Race Director Harry Rock has announced that registration opens on Feb. 1 at westfieldriver. org/races for the 71st running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 18.
Page 4
13-year-old
Austrailian shepherd
Scooter is Westfield’s Top Dog
City Clerk Kaitlyn Bruce has announced that Westfield’s Top Dog for 2026 went to Scooter, a 13-year-old Austrailian shepherd.
Page 4
SOUTHWICK
Whalley Park pickleball project eyes summer opening
After nearly three years of fits and starts, a request for bids to build six pickleball courts at Whalley Park was released a couple weeks ago.
Page 5
Agawam councilor to challenge Boldyga
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — When Agawam
City Councilor Tom Hendrickson announced on Jan. 23 he would challenge incumbent state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga to represent the 3rd Hampden District, it was for several reasons, including the fact that Boldyga is not responsive to his constituents.
“Lack of response from him has been a major issue,” Hendrickson said on Jan. 23. “And that is coming from his constituents.”
The rising cost of health care and Boldyga’s lack of action to reduce the insurance burden on families are other reasons.
Hendrickson, a Democrat, said that in the non-binding referendum held in November 2024 that asked residents if they would support single-payer health care, 51.8% of the voters in the 3rd Hampden District supported it.
Boldyga didn’t, and Hendrickson, 27, said the incumbent “maligned” the proposal.
Before the referendum, Boldyga said, in a statement, the single-payer system would crush market-driven innovations, and that it was a “failed socialist policy being promoted by ultra progressives, self-avowed socialists and other far-left extremists.”
Hendrickson called single-payer a “common-sense approach” that reins in the skyrocketing cost of health care, adding that every industrialized nation in the world uses a single-payer system.
“I would work to support it,” Hendrickson said.
He also believes that affordability is a key issue in the upcoming election.
“Too often, billionaires and big corporations are able to rig
the economy in their favor, keeping wages down and costs high for everyday people. I’m fighting for change,” he said in a statement announcing his candidacy.
He also has a connection to Southwick. His father, David, recently retired after 30 years of teaching AP calculus at Southwick Regional School, and his mother, Laura, is a physical education teacher at Powder Mill School.
Joining the Agawam City Council in 2022, Hendrickson worked to bring Community Choice Energy Aggregation to Agawam. He also supports improving government transparency and the new Agawam High School project.
“I’m running because we deserve an economy and a state government that work for all of us and fighting to bring real working-class representation to our state Legislature, to challenge corporate special interests, to create a fair economy for working-class families and to restore transparency and democratic values to our state government,” he said.
His policy platform ensures that the wealthy pay their fair share in taxes, so that communities can properly fund things like education and infrastructure, reining in energy prices and holding utility companies accountable.
“And I’ll always stand with organized labor in the fight for fair wages, benefits and working conditions,” he said in the statement.
Hendrickson graduated from Agawam High School in 2017, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Providence College in 2021, and a master’s degree in public policy from the Univesity of Massachusetts Amherst School of Public Policy in 2022.
Agawam City Councilor Tom Hendrickson looks to unseat state Rep. Nick Boldyga for the 3rd Hampden District seat. Reminder
DA connects with youth through outreach programs
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The public may think of the Hampden County District Attorney’s office only when they have an interaction with law enforcement. However, District Attorney Anthony Gulluni has made it part of his mission to introduce himself to young people and connect with them on a variety of issues.
“Public safety is my end goal, but there’s a lot of ways we can get there,” Gulluni said. His office has a robust series of outreach presentations and programs, which Director of Community Safety and Outreach Antonio Simmons said is “unique” to the Hampden County district attorney’s office.
“I started talking about this when I was elected in 2014,” Gulluni said. He took office as the national opioid crisis was worsening into an epidemic. The public health and safety emergency led the office to partner with experts and begin educating young people and families.
“It proved community engagement was important to making progress,” Gulluni said. Since then, engagement, particularly with middle school and high school students, has been a key part of the office’s strategy to reduce crime and increase public safety. It has also allowed the office to pull back the curtain and be transparent about how law enforcement and the legal system work.
In 2025 alone, members of Gulluni’s office engaged with about 14,000 young people at schools and community events. Most of the engagement is done through preventative programs.
Just Once explores the dangers of experimenting with drugs and prescription medicines. There is also the 1 in 11: Preventing Dating Violence presentation, and presentations about internet, social media and gaming safety.
Hoop Up Springfield invites youth to American International
College Sports Complex “with the lure of a basketball game,” Gulluni said, but provides an opportunity to show them the college’s campus and encourages them to picture themselves going to college, as well as applying for a summer job.
The district attorney’s office recently launched Herizon, a program aimed at teaching girls about leadership and goal setting and giving them a safe space to share their challenges. Gulluni said it “exceeded expectations,” with more than 30 girls taking part in the voluntary program. The program is run by women in the office, providing the girls with a chance to see a potential future working in the legal system. Court tours allow students to see themselves working in the legal system, be it in law enforcement, as a prosecutor or as a judge. “Opportunities are everywhere,” Gulluni said.
Simmons said storytelling is the “key” factor in engaging with youth because it lets them put
themselves in the situations that are discussed.
Rather than purchasing readymade presentations, the programs are all designed by the Gulluni’s office. It has allowed them to tailor presentations on the issues affecting particular towns and cities in Hampden County. Videos feature experienced local prosecutors, victims and former perpetrators.
Simmons said it is “getting harder” to present developmentally appropriate material to middle schoolers. He said young people are exposed to swearing, nudity and adult topics at earlier ages than in the past.
The “scared straight” programs that were common in the 1990s and early 2000s are the wrong approach to interacting with students, Gulluni said. Rather than intimidation, he said, “It’s talking to people at their level. There’s a lot of scary stuff out there, but we’ve been able to package it in a way that breaks that down. We’re go-
ing into schools all over the county with a fundamental philosophy that every kid can do great things.”
Gulluni shared a story about visiting Chestnut Legacy School. The crowd of 200 eighth graders were restless at the beginning of the presentation, but not long after the program began, they settled down and “they were pretty silent for 45 minutes or so,” he said, adding that the teachers were surprised at their students were rapt by the presentation. He explained, “We’ve got it down to a little bit of a science.
Grab these young people’s attention, talk about interesting topics. We’ve gotten many kids to laugh, to cry, to sit there, wide-eyed.”
There is no hard data on the efficacy of the outreach programs.
Simmons said, “It’s hard to measure whether you prevented somebody from committing a crime.”
But he believes they are working.
He said, high schoolers tell Gulluni that they still remember him coming to their school in fifth grade.
People share the impact the programs have had on them. Young people return week after week for voluntary programs. “Some kids are showing up in our Future Lawyers of Springfield program,” Gulluni said.
Young people are not the only age group Gulluni visits. Outreach programs on elder abuse and scams are popular at senior centers and nursing homes, and there is a presentation for mandated reporters. A Stop the Swerve event is scheduled for April 2 at the Basketball Hall of Fame. People will see video presentations, enter contests, experience sobriety testing and try goggles that simulate intoxication. Such events are aimed at what Simmons called, “prevention before prosecution.”
No matter which program the district attorney’s office presents, Gulluni said, “We work to make sure we’re protecting the most vulnerable.”
District Attorney Anthony Gulluni speaks to eighth graders at Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow as part of his office’s Adopt-aClass outreach program. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — Race Director
Harry Rock has announced that registration opens on Feb. 1 at westfieldriver.org/races for the 71st running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 18. Early bird registration is $35 per person and will increase to $45 per person on March 16 and $75 on April 13. The last day to register is April 15.
The Expert Race kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at the Knightville Dam and ends at the Route 20 pull-off across from the Hilltown Community Health Center. The Classic Race will start at 11 a.m. from the Route 112 MassDOT maintenance yard in the center of Huntington and end in Worono-
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — City Clerk Kait-
lyn Bruce has announced that Westfield’s Top Dog for 2026 went to Scooter, a 13-year-old Australian shepherd. Scooter was adopted by Westfield Police Officer Ryan Wilson in June of 2023, after he spotted him at the Westfield Animal Shelter.
“I believe his previous owner passed away, and he was at the shelter for a little bit of time. I am a police officer in town, and while bringing a cat to the shelter one evening, I saw Scooter inside the kennel. He reminded me of
co Center. There will be classes for solo canoes, tandem canoes, kayaks and SUPs — or stand-up paddleboards.
Rock said race day start times are based on the chronological order in which people register. “If you are the 10th person to register, you are the 10th person to start. The earlier you register, the earlier you will start,” he said.
Tandem canoes need to designate a team captain who will register the team under a team name. The captain must pay for themselves and their team partner. The team partner then needs to register by searching for the team name and filling out their information on the team registration. They do not have to pay, as their team captain will have done that already. If they are asked to
my dog at home, and I thought he would be the perfect companion for our other dog, Lucy,” Wilson said.
A few weeks later, Ryan and his fianceé, Ashley Levya, adopted Scooter into their family. “It was the best decision we’ve ever made! He’s had some health issues, but we’ve made sure he has gotten the best care possible. He is such a happy and snuggly dog,” Wilson said.
Scooter’s sister, Lucy, is a four-year-old Australian shepherd/Catahoula leopard dog who was also adopted from Mississippi. “Lucy and Scooter are best friends. They love playing in the
pay, they have most likely created a second registration, which needs to be deleted, and they then need to search for their team captain’s registration to attach themselves to.
“If you want to paddle as a group with friends or family members, organize a day and time for everyone to register at the same time, and chances are very good that your start times will be next to one another or very close. It is very difficult for race officials to change recorded start times after people are registered, so please plan ahead,” Rock said.
A liability waiver must be signed by all participants individually on the registration website.
The awards ceremony will
snow together in our fenced-in backyard. Lucy makes Scooter feel young again; at age 13, he plays like he’s 5 years old,” Wilson said.
Animal Control Operations
Manager Margaret Terkelsen remembers Scooter, even though he spent only a couple of months at the shelter.
Terkelsen said Scooter has been a licensed dog resident of Westfield since 2014. “In May of 2023, Scooter and his brother’s Bentley’s (a senior corgi) dad passed away. No friends or family were able to care for Scooter and Bentley, so they were brought to Westfield Animal Shelter for care and adoption.
“Scooter was in our care for two months. During that time, he received lots of love and nourishment from our staff and volunteers. Also, with the help of funding from Westfield Animal Shelter Heroes (a nonprofit that assists the shelter with medical costs), Scooter was able to receive a much-needed tooth extraction, dental cleaning and other treatments before getting adopted.
“Scooter was adopted by a lovely couple who also have another Australian shepherd mix named Lucy. Scooter spends
By Amy Porter aporter@thereminder.com
WESTFIELD — Twelve contestants competing to be the 2026 Sons of Erin colleen gathered on the morning of Jan. 18 to have their photos taken, get to know each other, and learn about all the responsibilities of the colleen and her court.
The breakfast meet-andgreet at the Sons of Erin on William Street in Westfield is the first step before one of them is chosen as the colleen and four others as members of her court at the 43rd annual Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Friday, Feb. 6, at Tekoa Country Club, 459 Russell Road, Westfield.
Tracy Oleksak, who serves on the Colleen Committee and is herself a former member of the court, said this year’s 12 contestants are a well-rounded group of young women.
“This year’s contestants are, like always, an exceptional group of bright young women. Each
contestant brings her own personality, drive and commitment to making a positive difference, with impressive contributions to both her school and community.
It was a pleasure to meet with them at the breakfast on Jan. 18 and to read their accomplish-
Harry Rock, race director for the 71st running of the Westfield River Wildwater Races on April 18, 2026.
Scooter, a 13-year-old Australian shepherd has been named Westfield’s Top Dog for 2026. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Twelve contestants are competing for the 2026 Sons of Erin colleen and her court. The colleen and her court will be announced at the Sons of Erin Colleen Ball on Feb. 6 at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield. Reminder
SOUTHWICK
Crepes Tea House owner responds to complaints
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — Before the Planning Board tackled a request by Art Ribinskas, the owner of Crepes Tea House, to continue outdoor cooking once a week at his restaurant on Feeding Hills Road, he had to answer why there had been two complaints about it over the last few months.
“Frankly, I’m irritated that I’ve got any notifications in front of me that you’ve been outside of the special permit,” said Planning Board Chair Jessica Thornton to Ribinskas about the board being notified of a safety violation by the Fire and Health departments and a complaint that Crepes had cooked outdoors twice in one week when it is only allowed once a week on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
The safety violation occurred on Sept. 11, which was a Thursday, when the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Officer Brian Scheinder contacted the town’s former Health Director Tom Hibert about a report of unpermitted outdoor cooking.
Hibert detailed what happened when he and Schneider arrived at the restaurant.
They asked if any outdoor cooking was taking place, according to the letter.
An employee told them no, but at the time, there was an electric smoker operating inside a trailer and vented to the outside. There was an extension cord used to connect the smoker to an outdoor outlet.
“There were clear safety concerns with the setup,” Hibert wrote, which prompted Schneider to order the smoker be disconnected and the
fish being smoked finished in the restaurant.
Ribinskas, admitting fault, guessed that the fish was being prepared for restaurant staff.
“This is something [that] cooks do, it’s not served to the public,” he said, adding that they didn’t consider it a violation because it wasn’t offered to customers.
He also said the employee who told Hibert and Schneider that no one was cooking worked
in the restaurant’s office.
“He doesn’t know for sure because he worked in the office,” Ribinskas said.
Thornton then asked if Ribinskas had taken care of the trailer with the smoker inside, which was a safety code violation.
“So, it’s no longer being utilized in the method that was determined to be unsafe … that should be a very easy question,” she said after Ribinskas didn’t immediately respond.
He said yes and that the smoker had been moved to a patio.
Thornton then asked about the complaint about outdoor cooking on two consecutive days.
“I cannot answer right now what happened. I have to ask my staff members,” he said, which Thornton quickly responded to.
“So, you’re saying that your staff didn’t let you know about
Whalley Park pickleball project eyes summer opening
By Cliff Clark cclark@thereminder.com
SOUTHWICK — After nearly three years of fits and starts, a request for bids to build six pickleball courts at Whalley Park was released a couple weeks ago.
“We’re hoping June-ish to get things going if all things go well, which they don’t always,” said Parks and Recreation Commission Chair David DeiDolori during the commission meeting two weeks ago.
During the May 2023 Town Meeting, residents approved spending $207,990 to build four pickleball courts at Whalley Park.
However, after a subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Commission researched the cost of building four, they believed that the $207,990 wasn’t enough, and they went back to the drawing board.
After several months, the commission came back with a plan to build six courts at Whalley Park that would include lighting, fencing and a pavilion for shade at an es-
timated cost of $670,000.
At the Town Meeting last May, an original allocation of $207,990 was supplanted by $462,009 for funds needed for the courts, which will include fencing, lighting and a pavilion for shade from the sun.
To get the project started, R Levesque Associates, Inc. developed the bid documents, which the town released on Jan. 14. Bids are due by Feb. 24.
DeiDolori said during the meeting that he hopes construction starts in April.
“[We’ll] hopefully have somebody start April 1, more or less, and we’re looking at a twothree-month time frame between putting the courts in, letting them sit, getting the fencing in and getting them striped,” he said.
The “letting them sit” refers to the amount of time between when the court’s surface is installed and the 45-day wait to allow them to cure.
According to the bid documents, the contractor should have the project substantially completed by July 28
and completed by Aug. 25.
The slow pace of the project was brought up by Randy White, a resident and pickleball coach and player who sat on the subcommittee that developed the estimate for the project.
“We got approved funding back in May, so it’s five months, a while ago, and it doesn’t seem to have moved along very, very quickly, or at all, unless I’m missing something,” White said during the commission’s meeting in early October.
DeiDolori was expecting the request for bids to be ready in late October.
White was also concerned
that the bidding process would be broken into pieces for separate contractors to bid on, like for the lights, landscaping, fencing, court installation and pavilion.
The town will choose one contractor for the project, who will be supervised by R Levesque Associates, Inc., according to the bid documents.
Commissioner Daniel Welch wanted to know who would choose the contractor.
DeiDolori said it would be Chief Administrative Officer Nicole Parker and Rob Levesque.
“We should have a little bit more for the next meeting,” he said.
Spada
Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan
Financial Department: Nancy Banning
Art Ribinskas, the owner of Crepes Tea House at 157 Feeding Hills Road, has applied to the Planning Board to modify its special permit to allow it to use the outbuilding, also called a gazebo, for outdoor dining.
WESTFIELD
VS DARTMOUTH
Westfield High hockey lost to Dartmouth High 7-3 Jan. 19 at Amelia Park Rink.
Dartmouth and Westfield face off to start their Jan. 19 contest at Amelia Park Rink.
Westfield's William Shea battles with Dartmouth's Drew Spirlet for control of the puck.
Westfield's Chase Liptak gets past Chayse Mello.
Treygan Lamanski (3) gets Westfield's first score of the game and congratulations from Brody Hollister and Tyler Goodreau.
Westfield's Joe Maffia brings the puck up the ice.
Coldy Bard looks to pass the puck at Westfield High's Jan. 19 game with Dartmouth High. Treygan
Tyler Goodreau fires the puck past Mike Rapsun.
Joe Maffia and Dartmouth defenders look for the puck.
Westfield goalie Nick Shea deflects the Dartmouth shot.
Lamanski maneuvers through the Dartmouth defense.
Westfield State expands workforce training programs
WESTFIELD Westfield State University has announced new workforce development programs launching in March to address priority skill gaps across the Pioneer Valley and Western Massachusetts.
Employers across the region continue to seek professionals with expertise in supply chain operations, logistics, project management and human resources — functions critical to operational efficiency, compliance and organizational growth in health care, manufacturing, distribution and
Crepes
this violation? This is the first you’re hearing of it?”
He said that it was the first time he had heard of the complaint.
“[It] was news for me, for sure,” Ribinskas said, which Thornton responded to a few minutes later.
“I’m very upset that … you don’t know about it. Your staff should be telling you immediately when you get a visit from the Health Department about
Wildwater
Continued from page 4
take place at Strathmore Park following the races. Prizes will also
Top Dog
Continued from page 4
lots of his time at home with his family, enjoying snuggles and a big yard to play with his toys in. He also enjoys trips to the beach when his family can get him and Lucy there.
“We are all so happy for Scooter. From the day he came into the shelter, Scooter was a ray of sunshine. He loved everyone here and was a kind and silly boy every day. Sometimes, we would walk by his kennel during rest time and find Scooter sprawled
Colleen
Continued from page 4
ments submitted on their bios. Every one of them exemplifies what we look for in a colleen and court member to represent the Sons of Erin and the city of Westfield,” Oleksak said. The 2026 contestants are Casey Elizabeth Coulombe, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Westfield High School; Giara Grace Curran, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Abigail Anna Jemiolo, 17 of Westfield, a senior at WHS;
public-sector organizations. Westfield State’s expanded workforce offerings are designed to support both upskilling incumbent workers and preparing career changers for in-demand roles.
New offerings include a Supply Chain Warehousing Certificate Program, which builds foundational skills in warehousing, inventory management and distribution operations. The program complements the university’s existing Certified Supply Chain Professional Exam Preparation Program, which prepares partici-
a violation of your special permit,” she said.
He then said that the day after the smoker is used, it is cleaned using fire, typically a propane torch, to burn off the grease and residue.
Later in the meeting, board member David Spina understood that heat is used to clean ovens and even smokers.
“But recognize that it is inherently creating smoke … [it’s] definitely going to be perceived as cooking,” he said.
Board member Jason Grunwald reminded Ribinskas that his permit for outdoor cooking
be awarded for best costumes and for the best team names.
There will be two instructional clinics on Saturday, April 4 and 11 for paddlers to learn more about proper clothing, paddling
out, upside down, without a care in the world. It always gave staff and volunteers a chuckle,” Terkelsen said, adding, “Congrats on the Top Dog win, Scooter!!” Wilson said he entered Scooter into the Top Dog contest because he thought it would be a fun way to engage with the community. “My family and friends know how much Ashley and I love him, so we thought we’d share our little guy with the community,” he said.
“I just wanted to add that Ashley and I are so grateful for Scooter and Lucy. Even if we have a bad day at work, we can
Maggie Grace Leen, 18, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Savanna Brooke Mazeika, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Alexandra Marie Monczka, 21, of Southwick, a junior at Westfield State University; Reese Elinor-Janet O’Connell, 17, of Westfield, a senior at Hampshire Regional High School; Kylee Elizabeth O’Grady, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; Angelica Madison Racette, 17, of Southwick, a junior at Southwick Regional High School; Kiera Marie St. Peter, 17, of Russell, a junior at WHS; Leah Catherine Shea, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS; and Sophia
pants to pursue a globally recognized credential in supply chain planning and operations.
Additional spring offerings include Project Management Professional Exam Preparation, designed for professionals managing complex, cross-functional initiatives, as well as the university’s long-standing SHRM Certification Prep+ Program, supporting HR professionals navigating workforce planning, labor compliance and talent retention challenges. Through these programs, Westfield State University con-
expired on Dec. 24. He wanted to know if there had been any since then.
Grunwald said he had driven by the restaurant “the last two weekends” and saw smoke.
Ribinskas said there was no outdoor cooking last week. He didn’t answer if he had the week before.
The reason for that, he said, was because he and staff hadn’t checked the expiration date of the permit because of the holidays.
“As soon as we catch up. OK. We have to check when the permit is over,” he said.
equipment, proper paddling technique, self-rescues after capsizes, and how to correctly run the river and cross the two portages.
Last year, at the 70th running of the Wildwater Races first
always count on them to cheer us up. They’re great companions to our family,” Wilson said.
Westfield’s annual Top Dog contest was launched by the city clerk’s office in 2023 to encourage residents to license their dogs. All participants for Top Dog must have a current dog license. Bruce said licensing helps prevent rabies outbreaks by requiring a certificate of vaccination for all dogs. “ It also increases the chance that you will be reunited with your pet in the unfortunate event they are lost. If we can bring safety and fun together with a little friendly
Rose Smithies, 17, of Westfield, a senior at WHS.
The judging process takes place over two days. Every year, Oleksak said the committee works very hard to have an unbiased three-person judging panel in order to give all of the contestants a fair shot at the crown. Judges cannot live or work in Westfield, they cannot be a member of the Sons of Erin and must not know any of the contestants.
On Feb. 5 at 6 p.m., the contestants will meet with the judges for their interview and first round of judging based on personality and intellect, each making up
tinues to strengthen the regional talent pipeline by aligning shortterm, industry-recognized credentials with employer demand and economic development priorities. For program details, start dates, and costs, visit campusce. net/westfield.
Founded in 1839 by Horace Mann, Westfield State University is an education leader committed to providing every generation of students with a learning experience built on its founding principle as the first public co-educational college in America to offer
an education without barrier to race, gender or economic status. This spirit of innovative thinking and social responsibility is forged in a curriculum of liberal arts and professional studies that creates a vital community of engaged learners who become confident, capable individuals prepared for leadership and service to society. For more information, visit us at www.westfield.ma.edu, follow them on Twitter at www.twitter. com/westfieldstate, or on Facebook at facebook.com/WestfieldStateUniversity.
As the discussion wound down, Thornton said Ribinskas offered a “rationale for why these incidents happened. Don’t let it happen again.”
The board then voted unanimously to continue to allow Ribinskas to cook outside once a week between Friday and Saturday until June 1.
He then asked for a sign that he could post inside the restaurant to remind the staff of the expiration date. Thornton said she was sure his staff could do that, then added, “You know, it’s very much on you to abide by whatever special permit, whether it’s an official special permit modification or something that’s granted to you by this board out of generosity and consideration,” she said, reminding him that he is currently in the public hearing phase of a special permit modification to allow the restaurant to use one of its three outbuildings for outdoor dining. The hearing on the permit modification was continued during the meeting while awaiting a decision by the Board of Health on how seats between the dining room and outbuilding will be allocated.
established in 1954 the final head count was 293 paddlers on the river. “It was a phenomenal day because of the great weather, which led to many smiles and happy faces as people exited the river
competition, it’s a win-win.”
Annual dog license forms will go out by the end of the month in the annual city census and are due March 31. For the first time this year, dog licenses may also be paid online. Rabies and spay-neutered certificates (if not listed on the rabies certificate) must be uploaded in order to pay online. For more information on dog licenses, go to https://www.cityofwestfield.org/880/Dog-Licenses.
This year’s Top Dog contest had 144 entrants. Scooter received the most votes from the public with 150 votes, just under 30% of the 504 votes cast. Second
25% of their scores. Judges will know them only by their numbers, and contestants will answer a series of questions unknown to anyone beforehand.
On Feb. 6 at the Colleen Ball, contestants will be introduced by name and walk the runway, where they will be judged on their poise and appearance, making up another 25% of their scores. The judges’ selection of a colleen and her court will be announced at the ball.
Tickets for the Colleen Ball at the Tekoa Country Club, which is open to the public, are $75 — $30 for children —and may be
following their runs,” Rock said. Send questions to races@ westfieldriver.org. Stay tuned for updates and follow race information on Facebook at Westfield River Wildwater Races.
place went to Gertrude with 137 votes, and third place to Summertime, with 71 votes. The top three winners will get Westfield dog license numbers 1, 2 and 3. A photo of Scooter will hang in the city clerk’s office throughout 2026, and his photo will also be featured on news posts sent from the office. “Scooter will be added to the Hall of Fame in the licensing office,” Bruce said. The winners and their stories will be posted by the end of the month on the city clerk’s page at cityofwestfield.org/894/Westfields-Top-Dog.
purchased at the Sons of Erin on 22 William St. Checks are payable to SOE Colleen Ball or on Venmo at @SOEColleen-Committee. The deadline to purchase tickets is Monday, Jan. 26.
Cocktail hour begins at the Tekoa Country Club at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m., and the main event starts immediately afterward. Music by The Bards and dancing will follow.
The colleen and her court will represent Westfield during the “Green Season” events leading up to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 23, where they will ride on the Sons of Erin float.
TheReminder.com
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
AGAWAM
Richard A. Bourdeau Sr.
Nancy J. Chagnon
Robert N. Dunn
Denise M. Egan
Dora Sonja Hawley Ledoux
FEEDING HILLS
Charles B. Barker
Elena M. Moore
Marie L. Piccoli
HUNTINGTON
Jennifer L. Hebert
SOUTHWICK
Penny Tsatsos
Karl F. Zinnack Sr. WEST SPRINGFIELD
Robert F. Amsden
Ralph Bartholomew
June M. Heelon
Louis F. Pugliano
John A. Reopelle
WESTFIELD
Frederick C. Bell
Philip A. Gould
Mary G. Guyett
Ralph Johnson
Norberto Otero
Raymond Roberts
DINING ENTERTAINMENT
A
By Ryan Feyre rfeyre@thereminder.com
The diabolical blend of mushrooms on a pizza is about as common as snow this winter, but a breakfast style pizza is somehow rarer than witnessing a polar bear crossing the Massachusetts turnpike. Eggs, cheese and bacon on any kind of crust is a breakaway layup, a meatball down the middle, a 75-yard touchdown with nothing but green grass in front of you. But for whatever reason, the scrumptious concoction is typically nowhere to be found.
Truth be told, I kind of understand why. There are many factors restaurant owners must reckon with, including demand, price of ingredients and if the style of pizza even makes sense within their brand or hours of operation. Maybe everything does make sense for them to have the item on the menu, but they’d rather be 2012 Nick Young than 2018 Jayson Tatum dunking on LeBron in Game 7. I don’t know, maybe I’m just clueless and there is a plethora of locales that serve it.
In any event, my lamenting recently ceased when one of my colleagues sent me a press release about a newly minted restaurant in Indian Orchard called “Taste of Traditions.” My interest in the establishment piqued when I was apprised of their win at the Latino Economic Development Corporation Cook-off competition, but my curiosity reached its apex when I saw that the new diner-style restaurant featured the coveted breakfast pizza on its menu. My head perked up like a dog that just heard its owner lock their car.
The item’s original makeup is scrambled eggs with melted provolone and mozzarella on naan bread, topped with arugula and tomatoes. But my eating habits are questionable, so I substituted the tomatoes with bacon. My short-term memory isn’t always sharp, but it was probably the best decision I made that day.
The texture clash was what I wanted. The eggs’ fluffy perfec-
tion runs up against the tantalizing crisp of the bacon bits; the melted provolone and mozzarella counterbalances that texture dichotomy by offering a buttery sweetness to the dish’s base. And although the naan bread could’ve maybe been a tad crispier, I found the flatbread to be the ideal canvas to buttress the flavors above it. Hunger abated, I had finally found the coveted breakfast style pizza I’ve been looking for.
As for the ambience, Taste of Traditions provides an extremely welcoming space, as evidenced by the bevy of plants and many puzzles available for customers to ostensibly solve. The spot, lo-
cated at 174 Main St. in Indian Orchard, invokes a classic diner feel, but there’s an added tranquility and warmth to how everything is presented. When I have the time, I’ll have to bask in its glow a little more. And when I do, I’ll also have to explore its menu. Aside from the pizza, Taste of Traditions serves a breakfast sandwich, Cuban sandwich, a brisket biscuit, grilled cheese, kafta and much more. The restaurant is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the weekends. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner all day and also cater for larger events.
99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd.
100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
WILBRAHAM - HOOK DELIVERY THURSDAY
Journey stories:
The World of Don Blanton
SCULPTOR, ARTIST, POET, STORYTELLER
February 1 - March 25
WOW’S WINTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS IS EXCEPTIONAL FAMILY FUN!
Since 2003, WOW’s band of volunteers has enriched the creative vitality of the Pioneer Valley with a year-round calendar of accessible, cultural events and activities that capture the heart of Westfield’s rich and diverse heritage. Thanks to WOW and its community partners, there is always something to do in Westfield! Good times are just a few miles away with plenty of parking!
Journey Stories: Faces Of Westfield
Ongoing Thru 2026
On Display At Tribeca 89 Elm St., Westfield
On display at the WOW Center
ARTIST RECEPTION Saturday, February 7 • 1–3 PM
SEE THE ARTIST AT WORK Saturday, March 7 • 1–3 PM
MUSIC FOR DON: A CABARET TRIBUTE Sunday, March 15 • 2 PM
A WELL-LIVED LIFE: CONVERSATION WITH DON BLANTON Wednesday, March 19 • 1 PM
CHILDREN’S WORKSHOP To Be Announced
BRAVO! A series of free intimate musical evenings and larger concert events at the WOW Center, Westfield State and beyond! Classical, Jazz, Broadway, Pop, and World Music, presented by talented students, professionals and national artists. In association with Westfield State University.
A Ragtime Revue
with Eric McDowell
Featuring the music of Scott Joplin
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26 7:00pm | The WOW Center
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Downtown Music Series: Up Close & Musical 7:00pm | The WOW Center, 105 Elm Street
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Faculty Recital Series: Chamber Quartet 7:00 pm | WSU, Studio 127, Catherine Dower Center
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Faculty Recital Series: The Egmont Ensemble String Quartet 4:30 pm | WSU, Studio 127, Catherine Dower Center
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Downtown Music Series: Up Close & Musical 7:00 pm | The WOW Center, 105 Elm Street
The WInter/SPring Music Series continues through May 1, 2026
CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY MEET!
New and ongoing classes and workshops. Watercolor, Acrylics, Photography, Creative Writing, Yoga and much more!
YEAR-ROUND CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING! Mark your calendars for our springtime Mad Hatter’s Tea Party on SATURDAY, APRIL 25!
THANKS TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS
Westfield Gas & Electric/Whip City Fiber; bankESB; M & T Bank; Westfield Bank; Baystate Health and Baystate Noble Hospital; the City of Westfield; Health New England; Firtion-Adams Funeral Services; The Sullivan Team: Lisa Oleksak-Sullivan of Coldwell Banker Realty, Richard K. Sullivan Jr and Attorney Richard “Kick” Sullivan III; Behavioral Health Network; and the Queenin Family. Funding has also been provided with grants from the Westfield Cultural Council; the Massachusetts Cultural Council; Shurtleff Children’s Services, Inc.; and Downtown Cultural District with in-kind assistance from the Greater Westfield Boys & Girls Club; Reminder Publications; The Carol Saltus Team; Tribeca Bar & Grille and Westfield State University.
Westfield on Weekends, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
APRIL 2026 Join us for this 9-day/7-night stay in Tuscany with Cinque Terre Tour. Join us at the WOW Center to learn more: FEB. 2
FOR MORE EVENTS, TO REGISTER, DONATE, VOLUNTEER, SPONSOR
