SOUTH HADLEY — The South Hadley Town Meeting representatives approved the town’s $61.4 million budget on May 13, which includes free cash to prevent cuts in the School Department and fund the library in fiscal year 2027. The budget passed by a 101-6 vote.
With both override votes failing on April 14, the town administration has continued to look at ways to address its current $3.5 million budget deficit that is projected to increase each fiscal year.
The Town Meeting representatives approved Article 10 on the warrant, which was a recommendation from the Selectboard to approve $1.5 million in free cash to add to the school budget.
The additional free cash will prevent the elimination of administrative positions, the reduction of high school staffing and the elimination of sports, extracurriculars and music programs in middle school and high school for the next fiscal year. South Hadley Public Schools were facing a $1.2 million budget deficit, so the allocation will level services and allow them to make some strategic investments.
Most of the public input came from Town Meeting members who advocated for the free cash to help fund the library.
Originally, the warrant stated that the Selectboard recommended not to use $75,000 in free cash to add to the library budget.
However, during Town Meeting, member Nate Therien proposed an amendment to add a combined $75,000 to the library personnel line and library expenses line to be funded by unreserved free cash. The representatives voted in favor of that amendment by a vote of 92-11.
The $75,000 is enough to meet
minimum funding for the library, which means South Hadley does not have to apply for a waiver for certification. The money brings the town’s contribution to the library up to the percentage of the town budget required to ensure that the library will continue to be accredited by state authorities. Without this accreditation, residents would no longer be able to borrow books from other libraries in the state, either through an interlibrary loan or in person.
The town would also lose state funds provided to support the library without the extra funding.
The $75,000 does not restore the library to level funding, and the library still needs to operate with reduced hours and staff, according to the town.
Members in favor of funding the library said the building should be less about the cost and more about the access to information, memories and programs it offers to people of all ages in town.
South Hadley Selectboard
member Carol Constant explained that she was in favor of the amendment to fund the library.
“I hope that through all these conversations about the library, you are becoming aware [of the] very difficult decisions that have to be made about the funding of all of the South Hadley departments and our schools. This financial crisis is not of our own making. We do not have hidden pockets of mismanagement. The fact is that rising insurance costs, prop two and a half, and the competition created by school choice have caught up with South Hadley, along with many other towns and cities in Massachusetts.”
Ira Brezinsky, who also chairs the Capital Planning Committee, responded to the residents who expressed concerns about how the town will manage money in light of this precarious budget situation.
“It’s a terrible practice, but we’re going to do it because we
don’t have a choice,” he said regarding the use of free cash. “So, for all of those out there saying, ‘see? I told you, they found it,’ that’s for right now, and we’re taking a significant gamble, but one that we must take in order to right-size and stabilize where we are right now.”
He concluded that a year from now, without an override, the town will be in a worse place than it currently is because it will not have the luxury of $1.5 million in free cash.
Town Meeting also approved Article 11 by a 93-12 vote, which means $1.75 million will be raised and appropriated for the General Stabilization Fund, contingent upon the passage of a Proposition 2½ override.
On May 5, the Selectboard and town administration announced that they might have a special election on Tuesday, Sept. 1, to see if voters would approve a tax
Town Meeting members approve the fiscal year 2027 budget on May 13.
Think you know what a human trafficker looks like? Guess again.
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
Human trafficking happens in Western Massachusetts. That is the number one message Amber Estelle, deputy COO and clinical director of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, wants to share.
Estelle has personally worked with about 50 victims of trafficking through a program she ran for the YWCA. To her knowledge, none of the people were trafficked by the same person or group. The program was shuttered due to funding issues, but Estelle said the YWCA sees trafficking victims show up in their shelter program.
In 2024, the latest year for which there is data, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 288 signals from Massachusetts, 91 of which were from victims or survivors of trafficking. While 68% of victims are trafficked for sex, people can also be trafficked for labor or a combination of the two. About 85% of trafficking victims are women, but men are also trafficked.
Estelle explained that traffick-
ers are drawn to locations where people have disposable income. Such locations include highstakes sporting events, or as Estelle specifically noted, the MGM Springfield casino. She said Interstate 91 offers a corridor for travel between states without checkpoints, as does the passenger rail service through Springfield’s Union Station. These transportation methods make it easier to traffic people without fear of being caught, she said.
Estelle emphasized that not all sex workers choose to participate in that lifestyle. People who are being trafficked are often threatened and sometimes threatened with violence towards their child or other loved ones. Victims may be hesitant to leave because they think they are in love with their exploiter or they are trauma-bonded to other victims.
As part of the program she used to run at the YWCA, Estelle said she separated victims from the geographical area they were trafficked in. This lessened the likelihood of the victim being manipulated into going back to the
situation. Estelle also said stable income is important because financial strain can be a powerful tool for manipulation.
When Estelle asks young people what a human trafficker looks like, she said the answers are usually the same. They assume traffickers look like “thugs” or “drug dealers,” someone who dresses “flashy” and drives an expensive car, Estelle said. However, the truth is that most victims of trafficking are exploited by someone they know.
Many times, traffickers will approach people online, pretending they are the same age and gender. After establishing a rapport and gaining someone’s trust, they will start asking personal questions and eventually get the victim to agree to meet them somewhere.
Traffickers also use other victims to befriend and recruit people, telling them they can make quick money and that “it’s not that bad,” Estelle said. The YWCA evicted a woman from their shelter because she was recruiting other women on behalf of a trafficker. Occasionally, parents with a substance use
disorder will sell their children to traffickers to fund their addiction.
“There’s no one person, no one race or gender. It could be a sweet, little, old lady baking cookies, but she could be a madam,” Estelle said.
Estelle said there are “red flags” to be aware of:
• If they ask a lot of questions or ask personal questions about where someone lives, works or their home life
• If they encourage someone to do something out of their comfort zone
• If they are a love bomber — someone who manipulates another person early in a relationship with over-the-top compliments, lavish gifts or grand gestures. They may want constant attention, pressure someone to move quickly, ignore boundaries or have sudden mood changes, including anger and withdrawal.
Another common tactic is approaching an intended target with talk of being a modeling scout or photographer and trying to get the person to model for them. Es-
telle said this happened to her on a train in California once. She did not go with the person but was later told by a woman at the station to avoid the man because he took her somewhere where she was assaulted. If you cannot easily find information online about the person or alleged business, do not trust them, Estelle said.
If someone is approached by a person who says they are being trafficked, Estelle said safety should be the number one priority. Call 911 and get as much information about the person as possible in case they run away. Do not bring the person to your home, she said. Traffickers will sometimes use this tactic to follow a target home. If you must drive them somewhere, go straight to a police station, she said.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline can be contacted by calling 1-888-373-7888, TTY: 711, texting “BEFREE” 233733, emailing help@humantraffickinghotline.org, or using the web chat or online reporting through its website, humantraffickinghotline.org.
Easthampton victim identified in Suffolk Street shooting in Holyoke
HOLYOKE — Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has identified the victim involved in a fatal shooting on May 6 in Holyoke. At approximately 9:26 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, Holyoke Police responded to a ShotSpotter
activation in the area of 99 Suffolk St. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound inside a vehicle near the intersection of Suffolk Street and Elm Street. Officers gained entry into the vehicle and immediately began life-saving measures
before the victim was transported to Baystate Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The victim has been identified as Caleb Rodriguez, 42, of Easthampton.
Preliminary investigation indicates the victim was seated inside
his vehicle when an altercation occurred involving multiple individuals. Evidence gathered during the investigation, including witness statements and surveillance footage, indicates the incident may have stemmed from an attempted robbery.
This remains an ongoing investigation being conducted by the Hampden District Attorney’s State Police Detective Unit, Murder Unit, and the Holyoke Police Department. Gulluni expresses his sympathies to the victim’s family.
Arbor Day Foundation designates Holyoke as a 2025 Tree City USA
HOLYOKE — The Arbor Day Foundation has named Holyoke a 2025 Tree City USA in recognition of the city’s “commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit the community.”
The Arbor Day Foundation is a
global nonprofit whose mission is to “inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees.”
“Tree champions like Holyoke are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and
action,” said Michelle Saulnier, vice president of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation.
“Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Holyoke is
among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”
To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards, including
Services
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override to help save town services. The proposals from Town Administrator Lisa Wong included a $3.5 million tax override, but the exact amount hasn’t been finalized yet.
Wong explained that since the override has yet to be set, Article 11 features a contingent budget.
The vote is only valid until Sept. 15. The recommendation is to use free cash as a bridge for FY27.
If there is a successful override vote prior to Sept. 15, then an additional $1.75 million will be raised from the tax levy in FY27 and used to replenish reserves.
Right now, the current proposal being considered by the Selectboard for an override is $3.5 million. Wong said the hope is that those funds can last for three years. Based on the Budget Task Force report, the town is facing a $6 million budget deficit in FY29.
Wong explained that the reason they are asking for $3.5 million is because “the idea is if we could raise money in year one,
maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.
save it for year three, then the three and a half [million dollars] passes, add the [$1.75 million,] and we would probably, with the number of efficiencies and changes that we’re hoping to make over the next year, including increasing revenue, looking at consolidation, etc. that we will be able to use this general stabilization to balance year three.”
She added that the hope is that this will guarantee the lowest number possible, as well as a three-year override, versus asking for the original six years recommended in the Budget Task Force report. The General Stabilization Fund is an existing fund that currently has about $2.9 million in it. Articles 12 and 13 asked to establish and allocate funds for an override stabilization fund, but no motion was made at Town Meeting. Wong explained that the Selectboard decided it would be too confusing to make multiple funds.
Future coverage of the other articles at Town Meeting will be posted on thereminder.com and in a future Herald edition.
CHICOPEE — Agilent Technologies has expanded its global company to a new location at 711 E. Main St.
The company provides advanced instruments, software, services and consumables for laboratories in life sciences, diagnostics and chemical analysis. It helps scientists, researchers and health care professionals make discoveries and improve quality of life around the world.
Agilent hosted a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony on May 14 to introduce its new manufacturing facility. The company, whose former facility was located at 300 Griffith Road, purchased the new building for its expansion in 2022.
At the time, it was reported that the move was set to add a new manufacturing division in the city, investing $33 million and adding 40 new jobs.
Agilent Technologies’ Chief Operations and Quality Officer Joydeep Ganguly talked about the new site and the investment it will have in the city.
“While it’s very easy to think of the investments in terms of the amount of dollars spent, and it was a considerable amount of dollars right now ... from my perspective, I think the investment we made right now in the future of the site. Agilent is not in the business of investing for the here and now. We tend to invest in the future,” Ganguly explained.
Ganguly said that when he and Agilent Technologies Inc., Global Manufacturing Vice President Chow Woai Sheng discussed a new site, one of the things they discussed was the people and culture of the area.
“It’s not about land or tax or cost, etc., often, it’s about the culture of the site, and the people of the site and the ultimate leading indicator,” Ganguly said. “I would view this day as a celebration of people and the culture
and the local community as much as any sort of investment in brick and mortar infrastructure.”
Sheng and Ganguly talked about how he and the leadership teams want this site to be the first of a master plan that brings the best out of the site and continues to evolve.
“There’s a resurgence in the importance of manufacturing and the overall calculus of supply chain resiliency. It’s never been more important. It proved itself in the pandemic when people had to get access to very critical
drugs,” Ganguly said. “It’s reappearing right now as we deal with an unprecedented amount of supply chain complaints. The ability for us to have a site like Chicopee, that is able to deliver so consistently, that is able to have multi-platform consistency and a place where our investments, not just in technology but also in people can pay for itself is a blessing right now.”
Sheng talked about the future and the belief he had in his team. “Today, we have a site, a site that has state of the art technology,”
Sheng stated. The new 85,000-square-foot facility is nearly three times the size of the previous facility, according to Sheng.
Agilent Technologies Site Director Seema Bhatia added, “We’ve been waiting for this moment for months, and this is the day that I’m really, really happy to have.”
City Council President Frank Laflamme, who spoke on behalf of Mayor John Vieau and the city, discussed the current and future partnership he hopes
to see between the company and Chicopee.
“Today is a proud moment for out city,” he said. “Agilent’s decision to invest here in Chicopee reflects a strength of community, our work and our future. We are honored to welcome a global leader in science and technology to our city. This facility represents more than advanced manufacturing and innovation. It represents opportunity, growth and partnership. The work being done here will have an impact far beyond these walls.”
Chicopee recognizes Vershon for achieving Eagle Scout rank
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Isabel Vershon was recognized at the May 5 City Council meeting by Mayor John Vieau and the city of Chicopee for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Vershon’s project at Chicopee High School involved organizing and executing the painting of a mural that celebrates the school community and highlights the Air Force Junior ROTC, “It’s quite an exceptional mural,” Vieau stated.
According to the Boy Scouts of America website, scouts need to accumulate at least 21 merit badges before earning the Eagle Scout rank, demonstrate leadership within their group and complete a community service project.
Vieau stated, “First I want to say it’s a milestone accomplishment. I’m so proud of you. It’s not easy to become an Eagle Scout. It’s quite an exceptional mural.”
The mayor also presented Ver-
ance and commitment to service.”
“Her dedication, hard work and positive impact reflect the highest ideal of scouting and civic engagement,” Vieau stated. “For her exemplary service,
shon with a certificate of recognition “in honor of her outstanding achievements as a lifelong resident of Chicopee and dedicated member of Troop 124 Westfield” the certificate read.
It continued, “Isabel has earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award, demonstrating exceptional leadership, persever-
leadership and dedication to our community, we proudly honor Isabel Vershon and commend her achievement of Eagle Scout.”
In addition to her scouting accomplishments, Vershon has also excelled academically as an honor student in the Health Science Academy, attended the EMT Academy and contributed to the community through her work with the Chicopee Parks and Recreation Department.
Agilent Technologies leadership and Chicopee elected officials welcome the new manufacturing facility to Chicopee with a ribbon cutting on May 14.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
Isabel Vershon received a certificate of recognition from Mayor John Vieau for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
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HOLYOKE — After three years of deliberation, the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board has approved, with conditions, Holyoke Gas and Electric’s Liquefied Natural Gas Infrastructure and Resiliency Project.
The project includes the installation of a fifth LNG storage tank and an additional vaporization system at HG&E’s West Holyoke facility. The new tank is expected to be operational by late 2027 or early 2028, pending manufacturer delivery timelines.
Holyoke’s natural gas moratorium remains in effect for new service requests for which there is an economically viable alternative. Customers interested in new or expanded natural gas services are encouraged to complete HG&E’s natural gas interest form at hged.com.
HG&E will review all requests for gas service and will approve those that it has the capacity to serve and for which no economically viable alternative exists, or where service is determined to be in the best interest of the city, including supporting economic development initiatives.
“Energy reliability directly impacts our ability to attract and retain businesses, support industrial growth and create jobs,” Mayor Joshua Garcia said in a statement. “When companies are considering investment in Holyoke, dependable energy infrastructure is key.”
According to HG&E, the facility supplies about 40% of the city’s natural gas during peak demand periods, typically on the coldest winter days. Officials said the expansion will improve reliability, reduce dependence on a single pipeline source and help meet increasing energy demands.
Holyoke Planning and Economic Development Director Eric Nakajima noted that the Siting Board’s approval will support the city’s economic competitiveness.
“Energy supply bottlenecks are a barrier to new investment and growth in Holyoke,” Nakajima said. “This decision will support jobs and businesses in the city in the coming decade.”
With increasing peak loads, due to severe weather and other impacts, HG&E sought to increase capacity at the LNG facility to ensure natural gas service is available when customers need it most.
The current facility in West Holyoke has been operating safely and reliably for over 50 years, according to the city. HG&E’s website notes that the West Holyoke LNG facility was designed for five storage tanks, but only four were installed when the site
was developed. No new pipelines or infrastructure will be required outside of the boundaries of the existing site. HG&E stated, “There will be very limited construction and operational impacts related to this project.”
Garcia also applauded the Siting Board’s approval and expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of Gov. Maura Healey’s administration.
“We’re grateful to Governor Healey’s office for supporting this necessary and forward-looking reliability improvement and storage expansion of HG&E’s natural gas resource,” Garcia said. “Approval of this additional storage tank is in the best interests of Holyoke’s residential and commercial customers.”
HGE will continue to update the website and outreach materials as additional information becomes available.
Advocates rally against House social media legislation
By Ella Adams State House News Service
BOSTON — Debate over social media restrictions continues to swamp Beacon Hill as top Democrats and digital and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups stake out their positions on regulating children’s use of the platforms.
Citing concerns about data privacy and impacts on LGBTQ+ youth, advocates gathered on May 13 to oppose House social media legislation and elevate ideas of their own, calling on lawmakers to work with them to adjust their approach.
The House, in the meantime, plans to separately take up a larger data privacy bill, House Speaker Ron Mariano’s office told the News Service, as the debate plays out over the social media regulation bill.
Digital advocacy group Fight for the Future Executive Director Evan Greer said the coalition of more than 50 organizations agrees with the instincts of lawmakers that social media companies need to be regulated and are harming children, but that it opposes the way Beacon Hill is going about it.
“Experts have been very clear, there is no safe way for social media companies to verify the age of every user online,” Greer said at a press conference on the State House steps. “That is why these types of proposals have been struck down in courts and revised in other states across the country.”
The House in April passed a bill (H 5366) by a 129-25 vote that bans student cellphone use in schools and bans social media use for kids under the age of 14, adding social media regulations onto a Senate cellphone ban bill (S 2581) passed in July. Democrat-
ic state Reps. Erika Uyterhoeven and Mike Connolly voted against the bill, along with the majority of the Republican caucus.
Greer and others said that by banning youth from platforms, the House bill would take resources away from LGBTQ+ youth, who he said often find safe spaces and community online.
“We understand here in Massachusetts, there are certain things we can’t control,” Connolly said on May 14 alongside activists from MassEquality, Protect Trans Futures, Act on Mass and others. “There are certain things on the federal level we can’t control. So, in this moment, when our trans activists and advocates are speaking up and letting us know that there’s concern, it is on us as legislators to stop and listen.”
MassEquality Executive Director Tanya Neslusan said, “We cannot afford to have young people lose their lifeline and their sense of community and connection.”
“Boston is very fortunate in that we have support groups and clubs for LGBTQ youth to be a part of so that they feel less isolated and less alone. But there are many parts of the state where your only lifeline, your only chance of finding community, of finding resources, is over the internet,” Neslusan continued.
Advocates also said data privacy issues are at play within the bill’s age verification requirements, which they said would require all users to upload some form of identification — like a government ID or birth certificates — to platforms or use facial recognition technology to prove their age. Social media platforms would be required to “implement an age assurance or verification
system to determine whether a current or prospective user on the social media platform meets the age requirement,” according to the House bill.
They also argued that the broad definition of “social media” in the bill would — likely unintentionally — take away resources like Wikipedia.
House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz in an April statement emphasized that the House bill passed with bipartisan support “including unanimous support from Members of the LGBTQ+ Legislative Caucus.” He noted an adopted amendment prohibits social media platforms from sharing information about a minor’s LGBTQ+ status or other protected status.
“The bill doesn’t mandate IDs be sent to social media platforms, but rather charges the Attorney General in determining how
age is verified without violating anyone’s constitutional rights,” Michlewitz said.
Attorney General Andrea Campbell said on May 12 that she sees the issues around minors and technology as among the most pressing matters in the state, and that she’s “confident that even as we engage the ACLU and other groups that have feedback, we will take all of that feedback and ultimately get done legislation that will hold tech companies accountable and also ban cellphones in schools across the commonwealth.”
Across the country, the industry has challenged social media age verification laws often on First Amendment grounds. Gov. Maura Healey has proposed her own policy that would require social media platforms to have a “default” setting that disables
Advocates, including Act on Mass Director Scotia Hille (center), hold signs at a press conference on the State House steps on May 13. State House News Service photo by Ella Adams
HTA votes in favor of new contract with salary increases
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Teachers Association ratified a contract that makes new Holyoke teachers among the highest paid in the area and increases teacher salaries over three years by 20%.
Following more than a year of back-and-forth discussions, HTA members voted to ratify a new three-year agreement with Holyoke Public Schools by a 310-11 vote on May 12, the last step needed before the new contract could officially be implemented.
The vote came six days after the HTA and Holyoke School Committee bargaining teams announced that they reached a tentative contract agreement during their mediation session.
HTA President Nick Cream said in a statement to Reminder Publishing that the HTA was happy with both the turnout from its members and the results of the ratification vote.
The HTA had almost 70% of its members show up for the vote, a historic percentage for the union, according to Cream.
“With 97% of those who voted voting to ratify the contract, we believe that our members stand behind this contract, in spite of the concessions made in the end. We have made some significant gains and believe this contract sets us up to continue building our union’s power under local control. The HTA is grateful for all of our members who supported this contract campaign because we would not have been able to do it without everyone in our union. We are excited to work with district leadership, including Superintendent [Jackie] Glasheen, to retain quality educators in Holyoke in order to provide our students the education they deserve,” Cream stated.
Mayor Joshua Garcia also expressed his appreciation to the Holyoke School Committee and the bargaining team that was appointed.
“Throughout this process, they remained patient, thoughtful, disciplined, and committed to reaching an agreement that is both fair to educators, fiscally responsible to taxpayers, and keeps the focus on our students. These negotiations were not easy, but their representation of the Holyoke people, professionalism, and care helped keep the process moving forward productively, despite challenges along the way,” Garcia stated.
He concluded, “This moment reminds us that when we work together, stay grounded in reality, and remain focused on the students we serve, we can achieve meaningful outcomes for Holyoke.”
This is the first contract bargained between the union and city officials since state control of the Holyoke Public Schools ended on July 1 2025.
The last HTA contract expired on June 30, 2025, and negotiations have been ongoing since February 2025. Teachers worked nearly 300 days under
the terms of an expired and outdated contract.
According to Holyoke Public Schools, the HTA contract agreement includes:
• More than a 20% increase in teacher salaries over three years (average increase of $12,750).
• A starting salary of $55,000 for new teachers with a bachelor’s degree, which is the highest among nine nearby comparison districts, according to the city.
• A significantly reduced workday and work year.
Enhanced sick, personal and other leave benefits.
• Additional opportunities for teacher voice to inform decision-making.
• Health and safety language to protect staff and students.
• Yearly COLA and a compensation system that ensures retention.
Furthermore, the May 6 mediation session with the HTA produced compromises in six areas, which helped both bargain-
ing teams reach the agreement:
• Reduction of annual teacher workdays to 185, which is down from the current 188 days per school year and a reduction from the previous tentative agreement of 186.
Introduction of a third educational lane for those with two master’s degrees/certificates of advanced graduate study, while maintaining a fourth lane for professional licensure on the salary schedule.
• Seven days of leave for child bonding, which is up from five that were part of the district’s earlier proposal.
• Reduction of eligibility requirement to use catastrophic leave from five years to three years.
• Greater flexibility in using bereavement leave.
• Superintendent discretion to allow more categories of employees to be eligible for additional compensation in critical needs areas.
The newly approved contract also includes retroactive pay.
Dean Technical unveils program wall for union trade jobs
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Dean Technical High School students will have an easier pathway to learn about and apply for apprenticeship program opportunities with local trade unions.
The school hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 13 to formally unveil the Dean Technical High School Apprenticeship Program Wall, a new installation designed to help students explore long-term career opportunities in the union trades.
The wall highlights several skilled trades and apprenticeship programs connected to career pathways available to students through vocational education.
The installation reflects a collaboration among school administration, career and technical education staff, and Dean Technical High School programs to create a student-facing resource connected to the opportunities available after graduation.
“This wall represents your future,” said Dean Principal Roseanne Caracciolo. “We only have our students for four years, and I say only, but we are life-long learners, and we want to affect their lives after they graduate, so this wall is to remind them that we care about their future every single day. We want you to be able to earn a sustainable living and help the community, and be able to live on your own for the rest of your lives. There’s never going to be a time when we don’t need the trades.”
The wall features 10 different apprenticeship programs with local trade unions. Each trade sign has a QR code next to it that will give people more information on wages and benefits with that specific trade union and a direct link to apply.
Career and Technical Education Director Joel McAuliffe said the Apprenticeship Program Wall is one of the first in Massachusetts. He talked about how this wall will help enhance opportunities for the students.
“We acknowledge that this wall is more than just a wall. It is a visible reminder to our students that vocational education and good union jobs can open doors,” McAuliffe said. “It shows them that skills they are learning here at Dean Tech, in our shops and in our classrooms, connect directly to real careers, real apprenticeships and real opportunities right here in the greater Holyoke region.”
McAuliffe added that these pathways are a ticket to the middle class to help secure students sustaining jobs that can allow them to build a life or a family, buy a home, contribute to their community and take pride in their work.
From left: Dean Technical High School students, staff, and school leaders, Holyoke Public Schools district leaders, Career and Technical Education instructors, Mayor Joshua Garica and representatives from local trade unions at the ribbon cutting. The newly unveiled Dean Technical High School Apprenticeship Program Wall. Representatives from local trade unions pose at the newly unveiled Dean Technical High School Apprenticeship Program Wall.
Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet
Chicopee High starting pitcher Josh Tomlinson fires one in at their May 13 game with Holyoke High.
Pacer senior Adrian Ramos pulls down a high fly ball.
Damian Sroka tags the ball and moves a runner to third base.
BASEBALL
Chicopee High Pacers played the Holyoke High Purple Knights May 13 in Szot Park on Senior Night, losing 11-4.
CHICOPEE HIGH VS HOLYOKE HIGH
Purple Knight starting pitcher Aiden Robinson on the mound for Holyoke High.
Holyoke senior Justin Rivera drives home a run for the Purple Knights.
Holyoke’s Jeremy Francisco tries to pick off Chicopee’s Alex Samboy at first base.
Alex Samboy makes the tag on Carter Felsentreger.
Victor Sori gloves an infield hit.
Ryan Greaney makes contact for a Holyoke base hit.
Garcia joins local leaders to oppose income tax ballot question
HOLYOKE — Mayor Josh-
ua A. Garcia joined with municipal leaders from across the commonwealth on May 12 to speak against a ballot initiative to cut the state income tax rate, saying reduced state revenue meant reduced state aid to cities and towns.
Garcia, president of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, said mayors and municipal officials “immediately understand” the implications when a reduction of state revenue is proposed.
“It means uncertainty,” Garcia said. “It means jeopardizing or reversing progress that residents already see in their neighborhoods. And for gateway cities and communities with significant needs, the impact can be even more severe.”
“We cannot afford to pull resources away from education, transportation, public safety, and local government at a time when
Program
“For generations, the middle class has built this country, and unions have helped build the middle class. You see that legacy in trades and organized labor and the opportunities created for working people in their families,” he stated.
Dean Technical High School students, staff, school leaders, Holyoke Public Schools district
Social Media
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addictive practices and imposes a two-hour time limit on users under the age of 18.
Connolly on May 13 honed in on the data privacy issues he sees within the bill, tying it to the anticipation of a larger data privacy bill expected to pop in the House. The Senate last September unanimously passed a data privacy bill (S 2619).
“The good news is we do have a real commitment from House leaders to address data priva-
residents are asking us to do more, not less,” he said.
The proposed cut in the state income tax rate would result in a projected $5 billion reduction of revenue collections which cities and towns would feel in reduced state aid.
“State funding is not ‘extra’ for communities like ours,” Garcia said. “It is foundational support that allows us to deliver core services and make long-term improvements as prudently as possible.”
“For residents,” he said. “This debate is ultimately about what kind of communities we want to live in. Do we want communities with strong schools? Safe neighborhoods? Reliable emergency services? Maintained roads? A responsive local government?”
“If we do, then we must strongly oppose this ballot question,” Garcia said. Also gathered on the State
leaders, Mayor Joshua Garcia, Career and Technical Education instructors and representatives from local trade unions were all present at the ribbon cutting.
Pioneer Valley Building Trades Council President Colton Andrews spoke on behalf of the union representatives at the event about how this wall will also benefit the trade union in their search for people who want to work.
“I know on behalf of the trades, having partnerships like this with
cy legislation,” the Cambridge Democrat said.
Mariano is committed to passing data privacy legislation this session, according to his office. In his April statement, Michlewitz said the House “looks forward to taking up a broader data privacy bill in the coming months after the House passes its budget.”
The House passed its FY27 budget on April 29. A bill (H 4746) related to data privacy has been in Ways and Means since November.
“I think we’re here today not in the spirit of condemning legislation that may have happened,
House steps to voice opposition were Massachusetts Municipal Association Executive Director Adam Chapdelaine.
“When municipalities lose state support,” Chapdelaine said, “there are only a few options available: significantly reduce services, delay investments, or shift more pressure onto local property taxpayers.”
Amesbury Mayor Kassandra Gove, president of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, said a significant reduction in state income tax revenues “deeply jeopardizes progress” in her city and across the state — threatening critical services and adding to the burden on local property taxpayers.
“This adds insult to injury at a time when communities are already facing inflationary pressures, rising construction costs, health insurance increases, workforce challenges, and so
schools like Dean Technical is a huge leg up for us. I think in this day and age, to try to cultivate opportunities for new apprentices, for people to get into the trades. That pool for us seems to be getting smaller and smaller,” Andrews stated. “AI is changing the dynamic of the industry; we talk about it quite frequently internally, but at the end of the day, we can’t replace a pair of hands, and at the end of the day, things still need to be built, still need to
but to encourage our legislative leaders to work in partnership with these advocates and to work in partnership with everyone,” Connolly said. When he was out collecting signatures after the social media bill was approved, he “was really struck by how many people in Cambridge had already heard about this bill and were deeply concerned.”
Fight for the Future has proposed alternative legislation that would require tech companies to put default privacy and safety protections in place for all users, regardless of age.
“There’s no reason any adult in Massachusetts needs autoplay and infinite scroll turned on when they first create a social media account,” Greer said, adding the proposal eliminates “the need for them to differentiate who’s a minor and who’s not.”
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
Corinne C. Fecteau
Jeannine M. Martell
Jacqueline M. Mashia
Sharyn Anne Riley
Albert W. Ruel
Barbara M. Skiba
Michael J. Soja Jr. EAST LONGMEADOW
Maureen T. Ferriter
Joseph Thomas Gorman
Sally A. Gozzi
Douglas P. Howie
Shirley Eleanor LaPolice
Larry F. Mathisen
Joan B. Pallotta
Norman David Raby
HAMPDEN
Deborah Lisa Johnson
HOLYOKE
Edith May Beal
Barbara A. Gaughan
Joanne M. Kraus
James E. Pease Jr.
Dorothy Ann Pinette
LONGMEADOW
Diane “Dee” Freedman
Donald Clarke Hutchins
Kenneth Norman Kinsley
LUDLOW
Ana Maria Goncalves
SOUTH HADLEY
Karen Adams
James W. Armstrong Jr.
SPRINGFIELD
Louise Julia Baldini
Jeanne Blanchet
much more,” she said. “Municipal leaders are not asking for luxuries. We are asking for stability,
have a person behind the tools that are producing that.”
Andrews also had a message for the students: take advantage of the opportunities they currently have in front of them.
“I don’t think you guys quite realize how much of a leg up you have right now. I can tell you the amount of college graduates we get that come in to apply for apprenticeship programs, went to school for four years; they’re $100,000 in debt,” Andres ex-
Senate President Karen Spilka said on May 12 that the Senate “still has some work to do” when it comes to kids’ use of social media, posing a question: “What happens to something when you restrict it, especially for kids? It often becomes even more desirable.”
Greer said Spilka’s commentary suggests the Senate is “saying that they’re hearing a lot of concern about this from the public, and that the Senate is unlikely to just rubber stamp what the House did.”
The Boston City Council on May 13 adopted a Councilor Henry Santana resolution “opposing legislation that would censor or restrict lifesaving online resources” for LGBTQ+ and other marginalized communities, according to his office. The resolution opposes “any legislation requir-
predictability, and the ability to continue providing the services our residents depend on.”
plained. “You’re coming out of programs where you already got the hands-on experience, you got the skills, you got the knowledge. You can jump right into an apprenticeship program at 18. On behalf of the laborers, when you’re 18, you can retire fully at 48.”
McAuliffe thanked the unions for helping students understand the value of apprenticeship, technical training and family-sustaining careers in the skilled trades.
ing invasive age verification for Internet access” and states that “online spaces and resources are essential lifelines for queer and trans youth, survivors of abuse, people seeking reproductive health care, and other vulnerable individuals.”
The Senate appointed Sens. Brendan Crighton, Michael Rodrigues and Peter Durant to a cellphone bill conference committee on May 7. Should Massachusetts pass a social media law, Rep. Ken Gordon said on the House floor in April that it would be the 18th state to place a ban or restriction on children’s access to the platforms. Ella Adams is a reporter for the State House News Service and State Affairs Massachusetts. Reach her at ella.adams@statehousenews.com.
Barbara J. Cowdrey
Christopher P. Gallagher Jr.
Joseph I. Gumlaw
Pamela S. Hood
Lauriana Lavallee (Lalli)
Joseph Lucerino
Thomas J. Manning Jr.
Rosemarie C. Morrissey
Sr. Judith O’Connell Ssj
John F. Russell (Roscoe)
Peter J. Salier
George E. Sampson
Ronald Smith
WILBRAHAM
Helen Ham
Jeffrey W. Hulbert
Beverly Ann Presz
Vaughn F. Rist
Marjorie H. Weeks
Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, speaking on the State House steps Tuesday, May 12, expressed his opposition to a ballot initiative that he says will reduce state aid to cities and towns.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Paradise City Arts Festival returns for 31st year
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — The nation’s premier destination for lovers of the handmade and high-end is once again gracing the region over Memorial Day weekend. Paradise City Arts Festival will return to the Three County Fairgrounds at the end of this month for another three-day stretch that celebrates creativity in multiple facets.
The festival, which runs from May 23-25, will feature 200plus world-class artists and makers traveling from every corner of the country to showcase their craft. The premier showcase features contemporary craft and fine art, including handmade home décor, sculpture, fashion, jewelry and more.
“Jeff and Linda Post originally founded the show in 1995, and we have been going in Northampton as well as across New England, Pennsylvania, Florida. They launched shows all over the east coast,” Show Director Mariah Swanson told Reminder Publishing. “What was so innovative about this particular kind of art fair is it put fine craft on the same pedestal that fine art was being viewed from at that point, so it’s taking the best of the best from around the country across all these different kinds of mediums. It’s fine art and photography, but it’s also ceramics, it’s mixed media, it’s sculpture, it’s wearables, it’s jewelry, and this is an opportunity to see 200 artists who are just the best at what they do at this premium kind of quality. You get to meet the artists and hear their stories, learn about their process, and just be face-to-face, which is becoming just as important as it ever was, especially in this digital era, so it’s really celebrating the craft of the human hand.”
Swanson said that this year feels particularly electric because there are more new faces. The weekend show is designed to be a full-scale cultural affair, and whether you are a serious collector or a family looking for a memorable afternoon, there is a rhythm to the weekend that invites everyone to stay and play.
“We’re in this really kind of
unique position, similar to how music has been so successful in Northampton, where we seem to be in this smaller community in Western Massachusetts but it’s able to attract people from New York, from Boston, an incredible amount of very high cultural intellectuals who want to be able to collect and build on their collections but aren’t necessarily going to be in one of these large economic hubs,” added Swanson. “It’s just a really beautiful, quaint opportunity to be in this area of the Pioneer Valley and also have exposure to these beautiful hotels, music venues, great restaurants, and where you can make a whole weekend out of it. But it’s really this great destination you can come to for the arts.”
The sensory experience doesn’t just stop at the easel, as nearly a dozen local restaurants and food trucks will be on-site, and the entire festival weekend will feature jazz, blues and folk music from the region’s best bands. On opening night, the festival will feature a headline performance by the indie-pop luminaries Winterpills.
The festival is open each day at 10 a.m. and closes on Saturday at 9 p.m., Sunday at 5 p.m. and Monday at 4 p.m. On Saturday, artists and makers close at 6 p.m., and then the concert begins. Local food and the beer garden will remain open until 8 p.m.
Tickets are $14 in advance, $16 at the gate, and those who are 15 and under can enter for free. Advance tickets can be purchased at festivals.paradisecityarts.com/ shows/northampton-may-show.
New to this year’s festival weekend is the debut of the Emerging Artist Collective, a brand-new initiative dedicated to fostering the next generation of talent.
The collective will allow up to three emerging artists to share a booth and gain exposure during the weekend.
“It’ll be three artists per space and that’s been juried and curated at the same level, and it’s an opportunity to get their foot in the door, get in front of the Paradise City Arts audience and cultivate their career, and also an opportunity for the public to be able to see these incredible emerging artists and get some new faces,” added Swanson.
Attendees are also encouraged to catch the live demonstrations during the weekend like Art in Action, where audiences can watch raw materials transform into masterpieces across multiple mediums. Additionally, attendees can participate in a creative activity called Crafting with Color, which is designed for the whole family.
The Silent Art Auction is also returning this year to again benefit the International Language Institute of Massachusetts. This organization provides free English classes for immigrants and refugees from around the world as they build new lives for themselves and their families.
An array of donations by Paradise City Arts exhibitors will be available for open bidding each day at the Silent Auction tables, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting International Language Institute of Massachusetts programming.
“Their work is more important than ever right now and really directly impacts anyone who’s relocating to the area trying to grow their life and offer language classes,” Swanson said.
Swanson shared that the event is beloved in the community because of the showcase and the
communal support for the festival. She said that this festival embodies the passions of each artist and oftentimes serves as their livelihood.
“We want to make it feel welcoming and diverse so that they [artists] feel supported because there’s an incredible amount of talent out there, but they don’t always feel like they have access to these kinds of platforms, and it’s very,
very different than selling online,” added Swanson. “We have lots of great new ways of exposing their work and meeting buyers through social media and online, but nothing beats face-to-face because it allows them to get in-the-moment feedback on their work. It’s really valuable in terms of how they continue to choose to make their work and grow their career.”
A look around last year’s Paradise City Arts Festival.
Photo credit: Paradise City Arts/ Lynne Graves Photography
R. Boutin, representative, and Leane A. Boutin, estate, to
Rachel M. Farley and Eric M. Hodges to Joshua N. Menard and Gabrielle J. Taylor, 35 Dresser
