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APRIL 2, 2026 | FREE
IN THIS EDITION
WESTERN MASS.
St. Patrick’s Parade goes on despite soggy weather
A rainy day couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered for the 73rd
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 22.
Page 3
Rocky’s Ace Hardware celebrates 100 years of solving problems
It is a milestone for any company to stay in business for 100 years. It is even more impressive when that business is family-owned and an institution in more than 50 communities.
Page 4
WEST SPRINGFIELD
School officials present reductions in revised level funded budget
The West Springfield School Department is looking at a number of reductions to positions and expenses.
Page 5
AHS seniors honored for academic achievement
By Mike Lydick Correspondent
AGAWAM — Entering Agawam
High School as a ninth grader Kamiyah Ward felt she didn’t have the best grades. So, she focused on changing that.
Last week, Ward was among 131 AHS seniors to receive a prestigious award for maintaining at least a 3.0 (B) grade-point average (GPA) throughout her four years of high school. The award — known as the Academic A — was presented at the March 24 School Committee meeting under Highlights in Education. The annual award recognizes the dedication students have shown to achieving their academic goals.
“This award is important to me because starting in my freshman year, I focused in more on my goals,” said Ward. She was determined to become a better student — and her hard work paid off.
“It makes me feel very proud of myself. This award shows I’m a very hard-working student,” said Ward. She added that she overcame academic obstacles as well as obstacles in daily life.
“It shows I know how to stay focused when different assignments are given to me. This award also represents who I am overall as a student and in my work ethic,” said Ward, who is planning a nursing career. This fall she will attend the University of Connecticut at its Storrs campus.
“This is one of our favorite events,“ said Shelley Borgatti-Reed, vice chair of the committee. “It begins the events for
all the seniors coming up for the rest of the year. Mayor [Christopher] Johnson isn’t here tonight. He is out of town, but he wants to express his congratulations to all the students in our audience tonight,” she said.
The Academic Aaward — unique to Agawam — was created in 1999 at the suggestion of then School Committee member Susan Pettazzoni, who was in the audience to watch this year’s awards presentation. A committee member from 1992 to 2006, Pettazzoni’s idea was to create an award that recognizes academic accomplishments in a way that is comparable to how students are recognized for sports achievements.
About 52% of the 251 members of the class of 2026 were honored with the award that includes a certificate and a large white “A” trimmed in orange with a yellow lamp of knowledge.
“I definitely do think this award should be continued, because it gives recognition to students who felt like they like weren’t good enough or weren’t smart enough,” said Ward. “It shows them that they really were, and that their hard work paid off at the end of the day. And I think other school districts should do it as well.”
Carlina Calabrese, Ward’s classmate, said she’s always taken a lot of pride in her grades and worked hard in school. “It’s nice to get recognized for that,” said Calabrese, who is planning a career in business or finance and is leaning toward attending either UConn or Penn State in the fall.
“I didn’t really know much
about the award until I got the email about it. I was hoping I would get the award — I was a little surprised, but I was happy that I got it,” said Calabrese. “I’m very lucky to be receiving the award.”
The Academic A award presentation was one of the last times that a large portion of the class of 2026 gathered together before graduation. Calabrese said it’s “crazy” to think that graduation will be in less than three months.
“I still remember walking in for my freshman year. It feels like yesterday. When they said it goes by fast, it really does. We’re all close, I’d say, and we all get
along. So, it’s hard to think that it’s getting close to the last time we’ll all be together just one more time.”
Ward agreed, adding that it’s a “very bittersweet” time for her “These are people from not even just high school, but elementary school that I’ve basically grown up with. And seeing us all grow up and go on different paths is very inspiring, and it just makes me feel that sense of community from all these years,” she said. Ward added that she’s proud of what her class has accomplished,
AHS senior Kamiyah Ward shakes hands with School Committee members and city councilors who gathered on the junior high school stage to congratulate 131 seniors after they received their Academic A award at the committee’s March 24 meeting. Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
See AHS AWARDS on page 8
STRM: Woo Sox, Yard Goats ready to tee up seasons
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Chris Maza sat down with Hartford Yard Goats General Manager Mike Abramson while Tyler Garnet and Dennis Hackett sat down with Worcester Red Sox’s Marketing Vice President Steve Oliveira to talk about their organizations upcoming minor league baseball seasons.
Worcester Red Sox
The Worcester Red Sox, Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, opened its season on March 27 against the Syracuse Mets at Polar Park.
Oliveira said offseason renovations at Polar Park include a new patio area in the Triple Decker Garden and added covering at the Hanover Deck to better accommodate fans in changing weather.
Promotions this season include bobblehead giveaways for former WooSox players Wilyer Abreu and Ceddanne Rafaela, along with Clara-themed giveaways and tri-corner hats in June to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Returning favorites include Friday fireworks, Saturday postgame catch on the field and Sunday kids base running.
Like all minor league teams, Worcester will have alternate identity-themed nights throughout the season. As part of the program, the Worcester Woo Sox will transform into the “Pawtucket Hot Wieners,” the “Worcester Kelley Squares,” and “The Art of the Woo,” for select games during the upcoming season.
“Some good ole minor league fun,” Oliveira said. “The type of things that you don’t necessarily see at the major league level.”
Oliveira also mentioned new offerings that guests can look out for this year, including a
“Smiley” meal for kids, which he described as the WooSox’s version of a Happy Meal; a $5 beer offering 16-ounce beers; and a specialty Battle Burger, themed for the visiting team that week. For example, when the Buffalo Bisons visit Polar Park, buffalo wings will be added to the specialty burger.
Aside from the added beverage and food options, there are plenty of players that fans can look forward to this season, according to Oliveira, including infielder Mikey Romero, and pitchers Jake Bennett and Payton Tolle.
“Our manager, Chad Tracy, was just recently talking in Spring Training saying he thinks this has the chance of being the best WooSox team that he’s been apart of the last five years, which is awesome to hear.”
Oliveira said there’s always the possibility major league players get assigned for their rehab assignments in Triple-A, and prospects are constantly sent down or called up throughout the season.
For more information on the WooSox’s upcoming schedule and offerings, readers can visit woosox.com.
Hartford Yard Goats
The Hartford Yard Goats, Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies, will celebrate its 10th season at Dunkin’ Park after relocating from New Britain in 2016.
Abramson said the organization has welcomed over three million fans to the ballpark and has “sort of continuously [shattered] every record for the most number of fans in the shortest period of time.”
The ballpark has repeatedly ranked among the top Double-A venues.
Promotional nights this season include a Negro League celebration on June 24, honoring Hartford School Boys play-
er Johnny “Schoolboy” Taylor, Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, and multiple Los Chivos de Hartford games celebrating Hispanic and Latino culture, including a Roberto Clemente tribute in August.
“We definitely like to tie back, when we can, to the history through our themes. Obviously, diversity, equity, inclusion, those are all really important initiatives for us here in the ballpark. We want to celebrate things that are reflective of the community that we’re in,” Abramson stated. “You need to serve everybody, so we’re honoring the history of baseball, but we also have Banana Ball coming back, which is the newest iteration, I guess, of so-called baseball. We’ll do anything to get people here.”
Opening weekend features a 10-year celebration, jersey giveaway, fireworks and appearances by Mario, Luigi and Bluey. Other themed events include a divorce party night, Halloween game, Rock Cats throwback nights, and Eras night with DJ Swiftie, a wedding vow renewal night and a Hartford Whalers alumni event.
Abramson also discussed the viral new food item that the Yard Goats will debut this season on certain nights, which is designed to resemble a friendship bracelet called the “Anti-Hero.” It is a 2-foot all beef hot dog served on an artisan Italian loaf bun, topped with 11 powdered donuts, a mustard-ketchup drizzle with sweet candied pink and blue sprinkles.
Other new food items include munchkin nachos, a frycuterie board and a cinnamon bun burger.
“We marketed ourselves as Connecticut’s largest restaurant,” Abramson said. “We are as much a restaurant as we are a sports venue. The vast majority of people come out here because it’s an entertainment option, not
because they have a deep love of baseball in general.”
Abramson talked about a few prospects to look forward to this season, including catcher Cole Messina, pitchers Everett Catlett and Griffin Herring, infielder Roc Riggio and outfielders Cole Carrigg and Charlie Condon, who have a good chance of being called-up to the major league club.
“There’s probably a couple players you want to come out and see once or twice because I do think you’ll see them perform in the majors,” Abramson said.
Although a good roster and wins are a plus, Abramson talked about the importance of selling entertainment to get fans in the seats, as the roster can constantly change because
players are continuously called up or traded.
“Double-A is all about development. They are putting a team together that can play as a team, but they’re also hyper focused on the individuals who are figuring out what their limitations are,” the Yard Goats general manager said, “We don’t sell baseball wins and losses, we sell entertainment, but it does not hurt to have a team that is fun to watch on the field.”
For more information on the Yard Goats upcoming season, readers can visit milb. com/Hartford.
To hear the full episode, visit thereminder.com/our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
Worcester Red Sox’s Marketing Vice President Steve Oliveira (left) sit down with “So That Reminds Me” hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet.
Reminder Publishing photo by Debbie Gardner
St. Patrick’s Parade goes on despite soggy weather
A rainy day couldn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd gathered for the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 22. Top row, from left: Agawam Parade Marshall William Sapelli. Agawam Ann Sullivan Award recipient Kristine Sills. Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson with city officials. Second row, from left: Agawam High School Band. Agawam Fire Department led by Chief Alan Sirois. Third row, from left: West Springfield Grand Prize float. West Springfield marching band. West Springfield parade marshal State Rep. Mike Finn. Fourth row, from left: 2026 Ray DiStrefano Awardee Tatham Memorial Club. Jinx Powers Award Winn TJ McNamara. West Springfield colleen Siobhan Erris Ginty and her court. Bottom row, from left: West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt. West Springfield Police Department Marching Unit
Jay Gearing. West Springfield Fire Department Marching Unit led by C.J. Bartone. More photos are available at
Rocky’s Ace Hardware celebrates 100 years of solving problems
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
It is a milestone for any company to stay in business for 100 years. It is even more impressive when that business is family-owned and an institution in more than 50 communities.
On March 6, 1926, Rocco “Rocky” Falcone opened a hardware store at the corner of Main and Union streets in Springfield. His great-grandson, John “Johnny” Falcone, director of acquisitions and part of the fourth generation of Falcones operating Rocky’s Ace Hardware, explained that when the Great
Depression broke out, the store became “Rocky’s Rental,” because people largely could not afford to buy tools. A rental business was particularly well-suited to the customers’ needs.
Over the years, the business continued to evolve to meet the needs of its customers. In the 1950s and 60s, the stores became neighborhood hardware stores where people could buy what they needed and get advice from the employees. By the 1990s, the company had pivoted to a more expansive view of home improvement, with showrooms so people could envision how their
project might look.
In the 1970s, Rocky’s became part of the Ace Hardware cooperative of 5,800 independently owned retailers in 50 states and 60 countries. By joining with Ace, Rocky’s was able to take advantage of the buying power of a national entity.
Today, Johnny said, the stores offer convenience, not just in what products they sell, but in how people can access those products, whether it is through the company’s app, website or in-store.
“The journey is not linear anymore,” Brian Bowler, head of marketing and sales, said of how
people shop. Some customers come to the store and then compare prices online. Others start online to get an idea of what they need and then pick it up in the store so they can see what they are buying. Customers who are mid-project can even have items delivered to their home via DoorDash. And when customers are tackling projects, Johnny said the team of up to 850 Rocky’s Ace Hardware employees is always available to help. He said, “We have incredible, smart people on our team.” Through it all, Rocky’s Ace Hardware has remained a family
business. In 1966, Rocky’s son, James “Jim” Falcone, became president and expanded the business to seven stores. Since Jim’s son, Rocco Falcone — named for his grandfather — became president in 1992, the number of stores has exploded to 50, stretching across New England, with stores also in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida and New Jersey. Two additional stores — in Manchester, Connecticut, and Kennebunkport, Maine — will be opening in the year ahead. Rocco owns the company alongside his aunt Clair Falcone. Johnny’s sister, Melissa
Local pest control leader earns top national
AGAWAM — Mosquito Squad
Plus of Hartford-Springfield is proud to announce that it has been named Franchisee of the Year, the highest recognition within its franchise system. This prestigious award highlights exceptional performance, operational excellence and a strong commitment to both customers and community.
“We are incredibly honored (and honestly, humbled) to re-
ceive this recognition,” said Keegan Cravo, director of Sales and Marketing. “This award means so much to us, not just because of what it represents today, but because of where it all started.”
The company’s journey began in 2017, when a father-daughter team launched the business with one truck and an office in a basement. Through hard work, dedication, and a clear vision, they built the foundation for what has
AGAWAM — The Agawam Historical & Fire House Museum, 35 Elm Street, Agawam, will be open on Saturday, April 4, from 1-3 pm. The museum, located in the heart of the Agawam Center National Register Historic District, is housed in the former Elm Street fire station (AFD No. 3), built in 1918, and operated by the Agawam Historical Association.
The Chief Russell D. “Rusty” Jenks apparatus room houses a 1930 International fire truck the town has owned since new, antique fire extinguishers and equipment, information about “Captain Noburn” and Jake the Fire Dog, and a rare antique Pompier ladder.
The Marilyn P. Curry History
grown into a thriving and respected operation. In 2025 alone, Mosquito Squad Plus of Hartford-Springfield proudly served over 2,900 customers across the region, a testament to the trust the community places in its services and the consistency of its team.
Mosquito Squad Plus of Hartford-Springfield credits its success to its entire team, including its leadership group: Abbe, Brenda, Dan, Joe A, Rey and Sam —
Room is home to a display of historic Agawam maps from 17951912, exhibits on and artifacts from: Aviation in Agawam, Riverside Park; Calla Shasta; the Porter Distillery, makers of the famous Agawam Gin; the Agawam woolen mill; exhibits featuring Agawam High School athlete Leonard “Buddy” Johnson (AHS ’47) and the 2013 Massachusetts state champion AHS boys volleyball team; dozens of vintage Agawam and Feeding Hills postcards; and the association’s archives.
The museum shop features Agawam history books, reproduction maps, vintage town reports and other souvenirs. Museum admission is free. Learn more at agawamhistory.org.
The Agawam Historical Association thanks the following businesses, individuals, and organizations for their generous sponsorship of the exhibits on display at the museum: Budget Blinds of Longmeadow and Springfield, the Atwood Family, BankESB,
as well as its technicians and customer service professionals.
“This award belongs to every member of our team,” said Cravo. “Whether you’re out in the field or supporting our customers behind the scenes, your hard work, care, and pride in what you do made this possible.”
The company also expressed deep appreciation for its loyal customers and the surrounding community.
“To our customers and community- thank you for trusting us and supporting us year after year. We wouldn’t be here without you.”
As the team celebrates this milestone, they remain focused on continued growth and delivering exceptional service across the Hartford-Springfield region.
“We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited for what’s ahead.”
the
the Susan and Chris Mastroianni Foundation, Spotlight Graphics,
Agawam Police Association,
Freedom Credit Union, Geissler’s supermarkets and the GFWC Agawam Junior Women’s Club.
An exhibit on the Calla Shasta picnic ground at the Agawam Historical &
Photo credit: David Cecchi
WEST SPRINGFIELD
School officials present reductions in revised level funded budget
By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The West Springfield School Department is looking at a number of reductions to positions and expenses after Mayor William Reichelt asked the School Committee to reduce the original level service recommendation by $3 million for a level funded budget.
Chief of Finance and Operations Adam Tarquini and Superintendent Stefania Raschilla detailed what goes into the budget and what needs to come out for fiscal year 2027 in a hearing spread out across the meetings on March 10 and 24.
The budget for FY27 stands at $58.45 million, a decrease from the initially requested $61.5 million. The budget also marks a $257,986 decrease from the $58.71 million approved for FY26.
Tarquini began by explaining the Chapter 70 foundation budget is the minimum amount it costs a district to provide an adequate education for all students. He said it can be confused with net school spending, the required minimum amount a district must spend on education.
The foundation budget was previously discussed at the Feb. 17 meeting and is set for FY27
Menard
at $72.85 million. A major component driving that number is the district’s enrollment, which saw a decrease of 166 students. Taquini cited that as having a “huge impact” on the foundation budget, considering there is currently a $1.33 million gap from net school spending at $74.18 million.
The majority of the requested FY27 budget is personnel services at $47.26 million, or 81%.
Transportation makes up 7%, or $4.21 million; out of district tuition is 7%, or $4.12 million; and operating expenses at 5%, or $2.86 million.
Tarquini said when “80% or so of our budget is made up of salaries and we’re looking to cut such a large number, unfortunately it will impact staff.” With 34 positions set to be reduced for $2.04 million, he made a note these are only positions and not “people who will be reduced from the budget.”
“Our hope is that we move over the next few months, we have some retirements, we may have some non-renewals, some other resignations,” Tarquini said.
“People that are filling these positions here, may be able to slide into those positions.”
Raschilla added that there are a number of people who resign, retire or are non-renewed each
year, and that “just because we see a number of 34, does not necessarily mean we are cutting 34 peoples’ jobs.” She added that some of those positions are vacant as well.
Unit A, which are teacher contracts, is seeing a reduction of 12.9 full-time equivalent positions at the highest cost of $1.16 million.
Paraprofessionals in Unit D saw the largest FTE position reduction at 15.5 positions, equaling $394,897. Raschilla said a component of the Unit A reductions is a result of decreasing enrollment.
“We’ve had a large decline at the elementary level,” Raschilla said. “When [Tarquini] explained that we lost 166 students, when we look over time, over the past three years, we lost over 100 students in just kindergarten, first and second grade, and so it isn’t possible to keep the amount of teachers that we currently have at those grade levels if we do not have students sitting in those seats.”
She added that although there are position reductions, there will be no reduction to current student services, and that the exact number of people the district will be losing from retirement or non-renewals won’t be known for another few months.
The rest of the $3 million asked to cut comes from reduced
contracted services at $140,000, reduced homeless transportation funds at $500,000 and $320,000 in offset curriculum renewals.
The committee also discussed the effect that charter schools have on the budget and community. Out of the 113 resident students enrolled in charter schools, 74 attend the Hampden Charter School of Science.
Charter schools are legally required in Massachusetts to be free to all students, which costs the town $1,911,706. The tuition assessment costs $2.39 million, but $480,291 is reimbursed by the state.
Reichelt asked Tarquini if those 113 students were really costing the town $2 million, who replied those students are the
town’s financial responsibility. Tarquini explained that those students are included in the enrollment for the foundation budget formula, so funding is received for them as well.
Tarquini said what the town receives in funding for those depends on factors in the formula, such as low-income students. Reichelt said he was curious to know that number before he goes on Facebook and tells the state “you’re screwing us for $2 million a year.”
The final budget presentation and vote will take place at the meeting on March 31, after Reminder Publishing’s deadline. Coverage of that meeting will appear in the April 9 edition of The Reminder.
joins Irish Cultural Center as GM of Irish House Restaurant
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England recently announced the hiring of Ashley Menard as general manager of the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. Menard has been working in restaurants since 2002 and most recently in the beverage distribution industry. She is excited to share her passion and knowledge within this new role.
100 Years
Continued from page 4
Falcone, is a marketing specialist and their cousin, Anthony DeLiso is the company’s promotions coordinator.
Johnny said the key to Rocky’s Ace Hardware’s success is putting customers first, satisfying their changing needs and solving
“I am thrilled to join the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub as it has built a strong reputation
problems. For the next 100 years, Johnny said he envisions Rocky’s Ace Hardware will “continue to be who we are at our core; that is helping others,” Johnny said. Brian agreed. “We don’t sell hardware. We don’t sell nuts and bolts. We help people solve problems,” he said. “We’re rooted in the community. We’re not going anywhere.”
for quality and hospitality. I appreciate the opportunity to work alongside this team as we continue to grow and successfully meet the needs of our guests,” Menard said.
Executive Director Caroline Morrissey is excited for the fu-
ture of the Irish House Restaurant. “Ashley joins the ICC at an exciting time, and we are delighted to welcome her as general manager. Her experience, leadership, and genuine commitment to hospitality will be a wonderful addition as we continue to grow
our programs and enhance the experience for our community.” Menard brings a wealth of ideas and knowledge to the Irish House Restaurant. She also stays busy in her free time, enjoying cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
Chief of Finance and Operations Adam Tarquini details the budget at the hearing on March 24.
Photo credit: West Side Media
Nura Muhorakeye drives baseline for Agawam.
Diya Patel attempts to steal the ball.
Kaylen Craig defends along the right sideline.
Hannah Podworski attacks the basket.
Bella Robbins scores on the lay-up putting Agawam ahead 31-17.
Jaelyn Holmes dives to the floor to win the ball.
Grace Therrien moves in for the rebound.
Zayala Lee looks to pass off the Agawam fast break.
Lilliana Ekstrom contributed 6 points toward the Agawam victory.
Michaela Pellegrino gains control of the loose ball near mid-court.
Please
community listings to: dhackett@thereminder.com Items
AGAWAM
AGAWAM PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the Agawam Public Li-
AHS Awards
Continued from page 1
but said that “at graduation, some tears will definitely be shed — especially going from seeing these people every single day to not seeing them anymore. It’s very scary.”
School Superintendent Sheila Martin said the number of seniors receiving an Academic A has continued to grow over the years. “This can be attributed not only to the hard work of students, but also to their teachers, administrators, parents and guardians who stress the importance of academic excellence.”
Before the awards were presented, AHS Principal Jim Blain told parents and family members in the audience that “it goes without saying you know your stu-
brary, 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. • Scavenger Hunt: Hippo theme — April 6-11. Drop by any time the library is open. Most people spend about 20 minutes doing the scavenger hunts at the Agawam Library. Pre-K Pals — For ages 2-5 —
Mon. April 6, at 11 a.m. Each week, the group will focus on an area of development and provide fun activities to support your child to learn through play. This program is provided by Pathways for Parents.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
WEST SPRINGFIELD
PUBLIC LIBRARY
The following events are organized by the West Springfield Pub-
lic Library, located at 200 Park St. For more information or to register for programs, visit wspl.org or call 413-736-4561 ext. 4.
Youth programs: Kids Create (for ages 6-12 with some adult help) — Wednesday, April 8 starting at 9 a.m. Pick up the materials and directions for making a fun craft for our older kids. No registration required, while supplies last.
WSPL FRIENDS APRIL MINI BOOK SALE
The Friends of the West Springfield Public Library will be hosting a Mini Book Sale on Wednesday, April 8, from noon to 2 p.m. to be held in the library’s Community Room. A wide variety of adult and children’s books will be available (hardcover books for $1, and softcover books for 50 cents), with proceeds benefiting the library. The library is located at 200 Park St.
a group photo.
dents’ academic prowess. Please know the impact they make in our school every single day by the type of people they are. And that goes to families who raise their children, right? So, thank you.”
Blain added that seniors are about to end a journey at AHS and in the Agawam Public Schools. “Your students contribute every single day in not one, not two, but probably five to 10 different
activities, clubs, awards, athletics, band, music, theater — everything we offer — it’s for these great kids,” he said.
After receiving their award, seniors went through a receiving line and were congratulated on stage by School Committee members and city councilors George Bitzas, Edward Borgatti, Thomas Hendrickson, Peter McNair, Dino
Mercadante, Christine Rickman and Anthony Suffriti.
Once the awards were presented; students joined the School Committee and City Council on stage for a group photo. Students then went to the AJHS cafeteria for photos grouped by the elementary they attended to symbolize their full circle of learning in Agawam.
TheReminder.com
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
AGAWAM
Talmadge M. “Thelma” Gross
Ann M. Guidi
Lynn A. Plakias
James M. Zucco
FEEDING HILLS
Kathleen A. Cavallo
Joseph Nicolas Gilberti
William J. Lambert
Daniel St. “Dan” Laurent
SOUTHWICK
William McAllister Beattie
Karen Ann Brzezinski
James Francis Hart
Elisabeth Johnson
Larry Veprauskas
WEST SPRINGFIELD
Daniel J. Callahan
Norma M. Gumlaw
Anthony J. “Tony” King
Walter J. Kruczek
James F. Martin
WESTFIELD
George H. Cameron
Eric J. Clarke
James Francis Hart
Patricia A. Lajewski
Stewart A. Phillips
Kenneth J. Premny
After receiving their Academic A Award at the March 24 School Committee meeting, 131 AHS seniors assembled on stage at the AJHS for
Reminder Publishing photo by Mike Lydick
Provision’s Picks: Light white wines from Muscadet
As winter wears on and spring seems closer than ever, I like to put aside the robust reds that we tend to favor during the cold months and start exploring warm weather wines ahead of the season’s change. It’s not so much a change of necessity, it’s still quite chilly here in Massachusetts, but rather a sort of optimistic look towards spring and summer just around the corner. Perhaps there is also a degree of palate fatigue from enjoying so much rich food and drink during the winter months. So let us look at something markedly different from the winter’s hearty reds and turn our attention to one of the most refreshing of light white wines: Muscadet.
Muscadet is the westernmost edge of the Loire, surrounding the city of Nantes near the Atlantic coast. The region works with only one grape, Melon de Bour-
gogne, and specializes in the dry, white and sea food friendly wine that bears the region’s name. This is not to be confused with the similar-sounding Muscat grape that is grown all over the world to produce fruity, floral wines, often of substantial sweetness. Muscadet is a fairly neutral grape with more notes of minerality than of fruit as a result of the local soil’s richness of calcium and potassium. These wines are often richly textured and long lived as a result of a practice known as “lees aging” wherein the wine is rested or aged on the yeast sediment left over from fermentation to create a richer mouthfeel and more savory aromas. Lees aging may last as little as a few months but in top cuvees can go on for as long as five years. The region has historically produced oceans of simple, high acid white wine meant to be paired with seafood,
however, the tide is turning in Muscadet, and today you can find a number of excellent producers making superb, thirst quenching wines of both enjoyment and terroir. Check out some of our favorites below:
Claude Branger Le Fils des Gras Moutons Muscadet Sevre et Maine ($16.99): Claude Branger and his son Sebastian are meticulous farmers focused on working entirely by hand, lowering yields to improve quality and organic farming (the estate has been certified organic by the EU since 2019). Le Fils des Gras Mouton is produced from a single vineyard containing the familly’s younger vines grown on shallow granitic soil, and the wine spends six to seven months on the lees before bottling. Notes of citrus peel, salt and crushed sea shells. An outstanding value! Jo landron Amphibolite
Muscadet Sevre et Maines ($23.99): The Landron family have proven to be true stars of the region, a reputation they have surely earned through their meticulous yet minimal intervention winemaking and comittment to biodynamic viticulture. In fact, Jo Landron was an early pioneer of natural farming in the largely conventional region, converting to organic in 1999 and biodynamics in 2011. Amphibolite is a blend of multiple parcels of 35to 40-year-old vines grown on the regions green amphibolite soils, and the wine spends six months on the lees. Slightly riper and more textured than many other entry level Muscadets with notes of citrus, apple and minerality.
Domaine de la Pepiere Muscadet Mise Precoce ($22.99): Widely regarded as one of the top domaines in the region, Pepiere’s wines are not to be missed. Led
by the Olivier family, the estate was one of the first to focus on single vineyard expressions back in the 80s, fighting an uphill battle for recognition in a region better known for bulk production. This focus on terroir led them to acquire some of the best vineyard sites in what are now the formally recognized cru zones of the region. As a result of this investment in terroir, they are able to source 50% of the fruit for their entry level Muscadet from the higher-tier cru sites with the remainder coming from good vineyards in the greater Muscadet-Sevre-et-Maine appellation. The Muscadet Mise Precoce is a special early bottling produced only in certain vintages to showcase a lighter and more acid driven style of Muscadet. Linear and very bright with savory notes of sea breeze, lemon and crushed rock.
Wistariahurst Museum presents: ‘Fans, Fashion and Feminism’
HOLYOKE — Wistariahurst Museum has announced that on April 21, it will exhibit, reveal and demonstrate the secret language of the Victorian hand fan. The event will feature an exhibit of beautifully crafted fans and a live demonstration of how “fan
language” was used to communicate without speaking a word. Although hand fans were a “must-have” fashion accessory for women of the time, they also marked the beginning of women’s determination to free themselves from the oppression of the
patriarchy and the overzealous eyes of chaperones during the Victorian era.
Attendees will learn how the simple hand fan helped energize women to pursue greater independence… walking without a male escort, riding a bicycle, re-
designing fashion and demanding control of their everyday lives.
A live demonstration of fan language will be held during the opening reception by historic performer Kandie Carle. What began as a simple cooling device evolved to a symbol of status and
wealth, then became an instrument of change to human relationships and social codes. Fans are a tangible record of art, history, and the ongoing connection among cultures.
The event is on April 21 from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
ACAA helps West Springfield/Agawam Parish Cupboard
AGAWAM — The Agawam Community Artists and Artisans recently presented a check to the West Springfield/Agawam Parish Cupboard.
Carolyn Maloney, ACAA vice president, presented the donation to Bob Fastie, Parish Cupboard executive director; Jeanna Mis-
ischia, Parish Cupboard Board member; and Katie Maloney, Parish Cupboard vice president.
The ACAA, which includes members from throughout the Pioneer Valley and Northern Connecticut, supports the Parish Cupboard’s work to fight food insecurity in Agawam and West
Springfield through donating a percentage of the net proceeds from art classes they hold. In addition to financial donations, the ACAA also holds an annual food drive through its members.
The ACAA also supports
food pantries in Southwick and Westfield.
For more information about ACAA art classes, events, and its mission to support their communities, visit agawamarts.com.
If you would like to support
the Parish Cupboard you can join them for the Crop Walk on Sunday, April 26, starting at the Agawam Congregational Church at 12:30 p.m.; and the U.S. Postal Food Drive on Saturday, May 9.
Carolyn Maloney, Agawam Community Artists and Artisans vice president, presents a donation to (left to right) Bob Fastie, West Springfield/Agawam Parish Cupboard executive director; Jeanna Misischia, Parish Cupboard Board member; and Katie Maloney, Parish Cupboard vice president.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
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