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The Shoestring

Melissa Karen Sances

Melissa Karen Sances has been investigating the world since she got her first journal at six years old. She feels grateful to be let into people's lives to honor them in her own words. She can be reached at melissaksances@gmail.com.

An original illustration by Charles Forsman shows Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia setting a volleyball up into the air on the right side of a volleyball net in front of businessman Cesar Ruiz, who is getting ready to spike it. The volleyball reads "USAI." Both are wearing suits and volleyball knee pads. On the left side of the net, a team of protesters who are also wearing kneepads hold signs that read "Save Elmwood Forest," "No Sports Complex," and "Down With USAI."

Investigations

Bump, set, spike: Will Holyoke residents block developer’s proposed sports complex?

Despite much initial fanfare, residents have been told that there are no formal plans for the project. But the city’s been busy, and some...

Melissa Karen SancesJuly 27, 2026