Meet the Stutman Family!
By Seth Stutman | Photos by Amy Crosby Photography, Stutman Family
Published In Longmeadow Neighbors | January 2026
It was an atypically warm, fall day as I drove from our home in South Hadley to Longmeadow, to help a LHS alumni film a video for an ailing classmate. Pulling into the Shoppes, I immediately felt like I was dropped into an elegant, Norman Rockwell-esque town that time forgot.
The sidewalks of Longmedow were full of families and pets, leaves descended onto tennis players, and a large, yet tightly-knit gaggle of friends (all of whom had graduated 30+ years ago) had come together to celebrate life. Longmeadow seemed like the stuff of dreams (at least for a New England born, new father).
“Seth came home and said, ‘We’re moving to Longmeadow’” recollects his wife Amanda Stutman, “At first I just thought it was another wacky idea, but he kept at it, and once I drove into town with him, I quickly understood and echoed his excitement.”
The Stutmans had lived in the Pioneer Valley for half a decade - brought out to the 413 when Seth was named the host of Mass Appeal on the local NBC affiliate, WWLP.
Live every morning at 11:00, and for more than 1,000 total hours, Mass Appeal enabled Stutman to interview hundreds of celebrities and community members. Originally from Central Massachusetts, Stutman fell in love with the more relaxed, present vibe of Western Mass, and was eager and appreciative to explore it.
“Many people on TV jump from market to market, trying to get to Boston, New York, or Los Angeles,” Stutman said, “but between being a new father, being close to our families, and falling in love with the Valley, it made no sense to leave.”
“We quickly made friends in Western Mass,” said Amanda, “our families are nearby and this area is amazing to raise a family.”
Originally from Derry, New Hampshire, Amanda graduated from Law School at Roger Williams University and began a career of legal service.
In 2016, the Stutman’s welcomed the newest member of the family, Emerson. While South Hadley was where they resided at the time, soon, the paved sidewalks and excellent schools of Longmeadow beckoned. While it’s only been about five years, it seems like the Stutmans have been here longer.
Now in 4th grade, Emerson splits her time between soccer and gymnastics. She loves to frequent the Longmeadow restaurant scene - takeout or dine-in. The youngest Stutman breezes down the sidewalks on her scooter, hoverboard, or bike.
“There’s just so much to do and see so many people out walking, using the swimming pools, and tennis courts - everyone always having a great time together.” said Emerson. “It’s a great place to be!”
The most senior member of the family, Rollins, is a lab-mix that was adopted over a decade ago from Dakin Humane Society. While he’s lost a step, his favorite pastime is meandering the sidewalks of Longmeadow and frequently marking his territory.
These days, Seth and Amanda can see their Longmeadow roots deepening by the day. Amanda is an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in Springfield, while Seth is teaching 4th Grade at Blueberry Hill School, in the classroom next door to his daughter. As if that wasn’t enough of a commitment to Longmeadow and its schools, Seth is also on the Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF) board.
Seth’s side family story traces back to Armenia, where, more than a century ago, Seth’s great-grandmother Hannah Kalajian, escaped the Armenian genocide, and emigrated to America with $12 sewn into her dress. The embodiment of the American Dream, Hannah went on to found Near East Rice Pilaf in her 50’s, based on the recipe from across the globe.
The American Dream is also a part of Amanda Crawford Stutman’s family story. Roger Roach, Amanda’s grandfather, emigrated from Canada and built multiple companies while raising a large, loving family in Southern New Hampshire.
“Moving to Longmeadow was one of the best decision we’ve ever made for our family,” said the Stutmans. “Watching Emerson grow up here has been incredible.”
About five years after Seth, Amanda, and Emerson moved, Peter and Debra Stutman (Seth’s parents) also made the shift to Longmeadow! Just three doors down the street, they are happy to fill their retirement with baby-sitting, dog-sitting, and travel.
They can be found often at Big Y or at the fields or gym watching their granddaughter.
“It feels like we’ve lived here forever,” says Peter. “This town (and our house) immediately felt like a home. I love being able to walk with my granddaughter on the sidewalks, and quickly get some groceries or ice cream!”
“Longmeadow has been a great move,” agrees Debbie. “To be close to our family has been incredible! I love how close we are to the airport, to the Berkshires, to great food, and so much more!”
THREE GENERATIONS OF STUTMANS!
Being a Longmeadow transplant, I now understand the pride in generational Longmeadow families. I also appreciate the shared rationale behind most Longmeadow transplants. As your writer for Longmeadow Neighbors, I am pleased to share my story with you, and hopeful to share the stories of our next fifty families with you, in your mailbox, every month.
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