Balch: 35 positions will be cut without override
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Balch presented a more detailed outlook on the two scenarios the district faces pending the results of the upcoming $6.9 million Proposition 2½ override vote on June 9.
During the School Committee’s May 26 meeting, Balch shared that if the override were to fail, 24 total staffing positons would be eliminated or reduced at Mountain View School, and another 11 would be slashed at Easthampton High School.
Specifically for Mountain View School, this would include the loss of three full-day Pre-K positions, six positions from classroom sections in kindergarten and grades 2, 3 and 5, two special education teachers, two interventionalists, an adjustment counselor, a school psychologist, two registered nurses, two librarians, three speech language pathologists and one position each from band and music.
Easthampton High School would see the loss or reduction of 1.5 ELA positions, a math position, a health position, a technology and engineering position, the equivalent of half a world language position, an early childhood position, two special education positions, a librarian and one Bridge for Resilient Youth in Transition programming position.
Some staffing changes would convert several licensed educator positions into paraprofessionals or assistant roles, including
reductions involving librarians, special education, nursing services, and speech and language supports. This applies to and explains the .5 figure when discussing the reduction or elimination of those positions, according to Balch.
A failed override would also eliminate middle and high school athletics, and the district would no longer be able to fund stipends for the advisors of extracurricular activities and clubs, including programs such as Drama Club, Band and Chorus, National Honor Society, Ski Club, Yearbook, Student Council, We the People and additional student clubs
and activities.
The School Committee approved a level-service school budget of $24.9 million in March, and now, with the updated outlook on the city’s overall finances, the district has had to reevaluate its budget through two different scenarios tied to the upcoming override vote. The district would still be looking at cuts of just over $922,000 if the override passes. If it fails, however, those cuts would triple, which means $2.77 million would need to be removed.
“We know that behind these line items and behind these programs that we’re going to be
talking about is true impact, and this is an unprecedented time for our community, and we are committed to continuing to provide a safe and supportive educational experience for all of our students. There are no easy options here. We have decisions that we have to make in both options,” said Balch of the two budget scenarios. A failed override would also include cuts across the board for the district, including the elimination of the late bus for after-school, a specialized threeyear coaching and mentoring
Superintendent Michelle Balch presented a more detailed look at the potential impacts tied to the outcome of the override vote set for June 9 during the School Committee’s May 26 meeting.
Screenshot by Trent Levakis.
158th Florence Memorial Day Parade honors fallen
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — The weather did not stop the greater Northampton community from gathering and celebrating Memorial Day this year. On May 25, crowds filled Main Street to watch the 158th Florence Memorial Day Parade, which once again ran from Trinity Row to the Park Street Cemetery.
Members of the Florence VFW Color Guard led the charge, while Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, members of the City Council and School Committee, and state Sen. Jo Comerford and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa followed right behind them. Other local organizations and students from Northampton Public Schools joined the parade, as well.
Honored at the post-parade ceremony inside the Florence VFW was the memory of William J. O’Brien, a World War II veteran who died alongside nine other men in a B-17 crash during the war. O’Brien’s nephews, Ken O’Brien and John Richardson, were awarded the Medal of Liberty, a purple ribbon with a gold star given to the families of those who have died in service.
William O’Brien, born in Northampton in 1919, was a wellknown athlete and a 1938 graduate of Northampton High School. When Pearl Harbor was attacked, he left Northeastern University — where he had been studying mechanical engineering — to enlist as a cadet in the Army. Trained at bases in Alabama and Texas, he qualified as a bombardier before going overseas to England with the Eighth Air Force 410 Bomber Squadron.
“I’d like to thank the Veterans Services of Northampton, the city of Northampton, and of course, the commonwealth, for honoring our uncle. This coming Friday will be the 83rd anniversary of his death. It’s quite the honor and greatly appreciated by John Richardson and myself to be honoring our family,” said O’Brien. The holiday also coincided with Veterans Services Director Steve Connor’s final day in the position. He recalled memories of being a 10-year-old kid and his relationship with the parade. Specifically, he highlighted the fondness he has for the Memorial Day holiday and remembered the times he went to the parade with his father. Connor, who is retiring after 22 years in the position as veterans services director, shared memories of waking up early in the morning to get donuts on the way to the celebrations that honored those who have fallen in service of our country.
early and go to the parade],” said Connor. “Our main job is to make sure that the veteran and their family members, or the widows and the families left behind, always are taken care of.”
“I was 10 years old. Memorial Day made a big impression on me. If I wanted to hang out with my dad, I was going to do that [get up
During the May 25 ceremony, he thanked the community for coming out on this Memorial Day and offered much gratitude to those who sacrificed it all in honor of the country. He also shared that Memorial Day, as a day of reflection and memory, and Veterans Day, as a celebration of those who served, have always been a paradox he and his predecessor continue to ponder deeply.
“Memorial Day and Veterans Day are both American holidays
See MEMORIAL DAY on page 3
Top row, from left: Veterans Services Director Steve Connor spoke about his connection to the holiday in what was also his last day in the position, as he is retiring after 22 years in the role. Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra (center) marched in this year’s Memorial Day Parade alongside members of the Northampton City Council and School Committee. State Legislators Sen. Jo Comerford and Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, and Veterans Services Director and Parade Grand Marshal Steve Connor (right) also joined them. Bottom row, from left: Cousins Ken O’Brien (left) and John Richardson (right) accept the Medal of Liberty in honor of their uncle, William J. O’Brien, who died in WWII. The Florence VFW Color Guard led the way for the parade from Trinity Row, down Main Street and to Park Street Cemetery.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
where he and his
in
Memorial Day
Continued from page 2
that honor those who served, but they have different meanings. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor the brave men and women who died while serving our country …. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors all military veterans, those who served in wartime and peace time and returned home after their service,” Connor said. “I have always looked at these days different. One, as a solemn event, and the other as a celebration. However, our calendar and our climate can make that distinction more difficult to recognize.
Memorial Day is often marked by somber ceremonies, yet it falls during a three-day holiday weekend that is commercially promoted as the beginning of summer. In contrast, Veterans Day is observed on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in early November. It often arrives with chilly, gray weather, bare trees, and thoughts of winter are already settling in our minds of those attendants.”
Connor added, “Together, these holidays remind us of the courage, sacrifice and dedication of American service members. I want to say thank you to everybody here who decided that this Memorial Day was going to be a day of reflection and not a summer holiday…It’s been an honor to serve everybody
for 22 years. I love this parade and this ceremony since I was a little kid, and it’s such an honor to be a Florence boy getting to do his last thing here.”
Sciarra thanked Connor, who was also the grand marshal for the parade.
“Steve served our veterans in the now 14 communities in the district with dedication and fierce loyalty for over 22 years. He has led scores of ceremonies like this one across the district, honoring and upholding the traditions that mean so much to our communities. I thank you, Steve, for the thousands of lives that you’ve touched and the many lives that you’ve saved. We will be forever grateful,” said Sciarra.
Top row, from left: A look around this year’s Memorial Day Parade in Florence. Members of the Northampton High School Band performed inside Molly the Trolley during the parade. Bottom row, from left: Ken
O’Brien (left) shared much gratitude for the community at the post-parade ceremony inside the Florence VFW,
cousin were awarded the Medal of Liberty in honor of their uncle William J. O’Brien, who died
WWII. 2026 Memorial Day Parade in Florence.
Reminder Publishing photos by Trent Levakis
EASTHAMPTON
CPA Committee approves $135,000 request for dog park
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Dog Park is one step closer to reality after the Community Preservation Act Committee approved a $135,000 request from the Friends of the Easthampton Dog Park at its May 14 meeting.
The approved funding will augment the $200,000 already secured by the Friends through donations and fundraising efforts to meet the $335,000 goal. The group received a $200,000 donation for the project last fall from Richard Boyle, a former Easthampton resident who now lives in Southampton. The Friends’ fundraising efforts and the newly secured CPA funding allow construction to begin at some point this fall.
Friends of the Easthampton Dog Park President Joan Kurtz told Reminder Publishing that the group is excited to hav this nexte reached checkpoint in the process of bringing a dog park to the Easthampton community.
“They knew we just needed a little bit more, and they knew about all the fundraising that we’re still doing on a monthly basis, so it wasn’t something that was spur of the moment or a one-shot deal; they know we’re in this for the long haul,” said Kurtz.
Kurtz said that the Finance Committee and the City Council will need to vote for final approval of the CPA funding before it can be used. She said the upcoming override vote on June 9 will not have an impact on the funding already awarded, but it could impact the construction schedule.
“If the override goes through, the City Council can approve our funds, and we can then start literally breaking ground. If the override doesn’t go through, we don’t know if Park and Rec. will have the same manpower necessary for us to do the work as originally thought,” Kurtz explained. “We’re going to sit tight. Whichever way the residents vote, we will wait and see, and we’ll just keep our
fingers crossed and continue to move this process as fast as we can, or as slow as necessary.”
Kurtz credited the Parks and Recreation Department for its help throughout this process.
“We’re smiling because the heavy work is done. We don’t have to go in front of the CPA anymore, we don’t have to ask for any more money from the city, and we’ll just continue to do our fundraisers,” said Kurtz.
In an effort to remain visible in the community, the Friends have scheduled another outreach effort, a “Meet and Greet” volunteer info session set for Friday, June 19, at Nonotuck Park in the pool parking lot from 6-7 p.m. Kurtz said the idea behind this effort is to make the public feel more comfortable learning more about the future dog park. She said she hopes that it’ll also inspire people to volunteer or become a board member.
“Board members will be there to provide a brief introduction to volunteering and answer your questions. In addition, we
have some upcoming board vacancies. This is a great opportunity to learn more about serving on the board,” Kurtz said. Those interested in attending can RSVP or send questions to easthamptondogpark@gmail.com.
Other Friends events
The Friends of Easthampton Dog Park will be at a Bingo event at the Glendale Ridge Winery in Southampton on Thursday, June 18, from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature door prizes, doggie-bling and more.
The Friends will also have an information table at Celebrate Southampton on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Conant Park in Southampton and at Harvest Fest at Nonotuck Park this fall on Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5 p.m.
Also, throughout July, shoppers at Big E’s Super Market can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar in support of the Easthampton dog park, as well.
“We’ll be around. We’ll have
our pet food drives and other events which are always very successful and show it’s not just about the dog park, it’s about the community and how the Friends can support the community as the community supports the dog park,” Kurtz said. “We are so surprised when we are tabling at events how some Easthampton residents will walk by and go, ‘oh, I didn’t know Easthampton had a dog park,’ and we have to say ‘no, not yet,’ and then they find out more about it.”
Kurtz reiterated that it feels great to be another step closer to the construction of the park.
“I am amazed [by the support]. I am originally from Long Island, and that was a very good community, but this community here has been extremely supportive from day one,” Kurtz said. “They are waiting breathlessly as we are. It’s good for everybody who just needs their dogs off a leash. We’re all excited about it and waiting for that last decision, and [I] can’t wait to break ground.”
bankESB drive supports One Call Away Veterans Support Center
EASTHAMPTON — bankESB is proud to announce the launch of its annual Veterans Drive, a community-wide campaign supporting the One Call Away Veterans Support Center in Agawam. The initiative will run from Memorial Day through Independence Day, inviting customers and community members to donate items and funds to help local veterans in need.
The One Call Away Veterans Support Center provides essential services to veterans and their families, including peer-to-peer support, emergency assistance and outreach programs designed to reduce veteran suicide and improve mental health and well-being. Through this drive, bankESB aims to raise awareness and provide tangible support to those who have served our nation. Community members are encouraged to contribute by donating much-needed items such as toi-
letries, household goods and personal care items.
“Supporting veterans is a yearround priority for us at bankESB, and this drive is one way we can make a real difference in the lives of local heroes,” said Matthew Sosik, president and CEO at bankESB. “The One Call Away Veterans Support Center is doing critical work, and we’re honored to stand alongside them.”
This effort builds on bank-
ESB’s longstanding commitment to the veteran community. Donations for the Veterans Drive can be made at any bankESB branch from May 26 through July 3. Requested items include gift cards (for groceries, gas, and clothing), non-perishable food and toiletries. For more information about the Veterans Drive or bankESB’s community initiatives, please visit bankESB.com.
COMMUNITY DAYS 2026 COMES TO PORTER-PHELPS-HUNTINGTON MUSEUM
HADLEY — The Porter-Phelps-Huntington-Museum announces Community Days 2026! and offers free admission and refreshments to residents of Amherst, Shutesbury, Leverett, Pelham and Hadley on Saturday, June 6, and residents of Northampton, Hatfield, Deerfield, and Whately on Saturday, June 13. A free tour explores the network of enslaved, indentured and free people who lived and worked at Forty Acres over five generations. Following the tours, guests are invited to view a new exhibit Forty Acres & The American Revolution; Stories of Independence & Servitude, and enjoy complimentary refreshments on the back porch. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the grounds and bring a picnic. The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is the designated Way-Point Center for the National Connecticut River Scenic Byway. A trail system begins at the museum, traverses the farm fields along the river, and continues up the old buggy path to the top of Mount Warner, where the farm’s cattle grazed in the 18th century. Trails are improved and open year round.
NORTHAMPTON
City receives $4M grant for NHS geothermal project
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — Northampton’s fight against climate change and global warming just received a vital boost. The Climate Action and Project Administration Department has been awarded $4 million through the Mass Clean Energy, or MassCEC, Green School Works grant to support a new ground-source heat pump system for the Northampton High School geothermal project.
According to the city, the project and award will reduce the amount the city will need to borrow and slightly increase the tax rebate the project can receive. Northampton Climate Action and Project Administration Director Ben Weil told Reminder Publishing that the city has been focused on this geothermal project for Northampton High School since the department’s creation three years ago. The goal is to address the future needs of the building, and this funding will bring that goal to reality.
In December, the City Council voted to authorize the use of Climate Stabilization funds and municipal long-and-short-term bonds to finance the design, installation, and construction of a geothermal
By Ryan Feyre rfeyre@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — Amid “historic financial pressures” levied on cities and towns across the state, Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra unveiled a $152 million budget proposal for fiscal year 2027 to the City Council.
The proposal, presented at the council’s May 21 meeting, constitutes a 4.6% increase over the FY26 budget and includes a school budget of $46.6 million, or a 6.7% increase over last year’s base budget.
“In an unstable world, for cities to survive and thrive, we have to pull together and build a stable foundation for ourselves,” Sciarra said in her budget summary. “That includes managing our resources carefully, thoughtfully, and compassionately.”
Schools have been the talk of town across the last few budget seasons in Northampton. This year, the School Committee recommended a base budget of $50.3 million, or a 15.3% increase over the FY26 budget. In her summary, Sciarra argues that this number is more than what the city can “responsibly and sustainably provide.”
She said such a budget would drain all reserves in two years and create an $8 million deficit.
“While the School Committee’s recommendation was made with the best of intentions, I could not incorporate it into our final budget without creating a devastating budgetary situation within two fiscal years and violating my governance and fiduciary responsibilities,” Sciarra said.
Instead, her proposed $46.6 million school budget proposal is in line with Superintendent Portia Bonner’s level service budget and
heating and cooling system at the high school.
Weil explained that the geothermal system will allow the high school building to cool thanks to the high-efficiency ground source heat pumps. He added that the current chillers are well past their expected useful life and will need to be replaced within five years at the latest.
On top of the chillers, the high school’s boilers are also nearing the end of their expected useful life if continually operated, which is why the geothermal project has become an enticing and proactive approach to benefit the building and its students. Weil explained that ground source heat pumps are protected from the elements and have an equipment lifetime of 25 to 30 years.
“We described to the City Council, and to the School Committee, and the mayor, so they understood that the first thing to understand was we were going to have to spend a significant amount of money on replacing the chillers very soon, one way or another, and we would have to spend a significant amount of money on replacing the boilers very soon, one way or another. That would probably be in the range of about $7 million,” said Weil. “So, with the
federal tax credits available, if we could be spending approximately that after all our incentives in upfront capital, then the fact that we have a much lower cost to operate system with the geothermal system would mean that was actually a net benefit immediately to the city, so that was the first thing to understand.”
The heating and cooling associated with ground source heat pumps are projected to reduce energy costs by 17%, maintenance costs by up to 50%, carbon emissions by 43%, and total energy use of the building by 68%, based on early estimates. The design phase is still being finalized, according to Weil, and federal tax credits are currently available to reduce the installed cost of a geothermal system by up to 40%.
“[MassCEC] awarded us $4 million, $3.5 million of that is what is called a recoverable grant, which really means it’s a 0% loan, so that means we don’t have to do short-term borrowing on about $3.5 million, so that saves us about $200,000-300,000 in interest payments,” Weil explained. “It also increases the amount of the tax rebate we get because it’s technically not a loan, it’s a grant. There’s details in the tax law that would cause us to get less tax re-
bate for whatever portion of the project we financed as opposed to just paid for.”
Weil said the grant opportunity is really helpful when pulling off a project of this scale. And in this context, they are still left with $500,000 to use as a direct grant, which allows CAPA to complete envelope measures on the high school to make the geothermal system work better and allow it to do 100% of heating and cooling for the building.
“That’s the nature of the grant that we got, and I think primarily, we got it because it’s a shovel-ready project where we’re already underway, we already did our test bore, we have our contractor doing design right now. We expect to start drilling in July for the actual production, and we expect to be operational this time next year,” Weil added. “We’re doing a few things that are a little bit innovative, and I think that they’re hoping that we can provide, kind of a case study that will help maybe drive costs down or make projects happen faster around the state. We’ll see, we’re at the beginning and not the end.”
Weil said more information and finalized design details will be
would mark the fifth consecutive year that the School Department has experienced an increase of over 5%, a feat that hasn’t been achieved in 50 years, according to the mayor.
In her proposal, Sciarra noted that the school budget is further augmented by $166,666 from the remaining gift from Smith College and a Medicaid reimbursement amount from the Special Education Stabilization Fund of $235,311. She added that $114,689 is available to be used throughout the fiscal year, if necessary.
Sciarra also addresses the reduction of 20 positions in Northampton Public Schools that occurred in FY25 in her budget presentation. She notes that those reductions were a result of an overreliance of nonrecurring revenue sources during the COVID-19
pandemic, but she said the district has regained some of those positions back. The student-teacher ratio, as determined by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, is a near record low of 10.5-to-1, according to Sciarra.
“Our competitive position to neighboring school districts has grown stronger, making us more desirable to new families with young children,” Sciarra said.
Later in her budget summary, Sciarra said that the FY27 budget is balanced thanks to the help of reserves and aggressive revenue
estimates. However, she noted that an override is likely necessary ahead of the FY28 budget.
“At that point, the choice will be yours, whether to renew the Fiscal Stability Plan and maintain services, or end the plan and reduce our level of services,” Sciarra said. “Between now and then, the Mayor’s Office will be a source of transparent budget information to help you make an informed decision about Northampton’s future.”
The likelihood of an override vote next budget season stems
Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra giving her inaugural address in January.
Northampton defeated Easthampton 9-3 on May 22.
REMINDER
Pitcher Andrew Symolon throws the ball to the catcher.
Third basemen Dylan Lawrence-Riddell catches the ball from the catcher after a strikeout.
Chris Weismoore high fives his coach after he makes it to first base safely.
Shortstop Brayden O’Connor throws the ball to first base.
After getting quick three outs the Northampton bench come out and high fives the infield and outfielders.
Jackson Romanowski bunts the ball down the third baseline.
Brayden O’Connor runs into the field and throws the ball while on the run.
Cole Wojnar fields the ball in the outfield and throws it into the infield.
Christian D’onofrio looks down at the pitch for a called ball.
Patrick Larson fields the ball and throws a perfect ball to first base for an out.
Northampton pitcher Dylan Lawrence-Riddell throws a pitch during the game.
First basemen Tommy Bixby runs to the bag and beats the runner to the bag.
Brayden Rios hustles down to first base and attempt to beat the throw.
Northampton coach talks with his infield during a mound visit.
Override
Continued from page 1
program for newly hired district leaders, laptops for staff, a reduction in software and other utilities, a reduction of progressional development and more.
While there will be cuts to the district regardless of the override’s outcome, a passing of the override would be much less of a hit to the district, according to city leaders. A successful override means Mountain View School would only need to eliminate or reduce one elementary classroom position, one special education teacher position and one registered nurse position. Meanwhile, Easthampton High School would need to reduce the equivalent of half a world language position, 1.5 English teacher positions and one special education teacher position.
The passing of the override would also keep athletics in middle and high school intact. Balch explained that annually, the district budgets approximately $160,000 to support athletics, and the program in return brings in about $200,000 in revenue each year from fees and gate receipts, which in turn supports expenses above and beyond what is supported in the general fund.
“We’d still be able to preserve that with a successful override,” Balch said of sports. “There’s a
Continued from page 5
from what’s known as the city’s Fiscal Stability Plan, according to Sciarra. For the last 13 years, Northampton has been guided by this plan and its Fiscal Stabil-
lot of things to consider in preserving sports. It would have to be an all-or-none position for us because there’s Title IX regulations, there are fees that we pay, the athletic director stipend, which is contractually obligated, so we’re very bound by a lot of parameters for that.”
A successful override would also still mean the elimination of team leader stipends for clubs at the high school. There would also still be reductions in supplies, professional development and summer school options. At Mountain View, similar cuts would occur with the passing of the override.
Balch reiterated that personnel is the biggest bucket, and if the override vote fails, then about $2 million would be cut in personnel expenses.
“Almost 70% of our entire budget are people. They’re the people that run our schools, the people that are directly supporting students. So, when we’re asked to make cuts to our budget, it’s going to touch staff because it’s such a significant portion, and we don’t have a lot of flexibility if we look at tuition, and utilities, and transportation, those are pretty much fixed costs. We don’t have a lot of wiggle room in those numbers,” she explained.
The public comment period during the meeting utilized the entire hour and a half that is allotted. Speakers made up of current Easthampton Public School
ity Stabilization Fund, which is maintained by periodic overrides spaced several years apart.
Sciarra argues that this process allows the city to maintain services, replenish the fund and continue a multi-plan cycle. Voters backed overrides in 2013 and 2020.
“The first override lasted for
teachers, staff, and students, as well as members of the public, spoke overwhelmingly in favor of passing the override and shared stories of the impact the district has had on them.
A full recording of the meeting with the public comment period is available on the Easthampton Media YouTube channel. Balch’s presentation is also available at epsd.us/about/school-committee.
Following Balch’s presentation, the committee discussed the dire situation the district finds itself in and also made the case to the public on why they should vote to pass the override on June 9. Committee member Bonnie Atkins called the situation “apocalyptic” and said, as a city, the community will carry this decision into the future for decades to come if they fail to pass the override.
“A lot of people are not taking us seriously … we had an incredible budget. Even though it was level services, we knew that we could get through and have a future. These cuts, even with the override passing, are devastating,” said Atkins. “As a community, I am very hopeful. I truly believe we can come together. I truly believe that. I tend to be a little bit of an optimist around certain things because I believe in the best of people always, and we need every voice to be out there.”
Mayor Salem Derby spoke once again about how much the situation has been weighing on
seven years — three more than initially anticipated — and the second override is on track for a similar performance,” Sciarra said. With an override looming, Sciarra said she will convene an override public advisory committee, which will include elected officials, financial staff and com-
him, especially as a third-generation educator and a parent of children who went through the Easthampton schools. He also spoke in support and appreciation for the public speakers who shared their experiences in the district during public comment.
Derby added that while some people have accused the city of “fear mongering” regarding the override, he disagreed with the commentary and said this is just the reality the community is facing.
“This is not fear-mongering. This is reality. These are real people, real positions, real impact on our community, and I just want to encourage everybody to keep letting people know this is not fear mongering,” said Derby. “When we look at long-term projections for the city, $8.5 million is really what we need to get us on a super stable track, and we had to make the decision that that ask was probably too much for Easthampton, so that’s why we asked for $6.9 [million], and that’s why you’re seeing if the override passes, there still has to be sacrifice, and it’s not just the schools. The schools are the biggest part of the municipal budget, 52% when you take everything into account … Now those numbers are out there. Now we have that, and we can show people what the impact is going to be. All of us need to show everybody in our community what this means because it’s catastrophic.”
munity members. The committee will review revenues and expenditures and help align the community’s priorities with what the city can afford.
Without the override in FY28, Sciarra said a reduction of services would occur. The forecasting comes at a time when neighboring districts, most notably South Hadley and Easthampton, are grappling with their own override scenarios. Sciarra argues that the Fiscal Stability Plan steers Northampton away from a similar fate.
“Right now, we are seeing many of our neighboring municipalities not only grapple with how to address big projected deficits in the coming fiscal year, but also how to plan beyond the coming
Student Representative Walter Baker said that anyone suggesting that city officials were coming from a “corrupt and nefarious” place are misguided, as over 50 municipalities in the state are currently facing similar situations.
“All of the taxpayers in the city are going to pay for it in one way or another,” he said, regarding the implications of the override’s outcomes. “I think that we all need to channel our inner Ms. [Kelley] Brown [EHS’ We the People teacher] and do something that our future selves will thank us for and support the override.”
Committee member Linda Markee said that she hopes the community comes together in support of the override. She added that despite the fact that some in the community are vocally against the override, those same people have not made themselves present in these meetings and public discussions to make the case against it.
“When I arrived here, there were quite a few people standing outside of 50 Payson [Ave.] with vote no signs. I just wanted to note that not one of those people walked in tonight to make any statement about why they were voting no,” said Markee. “Not one of them walked in tonight to hear this presentation and to get the information that I feel is necessary in order to make an informed decision or to make a counterargument.”
fiscal year to avoid sudden fiscal crises,” Sciarra said in her summary. “That is what our Fiscal Stability Plan is designed to do. Because we have stayed committed to that multi-year approach, we will begin our discussion from a stronger position than many of our neighbors.”
The City Council held public hearings for the FY27 budget on May 27, and they will have one on June 2 in City Council Chambers at 6 p.m. The public will have the option to participate in person or remotely. The full council has to vote on the budget before FY27 officially begins on July 1. However, amendments to the city’s budget have been made after that date during the last two fiscal years.
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
Symphony Orchestra announces free Juneteenth celebrations
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — On June 19, the walls of Tower Square will reverberate with the sounds of the Juneteenth Freedom Concert and celebrations scheduled throughout the afternoon. The concert will feature Springfield’s own Grammy award-winning jazz bassist Avery Sharpe and the Extended Family Choir. Juneteenth, a federal and state holiday, commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union troops under Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, to deliver news to the last community of enslaved people that they were free under the Emancipation Proclamation.
The Juneteenth celebrations will begin on June 18 at 5:30 p.m., when there will be live music at White Lion Brewing Company. A portion of the proceeds of this Juneteenth kick-off party will benefit Springfield Symphony
Youth Orchestras programming.
At 11 a.m. on June 19, Mayor Domenic Sarno and State Rep. Bud Williams will conduct the annual Juneteenth flag raising on the steps of City Hall. Moving to Tower Square, at 12:30 p.m., School Committee member Ayanna Crawford will be the mistress of ceremonies for the Juneteenth program of events.
The Springfield Prep Dance Team will perform and the inaugural Juneteenth Innovation Panel will take place. Small business vendors will be set up in Tower Square throughout the afternoon’s events.
The concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. The Avery Sharpe Quintet and a quartet of strings will play, while vocals are to be provided by the Extended Family Choir and the Springfield Symphony Chorus.
“I love collaborations because that is what America is about or supposed to be about,” said Avery. Sarno later said, “Avery has
never forgotten his home here.”
The concert will be conducted by Kevin Sharpe, Avery’s brother, who has been the Extended Family Choir’s director since its inception in 1996. “It is great to collaborate with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra,” he said. The program’s music will include Lift Every Voice and Sing — widely considered the African American nation anthem — three pieces by Florence Price, African American spirituals, Avery compositions and choral works. Kevin said, “It’s sounding good. It’s going to be a great program. I’m looking forward to it.”
The free concert is organized in partnership with White Lion Brewing Company owner Raymond Berry Jr. and Payton Shubrick, owner of 6 Bricks dispensary. Sarno said Berry and Shubrick have been “good corporate citizens... they always step up.”
While the spirit will be one of celebration, there will also be memorials for Rosemary “Tra-
cy” Woods, founding director of “Art for the Soul Gallery,” and the late Ruby Maddox, co-founder of Gardening the Community and Direct Your Purpose. State Rep. Benjamin Swan and Henry Thomas, III, a longtime leader of the Springfield Urban League, who both died on May 25 will also be remembered. Sarno said he first learned about Juneteenth several years ago from then-state Rep. Raymond Jordan and community leader Robert “Cee” Jackson. Since then, he said, state Rep. Bud Williams “shepherded through the Juneteenth legislation in the statehouse.” More than a day off, Sarno said, “It’s more important that it is recognized, and the story of history is told.”
Williams said, “Black people have always celebrated Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Juneteenth Day, you call it what you want to call it. We’ve always celebrated it.” He said Springfield has changed since he was a child,
when it was “very segregated, very racist.” Now, he noted, the city has a Black superintendent of schools in Sonia Dinnall and Police Superintendent Lawrence Akers is the city’s first Black individual to hold that position. Referring to the symphony, Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra said, “This industry is struggling right now. This country is struggling a bit right now. What we can do is bring joy back into the world. We can bring it through music. We can bring it through partnership. We can bring it through collaboration. We bring joy to the world by keeping alive the history, celebrating tradition and also exploring everything that’s new out there.” She said, “We’re so lucky to call Springfield our home.” Sarno declared, “Plenty of good things are happening in Springfield and you’re all a part of it.”
Springfield invites community to spend summer in heart of
SPRINGFIELD — Downtown
Springfield is turning up the energy this summer with the launch of its “Spend Summer Downtown” campaign — a season-long celebration of community, culture, local business and unforgettable experiences in the city center.
Presented by the Springfield Business Improvement District, the campaign brings together a diverse lineup of signature events and weekly programming designed to activate downtown spaces, support local businesses, and give residents and visitors more reasons than ever to explore Springfield all summer long. From outdoor wellness classes and public art to local markets, craft beer festivals and family-friendly programming, downtown Springfield will serve as a hub for connection, creativity and entertainment throughout the season.
“Downtown Springfield is full of momentum right now,” said Samantha Savoie, marketing and creative services director for the Springfield Business Improvement District. “This summer is all about creating experiences that bring people together, support our local businesses and remind people that there is always something happening downtown. Whether you’re
coming for yoga, grabbing lunch at the farmers market, bringing your kids to art programming or attending a major event like Worthy BrewFest, we want people to spend their summer here.”
Summer programming highlights include:
Dine Springfield Restaurant Week, presented by Peoples Bank — Summer in downtown Springfield also means patio season, outdoor dining and the return of Dine Springfield Restaurant Week, June 5-14. This citywide culinary celebration invites diners to explore participating restaurants, discover new favorites and support local businesses through special menus, featured dishes, and unique dining experiences.
• Downtown Springfield Farmers Market, presented by Country Bank — Starting Friday, June 5 and happening every Friday throughout the summer, the Downtown Springfield Farmers Market will feature fresh produce, baked goods, artisan vendors, food trucks, live music and community organizations throughout the summer season. The market continues to serve as a vibrant lunchtime and community gathering destination in the
heart of downtown.
Worthy BrewFest, presented by Beacon Bank — One of Springfield’s most anticipated summer events, Worthy BrewFest returns with craft breweries, live music, food vendors, games and entertainment. The beloved festival celebrates craft brew culture while bringing thousands of attendees downtown for an unforgettable experience.
• Yoga on the Landing, presented by Baystate Health — This free outdoor wellness series invites participants of all experience levels to enjoy yoga classes at The Landing. Led by local instructor, Christina Lam, the program combines fitness, mindfulness and scenic downtown views in a unique and welcoming environment.
• Art on Market Street, in partnership with the Springfield Cultural District — A free, family-friendly creative program, Art on Market Street encourages children and families to explore hands-on art activities in downtown Springfield. The drop-in program is designed to make arts programming accessible, interactive and fun for all ages.
• White Lion Wednesdays Lunchtime Music Series — Downtown
Springfield’s summer soundtrack continues with lunchtime music at White Lion Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. These live music experiences invite residents, employees and visitors to enjoy local entertainment, connect with the community and add a little energy to the workday and midweek routine.
• Throughout the season, downtown Springfield will also host and support live music performances, pop-up events, outdoor gatherings, dining experiences, public art activations and col-
laborative programming with local businesses and community partners.
• The “Spend Summer Downtown” campaign aims to showcase the continued growth and vibrancy of downtown Springfield while encouraging residents and visitors to rediscover the city’s restaurants, attractions, parks and entertainment venues. For a full calendar of events and updates, visit Springfield downtown and follow @springfielddowntown on Instagram.
Bands on Brewsters returns to downtown Northampton
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — Another summer of free live music in the heart of downtown Northampton is set. The iconic Bands on Brewster summer concert series kicks off on Thursday, June 4, and will continue every Thursday until Aug. 27.
Presented by the city of Northampton and Northampton Brewery, the beloved outdoor concert series is set in Brewster Court, the walkway connecting the E.J. Gare Parking Garage to the Northampton Brewery. The return of the series on the openair stage will continue the city’s summer tradition that features a curated mix of blues, indie rock and folk music from the region’s most compelling artists.
“It’s lasted so long because its
birth is at the roots of Northampton. When I first came to Northampton in the early [19]90s, it already had this rich history of being a town where people appreciated original music. And when I say original music, I mean you’re listening to a song, written by its author, homegrown, right here in Western Mass. That’s important, and people appreciate that here,”
Northampton Arts Council Events Producer Steve Sanderson told Reminder Publishing. “We have generations of musicians now. Just being someone who works with the high school so much and works with young musicians, I’ve seen it. I’ve seen musicians learn music in middle school and in high school and then form bands, and now they are popular bands, touring the world, going to college in Nashville.”
According to organizers, the
series continues to serve as the heartbeat of Thursday nights in the city and one of the best current showcases for local talent. From 6-8 p.m. each Thursday, residents and visitors are invited to experience the “acoustic sweet spot” downtown where community and creativity collide, organizers say. Opening night will feature Dust Witch and Stella Kola. The series dates and performances are listed below.
• June 11: Folly of Three + Sunny D and the Tangy Originals
• June 18: The Hendersons Blues Band
June 25: Free Range Cats
• July 2: No concert –Holiday Week
July 9: Hot Dirt + Goldsetter
• July 16: King Radio, Simply Friend & more
• July 23: Floyd Mercantile (Featuring Peter Mulvey and Jenna Nichols)
• July 30: Stoner Will and the Narks + Original Cowards
• Aug. 6: The Fawns + Gentle Hen
• Aug. 13: Indë Aug. 20: Christa Joy and the Honey Bees
• Aug. 27: Summer Finale, to be announced
The shows are casual, family-friendly and free, according to organizers, and attendees can grab a seat at the brewery or post up inside the court’s standing room section. In the event of rain,
look for the “Show/No-Show” announcement on the Northampton Arts Council Instagram (@ nohoarts) by 10 a.m. on the day of each event.
“I’m not against people going to see cover bands, I’m not against people listening to the same old song they’ve been listening to for 20 years. That’s great, I do it too, but if you really want to support art, and you really want to support your local scene, you’ll go see a band you’ve never heard of,” said Sanderson of the series.
Sanderson said the live music venues and community within the city are always what appeal to him. He reflected on memories of attending the multiple venues that used to exist in Northampton and the process of finding gigs or other opportunities throughout the city. Now, as things have changed over time, the idea behind Bands on Brewster is to recapture that experience and give local and upand-coming artists the platform and opportunity to perform live, despite the changing scenery.
“Now Northampton doesn’t have that a lot anymore. Thank God we got the Iron Horse back, but still, you need to be able to draw to play the Iron Horse. How do you build a band [today]? House concerts? Neighbor calls and shuts it down, cops come and say you can’t play anymore. That doesn’t work,” said Sand-
learning environment for students and saves money for the district.
available by July 17, and they will continue to map out the best path forward for the geothermal installation. He said the benefits will be worthwhile for the building and school community, because the city can invest in more modern technology. The project will also lead to a better cooling system, which in turn creates a better
“And of course, we’re going to be reducing our carbon emissions, and as the state’s electric grid gets cleaner and cleaner, as we start to add offshore winds and as we add more solar as we need it. Once we replace the roof on the high school, which will happen eventually, that will put PV [photovoltaic solar] on the roof, and we’ll have more solar production on site, and all of that will reduce our carbon emissions pretty dramatically,” he said.
erson. “Where are the clubs now that are the incubators to the music scene? If you want to die out and become condo nation, fine. But if you don’t, you need an incubator to develop your art. You need a music scene. Northampton was built on a music scene, and if you want to continue it, you need places for young people to come and play.”
This series is made possible through the collaboration of the city’s Economic Development Department, Northampton Brewery, Northampton Arts Inc. and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Sanderson credited Northampton Brewery founder and owner Janet Egelston for her partnership and support of the local music scene that goes as far back as the 1990s.
“Janet has cared about original music and putting music on since the 90s, so the brewery has a long history of supporting these local, amazing artists,” Sanderson said. “The city stepped up to back us financially. Thank you to City Hall for following up and making sure this happens. It wouldn’t have happened without the Northampton Brewery and the city of Northampton.”
More information on this year’s series can be found atnorthamptonartscouncil.org.
Weil added that this project is a big investment and a worthwhile project to fight against climate change. “Climate change is happening, and we are getting really, really hot days earlier and earlier in the year, and it’s becoming a real problem for our schools, where very few were designed with cooling at all. We now live in a world where we absolutely have to be able to provide cooling to be able to get through the school year,” Weil said.
