LINE OF MARCH
From Division AA to Division I, here’s everyone marching in this year’s parade. Page D12
ROAD RACE
The 48th annual Holy oke St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday will include 10K, 2-mile options. Page D6
| | THURSDAY, MARCH 20 , 2025
GREEN SEASON
Mayor of Holyoke recalls city’s Irish roots
Joshua A. Garcia
GREEN SEASON greetings!
On behalf of myself and my family, the St. Patrick’s Committee and the City of Holyoke, welcome. It is my honor to take part once again in Holyoke’s annual homage to its Irish roots. Those roots run deep. Before Holyoke was Holyoke, it was called “Ireland Parish.” Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine that ravaged their county in 1845 flocked into Holyoke looking for food, shelter and work.
They provided much of the back-breaking labor with pick and shovel to dig the legendary canals that channeled the rushing waters of the Connecticut River to the turbines and flywheels of the mills and factories for which Holyoke became internationally famous.
United by nationality and religious faith, Holyoke’s Irish community grew in size, solidarity, influence and pride. Since 1952, thanks to the St. Patrick’s Committee, Holyoke has celebrated its Irish core with ceremonies, pageantry, distinguished guests, dances, dinners, the selection of a Grand Colleen and a knock-your-socks-off parade.
You might think that a Puerto Rican mayor surrounded by Irish merrymakers would feel out of place.
ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
Parade president welcomes all to ‘Homecoming Weekend’
ON BEHALF OF THE
St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Homecoming Weekend, a cherished Holyoke tradition for over 70 years.
As a Frenchman from Chicopee, it is both humbling and an incredible honor to serve as the 2025 parade president. This weekend is about so much more than just the road race and the world-famous parade. It’s about family — the bonds that unite us, the shared spirit of community and the legacy of pride that we carry forward. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to my parade committee family. Your dedication and hard work have gone above and beyond this year, and for that I am eternally thankful.
Though the festivities unfold in our great city of Holyoke, it is important to remember that this is a regional celebration. Without the unwavering support of our neighboring parade committees, volunteers and sponsors, this remarkable Homecoming Weekend would not be possible. We are Western
John R. Beaulieu
is about so much more than just the
Mass Strong, and this weekend we proudly demonstrate that strength.
To Mayor Garcia and his office, the public safety teams, the Department of Public Works and everyone who ensures our safety and success this weekend — thank you for your tireless commitment and support. Your efforts are deeply appreciated.
It is my true honor to recognize our distinguished award recipients for 2025, who truly embody the spirit of the Irish commu-
nity. This year, we celebrate Bridget Moynahan, our John F. Kennedy National Award recipient, and Frederick L. Sullivan, our Ambassador Award recipient. These two remarkable individuals have made outstanding contributions to our community, and we are proud to honor them during this special weekend.
race and the worldfamous parade. It’s about family — the bonds that unite us, the shared spirit of community and the legacy of pride that we carry forward.
John Beaulieu, president of the 2025 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, speaks at the Grand Colleen pageant, held on Saturday, Jan. 4, at Holyoke High School. (SOPHIE MARKHAM)
Saturday, March 22nd, 2025 · 1PM 48th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race
Sunday, March 23rd, 2025 · 11AM 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Broadcast live on WWLP.com starting at noon
Actress, church pastor among award winners
Bridget Moynahan attends a discussion for the book, “You Never Know: A Memoir” at 92NY on May 7, 2024, in New York City. (PHOTO BY GARY GERSHOFF / GETTY IMAGES)
Parade to recognize contributions of Irish Americans in entertainment, spirituality and law
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican HOLYOKE — A renowned Hollywood actress, author and model leads this year’s distinguished award recipients named by the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Holyoke.
Bridget Moynahan, best-known for her role as Erin Reagan in the hit CBS television series, “Blue Bloods,” will wear the green in the line of march during the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on March 23 as recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award. The award is presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has
Mayor
But no. The story of Irish immigrants and Puerto Rican migrants is Holyoke’s story and the American story. The Irish experience was — and still is — the experience of determined immigrants everywhere. The parade has become not only a celebration of Irish ancestry, but recognition of Holyoke’s proud tradition of welcoming people looking for a better life.
all Irish during Green Season. This will be particularly true in my case, and I’ll have the jet lag to prove it.
I look forward to seeing everyone at the Holyoke parade. First-time visitors and longtime residents are in for a wonderful time. It’s like a homecoming parade with a crowd of thousands. Look behind the scenes and you’ll see the unsung heroes who make it all happen. The all-volunteer St. Patrick’s Committee meets year-round to ensure that each edition of the celebration is
You might think that a Puerto Rican mayor surrounded by Irish merrymakers would feel out of place. But no. The story of Irish immigrants and Puerto Rican migrants is Holyoke’s story and the American story.
Grand Colleen is proud to uphold city’s tradition
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican HOLYOKE Moira Catherine Reardon had wanted to compete in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Colleen Contest since she “was a kid.”
And now her time was up. She will turn 22 next year, which is the cutoff for eligibility.
“I looked forward to seeing the colleens every year when they visited my school and at the parade. Over the years, I learned to appreciate what an honor it is to be chosen to represent Irish heritage and the city of Holyoke, and it was a no-brainer for me, I was going to sign up no matter what,” she said.
It was a good decision. Reardon was crowned Grand Colleen — along with her court Abigail Huebner, a student at Sacred Heart University; Erin Gauthi-
er, who attends Bay Path University; Erin O’Donnell, a student at Holyoke Community College; and Maura Joseph, who received the Miss Congeniality award and who is a graduate of Franklin Pierce University — at the 69th annual Grand Colleen Coronation Ball & Awards Dinner on Feb. 15.
“The four girls on the court are so incredible, they each are so accomplished, and I am incredibly humbled to be chosen to represent this group. I think that any one of them is more than qualified for this title,” Reardon said.
A 2021 graduate of Holyoke High School, Reardon went on to attend Holyoke Community College to earn her associate’s degree in communications. She is now currently enrolled at Springfield Technical Community
I should mention that Holyoke has a sister city in Ireland: Tralee, the capital of County Kerry in southwest Ireland. We’ve long maintained friendly relations with Tralee and her town officials. This year, that relationship goes up several notches as Tralee’s Mayor Mikey Sheehy invited me to lead their St. Patrick’s Day Parade! The folks in Tralee held their parade on the big day itself, March 17. This Sunday, March 23, I’ll be marching with family and friends in the 72nd edition of Holyoke’s legendary parade. As much as we’re known for our ethnic and cultural diversity, we’re
better than the year before. Also pitching in are the Department of Public Works, the Police and Fire Departments, the Auxiliary Police, Holyoke Gas & Electric, the Water Department, Holyoke Medical Center, the Massachusetts State Police, Scouts, Cubs and clubs.
While you’re in town, visit our restaurants and shops. Check out our historic canals and the old mill buildings that have been newly repurposed. We’re proud of our city and we wish you a wonderful visit.
— Joshua A.
Garcia, Mayor of the City of Holyoke
2025 Grand Colleen Moira Reardon receives her robe from 2024 Grand Colleen Elizabeth Gourde at the 69th annual Grand Colleen Coronation Ball and Awards Recognition reception held at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on Feb. 15.
(ED COHEN PHOTO)
President
We are also privileged to have James (Jim) Lavelle as our grand marshal. Jim has been a longtime supporter of the parade committee and is a true community partner. I am honored to march alongside Jim and his family down the streets of Holyoke.
We are equally proud to present the Citizenship Award to the Rev. Robert (Bob) Gentile, who has spent countless years providing comfort, compassion and spiritual guidance to everyone he meets. Father Bob, your dedication to our community is inspiring, and we are grateful for all you have done and continue to do.
Additionally, I would like to congratulate our committee award recipients: Devin Sheehan, who is receiving the Rohan Award; Jeff Walsh, this year’s recipient of the O’Connell Award; and James Meenaghan, honored with the Gallivan Award. What an outstanding team we have and I am privileged to march with each of you on Parade Day.
A special congratulations also goes to our Grand Colleen and her Court. I wish you joy and happiness as you celebrate your Irish heritage and the spirit of fellowship that defines this community.
To my fellow parade committee members — what an extraordinary group of people you are. To call you my family is an understatement. We might not always agree on everything but come Parade Day we pull together to create a spectacular celebration that brings joy to all. I am grateful to each and every one of you.
Lastly, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my own family. To my wife Patty, your love and support make all of this possible and I couldn’t do it without you. To my children Miranda, Shane, and Ryan, and my granddaughters Everly and Harper, thank you for your constant encouragement. Your love is a gift I cherish every day.
— John R. Beaulieu, 2025 parade president
ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
Holyoke Road Race is cherished tradition
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
It’s a tradition that’s been cherished almost as long as the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade itself.
The occasion, one day before the parade on March 22, is the 48th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race 10K, which travels from downtown Holyoke all the way up to Holyoke Community College and back downtown. For those not up to the 10K run, there is an option to take a 2-mile stroll with family and friends through the streets of Holyoke.
“The annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race is a day to celebrate all over the city. The race culminates in one of the biggest St. Patrick’s block parties in New England. Thousands of people congregate along a multiblock square along Maple and High Streets to cheer on the runners, attend the party tents hosted by various bars and restaurants where participants enjoy live music, taste a variety of foods from food trucks and purchase items from other vendors,” said Hayley Dunn, past president of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. But they don’t just turn out downtown to cheer on the runners.
“The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race are part of the fabric of our community. People everywhere who live along the course come outside once a year to party with friends and cheer on the runners,” said former George E. O’Connell Award winner and race coordinator Brian Donoghue.
Donoghue noted the first Holyoke St Patrick’s Day Road Race was founded not long after American Frank Shorter won the 1972 Olympic marathon in Munich, eventually leading to the running boon. With that inspiration, Westfield High School graduate Tommy Leonard, who fell in love with running at the
school and ran his first Boston Marathon as a Marine in 1953, helped organize the first Holyoke St Patrick’s Road Race. He had all the connections to get world-class runners to come to Holyoke for the first race in 1976, which featured 189 runners. The course was 7.6 miles long and Bill Rogers won, beating 1972 Olympic marathon champion Shorter. Later that year, Rogers went on to win the NYC Marathon. Rogers would go on to win the first three Holyoke Road Races and four straight NYC Marathons. He would also win three straight Boston Marathons from 1978-1980. Today, some 6,000 runners (Donoghue is hoping to get closer to 7,000 this year if the weather is warm) come to Holyoke from all over New England and as far away as Georgia, Illinois, Florida, Delaware and beyond. There have even been some international runners over the years.
The average run time for most is about one hour and the fastest-ever runner came in at 28 minutes, with the women’s record being 32 minutes.
The race starts at 1 p.m. at the beginning of Maple
Street. The 2-mile walk begins immediately after the runners depart. Walkers will travel to the first mile marker and the course will circle back on Maple Street and finish at Dwight and Maple Streets. For those who want to cheer on the runners as they make their way throughout different sections of Holyoke, a map of the road race, which hasn’t changed in years, Donoghue noted, can be found online.
2024 Holyoke Road Race runners wore all manner of hats in anticipation of the St. Patricks celebrations.
Above is the St. Patrick’s Road Race course map, courtesy of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race website.
Chicopee brings ‘Irish Fortune’ to Holyoke streets
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
Its float is called “Irish Fortune” and this year the Chicopee St. Patrick’s Committee feels especially fortunate to be the division right behind Holyoke in this weekend’s parade.
“Their president, John Beaulieu, is from Chicopee and is a former member and past president of the Chicopee committee,” said Michelle Liswell, a longtime member of the Chicopee committee that also serves as the liaison between Chicopee and Holyoke.
Longmeadow High School senior named Springfield colleen
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Similar to many young girls, Ayslin Dziedzic of Longmeadow grew up in awe of the colleens passing by her on their floats in the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
Now the 18-year-old senior at Longmeadow High School will be riding atop her own float in the parade on Sunday as 2025 Springfield Colleen and serving as inspiration for other young girls. She will be
accompanied by her court, 21-year-old Cara Marie Pagnoni from East Longmeadow, who recently graduated from Bay Path University; 17-yearold Minnechaug Regional High School senior Chloe Mai Sullivan; and 19-year-old Framingham State University student Sarah Daponde, who grew up in East Longmeadow. Sullivan is also the recipient of the Mossie and Kathleen Murphy Scholarship.
Riding atop the float will be Chicopee colleen Daiana Torres, 18, of Chicopee Comprehensive High School and her court: Wilmette Cumba, 19, of the Army National Guard; Hannah O’Neil, 17, of Chicopee Comp; Emma Caproni, 17, of Pope Francis Preparatory High School; and Meghan Oxley, 17, of Chicopee Comp. They will be joined by Bill Stetson, owner of the Rumbleseat Bar & Grille in Chicopee, who was chosen to be this year’s parade marshal. Stetson also previously served as president of the Chicopee Parade Committee.
Chicopee’s award winners this year include:
• George A. Balakier, recipient of the 2025 Woods Award, which recognized a Parade Committee member who has actively served on the committee for many years. Balakier has been an active committee member since 2009.
• Kevin Culloo, owner and director of Corridan Funeral Home, who accepted the 2025 Atkinson Award on behalf of his family’s business and will represent it in this year’s parade. The Atkinson
Sons of Erin celebrate
‘wish’ of longtime
committee member Michael Conroy
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
WESTFIELD — The Sons of Erin are honoring a longtime friend in this year’s St. Patrick’s Parade.
The committee’s float theme this year — “Mike’s Wish” — honors the late Michael Conroy, a friend to not only the Sons of Erin but to the city of Westfield and the region as a whole. Conroy was born in Westfield on May 13, 1957, where he grew up and graduated from Westfield High School and, later, Holyoke Community College.
He was a lifelong communicant of Our Lady of Blessed Sacrament in Westfield, a member of the American Legion in Westfield and, of course, an active member of the Sons of Erin, where he served on the Board of Directors, as past president and as a long-time float builder for the committee. He also worked for the city of Springfield in the Department of Facilities Management for 20 years, before his retirement in 2022.
“Mike was involved in building over 20 award-winning floats for the city of Westfield. His creative and technical
incorporation of pneumatic mechanisms made the oversized creatures on the floats come to life, entertaining the young and old all along the parade route,” said Karen Casey, Sons of Erin Parade Committee Chair, in an interview with The Republican. Among Conroy’s creations were a giant wizard hovering over a book of children’s tales and mechanical alligators with moving jaws.
However, Conroy’s big wish, Casey explained, was to one day build a float featuring the colorful Doors of
Daiana Torres, 2025 Chicopee Colleen, and her court, from left, Meghan Oxley, Wilmette Cumba, Hannah O’Neil and Emma Caproni. (JOEL RODOWICZ PHOTO)
2025 Springfield Colleen Ayslin Dziedzic and her court members Sarah Daponde, Cara Pagnoni and Chloe Sullivan.
With 2025 Colleen Jillian Battles, center, are members of her court Isabella Proietti, McKenna Clark, Madison LeClair and Jaiden Caban. (AMY PORTER / THE WESTFIELD NEWS)
“The Springfield colleen and her court are an important part of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. I think for many who enter the annual competition, they have grown up going to the parade and seeing the colleens as role models. It’s a big honor for women in the Irish-American community of Western Massachusetts,” said Maureen Olds, a member of the Springfield Parade Committee Board of Directors and Holyoke liaison for their contingent.
The Springfield colleen and her court will ride atop a themed float in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and attend many events, parties and fundraisers throughout the year. They are presented with gifts donated by the committee and area businesses. All court members receive a genuine Irish wool sweater, scarf, sash and jewelry. The colleen also receives a tiara and two roundtrip tickets to Ireland.
Olds noted the colleen float is being built by Putnam High School students in the Carpentry Department. Their efforts are being rewarded this year with the Mary B. Troy award from the Springfield Parade Committee for their work on the float for the past few years.
Dziedzic took time from her busy schedule as colleen to answer a few questions for The Republican.
Q. Why did you enter the colleen competition this year?
A. I entered the competition for the community aspect it offered, and being colleen has given me so many opportunities. I am very involved in community service. I love being able to be around people who love doing what I do, being out in the community and being with others and helping and supporting them in any way I can.
Q. How did you feel about your chances of
becoming the Springfield Colleen?
A. I didn’t think I actually had a chance of winning. Any of the girls in the court deserved the opportunity to be colleen as much as I did and, honestly, probably deserved it more. I belong to the Dan Kane Singers and I am very comfortable on stage, and that is one of the things that probably helped me during the Coronation Ball. I’m used to performing and talking on stage and answering questions wasn’t difficult for me, which I think probably helped me in the competition. I continuously told my parents that I didn’t think I was going to win. And all of the girls the night of the ball seemed so comfortable.
Q. What does it mean to you being chosen as the Springfield Colleen?
A. My mom was a Grand Colleen in Holyoke in 1991. Growing up she would always say to me that I should be a colleen, that I should try out. St. Patrick’s Day has always been such a special holiday for me and my mom and grandparents. But, in terms of why I wanted to be a colleen, I would always see the floats going by with the colleens and their tiaras riding on them. I would always think that it was so cool. Now knowing more
about everything that we do for the parade has given me more of a sense of my Irish heritage, which is something that I really wanted to be involved in. Before that I didn’t really know all that much about it, and I knew that if I would be able to join this amazing community and have so many opportunities, that I would be able to learn more about my Irish heritage.
Another reason is just to be out in the community and doing things with these amazing girls in the court. When we don’t have an event on the weekdays to attend, I can’t wait to see them on the weekends when we usually do. And I know in the next few weeks when it is all over, that it will be sad because we have all gained from the experience and I love every single one of them. The memories and moments we have had together so far has been incredible, and I am so glad that I get to spend some time with them.
Q. Why do you enjoy music and how does it fulfill you?
A. For me, no one in my family sings or has been musically inclined. I played a bunch of sports growing up, but my mother would always talk about how when I was born that I came out singing. She would say that I would
never talk, but dance and sing all the time. And I remember my mom signing me up for Dan Kane’s singing camp when I was 6 years old. That was back when it was huge and held at the old Westfield High School with about 500 kids. I remember sitting there at the bottom of the stage and being so nervous. And when I got my first solo, I was so happy because these other girls were so much bigger and better than me. Dan told me I had an amazing voice and that I should take lessons with him.
Now that I am 18 and still active with the Dan Kane Singer, I realize how that opportunity has changed my life. It is something that
makes me who I am. I genuinely think that I wouldn’t be able to go through life, go to college next year, without doing something musically. I plan to minor in music because it is something that has always been so special to me and actually started my love for community service. One of my favorite events each year is that we go to sing at the men’s and women’s prisons in Ludlow and Chicopee, and that is something that very greatly changed my perspective on community service.
For more information about the Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee, visit the committee’s website, springfield stpatricksparade.org
RSVP is preferred, but not required. Interested families may contact Mrs. Fedora at 413-532-2831. If you can’t make it that day, call the school to schedule a private tour.
College, where she is pursuing a health science degree with the intent to study diagnostic medical sonography and work in the medical field in Boston. She works as a transport technician at Baystate Medical Center, a peer tutor at STCC, and works as a server at 99 Restaurant. To top off her impressive resume, Reardon has also volunteered at the Holyoke Police Department’s annual Toy Drive and at local Irish events.
The big question and the answer that helped Reardon win the title of Grand Colleen during the Coronation Ball was: “How would you encourage younger generations to stay connected to their Irish roots and participate in the St. Patrick’s Parade and related events?”
“I remember saying that younger generations should push themselves and believe in their ability to take part in these traditions. Entering the Holyoke Colleen Contest, for example, is such a rewarding experience, and it challenges you to step outside of your comfort zone in the best way,” Reardon said.
“I also talked about how important it is to be part of something bigger than yourself. Community involvement is a great way to stay connected to your roots, and Holyoke makes that easy because it has such a rich history and a deep sense of family. When you grow up in a city with traditions as strong as ours, it’s hard not to feel inspired to keep them alive — especially when they bring people together the way the St. Patrick’s Parade does,” she added.
Reardon’s Irish heritage traces back to County Mayo and County Kerry.
“My Irish heritage traces back to my great-great grandparents on both sides. Unfortunately, I was never able to meet them, but I was lucky enough to grow up with my mom’s grandparents, her mom and my dad’s parents, who told me stories about
ally referred to as “Colleen Mom,” has been keeping colleens and their courts under her wings since the 1980s as they go about their duties promoting the parade and Irish heritage.
“I have had the privilege of getting to know some amazing young women over the years. These colleens and their court members are so intelligent, so active in their community and church. And this year Moira and her court, our two Erins, Maura, and Abigail, are all equally amazing,” she said.
bi, a sixth-grade student at Holyoke’s Blessed Sacrament Church, and constructed under the direction of William Quesnal, who chairs the parade’s Float Committee, along with a dedicated crew of volunteers.
their families and inspired me to keep practicing Irish traditions. I have never been to Ireland, but it has been a dream of mine to go. I’m most looking forward to seeing the Cliffs of Moher and visiting County Kerry and Mayo, where my family is from. I am thrilled and so thankful that my family will be coming with me to experience this trip, and I am hoping that it is one of many more to come,” she said about receiving a trip to Ireland for four as part of becoming Grand Colleen.
Reardon said she would recommend entering the contest to other would-be colleens.
“This tradition is something that so many people hold dear to their hearts, and being part of it is rewarding in every possible way. I know that for some it might seem intimidating — especially for those who aren’t familiar with interviews or pageantry. At the beginning of this process, I was nervous too. But stepping outside of your comfort zone is how you grow and this experience is the perfect opportunity to do that,” she said.
“The interview process and public speaking opportunities alone have been so valuable. But, beyond that, you gain lifelong friends and make memories that you’ll cherish forever. It’s incredible to be part of a legacy like this — one that brings young women together to celebrate our her-
itage, our achievements, and each other,” Reardon added.
Kathy Dulchinos of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, who is affection-
“I’ve seen the float that the girls will be riding on this year. It is absolutely beautiful and they are going to love it, as will everyone else when they see it in the parade,” Dulchinos added.
Reardon and her court will be riding aboard a float designed by Gunnar Gri-
“This is a clover and I just drew the flag in it. I did a pot of gold for leprechauns. I wrote Ireland and did the flag in the letters. And Holyoke, because it’s based in Holyoke,” said Gribi during the announcement of this year’s design winner of the 2025 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Colleen Float Design Concept Contest, which began 10 years ago to involve local students in the parade process.
For more information on the Holyoke Colleen and her Court, visit holyokest patricksparade.com.
St. Patrick’s Weekend
FRANCIE’S TAVERN
THURSDAY 3/21 & FRIDAY 3/22
SATURDAY March 22nd NOON MIDLIFE CRISIS Moose & The High Tops 4 PM
The 2025 Holyoke Grand Colleen Moira Reardon and her court gather for a photo at the 69th annual Grand Colleen Coronation Ball and Awards Recognition Reception at the Log Cabin in Holyoke on Feb. 15. (ED COHEN PHOTO)
“From start to finish it is just an enjoyable day to be out with friends and family.”
BILL FOLEY, 70, PARTICIPANT IN THE HOLYOKE ST. PATRICK’S ROAD RACE
Children can also get into all the action with their own race. There is a free Kids Fun Run at 11 a.m. Lineup begins at 10:45 a.m. at the intersection of Hampden and Walnut Streets for boys and girls who will be divided into ages groups 2-4, 4-6, 6-8 and 8-11.
Prizes in the men’s and women’s categories are $1,000 for first place, $650 for second place, $450 for third place,and $250 for fourth place. Louis Serafini of Cambridge placed first for the men at 30 minutes, 12
seconds, and Anna Steinman of Springfield placed first for the women at 37 minutes.
Bill Foley, 70, has never won a prize in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race. In fact, you can usually find him at the back of the pack. But that hasn’t stopped him from running since the very first race.
He began running at Van Horn Park in Springfield while attending prep school in order to get ready for playing soccer.
Years later he signed up to run his first St. Patrick’s Road Race, which he said was good preparation for getting in shape to run the Boston and NYC Marathons. He ran four marathons in New York and three in Boston.
out with friends and family,” Foley added.
Fees for the 10K race are $45 for those 18 and older and $25 for all others, and $25 for all ages for the 2-mile walk. Walkers and runners also receive a T-shirt as part of their entrance fee.
Given the limited on-street parking in the downtown area, a free shuttle service is available from Holyoke Community College and will drop runners and observers to the race’s starting area. The shuttle runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Presenting sponsor for this year’s Road Race is PeoplesBank.
“I ran the Holyoke race early on with a friend, Jack Maloney, God rest his soul, to prepare us for those marathons,” Foley said, noting he later ran for many years with the late Marty Dunn, former Massachusetts state senator and mayor of Holyoke. After fracturing a hip two
years ago, Foley is taking it a little easier these days when it comes to running.
“I’ve been doing the 2-mile walk now with my wife, Colleen,” he said, noting she used to run with him and Dunn.
“From start to finish it is just an enjoyable day to be
Monies raised from the race help to support the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee in its efforts to support the many costs associated with putting on a parade of such magnitude. Additional race information can be found at holyoke stpatricksroadrace.org.
Runners wore all manner of interesting costume and clothing, including this knitted beard, in the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race.
Award
distinguished themselves in their chosen field.
A native of Longmeadow, Moynahan’s accomplishments in entertainment and her commitment to uplifting others serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Irish-American community.
“Bridget Moynahan’s professional accomplishments as an actor and writer and her personal advocacy on behalf of her community and charitable institutions, exemplify the criteria the committee seeks in honoring an American of Irish descent in the spirit of President Kennedy each year,” said John J. Driscoll, Esq., chair of the JFK National Award Selection Committee.
Recently, Moynahan reprised her memorable role as Natasha, Carrie Bradshaw’s rival and Mr. Big’s wife in HBO’s “Sex and the City” reboot “And Just Like That ....” She also starred in and produced the award-winning short film “Swipe NYC” opposite Richard Schiff and Lisa Edelstein.
Moynahan first captured the attention of audiences in Disney’s “Coyote Ugly” for producer Jerry Bruckheimer. She went on to star in numerous blockbuster films including the futuristic summer hit “I, Robot” with Will Smith, “The Recruit” with Al Pacino and Colin Farrell, the “John Wick” series starring Keanu Reeves, and “The Sum of All Fears," teaming with Ben Affleck in the political thriller based on the bestselling novel written by Tom Clancy — the JFK Award recipient for the 1992 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
In addition to her successful acting career, Moynahan is an accomplished author and advocate, embodying the spirit of resilience and pride rooted in Irish heritage. She serves as a spokesperson for The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, an organization dedicated to providing joy, community, and healing to children with serious illnesses and their families. She also serves as an ambassador for Global Citizens, an internation-
al education and advocacy organization working to catalyze the movement to end extreme poverty and promote social justice and equity through the lens of intersectionality.
The 72nd grand marshal of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade is James M. Lavelle, who is professor emerita from the Education Department at Holyoke Community College. The grand marshal is the highest local honor given to a person of Irish ancestry and either a resident of Holyoke or a member of the Parade Committee who has distinguished themselves as a loyal person to the Parade Committee, their career, family and to their Irish ancestry.
“Jim has been a longtime supporter of the parade committee and is a true community partner. I am honored to march alongside Jim and his family down the streets of Holyoke,” said John Beaulieu, 2025 parade president.
Lavelle — whose father, Bernard, was grand Marshal in 1988 and whose daughter, Grace, was a member of the Grand Colleen Court in 2016 — is the general manager of Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) which provides gas, electric and telecommunications services to its customers.
Through his leadership, HG&E has implemented innovative projects, such as acquisition of the Holyoke Dam and Canal system and the development of solar and energy storage, that not only benefit customers and the environment, but have also been recognized through several achievements, including the 2021 and 2023 Utility Trans-
“Jim has been a longtime supporter of the parade committee and is a true community partner. I am honored to march alongside Jim and his family down the streets of Holyoke.”
John Beaulieu, 2025 Parade President
formation Leaderboard by the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA).
He is a graduate of Holyoke High School and the University of Massachusetts, where he received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree in business administration. He serves on the boards of several professional associations, including as director of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company, Municipal Electric Association of Massachusetts, Northeast Public Power Association, PeoplesBank, Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and as director and president of the Holyoke Solar Cooperative and Massachusetts Clean Energy Cooperative.
Lavelle also enjoys giving back to his community having served as a trustee for Holyoke Community College, on the Finance Committee of St. Jerome Parish, the board for the Greater Holyoke YMCA, and as coach for Holyoke Youth Football and Holyoke YMCA Basketball.
This year’s Citizenship Award recipient is the Rev. Robert A. Gentile, Jr. who was recently assigned as pastor of Ste. Rose de Lima Parish in Chicopee after serving as pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Holyoke since 2006. The award is presented to a person or organization that may be of non-Irish descent that has made substantial contributions to the parade and/or the committee.
A graduate of Cathedral High School, Fr. Gentile attended American International College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics. He then joined Merrill Lynch’s financial training program and worked as a financial advisor for several years. After the death of his father, Fr. Gentile began to reevaluate his life and eventually
entered the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary to study for the priesthood. In 2003, he was ordained with his first assignment as a parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in West Springfield, where he served for 33 months.
This year’s Ambassador Award recipient — presented to a person who has worked to promote the relationship between the people of the Republic of Ireland and the people of the United States — is Frederick L. Sullivan.
Raised in New York City, he is a founding partner of Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn LLC, a management-side labor and employment firm with offices in Springfield and Manhattan. He holds a J.D. degree from Fordham University School of Law and is admitted to the Bar of Massachusetts and the Bar of New York State, as well as to the federal courts in New England and New York
For more than 30 years, he has been named to The Best Lawyers in America, having
been chosen best in his field by other lawyers repeatedly and selected as Best Lawyers’ “Lawyer of the Year” award. Sullivan has also been repeatedly named to the esteemed Irish Legal 100, a network of distinguished and accomplished lawyers of Irish descent in the legal profession. Since joining the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke in 1974, Sullivan has dedicated more than 50 years of service to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, including several leadership roles such as chair of the Board of Directors and president for the 1990 parade.
Over 30 years ago, he was instrumental in collaborating to create the Ambassador Award, working directly with the Republic of Ireland. Prior to this award, he had also been honored with the O’Connell Award and was the parade’s grand marshal in 2006. This year’s honor sets Sullivan apart as the first committee member to receive the honor.
Additionally, Holyoke St. Patrick Parade Committee award recipients include Devin Sheehan, who is receiving the Thomas F. Rohan Award; Jeff Walsh, who is this year’s recipient of the Georgene E. O’Connell Award; and James Meenaghan, honored with the Daniel J. Gallivan Award.
Grand marshal for the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade, James M. Lavelle.
Produced and designed by Dolores Kohl Education Foundation
2025
Line of March
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
With more than seven decades worth of filling the streets of Holyoke with Irish pride, the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade is stepping off on a strong note for its 72nd year.
On Sunday, the 2.65-mile parade route will step off from the Kmart Plaza parking lot on Northampton Street at 11:10 a.m. and head toward Hampden Street via Beech, Appleton, and High streets. The parade will be aired live on WWLP at noon, and livestreamed on WWLP.com.
Grand Marshal James Lavelle will lead the parade this year. He will be joined by parade president John R. Beaulieu and chief-of-staff Jennifer Morrison. Ireland officials including Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s ambassador to the United States, and Sighle FitzGerald, Irish consul general of the Republic of Ireland, will also be in attendance.
Entertainment along the parade route this year will include Janoah the Jester Unicyclist, MIFA Victory Theatre, the Holyoke Cale-
Parade attendees and participants alike were entertained by beautiful floats, local talents and special guests in the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
Division AA
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee
Curran Vehicles (Bill Dinn)
Holyoke Auxiliary Police Car Parade Program Books
Division A
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee
Division Sponsor Sign
Holyoke Auxiliary Color Guard
Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band
Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan & Police Department
Marching Unit
donian Pipe Band and the Duffy Irish School of Dance. For more information, visit the parade’s website at holyokestpatricks parade.com or Facebook. com/HolyokeParade. The parade committee encourages spectators to use the hashtag #Parade413 to share their Irish pride the day of the parade on social media. Below is this year’s line of march, which is subject to change.
*Note: Performances and special floats are denoted in bold.
Retired Holyoke Police
Massachusetts State Police Vehicles
Hot Tamales of Cambridge
Grand Marshal James M. Lavelle and family
Past Marshals Float
St. Patrick’s Parade Chaplain — Rev. Michael J. Twohig
J.F.K National Award Winner
Bridget Moynahan
Aqua String Band of Philadelphia
Parade President John R. Beaulieu and family
3 Roller Skaters
Rohan Award Winner Devin Sheehan and family
Valet Park Vehicle
O’Connell Award Winner Jeff Walsh and family
Janoah the Jester Unicyclist
Gallivan Award Winner James Meenaghan and family
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Grand Colleen Moira
Catherine Reardon and her court, “From the Students”
Ambassador Award Winner Frederick L. Sullivan
Ambassador of Ireland to the United States Geraldine Byrne Nason
Irish Consul General of the Republic of Ireland Sighle FitzGerald
Vice Consul General of the Republic of Ireland Paul Rooney
Citizenship Award Winner Rev. Fr. Robert A. Gentile, Jr.
Jurassic Park Vehicle
Warehouse Point, of Enfield
Sisters of Providence Marching Unit
4th Degree Knights of Columbus Color Corps.
Knights of Columbus Assembly 2670, of Chicopee
3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Marching Unit 388
Knights of Columbus Assembly 4044
Division B
City of Holyoke
Holyoke Division Sponsor Sign
Holyoke High School Cheerleaders
Holyoke High School Band
Holyoke High School Restorative Roots Program & Music Program
Gary Rome Hyundai High School Giveaway Vehicle
Sullivan Cheerleading Squad
Sister City of Holyoke - Tralee, Ireland sign
Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia and Family
Holyoke City Officials and City Council
Holyoke School Committee
Dean Tech CTE
Holyoke Fire Department Color Guard Unit
Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz and Fire Department
Federal dignitaries
U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal
District Attorney Anthony Gulluni
State Sens. Jake Oliveira and John Velis
State Rep. Patricia Duffy
National Association of Letter Carriers - Branch 46
Tian Guo Marching Band, of Greater New York
Holyoke/Chicopee Head Start
Agawam contingent plans Irish music tribute
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
The Agawam St. Patrick’s Committee is tapping into the power of music for its presence in this year’s parade.
The Agawam Committee has not built a float for the annual parade since 2020, so getting back to the construction is an exciting time for all, said Abbie Fiore, president of the committee.
“We have a huge focus on Irish music this year,” Fiore said of the committee’s design, which was already underway at the time of her interview with The Republican. “ We are definitely doing something very unique and different than what we have done in the past. Our float building committee is hard at work thinking of all the details and can’t wait to show everyone the surprise on Parade Day!”
Sitting center stage on that float will be Julia Nicosia, a student at Holyoke Community College and this year’s Agawam colleen. Her court members include Teagan Fullam, a senior at Agawam High School; Samantha Machos, a junior at Agawam High School; and Abigail Drumm, a senior at Agawam High School.
Also marching this year will be Parade Marshal Todd Arslanian, as well as award
’Hamp committees ready to show off their Irish pride
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
Northampton has been a participant in the annual St. Patrick’s Parade every year since it began in 1952, and for Brian J. O’Connor, Northampton parade marshal, returning to Holyoke for parade weekend is a lot like “hanging out with 400,000 of my closest Irish friends.”
winners Judith Christian, Anne Sullivan Award winner; Dawn DeMatteo, Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award winner; and Abigail Drumm, William Pfau Cultural Award winner.
Fiore also serves as Colleen Mom, which means that she attends all of the season’s events with the girls, from the time they apply early in the season to the point that they step off on parade day.
“As a former court member, I have been part of the process and I think it helps the girls as they go through the process (to) know what it looks like from someone who has been part of it,” she said.
Fiore has served as president of the committee for two years. Prior to that, she served as a director on the board for one year and was a former court member in 2016.
Looking ahead to this year’s parade, Fiore said that the committee is hoping for a beautiful day to celebrate the season. “The thing we are most excited for is to see our float concept come to life and our girls seeing it for the first time,” she said “We were excited to be able to build again and can’t wait to celebrate it with all of Agawam and the surrounding communities.”
“We always look forward to the friendly crowds that welcome and cheer for Northampton as we march by,” said O’Connor, who has been a member of the Northampton St. Patrick’s Association for 40 years. “Certain house parties will come out and hug or high-five us.”
Northampton does not host an annual colleen contest, but continues to spread Irish culture through its annual awards program.
This year’s award recipients include: Linda Bushey James, recipient of the Brennan Award; Reagan Dunphy, recipient of the Dr. B David
Shea Heritage Award; Dana Warren, recipient of the William F O’Connor Shanachie Student Award; Max Hartley, recipient of the James M Diggins Award; Jay Czelusniak, recipient of the Michael & Patricia Ahearn Award; Meaghan Sullivan, recipient of the Peter V. Kocot Community Service Award; and Gloria Parker, recipient of the Tess Collins Ambassador Award.
Various past award winners will also be marching or riding in vehicles in this year’s parade, including O’Connor’s own parents, 1995 co-Marshals Jim and Mary O’Connor.
Other past award winners returning for this year’s parade include 2005 Parade Marshal W. Michael Ryan, 2011 Parade Marshal Tom Dunphy, 2018 Parade Marshal William O’Riordan, 2014 Parade Marshal Larry Costello, 2016 Marshal Patrick Diggins, 2019 Marshal Caitlyn Shea Butler and 2020-2022 Marshal Tully McColgan.
Only 5 miles down the road,
the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is just as busy preparing for the big day.
“We are excited to be celebrating again — both at our annual awards dinner and in the streets of Holyoke,” said Melissa Pike, an association member who also served as past president and parade marshal for Easthampton.
Easthampton joined in on the annual celebration of Irish heritage in 1969 and every year since thenx the association has been dedicated to promoting Irish culture in the region.
This year, while Easthampton will not have a traditional float rolling down Beech Street, a number of award winners are more than ready to show off their Irish pride.
This year’s parade marshal, Bill Lynch, is deeply involved with Easthampton city affairs. He previously served on the Easthampton City Council, and remain actively involved in civic and volunteer
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee 413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird
6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15
Open Seating
2 Halls for Players
Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm. Minimum Admission $50
1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
Min. Entry Package $15
Agawam colleen Julia Nicosia is flanked by her court members Teagan Fullam, Samantha Machos and Abigail Drumm. (SUBMITTED VIA FACEBOOK)
Connecticut Hurricanes of Seymour, Conn.
Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems Marching Units
Holyoke Community Charter School Cheerleaders
Holyoke Community Charter School
Ms. Massachusetts Senior America
2024 Victoria Wright
Miss Western Massachusetts 2025 Madelynn Hardtke
Miss Western Massachusetts Teen 2025 Faith Ramos
Miss Plus America 2024 Jillian Mattei
United Horizons “Friends for Down Syndrome & Autism” (Music)
Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi and Marching Unit
MIFA Victory Theatre
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts
Scouting America
Blessed Sacrament School
Mater Dolorosa School
Mount Tom Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons
Hope for Holyoke
Holyoke Art Pridefest
Valley Opportunity Council
There’s No Place Like Jericho (Music)
Jericho Marching Unit
Marcotte Ford Vehicle
Holyoke Gas & Electric Utility Vehicle
Valet Park Mini Van and Ambulance
Holyoke Pediatric Association, “To Immunity & Beyond” (Music)
Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) Banner
Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH) 2025 Woman of the Year Cheryl Dupont
AOH 2025 Man of the Year Daniel Murphy
AOH and LAOH 2025 presidents Joseph O’Connor and Mary O’Connor
AOH 2025 Christian Charity Award Winner Owen Donohue
Irish flag
St. Brigid’s Float (Music)
St. Patrick and St. Brigid
AOH Banner
AOH and LOAH Marching Unit
Shamrock Dancers (Music)
Cassin Academy of Irish Dancers
Gary Rome Hyundai Marching
Caballos de Paso - Gaited Horses
Division C
Military
Massachusetts National Guard
Great American Marching Band, of East Windsor, Conn.
Veterans’ Home at Holyoke
dent Kathy Silwa
Jack Woods Award Winner George A. Balakier
James Brennan Award Winner
Linda Bushey
Worcester Kiltie Pipe Band
Atkinson Award Winner Corridan Funeral Home
Meara Award Winner Brady Procon
Chicopee Parade Committee Members
Chicopee Colleen Daiana Torres and her court, “Irish Fortune”
Chicopee Mayor John Vieau
Chicopee City Council and Elected Officials
Chicopee Police Department Chief
Patrick Major and Marching Unit
Chicopee Police Canine Unit
Chicopee Comprehensive High School Marching Band
WWLP-22 News and The CW
Springfield
Chicopee Fire Department Chief
Daniel Stamborski and Marching Unit
Polish American String Band, of Philadelphia
Westover USO
Civil Air Patrol
Disabled American Veterans #11, #41 & #68
82nd Airborne Division Association
American Red Cross
Worcester Sound Military Band
Division D
Chicopee
Division Sponsor Banner
Chicopee Banner
Chicopee Marshal – Billy Stetson
Past Parade Marshals
Chicopee High School Marching Pacers Band
Chicopee Parade Committee Presi-
Chicopee Little League
Moose Family Center #1849 Officers Marching Unit
Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 1849, Moose Family Lodge
Cub Scouts and Boy Scout Troop 183, St. Rose de Lima Church Juggler and Wing Dancer
The Oompa Meisters, of Springfield
Division E
Northampton/Amherst
Division Sponsor Banner
Northampton Banner
Northampton Parade Marshal
Brian J O’Connor
Past Marshals
William F. O’Connor Shanachie Award Winner Dana Warren, Hampshire Regional High School
James Diggin Award Winner Max Hartley, Northampton High School
Dr. B. David Shea Heritage Award Winner Reagan Dunphy, Northampton High School
Tess Collins Ambassador Award
Winner Gloria Parker
Peter V Kocot Community Service Award Winner Meaghan Sullivan
Michael & Patricia Ahearn Award
Winner Jay Czelusniak
Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra
Northampton City Councilors
Northampton St. Patrick’s Association Banner
St. Patrick Bill Metzger
Northampton St. Patrick’s Association Members
Molly, The Irish Trolley Look Park Jeep
Vintage Police Cruiser
Hampshire County Sheriff Honor Guard
Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane & Marching Unit
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
McGann Marching Band, of Gardner
UMass Police Department
Amherst Fire Department Chief Linsay Stromgren
Union Station Express
Cycling Murrays
Division F
Springfield Division Sponsor Sign
Springfield Banner
Springfield Parade Marshal Kathy Tobin Martin
John & Agnes Burke Award Winner Mary Bednarz
Paul G. Caron Award Winner
Dianne Sullivan Caron
Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award
Winners David Elia, David Stevens, Jerry Stordeur and the Putnam High School Carpentry Department
Libertas Academy Charter School, of Springfield
Springfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Banner & Marching Unit
A colorful performance from the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
Kiera Lynne offers a big smile along Northampton Street to parade participants in her awesome glasses in the 2024 parade.
Free shuttle service to be offered between MGM Springfield, Holyoke City Hall
In preparation for St. Patrick’s weekend in Holyoke — including the annual Road Race and St. Patrick’s Parade — the City of Holyoke and Tourism Advisory Committee have partnered to provide free shuttle bus service for those who would like to attend the festivities.
The shuttle will run on a loop every 30 minutes between MGM Springfield and Holyoke City Hall. The casino offers free parking, so those wishing to attend the St. Patrick’s festivities without worrying about all the traffic are encouraged to park at MGM Springfield and enjoy a safe ride to Holyoke.
Pick up will be done in front of MGM’s South End Market on Main Street and drop off will happen at the Holyoke City Hall parking deck on Dwight Street.
The shuttle service will be offered on both March 22 and 23. The first shuttle of the day leaves MGM Springfield at 11 a.m. The last shuttle of the day leaves from Holyoke City Hall at 4:30 p.m. on March 22 (4:45 p.m. on March 23).
“We’re excited to offer this service once again,” Aaron Vega, director of planning and economic development for the City of Holyoke, said in a statement, adding that “It’s a great partnership with MGM and of course the amazing Parade Committee to ensure the weekend is filled with celebration and is safe for all involved.”
Springfield Police Marching Unit
Springfield Fire Commissioner B.J. Calvi and Springfield Fire Department Marching Unit
Springfield Colleen Ayslin Dziedzic and her Court, “Springfield’s Dr. Seuss”
Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation
Springfield Kiltie Band
John Boyle O’Reilly Club Color Guard
John Boyle O’Reilly Club Past Presidents
John Boyle O’Reilly Club Membership President Thomas Scott
John Boyle O’Reilly Club Irish Persons of the Year Matt Dooney and Katie Dooney
Claddagh School of Dance, Irish Step Dancers
John Boyle O’Reilly Club, “Cead Mile Failte” (Music)
John Boyle O’Reilly Club Volunteer of the Year Al Trombley
Black Rose Irish Dance
Springfield State Sen. Jake Oliveira
Springfield State Reps. Angelo Puppolo, Carlos Gonzalez
Springfield City Council and School Committee
Uncle Sam Brass Brand, of Cambridge
Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers
Springfield Police Department Honor Guard
Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno
Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 –2025 Irish Elk of Year Christine Sweeney Liquori
Springfield Lodge of Elks # 61 Officers
Springfield Lodge of Elks Marching Unit
Springfield Lodge of Elks #61 Float, “50 Years of Jaws” (Music)
Stand Out Truck - PeoplesBank
Springfield Puerto Rican Parade
Stilt Walkers and Wing Dancer
Mountain View Clydesdales
JR Sweeping Services LLC
Division G
West Springfield Division Sponsor Sign
West Springfield Banner
West Springfield High School Band
West Springfield Parade Marshal
Mary Anne Flaherty
Ray DiStefano Citizenship Award
Winner Pintu Chawla
Olde Mittineague Award Winner
Powers Law Group
Jinx Powers Award Winner Deb Heady
West Springfield St. Patrick’s Committee
West Springfield Colleen Ainsley
Elizabeth Kearney and her Court,
Division H
Agawam
Division Sponsor Sign
Agawam Parade Marshal Todd Arslainian
Agawam Ann Sullivan Award Recipient Judith Christian
Agawam Vera A. Conway Citizenship Award Recipient Dawn DeMatteo
Colleen Escort Vehicle
Agawam Colleen Julia Nicosia and her Court, “Rockin’ with the Colleen, An Irish Musical Journey”
Agawam Parade Committee Members
Agawam Town Banner
Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson
Agawam City Council and School Committee
Manchester Pipe Band of Manchester, Conn.
Agawam High School Cheerleaders
“The Conlin Bowler” (Music)
West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt
West Springfield Town Council and School Committee
West Springfield Police Department Marching Unit and Chief Jay Gearing
West Springfield Fire Department Marching Unit and Chief C.J. Bartone
Jack Jonah Foundation
St. Thomas the Apostle School and Parish
Western Massachusetts Ghostbusters
St. Peter’s Drum Corp., of Torrington, Conn.
Irish Cultural Center
Springfield Rugby Club
Agawam Fire Department Chief Sirois
Agawam Police Department Chief Eric Gillis
Agawam Senior Center
Jurassic Park truck
Ancient Mariners Connecticut Fife and Drum Corp, of New London
Franklin County Sheriff’s OfficeSheriff Lori Streeter & Marching Unit
Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, “Building Bridges”
Division I
Westfield
Above is a scene from the 2024 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
efforts. A former Eagle Scout, he continues his commitment to youth programs as a leader in his son’s Cub Scout pack. Professionally, Lynch serves as the director of profitability for Stop & Shop Supermarkets, where he has worked for 26 years.
Lynch has no shortage of Irish pride, either — along with serving as a member of the Easthampton Parade Committee, he is also a member of the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, where he regularly co-chairs the annual St. Patrick’s 10K Road Race in Holyoke.
Maj. Andrew Covington, who was born and raised in South Hadley before moving to Easthampton in 2016, is the recipient of this year’s Gallagher/ Walker Award.
The award honors committee members who go above and beyond in their service and Covington, who has been an active member of the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Parade Committee since 2017, exemplifies that.
Covington graduated from South Hadley High School in 2005 and continued his education at Springfield College, graduating in 2010 and going on to earn his law degree from Roger Williams University in 2013. Since 2014, he has served as assistant district attorney for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. Additionally, he serves as a JAG Officer in the United States Army Reserve.
Covington is not shy about his Irish heritage, which he celebrates proudly each year, having participated in the annual St. Patrick’s Road Race for more than a decade.
The Easthampton Police Association is the recipient of the 2025 Shamrock Award, which recognizes non-committee businesses or individuals who have greatly contributed to the parade committee.
Special recognition was given to retired Police Chief Robert Alberti, who served as an advocate for the committee throughout his 26 years of service in Easthampton.
ST. PATRICK’S PARADE
March
Westfield Division Sponsor Sign
American Legion Post #124 Color Guard
Westfield Parade Marshal Tim O’Connor
Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe
State Sen. John Velis
State Rep. Kelly Pease
Westfield City Officials
Westfield High School Marching Band
Thomas M. Kane Irish Man of the Year Jim Laverty
Dorothy Griffin Irish Woman of the Year Sally Popoli
Sons of Erin Marching Unit President Steve Griffin
Sons of Erin Women’s Auxiliary
Marching Unit President Leslie Dodge
Billy Buzzee St. Pat on the Back Award Winner Colleen Committee
Sons of Erin Colleen Jillian Cierra Battles and her Court, “Mike’s Wish” (Music)
Westfield Police Department Chief of Police Jerome Pitoniak
Westfield Fire Department Deputy
Chief Patrick Kane
Connecticut Valley Field Music of Middletown, Conn.
Westfield Starfires Vehicle
Huntington Fire Department Captain John McVeigh
Granville Police Department Chief Rick Rindels
Granville Fire Department
Magic Soul Drum Line of Hartford
Pizza Planet truck
Division J
South Hadley/Easthampton
South Hadley Division Sponsor Sign
NRB Roof Pros
South Hadley St. Patrick’s Parade Committee Banner Sign
South Hadley American Legion Honor Guard
South Hadley Parade Marshal SSG
Brian Willette and Family
State Sen. Jake Oliveira
State Rep. Homar Gomez
South Hadley Town Administrator
Lisa Wong
South Hadley Selectboard and School Committee
South Hadley High School Band
“Vietnam - South Hadley - Honoring Service, Remembering Sacrifice”
South Hadley Fire District #1 Chief Tom Stark
South Hadley Fire District #2 Chief Ryan Moore
Pioneer Valley Roller Derby
Fralinger String Band, of Philadelphia
Division Sponsor Sign – bankESB
Easthampton Parade Marshal Bill Lynch
Gallagher-Walker Award Winner Andy Covington
Shamrock Award Winner
Easthampton Police Association
Easthampton Past Marshals
Greater Easthampton Parade Committee
Giant Puppets
Easthampton Mayor Nicole LaChapelle
Easthampton City Officials and City Council
Easthampton School Committee
Easthampton High School We The People
Easthampton Police Color Guard
Chief Dennis Scribner and the Easthampton Police Department
Chief Christopher Norris and Easthampton Fire Department
Scouting America (Easthampton)
Brooklyn United Drumline of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Windy Hill Stable Horses
Duffy Irish School of Dance (Music)
Kaeble Energy Truck
Division K
Melha Shriners
L.O.S.N.A.
Rainbow Girls
Parade Marshal Jason Corey
Melha Banner - Color Guard - Legion of Honor
Illustrious Potentate, Divan, Chief Rabban, Asst. Rabban, Past Poten-
tates
Melha Temple Military Band, of Springfield
Trustees, Administrators, Aides and Ambassadors
Directors- Float & Directors Van
Past Masters
Mini Scooters
Shrine Club: K-9, Burns Brigade, Berkshire Shrine Club
Clowns Float
Rider’s Mini-Choppers and Flyers
Highlanders Band
Vintage Autos
Dazzle Balloon Float
Melha Temple Oriental Band, of Springfield Mariners
Melha Riders: Dune Buggy, Mustang, Mini-Bikes, Big Rig’s Plus, Rattlers, Model T’s Monster Trucks, Go Karts, Dune Buggy
Melha Temple Drum Corps
Melha Bus
PVTA Electric Bus, Veolia Sweepers
Above are scenes from a past Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade. (THE REPUBLICAN / FILE PHOTOS)
Pink Talking Fish to play Amherst
ATRIPLE BILL OF Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish
would certainly serve as a knockout combination of musical punches.
But it also might seem a bit odd to fans of those respective bands. After all, none of them have a lot in common with the other two.
But that didn’t stop bassist Eric Gould from forming Pink Talking Fish, a tribute band that honors all three acts in concert. The band will play The Drake in Amherst today, March 20, with the focus being on the 50th anniversary
Getting over beer’s ‘inferiority complex’
IT HAS ALWAYS SADdened me a bit that beer and its fans have seemed to have had an inferiority complex of sorts.
There’s been some understandable reasons for this, and I’m relieved to see that it seems to have dissipated a lot over the past decade or so. But some remnants still remain.
Let me explain:
what if I just take three of my favorite bands and do it?”
Gould then put together a setlist from the catalogues of Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish and was amazed at how well the songs seemed to mesh.
“I took a producer’s mentality on finding connections, both emotionally and melodically, and even within the rhythms,” he said. “So that’s where the fun began, and we’ve been exploring the connections between these three bands ever since. The bands are very different, but together collectively, they offer a great emotional ride.”
“We make sure we’re paying proper respect, and all the musicians in the band are so wonderfully versatile.”
Eric Gould, of Pink Talking Fish
of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” album.
Gould, a musician who largely played in original bands, had an epiphany of sorts when he moved to Kansas City years ago.
“I picked up a few gigs and wound up playing more covers than I ever had before in my life, and I had a blast with it. It was really fun,” he said in a recent telephone interview. “And I wondered if I were ever to form a tribute band, how would it work? Because I didn’t think I’d want to just stick to just one band. But
While this tour is a little more weighted toward Pink Floyd, Gould said the band usually serves up equal helpings of all three bands.
“We definitely make sure we have a nice blend of all three, and sometimes we throw in some other stuff, too. We like to make sure everyone’s happy, but I also like to keep people on their toes,” he said the laugh.
The Amherst show will feature a first set where the band plays “Wish You Were Here” in its entirety.
“But that album was only
45 minutes long, so we’ll be doing an extended second set of all three bands in combination,” Gould said.
The band has actually played the entire “Wish You Were Here” album before, so relearning some of the songs wasn’t a challenge, Gould said, but because it was years ago and there have been lineup changes, they overhauled the set for the new tour.
“We even took the songs that we’ve had in rotation and took a good look at them to make them special for this tour,” he said. “I’m really excited about people hearing our version of ‘Welcome to the Machine.’ We’re doing something really special with it.”
While some tribute bands try to replicate records as precisely note-for-note as possible, Pink Talking Fish takes a reverent but slightly different approach.
“We make sure we’re paying proper respect and all the musicians in the band are so wonderfully versatile. So, for a song like ‘Time’ by Pink Floyd, the guitar solo is going to be played note-for-note. We’re going to make sure that stuff is honored,” Gould said.
“But then there are times when we’re doing improvisation, that’s when we get to be ourselves. If we’re playing ‘Harry Hood’ by Phish, we’re still trying to capture the spirit of a Phish jam, but we’re going to be ourselves.”
While wine has largely been associated with fine dining, romance and a certain type of elegance, beer has usually been seen as a working-class drink of the hoi polloi. Spirits, of course, run the gamut from bathtub gin to the $19,000 “Diamonds are Forever” martini at Tokyo’s Ritz-Carlton, but, in general, the word “cocktail” exudes a certain refinement.
I believe these cultural distinctions led beer aficionados to try to imbue their favorite drink with more sophistication than need be. I feel that beer is just fine as it is: occupying its longtime blue-collar place in the alcohol pantheon and never needing to compete with wines or spirits’ presumed haughtiness in the bar and restaurant universe.
One thing that always struck me as odd was how beer gets compared with wine. Like it or not, beer usually doesn’t have the array of variables that wine can have going into its creation. In general (with some exceptions I’ll get to later), you can make very similar beers anywhere. Wine, however, is dependent on terroir — i.e., the environmental factors in which grapes grow, such as climate, soil and topography. These factors can mean that a wine from the same region may vary widely from year to year, depending on the region’s weather (which is why people often refer to wines by the year).
My good friend Michael Quinlan, a wine expert who has traveled the world learning about vino, said that all these factors affect the grapes before they’re harvested but
George Lenker Beer Nut
terroir is further modified by how the vintners decide to age the wine.
“Once the grapes are harvested and people get involved, that’s when terroir starts to change somewhat,” he said. “One person may say, ‘I’m going to use all new oak barrels; another guy might say, ‘I’m going to use 10% new oak, 40% old oak and 50% stainless steel.’ And so now the expression of that terroir is coming through different lenses.”
Beer, of course, has its own nuances of expression, but it simply has nothing that compares to terroir. Yes, beer can utilize various types of barrels and add different flavors, even crazy ones. But those variations are not typical with most beers and aren’t really comparable to the overall concept of terroir.
Some people might object and say that certain types of hops grow better in certain areas than others, and different grains yield different flavors, but we’re still talking apples and oranges here. Grains aren’t really dependent on as many factors as grapes, and hops are not the base ingredient of beer (as much as hopheads want them to be).
Now, as I said above, there is a similarity to terroir in a roundabout way. As Quinlan pointed out, the one component of beer that somewhat relates to how terroir affects wine is water. After all, Bass Ale long boasted about the water used to make it — from its home in Burton-up -
Pink Talking Fish, a tribute band that honors Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish, will play The Drake in Amherst tonight, March 20.
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
Restaurants seize marketing opportunity of ‘March Madness’
LIKE FEBRUARY’S Super Bowl, this month’s NCAA Basketball Championships, popularly known as “March Madness,” have become an important marketing opportunity for the restaurant business. Whether promoting dine-in, carry out or delivery, a number of restaurants have cranked up their menu development machinery to turn out meals that are custom-designed for fans of the round ball extravaganza.
As one example in celebration of “March Madness,” participating Applebee’s restaurants are, through March 21, offering a 50-cent deal on Boneless Wings for off-premises orders.
Applebee’s management was quick to point out to franchisees that the promotion was not designed to be a loss leader but instead a traffic-building strategy. More than 21% of Applebee’s business is currently off premises, that amount more or less evenly divided between delivery and takeout.
Also eager to capitalize on “March Madness,” Buffalo Wild Wings has introduced two new sandwiches to its permanent menu.
The Beer Cheese Cheesesteak Sandwich features shaved sirloin steak, beer cheese, American cheese, grilled onions and scallions all piled onto a toasted sub roll,
while the new Chicken Parm Melt is built from a breaded and fried chicken breast stacked with mozzarella sticks and finished with a Parmesan garlic sauce, pepper Jack and Parmesan cheeses, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
“B2W” is also featuring two limited-time-only sauce options, a Buffalo blue sauce that brings together blue cheese and Buffalo wing sauce and a BBQ Ranch sauce, a blending of two conventional sauce favorites.
The product development team at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers & Brews has released its own “March Madness” special as well, introducing a “too-much-is-never-enough” burger.
The Buzzer Beater Bacon Cheeseburger, which will be available through April 7, stacks up three beef patties, four strips of bacon, four slices of American cheese and a generous squirt of Red Robin’s proprietary “Red’s Secret Sauce.”
Like all the brand’s burgers, the Buzzer Beater comes with steak fries.
There are Red Robin locations at Holyoke Crossing, on Hazard Avenue in Enfield and in the Buckland Hills shopping district in Manchester.
Side Dishes
• “Get Lost in Ludlow,” a marketing campaign
Fusions, will further enhance the sauces with mix-ins in an effort to create what the brand calls a “one-of-a-kind flavor experience.” The Girl Scout Cookie Frosty dessert the chain is currently serving is a prototype of these “Fusions” offerings.
on-Trent in England.
“The one thing that’s similar in beer is the water. It’s probably why there are all those breweries in Easthampton. Easthampton is famous
for having really excellent water,” he said. “Building 8’s IPA tasted the way it did because it was brewed in Northampton. If you brewed it elsewhere, it probably wouldn’t taste the same.”
As far as spirits, which due to their base ingredient of grain, are closer to beer
sponsored by the town of Ludlow, has organized a Ludlow Restaurant Week this month.
The promotion, which will run from March 24 to March 30, currently involves six establishments in Ludlow — Randall’s Farm, Primavera Cafe, Vanished Valley Brewing Company, the Casa Pizzeria, Iron Duke Brewing’s tap room and Villa Rose, which is observing the restaurant week by offering a 50% off deal on all appetizers.
For more information on Ludlow Restaurant Week go to the campaign’s website, getlostinludlow.com.
• This month’s “Legacy is in Bloom” menu at participating Friendly’s restaurants heralds the return of four popular menu items. These include Friendly’s Ultimate Cheeseburger, its Shrimp Platter, the Strawberry & Walnut Salad and Friendly’s “Famous” Fried Ravioli.
The chain has also made two new introductions to its menu, a Beef Tips & Mash dinner and Bursting Boba Lemonade.
• The White Lion Brewing Company taproom in
than wine, there is debate on whether terroir can affect certain malt whiskies, but that’s a rabbit hole I will avoid.
The bottom line here is that beer doesn’t need to be as sophisticated as wine (or spirits); it’s fine as it is. Whatever place certain types
downtown Springfield’s Tower Square is debuting four new lunch menu items this week.
They include a prime beef Smash Burger Patty Melt, “Philly’s Finest” Cheesesteak, deep-fried Mac and Cheese Bites served with a marinara dipping sauce and a Black Bean Burger topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled red onion.
Chef Andrew Brow planned to inaugurate the new menu items with a “Taste of White Lion” event on Tuesday, March 18 in White Lion’s Thunder Boom Room.
White Lion Brewing Company answers at 413-455-0820.
• As part of a strategy to enhance the dessert choices in its restaurants, the Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s Company has revealed plans to expand its Frosty frozen dairy dessert line to include two new product categories.
The first, Frosty Swirls, will feature the two traditional Frosty flavors, vanilla and chocolate, swirled with a choice of sweet sauces such as caramel or chocolate.
A second category, Frosty
of anything — alcohol, food, music, fashion, art, etc. — occupy in the cultural hierarchy is based on the zeitgeist of the specific era. In the end, it’s just some tastemakers’ opinions, so who cares?
So yeah, I agree that beer isn’t as “sophisticated” as wine (and some spirits, I
The new Frosty program is reportedly slated for a full introduction in mid-May.
• The East Village Tavern in East Longmeadow has tweaked its regular Sunday morning lineup to create a St. Patrick’s brunch menu for Sunday, March 23.
Featured items include Irish Nachos, Irish Flapjacks served with whipped cream, a Corned Beef Sandwich and a traditional Reuben Sandwich.
The tavern’s brunch menu also includes a classic breakfast plate, tater tot nachos, breakfast tacos and several popular between-bread constructs.
Sunday brunch is served weekly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the East Village Tavern answers at 413-525-7777.
• Figaro Ristorante in Enfield is offering Lenten Season Specials each Friday evening through April 18.
Available 4 p.m. through 9:30 p.m., the specials include Fish ’n Chips, Fried Whole Belly Clams, Baked Sea Scallops, Cioppino (a San Francisco-style seafood stew) and a Broiled Seafood platter.
For more details, contact the restaurant at 860-745-2414.
guess). That doesn’t mean wine is better. Son House wasn’t as sophisticated as Eddie Van Halen, but I’d much rather listen to the bluesman (with all due respect to both).
In the end, I’ll clink glasses with you no matter what liquid you’re drinking. Cheers.
Participating Applebee’s restaurants are offering a 50-cent deal on Boneless Wings through Friday, March 21. (COURTESY OF APPLEBEE’S)
Hugh Robert Off The Menu
Dublin.
The Sons of Erin Float Committee is bringing his wish to life this year.
“The Colleen and her Court will be seated in front of colorful doors, similar to those found in Merrion Square, St. Stephen’s Green and Fitzwilliam Square,” Casey explained. “These colorful doors are varied, somewhat like the tall tales surrounding their origins.”
The float building committee has been working together diligently for weeks to bring “Mike’s Wish” to life.
“The float-building process begins with an idea, a song, a few words and pictures, which result in a sketch of the float. The float evolves with new ideas week to week. We channel lessons from the talented master float builders from the past and this year, we stop to think, ‘What would Mike do?’”
said Mary Jane McMahon, who serves on the float committee.
“It was an easy choice, learning this year that Mike
Chicopee
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Award is given to a person or business who are non-committee members and who have supported the committee through sponsorships and other contributions.
Brady Procon, recipient of the 2025 Meara Award, given to an individual who is considered a “hero” for coming to the aid of others. In July 2024, Procon intervened in order to help prevent a boating accident on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. According to Western Mass News, Procon, then 17 years old, jumped from his jet ski onto a sailboat, stopping it from crashing when its instructor fell overboard.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a hero. I think anyone would have done that if they had that opportunity to do it,” he said at the time to Western Mass News.
wanted to one day build a float featuring the “Doors of Dublin,” to make it our theme this year to honor Mike’s memory,” she added.
Riding atop the colorful float will be colleen Jillian Battles, 17, a senior at Westfield High School. She will be joined by court members Jaiden Caban, 18, a senior at Westfield High School; McKenna Clark, 17, a senior at Southwick Regional School; Isabella Proietti, 17, a senior at Southwick Regional School; and Madeline Leclair, 18, a senior at Westfield High School.
Marching with the Sons of Erin this year will be award winners Parade Marshal Tim O’Connor, Thomas Kane Irish Man of the Year Jim Laverty and Dorothy Griffin Irish Woman of the Year Sally Popoli.
Also marching in the parade will be Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, state Rep. Kelly Pease, the Westfield High School band, and representatives from the Westfield Police Department and Fire Department, the Huntington Fire Department, and the Granville Police and Fire Departments.
The Chicopee contingent will also be joined by marching bands from Chicopee High School and Chicopee Comprehensive High School, elected officials, first responders and local business owners.
“We look forward every year to marching down the streets of Holyoke because we are proud of our hard work that each and every member puts into this committee holding events, raising money and building an award-winning float,” Liswell said.
Liswell added that the Chicopee committee is always looking for new members to join, and it’s never too early to think about joining the committee ahead of next year’s parade.
For more information about the Chicopee Parade Committee, how to become a member, and learn about scholarship opportunities, visit the committee’s website.
