Agawam swears in city officials at Jan.5 gathering
Agawam swore in both new and returning elected officials on Jan. 5.
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First phase of Agawam High School ‘topped out’ during ceremony
The Jan. 6 topping out ceremony marked a milestone in the new Agawam High School’s construction, reaching the highest point of the structure.
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WEST SPRINGFIELD
West Springfield mayor will launch work on 25-year master plan
Members of the City Council and School Committee, along with Reichelt, took their oaths of office during a ceremony Monday marking the start of new terms for West Springfield’s elected leaders.
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Students engage in ‘awe-inspiring’ youth project
By Mike Lydick Correspondent
Two eighth graders — one from Agawam and the other from West Springfield — are among more than 300 teens from around the state who will engage in what has been called “an awe-inspiring” youth-led movement for change through community service.
Graci Gibbs, who attends Agawam Junior High School, and Ashlynn Fennell, a student at West Springfield Middle School, are the 2026 “ambassadors” for their communities for a program known as Project 351. During their one-year terms, they, and the other ambassadors — all 8th graders from the state’s 351 towns and cities — will develop the knowledge and skills to make a positive difference in their hometowns and in the world.
Project 351 is a nonprofit organization that inspires students through the ethic of service and values of kindness, compassion, humility and gratitude. Selected each November by teachers in their schools, these students will unite in Boston on Jan. 17 to launch a transformative year of service and leadership.
This program — the only one of its kind in the country — provides a journey of service, civic engagement and leadership. Through their work, students will learn how to lead and how to help find solutions for “a more just, inclusive and equitable world.” They also will lead three service projects in their hometowns later in the year.
Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll are expected to meet with the ambassadors — also known as “unsung heroes,” for their unselfish work in helping to lead social change. Project 351 is embarking on its 16th year of community service that hon-
ors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Gibbs was “very surprised” when she learned she was selected from among 240 AJHS eighth graders. “I think this program is important because it will help me build leadership skills while I’m helping other people in the community. This is a really wonderful thing for me to do,” she said.
The 13-year-old said her experience in Project 351 will help her gain new skills. “I will get leadership skills that will improve my self-confidence and help me build more positive character skills,” Gibbs said.
Although Gibbs was unaware of Project 351 until becoming an ambassador, she has participated in clothing and food drives at AJHS. She also volunteers as a teacher assistant at the New Day Church in Agawam, working with K-4 students.
“At school we have what’s called the ‘Jammy Jingle’ where we box up pajamas for little kids or for other people who are homeless. My work at the church has inspired me to help other people, The kids are so happy to have me and others helping them,” said Gibbs.
Antonia Moore, the AJHS teacher who serves as the Project 351 advisor, said teachers “enthusiastically” recommended Gibbs to be the new ambassador. Moore added that Gibbs would benefit from being a part of the program as much as they would benefit from having her.
“Graci is a poised, empathetic young woman who carries herself with exceptional maturity for her age. She remains focused on her goals, regardless of the ‘nonsense’ a typical eighth grader may be tempted to be pulled into. Graci is so patient with herself and others. Project 351 offers her the opportu-
nity to amplify both her voice and impact,” said Moore. Moore said Gibbs is “a remarkable, quiet leader” who leads by example, and is always a participant: raising her hand in class, dressing up for School Spirit days and speaking up when she notices something isn’t right.
Gibbs said she’s looking forward to contributing to making her community and the world a better place to live in. “I’m eager to start a project, because I want to help other people and I want to be a good leader. I want to learn more about how I can bring some community service projects back to Agawam,” she said.
Fennell believes it’s important for young people to engage in community service projects. “It teaches us to have self-discipline and not just be selfish for ourselves. We can definitely learn a lot of life lessons through community service at a young age. It also can make us more aware of
different actions we can take to help others,” said Fennell. The 14-year-old was filled with “suspense and excitement” when she was named ambassador. Fennell said she felt honored to be chosen from among the school’s 285 eighth graders.
It’s also a double honor for Fennell. She’s following in the footsteps of her older sister who was the WSMS Project 351 ambassador as an eighth grader about 10 years ago. “My parents are very proud of me, but I feel they’re also proud to have two daughters who became ambassadors. It’s quite an honor for them,” said Fennell. Melissa Royer, the WSMS counselor who is Fennell’s Project 351 advisor, said she wasn’t aware that Fennell’s sister served in the program. “It makes me think that while Ashlynn was the best candidate, clearly her parents are doing something right by raising two
From left, Graci Gibbs, Agawam Junior High School. Ashlynn Fennell, West Springfield Middle School.
Reminder Publishing photos by Mike Lydick
See PROJECT 351 on page 4
Toy for Joy campaign rides late surge to strong finish
By Ron Chimelis Special to Reminder Publishing
A late surge of generosity gave a strong finishing kick to the 103rd edition of the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign.
Thanks to the heartfelt donations of local and regional citizens, businesses and organizations, the 2025 drive brought in $94,317. Under the guidance of first-year Captain Stacy McNeil, and backed by Salvation Army social services manager Danielle LaTaille and dozens of invaluable volunteers, the total rallied in the final weeks.
“Wow, what an incredible show of generosity by the community in support of Toy for Joy. We are so deeply grateful for all of your contributions. We couldn’t have done it without you,” McNeil said.
The Salvation Army sponsors the campaign. McNeil was moved by how many people participated, allowing Toy for Joy to maintain its place as a standard bearer for charitable giving in Western Massachusetts.
Families and children were served at Salvation Army Citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield. In Springfield alone,
more than 1,600 families and 4,300 children experienced the joy of Christmas gifts through Toy for Joy.
In the final days of the drive, many generous donors helped raise the final total. Always a set of loyal contributors, the Pathfinder Regional School of Three Rivers School Committee joined with Superintendent Eric Duda to donate $235.
Matching donations from The Republican employees totalled $2,350.
From the law offices of Mark E. Salamone came $972. Lia Toyota answered the children’s
need in a huge way with $2,500, as did Connecticut Valley Artesian Well with $1,000. Robert and Roberta Bolduc continued their leadership in charitable giving with $2,500. Joseph O’Brien gave $1,000, with Caroline Gruszka ($250), and a $300 donation was given in memory of Michael J. Farrell, “Mugsy” Silansky and Paul “Sammy” Samble.
Not to be overlooked were the hundreds and even thousands of dollars given anonymously, or the donations of any size by citizens who were determined to do their part in mak -
ing this a Merry Christmas for the children. Plans are already being discussed for the 104th edition of Toy for Joy, which will roll out in the fall of 2026. The Salvation Army, volunteers who helped the cause and sponsoring media (The Republican, Reminder Publishing , MassLive and El Pueblo Latino).
All of those involved have deep and profound gratitude for those who participated to make so many children happy at Christmas, and look forward to the 2026 Toy for Joy campaign next fall.
Voter questions could carry $5 million logistical cost
By Ella Adams State House News Service
BOSTON — Placing 12 initiative petitions on the ballot in 2026 will take a logistical toll on the state elections division and may complicate local ballot box deposits because voters may need to fill out multiple ballot cards, the state’s top elections official said on Jan. 6.
Members of Secretary of State William Galvin’s office delivered dollies of more than 100 boxes of signature sheets from his Ashburton Place office to the State House basement ahead of the Jan. 7 deadline for questions to be transmitted to the House clerk’s office and into the legislative pipeline.
The boxes held a record-breaking number of petition sheets, Galvin’s office said.
“What’s striking to me is not just the number, but the diversity of the groups,” Galvin told reporters.
“What’s the common theme, if there is one? I think it’s that there’s been no action by the Legislature on a wide variety of topics,” Galvin said. “I’m not criticizing this as much as I’m
saying, if you want to look at why it’s here, people have decided that, apparently, whatever the cost of getting the signature is to get on the ballot, it’s probably a more efficient use of their resources.”
Galvin’s office certified eleven questions that would implement all-party state primaries, establish statewide rent control, subject most records of the governor and Legislature to the public records law, allow people to register and vote on Election Day, reduce the state’s personal income tax rate from 5% to 4%, reform the Legislature’s stipend system, roll back recreational cannabis use, steer millions from the state’s sporting goods sales tax to conservation efforts, and ease zoning rules by allowing for single-family homes on smaller lots, allow collective bargaining for employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, and require tax refunds if state revenues hit a new limit.
A 12th measure previously certified to hit the 2026 ballot would repeal the state’s 2024 gun reform law.
Top legislative Democrats have raised concerns over the
slew of questions and the special interest groups that are pushing voter referendums to bypass the traditional legislative process. Questioned about those concerns, Galvin said “these are only here because citizens, voters have signed them.”
“I think they’re referencing the fact that most, if not all the questions, used some paid signature gatherers. But I don’t think that diminishes the significance of the voters’ signatures,” Galvin continued. “For instance, I believe in our calculation, the highest number of signatures for any particular question was in support of the one that would limit stipends in the legislature. Draw your own conclusions, but I think it’s fair to say, there are several that have similar themes.”
Lawmakers have until the first Wednesday in May to act on the measures. They have often chosen to let the voters to decide. Legislators bucked that trend in June of 2018, when they negotiated a “grand bargain” compromise to avoid sending measures to the ballot that fall. Issues within the bargain included raising the minimum wage, increasing tipped workers’ wages and cre-
ating a paid medical and family leave program.
If questions are left untouched by lawmakers by May 6, petitioners must file 12,429 more certified signatures with registrars at least 14 days before the first Wednesday in July in order to make it through to November.
Galvin said his office would prefer if some of the questions were resolved by lawmakers due to the administrative challenges posed by the volume of questions.
“The biggest challenge will be the actual logistics of printing the ballot, because we’re required — and we should be — to print a summary. The summary that appeared on the papers will be on the ballot, so it will explain exactly what the proposal does. Because of that, and some of the summaries are long, it’s going to require that every ballot probably have multiple ballot cards,” Galvin said.
In some communities, it’s also required that ballots be printed in two or three different languages, he added.
“It’s going to be difficult for the voter, going to be challenging for the logistics of ballot boxes and things like that,” Galvin said.
That’s on top of his voter information pamphlet, or “Red Book,” that must be printed and inclusive of everything on the ballot.
His office has met with Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz to ask that Gov. Healey recommend increasing his budget due to the costs tied to printing ballots and booklets for so many questions. There are also potential postage issues, he said, due to the substantial number of people voting by mail.
“We’re going to be talking a very significant increase in the cost of the election. But you know, democracy is not cheap, and we’re going to pay the price for it, whatever it is, it’s worth it,” Galvin told reporters. He estimated that his new budget request was $5 million higher than the original one.
The Brighton Democrat has held his secretary position since 1995. Asked if he is running for reelection in 2026, Galvin said, “We’ll be getting to that very soon.”
Ella Adams is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Massachusetts. Reach her at ella.adams@ statehousenews.com
Please email your community listings to: dhackett@thereminder.com
Items are printed on a space available basis.
AGAWAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the Agawam Public Library, located at 750 Cooper St. All events are free and open to the public.
Some programs require registration. For more information or to register, head to agawamlibrary.org or call 413-789-1550 ext. 3. The library will be closed on Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Virtual Author Talk Series — Julia Hotz: “The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service And Belonging” — Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. Please register to attend at libraryc. org/agawamlibrary.
• Tea and Trivia — Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 6:30 p.m. or Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m. The same questions will be used for both sessions so register for your preferred time.
Library Tech Class: Learning About Libby — Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to find and borrow new eBooks and audiobooks, along with some helpful hints and tips. You will need your library card and your PIN/password to set
up Libby, so please try to make sure you have those ready to go in advance.
• How Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II — Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Learn the true untold story of the academics who became OSS spies, invented modern spycraft, and helped turn the tide of the war to defeat the Nazis. Registration required.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
WEST SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the West Springfield Public Library, located at 200 Park St. For more information or to register for programs, visit wspl.org or call 413736-4561 ext. 4. The library will be closed on Jan. 19 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Kids programs: • Video Game Night — Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. Registration is required.
Librarians call for assertive approach to funding in Massachusetts
By Sam Drysdale State House News Service
BOSTON — Facing spending cuts and political pressure, Massachusetts librarians are warning public officials that libraries are being treated as budget leverage — and saying that has to change.
The warning came on Jan. 6 during a Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners strategic planning session at the Boston Public Library’s Central Branch, where librarians urged a more assertive approach to funding, both on Beacon Hill and in city and town halls.
The meeting was the first in a series to inform the board’s next three-to-five-year strategic plan. Unlike past cycles, the agency is drafting the plan internally after cuts eliminated funding typically used to hire an outside consultant. The previous plan expired last summer at the end of fiscal year 2025.
Participants described a pattern in communities pursuing Proposition 2½ property tax overrides: libraries being placed at the center of budget debates.
Worcester Public Library Executive Director Jason Homer said municipal officials view libraries as effective rallying points for
voters — institutions whose popularity can help drive support for tax increases.
Homer argued this turns libraries into bargaining chips rather than essential municipal services and asked for help from the board in reframing debates so that libraries are considered non-negotiable infrastructure.
“We’re on the chopping block consistently because we’re the only thing that motivates voters,” he said. “At some point we need to figure out how to reposition that power to say, if we’re the thing everyone can’t stop gushing about, then we have to figure out how to own that and not just be passive.”
That effort, attendees said, needs to happen locally as much as at the State House. While state aid remains critical, librarians said advocacy needs to start at the community level.
“Our Legislature is dysfunctional, and trying to do anything there is very difficult,” said Robert DeFabrizio, senior manager of law libraries at the Massachusetts Trial Court. “When it comes down to it, a lot of cities and towns have had overrides to keep their libraries open. That has nothing to do with the state Legislature. You see signs, ‘Keep the library open,’ on yards. It’s a local issue.”
DeFabrizio said that state funding is important, but to better get through to lawmakers on Beacon Hill libraries should help their constituents understand the scope of modern library services — and how close some libraries come to service reductions or closure during fiscal downturns.
“It’s like, listen folks, I know you hold all the purse strings, but if the taxpayers, they start an uprising, at least now they’re hearing it not just from us,” DeFabrizio said.
Participants emphasized the importance of communicating libraries’ return on investment, pointing to growing demand for digital resources, expanded social services, broadband access and workforce development support.
At the state level, attendees expressed appreciation for MBLC’s advocacy work and its success in maintaining level funding in a difficult budget year. Still, Boston Public Library President David Leonard called for a longer-term, more coordinated advocacy strategy on Beacon Hill.
“Honestly, if you look across the country, the strongest fiscal library areas usually have some level of their own taxing authority, like a levy or another approach. That’s more of a 15-year goal, given the speed at which
Massachusetts moves reform, but if you don’t start, you never get there,” he said.
Funding pressures are also reshaping the library workforce, another major theme of the meeting.
Chronic understaffing, retirements and post-pandemic workplace changes have left many libraries operating in what participants described as a near-permanent state of crisis. That strain, they said, is colliding with an outdated training and credentialing system.
Librarians questioned whether current degree requirements and library school curricula align with the realities of the job, particularly in smaller communities where “accidental directors” are often promoted out of necessity rather than preparation. They said these managers lack training in budgeting, labor law and conflict resolution.
“The world, the industry, the sector continues to change, and I know these programs, certifications and expectations — certainly that’s true of the library schools, and I’ve told that to them, so I’m not saying anything I haven’t said — is behind rather than ahead. I think in Massachusetts we should be ahead. We should be leading,” Leonard said.
At the same time, attendees
such as Percivial Salazar, a student and librarian assistant in The Public Library of Brookline, said the line between librarians and library assistant staff is narrowing, as staff take on more responsibility without corresponding increases in pay.
Continuing education, Homer added, is not required despite rapid changes in technology, digital infrastructure and public expectations.
Oak Bluffs Public Library Director Allyson Malik said that in Maryland, where she got her degree, continuing education is required every year.
Several participants suggested MBLC could help lead a broader conversation about the future of librarianship in Massachusetts — potentially in partnership with library schools and other agencies — to rethink credentials, career pathways and continuing education expectations.
Ideas ranged from more structured professional development to creative workforce support. One proposal from Malik that generated interest was a librarian exchange program that would allow staff to work temporarily in different library environments. She
See LIBRARIANS on page 8
Agawam swears in city officials at Jan.5 gathering
First phase of Agawam High School ‘topped out’ during ceremony
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — A construction worker clipped the loops of two cables, one wrapped around either end of a large white beam, onto the safety hook that dangled from a crane. Slowly, the beam — adorned with a small evergreen tree, an American flag and the names of hundreds of students, teachers and elected officials — was raised into the crisp morning air. Two workers stood on lifts hovering in the air, ready to attach the beam to the steel skeleton of the new Agawam High School.
The Jan. 6 topping out ceremony marked a milestone in the building’s construction, reaching the highest point of the structure. The tradition goes back to the construction of wooden buildings in Scandinavia around the year 700. People would attach sheaths of grain to the highest point of a newly-constructed building as an offering for the god Odin’s horse.
In return, Odin was believed to bless the structure and its inhabitants with good fortune. The tradition has continued in modern construction.
Speaking just before the beam was secured in place, Mayor Christopher Johnson announced, “It’s an exciting day.”
School Committee member Wendy Rua said, “I’m excited for not only the external transformation, but the internal transformation. The educational one,” She added that the new facility would create opportunities for students to learn in a state-of-the-art environment. “This feels like such a victory,” she said.
The high school, which will be 235,075 square feet when complete, is being built in three phases. By limiting the scope of construction to different portions of the high school at different times, the School Department will not need to use modular classrooms, saving money and disruption to the students and staff.
The first phase of the high school project has focused on the building’s public-facing wing, including the gymnasium and auditorium. This phase will be completed in January 2027, after which the second phase — work on the academic wing — will begin. In the final phase of construction, the Early Childhood Center will be erected. The Early Childhood Center is currently located on Perry Lane, but School Committee member Dawn DeMatteo said that facility was intended to be temporary and has not grown with the School Department’s needs.
While the $229 million project will be built in phases, Johnson said the entirety of the funding has been secured through a partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority. The semi-autonomous agency reimburses municipalities for a portion of the cost of school design, construction and renovation. The MSBA will reimburse Agawam for about $100 million. Johnson said the town does not yet know
Project 351
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very kind, nice and caring daughters,” she said. Royer said she selected Fennell because she consistently demonstrates leadership, empathy and a maturity that rivals her peers.
“Ashlynn is respectful, responsible and willing to step up to support others, both in and out of the classroom. Ashlynn always con-
how much funding the school will increase taxes because it has not yet gone out to bond, but residents can expect to see the impact on their tax bills in two or three years.
“This is an impressive milestone for Agawam,” Johnson said, noting that the project is the first new school building in the city in 50 years. He thanked Flansburgh Architects for designing the space and contractors Fontaine Bros. for bringing it to life.
tributes meaningfully and offers her perspectives with such grace. I’m confident she will represent our school with integrity and positively contribute to Project 351’s mission of youth leadership and community impact,” Royer said.
Like Gibbs, Fennel is looking forward to stepping into her leadership role. “Being a leader means having a good attitude. You have to stay positive. You can’t let that bring you down — people look up to people who stay positive
“There were times when we didn’t think it would happen,” Principal Jim Blain said of the building project. He emphasized that the school’s design was created with input from more than 100 teachers and hundreds of students.
through rough times. They look up for that sense of hope,” she added. Fennell is already thinking about the many “fun and different” community services she could develop with other youths to help the West Springfield community. “Project 351’s leaders are amazing thinkers who each year bring together different kids with unique qualities who want to make a difference — and that’s an amazing thing.”
Agawam City Clerk Vincent Gioscia swore in Mayor Christopher Johnson, City Councilors Dino Mercadante, Robert Rossi, George Bitzas, Anthony Suffriti, Edward Borgatti, Anthony Russo, Thomas Hendrickson, Peter McNair and Christine Rickmon, and School Committee members Heather Zielenski, Shelley M. Borgatti-Reed, Wendy Rua, Michael Perry, A.J. Christopher and Dawn DeMatteo. At the swearing in ceremony on Jan. 5, Agawam High School Senior Sam Beckwith sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” while Pastor Daniel Cohen performs the opening and closing prayers. Top row, from left: Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson is sworn in for another term. Agawam High School Senior Sam Beckwith sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Pastor Daniel Cohen performs the opening and closing prayers. Bottom row, from left: Agawam officials are sworn in during a ceremony on Jan. 5. Agawam’s elected officials raise their hands as they are sworn in.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga signs his name on the ceremonial topping off beam at Agawam High School.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Mayor will launch work on 25-year master plan
By Aprell May Munford Amunford@repub.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mayor William Reichelt says the town he leads isn’t just looking back on a decade of progress — it’s planning for the next 25 years.
Members of the City Council and School Committee, along with Reichelt, took their oaths of office during a ceremony on Jan. 5 marking the start of new terms for West Springfield’s elected leaders.
During the ceremony, Reichelt outlined three priorities for 2026: creating a stormwater management utility, improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists and launching a long-range master plan to guide growth through 2050.
Reichelt said the goals will build on a decade of work focused on providing a sense of affordability for West Springfield residents, even amid challenges such as the pandemic, inflation and rising construction costs.
“That meant making tough decisions, but our commitment nev-
er faltered,” Reichelt said.
The town has already repaved roads, expanded sidewalks and upgraded water and sewer systems dating from the 1950s. Schools saw new facilities, including the Colburn School, and expanded preschool for the first time, the mayor said.
“West Springfield has become one of the most affordable communities in our region,” he said.
Looking ahead to his new term, Reichelt pledged to highlight modern government, infrastructure and preparedness, community well-being and economic development.
Plans include digitizing records in Town Hall, finishing key road projects, investing in public safety and housing and providing more support to local businesses, he said.
The stormwater utility would fund upgrades to aging pipes. Road safety efforts will add sidewalks, bike routes and projects such as the Piper-Amostown road roundabout.
The master plan will also address land use, hous-
ing, transportation, open space and climate resilience. Major facility investments are also ahead, Reichelt said, including a new police station and possible consolidation of the John Ashley and Fausey elementary schools to address declining enrollment.
“With a clear vision for the
future and a community stronger and more unified than ever, West Springfield’s best days are still ahead,” Reichelt said.
“The next chapter will be defined by thoughtful planning, smart investment and a continued commitment to affordability, safety and opportunity for every resident.”
Resident parking passes available at Eastern States
WEST SPRINGFIELD — West
Springfield resident parking stickers, which allow free parking at Eastern States Exposition’s year-round events, excluding The Big E, are available now. These stickers can be found at the Gate 1 security booth, located at 1761 Memorial Ave.
Parking stickers are offered at no cost as a courtesy to West
Springfield residents who wish to attend year-round ESE events. Those that retrieve a parking sticker will be exempt from the $5 event parking fee at all nonfair ESE events.
Access to the grounds is limited to the hours of operation for ESE, events and Storrowton Tavern. Loitering is not permitted.
To obtain a parking sticker, residents must present their license, registration and vehicle to Gate 1 security personnel. The booth will be open Mondays through Thursdays, Jan. 5 through April 1, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Stickers are not available in the Brooks Building.
Residents with seasonal vehicles or motorcycles that are
not currently on the road should bring their most recent registration information and license to retrieve a sticker. Further information can be found on EasternStatesExposition.com. Follow us on social media or join our mailing list for event updates and current information about ESE.
Students, lawmakers want to spread “Hadley grass”
By Katie Castellani State House News Service
BOSTON — Lawmakers are looking to cultivate a spot for Hadley grass on Beacon Hill.
Bills (HD 5474 / SD 3498) filed by state Rep. Homar Gomez and state Sen. Jo Comerford would make asparagus — often known as “Hadley grass” in recognition of the Hampshire County farm town that gained a global reputation for its crop — the state’s official vegetable.
The idea sprouted from a group of third grade students at Hadley Elementary School who learned about the importance of the vegetable and invited the lawmakers, as well as other local officials, to advocate for statewide asparagus acknowledgement in December.
Donning t-shirts that said “Grown In Hadley” above an illustration of a bunch of asparagus, the students schooled the public officials on facts of the vegetable like its nutritional benefits, how it is grown and the local history of asparagus farming. Later that afternoon, Gomez and Comerford filed the bills.
“You didn’t need to ask me twice to file the bill,” Comerford told the News Service. “I will say
that the kids, the students, inspired their entire school in what they did, and the entire community.”
Comerford said she was drawn to the idea because it spotlights not only asparagus, but Western Massachusetts’ vast farming community and the Connecticut River that runs through the area and creates high quality soil for farmers.
“Forever we’ve wanted to put the gifts of Western Massachusetts on the map in the commonwealth,” she said. Comerford added, “It really lifted all of those boats at once.”
At one point, Hadley was dubbed as the asparagus capital of the world for the quantity and quality of asparagus grown there.
In the early 1900s, Hadley produced 80% of the country’s asparagus supply before a fungus wiped out much of the crop, Gomez said. More recently, there were 175 asparagus farms in the state and 215 acres of the crop harvested in 2022, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While it’s not the most widely grown crop in the state, it’s become rooted in the local culture around Hadley for more
than 100 years.
“It’s more like an identity of the farmers in our area,” Gomez said.
Each summer residents gather in Hadley for the asparagus festival with food trucks serving dishes like asparagus ice cream.
And a point of pride for many locals is that Queen Elizabeth II of England is known to have shipped asparagus from Hadley to London because she wanted to taste it.
“People come to Hadley for the asparagus,” Comerford said, adding that it’s known to be some of the best in the nation. In previous years, then-state Rep. John Scibak of Hadley would occasionally distribute bundles of fresh Hadley grass to State House offices at harvest time.
The bills could end up before
the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight once they get referred. Comerford said the students are contacting their peers to rally support for the legislation.
“I’m sure we’ll have a lot of enthusiastic support, not only for Western Massachusetts, but other young people who want to take hold of their democracy ... this is how democracy works,” she said.
“These are my people. Hadley is my community. This way of life is my way of life. And when young people call us to act and we can fulfill this so quickly, it’s a great honor.”
Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com
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Staff Writers: Sarah Heinonen, Deb Gardner, Amy Porter, Trent Levakis, Cliff Clark, Tyler Garnet, Peter Tuohy
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West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt on election night 2025. Reminder Publishing file photo
BASKETBALL
On Dec. 30 West Springfield lost to SICS 48-43 in a girls basketball game played at West Springfield High School.
Kelsey Turner led the Terriers with 15 points.
The West Springfield bench reacts as the Terriers rally to within 3 points late in the game.
WEST SPRINGFIELD VS SICS
West Side’s Kylie O’Brien (R) blocks the shot.
Dylan LaBonte dives and wins the loose ball.
Emma Nicholson attempts to draw the charge.
Emily Poulin spins past the defender.
Arihana Martinez Gonzalez takes it to the hoop.
Gemma Conca rebounds the SICS shot and initiates West Side’s fast break.
Riley Freeman saves the ball from going out of bounds.
Elizabeth Hourihan drives baseline.
Neal addresses passage of health care tax credits, ICE shooting
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — After months of back-and-forth, a federal government shutdown and the U.S. House of Representatives voted 230-196 to resurrect the expired Affordable Care Act tax credits for three years.
The tax credits were created as a response to the coronavirus pandemic, subsidizing the cost of health care bought on health care marketplaces. As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that Congress passed in July 2025, the tax credits were not renewed, and beginning in January this year, many Americans saw their premiums skyrocket. Since the fall, when Congress was negotiating the federal budget, Democrats have worked to force a vote extending the credits, allowing the House and Senate time to craft new legislation. The federal shutdown that happened in October 2025 and ended nearly two months later hinged on whether the Republicans in control of the House would allow a vote to extend the tax credits.
While House Speaker Mike Johnson would not agree to bring
a House vote on the issue, House Democrats, with the help of four Republicans, passed a discharge petition, which allows a simple majority of the house to force a vote. On Jan. 8, 17 Republicans joined all House Democrats in the approving the extension of the subsidies. However, the issue is far from settled.
“There’s a great sense of urgency,” said U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, speaking from the Federal Courthouse in Springfield on Jan. 9. He said the issue will now go to the Senate, where Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune will decide whether to allow the vote to come to the floor.
The Senate was unsuccessful in extending the tax credits in December 2025, with a vote of 5148. Now, however, Neal thinks the math has changed.
“We think they should take this measure up,” Neal said.
“There could be effort between the two chambers.” He added that he believes the tax credits would pass in the Senate. Even if it does, however, the matter would be sent to President Donald Trump’s desk, where it could face a veto. It is unlikely that the required two-thirds of both the
House and Senate would vote to override the veto.
Neal also addressed the shooting of a Minnesota woman by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. ICE has alleged that the woman, Renee Nicole Good, tried to intentionally hit agents with her vehicle. However, bystander video shows that when one ICE agent attempted to open her driver’s side door and reached into the vehicle, Good turned her wheels away from the agent in front of the vehicle and tried to flee.
“She was not a domestic terrorist. She was a mother of three,” Neal said, chastising Vice President JD Vance for his description of the incident. Of the deadly interaction, he said, “It was inevitable because of the escalation” of tactics by ICE. “The tactics that are being used are, again, over the top.”
While Trump originally stated that ICE agents were being deployed to arrest “the worst of the worst,” Neal said people who are in the country legally are being apprehended after voluntarily going to courthouses for routine paperwork review.
To prevent such incidents in
the future, Neal said, “There needs to be some restraint on the part of ICE. There’s also been some lag in training,” amidst efforts to increase ICE’s ranks. He said the training is necessary as “crowd control” is not among ICE’s responsibilities.
Asked if Congress will take action to prevent more deaths during ICE’s interaction with the public, Neal said, “Congress is going to react to opinion, and opinion right now is pretty clear” that ICE’s actions are “over the top.”
Challengers allege fraud in signature collection for marijuana repeal
By Katie Castellani and Ella Adams State House News Service
BOSTON
— The proposed ballot initiative to repeal adult-use recreational marijuana faces a new challenge.
Challengers of the proposal filed an objection Jan. 2 with Secretary of State William Galvin’s office. The State Ballot Law Commission planned to hold a pre-hearing conference on the objection Jan. 12 and a hearing Jan. 13.
The objection is centered around concerns about how signatures in support of the proposed ballot initiative were collected, Thomas Kiley, an attorney leading the challenge, told the
News Service.
“Paid signature gatherers at Trader Joe’s in Hanover, Market Basket facilities in Plymouth, Whole Foods in Weymouth and in parking lots around Gillette Stadium in Foxborough have misled voters with respect to what they were signing and thus obtained signatures fraudulently,” the objection states.
“Among the misleading statements were assertions that the law proposed on the petition blanks they were signing would get fentanyl off the streets, provide affordable housing in their communities or fund public parks,” according to the objection. “Each of these assertions would be apt with respect to one or more of the other
initiative petitions approved by the attorney general, but have nothing to do with Initiative Petition 1E.”
The objection asserts paid signature gatherers often gave only the backside of the petition to voters whose signatures they obtained. The backside doesn’t bear the summary of the proposed law, the objection adds.
Wendy Wakeman, chair of the ballot committee backing the ballot proposal, stood firm behind the signature gathering, saying they were “collected with integrity” and by trained professional signature gatherers.
“We stand by the number,” Wakeman said.
The state elections division certified 78,301 signatures for
the petition in December. The petition needed at least 74,574 certified signatures to proceed in the process.
Wakeman said opponents to the ballot proposal have raised concerns about signature collections for months and said that it is predictable that they would issue an objection. She is confident the proposal will stay on track to the 2026 ballot.
Galvin addressed the objection on Jan. 6, as his office delivered boxes of ballot questions to the State House.
“The objectors are based on the people who now are in retail cannabis businesses,” Galvin said.
“They’ve got to come up with
enough signatures knocked off to disqualify the petition. It has to be based on evidence, it can’t be assertions. So it’s going to be a challenge.”
“You’re talking tens of thousands of signatures, to come up with enough that are going to be disqualified in a short period of time, because the Ballot Law Commission is time limited, 10 days, I think. So good luck. I hope they have a nice time,” Galvin added. Katie Castellani and Ella Adams are reporters for the State House News Service and State Affairs Massachusetts. Reach them at kcastellani@statehousenews.com and ella.adams@ statehousenews.com.
Holyoke Community College announces fall 2025 dean’s list
HOLYOKE — Each semester
Holyoke Community College recognizes superior scholarship through the Dean’s List. A student is placed on the Dean’s List if their G.P.A. is 3.2 or higher.
The following local students
were named to the list:
Agawam
David Oleg Abramchuk, Victoria De Los Angeles Albino, Jolene Cecile Bertone-Gross, Jenalyn Rose Broussard, Jessica Damaris
ander Makol, Kenna Marie Rainville, Aiden Jeffery Therrien, Caleb White, John Taehee Yi.
Feeding Hills Krista Adel Borsari, Allison Dana Boucher, Joshua Daniel Carrier, Gabrielle Olive Duval, Lindsey Ann Ghidoni, Helen Gorovenko, Sophia Hunt, Jaxon Kaleb Luke, Shannon Leigh Lyman, Joselyne Katrina Matos, Yusuf Sarhan, Sofia Shevchuk, Brayden Donald Signet, Rebecca Kaneonapua Wong.
West Springfield Aveen Farhad Ahamed Al-Attar, Wasan Almafraji, Patrick Emil Assenga, McKayla Giselle Boman, Nezha Chahbi, Tonya Joyce Chraplak, Jashua Enrique Colon, Savannah E. Comstock, Liam Christopher Connelly, Ingrid M. Cubias-Bonilla, Noah Christopher Cunningham, Josephine Daquin, Rukiyye Elevli, Savannah Faith Gonzalez, Muhammad Abel Halim, Kaelyn Harrison, Valeriia Hashchuk, Amiya
Librarians
Continued from page 3
said such exchanges could broaden perspective, reduce burnout and foster understanding across systems ranging from small rural branches to major urban libraries.
Irma Hernandez, Amanda Lauren Hollingsworth, Matthew Robert Howe, Liudmyla Hrymaliuk, Jerome Jerry Jenkins, Grace Jeronimo, Meghan Kennedy, Samuel R. Lacus, Brett Aaron Lariviere, Baye Etana Leary, Michael Cody Lee, Teresa E. Lent, Nolan James Lessard, Shakira Lugo Torres, Inna Vitalina Lytvynenko, Benjamin Joseph MacGrath, Charles Machmud, Svetlana Malancha, Zadalysse Kaylyandra May Fay, Felicia Nichole McClellan, Mursal Mirzay, Fatima Mokhlis, Madison Tyra Moore, Lurdes O Morales, Payton Bailey Neth, Nessalyn Neth, Victoria Nitu, Thomas Powell, Everest Alexander Rainville, Evelina Redka, Madisyn Elizabeth Rodriguez, Anju Sapkota, Abdeslam Satouri, Vadim Savitskiy, Allyson Rose Schempp, Aldene Thelma Scott, Abigail Dillon Shanahan, Gracyn Theresa Shanahan, Nagsal Dolma Tamang, Ganga M. Tamang, Dominic Va, Isabelle Clara Williams.
As MBLC drafts its plan, strategists are focused on how best to turn ideas on funding, advocacy and workforce reform into action across the state.
Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal speaks at a press conference in November 2025.
Reminder Publishing file photo
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
Ice Art Festival gears up for biggest celebration yet
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — Win -
ter magic is returning to Northampton in the form of the 15th annual Ice Art Festival on Jan. 31, turning the city’s downtown into a walkable winter art gallery.
This year’s festival, once again put on by the Downtown Northampton Association, is set to be the biggest iteration yet, according to organizers, as 17 frozen art locations grace downtown. Sculptors will begin carving in the morning and finish their work before dusk, and their finished art will be viewed until nature melts them over the following days.
“It’s really amazing to be able to watch a carver work to completion starting from just a block of ice,” Northampton DNA Board President Amanda Shafii told Reminder Publishing . “Typically, stations get two blocks of ice each, delivered between 8-9 in the morning and then throughout the day, the carver works on their masterpiece, and it’s amazing what they can do. We’ve had dragons, we’ve had the Grinch, we’ve had so many different beautiful works of art, and it’s very fascinating to be able to watch it all happen in live time.”
With more sculptures, more artists and more places to explore, visitors are invited to wander, discover and experience ice art around every corner. From iconic downtown spots to hidden gems, each location offers something unique, according to organizers. The festival encourages guests to explore local shops, restaurants and gathering spaces along the way.
“It happens to be a good time to try and bring an event downtown. Things get a little quieter after the holidays. Everyone loves it,” added Shafii.
The free, all-day festival is a beloved winter tradition in the community that highlights the energy of downtown Northampton while supporting local artists, shops, restaurants and gathering spaces. Shafii said a map of the ice art locations throughout downtown will be released the day of the event on the DNA’s website and socials.
There is also a competition element to the festival, as attendees will be asked to vote on their favorite piece by the day’s end. This year’s People’s Choice Award will be dedicated to the memory of local ice sculptor David Rothstein, who passed away unexpectedly in November.
“David was very active in the carving community and a carver with us for a bunch of
years, and unfortunately, he just passed recently, so we want to honor him with dedicating the people’s choice award to him this year,” explained Shafii. “I hope that we get a busy day full of people coming downtown. I hope we get a lot of votes as well because we like to make the competition even more competitive, and it’s even more fun the more people that join in.”
A2Z, beryl, Eastside Grill, Familiars, Forbes Library, Hotel Northampton, Thornes Marketplace and more will feature
frozen art.
For more information on this year’s Ice Art Festival, visit nohodna.org/ice-art-festival-2026/.
“I hope that everyone has a great day, gets to do a little shopping, and maybe warm up with a cup of coffee or get a nice dinner after,” added Shafii. “It’s really great to see the carvings come to life during the daytime, but at nighttime, they’re all lit up, so it’s like a completely different site and it’s really special to be able to see it all happen.”
Works from sculptors during previous Ice Art Festivals help turn downtown Northampton into a walkable winter art gallery.
