Holyoke Inauguration Day

It was standing room only at the Holyoke City Hall Auditorium for Monday morning's swearing in ceremony. I arrived right at 10:00 thinking my timing was perfect only to find every seat taken, and then some.



As you would expect the place was brimming with Holyoke politicos, and the families of those taking the oath of office. Elaine Pluta became Holyoke's first female Mayor. You can read her entire inaugural address here.



It was nice to see some fresh faces added to the mix on the City Council, and School Committee. Jon Lumbra became Holyoke's first new Treasurer in 22 years.



City Clerk Susan Egan swore in three new Holyoke City Councilors. At-Large members Brenna Murphy, Aaron Vega, and Ward 5 Councilor Linda Vacon.



On the School Committee Devin Sheehan replaced Mary Plant who decided not to run again. She served on the School Committee for 22 years. Cesar Lopez replaced Barry Conway who failed get enough signatures to be placed on the November ballot. Barry died on Dec 6 after a long illness. He served for 26 years.



The School Committee will have an organizational meeting Tuesday at Dean Tech, 7:00 PM to elect a Vice Chair, and the City Council will meet Tuesday at 7:30 PM for the first session of the 2010 Council. Before taking up regular business they will elect a Council President.



Congratulations, and good luck to all our elected officials.

Sexier Than Venice!

Holyoke's New Year's celebration at the Open Square was another great event sponsored by Crush.

Mayor Elect Elaine Pluta was the guest of honor, and her son, DJ Tony Pluta, spun some great tunes as we counted down the minutes to midnight.



The Jeremy Milligan Jazz Duo greeted us as we arrived. They were followed by the Artistic Dance Conservatory who performed a variety of short routines. Watching the young dancers was a nice surprise for many party goers who didn't know they were going to perform.



It's tough to work the party with a camera, and enjoy it at the same the time. I sometimes wish I wasn't the one taking the photos, but seeing my them the next day makes it all worth it as I laugh like the party is still going.



Glenn Sullivan won this bush of many gambling pleasures in the raffle, but Jeff Byrne's beautiful, and gritty photo of the Canal was the most wanted raffle item.



The revelers had a great time. For me this was one of the best Holyoke parties yet. Mostly because I didn't have to drive to it. While walking home in the cool air of early Friday morning I felt like Holyoke really is becoming one of those great places you always wanted to live. Is it really happening? Will this be Holyoke's decade? The one when everything comes together?

Photo Slideshow

All proceeds from the Gala went to support MIFA.