick Larson floats the ball in the air while three defenders are near him.
With 2 seconds left of the first quarter Chase Smith attempts to make the last second shot.
Patrick Larson jumps in the air to get the pass of while being defended by two Ware players.
Jay Brown battles for the ball during the opening tip-off.
Anthony Incampo gets the offensive rebound and makes the layup.
Chase Smith dribbles down the court and looks for his teammate.
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
A delectable breakfast style pizza comes to Indian Orchard
By Ryan Feyre rfeyre@thereminder.com
The diabolical blend of mushrooms on a pizza is about as common as snow this winter, but a breakfast style pizza is somehow rarer than witnessing a polar bear crossing the Massachusetts turnpike. Eggs, cheese and bacon on any kind of crust is a breakaway layup, a meatball down the middle, a 75-yard touchdown with nothing but green grass in front of you. But for whatever reason, the scrumptious concoction is typically nowhere to be found. Truth be told, I kind of understand why. There are many factors restaurant owners must reckon with, including demand, price of ingredients and if the style of pizza even makes sense within their brand or hours of operation. Maybe everything does make sense for them to have the item on the menu, but they’d rather be 2012 Nick Young than 2018 Jayson Tatum dunking on LeBron in Game 7. I don’t know, maybe I’m just clueless and there is a plethora of locales that serve it. In any event, my lamenting recently ceased when one of my colleagues sent me a press release about a newly minted restaurant in Indian Orchard called “Taste of Traditions.” My interest in
the establishment piqued when I was apprised of their win at the Latino Economic Development Corporation Cook-off competition, but my curiosity reached its apex when I saw that the new diner-style restaurant featured the coveted breakfast pizza on its menu. My head perked up like a dog that just heard its owner lock their car.
The item’s original makeup is scrambled eggs with melted provolone and mozzarella on naan bread, topped with arugula and tomatoes. But my eating habits are questionable, so I substituted the tomatoes with bacon. My short-term memory isn’t always sharp, but it was probably the best decision I made that day.
The texture clash was what I wanted. The eggs’ fluffy perfection runs up against the tantalizing crisp of the bacon bits; the melted provolone and mozzarella counterbalances that texture dichotomy by offering a buttery sweetness to the dish’s base. And although the naan bread could’ve maybe been a tad crispier, I found the flatbread to be the ideal canvas to buttress the flavors above it. Hunger abated, I had finally found the coveted breakfast style pizza I’ve been looking for.
As for the ambience, Taste of
Traditions provides an extremely welcoming space, as evidenced by the bevy of plants and many puzzles available for customers to ostensibly solve. The spot, located at 174 Main St. in Indian Orchard, invokes a classic diner feel, but there’s an added tran-
Narcan
it, or something we are ashamed to talk about. It’s something that we should be talking about like any other public health issue or concern.”
Kelly said she has seen the stigmas around Narcan change
quility and warmth to how everything is presented. When I have the time, I’ll have to bask in its glow a little more.
And when I do, I’ll also have to explore its menu. Aside from the pizza, Taste of Traditions serves a breakfast sandwich, Cu-
over the years, even if there are still more barriers to be broken.
“So often I’ve started to hear more and more people talk about the importance of having naloxone dispensers, just as they would to have an AED machine, or have a first aid kit in a public space, school or a business. So, I think that is really encouraging to me in terms of how we maybe see some of the stigma shifting, that we should be thinking about this again like we should any other public health concern,” Kelly said. “Just like we want to make sure we’re caring for folks in any
ban sandwich, a brisket biscuit, grilled cheese, kafta and much more. The restaurant is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day and also cater for larger events.
sort of crisis situation, this is no different ... we want to make sure that people are equipped and supported in being able to support fellow community members.” Kelly said that the training is for anyone regardless of experience or knowledge with Naloxone. Those who feel the community training space does not work for them are invited to reach out to Hampshire HOPE via their email at hampshirehope@northamptonma.gov. People can also reach out if they are interested in having a training in their community, business, organization or school.
Taste of Traditions’ breakfast style pizza.
Reminder Publishing photo by Ryan Feyre
M & G Land Development LLC, to Regina Avery Gordon, 54 Rural St.
Hilltop 141 LLC, to Emily A. Gay and Jordan D. Keith, 147 Sargent St.
Laurie J. Robinson and Sherry A. Marchessault to Sticks & Stones Inc., Keith Avenue
Michael J. O’Brien and Vicki L. O’Brien to Kevin W. Brooks and Ashley L. Brooks, Aldrich Street
EASTHAMPTON
Jason C. Daysh, personal representative, Kimberly Ann Hewes, estate, and Kimberly A. Hewes, estate, to Jordyn M. Gagnon, 30 Admiral St.
James D. Hartman, James D. Hartman, personal representative, Daniel James Hartman, estate, Daniel J. Hartman, estate, and Debra L. Hartman to Richard Hartman, 157 Park St.
Sherrilyn A. Seklecki and Sherilyn A. Seklecki to 237 Loudville Road Trust, 237 Loudville Road
John G. Sullivan and Bernice P. Sullivan to John G. Sullivan, trustee, Bernice P. Sullivan, trustee, and Sullivan Family Trust, 17 Gula Drive
Katie L. MacCallum to Joshua H. Cornehlsen and Tamara Cornehlsen, 52 Williston Ave.
Dalton-Lavallee Post 224 Inc., to Pause & Pivot Properties LLC, 190-192 Pleasant
Diane M. Renaud and Kathleen Renaud to Chad Worley and Melanie Maz, 5 Lownds
Andrew Hebert and Margaret Hebert to Grink Moon LLC, 86 Cottage St.
