HOLYOKE – Mayor Joshua Garcia officially unveiled his proposed $213 million budget, an increase of $8.97 million, or 4.4%, over FY26.
According to the mayor, the proposed budget “reflects a balanced and fiscally responsible financial plan designed to maintain core municipal services, protect long-term financial stability and continue strategic investments throughout the city of Holyoke.” His proposal, which went in front of the City Council on May 19, accompanied his annual State of the City address, which reflects on Holyoke’s past, present and future standing.
Garcia said the 4.4% increase in the budget is primarily driven by rising education costs, health insurance, retirement contributions, transportation and other operational expenditures.
Education remains one of the city’s largest financial commitments. The FY27 budget includes approximately $104.3 million in total funding for Holyoke Public Schools, supported through a combination of local contributions and state education aid.
The FY27 Net School Spending appropriation is projected at approximately $125.4 million, a $4.66 million increase from FY26. The increase is primarily driven by continued implementation of the Student Opportunity Act, including an increase of approximately $3.83 million in Chapter 70 aid and an increase of approximately $820,709 in the city’s required local contribution.
FY27 school transportation costs are projected at approximately $12.5 million, about a $590,688 increase from FY26. FY27 health insurance costs are projected at approximately $14.9 million, a $1.1 million in-
crease from FY26.
Meanwhile, the Retirement Board’s accelerated funding schedule, targeting full funding by 2033, requires an approximate 4.14% increase between FY26 and FY27.
Garcia’s proposed budget includes just over $1 million in surplus. The mayor stated that this sounds familiar because he already told the council and the public the same thing last year, but that surplus had to go toward subsidizing the sewer fund.
The City Council’s agenda featured a proposed sewer rate of $9.11 for FY27, which the council decided to send to the Ordinance Committee for further discussion.
Garcia stated, “If we can pass this rate before the budget is set, we can make sure that the taxpayers will continue to benefit from the one million in savings.”
He also spent the council meeting talking about the positive fiscal state of Holyoke while acknowledging the struggles facing neighboring communities.
“All around us, neighboring communities have had to put override votes before their communities just to keep their governments funded. Programs are getting slashed, taxpayers are paying more and getting less,”
Garcia said. “In Holyoke, we’ve worked hard to prevent this, but the fact remains that in the coming years, we can expect less support, even as costs rise. That’s why we need to keep being innovative, support initiatives that help expand our tax base, finding ways to keep costs low and live within our means.”
Garcia acknowledged that Holyoke has continued to deliver services residents rely on without disruption and without dipping into their reserves.
During his State of the City address, he also highlighted pos-
itive developments in the city, including the passing of the Municipal Finance Modernization Act and Holyoke Public Schools regaining local control. He also mentioned the Holyoke Teachers Association ratifying their first contract since the end of receivership, and DPW having one of the best contracts in the region — allowing for better management for the city’s infrastructure — as other major milestones the city reached.
He did, however, state that the city still has work to do when it comes to its zoning and special permit laws.
“We all know that the city’s zoning needs to be changed to reflect our needs as a community as part of a comprehensive plan,” Garcia stated. “That’s why, from the beginning of my administration, I prioritized creating an updated roadmap for Holyoke’s future. A roadmap grounded in data, public engagement and long-term sustainability.”
Over the past two years, the Holyoke Planning Board, in partnership with the Department of Planning and Economic Development, community stakeholders, and outside consultants, de-
veloped a plan for future growth and climate resiliency.
The first package includes 47 proposed zone changes, consistent with recommendations from the Planning Board. Garcia said the changes would modernize and simplify outdated rules and support Holyoke’s long-term growth.
Garcia admitted that the way these proposals were rolled out created unnecessary confusion, and the tension that ensued “was as predictable as it was preventable.” He said he will travel around each neighborhood in Holyoke this summer to hear directly from the people about these proposed zone changes.
Garcia concluded, “None of this will be easy. We’ll keep messing up. But if we keep going, if we keep summoning what’s best in us, then I have no doubt that we will be able to weather whatever storms may come. With confidence. With hope. With trust.”
Now that the proposed budget is out, the City Council will host hearings on June 1 and June 10 with city departments to address the budget ahead of their review and vote. The budget and Garcia’s narrative can be found on the city’s website at holyoke.org.
CHICOPEE
Steffenhagen named new auditor
The Chicopee City Council officially voted in favor of Tiana Steffenhagen as the city’s new auditor during its May 14 meeting.
Page 3
HOLYOKE
Kmart plaza to get new look following council approval
Kmart Plaza may soon have new tenants and a fresh look after Mayor Joshua Garcia announced the developer’s plan for the space at 2201 Northampton St.
Mayor Joshua Garica gives his annual State of the City address during the May 19 City Council meeting.
SOUTH HADLEY — Although the precarious budget situation dominated the night, Town Meeting members also approved other crucial articles during the Annual Town Meeting on May 13.
In addition to approving a $61.4 million operating budget, members voted in favor of most of the articles presented, including money for capital items.
After multiple amendments from residents looking to save the town money and decrease certain allocations, specifically in the Police Department, Town Meeting members approved Article 14, which allocates $1.2 million in capital funds for different projects across town departments.
An amendment attempted to decrease the original allocation total by $124,000, including three requests from the Police Department for firearm replacements, technology and one vehicle replacement. That motion, however, failed 66-35.
Six of the approved projects are in the Police Department, four of the projects are in the School Department, three of the projects are at the library, and the remaining six projects are general maintenance, facility and DPW projects.
Each allocation request is for an upgrade of old equipment, aesthetic, preventive maintenance or HVAC system at the schools. There was also a request for the Capital Stabilization Fund to accrue $50,000, but the Selectboard did not recommend that allocation.
Members approved Article 15, which will transfer $625,000 from the Wastewater Treatment Plant enterprise fund to make purchases, repairs and replacements in the wastewater capital budget. Those requests include phase one design services for the
Main Street pump station, a grant and various maintenance items.
Article 16 transfers $75,000 from the Ledges Retained Earnings for capital purchases, repairs and replacements. The repairs include a clubhouse phone system, convection oven, restaurant doors and cart path paving, and general repairs and maintenance.
There was no motion for Article 17, which asked the town if they support a $100,000 transfer to the Special Education Stabilization Fund.
Article 18, which was approved, transfers $50,000 from free cash to the South Hadley Falls Redevelopment Fund. These funds will target underutilized properties to engage in pre-development activities.
Article 19 allows the town to transfer $400,000 from free cash to pay for snow and ice bills incurred in fiscal year 2026, and Article 20 repeals and replaces Zoning Bylaw Chapter 255-91 Floodplain Regulations to meet
current regulatory standards for floodplains. Planning and Conservation Director Anne Capra said the bylaw brings the town into compliance with new FEMA and Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation standards for managing floodplains.
Article 21 is a zoning bylaw amendment that aims to insert new definitions related to types and regulations of signs. Capra said the bylaw brings the town into compliance with a 2015 Supreme Court ruling around regulating content in signs.
“That was found to be a violation of our First Amendment rights, and so since then, towns have been updating their sign bylaws,” Capra stated.
Article 22 was a citizen petition to strike “voting members,” and replace it with “residents of South Hadley,” so that it reads, “Only residents of the Town of South Hadley are entitled to address any Annual or Special
Town Meeting, except that others may speak to articles at the discretion of the Town Moderator or upon a majority vote of the voting members.” An amendment was made to change the wording to “voters of South Hadley,” but that did not pass. Article 22 in its original form did not pass, either.
Members approved Article 1, which allows for a Massachusetts School Building Authority project update for Mosier Elementary School from Diane Mulvaney, who chairs the Mosier School Elementary Building Committee. Articles 12 and 13, which looked to establish and allocate funds for an override stabilization fund, were tabled because no motion was made at Town Meeting. Town Administrator Lisa Wong explained that the Selectboard decided it would be too confusing to make multiple funds. She said that any addition-
Town Meeting members vote on Article 22 during Town Meeting on May 13.
Photo credit: SHCTV15
Steffenhagen looks to modernize department as auditor
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — The Chicopee City Council has appointed Tiana Steffenhagen as the new city auditor, tasking the official with overseeing municipal finances, conducting independent reviews of city spending and ensuring transparency and accountability across all departments.
Steffenhagen was interviewed and eventually appointed as Chicopee’s next city auditor during a special City Council meeting on May 14.
The position has been vacant since former City Auditor Sharyn Riley announced her retirement in February after more than four decades serving the role. Riley died recently on May 11.
Chicopee City Treasurer Maria Laflamme joined the meeting to offer her condolences to the Riley family and show her public support for Steffenhagen.
“[Riley] was a total asset to this city for many years. She’s my partner here at City Hall and going to truly miss her.” Laflamme stated.
As for Steffenhagen, Laflamme said, “I’ve worked with her for more than 13 years now, and her professionalism, her work ethic, I can stay here for a while to tell you the great things she’s done.”
Steffenhagen has worked in Chicopee for over 19 years, 15 of which were spent as an assis-
Articles
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al funds that were approved with an override could go to the General Stabilization Fund.
Articles 2 through 9, consent agenda items, were all approved.
Budget vote
Town Meeting representatives approved Article 10 on the warrant, which was the town’s $61.4 million budget that included using $1.5 million in 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.
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,
tant city auditor alongside Riley.
“The role comes with transparency and confidentiality,” Steffenhagen said. “The Auditing Department itself is considered a confidential office, so it wouldn’t be hard just to continue as I have been in the assistant position. It would just transition over as the auditor, but I definitely would have to step back in less of a role as a peer and more of a supervisory position.”
Steffenhagen said she would like to start utilizing more of the technology that is available to help streamline and improve the department.
“A lot of processes have been done manually, all these years, and they have worked. They’re tried and true, but they’re very time-consuming. So, if we were able to explore our EERP, which is our accounting system, more and what it could offer us, I think it would help streamline calculations of different things, retros, projection of salaries.”
When it comes to the possible use of using artificial intelligence, Steffenhagen said she has signed up for some AI courses through the governor’s office, but has yet to explore them. She said she would like to do more research on the technology.
“I definitely would want to look into them as far as using them for budgeting and projecting, but I have also learned that AI isn’t always the endall. It definitely requires some research on an actual person’s
so the allocation will level services and allow them to make some strategic investments.
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 2 ½ 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 override to help save city services. The proposals from Town Administrator Lisa Wong include a $3.5 million tax override, but the exact amount or date hasn’t been finalized yet. More information about the budget vote can be found on thereminder.com.
part,” she said.
Steffenhagen also discussed some items she would like to see modernized by this time next year. Specifically, she wants to make the budget book more transparent and readable to the general public.
Right now, the report is printed from the department’s system and is hard for most people to understand, according to Steffenhagen. She shared that she has lived in Chicopee for pretty much her whole life and attended Chicopee Public Schools. Her history with the city is one of the reasons why she applied for the
vacant position.
“I want this position because I’ve been here for so long, which isn’t a reason, but it’s more, I’m devoted to Chicopee. I live here, I’ve worked here for so long,” Steffenhagen stated. “My children go to the schools. I want to help and see it thrive, and I think within this position, I’d be able to do that.”
Steffenhagen also acknowledged that other neighboring cities and towns are struggling with their budgets and said she wants to start forecasting now to prevent those same budgetary problems in Chicopee.
“I definitely see how the
communities around us are struggling, and it’s not to say that Chicopee is not without those struggles; it’s just we were better prepared for it. We are going to have our own struggles. As far as trying to weather the storm, that’s why I want to start projecting now, as far as what our fiscal years ahead of us are going to be, Steffenhagen said. “But definitely, it’s starting to project ahead of time and see where we can save money, how can we change things?”
The City Council unanimously approved appointing Steffenhagen as the city’s next city auditor.
The City Council interviews Tiana Steffenhagen for the city auditor position during a special City Council meeting on May 14.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
CHICOPEE
Daniels becomes city’s new economic development director
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Michael Daniels
will now be tasked with boosting Chicopee’s economic development after recently being named the city’s director of the department.
Daniels, who said he is eager to start, previously served as the economic development coordinator for over 10 years in East Hartford before coming to Chicopee. He holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Connecticut and earned the East Hartford role shortly after graduating.
The City Council has discussed the creation of the economic development director position for over two years as a way to help boost development in the city.
Daniels said his role and responsibility are to facilitate the economic development going on in Chicopee. “So new businesses that are coming in, construc-
tion projects — whether those be for housing or new businesses — and coordinating with the private sector, and incentivizing through the various grants or resources the city has that are necessary to move things along and to coordinate among the different departments,” he said.
The new role is a part of the mayor’s office staff, but Daniels’ office is located within the Planning Department area, which gives him an opportunity to easily collaborate with other departments.
“It’s a great opportunity, and it’s kind of nice to not feel that you have to keep doing things the same way,” Daniels explained. “You can kind of bring new ideas, talk to other people who work here and other people throughout the economic development community in Western Massachusetts to get a sense of some things that haven’t been tried before, or it’s been a long time since there’s been the ca-
pacity to try them.”
Daniels said he is excited to work on some of the notable projects in the city, including the historic mill buildings, the Uniroyal factory, and current or potential small business owners.
Daniels said he has already begun to implement some things he learned from his previous role. He said he is trying to make a more formalized process for people who want to submit their initial ideas for development or use of commercial spaces.
An example Daniels gave was if someone wanted to start a restaurant in Chicopee. He said he’d make sure they talk to the Health Department, Building Department, and the Planning Department so they understand the zoning, permitting and paperwork needed to get started.
Daniels also talked about the strengths and opportunities he sees for the city in terms of economic development.
“It seems like such a diverse city economically when you look at the historic center with a walkable downtown, and even Chicopee Falls being another, and Willimansett; all these historic walkable neighborhood centers that can be home to small businesses,” Daniels said.
Daniels also mentioned how Memorial Drive features many national businesses, which indicates there is a good market in Chicopee for similar businesses. For opportunities in redevelopment going forward, Daniels highlighted the Singing Bridge Residencies project underway at the former Facemate property.
“That’s going to bring in some more spending power.
There’s definitely an opportunity here for more businesses to come in and to take advantage of that,” Daniels said. He also mentioned the strong manufacturing industry that Chicopee already has. “There’s certainly a great workforce talent pipeline here, and we’re going to work on trying to do some events and seminars and resources on workforce development, but it’s a really good starting point for manufacturing here.”
Daniels is currently working on a state grant for underutilized properties for the Uniroyal project. The hope is to receive some grant funding from
the state to help jumpstart the pre-development work of the architecture and engineering for the vacant site.
He also mentioned that he recently met with Westover Air Base about a potential air show in a year or so to promote the city and allow people to try some of the restaurants or stay in town.
Speaking about his future in the new role, Daniels concluded with a message to the community: “My goal is to be approachable for anyone in the business community or really just anyone in the community who has questions about economic development. I’ll try my best to be open and communicative.”
Michael Daniels, Chicopee’s new economic development director. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Kmart plaza to get a new look following council approval
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Kmart Plaza may soon have new tenants and a fresh look after Mayor Joshua Garcia announced the developer’s plan for the space at 2201 Northampton St.
During the May 19 City Council meeting, the body granted a Special Permit authorizing the demolition of the long-vacant building at the Kmart site. Garcia was also at the meeting to give his State of the City address, which introduced the developer, Don Bouvier, managing director of development at Cypress Equities, who discussed the plans.
Garcia said Bouvier is the project lead for the entire redevelopment of the shopping center. Attorney Daniel Glissman from MacDermid Reynolds & Glissman, P.C and Bouvier was at the May 18 Development and Governmental Relations Committee to present the project on behalf of the applicant.
Glissman said his client intends to make a multi-million dollar
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Community members, families, advocates and local organizations will come together on Sunday, May 31, at 2 p.m. for the first Holyoke Lupus Awareness Walk at the city’s Heritage State Park on 221 Appleton St.
The walk became a reality after lead organizers Lianexis Charles and Stefany Garcia, who were both diagnosed with the disease in 2014, discussed an event to raise awareness about lupus, and to support individuals and families affected by the disease. They also wanted to promote education around an oft-misunderstood autoimmune illness that affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the United States.
In December 2025, Charles experienced a life-threatening lupus flare-up that she said deeply impacted both her and her loved ones. She said that through the power of prayer, her medical team, the knowledge her parents gained following her diagnosis in 2014, and the unwavering support of her fiancé, Charles
investment and proposal for the K-Mart Plaza.
Bouvier added that his team has been studying this property for close to a year. He explained that his company features retail developers who will look to tear the plaza down and “build back something that’s better than what’s there today to hopefully give this shopping center a lift.”
Garcia said the applicant is committed to removing this longstanding blight and replacing it with a first-in-class building designed to attract quality anchor tenants. The hope is to completely revitalize the site and plaza, and improve appearance, functionality, safety and long-term viability while encouraging future investment in the area.
Glissman said, “Not only will this project significantly improve this site by eliminating this non-conformity, but it will also improve site security and safety, as well as significantly improve the general aesthetics of the site and the neighborhood,” Glissman stated.
regained her strength and continued moving forward.
“So, for me, this walk represents more than awareness — it is a celebration of life, resilience, faith, and the incredible support system that carried me through one of the most difficult moments of my journey,” Charles stated. “I am honored to stand alongside friends, family, and the community to help educate others and bring greater awareness to lupus.”
The walk will feature educational displays, lupus awareness materials, and personal stories from local individuals living with lupus, creating an opportunity for the community to learn, connect and show support for those impacted by the disease.
Charles explained that Lupus is an unpredictable and often silent autoimmune disease that can affect the body both externally and internally, leaving those living with it physically and emotionally vulnerable. The physical impact depends on which organs or systems are being affected, as well as the treatments required to manage the disease.
“Mentally and emotionally, lu-
Glissman also explained that when the building is eventually demolished, Cypress Equities will treat and restore the façade of the existing retail plaza so that it is consistent with the current adjacent retail plaza.
Bouvier said that the company’s desire is to acquire both parcels and make them one property. He added he has been talking to the owner about a future purchase, and the owner has no problems with the demolition or proposed plans.
According to an initial timeline, demolition will take place around December with a 60-day demolition window and a construction period to follow.
The special permit approval clears the way for the transformative redevelopment on the property, which Garcia said the city has been waiting for.
“This is a huge deal — a chance to bring in more tax revenue from a property that has sat vacant for far too long,” Garcia stated. “These are signs of a city on the right track. Businesses and developers
pus can be especially challenging because it is a lifelong condition that requires continuous strength, adjustment and resilience,” Charles explained. “Treatment can also involve regular infusions, depending on the severity and areas affected by lupus.”
Organizers hope the event will not only raise awareness but also help reduce stigma surrounding invisible illnesses while building stronger community understanding and support.
Charles said, “Our goal with this event is to raise greater awareness about lupus, as many individuals diagnosed with this silent and unpredictable autoimmune disease often attempt to battle it alone. The truth is that lupus is not a fight anyone should face without support, understanding and education about what the disease truly involves. We want every person affected by lupus to know that they are not alone in this journey.”
Charles also said she had the privilege of knowing Emma Hernandez, who lost her battle with Lupus. “Her story serves as a powerful reminder of why awareness, support, and community are
wanting to set up shop. And they’re the result of effective zoning, a responsive local government and our city’s competitive advantages.”
Many city councilors expressed their support for the project. City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti joked that this is a
so important. Through this walk, we hope to encourage and uplift those living with lupus so they feel supported, empowered and strong enough to continue fighting,” Charles stated. Community members of all ages are encouraged to attend and wear purple in support of lupus awareness. The event will also support the mission of the Lupus Foundation of America through awareness and fundraising efforts dedicated to improving quality of life, ad-
vocacy, education and research for those affected by lupus. According to Charles, donations will help improve the quality of life for those affected by lupus, support research for better treatments, find a cure, and provide education, resources, and support for individuals and families impacted by the disease.
Readers can register to participate in the walk and/or make a donation to support the Lupus Foundation of America at www. tinyurl.com/4xadty22.
rare time that she has seen the full council in favor of something so much, and called it “refreshing.” City Councilor Richard Purcell, who chairs the Development and Governmental Relations Com-
Cypress Equities Managing Partner Don Bouvier (left) and Attorney Daniel Glissman from MacDermid Reynolds & Glissman, P.C. talked to the DGR Committee about the plans for the vacant Kmart Plaza at 2201 Northampton St.
Photo credit: Holyoke Media
CHICOPEE COMP VS AGAWAM
VOLLEYBALL
The Chicopee Comp Colts played the Agawam High Brownies May 19 in Comp's Curry Gymnasium, losing 3 sets to 2.
Marek Strojvus, Chace Murphy, and Alex Rivera are ready for an Agawam serve.
Comp Colt Dillon Harris vies with an Agawam defender at the net.
Alex Rivera defends at the net.
Comp's Chace Murphy serves one up at their game with Agawam.
Noah Johnson sets the ball for the Colts.
Alex Rivera serves the ball to the Agawam team.
Comp senior Daniel Gauthier digs out an Agawam serve.
Comp libero Marek Strojvus receives
Agawam serve.
Noah Johnson sets the ball with Modesto Galindrez and Dillon Harris watching.
The 2026 Chicopee Comprehensive High boys volleyball team. Comp boys volleyball coach Brittany Dussault
Barney Frank, 86, left mark as trailblazer in politics
By Colin A. Young and Sam Drysdale State House News Service
BOSTON — Former U.S. Rep.
Barney Frank, the first member of Congress to voluntarily come out publicly as gay and a liberal bulldog who left his fingerprints on the nation’s banking regulations, died May 20. He was 86.
Frank announced in early May that he had begun hospice care at his home in Maine.
“He has been such a tremendous asset for not only Massachusetts but the entire country. This makes us very sad,” Senate President Karen Spilka said when she heard the news on the morning of May 19. “He stood out and stood up and was a voice for so many people when they had no voice.”
A Democrat, Frank was elected to the Massachusetts House in 1972 after winning a four-person Democratic primary and besting Republican Virgil Aiello in the general election. He brought to the House his experience as chief of staff to Boston Mayor Kevin White.
Frank represented Boston’s Back Bay and Beacon Hill until 1980, when he won election
to Congress after Father Robert Drinan heeded the pope’s call for priests to leave electoral politics and did not run for reelection.
Redistricting soon pitted the freshman Frank, then a Newton Democrat, against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Margaret Heckler in his first congressional reelection campaign, in 1982. He won that contest.
Frank was a member of Congress in 1987 when he became the first to voluntarily come out as gay. Fellow Massachusetts delegation member U.S. Rep. Gerry Studds was the first congressman to be outed, but his revelation came in connection with the 1983 congressional page sex scandal rather than on his own accord.
“While some in our community knew Barney was gay before he came out publicly, it was extremely meaningful when he did so. Times were very different in the 80s. Most people didn’t realize that they knew LGBT folks,” said Arline Isaacson, co-chair of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Political Caucus. “So, when Barney came out publicly, it was earth shattering to many. Certainly, in the halls of Congress and our State House, most legislators and staff were
shocked. It was likely the first time many in Congress learned that they knew a gay man. Barney was a role model for us.”
In 1990, Frank was reprimanded by the House in connection to his two-year relationship with Steven Gobie, a male prostitute who had run an escort service out of their apartment. After an 11-month investigation, the House Ethics Committee found that Frank was unaware of the criminal activities but had lied in an unrelated memo about how he and Gobie met.
Despite the scandal and public calls for his resignation, Frank won reelection with 66% of the vote that year. And he didn’t shy away from scandal and controversy.
During the “Contract With America” phase of the mid-1990s, Frank often sparred with U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and later in the decade was one of the leaders of Democrats’ attempts to block GOP efforts to impeach President Bill Clinton over the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal.
With Democrats in control of the House, Frank was elevated to the chairmanship of the House Committee on Financial Services,
CHICOPEE
Diane P. Adams
Jeannine M. Martell
Jeffrey J. Owczarski
Albert W. Ruel
EAST LONGMEADOW
Joan Bobrowicz
Richard A. Caney
Maureen Cratty
Maureen T. Ferriter
Mary Ellen Franz
James John Zarlengo
HAMPDEN
Anthony J. Corigliano
HOLYOKE
Marie T. Donoghue LONGMEADOW
Donald Clarke Hutchins
Kenneth Norman Kinsley
LUDLOW Kurt Lempke
Gerald J. Murdza
John A. Pisarczyk
SOUTH HADLEY
James W. Armstrong Jr.
SPRINGFIELD
Mary C. Collins
serving in the post from 2007 to 2011 — giving him tremendous influence over the nation’s banking system as the 2008 financial meltdown took hold.
In its aftermath, he and U.S. Sen. Christopher Dodd of Connecticut wrote legislation aimed at a sweeping overhaul of the financial services industry. President Barack Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act into law in July 2010, though Republicans have since chipped away at some of its provisions.
Frank retired from Congress and did not seek reelection in 2012.
“Barney Frank was a trailblazer — someone who never hesitated to stand up for what he believed in or speak his mind. Our Commonwealth and our country were better because of his service,”
Congressman Seth Moulton said on Wednesday. “I was grateful for the chance to know him over the years. We should honor Barney by continuing to fight for more affordable housing and consumer protections.”
Frank is also remembered as one of the most quotable elected officials from the Bay State.
“There are three lies politicians
Continued from page 5
mittee, said the committee unanimously approved the special permit without any “large” debate.
Purcell said that Glissman, “checked all the boxes and gave a great presentation.” The DGR Committee hosted a public hearing for the special permit on May 18, where Glissman and Bouvier shared the plans.
Ward 5 City Councilor Linda Vacon spoke in support of the special permit and about the importance of this project, which will
tell,” he told a real estate group in 2009, according to reporting in The New Yorker. “The first is ‘We ran against each other but are still good friends.’ That’s never true. The second is ‘I like campaigning.’ Anyone who tells you they like campaigning is either a liar or a sociopath. Then, there’s ‘I hate to say I told you so.’ ... Everybody likes to say ‘I told you so.’ I have found personally that it is one of the few pleasures that improves with age. I can say ‘I told you so’ without taking a pill before, during, or after I do it.”
When informed of his passing by reporters on May 20 during an unrelated press availability, state Sen. Michael Rush also quoted the late congressman.
“We shared a district,” Rush said, “and when I got elected to the House of Representatives, he said one of the greatest quotes I’ve ever heard in public life, he said, ‘The last time I voted for a politician I agreed with 100% of the time was myself, but only during my first term in office.’ “ Colin Young is the deputy editor for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach him at colin.young@ statehousenews.com.
take place in her ward.
“In my number of years on the council, I want to say I think this is one of the most exciting developments that we have had in a really, really long time,” Vacon said. “It’s going to help a blighted property that we’ve all been looking at and trying to reach out and find people to develop. I think it’s extremely exciting. Welcome to Holyoke, to Don Bouvier and his team.”
City Councilors Patti Devine and Juan Anderson-Burgos echoed Vacon’s support.
Anderson-Burgos said, “It always drove me nuts that that plaza has so much opportunity, and now, we finally have a developer. I’m 100% happy.”
The City Council unanimously approved the special permit. Bouvier said there are limitations to what he can and can’t say at this time because the plan is still in its early stages, but he called the approval “a very key step in order to get to the next step involved.”
Any future site plans and construction plans must be reviewed by the city.
Joseph I. Gumlaw
Gerald Joseph Kane Jr.
Mark Brian Leak
Jason Lopez
Roussell Moussignac
Ruth I. Nuñez
George E. Sampson
Ann H. Taylor
WILBRAHAM
Jane C. Appleby
Beverly Ann Presz
STRM: Pride Month events in Western Massachusetts
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me,” hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sat down with Holyoke Pride Committee members Jeffery Bianche and Jeffrey Anderson-Burgos, while Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett sat down with Springfield Pride Parade Founder and CEO Taurean Bethea to chat about what’s in store for Pride Month in their respective communities.
Holyoke
Holyoke will host its Pride flag raising on Monday, June 1, at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 536 Dwight St., and there will be a Youth Queer Prom on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m. at the Holyoke War Memorial, 310 Appleton St. The latter event is for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies between the ages of 1324 who want to “celebrate freely and joyfully.”
Other Pride events in Holyoke include a Buen Provecho Drag Brunch on Sunday, June 7, at 11 a.m., at Fame Lounge, 386 Dwight St. and a Rainbow Run 5K and 1-mile fun walk on Saturday, June 13, at 10 a.m., where participants can hit the ground running, or walking, at Ashley Reservoir in their brightest rainbow gear.
Anderson-Burgos, who said he is interested in running, created this event and shared he is looking forward to seeing it continue to grow. “I know that runners are constantly looking for the next race, so going into it, I knew it was going to be, if you build it they will come. Just putting in on the race calendar, people are immediately signing up for it.”
All ages and abilities are welcome. Readers can register for the event on the committee’s website until June 12.
A Drag Story Hour event will take place on Thursday, June 25, at 1 p.m. at the Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St. Residents are encouraged to bring the family to library to experience heartwarming stories that celebrate acceptance and diversity.
The marquee event, Holyoke PrideFest, will take place on Saturday, June 27, from noon to 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, 536 Dwight
St. The day will include live performances, local food vendors, nonprofits, small businesses, art and community connections.
Bianche said there will be between 60-70 vendors at the event. He added that PrideFest has continued to grow since the first year, and he expects around 2,000 people.
The celebration continues at a Pride After Party from 6-11 p.m. at The Wauregan, 420 Dwight St., with music, dancing and “unforgettable vibes.” Tickets for the after party are available on the website.
For the latest updates and event details, readers can visit holyokepride.org. Vendors and performers can apply on the website as well. Readers looking to donate, sponsor, or volunteer can do so on the website, as well.
Bianche said he still needs to add a couple events to the website’s calendar for people to check out. He explained that the celebration has grown a lot, and he and Anderson-Burgos wanted to sponsor and create events to support people of all ages.
“We’re trying to just get anyone who’s working in this realm to just sort of submit their event and get it listed to become part of this bigger Holyoke Pride umbrella,” Bianche said.
Springfield Springfield is hosting its LGBTQIA+ flag raising on Thursday, June 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Springfield City Hall, 36 Court St.
Bethea said this will be the fifth year that Springfield Pride
Parade will host events to celebrate Pride Month.
Instead of the annual Gala, this year’s schedule will feature the first ever “Pride Strikes,” a charity bowling classic on Friday, June 5, at Tap’s MGM Springfield from 7-10 p.m. Readers can register their teams at springfieldprideparade.com.
The fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade is taking place on Saturday, June 6, starting at noon. The parade starts at the Springfield Technical Community College campus and proceeds to downtown Springfield, where guests can continue the celebration at the fifth annual Springfield Pride Parade Block Party from 1-6 p.m. at Stearns Square and the Pride Lands in downtown Springfield.
Outside of those events, Bethea said he is looking forward to the youth community panel. “Just hearing their thoughts on different things, and I feel like there’s always something to learn,” Bethea stated. “It’s like what’s happening in the world from their perspective, where we’re just like, ‘Oh wow I didn’t know that.’”
Bethea said Springfield Pride’s work is much more than the parade. It’s also an opportunity to create “safe spaces” programming throughout the city for the youth and residents.
Although this year’s event in Springfield coincides with Boston’s celebration, Bethea said he expects a great turnout of about 5,000-7,000 people rain or shine.
He joked, “If you’re from
Springfield, you are obligated to be here. A few years people have been like, ‘We went to Boston in the morning and ended up in Springfield,’ so there’s enough to go around.”
More details and information on each event can be found at springfieldprideparade.org.
To hear the full episode, visit thereminder.com/our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
Some other Pride events taking place during the month of June in the Pioneer Valley include:
• Westfield Pride Month events: Harlot Queen’s Album Release party at Westfield Women’s Club; a Pride flag raising at Westfield City Hall on Monday, June 1, at 5:15 p.m.; Pride Karaoke on Tuesday, June 2, at Shortstop Bar & Grill at 6 p.m.; Family Gift Card Bingo at the Senior Center on Wednesday, June 3, from 6-7:30 p.m.; Comedy Night at Hutghi’s on Thursday, June 4, from 4-7 p.m.; Out & About Social event at Fame, 386 Dwight St., Holyoke on Friday, June 5, at 5 p.m.; Rainbows over Elm Pridefest will take place on June 6 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and there will be an ecumenical service at First United Methodist Church on Sunday, June 7, from 6-7 p.m.
• Chicopee Pride Festival, pre-
sented by the Chicopee Queer Consortium — Saturday, June 13, noon to 6 p.m. Includes its inaugural Chicopee Pride Parade, which will kick off the day at 10 a.m. The parade will step off at Dana Park on Serman Street and process down Springfield Street, Fairview Avenue, Academy Street and Front Street and into Szot Park.
• Franklin County Pride — Saturday, June 13. Parade begins at noon in Greenfield, starting at the intersection of Sanderson Street & Federal Street and finishing at Energy Park. The festival begins at 1 p.m. All of Miles Street down to Energy Park for the festival.
• Belchertown Pride Festival, hosted by the Belchertown DEI Task Force and Belchertown Police Department — Saturday, June 20, noon to 5 p.m. at the Belchertown Common.
• Amherst Pride Parade and Celebration — Sunday, June 28, noon to 3 p.m. The parade begins at Amherst-Pelham Regional High School and processes to the Amherst Town Common. This is not a comprehensive list of every event going on in Western Massachusetts. Readers are encouraged to check out events within their local communities for other celebrations taking place during Pride Month.
Gagne,
Eleanor J. Godin to Matthew D. Abood, 72 Mitchell Drive
Jennifer L. Bixby to Matthew Burke, 61 Abbey Memorial Drive
Mary Louise Mailloux, Mary Loise Mailloux and Barbara Waller to
Michael J. Axton to Mary K. Rainaud, 70 Greenwood Terrace, Unit 6026C
GRANBY
Andrew D. Asselin to Maria C. Harris and Jailson Varela, 559 East State St.
