Locals graduate from Firefighting Academy

State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine and Massachusetts Firefighting Academy leadership announced the graduation of 12 firefighters from the 50-day Career Recruit Firefighting Training Program, including Aaron Almeda and Michael Radke from the Easthampton Fire Department, Tiana Roy from South Hadley Fire District 1 and Kyle Cavanaugh from Holyoke.

Students receive classroom training in all basic firefighter skills. They practice first under non-fire conditions and then during controlled fire conditions. To graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation, and fire attack. Fire attack operations range from mailbox fires to multiple-floor or multiple-room structural fires.

South Hadley Dems to elect state convention delegates

SOUTH HADLEY — Democrats in South Hadley will convene in-person on Saturday, March 29, to elect 10 delegates and four alternates to represent the town at the 2025 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

The caucus, which is hosted by the South Hadley Democratic Town Committee, will take place in the community room of the South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal St., in South Hadley. The library is handicapped accessible. Caucus sign-in opens at 12 p.m. and the caucus will start at 12:30 p.m.

Registered and preregistered Democrats in South Hadley who are 16 years old by March 29, 2025 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Qualified Democrats who are unable to attend the caucus in person may apply in advance to be nominated for delegate and alternate slots in the event there are not sufficient nominations among those present at the caucus. To apply, email: southhadleydemocrats@gmail.com. All candidates must consent to nomination.

Opportunities are available for youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates to apply to the State Democratic Committee to be add-on delegates.

The 2025 Democratic State Convention will be held in-person on Saturday, Sept. 13, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. This year, delegates will gather to discuss and decide the party’s platform. Convention and delegate information is available at: https://massdems.org/massdems-convention/.

Holyoke to observe Vietnam War Veterans Day

HOLYOKE — The city’s Veterans Service Department will hold a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall on Friday, March 28, at 10 a.m., in observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day.

In 2012, President Obama signed a presidential proclamation designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day. The signing of the proclamation marked the 50th anniversary of the departure of the last American troops from Vietnam on March 29, 1973.

At City Hall, the Vietnam War flag will be raised, and Vietnam commemorative pins will be presented to all Vietnam veterans, their spouses, and family members. After the ceremony, all in attendance will be invited inside for coffee and refreshments.

St. Patrick’s Committee seeks sign carriers

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke invites individuals and groups to participate in the 72nd annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 23, as sign carriers.

Over 100 individuals are required to help advertise the upcoming group and thank generous sponsors for making the parade possible. The signs preceding each award winner, band, float, marching unit, and division require sign carriers.

This unique way of participating in the Parade requires no previous experience — just a positive attitude, an age over 12, and a willingness to engage with the crowd. In appreciation of their time and effort, participants will each receive a special 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade sweatshirt and a $20 payment for completing the parade. This is an excellent opportunity for community members, students, and anyone interested in participating in a fun, lively event while earning some extra cash.

Interested groups and individuals are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible to secure their place in the parade by visiting https://forms.gle/LHmwRnSEYDe6joEU8 to learn more and sign up or email us at holyokeparadesigncarriers@gmail.com.