So That Reminds Me

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

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: 0:11
• Big E Cream Puffs: 3:58
• NOLA Asian Sticky Ribs: 7:51
• Broccoli Bar Broccoli Tempura: 10:34
• Storrowton Tavern Reubens, Chili and Chowder: 13:52
• Delaney and Log Cabin Lobster Nachos 16:23
• Macho Taco Chile Relleno and Tacos: 18:12
• Sam Adams Beer Garden Burger and Pale Ale: 21:12
• Ferrindino Maple Creemee Sundae: 23:56
• Moolicious MooNugs: 25:45
• V-One Vodka drinks: 27:58
• Other Great Food: 31:54
• Big 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: 0:15
• Springfield City Councilor Jose Delgado: 10:12
• State Rep. Candidate Michael Lachenmeyer: 17:40
• Sheriff Nick Cocchi: 23:55
• Chicopee Mayor John Vieau: 34:20
• Springfield City Councilor Victor Davila: 39:42
• West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt: 43:00
• State Sen. Adam Gomex: 47:12
• Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe: 51:46
• Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia: 58:47
• State Rep. Angelo Puppolo: 1:10:33
• Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni: 1:17:00
• Springfield School Committee Candidate Ayanna Crawford: 1:23:14
• Chicopee 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: 0:12
• Westfield Fair: 3:47
• Three County Fair: 24:00
• Other 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: 0:12
• Welcome, Sen. Oliviera: 4:55
• Budget opportunities and challenges: 14:24
• Federal impact on the state budget: 20:45
• Fair Share Amendment allocations: 26:33
• Westover Job Corps’ status: 33:34
• Legislative audit conflict: 39:09
• New WestCOMM facility: 43:29
• Favorite ice cream spot: 46:48
• Contacting 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: 0:11
• East Longmeadow Fourth of July Parade: 3:45
• Enfield Fourth of July Town Celebration: 19:27
• Other 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: 0:11
• An ice cream suggestion: 2:43
• MiraVista’s mission and services: 7:08
• Miravista’s collaborative efforts: 13:49
• Mental Health Awareness Month: 15:45
• Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: 20:40
• Adolescent mental health during summer: 26:02
• MiraVista’s direct admissions program: 31:37
• Best ways to get help: 37:17