Town seeks names of Agawam veterans for new monument
The Agawam Veterans’ Service Office has completed its mission to fund a fifth monument for veterans who have served since the Vietnam War. Now underway is a campaign to identify the names of veterans.
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Data shows multilingual students making ‘good gains’ Agawam schools have a diverse multilingual population of nearly 300 students who speak nearly 30 different languages, increasing the complexity of the work teachers do with these students.
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WEST SPRINGFIELD
Student art made into mural at Memorial Elementary
Funded by a grant from the West Springfield Cultural Council, Principal Karen Albano commissioned artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas to create a mural made up of images that all came from the students’ imagination.
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FEBRUARY 13th - 16th
Patience pays off for Agawam’s new colleen
By Mike Lydick Correspondent
AGAWAM — Waiting with the five other contenders vying to become Agawam’s 2026 colleen, Ava Levesque was nervous, but tried her best to stay calm. Her anxiety quickly turned to joy when her name was announced as the new colleen.
“I’m very excited to be the colleen, but it was surreal to hear my name called,” said Levesque afterwards, adding that she didn’t expect to win. “In all honesty. I was with a bunch of great girls, very experienced, very knowledgeable, sweet, beautiful girls. They’re amazing,” said Levesque.
The 20-year-old was crowned at the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee’s 24th annual coronation event last Saturday night, Feb. 7, at St. Anne’s Country Club in Feeding Hills. The five runners-up selected for Levesque court are Zoie Leopardi, Samantha Machos, Hannah Newsome, Summer Smith and Madelynne “Maddie” Szemela.
Levesque is a graduate of Agawam High School and now attends Quinnipiac University’s School of Nursing in Hamden, Connecticut. At Quinnipiac, she’s the treasurer-elect for the nurses’ association. Levesque also job shadows in the Pediatric Procedures Unit at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.
She started Irish step dancing when she was very young. Once she learned everything about her Irish heritage, Levesque knew that becoming colleen was an option for her. “It had been on my mind ever since high school. But it just never panned out for me — it was never a good time.
I was always busy or there was some other event going on and I couldn’t commit myself.”
But Levesque believes everything happens for a reason, and waiting to become colleen was fortitudinous. “I definitely think that waiting those few years worked in my favor. I was able to gain some public speaking skills and become more confident about myself. I’m definitely not the same person I was two years ago.”
Levesque said representing Agawam as its colleen means a lot to her, adding she has some “big shoes to fill.” Levesque has dreamed of this moment since she was little, so she believes she’s prepared for her new role.
“I’m excited to see the younger kids along the parade route in Holyoke. I’m going into a pediatric nursing setting, so it will be great to see all the younger kids, especially knowing that I used to be there,” she said. “They’re going to be looking up at me now. I
want to serve as their role model. It’s going to be very rewarding for me this year as colleen.”
A panel of three out-of-town judges made the difficult decision to choose Levesque. Judges based their decision on contestants’ biographies, interviews and essays they wrote. They were asked about their academics, athletics, extra-curriculars/volunteer activities as well as interest in their Irish heritage.
Levesque and her court will represent Agawam at the 73nd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, which is Sunday, March 22. They also will attend numerous events and functions throughout the year, including Agawam’s Memorial Day Parade.
Smith won the William Pfau Cultural Award for her essay about a person of Irish descent — living or deceased — who made
a significant difference in her life. All contestants were required to write a 200- to 300-word essay on this topic.
In her essay, Smith wrote about her father Sahwn who “profoundly shaped” her life. “He has steadfast loyalty to our family, continuously displays perseverance, despite daily challenges that come with an autoimmune disorder and has offered me his strength and guidance as not only my coach in athletics, but also as one of my biggest role models,” wrote Smith.
Karen Pfau Turmel, the daughter of William Pfau, a founding member of Agawam’s St. Patrick’s Committee in 1999, presented the award on behalf of her family. She said her dad was “a very proud Irishman” who
Agawam’s 2026 colleen, Ava Levesque (center), is surrounded by members of her court (from left), Madelynne “Maddie” Szemela, Summer Smith, Samantha Machos, Hannah Newsome and Zoie Leopardi. Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
See COLLEEN on page 2
Please email your community listings to: dhackett@thereminder.com Items are printed on a space available basis.
AGAWAM
AGAWAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the Agawam Public Library, lo-
TOWN EVENTS
cated 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 Monday, Feb. 16 in observance of President’s Day.
Children’s programs:
Family Take & Make Crafts: Corgi Heart Balloon Craft Feb. 17 and 19. While supplies last — Drop-in & pick up. A new Take & Make craft will be available the first day of each week
www.TheReminder.com
and again on Thursdays. Art & Stories — For ages 3–5. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 9:30 a.m. Drop-in. Go to the library for a short story time followed by an art project. We will explore simple art concepts and experiment with materials. Please wear clothing that can get messy.
• Chip Challenge — For grades 3-4 — Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. Which chip reigns supreme? Come participate in a chip taste test challenge to de-
termine the best flavor! Registration is required.
• Chip Challenge — For grades 5-6. Wednesday Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. Which chip reigns supreme? Come participate in a chip taste test challenge to determine the best flavor! Registration is required. Baby Story Time — For birth to 18 months. Thursday, Feb. 19, at 9:30 a.m. Drop-in. Go to the library and learn a little American Sign Language, read stories, sing and play together.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
CLUB MEETING
COIN
The West Springfield Coin Club will meet on Sunday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. in the Mittineague Congregational Church, 1840 Westfield St. in West Springfield. A presentation and discussion will include facts about “keepsake” or “boxed” silver dollar coins. Refreshments will be available. Guests are always welcome. For further information, contact Peter Setian at 413-596-9871.
High schools named Financial Education Grant recipients
BOSTON — The State Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment, in partnership with the Division of Banks and the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, announced the 2025-2026 recipients of the Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant.
Following a competitive application process that concluded in November, the state agencies awarded grants to 92 schools, totaling $383,420.00. This funding will allow Massachusetts high schools and special education
programs to host financial education fairs, known as Credit for Life Fairs, for their students.
Agawam High School received $3,200 and West Springfield High School received $3,700.
Of the 92 recipient schools, 24 received funding as Seed Applicants and will host fairs for the first time.
For the third year, participating schools that have a large population of low-to-moderate income students will receive an additional $500. Twenty-five schools received this additional
funding to bring much-needed financial education to students in the state’s most vulnerable communities.
“Credit for Life Fairs empower high school students with the tools they need to succeed,” said State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg. “This year, we are supporting a record number of schools, helping young adults prepare to make informed financial decisions as they approach graduation and adulthood.”
“The Division of Banks is proud to support this initiative
with another round of funding,” said Mary Gallagher, Commissioner of Banks. “With handson, high-quality lessons offered at these fairs, students can learn foundational financial management skills they can use into adulthood.”
“It is important for high school students to understand how to manage their personal finances so they can be successful in life,” said Layla R. D’Emilia, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “Funding Credit for
Life Fairs through these grants provides a fun, engaging and productive environment for students to learn fiscal responsibility.” Since 2015, over 65,000 Massachusetts students have attended Credit for Life Fairs. The Financial Education Innovation Fund Grant was established as an ongoing effort to strengthen access to financial literacy throughout Massachusetts. This financial education program is funded by the Division of Banks through a settlement over alleged unlawful lending practices.
wanted to share his knowledge and love of his Irish heritage not only with his family but also with his community.
“He was a blend of wit and warmth, had an amazing work ethic, was fiercely loyal, loving, very involved with all of our activities. He carried a strong sense of humor, was a vivid storyteller, and a man of great faith. The two greatest legacies he left us are love of family and love of his Irish heritage. My family and I are thankful to the committee for continuing to keep his legacy alive,” said Turmel.
Abaigeal “Abbie” Fiore, pres-
ident of the committee, said the coronation was. “a wonderful evening.” She added that the colleen and her court did a great job of sharing what their culture means to them. “They shared their talents, passion and achievements in academics, athletics and extra-curricular activities. We’re very excited as a committee to share the Irish season with them.”
At the coronation event, the committee also presented awards to three individuals — all Agawam residents — who will lead the Agawam contingency on parade day.
Former Agawam Mayor William P. Sapelli was named parade marshal for contributing to the growth of the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee.
The Anne Sullivan Award was
UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND DEAN’S LIST
BIDDEFORD, MAINE — The following students have been named to the University of New England’s Dean’s List for the fall semester 2025. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester. Andrew Croteau of Agawam; and Charles Daggett and Ainsley Kearney of West Springfield were named to the list.
presented to Kristine Sills, the committee’s new vice president, for her exceptional volunteerism in her community that “epitomizes the values” represented by
received the
of her “extraordinary dedication” to education and community service.
Sullivan. A Feeding Hills native, Sullivan was the companion and teacher to Helen Keller. Agawam Junior High School teacher Lisa Bruno Santaniello
Vera Conway Citizenship Award in recognition
Ava Levesque is crowned Agawam’s 2026 colleen by Julia Nicosia, the 2025 colleen, at the Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee’s coronation ceremony on February 7 as members of Levesque’s court look on.
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
Town seeks names of Agawam veterans for new monument
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — The Agawam Veterans’ Service Office has completed its mission to fund a fifth monument for veterans who have served since the Vietnam War. Now underway is a campaign to identify the names of veterans, coined “No Name Left Behind.”
Agawam Veterans’ Service Officer Christopher Lanski explained that the $49,000 marble monument will include a brass
By Sam Drysdale State House News Service
BOSTON — Midway through the two-year session and as data points to a slow job market in Massachusetts. Gov. Maura Healey plans to file an economic development bill “at some point,” she said on Feb. 2, noting she has already put two bills before the Legislature to propel local economies.
Governors often file economic development or jobs bills that lawmakers entertain in the months leading up to elections. As the last session came to a close, Healey and lawmakers in 2024 agreed on a law committing state financial support to the life sciences and climate technology industries, expanding the mission of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and paving the way for a professional soccer stadium in Everett.
Asked by the News Service
On Feb. 2 what her plans were for a jobs bill, Healey pointed to bills she’s already filed: a $2.5 billion proposal (H 4693) to use bonding to upgrade infrastructure at higher education campuses, dubbed the BRIGHT Act; and a research-and-education based “DRIVE Act” (H 4375) that would infuse $400 million into higher education, research and biopharma development.
“Pending right now with the Legislature we’ve got the BRIGHT Act, that’s going to bring tens of thousands of jobs online in construction to build infrastructure on our college campuses. And then we also have the DRIVE Act, which is going to fund a lot of positions and help drive the job growth created in our life sciences and biotech industries. Those are construction jobs, retail jobs, architecture, in addition to scientific jobs as well,” Healey said.
Healey filed the higher ed infrastructure bill over a year ago, last January, and the science funding bill in July.
The BRIGHT Act passed the
plaque inscribed with veteran names. The monument was funded by donations, including a large one from an anonymous donor, a Massachusetts State Historical Records Advisory Board grant, the West Springfield Fish/Game Club and the Westfield Marine Corps League. Lanski expects about 500 names to be included. So far, he has identified about 340 veterans through research.
To be eligible, veterans from any branch of the armed services must have served after
House in November and now is in Senate Ways and Means. It received a 13-0 favorable recommendation from the Joint Committee on Higher Education. The DRIVE Act has not emerged from the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, where House Chair of the Committee Rep. Carole Fiola pointed to other needs outside of higher education and biotech when asked about the bill in the fall. “There are a lot of important pressing needs: energy costs, all these federal implications of federal cutbacks. So, we’re looking at all of it,” Fiola said in September. The committee has until March 16 to make a recommendation on the bill.
Pressed on whether those two bills made up her economic agenda, Healey said, “No, no no. I’m just saying that that’s already stuff that we’ve done ... In terms of additional bills around workforce and job creation, we’re evaluating that now, but I imagine that we’ll have more to announce.”
She added, “I do expect we’ll file an economic development bill at some point.”
The governor said last week that she is leaning on the cochairs of her Competitiveness Council: Dan Kenary, president & co-founder of the Harpoon Brewery and board member of Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and Mark Nunnelly, chairman of Toolbox Holdings and Foundation and former managing director of Bain Capital.
“I think you should take comfort knowing that Dan and Mark are at the helm, leading that with an array of stakeholders, and I’ve asked for immediate feedback,”
Healey said at an AIM conference last week.
Data released Jan. 23 shows Massachusetts’ job market continued to move slowly in December, with modest payroll growth paired with rising unemployment and a shrinking labor force.
Preliminary figures from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development show
May 8, 1975, and been honorably discharged on or before Dec. 31, 2025, and they must have lived in Agawam at some point during their service. Rather than only include the names of people who were in the military during the Global War on Terror, the monument will record the names of service members since the end of the Vietnam War.
“We wanted to include everyone that served and not have a gap,” Lanski said. “It’s really an honor roll.”
payroll jobs increased by 4,600 in December, following similar gains in October and November. While those gains add up to about 13,500 jobs since September, they point to steady but subdued hiring activity.
At the same time, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.8% in December, from 4.7% in November. The increase came alongside a decline in labor force participation, which slipped to 66.5%. The data showed 9,300 fewer individuals were employed.
The state reported that fewer people were working across private and nonprofit jobs, self-employment and entrepreneurship, with some workers likely leaving the workforce altogether due to retirement or other factors.
The mixed signals reinforce a picture of a labor market that is stable but sluggish.
While employers added jobs in December, particularly in leisure and hospitality, health care and education, and manufacturing, the overall pool of workers continued to shrink. That combination — modest job gains paired with fewer people working and a higher jobless rate — suggests employers remain cautious about
To add the name of a veteran, they or family members of those who have died should submit an application, a copy of service records and proof of the campaign, conflict or operation. Lanski said it is important to get the word out about the campaign to identify veterans. “We want everyone to have to opportunity to be honored for their service,” he said. In addition to social media, posters in townowned buildings, a legal notice and other methods, Lanski is
expanding payrolls, even as layoffs remain limited.
As in previous months, the data points less to a downturn than to a prolonged period of slow movement. Hiring continues at a restrained pace, unemployment has inched higher, and labor force participation has softened, underscoring ongoing headwinds for jobseekers in Massachusetts as the state enters the new year.
“I was looking at your recent survey,” Healey said during her business address last week to AIM. “I think 70% of you said your business was doing well, but only 46% were confident in the economy, right? And so, you know, we’re very mindful of the vibe out there.”
Healey called it “a hard time for people to plan, for people to deploy capital and make investments.”
“The reality is, we face a lot of headwinds,” the governor told business executives at the event in Newton. “We have the last three years, and you guys have been living it since we came out of COVID. We are focused on lowering costs, and we’re trying to do that across the areas that I know matter the most to
hoping to create a robust word of mouth campaign. He said he wants people to say to their friends who have moved away, “Hey Jim, when you lived in Agawam in 1980, didn’t you serve?” He said, “Please reach out to anyone you know. Even if they did pass away, we want to see if they’re eligible.”
The deadline to collect names is May 31. For more information about the campaign, call 413-726-9783 or visit agawam.ma.us/296/veterans-services.
all of you.”
Healey also told the News Service on Feb. 2 while discussing a possible jobs bill that, “I’ve also been very focused on the things that help attract talent and bring people for jobs to Massachusetts and keep them here for jobs. That’s why the investments in housing are so important. Building more; building faster.”
Asked whether she planned to file any additional housing legislation, Healey said she’s focused on laws that are on the books.
“Well, we filed a massive housing bill a few years ago, now we’re in the process of implementing that, along with the changes that we’ve made from the various commissions that I’ve set up and the reports coming back,” she said.
She later added, “If there are more things to do, we will certainly be filing whatever legislation is necessary. But what I want people to focus on right now is implementing what’s already out there.”
Sam Drysdale and is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
Data shows multilingual students making ‘good gains’
By Mike Lydick Correspondent
AGAWAM — Agawam schools have a diverse multilingual population of nearly 300 students who speak nearly 30 different languages.
The top five languages are Russian, Ukrainian, Turkish, Spanish and Albanian. This diversity not only rivals some larger districts in the region, but it also highlights the richness of the community as well as the complexity of the work teachers do with these students.
“We want to make sure we’re putting instruction in place so that they acquire English and can access grade level content as quickly as possible,” said Rosa Rodriguez Pion, the district’s director of English Language Education, told the School Committee at its Jan. 13 meeting.
“Many of our students come with academic strengths in their first language, so a lot of it is the transfer from their first language to English,” she added.
Pion provided the committee with a brief overview of the district’s multilingual learner program. She said the district currently has about 290 English learners from pre-K to grade 12. In 2025, the highest number of multilingual students was 319, but 37 of them met the exit criteria and left the program.
“Every year, we’re turning over students who are going into the general education population and are no longer coded as multilingual learners,” she said.
Pion added that the multilingual learner population is built around three core goals. The first is accelerating access to grade level content in English for students coming to Agawam speaking a variety of languages.
The second is fostering a sense of belonging and identity. “We want students to feel val-
ued for who they are and feel like their language is appreciated and that we appreciate them being part of our greater community,” said Pion.
The third is expanding student voices and opportunities. “That’s a goal we’re working on for all students, and we want to make sure that our multilingual learners are not just supported, but also feel empowered across all academics and social life,” she said.
Approximately 70 students in the multilingual program are first year students — meaning it’s their first year in the United States. They are level one English learners. There are also 55 students who are dually identified as English as a second language and students with disabilities and 97 former ELs still being supported after four years.
Pion said students who graduate from the program are monitored for four years. She added that if they need additional support, they are pulled back into the program.
Each year during January and February, EL students must take a state test with criteria they must meet to exit and graduate from the program. There are four parts to the test: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Pion said the overall performance of students who have met the target set by the state is 54%. English proficiency has improved by more than 84%.
“We have strong, strong growth among students who have returned to us. So, we do have somewhat of a transient population. We have students who come in and leave. Students who have been with us over multiple years show the most growth. It takes about five to seven years to exit.
Most of those students — the 37 last year and the 41 the year before — are fourth and fifth graders who started with us in kinder
garten,” said Pion.
She added that when students
stay for five to seven years, they are making some “really good gains” in reading and writing as well as having a high percentage of year-to-year improvement. “All students are showing growth. That was one thing that we were really excited about. They all went up in levels. Some just missed their target. Some of the targets are really high. Usually, we expect students to move up one level per year. The state sometimes sets a goal that they have to move up 1.7 levels.”
Using the data, Pion said they work with teachers to try and support those goals. At the same time, she said they are facing ongoing
challenges. “We have a large influx of new students each year, so we need to support speaking and writing, which is usually the most difficult domain to master. And we just want to ensure that we have some consistent, accessible instruction in every classroom — not just with the language teachers, but in all content areas.”
Pion said the data helps guide professional development, curriculum work and resource allocation. She told the committee that the district recently received a grant to support curriculum development.
“We’re really excited about that. We want to strengthen our
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE DEAN’S LIST SPRINGFIELD — American International College in Springfield is proud to announce that 489 students have earned a place on the Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester. These full-time students have attained GPAs ranging from 3.3 to 4.0. Mia Wood of Agawam and Emily Martin of West Springfield.
multilingual learner curriculum, and this funding will allow us to build a sustainable system, rather than isolated supports,” said Pion.
“Our focus is to ensure consistent instruction across all schools. We want to provide targeted professional development for teachers, and we want to improve access to grade level standards, using data to monitor growth. This work directly supports long-term academic success and district-wide instructional coherence,” she added.
Looking ahead, Pion said there will be a continued emphasis on measuring student growth. “We want to use multiple data points. We’re paying attention to how our multilingual learners are performing and looking at ways to support teachers and students. We want to expand teachers’ toolkits. We want to remain committed to the schools and classrooms where students feel welcomed, supported and part of the greater Agawam community.”
Agawam School Committee member Michael Perry listens as Rosa Rodriguez Pion, director of English Language Education, gives an overview of the district’s multilingual learner program at the committee’s Jan. 13 meeting.
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Student art made into mural at Memorial Elementary
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — A couple weeks ago, people who walked into Memorial Elementary School saw red brick walls with cream-colored cinderblock. Now, visitors, students and staff are greeted with the sight of a peace sign, hearts floating up the wall and a reminder to “Bee Kind.” Further down the hallway is a blue dog with spots, a rocket ship, a basketball wearing a graduation cap, more bees and a school bus. What makes this piece of art more than just a mural is that the images all came from the students’ imaginations.
Funded by a grant from the West Springfield Cultural
Local piano students perform at Carnegie Hall
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Seven young performers recently had the chance to perform the works of esteemed composers at the historic Carnegie Hall concert venue in New York City on Jan. 17. Under the instruction of Ellen Buoniconti from The Music Cellar in West Springfield, Longmeadow students Clara Choi, Sebastian Rodriguez, Nicholas Rodriguez and LeMei Mao, West Springfield students Kristopher Villaruel and Keli-Genevieve Purugganan and Holyoke’s Kevin Meara performed solo piano pieces at Carnegie Hall.
The musicians competed in the Crescendo International Music Competition and earned high scores in the first round, qualifying them for the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall. The students competed against musicians from the United States, along with Australia, Germany, Mongolia, China, Austria, Argentina, Korea, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Israel, Turkey, France, England, Brazil and Italy.
The Crescendo International Music Competition website states, “our competitions allow performers to maximize their potential, and serve as a professional setting for aspiring musicians to showcase their talents at prestigious concert halls worldwide. Performers are also presented with an invaluable opportunity to interact with other musicians and learn essential life lessons such as having the confidence to get back up after stumbling.”
Choi and Mao scored first place, earning their opportunity to join the International Student Music Exchange Program this summer in China, Italy, Germany and Switzerland.
Villaruel started piano at seven years old and played “Golliwog’s Cakewalk” by Claude Debussy. He said he has an electric piano at home with songs built into it and thought it would be cool to play it at Carnegie Hall. Meara started four years ago and played Edvard Grieg’s “Notturno” because of its dreamy sound.
Sebastian, who played Carnegie Hall last year in the same competition, started piano when he was 8, but said he started taking it seriously about three years ago. He played Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Prelude in C Sharp Minor.”
“I chose it because two years ago at Carnegie Hall, I heard someone else play it and I just wanted to play that song,” Sebastian said.
Nicholas started taking the piano seriously three years ago as well. He performed Aram Khachaturian’s “Sonatina,” mostly because he liked how fast it was.
Purugganan began at seven years old after seeing videos of people playing the piano. She played “Fountain in the Rain” by William Gillock. She said it just “went with the flow” and that she liked playing those different pieces.
Mao played “Nocturne in C Sharp Minor” by Frédéric Chopin because of its pretty sound. She began piano around seven years ago because her sister played, much like the reason Choi started, who played Franz Liszt’s “Un Sospiro.”
“I just wanted to follow my sister,” Choi said. “I’m very competitive, so I wanted to be better than her, which wouldn’t work because she’s like 10 years older than me … I’ve grown into it, and I think now it’s more about how I play and more about myself and trying to play in the key of me.”
Leading up to performing, most of the students expected the hall to be a lot bigger, even though they performed in front of about 500 people. The majority said they were nervous leading up to it, but found the event pretty fun and exciting to actually play.
Since it was his second time at the event, Sebastian said he wasn’t as nervous, and it was good to meet people from different countries. Nicholas said it was nerve-racking at first, but the nerves went away when he began playing because of how much he practiced.
Playing in a concert hall does differ exponentially from playing in a practice room, and the students performed on a nine-foot grand piano, the largest piano class designed for maximum tone and extended sustain. Mao said her piano at home is “crusty and old” and that the notes were so easy to play.
Piano has also made an impact on the students lives, whether it
be something to do when they’re bored or as a way to express themselves. Some said that it has also helped them learn consistency and memorization, which helps them with their school work.
While Mao was the only one who said she could see it being a lifelong career, piano will indefinitely have a place in their lives.
Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro
Classified Account Managers: Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada
From left to right: Kevin Meara, Kristopher Villaruel, Keli-Genevieve Purugganan, LeMei Mao, Clara Choi, Nicholas Rodriguez, Sebastian Rodriguez.
Artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas fills in the details of the mural.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
See MURAL on page 8
WEST SPRINGFIELD VS BELCHERTOWN
BASKETBALL
On Jan. 30, West Springfield defeated Belchertown 59-56 in a boys basketball game played at West Springfield High School.
Adrian Rodriguez Merced dives to the floor to win the loose ball.
West Springfield’s Matthew Phillips (R) jostles for rebound position with Shea MacLean of Belchertown.
Aiden Rooney searches for an open teammate.
Evan Pomeroy advances the ball for West Side.
Jaiden Guerrero contributed 15 points for West Side including four 3-pointers.
Brodie Barrett and the West Side cheerleaders entertain during a time out.
The West Side student cheering section reacts to a go-ahead 3-pointer by the Terriers.
West Springfield’s Jahdiel Gonzalez led all scorers with 24 points.
Sebastian DiCarlo drives to the basket and scores putting the Terriers ahead 34-29.
Brady Paquette takes it to the hoop.
2026 West Springfield Cultural Council grants announced
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield Cultural Council has awarded 33 grants for events and programs taking place in 2026.
Council members carefully reviewed each of the 56 proposals submitted and determined that 33 applicants met the funding criteria established by the Mass Cultural Council and the WSCC. All grant funds allocated to West Springfield by the state were fully awarded. The council said they are fortunate to have so many engaged and creative residents contributing to the cultural life of its community.
The mission of the WSCC is to enrich the cultural life of West Springfield. Each year, cultural grants support a wide range of programs, including concerts, exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies, school performances, workshops and lectures.
They invite the public to attend and participate in these programs and to support the individuals and organizations that make them possible.
“Great things are done by a
series of small things brought together.” — Vincent Van Gogh
2026 WSCC Calendar of events and programs: October 2025-January 2026 — Artservatorey Drama Residency (Mittineague Elementary School)
• January-November 2026 — Torch Song Tuesdays (Majestic Theater Cafe and Main Stage)
• February 2026 — Dixieland Stomp Mardi Gras Concert (West Springfield Senior Center)
• March 17 and Oct. 27 — Magic for Seniors by Deanna Congo (Monastery Heights Senior Living & Memory Care)
• Spring 2026 — Good Golly, Missed Trolley, “The Hilltown Trolley Dilemma” by Steven Cormier (Location TBD)
• Spring 2026 — Library Sign and Tree Gardens (West Springfield Public Library)
• Spring/Summer 2026 — The Art of Needle Felting (West Springfield Public Library)
• Spring & Fall 2026 — Everlasting Herbariums, Ever-
lasting Floral Pumpkins, and Botanical Brooms by Wandering Wisteria Botanicals (West Springfield Public Library)
• April 15 — Art Exhibition by the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club (West Springfield Public Library)
• May 2026 — Arts Night: Celebrating Culture, Community & Creativity (Memorial Elementary School)
• May 2026 — DrumPerks by Mobile Ed (Coburn Elementary School)
• May 2026 — School Dance/ Prom for Seniors by Richard Plasse (West Springfield Senior Center)
• May 8 — The Connie Francis Story: A Connie Francis Tribute (Monastery Heights Senior Living & Memory Care)
• May 15 — Patriotic Concert by the Fanfare Brass Ensemble (Monastery Heights Senior Living & Memory Care)
Summer 2026 — Rock the Park, 80s and 90s Alt Rock Hits with Recent History (West Springfield Morgan Road Pavilion)
Council, Principal Karen Albano reached out to artist Ramiro Davaro-Comas, whom she had worked with in a different school district. He hosted a workshop with art teacher Whitney Weldon’s students in December of 2025. Weldon explained that her students in grades 1-5 drew pictures themed around their school. Davaro-Comas scanned each picture and, after selecting a manageable number of images, created a digital collage. Choosing which of the more than 200 images to include was a challenge. “I was just following the themes,” Davaro-Comas said. For example, Memorial’s mascot is a bee.
June 2026 — The Piper Hopkins Band Concert (The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England)
• June 3 — Day Dream by the StarCats Jazz Trio (West Springfield Public Library)
July 2026 — CIRCLES OF LOVE Puppetry Arts Program (West Springfield Boys & Girls Club)
• July 2026 — Ethel Lee Ensemble (Eastern States Gazebo)
• July 2026 — Sarah the Fiddler (Eastern States Gazebo)
• July 7 — “Digging Dinos!” An Interactive Story Performance by Diane Edgecomb (West Springfield Public Library)
• July 12 to Aug. 16 — Sevenars 58th Anniversary Season (Worthington, MA)
• July 16 — Dan Kane and Friends Concert (Eastern States Gazebo)
• July 28 — Stomp, Chomp & Read (West Springfield Public Library)
• Aug. 13 — New England Digital Accordion Orchestra (West Springfield Morgan Road Pavilion)
Aug. 27 — Bad News Jazz & Blues Orchestra (West Springfield Morgan Road Pavilion)
• Fall 2026 – Concert by The Jazz Queens (West Springfield Public Library)
• Dec. 5 — New England Ringers Holiday Concert (First Church West Springfield)
• Date TBD — Landscapes of Hope Concert by Timothy Van Egmond (West Springfield Senior Center)
Date TBD — Painting from Within: Self-Exploration on Silk by Lidia Mikhaylova (West Springfield Public Library)
• Date TBD — Music for Community by the O-Tones (West Springfield Public Library)
• Dates TBD — Cemeteries of West Springfield Tours and Presentation by Robert Comeau (Park Street Cemetery, Old Meadow Cemetery, Meeting House Hill Cemetery, West Springfield Public Library)
He said, “The goal is to create as many images that the students can connect to.” He included the drawings of as many students as possible.
On Feb. 3, the art was sketched on the wall in pencil. From there, Davaro-Comas, an assistant and Weldon’s students got to work with brushes and paint. All day long, different grades rotated through the hallway. Even those students whose artwork was not included were able to contribute to the mural. About 100 kids painted on the first day, with a similar number contributing their artistic skills on day two of the project. “They’re taking it so seriously,” Weldon said.
Davaro-Comas said the students got to see how important collaboration is. Weldon explained that one student would figure out a better way to paint something and would share it with the person next to them, transmitting it down the line of
students working on the wall. Throughout the project, Davaro-Comas said different children told him, “I feel really calm,” “I love painting,” “I want to do this all the time” and “I want to be an artist.” He said, “It’s huge for their self-esteem,” and it drives home the message that “you do not need a cell phone to do stuff. They can work with their hands and create stuff.” He also said the mural of student-created art sends a message to staff and families that Albano, a relatively new principal, “cares” about the school and the students.
Reflecting on the impact of the art, Davaro-Comas said, “When you look at a child’s drawing, that makes people hopeful.” Weldon agreed, saying, “There’s no way people are going to look at this and not feel something. The kids here are pure magic.”
From left: Students Jayce Alicea and Jayden Burgos paint a flower as part of the mural at Memorial School. An unfinished section of the hallway mural at Memorial School after the first day of painting.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
Festival to showcase, celebrate youth film and photography
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — From the Valley Fest, a new youth film and photography festival started by two Hampshire County high schoolers, is coming to 33 Hawley in Northampton on Feb. 21. The inaugural event will showcase and celebrate the work of young artists in their respective mediums.
The festival was cultivated by Amherst Regional High School junior Ava Beganny and Pioneer Valley Performing Arts School junior Serena Gross, whose passion and friendship tied to photography and visual storytelling helped foster the idea. They became friends at the Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp and quickly bonded over their shared interests.
“We’ve been friends for a while, and we became friends because we had a shared love for visual art, such as photography and film. We were looking around the area trying to find some kind of festival to showcase our artwork, and we couldn’t really find anything that was really accessi-
ble to us, so we were like, ‘what if we just made it ourselves?’ And so over the summer, we started talking about it and planning, and it all kind of went from there,” Beganny told Reminder Publishing
As part of their summer at DASAC, the two were exposed to analog photography and visual storytelling, which eventually augmented the poetry they wrote.
Beganny said it was a great experience for the two of them because it helped build their skills in those areas.
The festival will run on Feb. 21 from 2-4 p.m. The first hour is devoted to a photo gallery walk/ mixer, where artists can connect further and speak to attendees about their work. The second hour features a presentation of the film submissions themselves.
“Youth artists can meet up with each other and get inspired, and just have a good connectiveness … I think that part is really cool, talking to other people your age that are interested in the same thing,” added Beganny. “It’s [the festival] casual, as in it’s not something to be super wor-
ried about going into it. Everyone who submitted has really good art, and it’s amazing to see, so it shouldn’t be a scary event where you’re worried your art isn’t good enough. It’s for youth artists, and it’s for people to try and experiment, and get inspired.
Beganny added, “I think that it’s really important to not only be creative in your own way in whatever art form it is, but to also look at other people’s ideas through artwork. I think it’s important to broaden your scope and to also get connected with other people. I have a lot of friends at Northampton High School, and I’m just trying to get a lot of people to come to this event. Not only if you’re an artist, but to see people doing things you’re not used to, because it can really make your brain open up more to different ideas.”
Beganny said the event is not meant to be competitive. Instead, it’s a showcase of the talented youth working in these areas. With that being said, one photographer and one filmmaker will be highlighted at the end of the event as “The Valley Favorite.”
“It’ll be a way to showcase one thing that really excelled in our eyes, but we don’t want it to be a competition; it’s just an added benefit. For everyone that’s submitted, we’re all proud of them, and it’s been amazing to see,” added Beganny.
Reflecting on the creation of the festival, Beganny said she and Gross are both thankful to be living in the valley, where doing something like this is attainable.
“I think we’re really lucky to live in an area where it’s accessible to do things like this and also to be supported through that. I think that it’s good that we’re taking this opportunity because there are places where people just don’t have access to these forms of art, or access to the funds to be able to put on such an event,” said Beganny. “We want to take advantage of that and be able to do this so that people will be more inspired in the future to do more stuff like this, because in all honesty, my ideas were inspired by a lot of local theater people who have put on their own events at different venues and such, and I kind of
wanted to lean into that and put on my own event. I just wanted to lean right into my hobbies, which I know a lot of youth share with me, and to be able to have a big gathering where everybody can learn one way or another.”
Tickets for the first-ever From the Valley: Youth Film and Photography Festival are $7 for students and $12 for general admission if purchased on Eventbrite: visit tinyurl.com/tjmvd4s8. The cost at the door is $5 for students and $10 for general admission attendees.
“Art is a very special medium. I think that it’s not encouraged in a lot of places, and I want to be able to encourage that to youth so that they can try this thing that is often discouraged, because it’s hard to make a living when only focusing on art,” added Beganny. “But I think, especially as a kid or teenager, that’s the prime time to experiment with art, whether it’s film and photography, or theater, or writing, anything like that, I think is just wonderful, and I think everybody should have access to those types of things.”
Springfield Symphony’s Fearless Women Awards open for nominations
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra announced that its fourth Annual Fearless Women Awards are open for nominations, honoring local women who embody courage, resilience and empowerment. Women are nominated by their peers, and nominations are being accepted until Feb. 13 at 5 p.m.
Nominations can be made through a form on the SSO web-
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation on Feb. 4 announced that reservations for the 2026 state park camping season will open to the public on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 9 a.m. Camping season at DCR’s 25 campgrounds will begin in April and continue through October.
“Camping at a DCR park is a cherished tradition for families and friends from all over — many of whom return to the same campground year after year, and in some cases for decades,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Spending time together outdoors strengthens relationships, creates lasting memories and helps foster the vital connection between people and nature, along with a shared responsibility to care for these special places.”
Campers should note the following prior to booking a reservation:
• Reservations are available up to four months in advance of arrival.
• Same-day reservations are available until 2 p.m. daily through ReserveAmerica
• Campers should fill out all required fields of the reservation application at the time of booking to ensure a smooth arrival.
• Visitors without a reservation are not allowed in campsites; however, day-use areas are available for gathering and outdoor activities.
• All pets must have physical proof of valid rabies vaccination. Entry may be denied at check-in if paper verification cannot be provided.
Campground-specific updates
Fans of camping at Mount Greylock State Reservation and the Boston Harbor Islands are encouraged to monitor DCR’s website and social media accounts for updates on the camping schedule.
Savoy Mountain State Forest’s campground will close July 31, 2026, to accommodate the construction of a new bathhouse.
site at SpringfieldSymphony.org.
This year’s Fearless Women will be recognized on stage at the SSO’s March 14 performance at 7:30 p.m., “Gershwin and A Woman’s Voice.”
Those who nominate a Fearless Woman can choose among five inspiring categories that most embodies the individual, including Bravery, Advocacy, Passion, Perseverance; and Au-
• This season, Washburn Island will be available for camping on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The campground at Washburn Island is accessible by private boat only. Please note that there is no on-site parking at the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve or at the town of Falmouth parking lot at White’s Landing. Campers are responsible for finding suitable parking arrangements. Since last season, DCR has made several improvements to its campsites including the new yurts at both Clarksburg State Park and Nickerson State Park.
A list of DCR campsites can be found at DCR’s camping webpage. Campsites vary in offered accommodations, includ-
thenticity. Last year’s Fearless Women Awards honored seven local women, and since its inception, the Awards have recognized more than 20 women in the region.
Those being honored will receive two tickets to the March 14 SSO concert, along with the individual who nominated them, and there will be a Welcome Reception for honorees, their guests
ing showers, flush toilets, and R.V. water and power hook-ups. Yurts can be reserved at Myles Standish State Forest, Nickerson State Park, October Mountain State Forest, Clarksburg State Park, Otter River State Forest, Shawme Cromwell State Forest, Wells State Park and Willard Brook State Forest. Cabins can be rented at Mohawk Trail State Forest and Savoy Mountain State Forest. For more information on camping in cabins and yurts visit DCR’s cabin and yurt camping webpage. Additionally, approximately 20 of DCR’s campgrounds have accessible campsites that all provide accessible parking, accessible restrooms, and a flat, firm and stable surface for camping. For more information on acces-
and nominators in the Mahogany Room prior to the concert. The Fearless Women will then be recognized on-stage at the start of the performance. The honorees will receive a plaque in recognition of this honor.
According to Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the SSO, “The Fourth Annual Fearless Women Awards celebrate the remarkable women
Last year, DCR accepted nearly 65,000 camping reservations at parks across the
whose courage, creativity and commitment elevate our community and inspire us all. They reflect a deep dedication to lifting others, fostering connection, and creating meaningful, lasting impact through their everyday actions. We are proud to recognize their achievements and to shine a spotlight on these amazing women in our very own Symphony Hall.”
state. For more information and questions about the 2026 camping season, visit the agency’s website or email dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov.
