WESTFIELD – With March being named Maple Month by Gov. Charlie Baker, several local officials and aids throughout Western Massachusetts descended on Pomeroy’s Sugar House and Dairy Farm on Friday morning.
Sen. Don Humason, who represents 11 different communities throughout Western Massachusetts, hosted his Annual Western Mass Legislators Pancake Brunch.
“It’s Maple Month, why not celebrate here at the sugar house,” said Humason.
Humason says that he has been hosting the pancake breakfast since he became a senator in 2014. But, the tradition of the event has stretched back quite further.
Sen. Don Humason addresses those who attended his Pancake Brunch at Pomeroy’s Sugar House in Westfield on Friday morning. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
Pomeroy’s Sugar House was built in 1998 and that was around the same time former State Senator Mike Knapik started this event. Knapik is now the Director of Gov. Baker’s Western Massachusetts Office.
Knapik held a pancake brunch open to local legislators, up until 2013. Over the years, Humason has continued the tradition by inviting Mayors and Select Board members that are in his district.
For a number of legislators that enjoy attending the pancake breakfast, it is a time for them to reconnect with each other and their family members or spouses that they bring along.
“This is a morning that we put aside politics,” said Westfield Rep. John Velis. “It’s about, “Do you want waffles or pancakes?””
A family business that has been around for four generations, Pomeroy’s is always looking forward to interacting with Humason and all the other legislators that make an appearance.
Sen. Humason talks with Mike Knapik, the Director of Gov. Baker’s Western Mass Office, and Brent Bean, the City Council President for Westfield. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
“It’s a good opportunity just to meet some of our representatives (and senator’s) and show them what we do with agriculture,” said Rachel Pomeroy, who runs the farm with her brother Randy.
After the local officials and their family converse with one another, pancakes and other breakfast items are offered by Pomeroy’s.
It is a warm and welcoming environment that keeps the tradition alive, and ultimately something that Humason would love to keep hosting.
“As long as Randy and Rachel (Pomeroy) keep having us, we’ll keep coming back.”
