Counselor recognized with Excellence in Teaching Award
Riane Nash was honored with the 2026 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award by Easthampton Public Schools.
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NORTHAMPTON
Walk for Tibet graces Hampshire County
In recognition of the 67th anniversary of National Tibetan Uprising Day, the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts led a “Walk for Tibet” on March 10, starting the daylong trek in Amherst, stopping in Northampton and ending the day in Easthampton.
Page 5
Play Lab Residency brings playwriting process to city youth Play Incubation Collective’s 2026 Kids Play Lab Residency at Jackson Street School will expose three third grade classes to PIC’s collaborative playwriting process.
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Markey announces $3.5M CitySpace earmark
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — U.S.
Sen. Ed Markey made a stop at Easthampton’s CitySpace during a March 7 visit to Western Massachusetts to officially announce a $3.5 million earmark from the federal government to help bring the building’s renovation project to the finish line.
The announcement was shared inside CitySpace’s Blue Room, where members of the monthly CitySpace Bluegrass open jam session played their regularly scheduled gathering for a packed audience there to celebrate the announcement. The building’s renovation project aims to turn the Old Town Hall building into a usable and accessible arts space to serve as an economic anchor for the community’s downtown.
Markey credited the Easthampton community for being at the heart of this project and for their collaboration in turning such an endeavor into a reality.
“The only way to really get something done is to not agonize, but to organize, and that’s what Burns [Maxey, the CitySpace president] and everyone up here has done. Just keep going, insistently, persistently, consistently, every single day, and that’s real leadership, and that’s what Easthampton has and what CitySpace has had, for all these years, because you have breathed modern life into this historic structure. You have transformed a stranded municipal asset into an anchor of the local economy and a hub for community initiatives,” said Markey. “We have a place which is going to unleash creativity in all of the coming generations of the 21st century in Easthamp-
See MARKEY on page 2
Top row, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey gave credit to the Easthampton community for its collaborative work in making the renovation of Old Town Hall a reality during his March 7 visit. Middle row, from left: CitySpace Treasurer Mike Tautznik and President Burns Maxey thanked all the collaborators on the restoration project, including U.S. Sen. Markey for this latest $3.5 million earmark. State Rep. Homar Gomez highlighted the commitment of Maxey and Tautznik for their vision and passion behind the project. Bottom row, from left: Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby shared much gratitude and excitement regarding the restoration project. CitySpace Bluegrass met for their monthly jam session inside the Blue Room and performed for the packed house prior to and following the announcement.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
STRM: Wildman and Christie discuss St. Patrick’s Day
By Ryan Feyre rfeyre@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Winter’s twilight is mercifully upon us, which means “green season” is about to reach its apex with the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” Holyoke St. Patrick’s Committee President Jim Wildman and Holyoke Grand Colleen Jadyn Christie sat down with hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet to discuss the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, including the 49th annual 10K road race on March 21 and the 73rd St. Patrick’s Parade on March 22.
While most of the weekend will remain unaltered, there is one notable addition to this year’s festivities: a sensory-friendly viewing area from Elm Street through Maple Street on Appleton Street. According to Wildman, the twoblock section of the route will serve as a designated area for families, children and individuals who want a calmer environment.
The zone will take effect from Elm Street through Maple Street with no emergency lights or flashing lights and no sirens or amplified alarms. Bands during this portion will also play strings only.
Wildman said the idea for this section came from his time marching in the Tralee St. Patrick’s Day parade during a trip to Ireland last year. He shared that the band and music stopped, and they noticed some children with headphones on. When he returned from the trip, Wildman said he made sure to add a similar zone
Markey
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ton. What a gift to pass on and pass down. Today is a testament of the good that can come from partnership.”
to the Holyoke parade this year. He shared that Magic for Maddie and the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts are sponsoring this initiative.
“I told the parade coordinator, and a few others, I said, ‘we have to do this,’ and they all agreed, we were all in agreement,” Wildman said. “We’re hoping that this is a huge success.”
The remainder of the weekend will function similarly to past years. Both Wildman and Christie reflected on their excitement for the festivities, including the focus on celebrating surrounding communities.
“It’s very much a dedication for all our regionals; and again, without them, we don’t have much of a parade,” Wildman said. “So, that’s why we try to get out, we try to network with all of them.”
The yearly networking with other communities has yielded a sizable economic impact throughout the region. Wildman said a financial study done 15 years ago found that the parade weekend that year brought in $22 million from events, sales, restaurants, hotels and everything else that factors into the weekend.
This year, Wildman said the goal is to spearhead another financial study. He shared that it’s important to capture the weekend’s impact because the celebration touches people from not just the region, but around the globe.
“We’re broadcasting 22 [News], we have a million viewers, and we have another, I think, three or four hundred thousand
The earmark will go toward phase three of the building’s renovation project, specifically the renovation of the second floor of the Old Town Hall building into a 350-seat venue. The project is currently in the middle of phase two, which involves adding an elevator and entrance way to make the 157-year-old building fully accessible.
Phase one of the project in-
that watch us online,” Wildman said. “Outside of that, as far away as Australia, Poland, Hawaii … we have these people that are from Holyoke that have moved because they can’t make it home for the weekend, they’re still trying to get involved with that homecoming and enjoy the parade.”
The weekend’s camaraderie is felt right at home too, especially
cluded installation of a new HVAC system, upgraded wiring, a new fire exit and renovation of the first floor.
by Christie, who reflected on her time as colleen after years of enjoying the annual traditions with her family.
“It’s an incredible honor, getting to know a lot of the young girls who specifically gravitate towards me because of my crown,”
Christie said. “I’ve done some visits and some tea parties with some of the local little girls, and it’s just amazing just to see how
As he finished his remarks, Markey called on the bluegrass musicians to lead the room to a rendition of “This Land Is Your Land” and said this celebration was a good reminder of “true America.”
“In this moment when our democracy is being tested every day, each of you is reminding us this evening of what really matters. And that’s what we are here to celebrate,” said Markey. “When you write, when you paint, when you make music, when you perform, you aren’t simply creating culture, you are protecting memory, and dignity and truth. And when you protect those things, you are protecting the community itself. And I’m going to continue to stand, shoulder to shoulder, with your leaders, with you, and the artistic patriots today to speak up for the Easthampton community.”
The funding is part of $124.58 million in federal earmarks going toward 116 community projects across the state.
Maxey was joined by CitySpace Treasurer and former Easthampton Mayor Mike Tautznik. Both thanked partners on the project and the community at large for their support in the effort.
“For 20 years, CitySpace has worked alongside the city of Easthampton, local partners, artists, volunteers and supporters to bring new life to Old Town Hall,” said Maxey. “What was once a civic building is now a place for exhibitions, performances and community gathers. The progress we are celebrating today brings us closer to realizing the full vision for this Old Town Hall.”
Tautznik called the building’s soon-to-be-renovated second floor “a diamond in the rough” and said the building’s restoration is a culmination of community action and vision.
“I’ve had the privilege of watching this building evolve over many years, actually all of my life,” said Tautznik. “It’s just remarkable, the momentum that has led us to here and the momentum that’s around this project to bring this wonderful building back to real life and real public purpose.”
Maxey added that the arts are
much they look up to you. You walk in and … their jaws drop, this is real.”
The 49th annual road race begins at 1 p.m. on March 21 and the 73rd annual parade starts at 11 a.m. on March 22.
Readers can listen to the full podcast episode by visiting thereminder.com/our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
a powerful driver for not only the local Easthampton economy, but across the state.
“In Massachusetts, arts and culture generate $29.7 billion in economic value and support more than 135,000 jobs. But the impact really goes far beyond that. It’s about the people and the lives and the impact that it has,” said Maxey. “We are deeply grateful for Sen. Markey, Sen. [Elizabeth] Warren, and our entire Massachusetts congressional delegation for their leadership and support.”
Mayor Salem Derby said that, as someone who’s been aware of this project for years, dating back to his time as a city councilor, it was amazing to see it move closer to the finish line thanks to this most recent funding boost.
“This building, it does have a history, and that history is just getting started. And I think in order to make that happen, you need to have a team of people that are committed, and it’s so amazing to see the team that has come together in Easthampton to support CitySpace and Old Town Hall,” said Derby. “As we move into the future, seeing all those partners playing together, becoming something greater than the sum of their parts, is so amazing, and it’s amazing for Easthampton because everywhere I go ... people are like, ‘Wow, Easthampton has arrived.’ And I’m like, well, we’re just getting started.”
State Rep. Homar Gomez thanked Maxey and Tautznik for their leadership in making this project a reality before also crediting Markey’s role through this latest earmark.
“The vision that they have is incredible, it’s good, and it’s needed for our community. Without those two, we don’t have a place like this today,” said Gomez. “We have $3.5 million today because we have the best advocate in Washington, and his name is Sen. Markey. I can’t ask for a better partner in Washington than this gentleman here. Accessible, realistic, and he has more energy than me.”
St. Patrick’s Committee President Jim Wildman and Holyoke Grand Colleen Jadyn Christie sat down with hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet on the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me.”
Reminder Publishing photo by Debbie Gardner
Domb nominates Onawumi Jean Moss for the Black Excellence Award
AMHERST — State Rep. Mindy Domb nominated Onawumi Jean Moss, storyteller, author, and educator, for the 2026 Black Excellence on the Hill award.
Moss is an accomplished storyteller, narrator, keynote speaker, author and education administrator. She spent 21 years as the Associate Dean of Students at Amherst College, where she founded the “Keepers of the World” storytelling festival. Her performances have encouraged pride of heritage, appreciation of cultural differences and recognition of kinship.
Reflecting on the award, Moss said, “I am deeply honored that my collaborative work with committed multicultural community-building leaders, within and beyond Amherst, was considered meritorious of the prestigious Black Excellence Award.”
In nominating Moss, Domb shared: “Moss’ solo performances, workshops and keynotes, are a seamless blend of story and a cappella singing that inspire imagination, inquiry, reflection and expression. Her storytelling teaches, inspires and connects the listener to our collective history.”
The Black Excellence on the Hill Awards event is hosted annually by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus “to commemorate Black community leaders and trailblazers that are moving the needle forward in cities and towns across the state.”
The event was held at the Massachusetts State House on Feb. 27.
Moss’ many accomplishments include being a 2005 recipient of the Zora Neale Hurston Storytelling Award, the highest award given by the National Association of Black Storytellers. She holds lifetime membership in the National Storytellers Network of which she received the 2015 Oracle Award for Lifetime Achievement for Sustained and Exemplary Contributions to Storytelling. She is also a member of the League for the Advancement of New England Storytelling.
Onawumi Jean Moss
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
EASTHAMPTON
Counselor recognized with Excellence in Teaching Award
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — Riane
Nash, a pre-K through grade 2 school adjustment counselor at Mountain View Elementary School, was honored with the 2026 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award by Easthampton Public Schools.
Nash received the peer-nominated educator award for her work in social-emotional support with the young student population she works with.
“My role daily, I never know what I’m going to get,” Nash told Reminder Publishing. “Every day is so different, so my main duties are to do social skills groups with kiddos, and just be responding to any crises that may be going on in the building or help with students’ behavior.”
An Easthampton High School alum, Nash started working for the community as a paraprofessional in 2017 at Center-Pepin Elementary School and has stayed in the district since. Eventually, she went on to get her master’s degree and became a licensed social worker before taking on her current role as Mountain View’s adjustment counselor in 2020.
“I love this community. I love the people in it, and it just is something familiar too ... my comfort zone. I just want to kind of give back to all who have helped me through the years in Easthampton. I’m proud of where I’m from, so I just want to be part of it,” said Nash.
She said it is an honor to receive the award because it recognizes her daily approach and work with students.
“I got it last week, so I’ve been able to kind of sit in it and think, ‘wow,’ because I’ve been in the school for so long, I know this is a big deal. It was really nice to have someone nominate me, and not just nominate me, but also for the admin. team to select me was just such an incredible honor,” said Nash. “I do a ton of behind-the-scenes work for so many kids and families that need help in our community. It’s nice to actually get recognized for all that hard work that I do because sometimes that’s the kind of stuff that usually doesn’t go noticed. But it’s nice that I have a team around me who does notice that and how I do go above and be-
yond my scope of things just to support the community.”
Nash not only provides direct support to her students; she also notices when others are struggling and ensures they receive the help they need.
An announcement from the city said she “consistently goes beyond the traditional scope of her role.” It also said she visits “every kindergarten classroom to deliver social-emotional learning lessons” and collaborates with “teachers across grade levels to provide targeted supports as needs arise.”
“I actually decided that I wanted to go into all the kindergarten classrooms and teach a lesson weekly. That’s not on anyone’s IEP really, it’s just something I wanted to make sure that all kindergartners are getting so that they can use consistent language throughout the building,” explained Nash. “We use the zone
regulation here at Mountain View School. so, there’s a lot of language like green zone, red zone, and so we use that as a community ... I wanted to make sure the incoming kiddos have that because it’s good for all kindergartners to have some social skills and some self-regulation tools. The kids really like the zones and really get into it.”
The recognition also highlights one of Nash’s defining strengths, according to the city: creativity. Nash has consistently tailored lessons, conversations and interventions to meet each student’s unique needs, often balancing multiple perspectives at once, the city’s announcement read.
The city announcement also said that she reconnects students who may feel disengaged by involving them in kindness-based initiatives, such as creating Hearts for Kindness Week, or organizing cereal and toy drives.
“I think kids really like it when we have spirit week or something that’s a little out of the norm. So, when we do Spirit Week, or we do Kindness Week, the kids get more excited about it, and I feel like they’re more apt to take part and really listen to whatever message we’re trying to do. The Kindness Week; it’s something we’ve done for a while now, and I think it’s just a good message for kids to reflect on,” said Nash.
Along with weekly events,
Nash explained that she has also helped incorporate kindness challenges where kids are tasked with making acts of kindness throughout a school day.
“It’s just kind of a lull time, so it’s good to remember kindness and to be a good community member and to support your peers around you. It’s just something we’ve always done,” added Nash.
Nash added that working with younger students over the past few years has been more important than ever, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Social-emotional need has been very important, and I think what we’ve realized post-COVID is really giving kids the language to express how they’re feeling, beyond sad, happy and mad. Just giving them more language to use or giving them tools to do something with that anger or do something about that sadness. What do you do with that? Well, go talk to a grown-up, or go do some jumping jacks. I think we’ve just dove more into giving our students more language and more resources on social-emotional learning,” added Nash.
In Easthampton, this award has become especially meaningful thanks to the fact that nominees are put forward by their fellow educators. The district also recognized all 13 nominees with certificates and personal thanks from the superintendent. By honoring all nominees, the district recognizes that these educators are viewed by their colleagues as professionals who consistently go above and beyond for
students, contribute positively to their school communities and exemplify collaborations and leadership. A full list of this year’s nominees can be found at www.espd.us.
Nash and the other regional winners of the award will be celebrated at a banquet at The Log Cabin, where they will receive engraved plaques, monetary awards and regional college scholarships.
The Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Awards program, now in its 23rd year, is made possible by the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation in partnership with the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, and supported by American International College, Smith College, Arrha Credit Union, Country Bank and Meyers Brothers Kalicka. Nash reiterated her appreciation for the recognition and added that she hopes to keep growing in her role.
“I’m always looking for opportunities to grow. That’s how I look forward to just making sure the work that I’m doing now continues, and [to] just spread awareness so we can keep all the good work going,” said Nash. “I just wanted to say I’m just so extremely grateful for not only being nominated, but selected. It’s a really big deal to me, and it’s just nice to be noticed for everything I do, especially when I feel like a lot of it goes unseen, so it’s nice to be recognized. I’m just so grateful, and I’m really lucky to have a great team that I work with closely.”
Mountain View School pre-K through grade 2 adjustment counselor Riane Nash was selected by Easthampton Public Schools as a 2026 Pioneer Valley Excellence in Teaching Award Winner.
Photo credit: Easthampton Public Schools
Walk for Tibet graces Hampshire County
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — In recognition of the 67th anniversary of National Tibetan Uprising Day, the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts led a “Walk for Tibet” on March 10, starting the daylong trek in Am-
herst, stopping in Northampton and ending the day in Easthampton.
A flag raising and proclamation reading in recognition of the day occurred at each community’s municipal hub, where leaders from each community came out to show support. The radiant sunshine and 70-de-
gree weather made for a perfect backdrop as marchers recognized the anniversary.
National Tibetan Uprising Day commemorates the resistance against the People’s Republic of China’s occupation of Tibet, an occupation widely condemned as brutal and illegitimate. Over the past six and
a half decades, China’s authoritarian policies have led to the loss of more than 1.2 million Tibetan lives and the repression of Tibetan cultural, religious and political identity.
“On this day, 67 years ago, the Tibetan people rose up
Top: Members of the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts gather for a photo with Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra in downtown Northampton following the group’s pit stop during it’s walk through Hampshire County in recognition of the 67th anniversary of the National Tibetan Uprising Day. Second row, from left: Former member of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Dhardon Sharling spoke on the importance of communities gathering to recognize the anniversary of National Tibetan Uprising Day. Bottom row, from left: Scenes around downtown Northampton during the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts’ stop as part of its “Walk for Tibet” that started in Amherst and finished in Easthampton.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
BASKETBALL
The Easthampton girls bastketball team defeated Bromfield with a final score of 56-38 on Feb. 24.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY SAM BLAKE
Piper Collins makes a no-look pass to her teammate.
Teagan Crussania gets a breakaway and makes the easy layup.
EASTHAMPTON VS BROMFIELD
Teagan Crussania jumps in the air and passes the ball to her teammate in the corner.
Nola Roos reaches above her headed and catches the pass.
Samone Young sits under the basket and makes an under hand layup.
While
down
and while running she passes the ball to her teammate.
Lily Foster shoots the ball over the defender’s head.
Sophia Belfakih gets ready to take the free throw.
Samone Young wins the offensive rebound then scores on the layup.
being closely defended and fouled, Sophia Belfakih gets a shot off.
Piper Collins dribbles
the court
Play Lab Residency brings playwriting process to city youth
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — Play In-
cubation Collective’s 2026 Kids Play Lab Residency at Jackson Street School will expose three third grade classes to PIC’s collaborative playwriting process.
The in-school theater residency began on Feb. 24 thanks to grants from the Northampton Education Foundation and the Scarlet Sock Foundation. The residency culminates with final performances of the students’ work on Monday, April 13 at 8:30 a.m. inside Jackson Street School, and Tuesday, April 14, at 6 p.m. at Northampton High School.
PIC’s Kids Play Lab brings the collective’s collaborative playwriting process directly into schools through twice-a-week Play Lab sessions that use participatory movement and theater games to explore bodies, senses and feelings. The residency also features writing exercises for students as a way to teach them the structure of a short play.
“The mission in all the work that we do with youth artists is about celebrating the creative process, and really having kids
understand that they are creators so they can create their own work and really experience the empowerment and excitement that comes from that,” explained PIC co-founder Sarah Marcus. “In addition to having pursued acting for more of my life, I’ve worked as a teaching artist creating residencies in school and after school and summer programs, basically, for over 20 years. When Rachel [Hirsch, co-director of PIC] and I formed PIC, that was always a component we knew we would include, because I had previous to that, and even after moving here from New York, had been teaching a lot of theater programs out here.”
Using the third-grade unit of Pourquoi Stories — or origin myths — as a foundation, PIC teaching artists Brianna Sloane, Anna Sobel and Marcus guide students through the elements of playwriting, including character, setting, plot, structure and dialogue.
“I’ve observed that there really aren’t any theater opportunities, especially in elementary school. In middle school and high school, they get more, but I was noticing that they really
didn’t have anything in elementary school, and I knew about the Northampton Education Foundation as an organization that teachers and community members can apply to, to create programs that don’t exist,” said Marcus. “I think a culmination of seeing the lack of programming that my kids were getting and seeing this opportunity for something that I have experience doing, and that PIC is already doing in the community, all of that came together, and we wrote a grant to do a third-grade residency.”
Over the course of the seven-week series, the third-grade students create original short plays that are performed by the honors acting students at Northampton High School. The NHS students will receive the third graders’ scripts and be tasked with bringing it to life with each session, building artistic skills and confidence, while also fostering literacy, problem-solving and communication.
The idea to match these third graders with the high school’s honors acting students came from a meeting with Jackson Street staff about how to incorporate the Play Lab Residency
into the school.
“They were like, ‘what if we got the NHS kids to be actors for this third-grade playwriting residency?’ Because for those [third grade] kids who go see the high school musicals, those high schoolers might as well be famous people. They’re such celebrities to them. So, I was super excited about that idea. We were really excited to be able to connect with multiple schools,” added Marcus.
Marcus credited NHS Drama Director Dave Grout for his eagerness to get his honors acting students involved in the Play Lab Residency. She said that the opportunity raises the stakes for high school students because they want to deliver great performances for their youth counterparts.
“It’s a little bit of a different challenge of just, here, you’re being handed a play to read by some playwright that you’ll never meet or know, and you want to do a good job because you want to do a good job. But knowing that these third graders who wrote the plays are going to be there, they really want to rise to the challenge for them, and I really appreciated him saying that,”
said Marcus. Because the programs focus on writing, collaboration and editing, Marcus said that the young students are simultaneously learning new skills while and finding agency in what is likely their first formal run through the creative process. Marcus added that the students’ growth and confidence become more apparent as they advance through the residency. “Each one of us are in one of those three third-grade classrooms teaching them some of the ideas — it’s part playwriting, and part theater games, and improv[ing] imagination building and generating ideas, and it’s been so great to see how [the students] enjoy it,” said Marcus. “I have a third-grade kid at the school who’s not necessarily an extrovert or a theater kid, and he’s having a great time. So, I think it shows that theater at that age is something that truly is for all kids. Just to help them feel in touch with their imaginations and in touch with their sense of play.”
To learn more about Play Incubation Collective or the Kids Play Lab Residency, visit playincubation.org.
Valley Players announces local actors’ roles for ‘The Tempest’
HATFIELD — Valley Players has cast its first full Shakespeare production with a company of local actors from across the region. “The Tempest” will go up June 11–12 and 19–21 as a picnic-theater performance full of music, magic and dance on the rolling lawn at Black Birch Vineyard as a benefit for the Center for New Americans, a local nonprofit organization supporting immigrant and refugee families in the Valley community. Tickets and more information will be available in April at valleyplayers.org.
Tibet Walk
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against China’s occupation of Tibet,” said Regional Tibetan Association Massachusetts President
The Tempest features Lucy Castoldi (Hadley) as Juno and the Mariner, Naidelyn Cruz (Holyoke) as Trinculo and Ceres, Allie Eaton (Holyoke) as Alonso, Dorian
Yoten Gyatso during the stop in Northampton. “Thousands of Tibetans stood together to protect His Holiness, the Dalai Lama, and our country’s freedom. The Chinese government responded with brutal force, and since then,
Gregory (Florence) as Gonzalo, Emily Hazelton (Northampton) as Ferdinand, Liza Manchester (Ashfield) as Ariel, Marcus Neverson (Haydenville) as Antonio, Maeve Noble (Northampton) as Miranda, Ronit Schorr (Springfield) as Stephano, William Spademan (Ashfield) as Prospero, Ethan Wattley (Northampton) as Caliban, Sheila Wood (Hadley) as the Boatswain and Francisco, and Nora Zahn (Northampton) as Sebastian. Directed by Jill Franks (Leverett) and produced by Matteo Pangallo (Shutesbury), “The Tempest” is staged managed by Chris Pifer (Amherst), with music direction by Solomon Goldstein-Rose (Amherst), costumes by Piper Pichette (Deerfield), choreography by Susan Dibble (West Springfield), and stage magic consulting by David “Le Grand David” Bull (Hadley). More information about Valley Players, including how to donate, become a business sponsor, sign up for auditions, or join the email list, is at valleyplayers.org.
Tibet has remained under strict Chinese control. Even today, this is one of the most oppressed places in the world.”
The origins of the day trace back to March 10, 1959, when more than 300,000 Tibetans sur-
rounded the Norbulingka Palace in Lhasa to prevent the Chinese Army from abducting the Dalai Lama. The Chinese response was swift and brutal, and by March 17, 1959, the Dalai Lama was forced to flee into exile in India.
Since then, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army unleashed a violent crackdown on Lhasa, killing thousands and destroying countless Buddhist monasteries.
This year also marks the 17th anniversary of the 2008 Tibetan Uprising, during which peaceful protests across Tibet were met with severe military suppression.
Since then, over 157 Tibetans have self-immolated, calling for Tibet’s freedom and the return of the Dalai Lama.
“Here in Western Massachusetts, we stand in solidarity with our Tibetan brothers and sisters inside of Tibet,” added Gyatso.
“This is our way of showing Tibet is not forgotten and that we will continue to fight for justice and freedom … Let us work today for Tibet and for all fights against injustice. Let us honor those who sacrifice for our cause
and continue to speak for truth, freedom and the Tibetan spirit.”
The United States Department of State has repeatedly condemned China’s human rights violations in Tibet, which has included extrajudicial detentions, enforced disappearances and torture. A recent campaign by the Chinese government has reportedly forcibly relocated up to one million Tibetan children into colonial-style boarding schools for political indoctrination.
In light of these injustices, the Regional Tibetan Association of Massachusetts continues to call upon all defenders of human rights, justice and peace to stand in solidarity with Tibetans on the anniversary of its uprising.
“I want to really reiterate the importance of each one of us being here, right now, at this moment in our history. Like us, there are 150 other locations around the world where Tibetans in the free world are converging, or staging this march, and calling for freedom in Tibet,” said former member of Tibetan Parliament-in-exile, Dhardon Sharling.
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — For one night only, Jess Miller is bringing the nationally touring hit comedy showcase “Funny Women of a Certain Age” to Western Massachusetts on Saturday, March 21, at the Portuguese Club, 149 Exchange St. Dominic Monti, an intern with JMC Entertainment — the company associated with this show — talked about the upcoming event.
“Instead of raising money for a charitable cause, this show is all about bringing the community together for a full evening event. Great energy, catered dinner buffet, and three top comics to help you relax and make you laugh,” Monti stated.
Guests can get ready for an exclusive night of unforgettable laughter, great food and powerhouse talent, according to the press release.
The evening includes a buffet style dinner service followed by a high-energy evening of stand-up featuring Carole Montgomery, Vicky Kuperman and Missy Hall.
“This is more than a comedy show, it’s a full evening out,” Miller said. “Great food, great company and nationally recognized talent all in one room. Western Mass. is in for a very special night.”
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 5:45 p.m. The show begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $69.
are all scheduled
The comedy show series, created and produced by Montgomery, an acclaimed comedian, celebrates the fearless humor of women who have lived enough life to tell it like it is, according to organizers.
The show has appeared on Showtime three times, premiering as the network’s highest-rated comedy special of the year. Now, audiences in Western Massachusetts will experience the energy live and up close.
The night will feature dinner and comedy, and, as the press release says, “[is] built
for women who aren’t interested in being background characters anymore.”
Monti explained, “We’re very excited to bring ‘Funny Women of a Certain Age’ to Chicopee. The group was formed by Carole Montgomery because, as women age, they are booked less and less as comedians. This group tells the hilarious story of what life is like as you get older, and have a truly remarkable sense of relatable humor. Whether it’s your first comedy show or one of many, their performance is more than just standing up on the stage
and making you laugh – it’s a full evening out with comics who tell it as it is.”
The dinner menu, included with all tickets, features slow braised corned beef with mustard cream sauce or pasta primavera with eggplant parmesan, butter braised cabbage with fresh herbs, roasted baby potatoes with Irish butter, glazed carrots, fresh bread and salad.
“It’s also the perfect opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Monti said about the dinner buffet. “It’s just what we need in a world that is full of
noise and chaos.”
With limited seating and national buzz behind the show, early purchase is strongly encouraged, according to organizers. Tickets and additional information are available at jessmillercomedy.com.
“We’re trying to bring really great comedy to Western Massachusetts, instead of just having big shows in Boston or New York City,” Monti said. “This is the type of national comedy you would see, but this time, in a local community.”
Latest ‘Resident Evil’ breathes new life into survival horror genre
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
I might be a big scaredy cat when it comes to horror, but one series I cannot get enough of is Capcom’s “Resident Evil” survival horror saga.
Although some animated and live action films have had terrible reception over the years, “Resident Evil” is largely known for its survival horror and horror action games, starting with the original in 1996.
The series revolves around different protagonists dealing with the fallout from the research of the Umbrella Corporation, a pharmaceutical company secretly creating bio-organic weapons in the hopes of taking over the world by selling their viruses to the highest bidders. These viruses turn people into zombies or even more horrific creatures, which eventually led to the destruction of Raccoon City, a town in the U.S. specifically built for Umbrella to do its research, at the end of “Resident Evil 3.” Despite the company eventually going under as result of its crimes, other organizations and Umbrella’s remnants pick up their pieces in future installments.
My first introduction to “Resident Evil” was with “Resident Evil 4,” which came out in 2005. Several years after its release, I got my first taste of it when a neighbor brought the game over for us to try, and I was immediately enamored by the game’s protagonist, Leon S. Kennedy, known for his cheesy one liners, combat prowess and being an extremely cool char-
acter beloved by many. While I did not ever finish that game, Leon stuck with me from that point on as one of my favorite characters in the medium.
Years later, when Capcom started giving the series modern remakes, starting with 2019’s “Resident Evil 2 Remake,” which also stars Leon, I finally began to sink my teeth into the series and finished that and 2023’s “Resident Evil 4 Remake,” cementing them as two of my favorite games of all time.
When I learned that the latest installment, “Resident Evil Requiem” would be blending the series’ survival horror roots with the action from 4, 5 and 6, along with bringing Leon back as one of the game’s two protagonists, I was sold immediately.
“Requiem” also stars Grace Ashcroft, an FBI agent tasked with looking into the mysterious deaths of survivors from Raccoon City who have become infected with the T-virus, the virus from the original game, that has been lying dormant in the survivors’ bodies for close to 30 years. In the game’s opening minutes, Grace is abducted by Victor Gideon, a former Umbrella researcher, and whisked away to the Rhodes Hill Care Center, a house of horrors under the guise of an experimental treatment facility. Leon, a survivor of Raccoon City, is also in search of a cure for the T-virus, which leads to him tracking down Gideon. Eventually, his search leads him back to where it all began, the bombedout husk of Raccoon City.
Players get the best of both
worlds in terms of the gameplay that “Resident Evil” has come to offer over the years. Grace, in her first real field action, gives players the traditional survival horror mechanics from the series’ roots, focusing on puzzle solving, limited resources and plenty of scares as she is chased through the care center by both traditional zombies and even more terrifying creatures. On the other hand, Leon has been doing this for 30 years, so he’s at the top of his game, blowing through hordes of zombies with a full arsenal of weapons, taking notes from entries like 4.
Capcom nailed the blend of gameplay styles, with both shining and taking up about half of the game’s 12-hour runtime. I loved the game’s brisk pace, which feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other, bloated AAA video games that can take dozens of hours to finish. One of the greatest decisions they made was offering players the choice to play in a first-person perspective like in 7 and 8, or playing in a third-person perspective like the modern remakes.
“Requiem” has a very high replay value with plenty of things for players to collect and discover, as well as the ability to carry over certain things from previous playthroughs, including weapons and the knowledge of the game’s puzzles to make those later playthroughs smoother.
“Requiem” follows a similar narrative formula to prior “Resident Evil” games, starting as grounded as you can for a zombie game before exploding into
an off the wall experience full of action and crazy set pieces. The game also serves as a capper for the saga with Umbrella, sprinkling the seeds for a new, bigger threat in future entries. It is also chock full of references and nods to the prior games, serving as a great farewell to the series’ history while leaving room for familiar characters to return.
“Resident Evil Requiem” is an excellent blend of the series roots in survival horror and its later ac-
tion-oriented entries, while also finding a balance between treading familiar ground with fan-favorite characters and forging new paths with new characters. “Requiem” serves as a great entry point for new players while also giving longtime players one of the series’ best entries.
“Resident Evil Requiem” is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “A LITTLE BIT EXTRA”
Carole Montgomery, Vicky Kuperman and Missy Hall
to perform
Local students hold school funding advocacy day
NORTHAMPTON — On March
5, Western Massachusetts students traveled to Beacon Hill to speak with elected officials about public education funding. The trip was co-organized by the Northampton High School Student Union and the Northampton Youth Commission. Twenty-nine of the students were from Northampton High School, and they were joined by three additional Gateway Regional High School students.
“Our goal was to communicate the reality of our schools’ struggles to legislators making decisions for fiscal year 2027, along with the urgency that needs to be taken to restructure Chapter 70, our state’s current funding formula,” said Zara Usman, president of the Northampton High School Student Union. “Chapter 70 disproportionately underfunds schools like ours in Western Massachusetts, contributing to the inability year after year to keep up with increasing costs.”
The students broke into groups and set out across the State House to speak with staff members from the offices of legislators on the Joint Ways and Means Committee, explaining the challenges municipalities face when funding regional transportation, special education and public education overall. “It was a great opportunity for our students to advocate at the state level, but it also gave legislators the chance to see the faces behind these issues and recognize how deeply they matter and truly affect us,” explained Nadia Lowy-Orzolek.
Helen Tejirian, vice chair of the Northampton Youth Commission, added, “Speaking to legislators from across the state about the specifics of our own experi-
ences as constituents and having real conversations about what has, can, and should be done was very gratifying as a 17-year-old who’s looking forward to soon being a voter. It was also incredible to see younger members of our group excited about today’s productive discussions.”
In addition to speaking with a number of legislative offices, the students met with Gov. Maura Healey about the topic of education funding and equity. They also discussed recent efforts
announced by the governor to protect Massachusetts communities and youth from ICE [U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement], as well as the Vote16 Massachusetts movement. Others joining the meeting included state Sen. Jo Comerford, state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra.
“I am so appreciative of all who made this day possible,” said Amelia Durbin, chair of the Northampton Youth Com-
mission. “As students, we are extremely grateful for the governor’s time and willingness to listen to our experiences, as well as her thoughtful responses to our concerns and questions. We look forward to the work the commonwealth will continue to do to support students and school districts across Massachusetts.”
The Northampton High School Student Union is an elected body of 16 representatives, four per grade, serving as the bridge between the student body, admin-
istration and elected officials at Northampton High School.
The Northampton Youth Commission is the official city body dedicated to representing young people in the city of Northampton. The Youth Commission is composed of youth ages 13-18 and works directly with elected leaders along with local community organizations to advocate, draft legislation and lobby for policies that benefit young people and the community as a whole.
Free photo workshop coming to Pelham Public Library on March 21
PELHAM — The Pelham Public Library will host a free workshop for beginner photographers on Saturday, March 21, from
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Whether you are using a smartphone, DSLR or mirrorless camera, a free one-hour nature
photography workshop at the Pelham Library will help you get more out of your camera and improve your photos.
Dorothy
Nature photographer Ed Comeau will lead a presentation covering core photography concepts that include composition, lighting, framing, depth of field and more. The workshop is designed for beginners and casual photographers and focuses on techniques that apply across all types of cameras and devices.
Comeau’s photography centers on landscapes and wildlife of the Quabbin Reservoir region, as
well as images from Maine, Alaska and other locations. His work has been exhibited in a number of places in the valley as well as featured in the Country Bank calendar for the past two years. His can be found at comeauphotography.com and on Instagram @ edcomeauphotography.
The workshop is free and open to the public. No registration is required.
Dozens of students from Northampton and Gateway Regional Public Schools met with Gov. Maura Healey and other state officials to push for equitable statewide public school funding.
