JANUARY 8, 2026 | FREE
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EDITION CHICOPEE
Melha Shriners present “Comfort Kits” to Chicopee First Responders The Melha Shriners along with area Masons presented a special donation to Chicopee First Responders on Dec. 17 at Chicopee Fire Department Station #3 located at 96 Cabot St.
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HOLYOKE
Search committee chosen to find next superintendent The Holyoke School Committee met on Dec. 17 to review and approve a slate of candidates who will serve on the screening committee for the superintendent search.
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Holyoke hosts Kwanzaa celebration in City Hall The city of Holyoke hosted a Kwanzaa celebration on Dec. 26, the first day of Kwanzaa in City Hall.
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Kwanzaa Collective makes Chicopee stop By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — The Kwanzaa Collective stopped in Chicopee on Dec. 30 to educate the public and celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa. The Kwanzaa Collective’s celebration and education tour featured stops in multiple cities from Friday, Dec. 26 to Thursday, Jan. 1, the organization visited multiple cities to bring awareness of Kwanzaa across the Pioneer Valley by teaching the seven principles across seven days. Kwanzaa Collective Founder Ayanna Crawford thanked Mayor John Vieau and the city for allowing the organization to be able to showcase Kwanzaa and its cultural significance. “I’d like to thank of course the city of Chicopee and its mayor for always opening its doors to diversity and cultural awareness It’s really important that all of us have a place in our cities,” Crawford said. Vieau talked about his commitment to continuing this event in the city and said, “One thing about Chicopee is everyone is welcome here and I’m excited to celebrate Kwanzaa with those who celebrate it. I’ve learned so much over the last four years thanks to you [Crawford] and really engaging me in what Kwanzaa means and what it’s all about.” Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday and is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan.1. It was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 and honors African American heritage and culture through seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. The event in Chicopee featured a brief history of Kwanzaa, a moment to recognize honorees from
Top row from left: Kwanzaa Collective Founder Ayanna Crawford (left) and Mayor John Vieau (right) talked about Kwanzaa’s history and the significance of the celebration in Chicopee. Kwanzaa Collective members drop the African American flag to conclude the celebration in Chicopee. At right, Honorees, members of the Kwanzaa Collective and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau gather to celebrate the fifth day of Kwanzaa in the city hall auditorium. Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet
Chicopee, multiple performances and a soul-healing session led by Maria Del Carmen Rodriguez, who inspired attendees with the powerful rhythms, sounds and vibrations that connect us to one another and our shared heritage. The four individuals who were recognized were Savannah Roman, owner of SunRise Sweets; Lesa Brantley, Chicopee Cultural council board member; Wilhemina Humphries; Chicopee Cultural Council and Disability Board member and Iris Crespo, retired EEC licensure for the state and VOC, a community advocate in Chicopee and volunteer for multiple organizations and boards. Chicopee Public Schools Su-
perintendent Dr. Marcus Ware said he proudly represents 6,800 students in the district, 48% who identify as having a Hispanic or Latino background who also have the experience of the African American experience, according to Ware. “Nearly 50% of our student body exists through African American roots and so it’s a nice thing to reflect upon that and I’m proud that I’m here to speak on behalf of it,” Ware said. “As I think about purpose, one of the things that I’d like to take back as superintendent is reminding us that we don’t need to just celebrate it today but we can carry it forward day on and day on.” The event concluded with
Vieau reading a proclamation to declare Kwanzaa week in Chicopee and banner dropping in the city hall auditorium. Vieau talked about what it means to recognize the holiday in the city and stated, “Kwanzaa invites us at years end and consider how we support one another and our families here in the city of Chicopee. The seven principles of Kwanzaa encourage cooperation, responsibility, creativity and faith values that strengthen our neighborhoods and our future. Kwanzaa is a non-religious, inclusive observance that brings together through culture, tradition and a collective purpose which is something very special.”
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD
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Boar’s Head Festival returns Jan. 9-11 The Chicopee-Holyoke Herald is published weekly by Reminders Publishing, LLC. The Chicopee-Holyoke Herald is available for delivery by mail for $9/month or $104/year. To subscribe visit TheReminderbymail.com
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By Dennis Hackett
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SPRINGFIELD — From Jan. 9-11, the Boar’s Head Festival will take place at Trinity United Church in Springfield. The festival is based on a medieval festival in England celebrating the Epiphany — the birth of Christ and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” host Chris Maza sat down with Boar’s Head Festival Artistic Director Steve Hays to discuss the event. Hays said their version of the festival came into fruition in 1984 after one of the initial organizers had been to another festival and realized Trinity United Church would be the perfect place for it. “The architecture, which is kind of medieval, renaissance in flavor, we had a big music program, and we thought it could be a viable program,” he said. “We opened in 1984 with a pretty complete visualization of what it is today. It was quite a crazy time with making hundreds of costumes, organizing the fundraising, but it has paid off.” Hays also explained what attendees can expect from its twopart program and said that the performance is set in 1526 in England in the Cheshire area. “The first, which we call the festival preparation, is the assemblage of a community that is going to put on the presentation. The festival preparation is about how they work together to pull this off,” he said. “Then there is the festival … and it involves a lot of wonderful music, dance, animals, we have three camels coming down the aisle for the arrival of the kings, a horse, sheep goats, chickens, geese.” As the director, Hays discussed one of the challenges of the festival performance. “As director, I’m trying to make it a blend of highly religious observation, but also earthiness. These are very earth-bound people, they are doing their best to make this festival work,” he said. Hays also spoke highly of the architecture in making the festival a “special event.” “We have wonderful stained glass and at the end of the festival when The Wise Men are there at the alter and everybody is presenting their attention to
A photo from a previous Boar’s Head Festival. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
the Christ child, above the altar comes a stained-glass window of Christ and it’s lit from outside in the backyard and it’s a lovely moment,” he said. “It’s a wonderful area to present this kind of a festival.” Each year a committee of eight to 10 people does all of the planning for the festival each year, which can include an average of 200-plus people involved in the performances each day, according to Hays. Hays said that directing the festival is “like direct-
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ing a circus.” “So much goes on throughout the building, it’s not focused on one particular area, it might be focused on about five or six. And that’s part of the fun of this, is that people who come see something going on all around and they enjoy it,” he said. The festival also includes a Madame Elixir with potions for attendees to “increase their life and enjoyment,” mind readers, a falconer and free cookies baked by the committee. “We have a lot of ways to interact with the audience and make them feel that they are part of this community that has put on this festival,” he said. Hays said one of the most important parts of the festival is the interaction between the cast and the audience. “My job is to keep that interaction within restraints. I want it to be true to the era, to the purpose of this and remind us all that
our job is to create an Epiphany celebration, and I that I think is what ultimately motivates our cast to make it a religious experience,” he said. One thing that Hays called “sobering” is how long people have been participating in the event for the course of over four decades. “It’s a little sobering — this is the 42nd year I’ve done this — to see people now in their 40s who weren’t born when we started this. Some of them started with children’s roles, teen roles, adult roles and now they’re moving even beyond that,” he said. Tickets for the festival can be purchased online at eventbrite. com/e/boars-head-festival-ticket s-1219649948829?aff=oddtdtcreator To listen to the full conversation, head to thereminder.com/ our-podcast or go to your favorite podcasting platform and search “So That Reminds Me.”
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CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
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Maintenance director provides updates on facility projects By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Chicopee Public Schools Maintenance Director Scott Chapdelaine attended the Dec. 17 School Committee meeting to provide an update on the district’s facilities plan. Although there are 15 school buildings in Chicopee that were built between 1920 to 2006, totaling over 1.5 million square feet of educational space, Chapdelaine said he applauds his team for their hard work to keep the buildings in the best shape they can. He stated, “It’s a lot to take care of but I have a great crew that takes care of these buildings. We have a very large budget; we have a lot of projects that go on. Projects are moving forward every day.” Chapdelaine provided an update for a new administration building. The City Council authorized the mayor to negotiate terms for the purchase of 219-225 Exchange Street for $2.36 million to relocate school administration offices. The current lease at 134 Dulong Circle expires on Aug. 9, and Chapdelaine said, “We’re hoping that someone reaches out to maybe extend the lease so we can figure out the renovation that’s going to happen at the new administra-
tion building and then move people into the building with maybe some extension to the lease.” Current projects taking place within Chicopee Public Schools include a new Anna E. Barry Elementary School, Chicopee Comprehensive High School area and retaining wall, security camera upgrades and exterior door replacement. The Anna E. Barry Elementary School project is in the schematic design phase with MSBA. The school building commission recent approved design alternative B3, a new Barry School at the Szetela site. The CCHS detention area and retaining wall project is also moving forward after the wetland delineation was completed. Chapdelaine said he and his team are inline to go to DEP and SPAC review in January for submission. The project is currently in the design phase after the city appropriated $1.95 million last year. For the security camera upgrades, Chapdelaine said the project is complete. The scope for the project included upgrading or installing more cameras in all 15 buildings. Between a city bond and ESSER funds, the project totaled $4.05 million. The exterior door replacement
project is still ongoing with 160 of the 220 doors being installed. The remaining 60 doors require asbestos/lead abatement and will be completed during February and April school vacation, according to Chapdelaine. For ongoing priority projects, Chapdelaine said there are seven schools within the district that they are pushing to install air conditioning in gyms and cafeterias. Those schools include Fairview, Bowe, Lambert-Lavoie, Academy, Stefanik, Szetela and Barry. Priority three projects include parking lot improvements at Bowie Elementary School and Szetela Pre-School, gym floor replacement at Litwin Elementary School and playground replacements at Bowie and Streiber Elementary School. Looking further ahead, Chapdelaine said the district recently had a roof assessment completed. Him and his team are currently finalizing a comprehensive roof report with repair recommendations and two to 10 year life expectancies for all buildings. He explained, “I will have an assessment to you guys hopefully before my next update that will say this roof recommended we replace in two years, five years, six years, seven, 10 years. Basically, we’re looking at about 10 years on all the roofs best case scenario I guess.”
Chicopee Public Schools Maintenance Director Scott Chapdelaine discusses the district’s current and future facilities plan. Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
Chapdelaine is also working on a facilities assessment, which Chicopee has not had its school building assessed since 2005. He added he will be seeking an architect for comprehensive assessments of all district buildings including vestibule designs, security recommendations and playground ADA accommodations. “What I’m hoping to do is find an architect and get all these three studies into one report so we’ll have a document that says, for every school what’s recommended to be done, how much it will cost and we’ll be able to see line by line, every school and what needs to be done,” Chapdelaine stated. Chapdelaine said he will also be joining a roundtable meeting
soon with city officials to discuss the steps to submit Bowe School into the MSBA accelerated repair program for gym/cafeteria air handler and roof replacement. According to MSBA, the accelerated repair program “focuses on the preservation of existing assets by performing energy-efficient and cost-saving upgrades, which will result in direct operational savings for school districts.” It is offered by the state for specific work on windows, exterior doors and roofs. The main goals of the Accelerated Repair Program are to improve learning environments for children and teachers, reduce energy use and generate cost savings for districts.
Melha Shriners present “Comfort Kits” to Chicopee First Responders By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — The Melha Shriners along with area Masons presented a special donation to Chicopee First Responders on Dec. 17 at Chicopee Fire Department Station #3 located at 96 Cabot St. As part of their ongoing statewide initiative known as Project Delta, named after its founder, Delta Lodge in Braintree, the program provides first responders with free “comfort kits” to give to area children experiencing traumatic situations like fires, domestic calls and severe automobile accidents. The Chicopee Police Department and Fire Department have collaborated for the first time to
provide the Responder Comfort Kits to children who experience trauma during emergencies. First responders would have these kits available in their vehicles to provide when the moment arose. Michael White, who serves as the regional director for the Northeastern U.S. and Eastern Canada on the Imperial Marketing and Communications Committee for Shriners International, talked about being able to donate the comfort kits to Chicopee. As new residents of Chicopee, he said the organization wanted to make an important contribution to its community. “Masons and Shriners believe in providing emotional and financial support to those in need in
our neighborhoods,” White stated. “During the holiday season, it is even more important to be there for those who may be experiencing struggles. The stress of the holidays can be amplified by other major challenges like fires, domestic cases, automobile accidents or health concerns.” These gift kits can help alleviate the stress of these emergency situations which can be even more stressful this time of year with the holidays and winter weather adding to the turmoil. Each kit contains a cuddly plush animal and other items in a reusable storage pouch. White acknowledged that first responders encounter residents facing these challenges during the course of their workdays.
Members of Melha Shriners, the Chicopee Fire Department and Police Department along with Mayor Vieau accept donations that can help children deal with stress during traumatic events. Photo credit: Melha Shriners and the city of Chicopee – Mayor’s Office.
“Being able to create a sense of calm and trust with children during these visits is extremely important. Since most children already have a strong relationship with plush toys, it makes sense to provide them one during a stressful moment. The tote bag it comes with can be a useful tool in carrying emergency supplies or clothing should they need to change location due to fire or other domestic issues,” White explained. For children in crisis, this plush item can help reduce their stress during difficult times while the pouch can be used to help carry important personal items to their next location in the event of a relocation or fire. Since its inception, Project Delta has given away thousands of plush toys to children in need through this First Responders program and is now serving 15 states. The Melha Shriners plan to continue their support of this initiative by making donations minimally on an annual basis to local police, fire and emergency medical services throughout the catchment area of Western Massachusetts. This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of the City of Chicopee, Melha Shriners,
and our first responders to care not only for public safety, but for the emotional well-being of our youngest residents. Chicopee Police Officer Travis Odiorne stated, “The department is very grateful for the donations that we received. They will go a long way with helping children in stressful situations, while providing comfort in their time of need. Mayor John Vieau talked about the collaboration on behalf of the city and said, “I am truly pleased with the collaboration between our city and the Melha Shriners. Project Delta is a meaningful and impactful initiative that will make a difference in ways we may not fully realize until moments of crisis arise, especially during emergency situations involving children. Programs like this provide comfort, reassurance and compassion when it is needed most. I am proud of our city and grateful to the Melha Shriners for integrating this important initiative.” For more information on Project Delta, readers can visit projectdelta.boston or visit the Melha Shriners site at melhashriners.org and learn how you can help through donations or volunteering.
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HOLYOKE
CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
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Search committee chosen to find the next superintendent By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — The Holyoke School Committee met on Dec. 17 to review and approve a slate of candidates who will serve on the screening committee for the superintendent search. The city and School Committee sent out a link for interested residents to sign up for the superintendent screening committee. Officials stated they were looking for 11 to 13 people to review applications and conduct early interviews. The selected volunteers will also take part in the orientation meeting and multiple meetings in early to mid-January. There were 51 candidates who responded to a Google form that they were interest- The School Committee discusses the candidates for the superintendent screening committee at its Dec. 17 meeting. ed in serving on the screenPhoto credit: Holyoke Media ing committee. Holyoke School Committee School Committee member the districts of the people who Vice Chair Dr. Yadilette Rive- categories and wanted to see as two students. two members come from the The School Committee Devin Sheehan said the goal of are applying for the job to meet ra-Colon stated, “I want to exparent/guardian category, two also approved Anthony Sotothe screening committee is that with students, administrators, tend my biggest gratitude to evcandidates from community lotto and Maria Chambers as they finish up their work on Jan. co-workers, all the different erybody who put their name and members, two candidates from alternates. 22 and come up with three to types of groups of people.” took the time to go out of their the educator group, two candiThe Holyoke School Comfive candidates to present to the If there are five candidates, way and volunteer for this work dates from administration, two mittee formally started the School Committee. the School Committee will meet given that there’s a time comfrom elected officials, two stusearch for its next superintenThose candidates are cureach night from Feb. 9 through mitment, multiple days at the dent candidates and one candident at its July 21, 2025 meeting rently scheduled to be presentFeb.13 to conduct interviews end of the day where everybody date from the “other” category when the committee voted to ed to the School Committee on for the finalists. has a job and they have to go get initiate a national search for the Jan. 26. Sheehan said the preIf there are three candidates, out of their job and go do this. I for a total of 13 members. After deliberation, the memnext leader of Holyoke Public sentation will be revealing the they would only meet for three really appreciate everybody.” bers chosen for the superinSchools, with the goal of having names of the candidates. nights, one night per candidate. Rivera-Colon also stated that, tendent screening committee that person in place on July 1. Between Jan. 26 and Feb. Sheehan stated the School as of the meeting, there were included Deborah Rodriguez, At that time, the School 6, School Committee members Committee will vote on a cantwo student applicants since Karleen Lopez, Christian Committee agreed to wait for must go in teams and do disdidate after all the interviews they wanted to have a Holyoke Carde, Lisa Smith O’Connor, formal interviews until January trict visits at all the locations of are conducted. student on the committee. Interim Superintendent AnSchool Committee member Kate Sullivan Craven, Nestor or February, after the elections, the finalists. Muriel, Sadie Childs Cora, so that the committee doing the Sheehan explained, “Teams thony Soto was appointed to Ellie Wilson broke down each Yaraliz Soto, Ryan Carrie, Patty interviews would be the same of School Committee members, serve in the role from July 1, candidate into seven different Lubold, Joan Matsalia as well one that does the hiring. two or three per group will visit 2025, through June 30.
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Committee names grand colleen finalists HOLYOKE — On Jan. 3, the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke held the 70th annual Grand Colleen Pageant. Fifteen young women competed to become 2026 Holyoke grand colleen finalists. Eligible applicants were between the ages of 17 and 22 as of March 17; be single (never married and without children); reside in Easthampton, Holyoke, Southampton, or South Hadley; and be able to trace their Irish ancestry. Contestants completed an application highlighting their involvement in school, volunteer work, extracurricular activities, special interests, and future aspirations. Earlier in the day, the contestants participated in personal interviews with the judges followed by the evening program at Holyoke High School. During the pageant, each contestant was introduced to the community and
took the stage in evening wear before judges, family members, friends, and local residents. Scores from both the interviews and the evening program were combined to select the five colleens. In addition, the contestants themselves vote to recognize a fellow participant with the “Miss Congeniality” award, honoring the individual who best embodies kindness, support, and friendship throughout the experience. While the judges were tabulating the scores, the 2025 grand colleen, Moira Catherine Reardon, gave a farewell speech with her court, Erin Marie Gauthier, Abigail Katherine Huebner, Erin Frances O’Donnell, and Maura Catherine Joseph, who was also Miss Congeniality. Additionally, many former grand colleens, colSee COLLEEN on page 10
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JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD
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Comp junior Jacoby Haney braces for a high block from Geo Aponte.
Chicopee High and Holyoke High teams fight for the ball.
Nayan Tabin and Jacoby Haney battle for a rebound.
CHICOPEE COMP VS HOLYOKE
BASKETBALL Chicopee Comprehensive High's boys basketball team defeated Holyoke High 76-48 Dec. 29 in Comp's Currey Gym. REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY MARC ST. ONGE
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Comp's Elijah Kleps shoots for a three-pointer over Holyoke's Tom Daisy.
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CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD | JANUARY 8-14, 2026
The 2025 Chicopee Comp boy's basketball team before their Dec. 29 game with Holyoke High.
Comp senior Brody Fay saves a rebound.
Brody Fay completes a cross-court layup. Comp's Elijah Kleps, Brody Fay, and Modesto Galindrez in the paint with Holyoke's Geo Aponte and Tom Daisy.
Elijah Kleps rises to make the basket.
Comp Colt Paul Colby gathers in a rebound.
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD
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Holyoke hosts Kwanzaa celebration in City Hall By Tyler Garnet
tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke hosted a Kwanzaa celebration on Dec. 26, the first day of Kwanzaa in City Hall. The celebration in Holyoke was hosted by Theresa Cooper-Gordon, and included Pastor Bernard Smith from the Bethlehem Baptist Community Church; Willie Spradley Jr.; guest speaker Eshu Bumpus and Holyoke Mayor Joshua García who gave citations to two honorees, sister Jeanette Kennedy, and brother Joe Long, Sr. Garcia said the honorees were recognized because they follow the seven principles for 365 days instead of just the seven days of Kwanzaa. Kennedy is a longtime deacon, missionary and member of Bethlehem Baptist Community Church. Kennedy has served as head chef for the church’s soup kitchen ministry for 11 years providing anywhere from 100 to 200 lunchtime meals. Long is a missionary, a soup kitchen volunteer, a men’s group leader and a member of the congregation of Bethlehem Baptist Community Church. Long stepped forward when the community church needed major repairs, abatement and renovations.
Long, who founded and runs his own construction company, volunteered his time and professional expertise for several months, expediting the renovations while helping to hold down costs. The event also featured a brief history of Kwanzaa, a moment to recognize honorees from Holyoke and performances. Kwanzaa is an African American cultural holiday and is celebrated from Dec. 26 to Jan.1. It was founded by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 and honors African American heritage and culture through seven core principles: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity and faith. Although Kwanzaa is seven days, Cooper-Gordon said, “Kwanzaa is a holiday that should be served 365 days a year because the seven principles are universal and they mean something for every day in our lives. So even though we only celebrate them seven days here, you should start rotating every seven days.” Cooper-Gordon said for a tradition to continue, it is important to educate people and give them the information they need so that it can go on. She also set a goal for next year’s celebration. “I really want
Members from the Bethlehem Baptist Community Church, honorees, Mayor Joshua Garcia and residents gather to celebrate the first day of Kwanzaa in Holyoke. Photo credit: Stephen Fay
our children to be a part of Kwanzaa. We’re also working on that
ST. JUDE’S NOVENA
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say this prayer nine times a day. By the eighth day your prayer will be answered. It has never been known to fail. Publication must be promised. Thank you St. Jude for granting my petition. S.S.
Happy Holidays!
we’re going to start Kwanzaa here [in Holyoke], which is Umoja. Our goal next year is to be able to light a candle each day of the seven principles, not just one day.” Garcia said that he tries his best as a human and as mayor to practice the seven principles. He talked about his favorite principle that he thinks can help the
city thrive. “My favorite day is Ujima, collective work and shared responsibility because government, you know, it’s what we have to do is take care of each other as a community and take ownership and work together,” Garcia stated.
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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. CHICOPEE Maria Morgado Stella “Stasia” Orszulak (Czernik) Marilyn L. Wayson HAMPDEN Roberta “Bobbie” Burke Genevieve M. Gibeau William H. Taft Sr. HOLYOKE Robert Aucoin Claire L. Barnes William Hardy Caldwell Edwin R. Dunn Jr. Maria Harand (Hartinger) Terrence R. Rohan Thomas B. Sheehan
INDIAN ORCHARD Dennis A. Girard Jr. LONGMEADOW Sandra J. Metz LUDLOW Alice P. Mannix Alexandrina Marcelino Marcyanna Theresa Mascaro Maria Rodrigues Joaquim “Jack” Salvador SOUTH HADLEY Nancy A. Filarsky (Davidson) Elaine M. Jordan Elaine R. Savard Guido C. Schiappa
SPRINGFIELD David Shwee-Tian Chou Jean A. Clark Paula M. Goldberg Berniece M. LaMotte James L. Lobik Donald Anthony Manoni William G. Martin Pearl Marie Shea Candice Lynn Stolpinski
Experience the local news coverage you love in a new way.
WILBRAHAM Raymond F. Catuogno Elizabeth “Betty” Crinella Anthony G. Laino Stephen Mucha
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Heartbeat Theater aims to bring intimate performances to valley
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From left: William Spademan as Robert and Kimberly Gaughan as Catherine, in a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’. Anne Zager as Claire and Shelton Windham as Hal, during a recent rehearsal for Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of ‘Proof’. Photo credit: River Hambleton, Heartbeat Theater
nice change of pace for the valley and it really allows us to focus on craft,” said Rose-Langston. Gaughan added, “I think the running joke currently is we’re just trying to get through this first production, but I do have visions for us. We’re such a wonderful community. I feel like we’re a little family of artists who’ve come together and we all have different tastes and preferences, but I think there is a similar goal that we love really strong narratives. We love really strong tight plays, and we like doing them with simplicity.” Gaughan credited Easthampton Theater Company for their support in this new endeavor and
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added Heartbeat Theater is lucky to be based in the Pioneer Valley surrounded by artists who want to come together. “There’s just so much going on [in the area] and I found that people are so eager to be involved and create great art and I’ve never experienced that in my entire artistic career, this community of people coming together and uplifting each other,” said Gaughan, who moved to the area from Boston in the last year. “So, for us to be able to join this theater scene which we’re so grateful to be a part of it was very easy because everyone is so welcoming and helpful.”
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I thought it was a great play to start with.” Rose-Langston added that for this production, concentration on performances takes highest priority with the show’s intimate venue and story. He called “Proof” “one of those universal stories of family drama.” “The show grapples with the themes of grief, themes of loss, and really delves into the aftermath of legacy, because of the father’s legacy. What does that mean to the people who are left behind? What does that mean in terms of their own identities both connected to the father but also as separate individuals,” said Rose-Langston. He added, “It’s also a story that revolves around mental illness as well, which is one of my specialties as a professional, I’m a psychotherapist. And so that’s one of the things that drew me to the show. It’s one of the few pieces that I’ve found that really handles mental illness very accurately and also very compassionately. It doesn’t devolve into stereotypes or anything like that but really is embedded in the show in terms of mental illness and questioning your sanity is the importance of truth. The importance of understanding truth, recognizing truth, and being perceived as a truthful person, being trusted of your own mind, your own will. Those are the things that drew me to the piece.” Both Rose-Langston and Gaughan said they are eagerly awaiting the opening of Heartbeat Theater’s inaugural production of “Proof” and hope the shows can build momentum forward for the new theater group. “What I think we offer is something that the valley has been missing for quite a while, these very intimate, minimalistic productions that focus in on performance over production value. Production value is wonderful, don’t get me wrong, I love a big splashy show. It’s really beautiful to be part of that and I’m still part of ETC’s board of directors and still heavily involved with their shows as well. But this is something different. I thought it was a
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EASTHAMPTON — Heartbeat Theater, a new theater company established by a group of passionate area stage actors and crew is debuting its inaugural production to kick off the new year as they will present “Proof,” opening on Jan. 16 in The Blue Room at CitySpace. Set in the early 2000s, “Proof” is a Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning play by David Auburn and has received much critical acclaim due to its commanding exploration of truth, authenticity and the fine line between brilliance and instability. Jumping between past and present, the story centers on the family of a recently deceased mathematical genius. Through moments of profound revelation, deep healing, bitter judgement and good humor, “Proof” examines how we reconcile grief, question the future and make peace with the legacy left behind. “‘Proof’ confronts the burden of family legacy and how families can be torn apart by doubt and grief, only to discover deeper ties that bind,” said Director Jason Rose-Langston. “The play examines the struggle to know oneself and the need we all have to be truly known by others.” The cast features local talent, including former Ashfield Community Theater Director William Spademan as Robert, a professor of mathematics at the University of Chicago. Kimberly Gaughan joins him as Robert’s daughter and caretaker, Catherine. Anne Zager plays Catherine’s older sister, Claire. Shelton Windham rounds out the cast as Robert’s former student, Hal. Performances will begin on Friday, Jan. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in CitySpace’s Blue Room. Following performances will be on Jan. 17, 23 and 24, at 7:30 p.m., and matinee showings will be on Jan. 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at heartbeattheater.org. Rose-Langston and Gaughan both told Reminder Publishing the formation of Heartbeat Theater stems from the recent Easthampton Theater Company’s production of “On Golden Pond” which the two directed and starred in, respectively. As that production was wrapping up, Gaughan said she remembered asking fellow cast member William Spademan if he was familiar with the play “Proof.” “From my perspective it was sort of a oh, wouldn’t it be nice if the theater company did this play some day and we could be in it, but William being as creative and gung-ho as he is, suggested that we just do it together,” explained Gaughan. “I was really taken aback by that because I’ve been an actor for almost 20 years and you sort of rely on casting directors and production companies to cast you. You’re always kind of at their whim and this idea that we could just do it ourselves and cast ourselves I guess is slightly narcissistic, but it worked
really well.” With the motivational push to see what was possible from Spademan, Gaughan said the two of them began discussions on forming a new theater group and brought Rose-Langston into the fold thanks to the “wonderful environment” he facilitated as director of “On Golden Pond.” “They approached me with this idea, and they didn’t know actually that ‘Proof’ was on my bucket list to direct so we had this wonderful conversation over dinner where they thought they had to convince me to direct it and I thought I had to convince them to let me direct it, so it was joyous from day one,” said RoseLangston. “It sort of happened very organically that we developed this new theater company and Heartbeat Theater came out of just the beautiful collaboration we had in ‘On Golden Pond’ and the continued friendship and collaboration that we want to bring into this new venture.” Wanting to be a part of a production of “Proof” since a teenager, Gaughan said this new endeavor was the perfect opportunity to make it happen. As stated by the theater company, Heartbeat Theater’s mission is to present simple, intimate productions of great plays — one heartbeat in the evolution of human society passing ever forward its stories. “I think part of the reason I was interested once William proposed starting a theater company was that I always envisioned a theater company that produces simple productions of great plays,” explained Gaughan. “I really love to see acting forward productions, so where the focus is on the actors, the narrative, the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love big theatrical things, you know, like ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ but I think that there is a space for more intimate shows in studio spaces with simpler sets where you really get to see the actors in their full glory. And I think ‘Proof’ is a play that really lends itself to that. It’s a forehander. Most of the scenes only have two or three people in them, so there’s a lot of focus on the story and so
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BOSTON — A dip in instant ticket sales dented the Massachusetts Lottery’s numbers for November but the commission plans to introduce a fresh set of tickets in the new year, including one with the largest top prize the lottery has ever offered for a crossword-style instant ticket. Executive Director Mark William Bracken told the Lottery Commission November sales totaled $448.5 million, down $6.9 million or 1.5% from November 2024. It was partly due to a $17.5 million or 5.8% drop in instant ticket sales. So far this fiscal year, instant ticket sales are down $35.4 million or 2.2% from last fiscal year. Instant tickets are a traditional driver of sales at the lottery, where profits are steered by the state back to Massachusetts cities and towns as a form of local aid. Kate Sutton, the commission’s instant ticket product manager, also unveiled the instant tickets that are set to launch Jan. 6, including the lottery’s first $30 crossword-style or “cashword” ticket with a $10 million top prize, the highest the lottery has offered for a cashword. There will also be tickets available for $1 with a $10,000 top prize, $2 with a $100,000 top prize, $5 with a $1 million top prize and $10 with a $4 million top prize. Estimated profits for November — not including accruals for prizes that were won but not paid yet — were $82.6 million compared with $125.6 million in November 2024, Bracken said. After adjusting for a shift in the calendar, November profits dropped
Colleen Continued from page 5
leen court and Miss Congeniality members were recognized as part of the celebration of the 70th Grand Colleen Pageant. With the scores tabulated, the five finalists are: • Paige Brady Leahy, 19 (Holyoke) • Jadyn Christie, 19 (South Hadley) • Bridie Bowler, 22 (Holyoke) • Anna Mary Evans, 22 (Holyoke) • Olivia Rose Royland, 20 (Holyoke) The Bonnie Baker Award for Ms. Congeniality was also announced, and who was chosen
$22.3 million compared to November 2024. The estimated payout for the month was 73.46%, up from the 70.47% payout in November 2024. Bracken said estimated profits for the first five months of fiscal year 2026 are $446.3 million — not including accruals for prizes that were won but not paid yet — up from $435.4 million recorded in the same period last year. After accounting for a calendar shift, the lottery’s profit for the fiscal year so far is an estimated $13.8 million increase over last year, boosted in part by a $59.3 million or 154.4% rise in Powerball sales. The payout so far for the year is 74.35% compared with 74.79% last year. Overall sales for the first five months of FY26 hit just under $2.5 billion and are up $23.5 million or 1%, Bracken said. Treasurer Deb Goldberg told state budget writers this month that the lottery is on track to turn a net profit of $1.05 billion for FY26. Fiscal year 2025 marked the fifth straight year the lottery brought in more than $1 billion in profits. Online lottery offerings are launching next summer through the iLottery, which is expected to bring in $70 million in net profits during the first year and reach almost $360 million in a decade. Lucky for Life, which is set to be replaced in February, brought in $19.8 million in sales so far in FY26, down $500,000, or 2.5%, from last year. Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com.
by the contestants as the young woman who was the most helpful, kind, and personable. The 2026 Ms. Congeniality is Amanda Royland, 17 (Holyoke). The grand colleen will be selected at the 70th Coronation Ball and Awards Night on Saturday, February 14 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. For more details or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://holyokestpatricksparade. com/events/2025-grand-colleencoronation-ball-ratrn. The Colleen Pageant is part of Holyoke’s larger St. Patrick’s season, which concludes with the 49th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday, March 21, followed by the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 22.
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CHICOPEE
Annie A. Miltus, Annie A. Mitus and Annie A. Baez to Pedro Colon Martinez, 17 Chateaugay St. Daniel S. O’Connor to Erin M. O’Connor, 89 Southwick St. Emtay Inc., to Arturo J. Garcia Lugo and Anabell Santiago Maldonado, 528 Broadway St. Joseph Frasco to Rachael L. Hardy, 24 Blanchard St. Patricia N. Smith, estate, and Deborah Ekanbarger, representative, to Ellis Gray, 97 Collins St. Unit E-7 Shawn P. Peabody and Leigh T. Peabody to Drew Nalewanski, 16-18 Victoria Park
GRANBY
Alicia Volel and Gregory J. Volel to Andrew James Bogacz, 55 Pleasant St. Sheila Lee Webster and Beau Charles Webster to Vladimir Ferdman, 5 Greystone Ave.
HOLYOKE
Josue Colon and Carlos F. Colon to Roland Toussaint, 75 Elm St. Judy M. Keith and Patricia Bylicki to Juliana Olmstead and John Barbagallo, 43 King St. Russell J. Mawdsley and Helene M. Mawdsley to Kenneth P. Bachand Jr., 17 Cleveland St. WTM-SB LLC, to ND Logistics LLC, 120 Middle Water St.
LUDLOW
Matthew T. Bridges, Jennifer L. Bridges and Jennifer L. Bouvier to Matthew Racel Quinnell, 3 Fontaine St.
PALMER
Central MA Properties LLC, to J&M Premier Properties LLC, 4014 School St. Mathew W. Walch and Meghan Ann Walch to Stephanie Harry, 44 Converse St.
SOUTH HADLEY
Peace of mind & early detection - Now more than ever, it’s important to get screened for Stroke & Cardiovascular Disease risk. Life Line Screening is simple & painless. 833-970-4172
Andre A. Gagne to Daniel J. Powers and Jennifer Powers, 50 Susan Ave. Green Piranhas LLC, to Halifax Capital LLC, 13-15 Canal St.
Robert F. Bozek and Christine A. Bozek to April R. Lannon, 59 Alvord Place $279,000 $80,000 $375,000 $269,900 $255,000 $545,000 $292,000 $341,900 $450,000 $290,000 $469,900 $875,000 $390,000 $450,000 $342,000 $455,000 $280,000
SPRINGFIELD
Anthony J. Daniele and Carla M. Daniele to Marie Alberte Joseph, 40 Eldridge St. Campagnari Construction LLC, to JJJ17 LLC, 157 Penrose St. Chamber Investment Group LLC, to Pierre Families Property LLC, 292-294 Orange St. Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Pedro Reyes Figueroa, 39 Morris St. Unit 103 Gretchen Dubbs to Faustino Sanchez Jr., 28 Hazen St. Jennifer K. Rossmiller and Jennifer K. Klock to Meaghan Elizabeth Cocuzzo, 28 Rencelau St. Jose Ramirez to Maria Del Carmen Maldonado, 88-90 Somerset St. Joseph A. Cleaveland and Lauren J. Holm to Chrismery Gonzalez, 189 Bowles Park, Ladawn Savage and Hayward Burdette to 3Queens LLC, 162 Northampton Ave. Lisa M. Garcia to Jacob R. Motyl and Laura J. Motyl, 28 Collingwood Road Livingwater Capital LLC, to Benjamin Goodman Shapiro, 19 Normandy Road Manchester Enterprises LLC, to Carlos M. Flores, 33 Taber St. Melody Carter-Walls and Melvin Walls to Garren Cox and Nicole Walls-Cox, 101 Newhall St. Mike Krasnov and Kateryna Krasnov to Nanaadom Nyarko, 126-128 Miller St.
WEST SPRINGFIELD
$100 $272,000 $137,000 $465,000 $227,000 $294,000 $275,000 $420,000 $382,500 $205,000 $285,000 $700,000 $265,000 $177,866 $425,000
Derek Joseph Murray and Siobhan Marie Murray to Karen Anne Pare and Robert Raymond Pare, 139 Upper Beverly Hills $339,900 John W. Read Jr., trustee, and John W. Read Jr. Living TruSt. trustee of, to Vitaliy Redka and Inna Redka, 0 Bear Hole Rd. $56,000 Kenneth Thivierge (REP) and Richard G Thivierge (EST) to Hassle Free Llc, 18 Salem St. $245,000 Michael Theulen and Marjorie Theulen to William Fontaine and Jean Fontaine, 43 Wishing Well Way $540,000 Paul K. Graves Jr., to Alejandro Marrero, 278 Elm St. $399,900 Stephen M. Cross and Deborah Ann Cross to Michael Theulen and Marjorie Theulen, 64 Apple Ridge Road $542,000 West Co. Investments LLC, to Siobhan M. Murray and Derek J. Murray, 42 Gregory Lane $560,000
JANUARY 8-14, 2026 | CHICOPEE-HOLYOKE HERALD
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