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© Reminder Publishing, LLC 2024
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Ever wonder what goes into writing a news article or what happens when you give a journalist a microphone?
Welcome to So That Reminds Me, a bi-weekly take on hometown news from Reminder Publishing highlighting the hot stories from our paper while also inviting special guests to share their take on a story.
Hosted by Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Tyler Garnet, and Ryan Feyre
57 Episodes
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On this episode of the So That Reminds Me Podcast, co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Ryan Feyre welcome special guests Mark Gionfriddo and Maureen Sullivan to discuss the return of The Big Broadcast, a live 1940s-style radio show coming Saturday, March 7, with performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. inside Chapin Auditorium on the campus of Mount Holyoke College. They share what audiences can expect from this unique blend of classic entertainment, live sound effects, vintage storytelling and nostalgic fun. Tickets are available at Odyssey Book Shop, online, and at the door. The Big Broadcast is also the sponsor of this episode.Dennis and Ryan also break down the latest local headlines, including a developing legal situation involving a business in East Longmeadow, ongoing fallout and updates surrounding Tracye Whitfield and leadership tensions in Springfield, and the region’s seemingly endless stretch of winter weather.
Inside Springfield City Hall: Tracye Whitfield on City Council Leadership, Priorities and ControversyIn this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet sit down with Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield for an in-depth conversation about leadership at City Hall, the council’s priorities, and the challenges facing Springfield.Whitfield discusses her role guiding the Springfield City Council, key initiatives shaping the city’s future, and an ethics issue tied to a recent council vote that has sparked local discussion. The interview offers insight into how municipal decisions are made and what residents should know about transparency, governance and accountability.Ryan and Tyler also break down major developments across Western Massachusetts, including significant changes to the financial structure of Holyoke’s municipal government and a growing fiscal crisis in South Hadley.Welcome: 0:14Super Bowl Banter: 2:08What’s News In Western Mass: 5:56Tracye Whitfield: 19:53Wrap Up: 50:25
Western Mass. Wings: Our Picks for Super Bowl SundayDid you know that Americans are expected to eat roughly 1.5 billion chicken wings while watching the Super Bowl? To help you prepare the perfect game plan for your big game snacking, So That Reminds Me broke down some of the best places in the Pioneer Valley to get wings! The crew also dives into some classic debates — drums vs. flats, blue cheese vs. ranch, bone-in or boneless? Leave your foam fingers at home because this episode will definitely get a little saucy!Also, in What’s News in Western Mass., review some of the region’s top stories, including the impending closure of Blessed Sacrament School, a challenger for state Rep. Nick Boldyga’s 3rd Hampden District seat, and how the bitter cold and massive snowfall totals have impacted the area.Welcome 0:13What’s News in Western Mass 5:11Western Mass Wings 22:07Wrap Up and Go Patriots 56:08
On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Tyler Garnet talk with John Sacerdote of the Amherst Railway Society about one of New England’s most anticipated annual events — the Railroad Hobby Show.Held January 24–25 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, the Railroad Hobby Show is the largest railroad-themed trade show in the United States and draws hundreds of enthusiasts each year with model railroad layouts, railroad collectibles, vendors, demonstrations, and entertainment. Sacerdote shares what makes the show unique, how it has grown over the years, and why interest in model railroading continues to span generations. Welcome: 0:15 What’s News In Western Mass: 3:01 Railroad Hobby Show: 11:38 Wrap Up: 39:04
On this week’s episode of So That Reminds Me, Artistic Director Steve Hays joins host Chris Maza to talk about the Boar’s Head Festival at Trinity Methodist Church in Springfield, a recreation of a medieval festival celebrating the Epiphany. Their conversation explores the history of this beloved seasonal production, how it has evolved over the years, and what continues to draw audiences back. Hays also offers insight into the creative and logistical work that brings the festival to life, along with what attendees can expect from this year’s presentation. Intro: 0:12A brief history of the Boar’s Head Festival: 3:05What attendees can expect: 5:15The logistics of putting the festival together: 8:05Steve Hays’ creative approach to the festival: 10:41Diversity of the cast: 12:56Timing of the festival and connecting church and community: 14:26Continuously improving and tweaking the presentation: 17:06Ticket information: 18:44Steve Hays favorite parts of the festival: 19:30
Join So That Reminds Me for our end-of-year look back at the stories that defined Western Massachusetts, as co-hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre and Tyler Garnet review the biggest local headlines from the year that was. The four explore how federal actions impacted the local economy, health care, and programming, revisit notable political scandals, and break down some of the most interesting local election campaigns and results. The episode also highlights major school building projects — both recently completed and just getting started — along with other attention-grabbing storylines that kept you reading and listening all year long.Holiday Prep and Stranger Things: 0:11Federal Impacts on Western Mass: 10:53Local Election Campaigns and Results: 19:57School Building Investments and Debates: 52:51Holyoke’s Receivership Exit: 1:03:55Governor’s Staff Member’s Arrest: 1:06:57Courthouse Proposals: 1:13:16WESTCOMM Opens: 1:17:58New North Citizens Council Drama: 1:21:47Longmeadow School Library Arrest: 1:28.10Southwick Racial Bullying Settlement: 1:30:34Looking To 2026: 1:33:06
On this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Dennis Hackett, Ryan Feyre, and Tyler Garnet break down the new A&E docu-series “Family Lockup,” which brings viewers inside the Hampden County Jail in Ludlow, Massachusetts. The series follows incarcerated participants and the family members who voluntarily join them behind bars for an intensive program designed to confront past harm, rebuild trust, and create a path toward recovery.Overseen by Hampden Country Sheriff Nick Cocchi, the program challenges each family to face trauma, cycles of addiction and determine whether reconciliation is possible.Our hosts examine the show’s impact, problem areas, approach to rehabilitation, and what it reveals about families on both sides of incarceration. Intro: 0:12Premise of Family Lockup and initial impressions: 14:38Reality vs. sensationalism: 19:52Does the program work?: 21:42Did this need to be televised?: 24:40Dr. Jeff Gardere’s impact: 29:29Highlighting the jail’s shortcomings: 34:39Would you participate in the program?: 38:00
As the holidays approach, the spirit of giving takes center stage, and few organizations represent that spirit more than The Salvation Army. In the Pioneer Valley, the annual Toy for Joy campaign is entering its remarkable 103rd year, continuing a legacy of bringing holiday cheer to local families in need. In this episode of So That Reminds Me, co-hosts Chris Maza and Dennis Hackett are joined by Danielle LaTaille, social services director for The Salvation Army, and Capt. Stacy McNeil, Springfield Corps co-commander. They share an inside look at the growing needs across our community, the stories behind Toy for Joy, and how local generosity continues to make a life-changing impact season after season.Intro: 0:09Welcome, Danielle and Capt. Stacy: 9:00Toy for Joy’s longevity: 10:50Capt. Stacy’s impressions as a newcomer: 12:02Broader impacts of Toy for Joy: 13:36Toy for Joy’s focus on literacy: 16:49Toy for Joy timelines and logistics: 18:31Importance of volunteers: 23:27Other Salvation Army programming: 25:44How to support the Salvation Army and Toy for Joy: 28:50
In this special bonus episode, So That Reminds Me co-hosts Chris Maza and Ryan Feyre are joined by Sarah Gumaer, marketing director for the Springfield Boys & Girls Club and one of the key organizers behind one of Western Massachusetts’ most beloved holiday traditions: the Festival of Trees. Running Nov. 28 through Dec. 14 at the MassMutual Center, this annual celebration transforms the venue into a sparkling forest of creativity, community spirit, and seasonal magic.Sarah shares the stories, planning, and purpose behind the event, and how the festival not only brings joy to thousands of visitors but also supports the Boys & Girls Club’s mission throughout the year.Intro: 0:11Sarah Gumaer and the Festival of Trees: 5:23The festival’s 25 years of growth: 6:56Programming the festival supports: 8:02Importance of community support and involvement: 10:28Favorite and memorable trees over the years: 14:15Looking to the future: 18:28Hours and admission: 19:41
NEPM’s Monte Belmonte is gearing up for the 16th annual March for the Food Bank, a 43-mile trek from Springfield to Greenfield raising awareness and support for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Before he hits the road, Monte joins So That Reminds Me to share the story behind the march, how it’s evolved over the years, and why its mission feels more urgent than ever amid today’s uncertain times.Intro: 0:12Beginnings of Monte’s March for the Food Bank: 5:27COVID’s impact on the march: 8:00Monte’s drive to keep the march alive: 9:25Planning the march: 11:19Importance of community support: 14:07The march’s impact given current events 15:55Addition of the Berkshire Mini-March: 17:12Monte’s costumes: 18:37Where does Monte march?: 21:36How can people get involved?: 24:41What Monte is most looking forward to: 26:41
Election season is heating up in Western Massachusetts, and the So That Reminds Me crew is diving right in. This week, co-hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Lauren LeBel, and Tyler Garnet are joined by WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief James Paleologopoulos for a roundtable discussion on some of the most interesting races to watch this cycle. From mayoral contests in Easthampton, Northampton, and West Springfield to key local battles in Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee, the panel breaks down what’s at stake, who’s in the running, and what these elections could mean for the region.Intro: 0:15Welcoming James Paleologopoulos: 4:51Northampton Mayor and City Council: 6:27 Easthampton Mayor and City Council: 17:13Springfield City Council: 27:13Chicopee City Collector, City Council, and a ballot question: 46:59West Springfield Mayor: 57:03Holyoke City Council: 1:04:21More info about these and other races: 1:12:09
October may be Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the Rays of Hope Foundation works tirelessly all year to educate, support, and empower those affected by breast cancer. In this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet sit down with Rays of Hope Event Coordinator Kate Weir to discuss the organization’s impact, the importance of community support, and the upcoming Walk and Run Toward the Cure.
In this episode of So That Reminds Me, hosts Dennis Hackett and Lauren LeBel sit down with Robert Jaszek, Director of Operations for the Michael J. Dias Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to aid and educate individuals and families on substance use disorders, while offering hope and resources for those battling addiction.Robert shares insights the foundation’s history, the importance of sober housing, and the role of community support in recovery. From the challenges to victories for those in recovery, this conversation sheds light on the critical work being done in the community.Intro: 0:15Introducing Robert and the Michael J. Dias Foundation: 3:24Accessing the foundation’s services: 7:05Fundraising efforts and grant opportunities: 10:28Importance of community partnerships: 14:56Community partner recognition: 16:54
The Big E is back—and so is the food! From drinks and savory eats to sweet treats, the So That Reminds Me team dishes on this year’s best bites, with insights from vendors and the Reminder Publishing crew from the recent Big E Media Food Preview.Intro: 0:11Big E Cream Puffs: 3:58NOLA Asian Sticky Ribs: 7:51Broccoli Bar Broccoli Tempura: 10:34Storrowton Tavern Reubens, Chili and Chowder: 13:52Delaney and Log Cabin Lobster Nachos 16:23Macho Taco Chile Relleno and Tacos: 18:12Sam Adams Beer Garden Burger and Pale Ale: 21:12Ferrindino Maple Creemee Sundae: 23:56Moolicious MooNugs: 25:45V-One Vodka drinks: 27:58Other Great Food: 31:54Big E Concerts: 36:15
The sun didn’t make an appearance, but that didn’t prevent a bevy of public figures from coming out to Sheriff Nick Cocchi’s annual cookout. So That Reminds Me braved the rain, talking with local elected officials and political hopefuls about the issues that matters most to their communities and their goals for the future.Intro: 0:15Springfield City Councilor Jose Delgado: 10:12State Rep. Candidate Michael Lachenmeyer: 17:40Sheriff Nick Cocchi: 23:55Chicopee Mayor John Vieau: 34:20Springfield City Councilor Victor Davila: 39:42West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt: 43:00State Sen. Adam Gomex: 47:12Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe: 51:46Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia: 58:47State Rep. Angelo Puppolo: 1:10:33Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni: 1:17:00Springfield School Committee Candidate Ayanna Crawford: 1:23:14Chicopee City Councilor Sam Shumsky: 1:29:21
It’s August, and fair season is officially underway in Western Mass! In this episode of So That Reminds Me, we’re joined by Three County Fair Executive Director Taylor Haas and Westfield Fair President Sheila Phelon and Secretary Maureen Freniere. We dive into the rich history of these beloved local traditions and give you a sneak peek at what’s in store for 2025. Plus, we highlight other must-visit fairs happening around the region!Intro: 0:12Westfield Fair: 3:47Three County Fair: 24:00Other Western Mass. fairs: 42:14
In this episode, hosts Chris Maza and Tyler Garnet are joined by state Sen. Jake Oliveira for a wide-ranging discussion on the latest developments at the Massachusetts State House and what they mean for Western Massachusetts. They examine how federal decisions are influencing the state budget, the ongoing delay of the voter-approved legislative audit, and the uncertain future of the Westover Job Corps. The conversation also explores how funds from the Fair Share Amendment are being allocated—and whether they’re meeting expectations. Tune in for a conversation that breaks down key issues shaping the region and beyond.Intro: 0:12Welcome, Sen. Oliviera: 4:55Budget opportunities and challenges: 14:24Federal impact on the state budget: 20:45Fair Share Amendment allocations: 26:33Westover Job Corps’ status: 33:34Legislative audit conflict: 39:09New WestCOMM facility: 43:29Favorite ice cream spot: 46:48Contacting the senator: 51:48
On this episode of So That Reminds Me, Kristen Neville, executive director of Blues to Green, joins hosts Dennis Hackett and Lauren LeBel to give us the inside scoop on the 12th annual Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival, happening July 11 and 12.Kristen shares how the festival brings together people from all walks of life through an incredible lineup of jazz, blues, Afro-Caribbean, funk, and global roots music. Hear all about this year’s headliners — including Endea Owens and the Cookout, El Laberinto del Coco, and Merging Roots — and what makes this event such a powerful celebration of music, culture, and community.
On this episode of So That Reminds Me, we’re getting ready to celebrate Independence Day! Dennis and Lauren talk with Adele Hill of the East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade Committee and Chris sits down with Izzy Post Ruhland from the Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration to highlight two of the region’s biggest and most beloved holiday traditions. We’ll also give you a rundown of many of the other parades, fireworks displays, and celebrations taking place throughout our area—so you can make the most of your Fourth!Welcome: 0:11East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade: 3:45Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration: 19:27Other Fourth of July celebrations: 32:36
Executive Editor Chris Maza and reporter Tyler Garnet sit down with Kimberly Lee of MiraVista Behavioral Health Services for an insightful conversation about the organization’s mission, the vital services it provides, and the importance of prioritizing mental wellness year-round. Together, they explore the significance of Mental Health Awareness Month in May and Men's Mental Health Awareness Month in June, while also discussing the unique challenges adolescents face when school is out for the summer. Whether you’re seeking support, resources, or a deeper understanding of community mental health, this episode offers an informative and compassionate look at the work being done right here in Western Massachusetts.Welcome: 0:11An ice cream suggestion: 2:43MiraVista’s mission and services: 7:08Miravista’s collaborative efforts: 13:49Mental Health Awareness Month: 15:45Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: 20:40Adolescent mental health during summer: 26:02MiraVista’s direct admissions program: 31:37Best ways to get help: 37:17
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