So That Reminds Me

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. Hay...

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 inter...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 ti...

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...

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...

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 s...

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...

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. Candi...

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-vis...

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 C...

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 g...

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...

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...

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 gre...

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...

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 det...

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 Dire...

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