Rambling VanDog

2011 Preliminary Election Holyoke

2011-09-21T00:00:00.001-04:00

Detailed Election Results for Holyoke

Mayor

Ward 1A
Pluta 68
Boyle 4
Burns 5
Morse 62

Ward 1B
Pluta 105
Boyle 10
Burns 3
Morse 73

Ward 2A
Pluta 138
Boyle 28
Burns 7
Morse 36

Ward 2B
Pluta 56
Boyle 9
Burns 4
Morse 39

Ward 3A
Pluta 175
Boyle 90
Burns 28
Morse 142

Ward 3B
Pluta 218
Boyle 99
Burns 59
Morse 180

Ward 4A
Pluta 67
Boyle 7
Burns 6
Morse 54

Ward 4B
Pluta 103
Boyle 23
Burns 23
Morse 108

Ward 5A
Pluta 214
Boyle 150
Burns 37
Morse 220

Ward 5B
Pluta 185
Boyle 81
Burns 37
Morse 104

Ward 6A
Pluta 156
Boyle 40
Burns 29
Morse 173

Ward 6B
Pluta 132
Boyle 55
Burns 16
Morse 197

Ward 7A
Pluta 209
Boyle 106
Burns 34
Morse 307

Ward 7B
Pluta 196
Boyle 104
Burns 22
Morse 328

Totals
Total Voter Turnout 5180 (22.01%)
Pluta 2022 (39.09%)
Boyle 806 (15.58%)
Burns 310 (5.99%)
Morse 2023 (39.11%)
Write-In Votes 12 (0.23%)

Ward 7 city councilor
Alexander 533
Fletcher 423
Kulig 325

.

July 26th Storm in the Flats of Holyoke

2011-07-27T00:59:00.003-04:00

Mountain Park Documents

2010-12-14T16:30:00.003-05:00

These are photos from publicly available documents showing where Eric Suher's Mountain Park LLC has repeatedly failed to comply with orders from State and local officials over illegal clearing of wetlands, and trees from protected areas.

First is a public notice from MassDEP stating that the illegal clearing of wetlands in the Mountain Park parcel affected upwards of 15,000 square feet of vegetation. Which is far from the "few tire tracks in a wetland" minimal violation Mr Suher suggested had occurred at last month's zone change hearing. Mountain Park LLC is seeking a zone change on 2 parcels for additional parking.

Second is a certified letter from MassDOT, which as I understand, undertakes enforcement actions only in rare and extreme cases. They demand a written plan to address the "illicit work" of tree removal along Route 5 at the Castle Hill site, where, according to MassDOT, "It was estimated that at least (100) desirable trees (including various Maple and Oak trees) were cleared", illegally from within the State Highway Layout.

And these are a series of 4 letters from the City Engineer's Office, beginning in January of 2010 and ending with one dated December 3, 2010 Demonstrating a year's worth of attempts to get some kind of basic compliance by the city, all apparently in vain, and ending with the referral to the City Solicitor.

Mr Suher has done direct harm by the illegal clearing and failure to abide by various permitting processes, and the enforcement/administrative costs put the city further in debt with his projects around town.

The city has already turned the issue of soil erosion control at Mountain Park over to the city solicitor for further review and possible legal action something made necessary by Mountain Park LLC's having ignored repeated requests from the City Engineer to submit an erosion control plan as required under relevant provisions of law.

So the loss to the city is compounded. Not only are we losing green space when the governing law is ignored this way, but the city's taxpayers are being put to additional expense to attempt to force whatever mitigation can still be made after the damage is done.

So I ask why the city keeps bending over backwards to help Eric Suher when we've already lost control of the situation at Mountain Park?

.

2010 Canal Creature Crawl

2010-11-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

Great Holyoke Block Party 2010

2010-09-06T21:00:00.002-04:00

Big congratulations to all the Crushers that worked on the Block Party this year. It was even better than last. More activities, more food, more people, and more fun.

All the who's-who of Holyoke showed up. I must of talked with a hundred people. It felt like all my Facebook friends were in the same place.

There were tons of families with kids too. And that's what it's really all about. Taking pride in out city, and making it into place everyone can enjoy.

Check out the slideshow of all the Block Party photos.
.

Stubborn Fire at 19 O'Conner Ave

2010-08-17T17:45:00.002-04:00

These old balloon frame construction homes can be tough to put out when they catch fire. The spaces in the walls are often open from the basement to attic meaning that fire can easily travel through the walls.

The Republican has a decent writeup so there's no need for me to write a redundant story.

Photo Set

Slide Show

---

Update: Aug 6, 2010, 3:30
Holyoke police charge 24-year-old Jose Trillo with arson of O'Connor Avenue home

He walked into the Sears Auto Center and asked store employees to call police because he just set fire to his home

.

Smokey fire in the Flats

2010-08-03T20:45:00.006-04:00

The fire broke out in the garages behind the homes at 139 N East St, 128 Center, and 130 Center St Holyoke.

I was up on Beech St when I got a call that there was a fire in the Main St area so I walked all the way back down to the Flats.

The Holyoke fire dept did a good job getting it under control. There wasn't much to see by the time I got there. Very little fire, but a lot of smoke.

This is just 3 blocks from my house which now smells like roofing material on fire.

Magic Music From The Telharmonium

2010-06-19T18:00:00.000-04:00

2030 Vision for Rail

2010-06-03T21:00:00.004-04:00

I expected an update on the Knowledge Corridor plan at yesterday's rail meeting, but what I got was a very ambitious, and wide ranging vision of transportation in the Northeast. Including train runs from NYC to Montreal, into Bradley Airport, Springfield connected to Boston, Faster trains, and more connections. It took place at the PVPC's (Pioneer Valley Planning Commission) office in Springfield. It was presented by MassDOT, and CTDOT with the PVPC on hand.

Building a regional Vision

The plan is called the 2030 Vision for Intercity, Regional, and Freight Rail Service in New England. The main points are:

To implement high-speed, intercity, and regional rail services from NYC to, New Haven - Springfield, Boston, and Montreal.

Provide major connections to the Northeast Corridor, Bradley International Airport, and New Britain - Hartford Busway.

Provide freight capacity and reliability.

Restore second main line between New Haven and Springfield.

Restore inland route and service capacity between NYC and Boston.

Restore service to Montreal.

Here in Western Mass the term "intercity service" will translate into trains running every hour between Springfield, Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield. Depending on other factors, the service could be even better, running every half hour, and including cities from New Haven to St. Albans VT. We will also get a second main line to accommodate, and enhance freight service. Amtrak will run high speed regional service with an ave speed of 90 mph.

Working on these plans are: CT DOT, Mass DOT, VT AOT, Amtrak, Regional Freight operators, Metro North, Regional Communities, FRA (Federal Rail Administration), and FTA (Federal Trasit Administration).

The FRA is ramping up a new Billion dollar program to fund much of these projects, but the States will also have to chip in. And it will not happen overnight. The time line for these plans stretch over the next 20 years.

Knowledge Corridor plan

I expected yesterday's hearing to be an update on the Knowledge Corridor plan with an explanation of why the plan had stalled the past year. I also expected to hear that Amherst, and Palmer would be getting something out of it because of their well organized lobbying efforts.

Last year the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission presented the Knowledge Corridor plan at a meeting in Northampton. That plan, a realignment of the current passenger line up the Conn River Line,(Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield), is now contained within the 2030 Vision plan. Amherst and Palmer voiced opposition to the Knowledge Corridor plan when it was presented last year since it would end their current service, and provide new high speed service to the Conn River Line.

In February the project appeared to be dying on the vine when Connecticut officials were shocked to be left out of the current round of Federal funding after the Federal Department of Transportation "found deficiencies in many of the state's proposals". The rumor in the rail industry was that the deficiencies were a lack of public support for Connecticut's projects including the Knowledge Corridor plan. Then in April the project made a sudden comeback when the U.S. Secretary of Transportation indicated that the Connecticut River Valley may get high speed commuter rail service early because “This corridor has its act to together”.

Political intervention is obviously a major factor in getting the project moving again in April, and expanding it into a broader regional vision as part of the national rail plan. Although Tim Brennan from the PVPC cited climate change and energy crises as "agents moving this project forward for the good for all".

With planning on this scale Amherst, and Palmer's opposition to the Knowledge Corridor plan only added the chorus of communities asking for better rail service. Palmer should be pleased with this new regional vision. It includes them in a new passenger route to Boston. And Amherst? Well, as if the billions UMass receives, and free bus services aren't enough...

But what about Holyoke?

A site for Holyoke's rail station has not been selected yet. Amtrak claims that the old H. H. Richardson station is a bad choice because it's situated on a curve in the tracks where it would be difficult to pull parked train cars. However the railroader in the family tell me "that's bull". In the past Amtrak has opposed using historic stations because of the high costs to restore and maintain these buildings. It's become an unwritten policy of theirs to reject old structures at every opportunity. Two other sites were proposed last year. One at Pulaski Park, and the other at intersection of Dwight, and Main streets. Personally, I can't see the Pulaski Park location ever happening.

The current operator of the Conn River Line, Pan Am Rail, has been difficult to work with. It has one of the worst reputations in the industry. They never paid Holyoke's other railroad, PVRR, interchange fees, and forced the closure the interchange between the two of them in Holyoke. Holyoke's two railroads haven't connected to each other in years. PVRR serves Holyoke with daily train service from Westfield. Pan Am Rail no longer serves Holyoke but for a few trips trough the city each month. Their tracks are so bad that the number of FRA violations, called exceptions, are currently on for over 100 pages. For comparison, the PVRR is embarrassed if they receive 5 exceptions.

Ideas and Comments

If you would like to submit ideas and comments about 2030 Vision for Rail plan print out this form below, and mail it to:

Connecticut Department of Transportation
Bureau of Policy and Planning
Office of Environmental Planning, Room 2159 (NE2)
PO Box 31746
Newington, CT 06131-7546

Rock Valley Cemetery

2010-05-14T01:30:00.005-04:00

On Wednesday I visited the Rock Valley Cemetery with the Holyoke Historic Commission. The Commission had some concerns about the amount of landscaping being done in the cemetery.

The concerns were brought to the commissions attention by Earle Brick, a descendant of those buried in the cemetery, and volunteer caretaker of the burial stones. The heavy machinery being used to mow the grass has created tracked paths up and down the rows, and Earle felt that landscape contractor was simply mowing to frequently. The moss had been killed off in many areas, and Earle suggested, many of us agreed, that the cemetery should be left in a pastoral state, with the grass being mowed only a few times a year. Even more alarming, the weight of the hefty mowing equipment could potentially collapse the coffins in the ground. This is real problem that has occurred in other historic cemeteries.

The city of Holyoke is obliged to maintain the property by state law, but the cemetery is the real property of the descendants having originally been a family burial ground for the farmers of Rock Valley.

Rock Valley is the 2nd oldest cemetery in Holyoke. Many of its residents have been here since the late 1700s. When Earle first went looking for the cemetery he couldn't find it. He was looking in Westspringfield. This section of Holyoke had once been part of Westspringfield, but not anymore. Earle's information was very out of date.

The Historical Commission was happy to learn on Wednesday that the DPW agreed to let Earle mow the property himself from now on, and when he saw fit. So a minor crisis was averted, and the city will be saving money too.

If only all Holyoke problems could be solved this easily...

Art Replicating Art

2010-05-12T02:00:00.006-04:00

At last Fridays art crawl someone commented that the photos I just took were merely "art replicating art". Of coarse my pictures are a bit more than that. More of a documentation of the people, and happenings in the Canal District.

The day was a marathon for me. On the go from noon to midnight with the final crash taking place at my bed around 2:00AM after attempting to upload and edit all the days photos.

The first event of my day was not artsy at all. The Holyoke Economic Development Summit, held at held at Heritage State Park, was a discussion of economic development opportunities and solutions to help further revitalize the city. About 50 residents, business, and community leaders attended the summit. Here are some notes of the event from Hello Holyoke.

After a quick visit to a cookout at Carlos and Elaine Vega's house I headed down to the 'Bring Your Own Restaurant', Holyoke's plein air potluck by the side of the canals. This has become one of my favorite Holyoke events. It really is a lot of fun, and it went well with the Spring open studios event on Friday. Since I already ate I dropped off a cooler full of drinks, and walked over to the Open Square for my first art exhibit of the evening.

"SYSTEM" featuring the art of Denis Luzuriaga was on the 4th floor of the Open Square. It was almost over when I got there, but still a few familiar faces greeted me.

There was also little bit of performance art happening out the window as a man threatened to jump from the train trestle over Lyman Street. The police eventually talked him down. Story from the Republican

I went back down to the BYOR to grab a drink, and exchanged photos with Holyoke Sun correspondent Dennis Hohenberger.

Then over to Paper City Studios to see “Maverick Mechanisms", yet another in their great series of art exhibits. This was 4th open studios event they put together, and judging by the number of cars parked on Race street their biggest one to date.

Back out to the BYOR to grab another drink.

And over to Parsons Hall Project Space for the other half of the open studios event - a cool show called "Speculation(Elation)3 Visions of Life, Land and Letters".

Back outside to see the neat-o spot light effect off the canal. "Can HG&E buy that and keep it up permanently?" I was asked.

People still having a good time at the BYOR.

Back into Parsons Hall.

And finally sit down at the BYOR.

It was a great day with lots of great Holyoke friends.

70 Photo Slideshow of all the day's events.

.

Positronic Spring Party

2010-05-04T02:00:00.002-04:00

Positronic Design held its Annual "Spring Rock-n-Roll Business Networking Keg Party, and Celebration of the warm days to come" last Saturday - with rockin good music, sultry color dancing, poetry reading, a book launch, and much more.

39 Photo Slideshow

The basement at Positronic Design HQ serves as the main stage for music, and performances. There is something reminiscent of the now defunct Fire and Water down there. The band is Derick Cummings
& The Concoction. VanDog Recommended!

The porches serve as a hang out spot for idle stragglers, and secondary stage for the color dancing. These guys were trying to look cool.

I always meet interesting new people at these Positronic parties, and while the general tone is of chronically liberal politics, I always have stimulating conversations without any harsh disagreements.

Color Dancing by Dakini Borealis is really cool to watch. There is another chance to check her out in Holyoke this Friday on Race Street during the Spring Open Studios as part of a performance titled ECLIPSE.

.

Friday Night Bowling

2010-05-02T18:00:00.000-04:00

Just a few photos of Fun Time Lanes last Friday night.

620 South East St Fire

2010-04-29T04:30:00.003-04:00

The fire came over the scanner just before 2:00 AM. I arrived a few minutes later, and stayed on the scene for only 45 minutes. Partly because I couldn't stay up all night, and partly because my fingers were freezing. After I left the front of the building collapsed. The city building Department was called about the condition of the structure, and the Health Department was called because water was flooding the corner store on the street behind. This same building suffered a fire in December of 2008, and was boarded up. Last night's fire finished the job.

18 Photo Slideshow

Update: added a video.

620 South East St Fire from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Scott Tower - Anniversary Hill Park

2010-04-25T02:00:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I took a walk up to Scott Tower to see how bad the brush fires were the day before. The park and tower haven't improved since I last visited. It looks like the park is being used as a party spot on a routine basis. The road around the tower glitters from the smashed glass of countless beer bottles. The police have been up there in recent months to break up parties. On March 27th, around 10:00 PM, they broke up a large party of underage drinkers. The young revelers had a bonfire going on the second level of the tower.

183 Photo Slideshow

What can I say about the sad state of this once wonderful gem that hasn't already been said by many others.

The Victory

2010-03-29T02:00:00.000-04:00

A short film by Ben Foley

2010 Holyoke St Patrick's Parade

2010-03-22T19:00:00.002-04:00

.

2010 Parade Slideshow

Car Chase In The Flats

2010-03-22T14:00:00.000-04:00

After the St Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday night, around 8:00 PM, I heard a police chase come over the scanner. The police were chasing a car around town, and into the Flats, near my house. The driver ditched the car at Kelly School, and was quickly apprehended. The car caught fire and burned up.

Yay Mountain Park!

2010-03-17T17:00:00.001-04:00

Eric Suher announced today that Mountain Park will officially reopen in July as a music, live entertainment venue. The announcement was made at the Chamber of Commerce's Saint Patrick's day Breakfast at the Log Cabin. I didn't attend the event, so I'm hearing this second hand, and don't have too many details.

Eric mentioned the the tree clearing issue as one of the reasons it's taken so long to reopen. He said Mountain Park would exibit some of the events that currently take place at his venues in Northampton. He also said "I love Holyoke, and love mountain Park" adding that he intends to run it in the traditions of Loomis family. Everyone in attendance gave him a big cheer.

Death or Rebirth?

2010-03-09T01:00:00.003-05:00

Question: Will the building at 103 Lyman Street be reborn after burning just two days before Christmas last year?

The fire displaced 27 residents on December 23rd. Since that time work crews have taken off the burnt roof, plus the whole top floor of the building, and sealed it up. We have seen this before in Holyoke, when a property owner is compelled to secure a building only to do nothing with it after that.

I am trying to be hopeful and optimistic, sprinkled with realism.

Charter Commission Fail!

2010-03-04T00:00:00.003-05:00

Shocking news at the charter commission meeting last night. It turns out they are not a real charter commission due to a technicality.

The bad news was brought to the commission's attention by the State a few weeks ago, but they were waiting for guidance from the city solicitor before admitting defeat.

The problem stemmed from the wording on the ballot, and a misunderstanding about the need for collecting signatures.

Currently, the charter commission may continue as an advisory to the city council, but they aren't thrilled about that idea. There was a lot of frustration among commissioners over how this went so wrong. Several did not want to continue if they have no power. Not being a real charter commission also raised questions about spending the money appropriated by the city council for their work.

The city solicitor felt the ballot issue wasn't a fatal mistake. She said one way they can validate the ballot is with special legislation from Boston.

More than one person mentioned the Crush group as a possible resource to help get signatures to put the charter review on the ballot again.

A motion was made to immediately disband the commission, but that motion eventually failed. So it looks like they will continue for at least a few more weeks to get more answers from the city solicitor in the hope of finding a way forward.

After the meeting Carl Eager told me, "I think we were all blindsided by this".

City Hall Tour

2010-02-26T17:00:00.008-05:00

Rarely, am I surprised by anything in Holyoke, but a little tour of city hall with the Holyoke Historical Commission on Thursday turned into a surprising discovery.

Holyoke City Hall Slideshow

The Historical Commission has just recently fleshed out into what I would call a viable group. Regular monthly meetings over the past year have seen attendance increase dramatically. They went from 3 lonely Commissioners two years ago to several new commissioners being appointed, and many historically concerned residents regularly attending meetings.

The tour started in the great hall on the second floor. The Historical Commission had been asked by Mayor Pluta, and others if it could help with grant writing for the funds to repair some broken stained glass windows. The Commission decided to have a full tour of the building to examine what needs attention, and familiarize its members with the structure.

The maintenance guy didn't have keys to the bell tower, so that would have to wait for another day, but the group began to explore the unused rooms of the upper floors. I really had no idea all there was so much unused space is up here, or that they're in such bad shape.

The maintenance guy didn't have a key to the padlock on this door either.

Without elevator access this space hasn't been much use to city in years. The further we climbed, the more dark empty rooms we found. The lights don't work in most of these areas.

The idea of the Historical Commission establishing an archive office of its own has come up recently, and the apparent availability of this previously unknown space was not lost on the Commissioners, and Associates. The Commission has struggled with access to records stored at Wistariahurst, and the History Room for years. Without any place to keep records of its own, the work of the Commission moves at a snails pace. This is one of the reasons the Historical Commission hasn't updated its property inventory forms since the 70's.

Because the Commission has no place to live, it looses the thread of continuity between new, and old commissioners. Even though the Commission has recently become very robust, it still struggles to exercise its powers.

The attic space looks like something from the set of a Hollywood movie.

Down to the basement to find where the bodies are buried.

The basement is chock full of old records, and antique equipment. There's also a pistol range down here.

The flooded zone. Where it goes, no body knows....

The tour lasted for an hour and a half. I could have spent at least another hour just taking photos.

When it was completed in 1875, The Holyoke city hall was called "The finest public building in Massachusetts west of Boston".

Muddy Mountain Park

2010-02-21T21:00:00.003-05:00

The mountain seems to be Holyoke's favorite dog walking location. Walkers, and their canine companions, were out in force despite the cool temperature on Sunday afternoon. I wasn't properly dressed to trek around Mountain Park, but I stopped by anyhow to check out the pavilion. I was told it had been moved last week.

The ground was so muddy, and the wind cold through my hoodie that I aborted the attempt. Satisfied to get a photo of the scene from afar. And to catch this great shot of the sun setting behind me.

On the way home I stopped by the old Mastex mill. I've wanted to get some photos of the inside since it closed last year. They made airbags for GM cars, and lost a tremendous amount of money when GM went bankrupt. The corporation had been renting the mill, and was making plans to buy it only months before. It's unusual architecture for Holyoke. Originally the die works for the Farr Alpaca Company. Looks like they have been surveying the adjacent lot. let's hope something good is happening here.

1144 Hampden Street Fire

2010-02-10T00:00:00.003-05:00

Here's a few photos of yesterday's fire at 1144 Hampden Street in Holyoke. The photos were emailed to me by good friend, and great Holyoke conversationalist, Glenn Sullivan. They were taken by Lenny Los.

more photos from this set

Story about the fire from the Republican

Video from 22news

Holyoke Inauguration Day

2010-01-05T00:00:00.001-05:00

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!

2010-01-02T02:00:00.001-05:00

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.

Holyoke's New Year's Eve Gala

2009-12-29T18:00:00.000-05:00

On the canals... Sexier than Venice!

This year Crush has put together a sexy New Years party at the Open Square building. Last year's party was awesome, and a total sell out with the Wistariahurst Museum at capacity. So this year Crush has moved the party to a larger space.

Come join us as we ring in the New Years with the warmth and style of a historic Holyoke Mill. Plenty of tickets still available. You can buy them online at crushonholyoke.org

Merry Christmas Holyoke!

2009-12-25T11:15:00.002-05:00

Christmas comes early for fire victims

Western Massachusetts reaches out to 15 families left homeless following Holyoke tenement fire

103 Lyman Street Fire

2009-12-23T17:13:00.008-05:00

The fire started just before 5:00. I was stunned to hear the call come over the scanner at my house. I glanced out my upstairs bathroom window and could see smoke and flames leaping into the air. You can imagine how fast I ran out the door with my camera.

A young woman was near hysterics running back and forth. It looked like many people ran out of the building taking nothing but their coats.

The streets around my house are mostly blocked off as write this. I can hear evac alarms from the engines. The blue lights of police cars reflecting off my neighbors windows are strobing in my eyes. The roof of the building is now on fire. I'm going back out...

Photo Slideshow

---

Update: 7:00 PM

The top floor is still burning. The engines were sounding evacuate alarms to warn all companys on scene of collapsing walls. They are bringing in a State Command Post vehicle, and the Red Cross is assisting the displaced residents.

I heard a few officers had minor smoke inhalation from evacuating the building when they first arrived on scene. The fire appears to have started on the back porch.

---

Update: 9:00 PM

Here's a short video from earlier this evening.

103 Lyman Street Fire from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

---

Update: 10:00 PM

The fire is now out. 22news reports the building was fully occupied, and MassLive says one of the residents was taken to the hospital.

Ice coats everything around the building. It would be beautiful if it wasn't so tragic. It looks like most of the residents lost everything.

This is one of the last tenements in the Flats. Most are gone now. What will the Flats be called when all the Flats are gone?

Dead Frog Circus

2009-12-18T01:00:00.003-05:00

Thursday was one of those 'too many things scheduled at the same time' days.

First up was the unveiling of a mural on the Victory Theatre. Called 'Perspectives Of Holyoke' it was created by five Holyoke High School seniors as part of a Mural Arts Workshop in The CONNECTIONS After School Program at Holyoke High.

From the release: The five Holyoke High School student artists are: Gesenia Gutierrez, Fernando Ortiz, Jesenia Paredes, Andy Maldonado, and Elahn Santiago, all in 12th grade.

The Massachusetts International Festival of the Arts (MIFA) offered a public home for the mural on an exterior wall of the Victory Theater, which the arts organization recently purchased.

The unveiling attracted a large number of students. They were hanging out in MIFA's office before going out into the bitter cold to see the wraps taken off the mural. The kids should be proud. The murals look great.

---

Next up was a send off for Kate Navarra Thibodeau at the newly renovated Wistariahurst carriage house. Kate is leaving her job as curator/historian. The event doubled as an official opening for the carriage house.

Kate showed off her collection of Holyoke charms designed by Sutter's Jewelers. She also gave a few limited edition charms as gifts to those have been supportive of her 'Creating Holyoke ' project, and efforts to preserve Holyoke history over the years.

After an absence of 20 years The Dead Frog Circus is back on display in the carriage house. It's not possible to get a good photo of the diorama behind glass so I suggest you just go see it in person. It's one of those crazy things that give the city so much character.

---

Finally, a sparsely attended hearing at Morgan School.

The hearing was called to answer questions about asbestos, and toxic materials cleanup going on at the Parsons Mills site under EPA supervision. It was not about the release of toxic chemicals into the air during the fire as reported by 22news.

A large amount of toxic materials remain at the site. including many barrels of various chemicals used in the paper making process. EPA representative Tom Hatzopoulos explained that they had secured the site to prevent unauthorized access. Security guards are on site when workers are not present. Currently they are staging waste materials in a secure area of the site. They will be presenting a transport plan to the city outlining the route they will use to truck materials out. They expect to be finished with the cleanup by late Spring or Summer of next year.

Tis The Season..

2009-12-16T19:00:00.000-05:00

For a few photos of the Holyoke Tree Lighting, and Santa Train on Dec 3rd.

I kind of like our Charlie Brown-ish looking tree. In the current economic climate it seems just right.

Full Slide Show

Sorry to all my blog fans. My health hasn't been good of late, and sitting in front of a computer doesn't make for much aerobic exercise either. Something I am suppose to get more of.

So I have been thinking of changing the way my blog works, adding more contributors, or just starting another blog. Perhaps called 'Holyoke Ramblings'. Any thoughts?

November Evening Holyoke

2009-11-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

Taken at Positronic Dave's Scorpion Bowl party on Dwight Street. Check out the rest of the photo set here.

The Unofficial Results Are....

2009-11-03T21:30:00.015-05:00

Mayor
>Elaine A Pluta 4794 - 58%
>Daniel C Boyle 3243 - 39%

City Clerk
>Susan M Egan (i) 5065 - 63%
>Anthony Soto 2836 - 35%

City Treasurer
>Jon D Lumbra 4118 - 53%
>David B Donoghue (i) 3545 - 45%

Ward 1 City Council
>Donald R Welch (i) 267 - 61%
>Silvia Robello 162 - 37%

Ward 2 City Council
>Diosdado Lopez (i) 472 - 98%

Ward 3 City Council
>Anthony M Keane (i) 1086 - 97%

Ward 4 City Council
>Timothy W Purington (i) 439 - 96%

Ward 5 City Council
>Linda L Vacon 898 - 50%
>John P Brunelle (i) 853 - 48%

Ward 6 City Council
>Todd McGee (i) 936 - 98%

Ward 7 City Council
>John J O'Neill (i) 1266 - 98%

City Councilor At Large (8 Seats)
>Joseph M McGiverin (i) 4444 - 10.27%
>Kevin A Jourdain (i) 4371 - 10.10%
>Peter R Tallman (i) 4335 - 10.02%
>Brenna E Murphy 4165 - 9.63%
>Patricia C Devine (i) 4084 - 9.44%
>Rebecca Lisi (i) 3825 - 8.84%
>James M Leahy (i) 3677 - 8.50%
>Aaron Vega 2833 - 6.55%
>Jason P Ferreira 2507 - 5.79%
>William J Bevan 2477 - 5.72%
>John P Lecca 2407 - 5.56%
>Rory P Casey 2352 - 5.44%
>Wesley Kulig 1752 - 4.05%

School Committee At-Large
>Michael J Moriarty 5539 - 98%

Ward 1 School Committee
>Gladys Lebron-Martinez (i) 357 - 97%

Ward 2 School Committee
>Yvonne Garcia (i) 426 - 97%

Ward 3 School Committee
>Dennis W Birks, Jr 1008 - 98%

Ward 4 School Committee
>Cesar A Lopez 470 - 88%

Ward 5 School Committee
>Devin M Sheehan 1040 - 64%
>James A Rossmeisel 576 - 35%

Ward 6 School Committee
>William R Collamore (i) 902 - 99%

Ward 7 School Committee
>Margaret M Boulais (i) 1164 - 99%

Charter Commission Question
>Yes 4131 - 72.69%
>No 1552 - 27.31%

Charter Commissioners (9 Seats)
>Daniel B Bresnahan 3103 - 8.20%
>Hellen F Norris 2878 - 7.60%
>James Levelle, Sr 2802 - 7.40%
>John G Whelihan 2793 - 7.38%
>Carl Eger, Jr 2479 - 6.55%
>Harold F Brunault 2192 - 5.79%
>S. Young Quinn 1959 - 5.18%
>Christopher Kulig 1769 - 4.67%
>Andrew Melendez 1651 - 4.36%
>Helene A Florio 1649 - 4.36%
>Wilfredo Melendez 1624 - 4.30%
>James A Sutter 1528 - 4.04%
>John P Counter, Sr 1482 - 3.92%
>Elizabeth A Budd 1416 - 3.74%
>Robert Authier, Sr 1277 - 3.37%
>David M Silverman 1266 - 3.34%
>Matthew J Sokop 1226 - 3.24%
>Richard A Berrena 1162 - 3.07 %
>Gary J Gresh 1109 - 2.93%
>Richard P Purcell 1027 - 2.71%
>Gordon P Alexander 914 - 2.41%
>John M Gurvitch 491 - 1.30%

All 14 precincts reporting.

Holyoke Youth Candidate Forum

2009-10-31T02:00:00.003-04:00

About 40 people attended Tuesday's candidate forum at Holyoke Health Center, and half of them were not old enough to vote. The forum was sponsored by the Holyoke Food and Fitness Policy Council, Holyoke Youth Commission, and featured candidates for Mayor, and City Council At-Large.

This was the first successful forum of the season that I got to enjoy as a audience member having worked on 3 prior. It was refreshing to see a different take on politics from the kids point on view. They asked questions like, "If you were a superhero who would you be?" Elaine Pluta answered that she would be Wonder Woman.

Dan Boyle missed the forum due to an unscheduled medical procedure on his right eye. He emailed his answers to written questions, and one of the young people read them in his place. It was unfortunate the kids didn't get to meet him in person.

The recently created Youth Vision Map was on display. It got lot of attention during a pause in the forum. Judging by what the kids put into it, they are craving somthing constructive, and entertaining to do in the downtown.

I noticed during the City Council At-Large segment how much more social this forum was. The kids talked over everything among themselves. But of coarse they would. Not having the life experiences of adults they rely on each other for knowledge and support.

The kids did a pretty good job putting this together. It's amazing how independent these young people are. I don't think I saw a single parent in the room. In my day the room would have been full of parents.

It was good to see the youth taking their place in Holyoke. For many of them this was their first exposure to politics, and I don't think they knew what to expect from the candidates, but when it was over many of the kids looked more mature. Like they had just grown up a lot in the past two hours. I wish I had videotaped it.

Oct 22 Candidate Forum

2009-10-27T12:00:00.001-04:00

Oct 22 Candidate Forum 1 - City Clerk from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Oct 22 Candidate Forum 2 - City Treasurer from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Oct 22 Candidate Forum 3 - Mayor from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Oct 15 Candidate Forum

2009-10-26T12:00:00.001-04:00

Oct 15 Candidate Forum 1 - School Committee from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Oct 15 Candidate Forum 2 - City Council, Ward from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Oct 15 Candidate Forum 3 - City Council, At-Large from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Oct 15 Candidate Forum 4 - City Council, At-Large from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Sept 14 Candidate Forum

2009-09-28T23:00:00.000-04:00

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Opening Statements from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Q1 from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Q2 from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Q3 from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Q4 from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Q5 from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Q6 from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

Holyoke Candidate Forum Sept 14, 2009 - Closing Statements from Peter Palombella on Vimeo.

It's Pluta vs Boyle and Lumbra vs Donoghue

2009-09-23T02:00:00.002-04:00

In the Mayoral race Elaine Pluta captured 49% of Tuesday's vote while Daniel Boyle got 28%. Eva O'Connell, and Antonio Colon Jr were knocked out the race with just over 10% of the vote each.

For Treasurer Jon Lumbra received 40% of the votes, and David Donoghue 35% leaving behind John Pietrzykowski with 24%.

Votes for Mayor:
Elaine A Pluta, 2223 - 48.98%
Daniel C Boyle, 1285 - 28.31%
Eva M O'Connell, 499 - 10.99%
Antonio Colon Jr, 486 - 10.71%
Write-in Votes, 46 - 1.01%

Total Votes, 4539 - 19.2% of registered voters

Votes for Treasurer:
Jon D Lumbra, 1774 - 40.28%
David B Donoghue, 1540 - 34.97%
John C Pietrzykowski, 1056 - 23.98%
Write-in Votes, 34 - 0.77%

Total Votes, 4404 - 19.2% of registered voters
.

Preliminary Election Day

2009-09-22T02:00:00.001-04:00

Today is preliminary election day in Holyoke. The polls are open from 7 am to 7 pm - the weather is great, and unless your not registered you don't have any reason to not vote. Springfield had a dismal voter turnout was last week, less than 10% of registered voters, but Holyoke City Clerk Sue Egan is expecting over 50% turnout today due to high interest. This is the first time in 44 years that Holyoke has had 4 candidates for mayor on the ballot. Last time being in 1965. We also have 3 candidates for treasurer to choose from today.

The preliminary candidate forum held Sept 14th, was our only chance to compare all the preliminary candidates side by side. Those of us who put the forum together hope we succeeded in our goal of voter education. If you missed the forum you can still read the Mayoral candidates written answers to questions submitted in advance. Scroll down on this page to read them.

After viewing the forum some of my friends sent me back funny messages. Things like, "This is the best you could do for candidates? Fail! Do it again and find better candidates next time."

Well, Like em or not, here are your candidates,

Candidates for Treasurer:
David B Donoghue
Jon D Lumbra
John C Pietrzykowski

Candidates for Mayor:
Daniel C Boyle
Antonio Colon Jr
Eva M O'Connell
Elaine A Pluta

Now go out and vote.

Great Holyoke Block Party

2009-09-08T02:00:00.005-04:00

It was April of 2006 when everyone first heard that Celebrate Holyoke was canceled. Since then the city has struggled to find a replacement. Brennan's had hosted a summer music series in the city owned parking lot behind the bar as a lead up Celebrate Holyoke, and that event did take up some of the slack, but it wasn't on the same scale as Celebrate Holyoke.

Crush was still reeling from the success of the New Year Gala in January when talk of a summer party first came up, but that idea was shelved for a few months while the group took a breather from event planning.

As Spring rolled into Summer the party wasn't getting off the ground. The idea had morphed into a Block Party, but no planning was taking place. Brennan's own Maple Street festival wasn't going to happen this year, and it seemed neither would a Block Party.

An early effort at regrouping seemed to go nowhere, but a few members kept pushing, kept planning, and by mid June it looked like something was happening. Details of what needed to be done emerged, and a location was chosen.

As planning continued the scale of party grew. Early cost estimates for the event were $600 -$800, but those numbers wouldn't hold for long.

The planning committee kept chugging along. At no point was I on the committee, but I did receive all their group emails. Some days they flooded my inbox. Everyone in the group seemed to instinctively know when something urgent had come up, and before lunch there would be 27 replies.

While planning the Block Party:
Over 600 emails were sent.
Approx $4,000 was raised.
11 bands were lined up to play.
And 1 new drink, the Crushtini, was invented.

At the Block Party:
An estimated 3,500 people attended.
An untold number of them danced together.
And countless numbers of local children wanted to do it again tomorrow.

The Great Holyoke Block Party wasn't as big as Celebrate Holyoke, but I'm still smiling the next day.

Complete photo set at Flickr
.

Mountain Park Open House

2009-08-18T02:00:00.008-04:00

The first day of the new Mountain Park was baking hot, but that didn't discourage the enthusiasm for Eric Suher's newest venue. The free Saturday show was an instant hit with the crowd. Between acts he announced he would like to have free shows every week. Was that a promise?

It didn't feel like a concert at all. At least not the type I'm use to. It sorta felt like a class reunion. A few people got wild near the stage, but were quickly led away by the police. Check out in the valley for the unbridled exuberance.

Holyokers were out in force. I saw lot's of friends, and we talked the day away. Everyone was wondering what the attendance numbers were. Max Hartshorne thought it at least Three thousand if not Five. The Mt. Tom Billy Goat asked Eric what the numbers were when he walked by us. Eric said he a good idea, but wouldn't elaborate.

People were coming and going all day. As it got dark the families with little ones started to leave, and yet more people were still arriving. The final act was great. I'd never heard them before, so was pleasantly surprised when they started to play. I remember thinking: "Why aren't more people here?".

Before I left I snapped a candid one of the man who can't be photographed. He seemed too happy to care. I'm amazed he didn't throw me out at first sight.

Hello Holyoke Fire

2009-08-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

The former home of Hello Holyoke, 188 Chestnut Street, went up in flames early this morning. The call came over the scanner after 2:00 AM, "a fire in the vicinity Appleton and Chestnut Streets". The police arrived first and reported the back porch was burning at 188 Chestnut. They quickly attempted an evacuation of the house, but couldn't venture to the 3rd floor because of the smoke.

It appeared everyone made it out safely when I arrived. The scene was mostly white smoke with a hint flames. The fire dept was running hoses inside the house, and venting heat from the outside.

I ran into my photography friend Jeff Byrnes, and his studio partner Tim Lastowski. We talked for a bit as Jeff tried in vain to ring up the Republican newsroom. He wanted to sell them his photos but nobody was in.

The fire looked to be under control, and I was getting ready to leave when the smoke got dark and ugly. Suddenly the Firemen were evacuating the building. Within a few short minutes the fire flared out of control. You could feel the heat on your face. It was familiar sensation that brought back memories of other fires.

As soon as I saw the black smoke I started recording video. The siren blast you hear is a signal to evacuate the structure.

When I walked around the block again to look down the back alley some man in a vintage red English roadster was in the parking lot of the SEC school. He must of mistook me for a reporter as he made the insinuation that they (Fire Dept) let it burn. I assured him that it simply got out of control, but he nodded knowingly, and said they wanted it to burn. Again I assured him telling him I had it all on video, but he just waved, and drove off. For some reason this behavior really irked me.

After another walk around the block I was feeling very sleepy, it was 4:00 AM. I said bye to Jeff and Tim, and headed back to my car. On the way I ran into School Committee member Barry Conway of all people. He was driving by and asked me where the fire was. It had become both foggy, and smoky. You couldn't tell where the fire was in the neighborhood but for the water rushing down the street carrying bits of flotsam, and jetsam with it.

I didn't know who Barry was at first, I never met him before, but boy can the guy talk. When he introduced himself to me I said "Hey! Your that guy who didn't get enough signatures". Since he talked me ear off, I gave him a hard time about his papers. It was a fair trade, and he took it with good spirits.

The fire was still burning when I finally left. It's probably a total loss. What a shame. It was such a beautiful old Victorian.

2009 Municipal Election Candidates

2009-07-30T00:00:00.006-04:00

Tuesday was the last day for Holyoke municipal candidates to file their papers. Not everyone who has taken out papers filed them. Most notably Miguel A Vasquez III who took out papers for mayor.

Since more than two candidates are certified for the Mayoral, and Treasurer's race there will be a preliminary, (not primary - that would be for political parties), a preliminary election on Sept. 22nd. The general election will be held on Nov. 3rd.

This is the full list of certified candidates for municipal election 2009.

Mayor

Daniel C Boyle Mayor
Antonio Colon Jr
Eva M O'Connell
Elaine A Pluta

City Clerk

Susan M Egan
Anthony Soto

City Treasurer

David B Donoghue
Jon C Lumbra
John C Pietrzykowski

City Councilor At Large

William J Bevan
Rory P Casey
Patricia C Devine
Jason P Ferreira
Kevin A Jourdain
Wesley Kulig
James M Leahy
John P Lecca
Rebecca Lisi
Joseph M McGiverin
Brenna E Murphy
Peter R Tallman
Aaron Vega

Councilor Ward 1

Sylvia Robello
Donald R Welch

Councilor Ward 2

Diosdado Lopez

Councilor Ward 3

Anthony M Keane

Councilor Ward 4

Timothy W Purington

Councilor Ward 5

John P Brunelle
Linda L Vacon

Councilor Ward 6

Todd McGee

Councilor Ward 7

John J O'Neill

School Committee At Large

Michael J Moriarty

School Committee Ward 1

Gladys Lebron-Martinez

School Committee Ward 2

Yvonne Garcia

School Committee Ward 3

Dennis W Birks Jr

School Committee Ward 4

Cesar A Lopez

School Committee Ward 5

James A Rossmeisl
Devin M Sheehan

School Committee Ward 6

William R Collamore

School Committee Ward 7

Margaret M Boulais

Just What Are The Issues?

2009-07-25T14:00:00.001-04:00

In regards to the Mayor's race, many people have asked me where the candidates stand on the issues, but just what are "the issues"?

A few months back I started a list of questions for the candidates, and I also have the excellent information gathered from the community conversation event to add to those questions, but before I submit anything to the candidates I'd like to hear from you.

If you have some questions, or issues that you would like to be address, just click the comment button below.

Motorcycle Fire

2009-07-15T02:00:00.003-04:00

My friend, and I were headed out in the car last Friday when we turned the corner of our street, and saw smoke rising nearby. A quick detour down North Summer Street and we found this. A motorcycle, Just laying there in the road burning up.

It seems the owner of the bike had just parked it when suddenly it bust into flames. The neighborhood kids said it had been leaking gas. It must of took the Fire Department a full two minutes to arrive. By that time the bike was as crisp as a campfire marshmallow.

With a spray of fresh water the fire was instantly reduced to a cloud of steam. For some reason after the fire was out the smell of burning rubber started filling the street. I didn't feel like standing in the hot sun breathing carcinogens all afternoon so we quickly left to finish our trek with a strange satisfaction of having seen a spectacle - at the expense of the poor biker who's ride was reduced to scrap.

No one was hurt. It was a minor incident to be sure. Just one of those weird things in downtown Holyoke.

Holyoke Loves The 4th

2009-07-06T23:00:00.003-04:00

With perfect weather on Sunday how could I stay away from HCC, and the Holyoke Fireworks. I had a nice picnic with friends who live close to the campus, and walked in before dark.

The playing field was filled with family friendly fun, and kids were everywhere having a great time. Everyone was in good spirits. I didn't see a single angry face, or hear a nasty word from anyone the whole time.

After wandering around, and running into to random friends I settled in a nice spot to watch some kids play a pick up game while waiting for the theatrics to begin.

Oooooooooooo... Aaaaaaaaaahh...

I'm really happy with my photos. Click on the pictobrowser below.

Grand Finale

July 4th in the Flats

2009-07-05T01:00:00.000-04:00

People get a little carried away with displays of aerial patriotism down here on the 4th. After sundown you can stand at almost any intersection and be surrounded by fireworks shooting from blocks around. Here are few photos I took of the displays with Moonlight in the sky. Enjoy..

Round ?

2009-07-01T01:00:00.002-04:00

It wasn't much a hearing last night at the Morgan School in South Holyoke. Some regular business like a permit for a Verizon Wireless cell tower, as well as a car lot. Most people were there for the Transfer Station hearing, and after 30 minutes the regular stuff was finished so the Ordinance committee opened the hearing for a presentation by United Waste's chief executive Scott Lemay. But that's as far as it got. Councilor Diosdado Lopez immediately made a motion to continue the hearing until next month over the issue of Spanish translation, and after lengthy inter-committee debate they voted to grant to continuance.

I am much confused by last night's proceedings since, as stated in this Republican story, Councilor Lopez is presently/still in court against the city on this very issue, and according to State ethics laws, that fact should have barred him from sitting on the Ordinance Subcommittee, at least in regards to this matter. I am certain of one thing, they set new record for the shortest transfer station hearing yet. Just over ten minutes.

A total of 35 people were in the room last night at the Morgan School. If you take out all the sitting politicians, and those running for office. As well as others with some special interest connected to the Transfer Station like me reporting it, as well as the HOPE group and Grow Holyoke members, Janitor, and policeman - only 2 people were innocent members of the public. The whole purpose of holding this hearing in Ward 2 was so that people from the neighborhood could participate. I think Holyoke needs to start doing a better job advertising these things, and straighten out how these venues function. If language translation is going to be done for one group I hope it will be done at all public meetings, for everyone who asks for it. My Native American friends have been outraged for years at the lack of translation into the local Nipmuck, and Pocumtuc dialects.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-06-29T02:00:00.001-04:00

Holyoke's Irish Heart

Police Use Cell Phone To Track Down Murderer

Holyoke City Council rejects proposal to study use of Lynch Middle School as school administration offices

Holyoke police chief Anthony Scott renews call for election of judges in aftermath of shooting death of Luis Fernandez

Holyoke's chief worried about future

Holyoke homicide suspect held without right to bail following arraignment in District Court

Holyoke police stop vehicle at Newton and Cabot streets, arrest occupant on cocaine charges

Why EMC Wants to Build a High Performance Data Center in Holyoke

Sportscaster Jack Buck Made Calls To Remember

Holyoke Police Chief Anthony R. Scott calls off courthouse protests

Holyoke eyeing wind turbines on Mt. Tom

Holyoke's Homework House promotes student success

Scott's arithmetic doesn't add up

Holyoke will miss former St. Paul's Episcopal Church rector Rev. J. Gollan Root

Holyoke doorways inspire photo array

Mayor Michael Sullivan vetos City Council order to stop construction of Holyoke parking garage

Award Winning Summer Program in Holyoke

College funding trimmed

Holyoke police, federal agents, raid 105 High St., arrest two men for trafficking heroin

Single vehicle crash on Interstate 91 in Holyoke takes life of Waban man

Holyoke mayor backs garage

Holyoke golf club attack

Conference for Women Veterans draws 150 at Holyoke Community College

Grand visions boost Holyoke

Systems, Sustainability, and Holyoke

Company uses antique truck to help non-profits

Sullivan sees potential for changes in future of city government

Holyoke Rebrands Efforts to Bring Tourism Back to the City and Its Museums

Super-computing Center Proposed for Holyoke

A Huge Opportunity for the Region

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-06-23T23:00:00.001-04:00

Amtrak Adventures

Parking garage projects weighed

Library faulted in Internet case

3-car I-91 crash injures 2

Man who fell off ladder in Agawam plant identified as Jose Montoya of Holyoke

Holyoke officials welcome plans for The Decemberists concert at Mountain Park, although permits still needed

Holyoke residents join panel for new school superintendent

Biomass plants called threat to area forests

Holyoke budget spreads cuts across departments

The World Beard and Moustache Championships 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska

Holyoke police arrest Appleton Street man on cocaine and marijuana charges

Satellite wars: Tax draws fire

Chicopee, Holyoke add $300 fine to $100 state fine for anyone caught using marijuana

Former state House speaker, HCC President David Bartley wins award for human relations

Holyoke Art exhibit explores science fiction theme

8 students awarded scholarships by Latino association

Holyoke police arrest city man on heroin and cocaine charges

Holyoke Police Bust Four for Paintball Assaults and Vandalism

10% energy challenge in Greenfield

Manuel Torres of Holyoke arrested on heroin charges

Holyoke Police Chief Hopes for High Bail for Busted Drug Dealer

Michael Houle denies downloading child pornography on Holyoke library computer

5 people from Springfield, Northampton, Easthampton and Holyoke arrested on drug charges

Holyoke's Famous Rail Station

Paper City Brewery's Bottling Tradition

Holyoke computer center chosen for hydropower and proximity to water

Holyoke police arrest 30-year-old suspect, wanted for homicide in New York City

Renovations approved for Community Field

Sewer overflow addressed

Pension funds faring better

Holyoke boaters get new facility

Holyoke Police Investigating Father's Day Murder

Holyoke shooting victim dies

Holyoke Police Name Suspect in Weekend Murder

Holyoke Police Chief Calls For Protest

Holyoke man fatally shot on street

Founders Day Fun

2009-06-18T23:00:00.000-04:00

last Sunday afternoon I walked up to High Street to see the Founder's Day Car Show. The music made for a cool ambiance around City Hall while the people, dressed to impress, made for great watching.

Being a lifelong motor head, I'm kind of jaded on cars, but it was fun to look at all the modifications. Check out the scenes at Flickr, or click on the Pictobrowser below.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-06-16T02:00:00.000-04:00

The Big Story

Holyoke to be site of high performance computer center

High Performance Computing as the Future of Holyoke's E-conomy, Part I

Twittering Holyoke's Future

High-Performance Computing as the Future of Holyoke's E-conomy, Part II

Holyoke First - A Great Day For Holyoke!!

Brendan's Blog - Holyoke Welcomes High Tech!

The Art of Politics - Holyoke High Tech Computing Center

Computer center a coup for Holyoke

High Tech for a Historic City—A 21-Year-Old Web Entrepreneur’s View of the Big Computing Center Planned for His Home Town

Other Stories

Opening the Gateway

The Blue Sox are back in town

Holyoke Man Pleads Not Guilty to Beating Woman with Hammer

Holyoke grads told to love life

Reaction mixed to meter hike

Holyoke suspect indicted for porn

Jason Crochetiere of Holyoke dies after he slams mini-cycle into a truck on North Bridge Street in Holyoke - Family Mourns

The Valley Players - Holyoke Mass

Fund-raiser slated to help ailing Holyoke girl, 8

Court battle over proposed Lowe's home improvement store in Holyoke scheduled to continue into November

Holyoke loses move to have lawyer removed in wrongful termination lawsuit

Getting the 'bus' rolling for the Paper City

Holyoke Police Bust Wanted Man with Stolen Handgun near Nightclub

Holyoke police arrest 3 for trafficking heroin, cocaine and other charges

Lowe's battle goes on

Professional Development day in Holyoke

Councilors support makeover of Community Field in Holyoke - makeover blueprint (pdf file)

Lt. Gov visits United Water in Holyoke

Lisa Lavoie indicted on statutory rape

Assistance wanted on energy costs

Holyoke City Council may vote Tuesday on fiscal 2010 budget

Early morning 3-vehicle crash on Interstate 91 in Holyoke sends 2 to area hospitals

Holyoke Police Chief Anthony Scott criticizes library staff for waiting 3 days to report child pornography viewing

Holyoke police arrest city man on heroin charges after stopping his vehicle at Race and Sargeant streets

Lyman Street Fire

2009-06-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

I was sitting at my computer when a report of smoke coming from a house at Lyman and Center came over the scanner. This made me jump to attention rather quickly. I live just down the block. In some sort of disbelief, I stuck my head out the window to look down the street, and sure enough there was ominous - acrid looking smoke coming from the house on the corner.

By the time I got my shoes on, fumbled for my camera, and ran out the door, the police had already arrived. Smoke was coming from the windows on the third floor. It had subsided somewhat, and police were getting everyone out of the house. The residents were trying to fight the fire themselves, and it looks like they had done pretty good job without getting hurt.

The fire department arrived in force, and quickly had the situation under control. It looked to be caused by some sort of electrical thing in the wall, I'm not sure. I was just happy that everyone got out ok, and the damage seemed to be minor.

Here's some video I shot of the scene.

.

Parsons Fire - One Year Later

2009-06-10T02:00:00.005-04:00

Can you believe it was one year ago today that Parsons burned?

Over last Winter I began to realize that the fire was the end of the paper making era in Holyoke, and a 'New Holyoke' was being born. Great things began happening late last year. I started meeting new people at Crush events, and they weren't bickering, they were working together. Since the fire I've met more great people, and been to more great events than all my former years living in Holyoke combined.

Its rather fitting that on this day most Holyokers will first learn of a computer research center planned for Holyoke. Were talking about a lot of inve$tment here, and a lot of new jobs. I hear the Parson site is one of the locations being considered, and If it does go there then I think the Parsons name should be attached to it in some way. To pay homage to the man who introduced Holyoke to the industry that gave us our first 150 years of prosperity.

And please use some of the bricks sitting at the site for Christ's sake. We love our red bricks here in Holyoke.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-06-09T02:00:00.000-04:00

Water Power to the People of Holyoke

IRS, Holyoke resolve dispute

Holyoke police arrest Clemente Street woman on heroin charges

Holyoke School Department faces $1.3 million cut by City Council

WWII hand grenade found in Holyoke

Ex-House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi indicted on federal corruption charges

Lucas Pacheco of Holyoke gets 7-8 years after being caught with 2 loaded guns in his car

Holyoke police arrest Clemente Street man for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and other charges

3 HCC graduates to receive awards

Holyoke High students to present 'The Glass Menagerie'

Alleged swindler Lewis Hoff of Holyoke admits owing 2 local businessmen $36 million

The Casey Kane Memorial Tennis Tournament will be played at Crosier Field Courts in Holyoke to honor a a girl who 'never stopped smiling.'

Mall walk to aid disease research

Loomis Village Wine tasting event to benefit Holyoke children's literacy

Mother Who Abandoned Newborn Identified - Found - Friend speaks

Enchanted Circle Theater programs seen as essential to schools

Girls Inc. members share life stories through digital productions

Palmer: The Town of Seven Railroads

The Case Against The Knowledge Corridor Rail System

Turners Falls Turnaround

Federal stimulus funds limits put squeeze on Holyoke schools

Bad Luck for Holyoke Furniture Store

Holyoke Cops Stop Theft at Marcotte Ford

Holyoke Library Announces Summer Hours

Holyoke Police Chief Anthony R. Scott eyes federal aid to avoid layoffs

94 receive diplomas at Holyoke's Dean Technical High School

Holyoke Catholic recalls roots

Cocaine trafficking nets 15-year prison term

Holyoke woman allegedly attacked

Power outage shuts down neighborhood

Holyoke envisions mixed uses for mills

Dropout rate aim of group

Holyoke City Council to discuss parking garage work, rates and parking meter rates

John DiNapoli Memorial Golf Tournament

Stuff I Missed in May

2009-06-08T02:00:00.002-04:00

Last month started out good, in blogging terms. I was getting back on track, posting regularly, but then I started to get very busy. I had taken a lot of photos, but just couldn't get a breather from all the meetings, events, and campaign kick offs to sit down, and start writing. At this point I am forced to admit that I won't catch up, so here is an abbreviation of things I missed in May.

Day 2 of the Spring Open Studios event entitled 'Pulp Fiction' was a lot of fun. After many years of David Scher's Canal Galley carrying the torch, the burgeoning Arts/Canal District looks is finally winning over Holyoke with the younger Paper City Studios making itself a welcome addition to Holyoke's culture.

On May 10th I visited the almost completed Jones Ferry Boathouse.

Pulaski Park is such a gem in the downtown.

On May 14th the Friends of Pulaski Park presented to the Conservation Commission, a request for permission to remove invasive species and complete Vista Pruning at the Park. The issue is complicated because it involves PanAm railroad property adjacent to the park.

At the same Conservation Commission meeting New England Environmental outlined just how much of the tree clearing at Mountain Park had gone into the wetlands. It turns out they went right smack dab into them, well beyond the 100 foot, and 50 foot buffers. (Disturbed wetland areas are shown in dark purple in the photo below) No one from the press besides yours truly was at the meeting. The Republican ran this story the very next day. I'm mildly amused by the leverage Eric Suher has on the Republican. The days of impartial news reporting are totally dead. The way things are going, I fear the Republican may soon follow.

The Open Square gallery is displaying the works of Julian Halpern, and Michael Martindell through the end of June. Here are some scenes from the opening reception on May 15th.

I finally visited the Dam Cafe' last month too. It's a really nice place with great food. Just wish they had later hours, and were located in the downtown, not that the current location is bad at all. It's just not where I want it. :)

Check out the colorful graffiti. Is it art, or vandalism?

The May 29th Open Performance Salon at Gonzo Comix was crazy, and fun. I love taking photos at these events. This months performance included a homemade instrument called the electrolux-a-pipe-a-phone.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-06-02T02:00:00.000-04:00

Man pleads guilty to accessory after the fact in Holyoke slaying

Sullivan seeks walkers, sponsors

Holyoke City Council endorses 2 initial appropriations for new senior citizen's center

The Shad Loses Ground

Holyoke Police Chief: Man with 58 Arraignments Calls Judges Lenient

Citizens mull Holyoke future

Parade honors nation's fallen

Holyoke police charge two juveniles with setting brush fire

Holyoke touts fiscal health

Holyoke targeting 2 of 11 sites where sewage flows into Conn. River during heavy rain

'Bean's Buddies' help fight cancer

Holyoke firefighters offer free help with infant car seats to make certain they are installed properly

Holyoke - so great, so accessible

A Fresh Break For the Needy

Court postpones hearing for former Holyoke teacher Lisa Lavoie, accused of running away with student

Holyoke police arrest homeless man on cocaine charges at Chestnut and Appleton streets

Holyoke police charge 22-year-old Elm Street man with statutory rape

Holyoke support group for new moms

Holyoke police think bullet hit cruiser driving through intersection of Appleton and Oak streets

Holyoke asks for $5 million

Pioneer Valley officials want to make sure every person is counted when 2010 census begins

Holyoke Community College graduates tell their turnaround stories

Holyoke and Springfield study test score gap

Educators set to study gap in MCAS test scores

The Holyoke Children's Museum is worth the $6 a head.

The schools, 15 years later

Financial dispute between city, Internal Revenue Service resolved, Holyoke Treasurer David Donoghue says

Week ahead: Holyoke sets public hearings on proposed $119 million budget

New York To Vermont And Holyoke In Between

2009-06-01T02:00:00.002-04:00

On first entering the conference room at the Clarion Hotel in Northampton I could quickly see every seat was taken. I was arriving late to the May 20th meeting because I found it hard to leave Elaine Pluta's campaign kick off before she gave her speech. I really wanted to hear what she had to say so I could get a feel for her Mayoral platform in her bid for City Hall room one. However, I couldn't be in two places at once, so I zoomed up the road to NoHo.

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission's meeting was already underway. While I stood in the back of the room they opened a divider behind me, and put out more chairs for the standing late arrivers.

Called the Knowledge Corridor Passenger Rail Study. The PVPC, with support from the Vermont Agency of Transportation, is leading the Study to examine possible future rail options within the study area. The study is intended to develop an action plan for improving speed, maximize access, and providing viable transportation alternatives. Key objectives are to improve mobility and spark economic development.

The officials made three different cases.

1 restore the Vermonter

2 expanded inner city service

3 commuter service

Each case needed increased funding over the previous, and showed increasing ridership projections.

All this sounds good, but the plan will cut out Palmer and Amherst, a detour on the Amtrak Vermonter that currently adds 45 minutes to the trip.

After the initial presentation Amherst Town Manager Laurence Shaffer was the first to stand up and speak. He said, "The town of Amherst would like to be a part of the process (study area), and would like to see more consideration for our town - the town of Amherst has a lot to add to this process" adding "Let us in the door".

What Shaffer didn't say was that Amherst has created of a nine-member task force called 'Save Our Stop'. He wants the task force to study the effect that the discontinuation would have on Amherst residents and the region. This is problematic for efforts to bring high speed rail to the valley, and might well de-rail it altogether. The plan will be vying for federal stimulus dollars, and will be rated against similar proposed projects in other regions. The ones with the greatest percentage of local support will get the most money, and as usual Amherst wants fist dibs on any money coming to the Valley. They certainly don't want to loose a project like this to a town like Holyoke.

The PVPC wasn't having any of it during the meeting. The plan to cut out Palmer, and Amherst is unchangeable, and Amherst officials didn't have a moral leg to stand on as they tried their hardest to make a case for Amherst without coming off as against the poorer cities of the valley. In the end they sounded like big babies that couldn't venture on the excellent, well funded bus service over to Northampton to catch a train.

One Holyoke resident summed it all up. "It's a skip and hope from Amherst to Northampton, but it's not a skip and a hop from Amherst to Holyoke, or from Holyoke to Springfield. So if it (passenger rail) doesn't go up the Conn River Line, Holyoke like many things, will be forgotten again, and bypassed - You can't cut these metropolitan areas out - it's not a matter of what town's more important. It's what better serves the Connecticut River Valley, and the people of the Valley". To which another person sitting in front turned around, and said, "That's the best thing I heard all night!"

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-05-26T12:00:00.000-04:00

Vacant mill site in Holyoke declared clean of oil contamination

Trial to resume in 2007 attack

Costly plans top Holyoke agenda

Rotary literacy efforts show results, more set

Nuestras Raices readies for new growing season

Holyoke man accused of sending nude photos of boy, 14, to high school principal in Cincinnati

LaFond to end public service career

Alfredo Rivera convicted of attempting to kill Holyoke police officer

Holyoke Medical Center wins preliminary approval to build 4-story medical office building

Holyoke Medical Center hosted its 18th annual Eighth Grade Achievement Awards, saluting 22 pupils in the Holyoke Public School System

Jack Whelihan was a beloved Holyoker

New president for Friends group

MassHousing awards grants for sober housing

Rail Service Meeting

Nun expresses spirituality through painting and poetry

Councilor's son to finish term

Moving house

Holyoke citizen's group drops court challenge to proposed solid waste transfer station

Waste site foes drop challenge

Pay tribute to passing of WWII generation

Residents gather to write 'people's agenda'

Holyoke Community Conversation

2009-05-21T02:00:00.013-04:00

Holding a community conversation event has been a dream of Alan Gilburg's for two years. When he first suggested it at a Crush meeting a few months ago I was a bit skeptical of its value, but after the April 7th rehearsal event I was totally on board.

As we setup tables at the High School cafeteria I was hopeful for a really big crowd, but feared no one would show up. Its really hard to get people to come when they don't know what to expect, but as people started filtered in the door my fears about this being a dud faded away.

The tables were big enough that we had 2 groups of 4 people at each. The small groups help you feel more comfortable talking with strangers, and the they also ensured everyone would have a chance to talk.

To tell the full story of the event I had to participate so I tried to sit with people I didn't already know, but that wasn't easy since I've met so many great people the past year. Holyokers are a friendly bunch. Even so, some people felt a little uncomfortable being with a group of new faces. They didn't quite get the idea of it at first.

With a large piece of paper taped down to each table we were free to draw on it, take notes, or express any ideas we wanted to add. Each group needed a recorder to write down a summary of the comments expressed during the discussion. So on the count of three we pointed to the person in our group who we thought would best do this job. It was funny in an accusatory sort of way.

First we all introduced ourselves, then each took a minute to answer the question posed to us. (I'm not going to tell you what the question was. You'll just have to attend the next event.) Finally we discussed the question as a group for a few minutes.

Now here's the fun part. Before we got our next question we all had to get up, and go to a new table with totally different people. The person recording had to stay put.

My new group was estrogen charged. Three women vs me. Actually the women were very informative. Beyond the question posed to us I took away an interesting fact. Holyoke has thousands of acres on the mountain open to the public, yet children who live in the downtown find it totally inaccessible by means of public transport. I grew up in a hill town - 'out in the sticks' as we called it. Those summers spent running all over the mountains like wild Indians were the best times of my life. It's a shame so many kids are stuck in the city all summer.

On to another group, and another question.

In my fourth, and final group we got a little stuck on the issue of the Holyoke school system. They didn't all realize it at first, but three of the people sitting together are involved in education some how. This also became a personal issue for me, because my schooling never really prepared me for life. All my life skills were acquired after leaving school. Even the ability to write this story is a skill I acquired on my own after the age of 30. Before then I couldn't write a grammatically correct sentence to save my life. It's taken many years for me to conquer my dyslexia, and build up my writing skills.

Finally we were given big sticky notes to write bumper sticker like sayings that summarized the thoughts expressed during the discussion.

A pair of little helpers got in on the act as we broke down the summations into four groups, and posted them on bulletin boards for everyone to see.

Alan Gilburg's daughter, Amy Gilburg was crucial to organizing the event, and moderating the discussion, Gustavo Acosta translated the instructions into Spanish, and Aaron Vega spearheaded Crushes' organization of the event with a group of Crush Minions doing much of the leg work.

In days past I could easily see myself at political odds with my new friends, but this is the new Holyoke. We are all working together to end the senseless bickering that's plagued Holyoke in the past, and accomplish common goals. I think Alan Gilburg was way ahead of the curve on this one. Seeing the need to get all of Holyoke on the same page years before the rest of us were ready.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-05-18T23:00:00.001-04:00

Fresh produce a growing market

Polluted sites slated for cleanup

Green GEDs and Job Training

Policy on bullying put under review

Mayor testifies in parks case

Census: Mass. numbers flat

YMCA offers a Swim Fit program to help adults keep in shape

Volunteer tutors invaluable at Holyoke Community College Adult Learning Center

Massachusetts Senate leaders unveil budget that would slash local aid by 37 percent

Senior at Dean sizzles in success

Esmat Ezzat honored for volunteer work by Loomis Communities

Police investigate attempted kidnapping in Holyoke

Outdoor music planned at former Mountain Park

Ask Holyoke Mayor Sullivan: 'Would you lay off any existing workers?'

Holyoke's Selena Yates breaks 3 records in tri-meet with East Longmeadow, Palmer

Americorps serves local organizations

Volleyball Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2009

Holyoke Community College golf team vies for national title

Relay for life hopes to raise thousands

Hearings slated on rail service

Holyoke hungry for life at night

Holyoke community forum to be held

Bashing Holyoke

2009-05-14T23:00:00.003-04:00

The weather couldn't have been nicer on Wednesday. It was just a gorgeous day, and I was looking for any excuse to go back out before the sun went down. While browsing the interwebatubes of the Crush site, I suddenly found a reason, and with less than ten minutes to get 15 blocks uptown I grabbed my camera bag, and ran out the door.

Arriving a few minutes late at the 'Krackhaus' jokingly named for the drug dealing reputation of bygone days. I couldn't find anyone, but with a quick phone call the bashing crew was found in a back alley a block away.

They had their work cut out for them. This alley needed some serious bashing.

Bash! Bam! Boom! And like comic book superheros the Trash Bashers saved another Gotham City back alley from vile refuse. It took little over than an hour, and was much more fun than complaining about the problem.

Below are Wednesday's Trash Bashers: Pat, Stan, Cesar, Kristen, Matt, Daphne, and Alexander. You can contact them at their crush group, or web site.

.

Final Days of Holyoke's Trolleys

2009-05-13T02:00:00.000-04:00

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-05-10T23:00:00.000-04:00

600 attend Future Begins Here event in Holyoke to benefit charities

Teen task force put on agenda

Holyoke firms to be feted

Holyoke eyes 'painful' budget

Gas station set for vacant lot

3 residents escalate battle to stop Lowe's home improvement store from being built near Holyoke mall

Holyoke schools being evaluated

Education plan savings offered

Energy efficiency plan devised

Holyoke police arrest man and woman on cocaine and marijuana charges

Holyoke officials hope to clean up former industrial site on Appleton Street for $116,000

Friends to the Rescue

Oil spill who-done-it continues as clean up winds down

Urban renewal plan for south Holyoke moves forward

Construction on Canalwalk begins

Train Departing Amherst Station

Holyoke police charge Chicopee man with trafficking heroin

Grant bolsters Holyoke project

Floor puts school on solid footing

Author Gail A. Hornstein seeks meaning of madness in lecture to Friends of the Holyoke Public Library

Many faiths pray for peace in Holyoke

Farmers' Market kicks off in Holyoke

Arts programs' future weighed

Councilor dies, Holyoke grieves

Open house planned at Soldiers' Home

State police arrest Holyoke man after crash on I-91

Holyoke businessman leads double life - Arrested for cocaine trafficking

Grant for police irks councilors

Mont Marie meets community needs

Summer school fee increase eyed

Spring Open Studios, Day 1

2009-05-09T02:00:00.002-04:00

Here's a quick post of some photos from “Pulp Science Fiction”, the Spring Open Studios Event, Day 1.

Complete set at Flickr.
.

Reflections of Holyoke

2009-05-08T02:00:00.000-04:00

Here are a few scenes from last Friday's 'Reflections of Holyoke' Art Gallery Opening at the Holyoke Health Center on Maple Street.

Aaron Vega, Nona Hatay, and Jay Breines all helped with putting together the art opening at the Holyoke Health Center to show off their innovative facility.

This weekend the artist down at the canal district are up to all kinds of mischief. The Spring Open Studios Event starts today, and goes through the weekend. Come check it out. I'll be hanging down there, and mooching food all weekend.

.

Urban Visioning

2009-05-06T18:00:00.001-04:00

Around 50 people attended the Redevelopment Authority's public hearing last Thursday, April 30th, with the purpose of "Creating a Vision for Holyoke's City Center". The Authority is undertaking a comprehensive planning study of the Flats, Churchill, South Holyoke, and the greater downtown in order to create a plan/vision for Holyoke's Urban Core to thrive and prosper.

Holyoke hired Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. to develop this Vision Plan. The plan will help Holyoke with long range planning as it reevaluates the downtown "building by building, lot by lot."

The hearing was not what I expected. After orientation we were broken into round table groups for a structured discussion on the questions posed to us. One person at each table took notes while we each took turns giving our ideas, and vision for the future of the city.

Some people in attendance lamented the fact that it was the same people who are at all the meetings. "Hardly anyone from the Spanish speaking community that make up a large number of downtown residents."

One of the 'Old Guard' Holyokers who participated was amazed that everyone had a similar vision for the city. He mentioned it was important to build up the density of the urban core. "Holyoke is city. It needs density not duplexes to build up the tax revenue."

Architect of the Open Square, John Aubin, was very out spoken before and after the hearing. He proposed a concept called 'Holyoke 2020' - to increase our city’s population by 20,000 by the year 2020 via an urban plan designed to achieve that goal.

The hearings will continue on May 28th, and June 25th, 6pm to 8pm on both nights.

.

Smoldering Crocker Mill

2009-05-06T17:00:00.000-04:00

Smoke filled the Crocker Mill, on Water St this afternoon from a smoldering fire on the upper floors. The fire was in the back, northeast section of the old complex, and wind pushed the smoke through the mill, and out a partially demolished section on the northwest side.

The Fire Department searched for some time to find the source of the smoke, and put it out. Holyoke called mutual aid backup from Chicopee, and Westspringfield to cover the city in case the fire got out of control. Happily Holyoke had the situation under control in just over an hour.
.

Road Closed

2009-05-04T18:00:00.005-04:00

Mass Highway closed the road at the intersection of Lyman, where Main turns into North Canal Street today. Crews will be replacing the Lyman Street canal bridges, and the road is expected to stay closed for over a year.

This project has been long in coming but the city only heard of the road closings a month ago. This hasn't sat well with ward one City Councilor Don Welch who knew that he would be hearing complaints about the lack of notice from residents. At last weeks Ordinance Committee meeting city councilors complained about the lack of notification to Public Works Superintendent Bill Fuqua, but Bill shot back that Mass Highway does not tell him what's going on either. Stating that he called them 3 times to coordinate the ground breaking for the Canal Walk and they never returned his phone calls. Finally he just issued a press released and went ahead with it.

On the North Canal Street side, cars are driving right up to the barriers despite detour signs being up.

Some people turn around, and barrel back down North Canal. Some cut through the Chase & Coolidge parking lot. While others try unsuccessfully to cut through the parking area of a tenement.

Standing in the intersection you can watch them non-stop. I would estimate over ten thousand cars a day go through here, or did before they closed it.

All the other sides of the intersection things seems to be moving smoothly, for the most part.

Councilor Don Welch was also at the April 16th Willimansett Bridge rehabilitation hearing. It was a lightly attended hearing, very lightly, and Don spoke out about the State not notifying abutters of the hearing.

That project will is scheduled to start in the summer of 2010, and close the Willimansett Bridge for 3 years. When I told the Pioneer Valley Rail Road about this project they were upset that they received no notification. This could affect their tracks. In response to Don Welch's criticisms at the April 16th hearing, a State official responded that they had put a notice of the hearing in the paper, and beyond that it was the City's job to notify people.

.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-05-03T17:00:00.000-04:00

Massachusetts House of Representatives OKs raising sales tax to 6.25 percent in late-night vote

New England Farm Workers' Council renovating downtown Holyoke buildings

Hector Santiago of Connecticut gets 2-4 years for shooting at Holyoke police

Full-time students at Holyoke Community College to pay $192 more per year to attend school starting in the fall

State police arrest 2 on drug charges on I-91 in Holyoke

Company dismantling abandoned mill in Holyoke charges Enpro Services with failing to properly clean up thousands of gallons of spilled oil

Sales tax hike to bring additional aid to Western Massachusetts communities

Holyoke schools' Superintendent Eduardo Carballo to get 1.7 percent pay increase

Massachusetts senators to take furlough

Pike may host wind turbine

Plan OK'd to address teen births

Court rejects quarry's request

Swindle claims disputed

Teens get lessons in business etiquette

More Mayor? Asking the Right Question

Mayors praise latest version of proposed state budget

Role of state eyed in search

Road Rage Leads to Bullets in Car

Amherst Push To Keep Amtrak - no rail transport for Holyoke?

Int'l day celebrates school diversity

Holyoke police arrest two on cocaine charges following motor vehicle stop

Holyoke police charge suspect with discharging a firearm on High Street

Canal Walk project in Holyoke gets under way

Scenes From The April 24th Open Performance Salon

2009-05-02T01:00:00.000-04:00

Full Set at Flickr.
.

Rambling About Town

2009-04-29T02:00:00.005-04:00

The Planning Board was already in session when I arrived at the Annex building on Tuesday. They were in the process of approving a site plan review, and special permits for the new Main St gas station. I snapped some photos so everyone can see the pretty plans. Let's hope it looks this good when built.

I can't be in two places at once, so after only 20 minutes I walked over to City Hall for an Ordnance Committee meeting. I wanted to see what was up with the old fire station at 452 Main St. Turns out some guys need a special permit to use the first floor bays as an auto repair garage. The old fire house would make the fanciest repair garage in town. The Ordinance Committee tabled the permit request until they get more info next week.

After sitting out the whole ordinance committee meeting I wandered over to Brennen's for a burger, and some candid shots of the bar.

The 10:00 PM walk home through the so called "war zone'" was uneventful but for the guy who came out of the Clover to ask why I was photographing it.

Walking the city is even nicer in the early AM. Last week I walked 18 blocks across the city, from the intersection of Oak and Cabot, to my house in the Flatts. It was about 12:30 am, and I was walking home after a party. Part of the way I accompanied Stan and Daphne to their house at Suffolk and Pine.

Staphne, as they are collectively known, showed me some homes being restored by new owners on Pine Street, and others slatted for demolition by the city. The air was calm, cool, and crisp. Perfect walking weather. My zip-up hoodie kept me warm. With virtually no people around, the city was dead quiet. Stan is so kind, he walked with me past their house to High St in front of City Hall. Perhaps he suspected some drug addict would accost me, but I didn't encounter another person on my solitary way home.

Walking past the first level canal the water looked like wavy glass in the lights reflected off the surface. Steam pipes on Open Square Way disturbed the utter peace of the city with a faint hiss of vapor escaping from a valve. Water lapping against the sides of the second level canal made me pause to listen. The sounds of my own foot falls were too loud. In the dead quiet it was like standing at the shore of a gentile lake.

When did they say work would begin on the Lyman Street bridges?

.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-04-28T02:00:00.001-04:00

Budget Cuts Threaten Programs at the Boys and Girls Club

Polish Food in Holyoke - Gramps Restaurant

Education For Young Single Moms in Holyoke

Holyoke children's museum fun

Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan says latest proposed state budget could result in 60 layoffs

Knapik files legislation that could reform court system

Lewis Hoff of Holyoke accused of bilking 16 people out of $3 million in Bernie Madoff-type investment scheme

Massachusetts' needs outweigh its portion of stimulus

New Hope for Needle Exchange

Housing plan to get hearing

Poems offer insights

Detours posted in Holyoke as Lyman Street bridge closed for repairs

Detectives Arrest 7 in Holyoke Drug Sweep

Holyoke teen wins national Web design prize

Holyoke officials debate retirement pay Boys & Girls Club president John Counter now gets from former Housing Authority post

Veteran Holyoke police officers set for their retirement

MCAS pep rally motivates Holyoke students to pass high-stakes exams

Holyoke Public Library celebrates Earth Day

Police chase ends with 5 arrests

WIC teaches parents how to be healthy

Pajama-Clad Toddlers Ransack Neighbor's Home

Rise in ER visits

Police: Suspect flailed, ranted

Volunteers give the city a ‘clean sweep’

Wooden Block Street Paving Under Holyoke

2009-04-27T02:00:00.006-04:00

One of the little projects I am working on right now is to help update some of the city's historical building inventory forms. Many of them have not been updated since the 70's, so city historian, Kate Navarra Thibodeau, gave me a list, and sent me out to photograph exteriors in an effort to get the process started.

With marching orders in hand I went out on Sunday to work Dwight St, and anything else I could find on my list. On my way up Dwight I snapped a few fresh photos of the Bud on John Street. The side street next to the Bud is named Murray Court in honor of the Bud's deceased proprietor.

Underneath our city's decaying roads and sidewalks still exist the cobble, and brick pavers of bygone days, and I often see them in areas where the pavement is coming up, but on Murrary Court I was amazed to see tree rings in these old pavers. I checked, they really are wood.

So far, the only good information I can find about the use of wood block paving is in this write up about Clevelands Hessler Court (pdf file). If anyone knows anything about wooden block street paving used in Holyoke please feel free to comment below.
.

North Canal to Water Street - Walkabout

2009-04-25T23:00:00.002-04:00

My apologizes to the readers of RVD for the lack of posts recently. I've been busy with a variety of little projects around town that are taking up all my time.

Sunday, a week ago, while enjoying the nice weather I walked past the back of 45 North Canal Street. It's next to the Portuguese American Club, and my first thought was that this house is abandoned, but later I saw people going in the front. I'm a little perplexed as to why the club, and neighbors haven't complained about the condition of the yard. It looks like it's been this way for a while.

Before any of you get the wrong idea, these are White People living here, not Puerto Ricans. The nice Black guy living next door has a well kept yard. Please choose your blatant racial epitaphs carefully.

Continuing on my walk I passed the Glorious People's Department Of Public Works.

Love the look of these old mills along Valley Mill Road.

I have no idea...

I'm told this is a bill box where the Rail Road would drop off its bills for delivery of box cars, or picked up bills for shipping box cars. Trains haven't used the Water Street siding since the 80's.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-04-20T23:00:00.000-04:00

Bay State receiving child care funds

Holyoke police crack down on crime over weekend

Holyoke police crime sweep nets 22 weekend arrests

Films aid Girls Inc.

Online Exhibit Peaks Interest of Community

Holyoke Man Struggles with Police

Loomis CEO Carol C. Katz named Greater Holyoke's Business Person of the Year

Holyoke High School band set for national competition

Holyoke artist Pat Hayes offers art classes to breast-cancer survivors

Computer recycling offered in Holyoke

Nearly 1,500 fewer students quit school in Mass. last year than in 2007, state reports

Holyoke police arrest 48 more people as part of citywide crime sweep

Spring cleaning in Holyoke

Anti-gang grants being cut

Peggy McKenna of Holyoke wins $10 million in 'Blockbuster' instant lottery

Furniture company buys Holyoke mill

Golden Gala

2009-04-19T02:00:00.003-04:00

Holyoke as came out in style last Friday night to enjoy Wistariahurst's Golden Gala - a celebration of 50 years as Holyoke's museum of history and culture.

I was happy to pay $35 at the door in support the old Skinner home, although I could have saved $10 if I ordered tickets in advance.

The museum raised money with a silent auction that included a framed photograph by my friend Jeffery Byrnes. The photograph went for $150. In fact every item on offer went for the asking price if not more.

We enjoyed live music while sous-chefs prepared our food. Holyoke's elites mixed with the hoi polloi (common people), some to score political points, and some to score mushroom and chicken stuffed crapes. I had a nice chat with Joel Patruno who spoke for the Springdale neighborhood during the transfer station hearings. Joel is an electrician currently working on renovations of the Wistariahurst carriage house. He told me about the bad repairs from years past being discovered under the walls and floor boards. For instance, some plumber drilled right through a carrying beam to install a pipe. Issues like that are par for the coarse when fixing old homes.

The Golden Gala was a great night out. I hope Wistariahurst finds an excuse to hold gala events more often.
.

Main Street Take Down

2009-04-15T23:00:00.001-04:00

The wreckers came on Wednesday to knock down the old United Gas Station on the corner of Cabot and Main.

They also took down a small building on an adjoining parcel with frontage on Spring St. The developer traded the property with the City for slice of the parking lot on Main St.

What Is It?

2009-04-15T20:00:00.002-04:00

Earlier today I spotted an optical phenomenon while driving up 141 near Mt Tom. I pulled over at the Tavern On The Hill, and snapped a few shots.

I adjusted the exposure so you could see it more clearly. We all know a Rainbow is visible with your back to the sun, but this right next to the sun.

My first thought was that this is a Glory, but after looking that up on Wikipedia I see It's an entirely different phenomenon. I also found listings for two other phenomenon I never heard of before. A Circumhorizontal Arc, and Irisation, but at this point I'm unsure what to call this.

Any of you Meteorologist types out there have an idea?
.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-04-13T12:00:00.002-04:00

Tax probe to take 6 months

Scholarships placed in peril

Tapestry Health May Face More Cuts

Health Center receives grant

Actor Paul Sorvino gives Holyoke High students an inside look at the acting life

HCC freshmen to get helping hand

Holyoke, IRS differ on tax debt

Out with the Old: North Canal Street, Holyoke

Holyoke pastor wins award for years of service

Holyoke High School students help those with disabilities learn to skate

Wistariahurst in Holyoke celebrates Easter season with age-old tradition of egg decoration

Holyoke 8th-grader gets first place in statewide writing contest - Her Essay

Foes of Holyoke Lowe's file zoning lawsuit

Gov. announces $163 million for MA schools, to focus on high-poverty districts - Boston mayor claims distribution unfair

Northampton firefighters extinguish small brush fire on Interstate 91 in Holyoke

Holyoke trash station opposed

Palmer development pitted against Holyoke, Northampton's

Massachusetts Civil Service Commission upholds suspension of Holyoke cops involved in bar fight while off duty

Computer recycling offered in Holyoke

Holyoke fights quarry plans

Extreme Fighting International a huge success in Holyoke

Council, chief split on judges

Work on Wistariahurst Carriage House begins

Area gets stimulated

Prefab Container Cabin in Holyoke, Minnesota

Community Conversation (part one)

2009-04-08T18:00:00.001-04:00

In an effort to create a list of issues important to the people of Holyoke, a group has formed inside Crush with the purpose of having a Community Conversation event. This came about because another Crush group was planning a mayoral debate, and was getting hung up on what questions should be asked of mayoral candidates. The Crushers worried about their own narrow view of issues in town so the idea of a community conversation was presented as a solution to finding those questions, and issues in a more democratic way.

Last night's conversation, held at the Open Square, was a sort of rehearsal for the main event, scheduled May 19th at the High School. Most of last night's attendees were community leaders of one type or another. The idea was for them to experience the conversation, and bring more people to the main event. With simple guidelines we discussed issues in small groups, shared insights, and discovered what is valued by others. Questions like, "What do you value about Holyoke?", were presented, and everyone took turns answering while a recorder at each table took notes.

Even though I was involved with the planning of this event, I didn't really know what to expect. I thought it might be awkward, or uncomfortable to talk to unfamiliar people, but everyone was very friendly, and wanted to hear my insights on the city. I should have known that I'd enjoy this. After all, we were talking about Holyoke. One of my favorite subjects. In fact many of us wanted to keep talking when it was over. Tables were being put a way, and we didn't want to get up and leave.

One thing I took away from this is how much new people in town love Holyoke. One person remarked that unlike any other place they lived, Holyoke has a heart. They explained that in other places you are not considered a "native" until you have lived there for some time if not many generations, but in Holyoke you are a true Holyoker the moment you live here. That fact surprised them.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-04-06T18:00:00.000-04:00

Bound to a place like no other

State farms prove fertile ground for exotic produce

Holyoke conservationists OK local portion of traffic information system that will be constructed along Interstates 91 and 291

Federal aid to ease budget ills

Holyoke hopes to boost tourism

Whistleblower physician sues Holyoke Medical Center

Holyoke students 'Spread the Word'

Holyoke threatens to take 64 properties if outstanding taxes not paid by April 16

Holyoke Community College offers encouragement to interested students

Holyoke events a reminder of spring

Holyoke St. Patrick's 10K reports record number of runners

Author Malachy McCourt strikes chord with Holyoke pupils

Nuns recognized for service to Blessed Sacrament School in Holyoke

Company president Tony Peterson makes time to help others learn to read

Carriage house repairs begun

Two Holyoke Men get Caught Delivering Heroin

He sets his sites on Holyoke

Campaign targets homelessness

Mass. Latino Chamber opens office in Holyoke

Councilors rap vetoes in Holyoke

Remnants Of Parsons Paper Mill

2009-04-04T02:00:00.001-04:00

So I found this blog by someone named westmassexplorer. He/She mentions my blog, and posted a few photos they took of the interior of Parsons just 3 days before the fire. Check it out.
.

Moutain Park Sundown

2009-04-03T02:00:00.001-04:00

Ever since the snow melted this season the front gate of Mountain Park has been kindly left open for visitors. On Thursday I drove up to the Park in the late afternoon for a little exercise, and to get some photos of the area before the leaves come out. The most excellent In The Valley visited the park last week, and took a few photos that reminded me there is a Holyoke outside the downtown. Even at sundown on Thursday many people were enjoying a walk around the area. This place must be busier than High Street on a Saturday afternoon.

I walked though every inch of this property several years ago, before Eric Suher bought it, and I can tell you much of it was like a tropical jungle. You really did need a machete to fully explore it. Today it looks like a construction site.

You'll remember the tree clearing issue from last Winter that got a lot of attention. As for that, I couldn't tell if the land clearing did come within 100 feet of the wetlands, but I'm sure we'll all hear more about it as new era dawns at Mountain Park.

Full photo set at Flickr

or click on the PictoBrowser below

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-03-30T21:00:00.001-04:00

Parade crowds estimated at 300,000

Holyoke police charge 22-year-old city man with threatening two victims with a handgun during St. Patrick's Parade

Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade gave local businesses shot in arm

Floats help parade shine

Cries & Whispers - Key to successful parade day

Hampden District Attorney William Bennett asks judge to reconsider decision to exclude nearly $2 million worth of cocaine from Holyoke drug case - Refuses to reverse his decision

Superintendent search begins

Pioneer Valley Planning Commission studies expanded rail service for Western Mass

Holyoke police raid North East Street apartment, arrest 22-year-old woman on heroin charges

Schools study lunch program

Governor No Longer Pledges To Remove W.Mass. Tolls

HG&E buys part of Mt. Tom

Unemployment rate averages 9 percent in Springfield, surrounding communities

Blue Sox 'pitch' community night fundraisers for local organizations

Dean Voke to host 13th annual Spring Gardening Symposium

Renovations continue on new low income housing

Holyoke Mayor Michael Sullivan plans to trim city's workforce by 20, without layoffs

Emissions cut planned at Mount Tom Station coal-burning power plant in Holyoke

Holyoke Girls Forced Out of Their League

Mike Burke: Holyoke boxing fete rekindles memories

Holyoke teenager publishes first novel

St. Paul's Nursery School in Holyoke celebrating 50th anniversary

More than 225 students from the Community Music School in Springfield will play for patrons of Barnes & Noble in Holyoke the weekend of April 4 to raise money for scholarships

Latino Chamber of Commerce expands

In Holyoke, walk along with dinosaurs

Holyoke election sparks races for clerk, treasurer for first time in more than 30 years

Edgar Delvalle of Holyoke charged with kidnapping Springfield girl walking to school

More than 1,000 residents line up for Western Mass. fair in hopes of landing new job

Man Arrested for Trafficking Cocaine While Out on Bail for Trafficking Cocaine

Two Mass. Men Face Crack Cocaine Charges

Sisters of St. Joseph mark 125 years of service to Western Mass.

Teenagers map future Holyoke

Holyoke - 1,000 places to define 'great' - Video

High St. Feb. 1959

Where Did The Week Go?

2009-03-30T02:00:00.004-04:00

I apologize for the blogging down time. Spring has just begun, and already I'm so busy that I've neglected my little blog. I can barely remember the past week. Where did it go?

I remember something about Tuesday. It was late afternoon, and Don Sanders with the MIFA crew are waiting at Brennan's, and calling to say they arrived early. That didn't quite work for me since I had already planned to pick up my Nephew for a Tuesday evening away from his single father, and I just heard this meeting was taking place. So I retrieved the kid and brought him with me to Brennan's. The kid inhaled a Lucky Burger in true teenage fashion while I talked over MIFA's is quiet accomplishments. Their finances seem to be improving, and the Victory theatre is making progress too, but nothing in stone yet. I will be sure to post good news as soon as it's official.

On Wednesday I walked up to Open Square for a late afternoon meeting of the Community Conversation group. Afterwards I met with Jeff Byrnes to see a print he is donating to Wistariahurst for the silent auction during their 50th Gala.

Tuesday I ran around town on minor errands, and went to the Library for a presentation on the history of the Holyoke Street Railway. We Holyokers are such a romantic bunch. Many people asked questions about the possibility of reviving street cars in Holyoke.

After the Street Railway presentation there was a Crush Party at the Bungalow featuring small business support in Holyoke.

On Friday I totally missed the Open Mike Night at Paper City Studios due to a business meeting that ran late into the night. Around midnight, as I planned a trip to New Hampshire the next day, I started shaking my head while looking at all the things I would be missing on Saturday. There was a PodCamp at Open Square, Trash Bash at Pulaski Park, and Spring Stewardship (clean up) at the Dinosaur Footprints - all peaking my interest, but I had to go to NH to see my Dad.

Check out my Dad's old radios.

Sunday was a day to fix computers in Montague for good friends. They told a funny story of how a corespondent for the Montague Reporter came to their house to research a story, and didn't know how to spell 'Montague'. With the state of news reporting today I wasn't surprised.

I still don't know where my week went.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-03-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

Holyoke's top cop to push legislation

Charter study effort revived

Missing money probe continues in Holyoke

President's Gift Packaged in Holyoke

Holyoke Gas & Electric Eyes Mt. Tom for Renewable Energy

Health centers get aid for upgrades

Debts mount at authority in Holyoke

Greater Holyoke YMCA honors volunteers at annual dinner celebration

Teen parents from Western Mass. lobby for funds

Salvation Army Distributes Food to Hundreds in Holyoke

Jobless rate rises to 7.8 percent in Massachusetts

Man not guilty of Holyoke double murder

Patrick Tarpy tops field of 4,000 at Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race

Holyoke St. Patrick's Road Race [video]

Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade

2009 Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade [video]

Parade Day!

2009-03-23T04:00:00.001-04:00

What a nice day for a parade. I had a great time hanging with family and friends. Did you have as much fun as I did?

Here's a few photos I took yesterday including two of the police taking away a guy who had a gun in his waistband.

.

Irish Cream

2009-03-21T16:00:00.003-04:00

No one had foreseen the dramatic economic down turn when MIFA began planning the Irish Cream Contemporary Irish Dance last Summer. Performances like this are always planned many months in advance. Back then it seemed so easy to put on. A three part show co-sponsored by Culture Ireland, which cost only a few thousand dollars for MIFA, and it's donors to put on.

It was about this time last year when MIFA's donations began drying up, but from the myopic perspective of Holyoke it seemed like a local problem. One that would probably correct itself as the year progressed. Well that didn't happen, and by the end of the year it was clear that the economy was to blame. MIFA had been a 'canary in the coal mine' so to speak. It saw the very early indications that something was wrong with the economy.

The first of the three performances is called Match, a dance of contest between two men where a victor emerges stronger, and survives.

Despite the bad year MIFA soldiered on. By January 1st it was scheduled to collect new grants that would put it back on the track, and help launch the upcoming season. However the Jan 1st date came and went. No major donations appeared, and as the new year progressed the economy continued to slide. Grantors were watching their endowment principles loose huge amounts on the the stock market. Grants to MIFA were not canceled, they were simply impossible to pay. Stocks that payed good dividends a year earlier were paying little to nothing in the new year, and even worse the value of those stocks fell dramatically making re-investment difficult.

The second performance is called Shared Material on Dying. Three women, dimly lit, dance silently in a drama of movement.

The beginning of the new year also saw Broadway shut down more shows than ever in it's history, but as Winter was winding down new shows started opening up. It looked like the shock of the bad economy was over, and people were prepared to go out and enjoy themselves again. With the March 20th date for Irish Cream rapidly approaching Don Sanders, and the MIFA staff went into high gear. They solicited small donations from local sources, sold ads in the show's program, and found creative ways to get free labor. Turns out the Sheriff department has plenty of able bodies (convicts) sitting around with nothing to do. Money trickled in, and show began to take shape.

The third performance is called Hang in There. It Aped the peace process in the North of Ireland in a funny, and thought provoking style.

By show day the dancers had arrived, the lighting was setup, and the chairs were in place. As show time approached MIFA volunteers came in to help in anyway they could. I myself was suppose to help, but found all positions fully staffed as I got back to the War Memorial building after eating a late lunch.

I really have to hand it to the staff at MIFA, and Congratulate them for going ahead, and putting on the Irish Cream show in the current economic climate. The show was great, and everyone enjoyed meeting the performers afterwards.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-03-16T12:00:00.002-04:00

State trooper, prosecution witness, give conflicting testimony in double murder trial of Julio Garcia of Holyoke

Holyoke forms new group to raise money to build a new senior citizens' center

Lisa Lavoie Case Draws Widespread Media Attention

Director says Holyoke Geriatric Authority plans to remain open

Urban renewal plan proposed in Holyoke

Holyoke eyes razing needs

Holyoke man arraigned in tanker crash

HCC Foundation helps students attend Holyoke Community College

Holyoke High students to perform '42nd Street'

Holyoke police arrest 17-year-old after downtown car chase

Councilor plans to run for mayor of Holyoke

Holyoke captures state hockey title

Action urged on Holyoke's teen birth rate

Lowe's project still on track in Holyoke

Warming Hearts helps Holyoke family

Holyoke missing tax fund case still open

Police search for weapons after chase

"The Cameraman"

2009-03-15T02:00:00.003-04:00

I had a great time viewing "The Cameraman" last night at the United Congregational Church. This was the second silent film event I attended at UCC having seen "La Terre" last Fall.

The film, starring and direct by Buster Keaton, moved at the pace of life in 1928 New York. It was not as primitive as you would think for a silent, black and white production. It was funny, fast moving, with a completely understandable story line. Keaton was an amazing actor, the equivalent of Jackie Chan today. Most people would get seriously hurt if they attempted his stunts.

Turnout was good at around 300 people. This is the vast main sanctuary of the church, and with the E. M. Skinner Organ piping music at both ends of the room, the movie was hardly silent. Again Peter Krasinski played it masterfully.

After the movie I spoke with Peter, and a few of the people who put the show together. An interesting fact about the organ, it was rewired a few years ago using a system very similar to the DCC system I described here. In essence the organ keys now operate a digital interface. So it works 99% of the time instead of needing work 99% of the time.
Correction - read comments below.

The next cool thing happening in Holyoke is the triple billed - Irish Contemporary Dance called 'Irish Cream'. It'll be performed at the War Memorial on Mar 20th, 7:00 - 8:30 PM. Admission $18-. This isn't river dance. It's throughly modern, and straight from Dublin.

Mt. Park site 2000 - 2009

2009-03-10T00:00:00.000-04:00

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-03-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

Anti-Coal Protest At The Mt. Tom Power Plant

Mass. transportation secretary tries to sell Western Mass. residents on proposed 19-cent per gallon tax hike

Massachusetts Treasurer Timothy Cahill tells legislators to approve three casinos with only slot machines

Trial begins for Julio Garcia, formerly of Holyoke, accused of shooting 2 cousins to death

Homeless families placed in apartments, hotels in wake of state's closure of 3 shelters in Springfield and Holyoke

Ex-shelter families get apartments

Transfer station appeal planned

Health centers hope for stimulus money

Senators Stephen Buoniconti, Michael Knapik endorse bill designed to boost economic development in cities like Springfield, Holyoke

Lawmakers hear of heavy cuts to health, human services

The Cottage in Holyoke offers gifts in welcoming surroundings

Gas Tax Debate Continues as Gov. Patrick Travels to Western Mass.

Prosecutor says Holyoke teacher took boy to four states

Mt.Tom Ski Area Fire

No charges for teens in Mt. Tom fire

Holyoke preps to go green on March 22nd

Circuit City closes doors

Holyoke schools balance budget

Western Mass. community colleges booming

Building - Take Down

2009-03-05T00:00:00.007-05:00

The Holyoke Public Safety Committee held a meeting last night including the Building Demolition permitting group. Almost every city councilor was in attendance, as well as dozen members of the public.

The Permitting Group seemed to know very well what people wanted to know beforehand. Why was $400K being spent to take down a building on Maple Street, and why wasn't the building owner being held responsible?

The Group went around one by one describing what they did, how the process worked - everything they go through with vacant, run down, and abandoned buildings in Holyoke. They eluded to the long story behind the Maple Street building, and several other buildings that have degraded over the years.

One problem they listed was the fact that people flipped properties when the city began catching up with them causing the city to start the process all over again. Another thing that happens is deeds don't get registered after cash transactions, so the city wastes time going after the wrong person. One thing I found annoying is that the City has outstanding warrants for property owners who failed to respond, but the city can't touch these people because they live out of state. The city had gone so far as to call the governor's office to try and get the State Police to cross state lines in pursuit of one property owner with an arrest warrant. The city knew exactly where the person lived, but couldn't touch him unless he entered Mass. The State has no laws allowing for such a pursuit, and seemingly no intentions of creating them.

An encouraging thing mentioned during the meeting was the State's receivership program in which a neighborhood building owner, in good standing, could take over abandon properties, run them, and eventually own them. The decision of who gets these properties is up to the judge, and he chooses from a list of people already signed up. It works best with properties that still have some income coming in. The problem with much of Holyoke's abandoned properties is that they are not financially viable any longer. Even if they look good on the outside the amount of money it would take to bring them back is more than they would ever be worth.

Another positive note was the new Holyoke Redevelopment Authority. It does have the power to deal with these properties in a strong way, but hasn't gotten off the ground yet.

In the video Chief LaFond talks about the X signs the Fire department puts on buildings.

Overall I wasn't happy with the information offered up. Even thought the Group portrayed their work as exhaustive, it seemed rather weak in comparison to what other cities do. Please don't get me wrong, theses are good people - working hard on this issue, but I can't help think that with some new codes, or different way of looking at things, they could be working smarter. This is something the next Mayor will probably have to deal with.

No public questions were allowed during the meeting, and it lasted little more than an hour and a half.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-03-01T23:00:00.000-05:00

Holyoke grants tax credits to seniors who volunteer for city

Citizens protest Geriatric Authority closure at Patrick's office - Future remains in limbo

Holyoke picks Grand Colleen

Holyoke picks School Committee member

Schools consensus claimed

Teacher allegedly runs off with student - found in West Virginia - behind bars on statutory rape charges - 8th-grader returned to Bay State - to attend school in another district

Mill Power - Conversion Projects Are Just Part of a Resurgence for the Paper City

Federal stimulus funds to help Mass. combat homelessness

Holyoke advances to D-IIIA semifinals

Holyoke case said 'resolved'

Mass. Gov. Deval Patrick comes to Whately to help scientists study family of bears <- Read comments at bottom

WMass asked to pay for sins of the East

Final Friday Followup

2009-03-01T12:00:00.001-05:00

Here at Rambling VanDog we appreciate the ramblings of a mad man as Max calls it. This was the second Final Friday, Open Performance Salon, I attended at Gonzo Comix, and even though the weather dampened the crowd, it didn't dampen the fun.

Andy Laties performed Kurt Schwitters Ursonate. A Dada performance with it's roots in pre-WW2 Europe.

Rebecca Midgal presented an outline of a work she is constructing based on the painting in the background.

I even got to show a few of my photos, and might show some more next time.

These Open Performance Salons will continue on the Final Friday's of every month with the next one scheduled for the 27th of March. They are welcoming artists, comics, cartoonists, poets, and burlesque acts. So all you wannabe garden musicians get out your hoses and come down to Race Street at the end of the month.
.

Final Friday Attack!

2009-02-27T02:00:00.001-05:00

What is this about? Well you'll just have to read this, and show up tonight at Paper City Studios to find out.

Stories Of The Past Week

2009-02-23T12:00:00.000-05:00

Grow Holyoke effort vital to city's future

State Rep. Michael Kane disputes funding promise claimed by Holyoke Geriatric Authority

Incorporating Hope

Holyoke hospital working to succeed

Holyoke mayor remains upbeat

Field widens in race for Holyoke mayor

Fun available on Sundays

Program offers $500 in tax savings

Holyoke police charge Springfield man with aggravated assault and battery on a pregnant woman

3 vie for school board

Holyoke police arrest two Springfield men on heroin charges

Holyoke OK's plan to borrow funds to renovate barn at Wistariahurst Museum

Artist demonstrates portrait painting at Holyoke's Wistariahurst Musuem

Protesters encouraged by governor's concern for patients, employees at Holyoke Geriatric Authority

Holyoke fabric manufacturing company, Mastex Industries, closes, lays off 80 workers

Budget presents 'tough choices among miserable options'

Holyoke City Council seeks legal bill data

Gov. Deval Patrick's planned 19-cent gas tax hike draws fire from Western Mass.

Waste project clears hurdle

Mastex workers may get help

Holyoke Mill Closes, But Lt. Gov. Hopeful About Future

Holyoke picks Grand Colleen for St. Patrick's parade

Holyoke works to implement state Department of Revenue recommendations on financial practices

Holyoke city councilors raise questions about money missing form the tax collector's office

Health centers get state grants

Holyoke Gas & Electric Expands Its Fiber-optic Internet Service Once Again

Saturday Safari

2009-02-22T02:00:00.004-05:00

On Saturday I took a trip up to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory in South Deerfield. It cost me and my friend $12 each to get in. Kids are $8, Seniors $10, and kids under 3 are free.

Upon paying admission we entered the bug room. It has all sorts of exotic creatures including frogs, and giant cockroaches. It's fun to see little kids delight in the discovery of new fauna while mothers revolt at giant bugs.

Tony Mateus went here last month, and that inspired my trip. With all the bitter cold we've had this season - a tropical conservatory is very appealing. Many of Tony's photos are better than mine. He probably has the right lens for this type of photography. My wide perspective lens had trouble in this setting, but it's not a total disaster, just a bit limiting.

Once you enter the main conservatory you realize you need to watch your step. The butterflies are everywhere, and happy to tag along on the tour. It's hot in here too. Like 80 degrees with tropical humidity.

This women was excited to have them come right to her finger.

Then she got a bit creeped out as more decided she was worth a visit.

I couldn't help but laugh.

This guy was laughing at the woman too, and didn't realize he picked up hitchhiker as well.

The place was packed. I would recommend getting here early on a Saturday.

Another reason to watch your step are these little quail that roam the ground.

This one looked to be laying eggs. That's quite a clutch for such a small bird.

As we finished our visit to the conservatory thoughts turned towards a quiet place to sit, and eat a late lunch. I suddenly remembered my friend Max had asked me to come up to Deerfield and check out his GoNOMAD Cafe.

"Hey, There it is!"

GoNOMAD is a nice little place with free wifi that I quickly utilized on my iPhone since 3G wasn't working up here.

The food, and coffee was great. And I'm not just saying that because Max is my friend. Thoughts of "We need this place in downtown Holyoke" quickly came to mind.

On our way out we grabbed a few cookies to take home. Mmmm. I shouldn't eat these, but being bad taste so good.

.

Click on the PicoBrowser below to see the entire Magic Wings photo set, or see it at Flickr.

.