City of Holyoke » News

Gateway Cities Caucus Tours The Paper City

beaudryt — Wed, 19 Jun 2013 01:52:31 +0000

State legislators and representatives from the local media were given a taste of Holyoke on Monday during the first Gateway City Caucus tour of the city. The PVTA bus tour stopped at several new businesses and redeveloped sections of the city. In addition, the tour visited business potential or underdeveloped areas to give the state lawmakers a sense of how Holyoke can benefit from their continued support. The tour was organized by Representative Aaron Vega and featured a presentation by Mayor Alex B. Morse and the Director of Planning & Economic Development, Marcos Marrero.

The Gateway City Caucus, started in 2008 by State Representative Cabral and State Senator Buoniconti, is an association that represents the 26 “Gateway Cities” for the Commonwealth. This is the first time that the Caucus has visited Holyoke to assess economic development and opportunities. The state officials visited the Churchill Neighborhood urban Renewal Plan area, the Picknelly Transportation Center, Open Square, South Holyoke for the South Holyoke Neighborhoods Initiative, Gateway City Arts, and the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center.

For more information, please contact Tim Beaudry in the Mayor’s Office at (413) 322-5510 or beaudryt@ci.holyoke.ma.us.

Special State Election for U.S. Senate

beaudryt — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:38:19 +0000

The special election for the Massachusetts Representative in the United States Senate will be held on Tuesday, June 25th. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website.

Holyoke Police Officer Promotions

beaudryt — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:01:56 +0000

Mayor Alex B. Morse promoted six very deserving Holyoke Police Department officers. The promotions include Lt. Manny Febo to Captain, Manuel T. Reyes and Isaias Cruz to Lieutenant, and Charles P. Monfett, Michael E. McMahon and David S. Usher to Sergeant. “We are lucky to have such fine individuals working for our City and ensuring the public’s safety,” commented Mayor Morse.

For more information please visit the MassLive article.

Combined Meeting of Building Dept, Historical Commission, Fairfield Ave. Commission

Olivia — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:40:00 +0000

Combined

HOLYOKE HISTORIC COMMISSION and

FAIRFIELD AVENUE LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION and

HOLYOKE BUILDING DEPARTMENT

DATE

FRIDAY

June 28, 2013

TIME

3:00-4:00 P.M.

PLACE

CITY HALL ANNEX

3^RD FLOOR

Agenda

DEMOLITION FORMS and PROCESS

FAIRFIELD FORMS AND PROCESS

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

OTHER ISSUES

399 Appleton St.- Herbert Farr Mansion- Determination Hearing

Olivia — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 12:31:34 +0000

HOLYOKE HISTORIC COMMISSION

Meeting

DATE

Tuesday

June 18, 2013

TIME

6:30

PLACE

Gateway City Arts

92 Race St.

www.gatewaycityarts.com

539-0385

Agenda

Minutes of the Demo Hearing

399 Appleton St –Herbert Farr Mansion

YMCA Demo Hearing Determination

All meetings are open to the public

Surplus Equipment For Sale

beaudryt — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 20:08:54 +0000

The City of Holyoke has a surplus of equipment for sale. In addition anyone wishing to place a bid must visit PublicSurplus.com and follow instructions. For further details please contact the Purchasing Department.

Planning & Economic Development Moves to City Hall Annex

beaudryt — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:56:17 +0000

The Office of Planning and Economic Development has moved from One Court Plaza on Suffolk Street into the fourth floor of the City Hall Annex. The move is short but it will allow residents and business owners seeking permits to develop their properties get everything they need all in one building.

The Office of Planning and Economic Development takes the space formerly occupied by the city’s Auxiliary Police, which have moved to the War Memorial, 310 Appleton St. The War Memorial space became available when the Senior Center and Council on Aging moved into the new Senior Center at 291 Pine St. in December.

Please visit the MassLive article for more information.

Demo Hearing-399 Appleton St.

Olivia — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:16:43 +0000

Legal Notice
City of Holyoke, Massachusetts
Holyoke Historical Commission
May 2, 2013

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, under the third Amendment to Chapter 18 of the Revised Code of Ordinances of the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, under Sec. 18-34 C-c of the Demolition Delay Ordinance, that a PUBLIC HEARING will be held concerning the proposed demolition of

399 Appleton St, Herbert Farr House
(also known as Dr. Lepine’s Dental Office)
owned by the
YMCA, Holyoke, MA.

Public Hearing Held at
310 War Memorial Building
Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA.
Wednesday, June 12, 2013

6:30 PM
413-534-4115

Demo Hearing-399 Appleton St.- Wed. June 12-6:30-War Memorial

Olivia — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 21:05:12 +0000

Legal Notice

City of Holyoke, Massachusetts

Holyoke Historical Commission

May 2, 2013

399 Appleton St, Herbert Farr House

(also known as Dr. Lepine’s Dental Office)

owned by the

YMCA, Holyoke, MA.

Public Hearing Held at

310 War Memorial Building

Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

6:30 PM

413-534-4115

Demo Hearing- 399 Appleton St.

Olivia — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:54:46 +0000

Legal Notice

City of Holyoke, Massachusetts

Holyoke Historical Commission

May 2, 2013

399 Appleton St, Herbert Farr House

(also known as Dr. Lepine’s Dental Office)

owned by the

YMCA, Holyoke, MA.

Public Hearing Held at

310 War Memorial Building

Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

6:30 PM

413-534-4115

Holyoke Historical Commission

Lauren Golden

Vitek Kruta

Duncan Mackiewicz

*Olivia Mausel

Joseph Reynolds

James Sheehan

Veteran’s Memorial Park Reopening Ceremony

beaudryt — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:05:35 +0000

The City of Holyoke is set to reopen Veteran’s Memorial Park after a $1.4 million renovation with a ceremony on Friday, June 14th at 2:30 p.m. The park is located at Maple and Dwight streets, across from the Holyoke Transportation Center and the U.S. Post Office. Veteran’s Park has been closed for the renovation process since August 2012. The renovation includes new paving, lighting, fencing, trees, turf, irrigation, curbing, planters, benches, trash receptacles, and bike racks.

Last Day to Register to Vote!

beaudryt — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 18:48:38 +0000

The Office of the Registrar of Voters will be open until 8:00 p.m. today. In order to register to vote, one must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of Massachusetts and 18 years or older before the June 25 election for the Massachusetts Special State Election for U.S. Senate .

For a list of guidelines and answers to general questions about registration, click here or call the voter registration hotline at 1-800-462-VOTE.

Helping Children in Moore, Oklahoma

beaudryt — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:40:32 +0000

On the afternoon of Monday, May 20, 2013, a tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, and adjacent areas, killing 24 people, and injuring hundreds of others.

In response to the devastation Mayor Alex B. Morse has set up a donation box outside of his office to help the children of Moore, Oklahoma. We are looking for new/gently used books and small stuffed animals. The box will remain outside of the Mayor’s Office for one week from Friday, May 31st to Friday, June 7th.

Pride Flag Raising

beaudryt — Fri, 31 May 2013 14:20:45 +0000

The 2nd Annual Pride Flag Raising Ceremony will take place at Holyoke City Hall on Tuesday, June 4th at 4:00 p.m. The flag-raising will support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. This ceremony also honors and celebrates diversity, tolerance and inclusiveness in the City of Holyoke. We encourage all to attend and to invite friends! Check out the Facebook event!

Holyoke Pride’s Nite Out featuring DJ Shpank will follow the event at 10:00 p.m. at the Double Six Night Club located at 352 High Street.

Holyoke Fireworks

beaudryt — Thu, 30 May 2013 20:04:43 +0000

The City of Holyoke’s July 4th Fireworks Celebration will take place on Friday, June 28th, 2013, with the rain date of Saturday, June 29th, 2012, on the beautiful grounds of Holyoke Community College, located on Homestead Avenue. “This is always a great family-friendly event that allows the entire community to celebrate the Fourth of July. As always, I would like to thank the dedicated staff of the Parks and Recreation Department, Holyoke Gas & Electric, and the other city employees and volunteers whose planning ensures that this event runs smoothly year after year.”

The City of Holyoke fireworks are sponsored each year by Holyoke Gas & Electric and the event is hosted by Holyoke Community College. Mayor Morse encourages everyone to come early to enjoy the music and food. There will also be many activities for children. The event begins at 6:00 P.M., with the fireworks display scheduled to start at dusk.

Vendors interested in taking part in the event should contact the Parks & Recreation Department to obtain a permit application at (413) 322-5620. The permit fee is $150.00. No alcoholic beverages or bottles are allowed on the premises. Only vendors permitted in advance will be allowed on site.

For additional information contact the Mayor’s office at (413) 322-5510.

City, MGHPCC Reach PILOT Agreement

beaudryt — Tue, 28 May 2013 19:50:28 +0000

After initiating negotiations, Mayor Alex B. Morse is excited to announce that the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) has agreed to make voluntary Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) to the City of Holyoke. Mayor Morse and MGHPCC are also announcing a scholarship program for Holyoke public school students enrolled at the MGHPCC’s participating universities. The PILOT payments will total $80,000 per year, the annual tax revenue due on the property before it was taken over by the MGHPCC. The scholarship program, funded by the MGHPCC, will provide $10,000 in scholarships annually to Holyoke public school students.

Please visit the MassLive Article for more information.

Holyoke Historical Commission Meeting

Olivia — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:35:36 +0000

HOLYOKE HISTORIC COMMISSION MEETING

DATE –

Wednesday

June 5th, 2013

July, August – tba)

TIME -

6:30 P.M.

PLACE –

Gateway City Arts

92 Race St.

www.gatewaycityarts.com

539-0385

Agenda for June

Minutes

Old Business

Preservation Awards Review

Budget process

399 Appleton St.- Farr House and the YMCA hearing

New Business

By-Law review committee

Polish Heritage Local Historic District update

Holyoke Catholic groundbreaking update by Dave Moore

Certified Local Gov. application review

other

“These listings of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chairmen which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed or other items not listed, may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

La Noche de San Juan en Holyoke

Jeff — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:51:29 +0000

What better way to celebrate the beginning of summer than a celebration of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture in Holyoke? La Noche de San Juan en Holyoke is all about local music, arts, food, and the long summer evenings we enjoy here in New England.

On June 22nd, from 3-9pm, Heritage Park will come alive with traditional music, dance, food and fun. Returning this year will be local favorites, Jose Gonzalez’

Banda Criolla, Jesus Pagan y Conjunto Barrio, as well as a few other bands joining us for the first time. Vendors will offer a variety of festive foods and non-alcoholic drinks. Jereton the Clown will be back again! Although we have no ocean to jump into, Watershed on Wheels will help us learn more about the Connecticut River.

This event is free to attend.

Memorial Day Ceremony

beaudryt — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:35:45 +0000

The United Veterans of Holyoke have finalized their plans for hosting this year’s Holyoke Memorial Day Ceremony. The event will take place on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27^th from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the War Memorial Building, located at 310 Appleton Street. Musical selections will be played the Holyoke High School Band. Veterans of Holyoke and representatives from various related agencies will be among those present at the ceremony. Distinguished speakers include Anita Reed, Commander of the Massachusetts State Disabled American Veterans, Barry Farrell of Farrell Funeral Home, and Mayor Alex Morse.

The Great Holyoke Brick Race

Jeff — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:01:01 +0000

Announcing the Third annual Holyoke Brick Race contest sponsored by Paper City Studios and Massachusetts Cultural Council.

As the name implies, a “Brick Race” involves designing and building a brick racecar that is mounted on wheels and raced down an inclined track using only gravity to cross the finish line first.

The purpose of the event is to bring together the diverse community of Holyoke and surrounding towns for a day of fun, excitement and creativity for all to enjoy. We want to have as many brick racecars as can be accommodated to kick off our third event, and we’d like to invite you to participate.

Preliminaries: 11-1pm. Race starts at 1pm

for more information visit http://www.brickrace.org/

RAIN DATE: Sunday, June 9th

Join the City Wide Clean Up!

beaudryt — Mon, 20 May 2013 20:12:06 +0000

Mayor Alex B. Morse is seeking organizations, groups or individuals to participate in the City Wide Clean Up scheduled for Saturday, June 8th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Please RSVP so that we can properly prepare and provide participants with the necessary equipment. People can choose what neighborhood and area they want to clean, and we will put it on our map. Pizza and light refreshments to follow at Heritage State Park! RSVP to Nilka Ortiz in the Mayor’s Office at (413) 322-5510 or by e-mail at ortizn@ci.holyoke.ma.us.

Join the City Wide Clean Up

beaudryt — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:47:45 +0000

Auto Draft

admin — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:25:50 +0000

Mayor Alex B. Morse Presents Budget of $123.6 Million

beaudryt — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:10:48 +0000

Mayor Alex Morse presented the City Council with a proposed budget to run the city in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2013. The $123.6 million spending plan is $740,427 less than the previous year’s proposed budget of $124.3 million.

The proposed budget is lean and conservative, as many departments will see no increases over FY13, and many will see decreases. In this budget, there are no new positions being funded, and department heads have been instructed to control spending until the end of the fiscal year in the hope of having a positive impact on next year’s free cash.

Additional savings are noticed in reduced health care costs, long-term debt service payments and grant monies received by the Fire Department to supplement salaries.

In addition, Mayor Morse says the City is in great financial shape; tax collections are up 35.26%, the bond rating has also received great marks from Moody’s. The city’s stabilization, or rainy day, fund is $11.9 million and the free-cash account is about $700,000.

For more information, please view the Masslive article including the Mayor’s complete budget proposal, and his letter sent to the City Council.

Open Studios & Gallery Exhibits

Jeff — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:23:26 +0000

IN HOLYOKE on Saturday, May 18^th2013

On Saturday, May 18th- several Artists Studios will be open throughout the day in downtownHolyoke.

Artwork will be on display and for sale at the following:

Paper City Studios/PCS80 (80 Race St)

INSDIE OUT: Open Studios & Gallery Exhibit

Open Studios: 2pm-6pm

Gallery Reception: 6-8PM

Participating Artists:

Jeffrey Byrnes	Don Curtis
Bruce Fowler	Roz Grunman
Ben Martins	Dean Nimmer
Nancy Sachs	Janet Stupak
Tyler Vouros

For information call – 413-533-4883 or 413-330-4505

or visit www.facebook.com/pages/Paper-City-Studios-Pcs80

Canal Gallery (380 Dwight St)

Exhibit – The Artists of the Canal Gallery & Studios

Exhibit Opening Reception: 2pm – 6 pm

Live Music: 6pm – 8pm

Multimedia group show of all 30 artists who have studios in the Canal Gallery building. This exhibit will showcase every artist in the building, and will including sculpture, paintings, photographs, prints, silkscreens and metal work. It will be an unique opportunity to see what we all do … participants will include: Don Welhelm, Gregory Stone, Nona Hatay, Noel Busami, Philip Van Cott, Kristine Toper, Kamil Peters,Kyle Waldron, Mia Valentini, Aaron Knaap, Jaybo, Charles Gezork, Maryanne Benns, Karen Grenko, Debra Denphy, Larry, Mimi Plash, Bruce Chandler, John Cahoune, Jude, Alexis Fedorjaczenko, Chris Nelson, Cynthia Consentino, Estella Bergeron, Harriet Diamond, Julian Halpern, Lee Hutt, Lydia Nettler, Mike Martindell, and Zack Buehner.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/pages/The-Canal-Gallery

Paper City Performance Space (460 Race St)

Open House 1pm-3pm

Paper City Performance Space is having an open house! Stop by to see us, and check out some art and photos by our founders, Anne and Jessica. We are actively booking shows and events for the next few months and we would love to hear your suggestions. Paper City Performance Space is a community oriented, all ages, sober space.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/PaperCityPerformanceSpace

Angela Gerhard Studios (62 Main St – Suite 4)

Open Studio: 12pm-6pm

Running the gamut from spontaneous and expressive, to simple and tailored, Angela Gerhard’s eclectic range of enamel jewelry boasts of character. Her award-winning work has been exhibited widely in juried and invitational exhibitions throughout the U.S. and abroad. From start to finish, all jewelry is handcrafted by Angela at her studio in Holyoke.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/angelagerhardjewelry

Retro-Phanatic (146 High Street)

Open Hours: 11am-4pm

A quaint, little vintage shop of clothing, accessories, mid-century modern furniture and re-purposed curiosities tucked away on High Street, Retro-Phanatic provides vintage lovers and theatre house’s with vintage clothing, furniture and props. On display, created lighting made from outdated/retro appliances and other consumer goods that have outlived their trends and have been transformed into artful new use. Enjoy live models, dress in Retro/Vintage clothing circa 1889- 1990′s as they use these appliances.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/RetroPhanatic

Contact Ann: 413-222-6202

Emmanuel’s Jewelry (311 High St)

Open Hours: 10am – 6pm

Custom jewelry,

Call 413-493-6565 for more information

The Cake Lady (123 High St)

Open Hours: 8AM-4PM

Providing cakes for all occasions, pastries, and sweets of all kind. Choose from our many selections of sweets and treats that will satisfy your cravings. If you are not in the mood for sweets still stop by for some breakfast, lunch sandwiches, homemade soup and coffee.

Cash Only! (sorry for the inconvenience)

Check us out on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/The-Cake-Lady/

Mother Mary’s Thrift Store (362 High St)

Open Hours: 10am-3pm

Mother Mary’s is a fundraising project of Providence Ministries for the Needy, selling quality, pre-owned clothing, books, furniture, and house wares at reasonable prices. All proceeds benefit the Ministries’ mission to feed, clothe and shelter the needy of greater Holyoke.

For more information please visit www.facebook.com/mothermarysholyoke

Or call (413) 536-5200

Summer Sport Programs Registration Now Open

LeClerc — Wed, 01 May 2013 01:24:34 +0000

2013 Multi Sport Flyer. This flyer contains the prices and dates of the programs.

Holyoke Parks & Recreation offers professional instruction in all sport activities throughout the summer for ages 5 & up, full day and 1/2 day programs, a low instructor to camper ratio, early drop off, and an opportunity to have fun while improving skills. Basketball, Field Hockey and Tennis are registered directly through the Parks & Recreation Department while the rowing, kayak and soccer camps are held by Holyoke Rows and Amaral Soccer in our facilities.

Basketball: Week #1: June 24-28 • Week #2 July 8-12 $140/week or $260/two weeks. 9:00 am – 2:30 pm (8:30 early drop off).

Field Hockey: July 15-19 $165/week. 9:00 am – 3:00 pm (8:30 early drop off).

Tennis: June 24 – August 9 • Multiple weeks to choose from. $25/week. 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Rowing and Kayak: Please visit www.holyokerows.org for more information. $10/week

Soccer: Please visit www.amaralsoccer.com for more information.

Programs start June 24^th and run through August 23^rd. For more information, please the Parks & Recreation Department webpage, call (413) 322-5620 or email: leclercp@ci.holyoke.ma.us .

Download the necessary forms and return them along with payment to Parks & Recreation.

2013 Summer Registration Form

2013 Summer Medical Form

HG&E’s Robert E. Barrett Fishway 2013 Season

KSullivan — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:59:49 +0000

The Barrett Fishway, owned and operated by Holyoke Gas & Electric, consists of two elevators or “lifts” which carry migrating fish up and over the Holyoke Dam. Visitors can watch the lifts in action from an observation deck overlooking the Connecticut River. Last year, over 500,000 fish (and nearly 11,000 guests) visited the facility during the seasonal viewing period.

Located off Bridge Street (Route 116) in Holyoke, just west of the South Hadley-Holyoke Bridge, the Holyoke Fishway’s 2013 season runs from May 8 through June 16, 2012, hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. The facility is closed on Monday and Tuesday, with the exception of Monday, May 28 (Memorial Day) from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

For further information on the Barrett Fishway, visit www.hged.com/fishlift or call (413) 536-9460.

Join Holyoke’s Adopt-an-Island Program!

beaudryt — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 14:12:24 +0000

Mayor Alex B. Morse is pleased to welcome back Holyoke’s Annual Adopt-an-Island program. This marks the 12th year for the program which boasts over 100 participants. Many residents appreciate the Adopt-an-Island program that aims to bring colorful and creative gardening on various islands throughout the city.

As part of the program, the city supplies a sign with the sponsoring business or organization name, wood mulch and regular watering. Sponsors’ responsibilities include providing their own live plant materials (artificial flowers prohibited) and maintenance – weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, and Spring and Fall clean-up. Vegetation such as shrubs and ornamental grasses that may obstruct visibility in traffic areas may not exceed 36” in height.

“The Holyoke Adopt-an-Island program makes a major improvement in the aesthetic appearance of the City by transforming otherwise blacktopped and weed filled areas into beautiful planting beds,” commented David Healey, one of the program organizers.

For more information, contact David Healey (413) 627-9202, dghealey@gmail.com or Diane Brennan (413) 875-1617, dtbrennan@tighebond.com. For additional information please visit the Holyoke’s Adopt an Island Website.

Fairfield Avenue Local Historic District

Olivia — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 18:47:30 +0000

Fairfield Avenue Local Historic District Commission Meeting

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

6:30

Wistariahurst Carriage House, 238 Cabot St.

Agenda for May

Old Business

Polish Heritage Historic district update

New Business

By Law Review Committee

Other

Holyoke Historical Commission Preservation Awards 2013

Olivia — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:48:24 +0000

To further awareness and preservation of historic sites, structures, districts and character the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts, the Holyoke Historical Commission annually recognized individuals, firms, groups and organizations that have contributed to the achievement of the purposes and objectives of the Commission.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

The Wherehouse?

Holyoke, MA

Open to the Public

Agenda

Welcome

Keynote Speaker: Max Page

Professor of Architecture and History and

Director of Historic Preservation Initiatives, UMass, Amherst

2013 Recipients

Buildings

380 High Street- First Niagara Bank

205-207 Pine St- Alex and Saray Siv

206 Maple Street, Holyoke Transportation Center

362 Dwight St.- Parson’s Hall

Individuals

Earle Brick

James Curran

Paul Graves

Jon Haeber

Charlie Lotspeich

Reservation Advocacy Group

Merging the Past with the Present Award

Holyoke Restoration Guild- The Wheel Project

Holyoke Historical Commission

Olivia — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:34:07 +0000

Holyoke Historical Commission Meeting

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Time: 6:30

Gateway City Arts, 92 Race St., Holyoke, Ma.

539-0385

Agenda for May

Minutes

Old business

Preservation Awards final details

(Wed. May 8th, The Wherehouse? 5 to 7)

Budget for 2014

Farr House @ 399 Appleton St. and the YMCA

New Business

By-law review committee

other

Holyoke Police Department Endorses Early Literacy Initiative

beaudryt — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:50:30 +0000

Mayor Alex Morse and Police Chief James M. Neiswanger will announce a collaborative effort in support of the Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative at a press conference on Tuesday April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the newest Holyoke Police Substation, located at 176 High Street. The goal of this initiative is to have 85% of the Holyoke Public Schools’ 3rd grade students reading at a proficient level by 2014.

The Holyoke Police Department will endorse the Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative by accepting a first installment of one thousand books for their department. The mission is to offer children’s books at all sub-station locations. In addition, Holyoke Police Officers will have the opportunity to distribute books to the community while on duty.

“Having another stakeholder in the community like the Holyoke Police Department endorse this initiative shows great testimonial to our work and the Mayor’s commitment to the children of Holyoke,” commented Andrew Melendez, the Holyoke Early Literacy Coordinator.

For more information please contact Andrew Melendez, the Holyoke Early Literacy Coordinator, at 413-210-2945 or melendeza@ci.holyoke.ma.us.

Public School’s Instrumental Music Concert

LeClerc — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:24:42 +0000

Support the arts and young artists too! Join the Holyoke Public School’s Instrumental Music Program as they showcase these talented young musicians in their annual spring concert. Elementary school students as well as students from the award winning Holyoke High School Band will perform. This is the final concert of the year and will be held in the John Sear’s Auditorium at Holyoke High School. Admission is free of charge. Donations to the program are accepted.

Moment of Silence for Boston Marathon Bombing Victims

beaudryt — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 13:13:04 +0000

On Monday, April 22^nd the City of Holyoke will join other Massachusetts communities in observing a moment of silence. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick has asked residents to observe a moment of silence at 2:50 p.m., the time the first of the two bombs exploded near the finish line. Bells will ring across the City of Boston and state after the minute-long tribute to the victims of the Boston Marathon Bombing.

Holyoke Properties Managers Host “Learning Continues at Home”

beaudryt — Thu, 18 Apr 2013 13:53:27 +0000

The Holyoke Property Managers hosted an exciting literacy event to support the City of Holyoke’s Early Literacy Initiative. The mission of this initiative is to engage the entire community in creating a culture of literacy in Holyoke. The event is an effort to support the goal adopted by the Holyoke School Committee that 85% of all Holyoke children will be proficient readers by the end of 3rd grade in 2014.

In strong support of this initiative, the “Learning Continues at Home” literacy event took place Wednesday, April 17th between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at the Merry-Go-Round at Heritage State Park. The fun-filled day included free merry-go-round rides, free books, a story book walk, reading time at the visitor’s center and information from community service agencies. The event was open, free of charge, to all children residing in our housing communities.

The event had support and representatives from several Holyoke organizations. Readers included Mayor Morse and other distinguished guests.

For more information about the event and upcoming activities please contact Andrew Melendez, the Holyoke Early Literacy Coordinator, at 413-210-2945 or melendeza@ci.holyoke.ma.us

Good News for Holyoke and the Fire Department

beaudryt — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:14:40 +0000

The City of Holyoke and the Holyoke Fire Department received a $668,115 federal grant to pay the salary and benefits of 5 firefighters for the next two years, and another $116,010 for operations and safety that will allow the city to improve its fire and police communications systems.

This is the first time the HFD has received such grants, and this funding provides much needed budget relief over the next few years. Mayor Morse also recently approved funding to purchase at least two new firetrucks to replace their aging fleet.

“This is great news,” commented Mayor Morse. “It is a direct financial benefit to the city and allows us to keep staffing at the same level, without this expense to the city.”

For more information, visit the article at MassLive.com.

Richard Welch Memorial Scholarship Presented by the Holyoke Democratic Committee

beaudryt — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:41:16 +0000

Richard Welch Memorial Scholarship
Presented by the Holyoke Democratic Committee

The Richard Welch Memorial Scholarship was started in 2003 as a tribute to honor long time Ward 4 City Councilor Richard Welch.

Dick Welch was a lifelong Democrat, who also served on the School Committee and previously was the chair of the Ward 4 Democratic Committee.

The Holyoke Democratic City Committee wishes to promote the ideals and vision of the Democratic Party in honoring our friend Dick Welch.

Each ward is represented on the Holyoke Democratic City Committee we work together with members from each ward in order to register voters and encourage them to exercise their right to vote.

We are proud to invite high school students to participate in applying for this important scholarship in honor of a great Democrat.

RICHARD WELCH SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION

1. Applicant must be a resident of the City of Holyoke, Massachusetts and a graduating high school senior from Holyoke High School, Dean Technical High School or Holyoke Catholic High School, who has been accepted by an accredited institution of higher education in the fall of 2013.

2. A brief essay of not more than 500 words must be included that addresses the following: “What is your vision of the City of Holyoke and the positive experiences that you have had; and any other special circumstances you wish the committee to consider.”

3. THE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY April 30, 2013.

4. Return all materials to:

The Holyoke Democratic City Committee
c/o Patti Devine
58 Magnolia Avenue
Holyoke, MA 01040

For Committee Use only
Scholarship #:___________
Date Received:__________

(Please print)

Name: __________________________________________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________

Phone Number: __________________________________________________________

High School: ____________________________________________________________

Date of Birth: ____________________________________________________________

College you plan to enroll at: ________________________________________________

Applications must be postmarked
by Saturday, April 30, 2013.

Scholarship winners will be invited to attend our
10th Annual Dick Welch Steak Roast
on
Thursday, June 20, 2013
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
at the American Legion Post 325 on Sycamore Street.

For Committee Use only
Scholarship #:___________
Date Received:__________

HCAC Spring Craft Fair & Open House

Jeff — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 16:50:20 +0000

The Holyoke Creative Arts Center (HCAC) will be holding a Spring Craft Fair and Open House on Sturday April 20th from 10am-2pm.

There will be a variety of handmade crafts available for sale.- quilts, paintings, tablecloths and runners, fine furniture, woven baskets and much more. HCAC students and faculty produced all the items. … Proceeds go to help fund the HCAC and its programs.

The fair will also be an opportunity for the community to welcome the newly hired Director, Evelyn “Susie” Slater. An accomplished nature and landscape painter, Slater is a Holyoke native and a Smith College graduate. “Come and join us, see what we’re up to here” said Slater. “Perhaps if you see something you like, we can help you learn how to make it yourself.”

The HCAC is located just off I-391 directly behind the South Street Plaza at 400 Elm Street in Holyoke. For more information visit www.holyokecac.org

Parks & Recreation Spring & Summer Newsletter

LeClerc — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:29:10 +0000

Spring is finally here and we want to let you know about some exciting spring and summer happenings in Holyoke through the Parks & Recreation Department. Download our newsletter: high resolution (slower download, but worth the wait!) or low resolution (faster download) versions. There is information about fireworks, projects, concerts, summer camps, volunteer opportunities and more included in the newsletter. Please be sure to check out the Parks and Recreation Department’s page for updates on all programs and events throughout the year.

Upcoming “Buy Holyoke Now” Events This Weekend

beaudryt — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 20:28:11 +0000

Mayor Alex B. Morse and the Buy Holyoke Now Committee invite everyone to join them for the “Spring Into Your New Home” and “Open House Extravaganza” events this upcoming weekend.

The “Spring Into Your New Home” event is on Saturday, April 6^th at the Holyoke Senior Center from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., located at 291 Pine Street, Holyoke, MA. This event will consist of a Vendor Fair, a Homebuyer Educational Seminar, raffle prizes and giveaways.

Sunday, April 7^th 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the committee will host the “Open House Extravaganza” event which consists of over 20 Open Houses happening all around the city. The Open House event will kick off at 109 Madison Avenue in Holyoke.

Buy Holyoke Now is a collaborative effort by an extensive network of lenders, nonprofit groups, real estate professionals, attorneys, insurance agents, and home inspectors. Together they provide discounted costs and other incentives in an effort to encourage homeownership throughout the City of Holyoke.

For more information, please contact the Mayor’s Office at 413-322-5510 or visit their website at www.BuyHolyokeNow.com.