Second Baptist Church, South Hadley, MA

Sunday service at the Second Baptist Church in South Hadley was a unique pleasure this morning. Pastor Don was on vacation, and that was a disappointment. His messages are excellent. But this morning his son was filling in and doing an outstanding job.

What was unique was that the worship band was a bluegrass group. I love the old traditional bluegrass gospel songs and it was great to sing some of them this morning. Normally Second Baptist has a traditional early service (hymns and a choir) and a contemporary second service with a praise band.

If you are looking for a church in the South Hadley area, visit Second Baptist Church (on Route 202 near the Granby line).

Primo Pizza, Hadley, MA

Whenever I'm close to Hadley, Massachusetts I try to stop by Primo Pizza and get a tuna grinder with everything.

I love tuna grinders, or subs as they are called in the rest of the U.S. Sometimes I will get a meatball grinder sometimes I'll even get a vegetarian sub at Subway, but nothing tops the tuna grinder at Primo Pizza.

I'll also give them a top rating for consistency. I've been going to Primo Pizza for at least six years, and the quality has never changed. The grinders are always great.

What makes a great tuna grinder is the quality of the tuna. Some places make their tuna chunky, some add relish, and others mix in other ingredients. But whatever it is that Primo Pizza does, I hope they keep doing it. If you are on Route 9 in Hadley, stop in and try their hot tuna grinder.

Primo Pizzeria 103 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035-9519

East Longmeadow, MA - Fourth of July Parade

For a big July 4th parade, that is entertaining, and that has a friendly home-town feel, I love the East Longmeadow, MA July 4th parade. It starts at 10AM on July Fourth and although reports say from 20,000 to 60,000 watched this year's parade, there's always a spot to get a good view.

This year the gunshots from the Civil War reenactors announced the parade was coming. It included veterans from WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq and others. It also included hardware and reenactors from several wars including WWII.

I'd give the outstanding band award to the Polish Marching Band (I'm not sure that's their official name) and their brilliant costumes (see photo). And the Shriners put on their usual crowd-pleasing display at the end of the parade.

There are stores near the mid-point of the parade, where you can buy water, soda and snacks. But usually it's a good idea to remember to bring water, because the day typically will be hot. Most of the parade goes through residential areas, so come early to get a good parking spot.

To enjoy a great Fourth Of July Parade, come to East Longmeadow, Massachusetts.