School Committee discusses potential cuts, tax override
Amidst possible cuts to the budget in fiscal year 2027, South Hadley Public Schools Superintendent
Jenn Voyik gave a projected budget update during the Jan. 21 School Committee meeting.
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CHICOPEE
Council talks
shorthanded DPW, snow removal efforts
The Chicopee City Council discussed employee vacancies in the Department of Public Works while also applauding the department’s continued efforts in dealing with the recent snowstorm.
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HOLYOKE
Holyoke celebrates Black History Month
Holyoke recognized Black History Month with a flagraising ceremony on Feb. 2 at City Hall, followed by a gospel music performance later that evening at Bethlehem Baptist Community Church. Page 7
FEBRUARY 13th - 16th
Holyoke restructures Finance Department
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Following months of discussions, the City Council approved provisions to the city’s Municipal Finance Modernization Act during its Feb. 3 meeting.
After going through each position, their job descriptions and the City Council’s appointing authority for each position, the Ordinance Committee voted 4-1 in favor of a proposed finance structure before sending it to the full council.
After over an hour of discussion and a few failed amendments and motions to send it back to the Ordinance Committee, the City Council approved the reorganization of the Finance Department by passing the first and second readings with an 11-2 vote. City Councilors Linda Vacon and Howard Greaney were the only two councilors in opposition.
After more than a year of deliberation, this reform will modernize the city’s financial management, strengthen controls, reduce liabilities and align with long-standing recommendations from the state’s Division of Local Services.
City Councilor Meg MagrathSmith said the last two Ordinance Committee meetings included conversations with City Treasurer Rory Casey, TJ Plante — a financial consultant at Open Architects — Mayor Joshua Garcia, the city auditor and Human Resources Director Kelly Curran about how they could best structure the Finance Department in alignment with the DLS guidance.
The group also holistically reviewed minimum qualifications for all job descriptions for an established Finance Department based on the long-time DLS
guidance to ensure internal controls, clear lines of accountability and appropriate education and skill-level.
At the top of the Finance Department will be the mayor, just like any other department in the city. Underneath the mayor in the organization chart is the chief administrative and financial officer, a role that the state has urged Holyoke to create for nearly 20 years, according to Garcia, who talked about the provision approvals in a Facebook post. The CAFO will be a mayoral appointment with City Council approval. Garcia said this position “will bring professional oversight, better coordination and improved fiscal accountability to our operations.”
Magrath-Smith explained that the CAFO will oversee the Finance Department with “very clear lines of accountability.”
Underneath the CAFO will be the director of assessment, an as-
sessor and an assistant assessor, in that order.
The Finance Department will also have a chief procurement officer and an accounts payable specialist underneath that. The treasurer/collector position will combine with an assistant treasurer/collector, two revenue collection specialists and an administrative assistant in that column.
There will also be a director of technical service. MagrathSmith explained, “This is someone that’s really going to be coordinating services and management over all of these disparate contracts that are currently happening.”
Based on the chart, there will also be a comptroller and underneath that will be a senior payroll specialist and three financial analysts. The Finance Department will also have a director of internal audit and a professional accountant.
Magrath-Smith said that even
with benefits, the proposal is budget neutral. She said it won’t save the city money, but a position such as the director of technical service will be beneficial because the city is currently paying “so much” money for consultants to manage its technology for them.
Magrath-Smith shared that there’s a lot of specific technology in the Building Department, School Department and city offices that can be merged or improved.
Vacon brought forth a few concerns before voting “no” on the matter. She said the proposal conflicted with Holyoke’s charter by altering council authority, and argued that it was advanced without proper procedural authority.
City Solicitor Michael Bissonnette explained that he did not see any problems with the process.
Vacon also brought up how
The Holyoke City Council discusses the proposed Finance Department restructuring at the Feb. 3 meeting.
Photo credit: Holyoke Media
See FINANCE on page 2
School Committee discusses potential cuts, tax override
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
SOUTH HADLEY — Amidst possible cuts to the budget in fiscal year 2027, South Hadley Public Schools Superintendent Jenn Voyik gave a projected budget update during the Jan. 21 School Committee meeting.
The town of South Hadley has spent the last few months discussing these potential deficits and complications from increasing costs, such as health insurance.
At a recent Selectboard meeting, Town Administrator Lisa Wong shared possible override options that the town and Budget Task Force are reviewing. The task force has looked at raising the tax levy by $3 million, $6 million or $9 million, which is based on what the town needs to level service the budget for a five-year projection.
Voyik stated in her presentation that a deficit budget and the $3 million override scenario “[are] really the same thing when look at the numbers.”
If the School Department went the $3 million override route, Voyik said they would have to cut all sports, all afterschool activities and eliminate music from the middle school and high school.
Three administrator positions and 15 student-facing positions would also be reduced, and the potential cuts would increase class sizes to 25 students per class for kindergarten and first grade.
Second grade and fourth grade
class sizes would increases to 27 to 30 students per class, and fifth grade to 12th grade classes would rise to 30 students per class.
“Teachers would do their best to educate students, but even in the class sizes that we have right now and in classroom visits, it is difficult to almost impossible to try to be there and support every single in you class when you have so many students with different needs in your class,”
Voyik said.
If the town decided to raise the tax levy by $6 million, all sports, all after-school activities and music at the middle school and high school would be eliminated.
Two administrative positions and 10 student facing positions would be reduced, and class sizes would still increase, though not as drastically as the first option.
In the $9 million override scenario, Voyik said the School Department would be close to level budget for four to five years. She stated, “this isn’t a forever solution, but we would be close to level budget.”
There may also need to be an increase to some fees, and there still may be a need for some cuts in this scenario, according to Voyik.
During the meeting, Voyik also gave a presentation on the extracurricular activities in the school district and broke down the expenses and revenue. It showed a five-year trend of what it takes to run athletics.
Although they charge user
and gate fees, which has brought in anywhere from $87,000 to $140,000, the total revenue minus expenses from FY22 to FY26 is negative.
Between the athletic revolving account and the local budget, the School Department spends $400,000 for athletics each year. For FY26. There is currently a deficit of approximately $155,000. FY23 saw the highest deficit at about $376,000, according to Voyik.
Voyik said she shared the presentation just to help the community better understand what it costs to run these programs.
She explained, “I just want to make sure that the community understands the point of sharing the spreadsheet like this ... just so that community knows how much it costs. This isn’t that we shouldn’t have sports or not. I just think it’s important because sometimes it’s hard to understand, unless you’re seeing the numbers, what a program costs to run.”
The Budget Task Force, after meeting for months, is reviewing the need for a potential override and will produce a report by Feb. 9. There will be a multi-board
meeting on Feb. 10 to discuss the Budget Task Force report. The boards will also discuss the potential of hosting a Special Town Meeting for Feb. 25 to talk about the budget, problems and potential solutions.
Voyik said the town is still “hoping for a miracle,” and the School Department is “still trying to look at the budget from every angle to try and see if there is a way to reduce or save.” She said during the meeting the School Department needs closer to $1 million a year in the overall school budget to sustain what the district has right now.
Banda to close out Black History Month at De La Luz Soundstage
HOLYOKE — Genuine Culture , LLC presents a powerful night of live music and cultural celebration featuring Mtali Banda and his band, taking place on the final day of Black History Month at De La Luz Soundstage in Holyoke. The event occurs Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., and doors open at 6 p.m. The evening will showcase music from Mtali Banda’s acclaimed album “Black Boy Fairytales,” alongside select covers that honor the legacy and evolution of Black music. Known for blending jazz, soul, hip-hop, and spoken word, Banda’s performances are deeply rooted in storytelling, joy, and identity — offering audiences a soulful and engaging live music experience.
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voters approved changing the treasurer position from elected to
appointed and that someone was supposed to be in the position by Feb. 1. She noted how the treasurer position will combine with the collector position. Garcia expressed his jubilation about the passage of the
Opening the night is shafa’ah, a live band made up of high school-aged musicians, representing the next generation of sound and artistry. Their debut performance highlights the importance of nurturing young talent and creating intergenerational platforms where emerging artists can share the stage with seasoned performers.
new structure. “This success reflects the council’s constructive engagement and commitment to good governance. I look forward to implementing these changes very soon. Standby, more information coming on what all of this
“This event is about honoring Black musical traditions while also uplifting the voices shaping its future,” said a representative from Genuine Culture, LLC. “By bringing together established artists and young musicians in a community-centered space, we are celebrating Black history as something living, evolving and deeply connected to joy and creativity.” Held at De La Luz Soundstage, a hub for live music and creative expression in Holyoke, the event invites music lovers and community members alike to come together for a night of meaningful performance and cultural connection. Those interested can grab tickets online: https://delaluz.org.
means, coupled with an update on where we are with our fiscal landscape and how this work will complement the forthcoming progress.”
Magrath-Smith explained that these changes will not happen
overnight. Since this is an ordinance change, the Charter and Rules Committee will then discuss what charter changes need to occur to make this a reality. It will then go through the home rule petition process.
South Hadley Public Schools Superintendent Jenn Voyik gives a fiscal year 2027 projected budget update during the Jan. 21 School Committee meeting.
Chicopee honors Black History Month with flag raising
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — The Chicopee Cultural Council hosted its fourth annual Black History Month ceremony on Feb. 6, which included performances, a panel of speakers and a flag raising ceremony.
This year’s ceremony coincides with a century of national commemorations of Black history. Carter G. Woodson initiated the concept of Black history observance 100 years ago. He founded Negro History Week in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former President Abraham Lincoln. Negro History Week gathered momentum for decades before the observance and teaching of Black Americans became a cultural fixture following its expansion to Black History Month in February 1976 during President Gerald Ford’s administration.
Ayanna Crawford, a Western Massachusetts multi-hyphenate, spearheaded the program after Mayor John Vieau opened the event with his own remarks.
“We are gathered here today, not only to honor the rich history and the enduring legacy of Black community, but we are here to celebrate the vibrant leadership and talent that continues to shape our region,” Crawford stated.
After musical performances from the Chicopee Comprehensive High School Choir, each speaker shared what Black History Month means to them and the importance of recognizing the past while building for the future.
Speakers included Chicopee Public School Superintendent Marcus Ware, Springfield City Councilor At-Large Justin Hurst, Elms College President Harry Dumay, Holyoke Community College President George Timmons, Springfield College Student Affairs Vice President Dr. Slandie Dieujuste and Springfield Technical Community College
Top, Ayanna Crawford stands in front of the keynote speakers and honorees and helps guide the Black History Month program in Chicopee. At right, elected officials, guest speakers, city stakeholders and neighboring city leaders get together to celebrate the Black History Month ceremony in Chicopee.
Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Kiyota Garcia. Hurst, who mentioned he has declined attending flag raisings and other cultural ceremonies for the past few years out of principle, explained, “Too often these moments are performative rather than substantive. They often serve as symbolic gestures without a sustained commitment, honesty or accountability that real inclusion requires. However,
See FLAG RASISING on page 5
Council talks shorthanded DPW, snow removal efforts
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — On Feb. 3, the Chicopee City Council discussed employee vacancies in the Department of Public Works while also applauding the department’s continued efforts in dealing with the recent snowstorm.
With over a foot of snow affecting a lot of cities and towns in Western Massachusetts, multiple Chicopee departments came together to try to deal with the snow during and after the storm.
During the City Council meeting, Councilor Mary Beth Pniak-Costello said she wanted to receive a report from the DPW that delineates employee vacancies.
“The reason why I’m asking for that, I do appreciate the fact that both the mayor’s office and the DPW did notify people that, with the plowing situation, there is a shortage of help. I think people appreciated being notified of that,” she stated.
Before the storm, the city warned that they didn’t have enough plow drivers, but they still prepared as much as possible.
Although Pniak-Costello said she appreciated the transparency from the city and DPW, she said they need to figure out the staffing issue because first re-
sponders and nurses at Baystate Medical Center need to access the roads during the storm.
“What people are asking is, what are the vacancies? So I’m just saying, if we can get a report, and there’s no rush for this report because they’re busy enough and I appreciate all the time, but I just want an updated report and make sure that our first responders can get in and out of their streets, and the ambulances and fire and police can get down street and get those nurses into Baystate.”
City Council President Frank Laflamme said he made a phone call to DPW to get information, adding, “We are trying desperately, everybody knows. Work shortage is out there for every department … so I don’t want to diminish the work that the DPW did through this past snowstorm and continuously does. We’ll get this report, and then we’ll go from there.”
To show their appreciation, the City Council also adopted an order from Pniak-Costello to thank the first responders and city plow drivers for their work during the most recent snowstorm.
“They have kept our city streets safe, and I just want to publicly recognize them, put it on our agenda, and make it as an official documentation,”
Pniak-Costello stated.
City Councilor Jerry Roy
also highlighted the sanitation workers’ hard work, as well.
City Councilor Jessica Avery said that on Feb. 3, she still saw a DPW worker working on snow removal in the city.
“What they’re doing is above and beyond, and I think that we need to recognize that that above and beyond is, because they are short-staffed, and we need to consider what the staffing and funding looks like,” Av-
ery stated. “I want to make sure that this order doesn’t sound like a pizza party and that we actually take the steps necessary to improve those actions in the department, as well.”
City Councilor Joel McAuliffe acknowledged that there could be ways to improve the snow removal process.
“The work that was done, if we analyzed it, compared our cities and towns around us, was
really second to none. They got it done in an efficient way, and people shouldn’t forget these folks in the DPWs oftentimes are working 24-hour shifts, sleeping on a cot at the DPW so they can get a little bit of rest to get back out there in a plow trust.”
Laflamme thanked the city employees who came to work while the cleanup was still taking place.
Wistariahurst Museum to celebrate Civic Learning Week
HOLYOKE — From March 9-15, thousands of schools and organizations across the nation will celebrate Civic Learning Week, an annual nonpartisan awareness week bringing together students, educators, policymakers, and leaders in the public and private sectors to highlight and further energize the movement for civic education in states and communities across the nation.
“Wistariahurst Museum is excited to participate in Civic Learning Week, bringing several events to the museum along with sharing information on how to get involved with your local community.” says Emily Munsell, Wistariahurst’s office assistant.
The museum said that the best civic learning happens both in and outside of the classroom, and is a lifelong endeavor touching every
facet of society. In order to underscore the need to prioritize civic learning across the country, Civic Learning Week highlights the civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions that provide the foundation for an informed and engaged populace, sustaining and strengthening constitutional democracy in the United States.
Wistariahurst will host the following Civic Learning Week events: Civics Educators Recognition Ceremony, Monday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St, Holyoke Wistariahurst Events Calendar.
Liberty and Labor Women’s History Month Gallery opening, Tuesday, March 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St, Holyoke.
• If Not You, Who? Getting to Know Local Government with Holyoke City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Thursday, March 12, 4:30-6:30pm.
• Hidden Women Performance of Elizabeth “MumBet” Freeman, Sunday, March 15 at 1-2 p.m. Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St, Holyoke.
• Coming up after Civic Learning Week:
Legacies of Freedom: Civil Rights Advocacy in Action, April 16, 6 p.m. Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. Some events may require advance registration. To register for events, visit Wistariahurst’s Eventbrite page, https:// www.eventbrite.com/o/wistariahurst-museum-64788818143. For inquiries about Civic Learning Week at Wistariahurst, please contact:info@wistariahurst. org or call 413-322-5660. For more information on national Civic Learning Week efforts: CivicLearningWeek.org
The Chicopee City Council discusses the city’s DPW as well as its snow removal efforts at its Feb. 3 meeting.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
DA’s office provides Springfield eighth graders courthouse tour
SPRINGFIELD — A group of eighth graders from Springfield International Charter School got an inside look of the Hampden County Hall of Justice during a court tour on Jan. 21.
During court tours, students spend half a day touring the Springfield Courthouse as invited guests of the district attorney. The tours introduce students to a wide range of career paths within the criminal justice system, with victim witness advocates, judges, court officers, and other court professionals — as available — sharing insights into their roles.
The program welcomes students in grades 6-12, as some of the cases students sit in on can be too mature for a younger audience.
The court tours are led by
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after much thought, as you can see, and multiple requests, I decided to attend today’s ceremony. I chose to come before you today because I am cautiously optimistic about Chicopee, and I make that choice with a clear understanding of the moment we are living in as a country. History warns us about the danger of silence.”
Dieujuste shared that she came to the country from Haiti when she was nine years old, and shared that history changed her life.
“Our contributions are too great to be limited to one month,” Dieujuste said. “Black history’s too rich, too deep, too complex to be constrained to one month, so every month is Black History Month. I need you to understand Black history is life-changing history.”
Dieujuste said that if “you listen to the national rhetoric on immigration, it will have you believe that Haitians and immigrants are a nuisance to America’s society, but we know better.”
She continued, “I have to say thank you for recognizing the importance of continuing to celebrate Black history. A history that is under fierce attack, so celebrations like this one help us combat
the Hampden District Attorney’s Community Safety & Outreach Unit.
CSO Director Tony Simmons and Deputy Director Gina Anselmo provided the Jan. 21 tour, which began with Simmons sharing an overview of what students could expect to see throughout the day.
He then introduced Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey Clarke, who shared some insight into his work and court operation.
Chief Court Officer Larry Roberson spoke to the students as well, talking about his journey to becoming a court officer, along with some of his most memorable and “scariest” cases he was present for – a question raised by one of the students.
the negative and the destructive narratives that we have been subjected to,” she stated.
Timmons, who talked about his path to get where he is today, shared the importance of hard work, a strong work ethic and the value of education. He stated, “Once you have an education, no one can take that away from you. With that responsibility comes power. Understand that education is the clearest pathway, the most reliable, successful pathway to the middle class or better.”
After the speakers, the Chicopee Cultural Council recognized two honorees, Chicopee resident and The Kidney Advocate LLC founder and CEO Artise Carr, as well as Erns Rinvil, known for his tireless work as an organizer for the Toys for Tots in Chicopee.
Vieau officially read the proclamation, and the African American flag was draped in City Hall to recognize Black History Month in the city of Chicopee.
“The word that’s been said throughout many of these different speakers’ keynotes; inclusion, and that’s what it’s about today, inclusion. The city recognizes the diversity of this amazing, amazing, wonderful place that we call home, and I am thankful for all you joining us today,” he said.
The Chicopee High School choir concluded the program with a musical performance before food was provided to guests.
Following the introductions, students made their way to Courtroom 1 to sit in on the arraignment hearings. It could be described as a busy day in the Springfield Courthouse as countless cases went before Judge Danielle Williams, such as shoplifting, domestic violence, larceny, drug distribution, bail hearings and more. After nearly two hours of nonstop hearings, the court took a recess, and everyone except the students were asked to leave the courtroom so that Williams could talk with them and answer questions. Williams talked about her journey to becoming a judge,
while also explaining what happens in arraignment court, and the different roles in the courtroom, from the clerk to the assistant district attorneys. Students also had the opportunity to hear from a clerk magistrate, a defense attorney and a prosecutor.
“Getting young people into the courtroom and letting them see how the justice system works is incredibly important,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “When students can experience it firsthand, it makes civics real and relevant. Court tours give them the chance to ask questions, understand their rights, and see
the wide range of career paths and professional roles that exist within the justice system.”
Court tours are one of many free programs offered by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office. For more information about the court tours, or to request a tour for your school, contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina. anselmo@mass.gov.
A group of eighth graders from Springfield International Charter School recently toured the Hampden County Hall of Justice, hearing from a judge, court officer, prosecutor and more.
HOLYOKE
Holyoke approves lease agreement to assist snow removal
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE
— With the recent snowstorm and freezing conditions, many communities like Holyoke have been left with a lot of snow and complaints from residents about the clean-up process.
During the City Council meeting on Feb. 3, the council approved a motion that authorizes the city to sign a lease agreement for storage of snow at 20 Water St. for a total of three months.
The decision comes after the major snowstorm that occurred between Jan. 25 and 27.
Due to a need for this agreement, the order asked that the City Council rule on it immediately, as opposed to going through a sub-committee.
Department of Public Works
Director Michael Gallagher sent the lease to the City Council and also attended the meeting to discuss the snow cleanup going forward.
In a letter to the City Council, Gallagher explained that in years past, the city relied on the municipal lot on North Canal Street for snow storage, however, that lot is no longer available because it is currently in use by nearby businesses.
In the past, the city used properties on Water Street, owned by HG&E, and on Sargeant Street at the end of Race Street for snow storage. Both options are no longer viable because they have been developed with solar installations.
Without an appropriate snow storage site, Gallagher said the DPW faces significant limita-
tions when responding to major snow events.
“If we experience another substantial storm, it will be increasingly difficult to clear streets safely and effectively without extended parking restrictions or potential public safety concerns,” he stated.
Approval of the lease provides the city with a practical solution to help maintain passable roadways while minimizing impacts on residents and businesses, according to the city.
Going forward, Gallagher outlined areas that represent general priorities for snow removal, including streets and intersections requiring urgent safety attention, downtown metered areas and nearby narrow streets. He also spotlighted High and Maple streets, areas outside meter zones, narrow residential neighborhoods throughout the city, and city-owned properties as major priorities for snow removal.
He said he currently does not have a plan for bus stops because he believes that is the responsibility of the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority.
However, he stated, “As we go along through the snow removal process, and if there’s any pressing issues, we always try to help and take care of what we can.”
City Councilor Mike Sullivan talked about the need for approving the lease, stating, “I think it’s obvious to everybody in the council; they’ve received numerous calls, I think, everywhere regarding the snow removal; totally different topic as far as the equipment and stuff. I’d really like to thank Mayor [Joshua]
Garcia for his leadership in bringing this problem forward. This is something we haven’t seen in the city in years.”
Sullivan noted that the DPW has also done the work understaffed and with equipment that’s “not quite up to the task, to put it mildly.” He stated that they deserve a lot of praise.
He also added how, even a week after this “catastrophic” snowstorm took place, he still sees people in wheelchairs and walkers forced in the street due to the lack of sidewalk space.
City Councilor Patti Devine highlighted the potentially dan-
gerous conditions while driving with snow on the streets.
“Especially when you get to a corner, you almost have to edge yourself out because the snow banks are so high,” Devine stated. “Thank God the [parking] ban is still on. I can give you an example. Either today or yesterday, I was going over Hillside Avenue, and all I kept saying was, ‘Please God, don’t let anyone come the opposite way that I am going, because we could not have fit through.’” Gallagher said the lease is included as a snow removal expenditure and that Holyoke is not the
only community leasing property to store snow. Gallagher also said the DPW ran into some problems with illegal parking that went against the parking ban. He explained, “I know the Police Department towed vehicles. We did run into problems. We did also, I will say, so far this winter, we had the most cooperation in enforcement with the parking ban.” Garcia and city councilors were also out during the storm, going door to door to ask residents to follow the parking ban. The City Council unanimously approved the lease.
Layoff notices fueling competitiveness, political debates
By Alison Kuznitz State House News Service
BOSTON — A trio of major layoff notices will soon cost 260 workers their jobs in Boston and Western Massachusetts, adding to economic competitiveness pressures at play for the state and in this year’s elections.
Panera plans to lay off 92 workers in Franklin on March 25-27, according to a recently filed notice with the state. Zipcar intends to terminate 65 workers in Boston from April 1-14, followed by Thermo Fisher Scientific laying off 103 employees in Franklin from Dec. 31 through Dec. 31, 2027.
Critics say the losses under-
score the state’s flailing competitive edge, as the Healey administration aims to mitigate affordability woes that are driving Bay Staters out of Massachusetts. Residents continue to feel the squeeze of steep housing, energy and health care prices.
“These are not isolated decisions,” Massachusetts Fiscal Alli-
ance Executive Director Paul Diego Craney said on Feb. 2. “They are rational business responses to a state that has become increasingly expensive, unpredictable, and hostile to employers. High taxes, crushing energy costs and rigid Net Zero climate mandates are making it harder every day for companies to justify staying in Massachusetts.”
Craney added: “If state leaders refuse to take our loss of economic competitiveness seriously, this trend will continue, and working families will keep paying the price.”
Massachusetts is also experiencing a population exodus. New census data show that 33,340 residents left and went to other states between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025.
In her State of the Commonwealth address, Healey referred to talent as “our greatest strength.”
“That’s why, when it comes to competing for jobs – my bet’s always on Massachusetts,” Healey said. “Hasbro and Lego agreed — they moved their headquarters here. So did Alnylam, a global leader in life-saving gene therapies. They started at UMass Chan Medical School. Now, they just built a brand-new manufacturing plant in Norton, all built with good union jobs. Then there’s Transmedics — a company saving lives for people who need organ transplants. They turned down New
Hampshire and decided to grow right here in Massachusetts.”
In over-the-year data spanning from November 2025 to November 2024, Maine, New Hampshire and Rhode Island saw declines in nonfarm payroll employment, while Vermont’s employment grew by about 0.6%, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston said in a report last month. “Connecticut and Massachusetts employment barely grew, with increases of only 0.1% and 0.05%, respectively,” the report said.
Zipcar is closing the company’s local headquarters in Boston, and consolidating functions within owner Avis Budget Group’s U.S. headquarters in Parsippany, New Jersey, according to a state notice.
“Zipcar’s regional field and fleet operations teams will continue to be based in Boston and other local markets to support members and day-to-day service without interruption,” Avis said in a statement. “Zipcar remains fully operational and members should expect the same service and experience they rely on today. We are committed to managing this transition responsibly and supporting our employees throughout the process.”
Panera intends to close its Fresh Dough Facility in Franklin on March 27 as the company implements a new bakery operating
See LAYOFFS on page 8
Department of Public Works Director Michael Gallagher discusses the department’s snow removal process during the Feb. 3 City Council meeting.
Photo credit: Holyoke Media
Holyoke celebrates Black History Month
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Holyoke recognized Black History Month with a flag-raising ceremony on Feb. 2 at City Hall, followed by a gospel music performance later that evening at Bethlehem Baptist Community Church.
This year’s ceremony coincides with a century of national commemorations of Black history. Last year marked the first time that Holyoke raised the African American flag in honor of the month.
Rev. Bernard Smith, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Community Church, gave an invocation, and Willie Spradley Jr., chair of the church’s Community Awareness Committee, spoke on the creation of the commemoration by Dr. Carter Godwin Woodson, one of the founders of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
Woodson initiated the concept of Black history observance 100 years ago. He founded Negro History Week in 1926 to coincide with the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former President Abraham Lincoln.
Negro History Week gathered momentum for decades before the observance and teaching of Black Americans became a cultural fixture following its expansion to Black History Month in February 1976 during Gerald Ford’s administration.
“Black history is American history, just from a black perspective,” Spradley stated, “If we were in Italy, there would still be Black history from an Italian perspective; if we were in Ireland, same thing. We’re here in the United States, and during these times, without getting overly political, during these times it is incredibly important that we come together and lock arms, like they did back in the days when they were crossing the Edmund Pettis Bridge, and back in the days when they were doing the Civil Rights marches back in Selma. It’s extremely important that we lock arms and we share love with each other.”
Theresa Cooper-Gordon, who also serves on the church’s Community Awareness Committee and helped host the observance ceremony, stated, “Black history, as we all know, is 365 days a year. It is American history, and we are going to make a commitment to do a better job of being inclusive.”
Spradley also broke down the meaning of the African American flag.
The red represents the blood that unites all people of African American ancestry and was shed for the liberation. The black represents Black people, whose existence as a nation, though not a
nation-state, is affirmed by the flag. Green represents the abundant and natural wealth of Africa.
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia read the proclamation to officially recognize February as Black History Month throughout the city of Holyoke.
“Government officials in many states, as well as the White House, are withdrawing support for the open observance of Black History Month. The administration in Washington has initiated the closure of diversity, equity and inclusion offices throughout the government,” Garcia read.
“Now be it resolved that Holyoke, Massachusetts celebrates diversity, advocates for equity and is committed to inclusion,
and we reject efforts to reverse 60 years of Civil Rights progress, and we deplore moves to erase 300 years of Black history.”
The Holyoke community then gathered outside, where Smith led in the singing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” while the African American flag was presented.
The flag could not be physically raised on Feb. 2 due to a frozen flagpole mechanism, but Garcia and others said that once the issue is resolved, the flag will be mounted outside City Hall.
Later that evening, Bethlehem Baptist Community Church hosted a choir performance under the direction of Voices of Praise Director Terrence Haynes, a Christian gospel music choir. Sprad-
ley also delivered remarks on “100 Years of Empowerment.”
Above, Rev. Bernard Smith leads the Holyoke community in the signing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” while the African American flag is presented by Mayor Joshua Garcia and others. Bottom, Willie Spradley Jr. talks about the history of Black History Month and breaks down the meaning of the African American flag during Holyoke’s Black History Month observance. Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet
Healey to offer election year economic development bill
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 in-
frastructure 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 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 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.
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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 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.”
Layoffs
Continued from page 6
model, according to a state notice.
“Panera is offering all affected employees many forms of support throughout this transition, including a severance package, assistance locating other jobs within Panera and outplacement services, including a job fair on February 23, 2026,” the notice said.
Thermo Fisher plans to eventually close its Franklin facility, which “provides GMP biologics storage and cell therapy clinical trial support,” according to a company webpage. The first layoffs will occur on Dec. 31, and “separations may continue through” the next year, a state notice said.
The Thermo Fisher losses point to steady headwinds in life sciences, which lost more than 1,000 biopharma research and development jobs from 2023 to 2024. Massachusetts invests public funds in the sector, with a 2024 economic development law reauthorizing the life sciences initiative at $500 million for the next decade.
Thermo Fisher has never received state tax credits from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, an agency spokesperson said.
“Did every mid-size manufacturing plant in Massachusetts make a New Years Resolution to flee the state in 2026?” GOP candidate for governor Brian Shortsleeve tweet-
“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 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.
ed on Jan. 30. “Thermo Fisher Scientific is the largest publicly traded company in Massachusetts. When they close a home-turf plant, you know it’s bad.”
The Campbell’s Company last week announced plans to close its Hyannis facility in April, meaning Cape Cod potato chips will soon no longer be made on the Cape. The Hyannis plant produces just 4% of the total volume of Cape Cod chips annually, and Campbell’s said the “site no longer makes economic sense for the business.”
“Massachusetts under Maura Healey is so expensive and unfriendly to job creators that an iconic MA brand is cutting ties,” tweeted GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Kennealy, who pointed out Massachusetts gained 230,000 private sector jobs when he was housing and economic development secretary in the Baker administration.
“Since Maura Healey has been governor, our economy has been stagnant,” Kennealy continued.
“That’s unacceptable.”
Reacting to the Cape Cod business news, GOP gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue said, “Massachusetts brand can’t keep production in Massachusetts. We must do better.”
Alison Kuznitz is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at akuznitz@ stateaffairs.com.
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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
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
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, including 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
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
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.
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.”
For more information on accessible campsites visit DCR’s accessible camping webpage. Last year, DCR accepted nearly 65,000 camping reservations at parks across the state. For more information and questions about the 2026 camping season, visit the agency’s website or email dcr.campinginfo@mass.gov.
Brandon Thomas reaches for a rebound.
Chicopee’s Robert Espiritusanto tosses up a shot, guarded by Eli Reid.
Dominic Garcia keeps his eye on the basket as he tries for a shot.
Alex Mangual puts up a basket.
Daniel Button-Furtado fires the ball over Eli Reid.
EAST LONGMEADOW - HOOK DELIVERY
THURSDAY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Tracey Ln., Pembroke Terr., Abbey Ln., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln.,
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129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Mereline Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
