The Island News
Back to Main Page
Hello to all,
Although temperatures remain a bit chilly, Summer is just around the corner. It is time to plant your flower beds!! Please allow time in your schedule to complete your clean-up and planting by the end of May. All residents of Holyoke and the many folks who travel through our City daily appreciate the efforts of the more than 100 sponsor participants in Holyoke's very successful Adopt-an-Island program. The consolidated effort of our sponsor participants to clean and beautify our community makes Holyoke a better place to live, work and play - and the envy of the region. Many communities have attempted to mimic our program, but none have come even close to the quality and numbers of planting beds. Congratulations and THANK YOU!! If you need mulch, are missing your sign or have any questions or problems, please e-mail or call us. Happy Planting!!
Dave and Diane
P.S. We suggest that you use a fertilizer with pre-emergent weed control (Preen is one product; there are others) when you plant your bed and prior to placing the mulch. It will reduce the amount of time you need for weeding during the summer.
Diane Brennan
Tighe & Bond, Inc.
53 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
413-562-1600 x-128
dtbrennan@tighebond.com
Dateline Holyoke, April 8, 2008:
Hello to all,
It is that time of year again!!
Spring is here, the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is over and, hopefully, the weather will continually improve.
It is also the time for clean-up and planning for participation in the City of Holyoke Adopt an Island program. As in previous years, we request that all participants reaffirm their intention to continue in the program. Please e-mail Diane at dtbrennan@tighebond.com , fax 413-562-5317 or phone 413-562-1600 x-128. Your prompt response is appreciated; no later than April 18th.
Last year the program maxed-out at 110 participants. Currently, there are four parties that want to participate and seek planting sites..
The "rules" are the same as last year.
- The City supplies the standard sign, wood mulch and regular watering; fertilizer is available for free at the Public Works Garage on North Canal Street.
- The Sponsors’ responsibilities are to provide the live plant materials (no artificial flowers), “TLC” - weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, etc. and Spring and Fall /clean-up.
- Plantings such as shrubs and ornamental grasses that may obstruct visibility in traffic areas cannot be taller than 36" in height.
Please take a few moments to visit the Adopt an Island website at www.HolyokeIslands.org which is maintained on a voluntary basis by Keith Davis.
Again, please e-mail or call Diane to reaffirm your participation. If we do not have your e-mail address or if you have a different e-mail address from last year, please let us know.
Happy planting!
David G. Healey, P.E.
Consultant
Cell - 413-627 9202
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, August 28, 2007:
Good morning all,
As the Labor Day weekend approaches, please take a few minutes to visit your island or planting bed and give it a little "TLC" as the final six weeks of the planting season wane. A little effort to weed, feed and pick-up litter always gives the plantings an improved "cared for" look.
Thank you and enjoy the Holiday weekend!
Diane Brennan
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, March 26, 2007:
Hello to all,
- The City supplies the standard sign, wood mulch and regular watering; fertilizer is available for free at the Public Works Garage on North Canal Street.
- The Sponsors’ responsibilities are to provide the live plant materials (no artificial flowers), “TLC” – weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, etc. and Spring and Fall /clean-up.
- Plantings such as shrubs and ornamental grasses that may obstruct visibility in traffic areas cannot be taller than 36" in height.
- Please schedule your planting for completion by Memorial Day weekend, May 26th - 28th
Dave Beaudoin of the Holyoke DPW has a request that participants let him know when they have bags of garden waste ready for pick up. They may go unnoticed otherwise. Also a caution; please do not fill the bags with dirt, they become so heavy that the drivers cannot pick them up and throw them into the truck. Looking forward to a good year! Dave
Please take a few moments to visit the Adopt an Island website at www.HolyokeIslands.org
Lastly, if we do not have your e-mail address or if you have a different e-mail address from last year, please forward it to me.
Happy planting!
Diane Brennan
Tighe & Bond, Inc.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, March 26, 2007:
The Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade has come and gone and, hopefully, so have the last snowstorm and Arctic blast. Looking forward with a positive viewpoint, Spring arrived today, which means the time for clean-up and planting for the Adopt an Island program is quickly approaching.
As in previous years, we require participants to indicate their intentions with regard to continuing in the program.
Please e-mail Diane at dtbrennan@tighebond.com, fax 413-562-5317 or phone 413-562-1600 x-128. Your prompt response is appreciated; no later than April 9th.
The “rules” are the same as last year:
- The City supplies the standard sign, wood mulch and regular watering; fertilizer is available for free at the Public Works Garage on North Canal Street.
- The Sponsors’ responsibilities are to provide the live plant materials (no artificial flowers), “TLC” – weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, etc. and Spring and Fall /clean-up.
- Plantings such as shrubs and ornamental grasses that may obstruct visibility in traffic areas cannot be taller than 36" in height.
- Please schedule your planting for completion by Memorial Day weekend, May 26th - 28th
Dave Beaudoin of the Holyoke DPW has a request that participants let him know when they have bags of garden waste ready for pick up. They may go unnoticed otherwise. Also a caution; please do not fill the bags with dirt, they become so heavy that the drivers cannot pick them up and throw them into the truck. Looking forward to a good year! Dave
Please take a few moments to visit the Adopt an Island website at www.HolyokeIslands.org
Lastly, if we do not have your e-mail address or if you have a different e-mail address from last year, please forward it to me.
Happy planting!
Diane Brennan
Tighe & Bond, Inc.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, October 4, 2006:
Islands in the News, Springfield Republican, Holyoke Plus (click here)
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, July 31, 2006:
Diane Brennan
Tighe & Bond, Inc.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, April 26, 2006:
Islands in the News, Springfield Republican, Holyoke Plus (click here)
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, March 23, 2006:
Spring at Last! The 55th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade is over and Spring arrived on Monday, which means it's time for clean-up and planting for the Adopt an Island program.
Please indicate your willingness to again participate, by emailing dtbrennan@tighebond.com, fax 413-562-5317 or phone 413-562-1600 x-128. Your prompt response would be appreciated no later than March 31st.
The "rules" are the same as last year. Plantings such as shrubs and ornamental grasses that may obstruct visibility in traffic areas cannot be taller than 36" in height. The City supplies the standard sign, wood mulch and regular watering; fertilizer is available for free at the Public Works Garage on North Canal Street. The Sponsors’ responsibilities are to provide the live plant materials (no artificial flowers), "TLC" - weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, etc. and Spring and Fall /clean-up.
Please schedule your planting for completion by Memorial Day weekend, May 27th and 28th. As time permits, early clean-up and spruce up of your area would be appreciated. A few pansies will add some color until the spring flowers are ready and the potential for frost has passed.
By the end of May, there will be almost 100 garden spots fully planted by the volunteer sponsors of the Adopt an Island Program.
Diane Brennan Tighe & Bond, Inc.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, October 26, 2005:
The Holyoke DPW ... will start picking up the Island signs on Monday October 31st.
Questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, June 16, 2005:
Mayor Mike's article ... Holyoke's Mayor Sullivan wrote a great article in the Springfield Republican's 'Holyoke Plus' section about our Adopt-an-Island program and mentioned the City Hall beautification program and Wistariahurst Museum events. The article can be read HERE.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, May 12, 2005:
Happy Spring! The weather this week has been great and hopefully everyone is getting psyched and planning to get their planting completed by the end of the month.
The planting beds - two islands at Hampden and Northampton Streets have become available. We are looking for a single sponsor for both islands, in order to maintain a common 'theme' or 'look'. These are sizable islands and a high visibility location so they are neither low cost nor low energy. Please let us know if you are aware of a business, organization or family equal to the challenge.
David G. Healey, P.E. President Tighe & Bond, Inc.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Apr. 6, 2005:
Spring has finally arrived it’s 63 degrees F today! The clocks turned ahead last weekend, the Parade is over and the first day of Spring was two weeks ago! So, obviously, the Adopt-an-Island committee is late with efforts to organize this year’s program.
Please acknowledge your willingness to again participate, responding by email dtbrennan@tighebond.com, fax 413-562-5317 or phone 413-562-1600 x-128. Your prompt response would be appreciated (to compensate for our tardiness).
The "rules" are the same as last year. The City supplies the standard sign, wood mulch and regular watering; fertilizer is available for free at the Public Works Garage on North Canal Street. The Sponsors’ responsibilities are to provide the plant materials, "TLC", weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, etc. and Spring and Fall /clean-up.
We expect that there will be a few garden locations available for sponsorship this year. At least one of the smaller gardens on Route 5 near the Mountain Park access road is available. If you know of any potential sponsors interested in this geographic area, please suggest that they contact us.
Please schedule your planting for completion by Memorial Day weekend, May 28th and 29th. As time permits, early clean-up and spruce up of your area would be appreciated. A few pansies will add some color until the spring flowers are ready and the potential for frost has passed.
As you travel the City streets in the next few weeks, you will see more than 3,000+ croci blooming; to be followed by 5,000+ daffodils, and then 3,000+ tulips. By the end of May, there will be almost 100 garden spots fully planted by the volunteer sponsors of the Adopt-an-Island Program. Additionally, there is a small group of volunteers working (slowly, but surely) to expand the program to downtown business district, starting with City Hall.
Happy planting! David G. Healey, P.E. President Tighe & Bond, Inc.
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Oct. 12, 2004:
Holyoke's Adopt-an-Island program now has its very own Internet 'Domain Name' which is now up and running under www.HolyokeIslands.org. Please visit the new address and add it to your favorites for future reference.
With over 100 participants, Holyoke's island program is one of the biggest in the country. With plans to involve the downtown businesses in dressing up High Street and the surrounding blocks with planters or barrels, the program will be bigger yet! The web site intends to keep pace with the expansion and include all of the activity, including adding pictures and new member information.
A few reminders, if you have a picture of your island and want to add it to the web site or 'upgrade' the existing picture, please send it. Details are on the web site. Plus, if you are in the program and have a business or personal web site, we will post a link.
In just the short time since our last announcement, some of the islanders have already expressed their desire to further participate in the program by contributing the the web site costs. Thanks to all of those who have responded so far. (See below for more information)
The DPW will be leaving the island signs in place as long as the weather stays nice and most of the islands are still in good shape. A lot of late bloomer perennials and mums are keeping the islands nice. Dave says they will wait as long as possible, but would retrieve the signs before any late Fall snow storm (Booo) or after a really hard frost that knocks everything down.
Thanks to all, have a great Fall season, Keith Davis
If you would like to contribute to the web site costs, and this is strictly voluntary, please send a check ($5.00, or thereabouts) to: PC Voyage P.O. Box 10486 Holyoke, MA 01041-2086
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Oct. 6, 2004:
The Holyoke Adopt-an-Island has its own web site! Until today, the island web site has been attached to pcvoyage.com. Now, the islanders have their own 'domain name', www.HolyokeIslands.org
Please add the new link to your favorites.
(The old link, www.pcvoyage.com/island will still work, redirecting your browser to the new address)
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Sept. 22, 2004:
Islanders Feted at the Red Cat and you can click on the following link to get to an article that appeared in the Holyoke Plus section on the Springfield Republican.
Click here to read the article
Any feedback? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, July 23, 2004:
Greniers the Family of Photographers has volunteered to photograph all of the Adopt an Island participants' planting beds. The photos will be published on the Adopt an Island website and on the City of Holyoke’s cable access channel.
With this in mind, all participants are encouraged to make a special effort in the next week to fertilize and weed their planting beds, so that they will be photographed in a favorable condition. Fertilizer (40 lb. bags) is available free of charge at the Department of Public Works headquarters on North Canal Street. Please call in advance to make arrangements - 322-5645.
For the most part, this is the best year ever for the Adopt an Island program. There are many excellent displays, reflecting the TLC of the participants. Mother Nature has helped with more rain than normal, of course, supplemented by the yeoman’s effort of the DPW staff.
We have received several inquiries regarding bulk purchase of daffodils again this year. Our initial effort to bulk purchase bulbs was two years ago, (daffodils); last year, we tried tulips and crocuses. Generally speaking, daffodils were more popular. If there is sufficient interest, the bulb order will be placed just after Labor Day with delivery planned by Columbus Day to allow more favorable weather conditions for planting. For planning purposes, daffodils will be priced at $10/50 bulbs.
Thanks, Dave
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Apr. 8, 2004:
This is just a reminder that all islands must be planted by Memorial Day, May 31st. Mulch is delivered by request only so if you need it, please let me know. Also, if you are a new participant and have not yet gotten back to me regarding what your sign is to read, please do so as soon as possible so I can let the City know and they will have time to get them made up before Memorial Day.
Remember to check out our website at www.pcvoyage.com/island.
Once your island is in full bloom, please forward any pictures you have taken so we can post them to the website.
HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!
Diane Brennan
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Spring officially arrives. this Saturday, March 20th - on Parade weekend and on the heels of SNOW! It's only a matter of a few weeks, 3,000 croci will be in bloom, followed by 5,000+ daffodils and then 3,000+ tulips - beautifying the City.
We request all of last year's participants to affirm their intention to continue in the Holyoke Adopt an Island program in '04. There are 80+ participants and we request your cooperation to promptly respond by e-mail, fax (562-5317) or phone (562-1600 X-128) so that we do not have to make follow-up contacts.
The "rules" are the same as last year. The City supplies the standard sign, wood mulch, and regular watering; fertilizer is available for free at the Public Work's garage on North Canal Street.
The Sponsors' responsibilities are to provide the plant materials, "TLC" - weeding, dead heading, fertilizer, etc. and Spring and Fall clean-up.
We look forward to your continued participation and many beautiful and bountiful planting beds.
Diane Brennan
Tighe & Bond, Inc.
53 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
413-562-1600 x-128
dtbrennan@tighebond.com
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Dec. 1, 2003:
Dave Beaudoin of the Holyoke DPW. announced that the City has retrieved all of the island signs and the Adopt-an-Island program is officially 'put to bed' for the Winter. Thanks for a great season!
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Nov. 7, 2003:
Dave Beaudoin of the Holyoke DPW. announced that the City intends to retrieve all of the island signs between Nov. 20th and the 26th. However, it is our understanding that they have already started picking up signs, as of Nov. 6th and after.
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Oct. 1, 2003:
Holyoke's Wistariahurst Gardeners. will hold their next monthly meeting Wednesday, October 8, at 6:30 pm in the Carriage house next to the Wistariahurst Museum. The guest speaker, Veteran Master Gardener Marjorie Anderson will lead a presentation on (Pruning Trees and Shrubs.) There will also be a discussion of the planned revitalization of the Wistariahurst gardens in which our members will assist. After the presentation, you will have the opportunity to participate in a general open and question period followed by a PLANT SWAP. If you wish to participate in the PLANT SWAP please bring a plant of your choice to swap for something you might like to grow. Types of plants to bring are Perennials, House Plants, Bulbs etc. The Mission of Holyoke’s Wistariahurst Gardeners is to bring together interested gardeners to learn about gardening, share gardening experiences and assist in the revitalization of the museums gardens. This event is free and open to the gardening public.
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Sept. 5, 2003:
Adopt-an-Island Reception. The Honorable Mayor of Holyoke, Mike Sullivan, invites all Island Caretakers to attend a reception on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2003 at Seamus O'Reilly's Pub & Grill (formerly O'Meara's) on Jarvis Ave. from 5:30-7:30 p.m.. Please call the Mayor's office at 322-5510 if you plan to go. You may bring along a guest.
Other questions? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, Sept. 4, 2003:
The Holyoke Garden Club. All gardeners are invited to the Wednesday, Sept. 10th meeting of the Holyoke Garden Club which will meet at Wistariahurst at 6 P.M. The meeting activities will include:
- A talk on Bulbs, their care and planting, by reknown Master Gardener Sherry Wilson
- A discussion and demonstration of the Amaryllis plant by John McCann
- Plant raffle
- Questions and answers
- And more ... !!
Dateline Holyoke, August 21, 2003:
Stolen Statues Read the Springfield Republican article about the Marcella R. Kelly island.
Dateline Holyoke, Aug. 9, 2003:
The Holyoke Garden Club. All gardeners are invited to the Wednesday, Aug. 13th meeting of the Holyoke Garden Club which will meet at Wistariahurst at 6 P.M. The meeting activities will include:
- Soil testing, bring your sample
- Demonstration of dividing and planting rhisomes
- Plant raffle
- Questions and answers
- And more ... !!
Dateline Holyoke, June 19, 2003:
The Case of the Disappearing Mulch. Some Island caretakers have said that the mulch that was delivered to their island mysteriously vanished before they could spread it around. We are informed by Dave Beaudoin that the City checks in on the islands about 2 weeks after the the mulch is delivered and picks up mulch piles that have not been spread out on the islands in a timely fashion. Dave asks that the mulch be deployed around the plants as soon as possible after it has been delivered so the City does not have to bear the cost of taking it back. Question? please 'Contact'
Dateline Holyoke, June 19, 2003:
Dah Bears. You will see a link to a web page that has pictures of the Black Bears that have been visiting Holyoke this year. This first group of pictures was taken in the West Holyoke area. If you have any bear pictures to share, let us know and we'll add them to the bear page. Please 'Contact' us if you do.
Dateline Holyoke, June 16, 2003:
The City has delivered all of the signs it has, whether old or new, to the Islands, according to Dave Beaudoin. If you have not received your sign, please let us know. Use the 'Contact' form or call Diane at 562-1600 X-128.
Dateline Holyoke, May 23, 2003:
Signs are showing up on a lot of our islands, but there are more to come. If you have a new island, or if your sign was stolen or destroyed last year, you will be seeing them soon.
Also, the 'Members' page has links to your personal or company's web site. If you would like your web site listed there, please use the 'Contact' form to let us know.
Dateline Holyoke, May 22, 2003:
The City has been delivering the mulch for the islands, and this year it's a nice dark shredded bark. If yours hasn't been, please call Diane at 562-1600 X-128.
Dateline Holyoke, April 30, 2003:
Bill Fuqua informs us that the mulch is in. It is delivered by request only so please let Diane know via e-mail or call her at 562-1600 X-128 if you’d like mulch delivered to your island. She will make a list of all in need and forward it to Bill by the end of this week/beginning of next week.
Dateline Holyoke, April 1, 2003:
It's almost time for planting! Already island caretakers have started sprucing up their islands, making ready for the annual planting. Watch for details, coming soon.
Dateline Holyoke, March 31, 2003:
The Holyoke Adopt-an-island program has its own web site. Features will include:
- Information on the program and history
- Pictures of members' islands
- Tips on:
- the best kinds of plants, and when to plant, for
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- the best local suppliers for plants and other materials
- island maintenance
- Winter care
- the best kinds of plants, and when to plant, for
- Any island related news and events
- Information for the newcomer on sponsoring an island
- A Comments form, where visitors and members can post messages
- A Feedback form, to send private messages