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: 0:12
• A brief history of the Boar’s Head Festival: 3:05
• What attendees can expect: 5:15
• The logistics of putting the festival together: 8:05
• Steve Hays’ creative approach to the festival: 10:41
• Diversity of the cast: 12:56
• Timing of the festival and connecting church and community: 14:26
• Continuously improving and tweaking the presentation: 17:06
• Ticket information: 18:44
• Steve 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: 0:11
• Federal Impacts on Western Mass: 10:53
• Local Election Campaigns and Results: 19:57
• School Building Investments and Debates: 52:51
• Holyoke’s Receivership Exit: 1:03:55
• Governor’s Staff Member’s Arrest: 1:06:57
• Courthouse Proposals: 1:13:16
• WESTCOMM Opens: 1:17:58
• New North Citizens Council Drama: 1:21:47
• Longmeadow School Library Arrest: 1:28.10
• Southwick Racial Bullying Settlement: 1:30:34
• Looking 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: 0:12

Premise of Family Lockup and initial impressions: 14:38

Reality vs. sensationalism: 19:52

Does the program work?: 21:42

Did this need to be televised?: 24:40

Dr. Jeff Gardere’s impact: 29:29

Highlighting the jail’s shortcomings: 34:39

Would 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: 0:09
• Welcome, Danielle and Capt. Stacy: 9:00
• Toy for Joy’s longevity: 10:50
• Capt. Stacy’s impressions as a newcomer: 12:02
• Broader impacts of Toy for Joy: 13:36
• Toy for Joy’s focus on literacy: 16:49
• Toy for Joy timelines and logistics: 18:31
• Importance of volunteers: 23:27
• Other Salvation Army programming: 25:44
• How 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: 0:11
• Sarah Gumaer and the Festival of Trees: 5:23
• The festival’s 25 years of growth: 6:56
• Programming the festival supports: 8:02
• Importance of community support and involvement: 10:28
• Favorite and memorable trees over the years: 14:15
• Looking to the future: 18:28
• Hours 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: 0:12
• Beginnings of Monte’s March for the Food Bank: 5:27
• COVID’s impact on the march: 8:00
• Monte’s drive to keep the march alive: 9:25
• Planning the march: 11:19
• Importance of community support: 14:07
• The march’s impact given current events 15:55
• Addition of the Berkshire Mini-March: 17:12
• Monte’s costumes: 18:37
• Where does Monte march?: 21:36
• How can people get involved?: 24:41
• What 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: 0:15
• Welcoming James Paleologopoulos: 4:51
• Northampton Mayor and City Council: 6:27
• Easthampton Mayor and City Council: 17:13
• Springfield City Council: 27:13
• Chicopee City Collector, City Council, and a ballot question: 46:59
• West Springfield Mayor: 57:03
• Holyoke City Council: 1:04:21
• More 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: 0:15
• Introducing Robert and the Michael J. Dias Foundation: 3:24
• Accessing the foundation’s services: 7:05
• Fundraising efforts and grant opportunities: 10:28
• Importance of community partnerships: 14:56
• Community partner recognition: 16:54