So That Reminds Me

This week on So That Reminds Me, the Reminder Publishing editorial team sets off on a delicious mission across Western Massachusetts in search of the region’s coolest treats. Join Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Lauren LeBel, and Tyler Garnet as they talk about everything from nostalgic classics like maple walnut and strawberry to bold new flavors like peanut butter Oreo. They also check out some great options for those with dietary restrictions—because everyone deserves a scoop of something sweet!

Got a favorite local spot or go-to flavor we missed? Email us at [email protected] and tell us all about it!

• Intro: 0:11
• Remembering the June 1, 2011 tornado: 4:16
• Remembering Springfield officer Kevin Ambrose: 6:12
• Westview Farm Creamery: 11:03
• Rice Fruit Farm: 13:!5
• Herrell’s: 16:25
• JB’s Ice Cream Factory: 18:28
• Mt. Tom’s Homemade Ice Cream: 24:45
• Elsie’s Creamery at Randall’s Farm: 27:50
• Northside Creamery: 29:55
• Cup or cone?: 31:24
• Batch: 32:57
• Moma Jaqs: 38:29
• Moolicious: 41:11
• Previewing a bonus episode: 45:28

In honor of National Foster Care Awareness Month, this week’s episode of So That Reminds Me shines a light on the foster care community in Western Massachusetts. Co-hosts Dennis Hackett and Lauren LeBel sit down with Marianna Litovich, executive director of All Our Kids, Inc., a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting and empowering foster families.

Marianna shares insights into the challenges and triumphs of foster care in the region, highlights the remarkable families who open their hearts and homes, and discusses how AOK is building a stronger, more connected community for children and caregivers alike.

Tune in for a heartfelt and informative conversation about advocacy, resilience, and the power of local action.

• Welcome: 0:08
• Dine Springfield: 0:58
• A special addition to Reminder Weeklies: 2:29
• Introducing Marianna Litovich and AOK: 4:02
• AOK’s growth: 5:37
• AOK community events: 7:52
• AOK’s involvement with foster families: 9:10
• The distinction between foster care and adoption:10:27
• Foster care need in Western Mass.: 14:15
• Foster Care Awareness Month: 17:57
• AOK’s Community Closet: 22:56
• Has the fostering community changed?: 25:53
• AOK Connect: 29:34
• Foster care as a societal concern: 30:33

This week on So That Reminds Me, we’re serving up something sweet! Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt and honorary chair Fire Commissioner BJ Calvi join us to dish on the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. Ever wonder what it takes to flip thousands of pancakes in downtown Springfield? From fire trucks to flapjacks, community spirit to sticky syrup, we’re diving into all the delicious details of this beloved annual tradition. Come hungry!

• Welcome to So That Reminds Me: 0:07
• Welcome, Judy Matt and BJ Calvi: 5:23
• What’s new this year: 7:10
• How many pancakes?: 8:35
• History of the pancake breakfast: 10:02
• Preparations for the breakfast: 13:35
• Ingredients for a great event: 17:27
• Benefits for the Sprit of Springfield: 18:41
• How prepared is this year’s honorary chair?: 21:11

Sarah Tsitso, executive director of The Zoo in Forest Park, joins us to talk about the zoo's evolution into an urban refuge for native species! Find out about these amazing animals, the people who care for them, and all the exciting things they are doing in Springfield's Forest Park!

This week's So That Reminds Me:

• Catch up with Lauren and Dennis: 0:15
• Interview with Forest Park Zoo Executive Director Sarah Tsitso: 4:25

This week's So That Reminds Me:

• Catch up with Chris and Tyler: 0:33
• Interview with Agawam Historical Association President David Cecci and 25th Continental Regiment member Rob Keenan: 7:20

On this week's So That Reminds Me, hosts Chris Maza, Dennis Hackett, Lauren LeBel and Tyler Garnet tracked down different foods on a stick before bringing their thoughts to the group.

This week's So That Reminds Me:

• 0:11: Catch up with Dennis and Lauren
• 05:46: Interview with Holyoke Grand Colleen Moira Catherine Reardon

Intro: 0:00

John Beaulieu: 4:02

Schedule of events: 5:45

History of the weekend: 11:38

Fundraising campaign: 16:04

Planning process: 19:06

Parade weekend attendance: 22:47

10K Road Race: 26:40

JFK Award Winner: 33:00

Economic impact of the weekend: 36:30

This week's So That Reminds Me:

• Intro with Lauren and Dennis: 0;13
• Interview with Mark Gionfriddo and Brian Lapis: 4:50

This week's So That Reminds Me:

• Payton says goodbye to The Reminder (0:15)
• Interview with Rep. Angelo Puppolo (22:55)