Hyundai Salute To Heroes - October 01, 2023

Hyundai

Brought to you by the Western Massachusetts Hyundai Dealers and The Republican.

T2 | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Hyundai

W

e all know a hero; someone who has served us during our time of greatest need. Now more than ever, we’ve learned that heroes don’t always wear capes. Whether it’s a nurse, doctor, teacher, grocery worker or manufacturer, ANY everyday hero deserves our gratitude. As thanks, your local Hyundai dealers teamed up to award one local hero with a brand-new 2024 Hyundai TUCSON as part of the Hyundai Salute to Heroes promotion.

Turning to the community, we asked you to nominate your favorite hero when voting commenced on Monday, July 31 through Sunday, September 8. The groundswell of community support was overwhelming as nominations came in droves with people sharing all the ways their hero has made an impact. Amassing nearly 500 nominations there was no shortage of admirable acts of kindness, and examples of heroism, whether big or small, that usually goes unnoticed.

One deserving winner was chosen and received the keys to a brand-new 2024 Hyundai TUCSON with all tax and title fees donated, courtesy of the Western Massachusetts Hyundai Dealers. This special section will showcase a sampling of the stories behind our local community heroes.

To all the heroes out there and to those who took the time to submit nominations for each and every one of them - THANK YOU!

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Jess Miller

Nominated by Allison Weissman

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WINNER!

Jess Miller is an award-winning local standup comic. Former owner of the OMG Comedy Club, she continues to organize and headline comedy shows, but does so largely in the name of local philanthropy. To date, Jess Miller has raised well over $300,000 for a variety of charitable causes through her “FunnyRaising” comedy shows.

Jess is also a disabled Army veteran and a proud and active member of the LGBTQ community. She and her wife Stephanie Greenberg-Miller, a public school teacher in Springfield, are familiar faces in the region — and Jess is able to leverage this respected reputation to help influence others and solicit participation for a good cause. To date, Jess’ “FunnyRaising” series of charitable comedy shows has raised nearly $300,000 for local initiatives. But the money alone isn’t Comedian Jess Miller is selected as the grand prize winner of a 2024 Hyundai Tucson in the Hyundai Salute to Heroes program in a ceremony on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 19, 2023. the depth of her work; the real impact is in the value of community service she imparts upon all her fans, fellow veterans, friends, and neighbors.

Jess’ lifelong passions have been children, families and veterans. She conducts giving drives for the veteran program Project Hope, creates and disseminates “appreciation baskets” and flowers for staff of the state’s Dept. of Children & Families, and helps nonprofits like behavioral health agency Clinical & Support Options (CSO) come up with systems to better improve in-kind and cash donation drives and giveaways. Her annual “Toy Drive” provides thousands of toys each year for foster families and families receiving behavioral health care.

Jess’ “Kind Squad” (www.facebook. com/kindsquad2020) is an organized group of Facebook followers that pull together to meet specific needs of local families and organizations. Many of the in-kind donations of the Kind Clockwise from above: Comedian Jess Miller is speechless as she is selected as the grand prize winner of a 2024 Squad go directly to foster families Hyundai Tucson in the Hyundai Salute to Heroes program; Jess Miller with Allison Weissman, who nominated Miller and to the area’s largest homeless to the program; Jess Miller with her family and colleagues; Miller seated in her new 2024 Hyundai Tucson. shelter, Friends of the Homeless.

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THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

A Selection of Heroes The following submissions are only a small selection of the hundreds of nominations received.

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Brenda O’Rourke Nominated by Melissa Stenwick

It’s not the mythical figures who save the day that are the real heroes.

The real heroes are the everyday people who inspire with the example they set for how they live their lives. Brenda O’Rourke, my sister, is my hero. She has overcome adversity and heartbreak, yet never waivers from being the exceptional role model she is to her students and colleagues, all the while remaining a steadfast, loyal family member and friend who can be counted on for anything. Brenda is one thousand percent dedicated to her kindergarten students. She found her passion for teaching later in life and will be completing her Bachelor’s degree in early education at age 51. As a widowed, single mom, who had never attended college, she worried about the expense of taking this on, however she knew she could make a difference in the lives of these kids and believes without a doubt that investing in our children is the best way to contribute to a prosperous future for our communities. Brenda never misses a day of work, even after her husband unexpectedly passed away.

While studying for college courses, parenting two boys and teaching full time might seem like a full load, Brenda remains a pillar of strength for her family and friends. She is the one person we can all count on to be there for us for whatever we need. When a friend’s daughter was in a serious car accident a week after Brenda’s husband passed away, Brenda was the first one at the hospital. Brenda recently had a fire in her home and is displaced. Her car, which she depends on to get to work is also stalling regularly. Winning a car would be an amazing help to someone who helps so many others in so many ways.

Kar Mun Ng Nominated by Krishna Kakkera

Being a Registered Nurse in the ED is always challenging but that did not stop her from keeping her smile on. She’s compassionate and kind towards her patients. She’s a hero in my heart as she just takes life as it is even though work can be hard some days, but she never complains. She is a great mentor and she’s good at encouraging others. I will never forget the time when she would volunteer to stay late at work just to help me finish my tasks and documentation.

Death can be hard for some people but she is willing to be there to hold her patient’s family members hand. She is a great leader, mentor and preceptor. I could not think of a better hero than her that deserve this gift.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

Deborah Ailinger

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“She understood many of these people have NO ONE to help them. If it wasn’t for her many people would have been without the necessities of food, care, and companionship to help them survive a very challenging period in the lives. ”

Nominated by Anne M Colo Debbie Ailinger is an extraordinary caregiver and human being.

She is the backbone of the local Catholic Charities organization, which provides healthcare and assistance to the elderly in the Orange-Athol area. She has cared for my parents for nearly 4 years, something I would not have been able to do without her.

She is caring, loving and works extraordinarily hard for those people within our community that are often forgotten, dismissed and alone. Debbie continually goes above and beyond her job responsibilities to make people comfortable and supported.

She ALWAYS does more than required to ensure those who so desperately need help, assistance and someone to love and care for them, have what they need. In addition to delivering exceptional homecare, she visits clients in nursing homes, mows lawns, feeds their birds, delivers food and visits on the holidays, buys them clothes and hundreds of other thoughtful, kind gestures that enrich the lives of people who are alone. She not only delivers the highest level of personal care but improves the quality of their lives through her kindness. During Covid, when many caregivers were scared to go into these homes to people – Debbie did. She understood many of these people have NO ONE to help them. If it wasn’t for her many people would have been without the necessities of food, care, and companionship to help them survive a very challenging period in the lives. Older people are often dismissed in our society and Debbie makes so many within this community feel seen, heard, valued and loved as well as providing exceptional care. I cannot say enough or what she has done for my family and so many families here in the Orange, Athol area. Please consider her for this award, I assure you she is beyond worthy.

Kathleen Dion Nominated by Teresa Dion From the age of 12 Kathleen has overcome hardship; her brother being diagnosed with cancer and soon after her dad. She said she wanted to make a difference and that she has. When her dad passed she wanted to leave school to help at home but her place was at school. She was instrumental in forming many fundraisers not only to raise money but awareness as to the wide spread of all types of cancer. She did this in her home area but also when she was attending school in Philadelphia.

Once she began her career once again she put others first. Working holidays so co workers with children could be home she never liked that I work, all the time but now realizes I had to, bringing up 3 kids wasn’t easy alone. Then came the pandemic and once again she would work not wanting her co workers to bring the illness home to their families. I would ask her not to or why do you do this and her response was “ someone has to and they have kids” I knew going into this field would be tough with fatality rate again I’d ask her are you sure you want to be in this field and her response was “ I never want anyone to feel alone as they pass from this life….. someone had to be there.” She will be 30 in March and I feel she had to grow up very quick and had lived a lifetime already . I’m very proud of the woman she had become always giving back. She’s always getting calls when friend/ family are sick asking for advice on what to do. She calms them down listens and tries her best to help. She’s a blessing . I feel blessed !

Laura Tierney Nominated by Alan Baum Laura is an Afghanistan veteran who was a medic in a forward operations base.

Surviving sniper attacks and stressful patrols she returned with PTSD. Despite that Laura found a calling working with neglected, abused and injured animals. Laura has the caring and giving type personality that makes her a hero to all of us.

Laura is not seeking recognition for her sacrifices but we feel this nomination will let her know that she has set an example for so many others.

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HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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Glenn McNamara Nominated by Lisa McNamara

Tracy Moquin Nominated by Linda Paul

I am nominating Tracy Moquin for consideration in your Salute to Heroes contest. Tracy is very deserving of this award. She and her husband, Scott, have long been participating in the Foster Care Program. They’ve hosted numerous foster children over the years, and have adopted two of them.

Along with raising their 6 children, they are still involved in the Foster Program and currently have a 2 year old foster-son. They’ve had him since his birth and are in the process of adopting him as well. He is a very special little boy! Tracy was the primary caregiver to Scott’s special needs son, Kameron for 22 years. Sadly we lost Kam to Cerebral Palsy in June of 2020.

They work very hard running an annual fundraiser in Kameron’s memory with proceeds benefitting the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Kam was a patient there for many years, and was made an honorary Shriner. Besides being a full-time mom and now a grandmother, Tracy has taken a part time position with “AOK Community Closet.” They are an Agawam, MA based 501-C3 organization serving western MA foster families by providing clothing and household items specifically to foster and adoptive families at no cost. Tracy is now facing foot surgery which will significantly limit her mobility for a time. She bravely faces each new challenge life sends her way. Winning this contest would help tremendously as her current vehicle is not in very good condition. She will ALWAYS be a hero to me and so many others. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Glenn is a personal hero. He is the hero of our family, over and over.

Recently he traveled 4.5 hours to the Canadian border to pick our daughter up, when the rains canceled all flights, trains, buses, and then turned right around and brought her home. He made it before they shut the highway in VT .

Glenn takes care of our family with fierce love and care. Glenn has been through a hip replacement, a prostate removal due to cancer, and his daily worry is if my ( his wife of 37 years) blood sugar is healthy. Recently I was in an accident and my car flipped over, he took such good care of me in my recovery and took care of all phone calls and insurance issues.

Our personal hero has done so much for our family in the last 37 years. He’ll drop anything he’s in the middle of, to help us. Personal hero’s should be acknowledged and what a wonderful way to tell the world through your salute to heroes.

Glenn brought his 86 year old mom to live 1 mile away from us when she couldn’t live at home anymore, he visited her almost every day for 4 years. He’s a dedicated man. In the last 5 months, after years of making our home landscaping perfect, he allowed a major construction project to have my 90 year old father move in with us. I have the best hero ever, and he’s all mine.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Eddie Sierra

Nominated by Julineth Belen

Eddie Sierra has been a police officer for seven years in the city of Springfield. As a police officer his true passion has been to inspire the youth in his community. He has been a volunteer coach and mentor with Central City Boxing Barbell in Springfield, which is a nonprofit boxing gym that is designed to take kids off of the streets. He has over 80 kids ranging from ages 8 to 18 in his program. He uses his position as a police officer to be able to reach out to those children who are in difficult situations that can lead them in the wrong direction. With this program he not only teaches kids about getting fit and preparing them to step in the ring he also prepares them to become productive members of society. Eddie has also partnered up with different organizations to provide kids with resources that teach them how to apply for colleges how to prepare them for the workforce and even partnered up with different companies to offer his students internships and summer jobs. Eddie dedicates a lot of his time to make sure that the future of the Springfield community is great.

It is amazing to see how Eddie inspires these kids to see how great they really are. He pushes them like no other coach has ever push them not only in the rain not only on the field, but he makes these children realize that they are destined for greatness, no matter where they come from, and he is determined to make sure that each and everyone of your students not only graduate high school but also he is passionate about making sure his children succeed in life.

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A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.

- BOB DYLAN

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HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Christopher McClure Nominated by Anne McClure

Chris is a second year teacher at Kiley Middle School in Springfield MA. Chris is the only art teacher in the school. He uses his own money to supply his students with the needed materials for class. For Christmas last year when Chris was asked what he wanted for gifts he asked his family for art supplies for his students. Chris is also a certified lifeguard and volunteered his time at the school’s pool to help with a program for his kids. Chris is also working at the school through the summer break to assure that his class room and the building are in peak condition for his students this upcoming year; he is dedicated to his students educations. He is an excellent teacher and is generous with his time energy and funds for his and these kids lives. I know of no one more deserving acknowledgment for his hard work and commitment.

Laverne Mickens Nominated by her daughter

A hero is typically defined as an individual who displays exceptional courage, selflessness, and strength in the face of adversity or challenges. Heroes often act to help others, protect those in need, or make significant positive changes in their communities or society. Mrs. Laverne Mickens is most definitely a hometown hero in the city of Springfield. She is a wife, mother of 5, and dedicated educator here in Springfield for 23 years. She has taught and mentored thousands of children and has made a difference in all their lives. Her classroom is an inclusive environment that propels a diverse community of learners to personal growth and professional success. All her students know they belong. She has a culturally competent and innovative classroom and is an amazing educator. She is an Arts Learning Champion Educator and an Advocate of Arts Education. She is a Harold Grinspoon Teacher of the Year award winner, and she is a finalist for the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year award. Laverne is also part of a team of educators re-imagining education here in the City of Springfield. She is a part of the “Portrait of a Graduate” teaching and learning committee for the school district. She also took medical leave from work this year to care for her boys. Her sons both have Sickle Cell Anemia. This blood disorder is painful and deadly.

They are also autistic and disabled. This required 100% of Laverne’s time to dedicate to them and take care of their needs. In addition to caring for her children, she tutors and mentors children here in Springfield as well as training them in visual and performing arts. She also created a scholarship business to help local students after successfully securing millions of dollars in scholarships for her youngest child. She is our hero.

Emil Morales Nominated by Aryana Morales

Emil Morales is a hero to all he has served during his 30 years being a police officer. On December 31st of 2022 he unfortunately had a heart attack and my family and I thought we had lost our father, husband, son, and brother, for good.

Thankfully he has bounced back to good health but this tragic event has left him not able to work. As he approaches his retirement, I want to reflect on what makes my dad a hero. He has saved countless lives during his time as a Holyoke Police Officer. He has delivered not one, but two babies unexpectedly during his line of duty. He is known widely throughout the Holyoke community as a great man and he always gives back to the homeless throughout the city. Years ago he was apart of a police chase that lasted hours and ended up all the way in the state of New York, just to save the life of a young women who was kidnapped. My dad has left an impact on so many peoples lives and there just isn’t a single bad thing you can say about him. He coaches youth basketball at the Holyoke Boys and Girls club during his time off. While off duty, he makes sure to care for those in his community. Although he is retiring soon, my dad will always be a police officer at heart. He is strong, resilient, and the hardest working person I know. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more then him, especially after all he’s been through. Not everyone gets happy endings, so I thank god that I still have my dad here with me today. My dad is hero to me, his entire family, and the entire community of Holyoke.

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Judy Stone

Nominated by Janet Barstow

I would like to nominate Judy Stone, a Florence, MA resident and retired nurse for the 2023 Salute to Heroes Award. As a young widow, Judy solely brought up two great sons. Both are deceased – one died a few years ago and one just recently to cancer. Judy volunteers at three local Hampshire County food programs: Take and Eat Program – Hadley, Cathedral of the Nights – Northampton, and at the Hadley Food Pantry.

She also volunteers weekly at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Nursing Inventory Department.

Judy participates each year in the Christmas project at Jesse’s House in Amherst making sure that children are provided Christmas toys. She participates yearly in a coat drive to collect and deliver winter coats to the Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals. Judy has been an active member of her church for more than 60 years and has sung in the church choir for more than 50 years. She has recently volunteered to drive twice a week to Leominster (from Florence - 76 miles round trip) to take care of a wheelchair bound friend who has no family.

Judy has a heart of gold and she demonstrates it every day. I look at her and wish everyone in the world could be like her- what a wonderful world this would be.

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HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THANK YOU TO OUR

EVERYDAY HEROES

THERE ARE NO WORDS JUST

LOVE

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HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

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Zachary Hall Nominated by Melissa Hall

Riley Gilroy Nominated by McKenna Gilroy

My father, Riley Gilroy, directs the Go Fresh Mobile Market - which helps bring local fruits and vegetables to over 20 underprivileged neighborhoods throughout Springfield MA. This market helps bring attention to the benefits of HIP and SNAP to many customers, including those who have difficulty accessing fresh produce. Through the years, I’ve watched my father pursue the success of this market with extreme passion. I have been lucky enough to come on a few trips to work with him, and meet his customers. Every single time, without fail, they look forward to seeing him. He has an ability to make a real personal connection with those around him - from putting the effort into learning their first languages, recognizing what produce is which customers favorite in the season, and even recommending different recipes to customers to get the biggest bang out of their buck. The Go Fresh Mobile Market has previously been awarded a Local Hero Award by the CISA back in late April this year, and I am more than confident that my father, along with his market, deserve more recognition. Thank you for your consideration.

Zachary had been a staple to the community since he brought his professionalism to Agawam.

Some of the things Officer Hall has done that make him stand out above his peers are the 3 separate times he ran into actively burning buildings to rescue people trapped inside before the fire department arrived. Officer Hall is the only police officer in Agawam history to deliver a baby by himself without assistance and he did so on New Years Ever, google “ Agawam Police Officer delivers baby” and you will see the picture that got national coverage. Additionally Officer Hall spent 10 years in the Army and made it to the rank of Captain with numerous awards and commendations. Recently Officer Hall was injured on duty performing once again selfless acts to protect the public and now requires back surgery. With that said I am nominating him because now with a new child in his and his wife’s life (who is also a police officer) and the inability to work it would be a pleasure to present him with something to remind him that his community hasn’t forgotten the sacrifices he’s made to keep us safe.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

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Robin Bialecki

Nominated by Maggie Bialecki

Hard times don’t create heroes. It is during the hard times when the ‘hero’ within us is revealed.

- BOB RILEY

Robin is the executive director to the Easthampton Community Center in Easthampton, MA. She has held this position for 10+ years, and has exponentially grown the outreach and support the Center is able to provide to residents of Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Berkshire counties. Robin’s passion is feeding people. Before COVID, she held weekly dinners for the community, where she was the chef, in addition to the food pantry and other center activities. When COVID restrictions prevented clients from coming into the center, Robin moved the entire operation outside to ensure that people would not go hungry. Robin and her volunteers are outside in all weather and helping more than 3600 families with a smile. Not only does Robin provide supplemental staples for families, but she provides medically necessary food (she has created an allergy free pantry!) and culturally relevant food (e.g. halal). Robin connects with all of her clients; she knows every family by name, and celebrates their joys/provides a listening ear always. Every day of the week, Robin is up and out the door at 5 am, using her personal vehicle to visit stores in the area to collect day old food which can then be shared with all members of the community. All means all; those who are housing insecure, as well as those who might just need a little help getting to their next paycheck are welcome everyday of the week.

Just recently, her personal vehicle needed maintenance, and she rented a van to ensure that she could still get the food needed to feed the hearts and bellies of the community. Robin truly believes in feeding more than ever before, and she is my hero. And, I believe, the hero of many seniors, adults, and children in Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Berkshire county.

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

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Sometimes, everyone wins.

The Hyundai TUCSON. Official prize of Hyundai Salute to Heroes.

The Hyundai TUCSON is more than a powerful SUV built for the modern adventure. It’s also the official prize of the Hyundai Salute To Heroes contest, awarded to a real-life everyday hero going above and beyond to help others.

And with its game-changing technology and award-winning safety, the TUCSON makes every driver feel victorious.

Test-drive the TUCSON at your local Hyundai dealer today.

Balise Hyundai Springfield 683 E Columbus Ave. Springfield, MA 01105 413-306-3699 balisehyundaispringfield.com

Gary Rome Hyundai Holyoke 150 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke, MA 01040 413-536-4328 garyromehyundai.com

Country Hyundai Northampton 347 King Street Northampton, MA 01060 413-551-4610 countryhyundai.com

Optional features shown. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2023 Hyundai Motor America.

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HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

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Carol Elliott Nominated by Arlette Elliott

She raised 6 children. As a single mom, she worked 3 jobs while raising her children. She also helped all the kids on the block. If anyone got a cut or got hurt they would go to Mrs Elliott. Cooking has always been her passion. Along with her service to God. She is 80 years old now and she serves the homeless meals once a month at the Congregational Church at Temple and Maple St. She also serves the men shelter on Worthington St once a month. She serves a community spaghetti dinner once a month also. She also serves the church shut-ins meals once a month. And she visits and prays for the sick and elderly. And when she has the strength and money she makes soup and gives out gloves and hats at Christmas time to the homeless and addicts (with a prayer) . She does all these things for free. She loves everyone. She loves God. And she’s been financially insecure her whole life. And she still drives every day. Thank you.

Regina Allen Nominated by Melissa Wuerth

Home-care may not be the first thing that comes to mind when many think of heroes, but it should be. This never-ending work involves everything from keeping homes clean, providing necessary groceries and medicines, companionship, to helping elders with everyday tasks like bathing, dressing and feeding. These essential services allow our families to stay in their own homes safely, which has become increasingly difficult; the amount of need has skyrocketed between the pandemic and our baby boomer generation aging into the system. Finding good home-care is also difficult because the pay isn’t great and the hours are inconsistent. Caregivers drive across multiple counties, through all sorts of weather at all times of day, 365 days a year, often missing out on important life events to chase down their next paycheck. Because of this, the same people doing this essential work often struggle in their personal lives to make ends meet. This backstory is important in highlighting why Regina is a hero: this has been her career for the last seven years, providing over 10,000 hours of care in that time! She continued to work through covid while also caring for her own family, including her grandchildren. Regina has often had to share a car for work, and when that broke, has had to take the bus and sometimes walk distances in order to maintain her hours. Most recently, she professionally handed an emergency, calling 911 and performing CPR as an elder died. She then walked in the dark to get the bus home, 25+ miles away. Regina is a hard-working, heart of gold caregiver and a car of her own would allow Regina to continue doing this crucial and amazing work with much less financial and physical struggle. She is a true hero in home-care!! Thank you for your consideration.

Linda Randall Nominated by George Randall

January 1, 2022, our daughter in law died. She left a 7 year old and 13 year old girls. Since before our daughter in law died, Linda has been with these little girls every day. She gets them off the bus, has them do their homework, has each layout clothes for tomorrow, make them dinner and does their laundry. She takes them to doctors, dentists dance class, tennis lessons, band practice. She has made sure that the girls have a stable home along with our son. She makes sure they have wonderful birthdays, Christmas, holidays, all that their mother would have done. Ill only 3 weeks with a fast growing cancer, her passing was a devastating blow to our entire family. Linda has been the “rock star” through all of this, never faltering or wavering. I assume that most husbands don’t refer to their wife as a hero, but I recognize her as a hero to our family. She is my hero. I realize this may not be what you are looking for, but I felt you should know.

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HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

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Adam Lyon Nominated by Kathleen Lyon

My Hero: The Jewel of Springfield.

In the heart of Springfield, and resonating across Massachusetts, especially in Boston’s North End, stands my husband—a hero defined not by a solitary deed, but by a symphony of relentless dedication.

Most recognize him as the inspiring band director of a public middle school, but to me, he is a beacon of commitment, love, and passion. As a new father, his tenderness shines. Late-night lullabies for our baby seamlessly transition into dawn’s first light, where he’s already orchestrating lessons for young minds. His teaching transcends mere notes and melodies; he ignites sparks, urging students to not only find their rhythm but also their voice.

Beyond the classroom, his love for music reverberates across Massachusetts. He plays in several bands, showcasing the rich tapestry of his musical prowess. Notably, he initiated his own German band—a venture not just for passion, but to support our family. This endeavor has granted me the priceless opportunity to be a stay-athome mom, nurturing our newborn, while he fills venues with euphonious melodies.

Yet, there’s another uniform he dons with immense pride—that of the Army National Guard. During the height of the pandemic, he was front and center in the vaccine mission against Covid-19, epitomizing service above self. My husband’s life is a medley of roles, each sung with fervor and heart. From the soft hums for our child, to the musical crescendos he draws from his students, to the disciplined marches of the National Guard, and the harmonious nights in Boston’s North End—his dedication knows no bounds. Hyundai stands for progression, for moving forward. My husband doesn’t just progress; he carries with him a chorus of inspired souls. He’s more than my hero; he’s Massachusetts’ melodic beacon. For these reasons and countless others, he deserves to win.

Linda LaPointe Nominated by Denise Audette

Linda is an exceptional advocate for children and adults with developmental challenges. She’s a mother of a daughter with Down syndrome who has made it her life mission to help other parents to navigate and plan for their challenged child’s future. She gives up so much personal time to plan events to benefit the social “She gives of herself to interactions of so many, it’s become young adults with challenges. her life goal to see She is the best these adults become cheerleader as independent when witnessing as possible and someone reach empowers them to a developmental milestone. Over succeed. ” the years she has either been a ‘housemother” for students at Berkshire Hills Music Academy or at times housed a student at her home.

Linda wants to make sure that challenged adults have a future that’s positive and supportive especially knowing that many will never be allowed to be on their own. She gives of herself to so many, it’s become her life goal to see these adults become as independent as possible and empowers them to succeed.

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Kevin Murphy Nominated by Stacey Chapley

Kevin Murphy has been an amazing teacher for over 20 years. He is always current in his field of teaching which includes multimedia, computer science, and this year he will be teaching CAD. His energy and passion for what he teaches is always evident. During the school year 2020-2021, Kevin was going above and beyond not only in the classroom with his students but with helping his colleagues that might not be so computer savvy. He spent countless hours before and after school tutoring teachers to use the computer to reach students that were fully remote due to Covid. Another aspect of Kevin being a Hero is his wonderful patience and technical skills that he shares with students from 7th grade to graduated seniors as the liaison to our local cable access television, FCAT. Kevin can be found coaching the students in the skills needed to film, edit, direct and produce for FCAT. His ability to reach students that may struggle emotionally or academically is amazing. Kevin gives the students a sense of belonging to a community, responsibility as well as skills for a career beyond high school. Kevin can be found working with students on setting up cameras for the school’s musical performance one night and then being able to film a basketball game the next night with students’ running cameras, sound and commentating. I have seen his patience and dedication first hand, when my youngest son was not fitting in as a 7th grader and with Kevin’s help and guidance, helped him become a mature, responsible and a successful student at Frontier Regional. Please consider Kevin for your your Salute to Heroes award.

A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something

bigger than oneself. - JOSEPH CAMPBELL Alesha Guadeloupe Nominated by Bridie Ryan

When I heard about this contest to recognize a local hero, I immediately thought of my co-worker, Alesha. She is a true hero, to her friends and family and at her job one of the hardest working people that I know. She is a lifelong resident of Springfield, where she currently lives with her teenage daughter. Alesha has worked providing in-home care to elderly and disabled adults throughout Hampden County, for over a decade, she currently is the lead aide at Quail Run Retirement complex in Agawam. And she does this job extremely well. She is dedicated to all the residents. She assists her clients with respect, kindness, and an attention to their needs that gives them great comfort and security in their lives. She goes above and beyond for the residents as well as their families and friends to address their needs and accommodate everyone’s preferences. She rarely calls out, she works through storms, on holidays, and held this job throughout the entire pandemic. Her time with residence is minimal, but she somehow multitasks to fit in all her clients expected and unexpected needs. She makes time to do extra things when they are sick, have accidents, or are confused and agitated. She is often the first person on the scene during medical emergencies, and she has worked as part of hospice care team. She is a true hero to the 100s of elderly and disabled adults she’s assisted. She is a hero in her personal life as well. She is an amazing mom, sister, daughter, and aunt, always readily supporting them. Although she is very private, never complains, I do know she could use a new car because she recently turned down an offered promotion, because she didn’t think her current vehicle was reliable enough to accept it.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023 | T17

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

Bev Henrichsen

Nominated by Peg Whalen

Bev is an unsung hero. She has a lifetime of service, sacrifice, hardships and persistence. As a female growing up in poverty in rural America, she was thwarted in school from becoming a doctor.

Effectively denied access to formal education she is self-educated. As a single mother of three, she served her community by training as a volunteer EMT, then became a local radio news director at a time that discouraged working women. She has worked on behalf of domestic violence victims since the 1970’s, starting as a journalist when she broadcast an award winning piece on domestic violence, acknowledged by the Associated Press and CNN. Escaping domestic violence herself, in the 1980’s she volunteered for a battered women’s shelter, then becoming Executive Director. She turned a struggling DV program into a 3 county agency with safer shelter, stable budget, and programs for survivors of DV, sexual violence, counseling for survivors and children.

After 12 years, she was forced from her position because of discrimination. In the 1990’s she trained police and district attorneys, developed a victim witness curriculum, and volunteered as a Court Appointed Special Advocate. Her decades of volunteering and work were largely without retirement benefits. Until recent health issues, she worked nights on-call for victims just to make ends meet. She continues her volunteer advocacy with older adults. She sacrificed a secure retirement for the betterment of many others whose lives she helped change or save. Now retired she struggles financially and has several chronic health conditions. Her beloved vehicle is 15 years old, has 170,000 miles, and is too costly to repair. Her retirement income does not allow her to replace it. Please honor this unsung hero. Help make her mature years safe, give her reliable transportation, and recognize her selfless contributions.

A true hero is not someone who thinks about doing what is right, but one that simply does what is right without thinking!

- KEVIN HEATH

Danny Bellefleu Nominated by Justin Bellefleur

This person is a hero because he is more than just a dad. He worked hard his whole life to provide for his family. He took on responsibility of caring for his grandchildren also. Even when he got sick and could no longer work he still holds the world on his shoulders. He still makes sure his family doesn’t go without. His wife is in the hospital and has been for quite a while and their car is on its last lug nuts. He’s gone out of his way to help everyone and continued those values through his children. His wife is going through Dialysis and has two broken legs and feet and he is still making sure everyone is surviving. His car isn’t working and he still makes sure nobody goes without what they need. He separated his shoulder and still continued to take care of his wife and grandchildren everyday cooking, cleaning and doing all of the shopping. Now that his car broke down his wife is in the hospital and the grand kids about to start school, things have been more difficult than ever. He continues to push through and try to teach everyone else not to give up no matter how difficult or grim a situation may seem. He’s worked so hard to lead by example and pass his values on to his family no matter how dark days are there is always a light. He deserves the world for his continued struggle and is definitely a hero.

T18 | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Michael Hackett Nominated by Elizabeth Nicholls

When Michael Hackett retired after serving over twenty-nine years in the military of our country, he set goals to continue a disciplined and productive lifestyle. One goal was to walk at least six or seven miles daily, which he accomplishes by walking around our neighborhood several times a day, regardless of the weather. He would alert the neighborhoods if he saw a fox, coyote or bear so that the neighborhood would be cautious with their pets and kids. He also made it his business to assist anyone that was sick or needed help. It was a common sight to see him watering someone’s lawn, or in the wintertime removing snow for them. One day while talking to my daughter, Cynthia who was having trouble controlling her blood sugar level as it was fluctuated from dangerously low to spike extremely high, Mike told her he too had to monitor his food intake with food and exercise. From then on, he continued to monitor her diet with her and make suggestions of what she should be doing. Because of this Mike helped her over the following two years her change in health was astonishing. First, she went from needing daily insulin shots to being able to control her sugar with just pills. Now during her last doctor’s visit, she was told that she no longer evens needed pills and could get by with a weekly adjustment. His actions are refreshing in this day and age when so many selfish but cowardly people would rather call the overwhelmed police on a neighbor rather than taking the time to talk to them in person. Life’s battle which come in many forms, and it take a true hero to be ready for them and not afraid to assist other people with them.

Heroes are people who rise to the occasion

and slip quietly away.

- TOM BROKAW

Robert Campbell Nominated by Marion LaCoy

I would like to nominate Robert Campbell also known as Bobby. Bobby is a man that resides in Franklin County.

I feel he is a true hero. He is an unselfish man that gives so much. Bobby created a program that helps families in need yearly. He takes his personal time and applies it to the community. For the holiday seasons, he organizes donations to ensure families in need will have a nice Thanksgiving Dinner, families have gifts during Christmas time, seniors have hams for Easter and more that I don’t even know. The joy he brings to families is so uplifting. He has been doing this for many many years. He reaches out to in any need, whether it is a family in need because of a fire or encourages support for family owned businesses that are struggling. He supports the health and safety of children, he has coached youth sports for 26 years. Bobby has live postings of Facebook almost every night to keep the community up to date on things that are happening around us. Family is very important to him. He met his wife when he was 21 years old, she had 2 young children. Bobby took them on as his own . He has been with her for 36 years. Many years ago he took on the responsibility and took custody of his grandson for 2 years. He is now currently taking care of his mother-in-law who is diagnosed with Dementia. I believe it would be nice for Bobby to be on the other end and receive something for himself. He currently drives a 2011 Traverse with over 230,000 miles.

A new vehicle would ensure he had reliable transportation so he can continue to volunteer in doing what he loves for the community.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

SUNDAY,, OCTOBER 1,, 2023 | T19

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

ISTOCK PHOTO

Be the

reason

someone

smiles today.

George Cauley

Submitted by Rick Harling

Joseph Campbell said, “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” I want to nominate George Cauley as the “Hyundai Hometown Hero” for his extraordinary lifetime commitment to service of his country, his hometown (Holyoke), and throughout the Western Massachusetts community as a member of the Army National Guard during Vietnam, teacher, guidance counselor, coach, and volunteer. Hyundai’s slogan is, “New Thinking, New Possibilities.” George Cauley came to Holyoke High School (HHS) as a history teacher, football coach (assistant then head coach at Holyoke Catholic, HHS, and Minnechaug for 26 years), and retired as a guidance counselor after 38 years. He was a remarkable mentor emphasizing new thinking to create new possibilities. When one of his minority students had no plans to attend college, George Cauley drove him to Westfield State College to meet the school president and created a new possibility by getting him accepted. Thereafter, when a valedictorian did not get accepted at Amherst College because Amherst felt HHS was an “underperforming state receivership school,” George Cauley created a new possibility by contacting the admissions office on his behalf to get him accepted and he subsequently became a doctor.

As an assistant coach for George Cauley, I witnessed how important service was to him: CYO basketball coach/CCD teacher at Saint Mary’s, ran the tutoring program at HHS, and Westfield Senior Center volunteer, He has been married for 57 years with 3 children and 5 grandchildren and raised his family as an extension of himself. They are regular volunteer coaches, tutors, and at soup kitchens. George Cauley is deserving of the Hyundai Hometown Hero Award/Vehicle because he has always been there for others so it would be great if Hyundai was there for him. ”New Thinking, New Possibilities.”

T20 | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023

Kristen Briody

Submitted by Blake Farnworth

Kristen is an everyday hero because of the selfless work she does. She has been caring for those with various mental health struggles for years. She works 60 hours a week as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and still finds time to donate her time and anything else she can spare. She has taken on many patients who do not have health insurance or just cannot afford mental health care. This means she takes on patients for free - donating her time, knowledge and expertise to ensure that she can help as many people as possible. She also has recently been getting involved with volunteer work, with adoption agencies and community organizations that serve foster children and underprivileged youth. Her goal is to help those who cannot afford mental health care to have access to it, despite their inability to pay. She donates whatever is left of her time to try to make a difference in people’s lives. On top of that she has young children at home and another one due soon. They come out “even” every month between child care, bills and groceries, but Kristen continues to take on patients without pay and donate her time as best she can because this is something she is passionate about. One thing she has always lived by is to “give what you can, even when you cannot give much.” If more people had this mindset, the world may be a kinder place, a more accepting place and may be a world that thrived a bit more.

Everyday heroes do not need to make a colossal wave to make a positive impression on people, even small waves can cause long lasting impact on individual’s’ lives.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

Live your life like you’re the hero in your movie.”

- JOE ROGAN

ISTOCK PHOTO

Linda LaPointe Submitted by Roger Masse

Linda’s life changed when her daughter, Jac, was born with Down Syndrome. It changed her path, and she started to work with people with special needs. As a director with JCC, she started many programs there! She has lived, and run many group homes, and opened her house as a Shared Living Provider for many special need people to help them enjoy a normal way of life. She advocates for families to ensure the family, as well as that person, can have a quality of life they all deserve. Making sure special needs kids get the education they need, and finds programs that fit their lifestyle! She has advocated for people at many schools, making sure all their needs are fulfilled. As Director at Jericho, she has started different programs to help children and adults with special needs to enjoy the community. She heads up dances, work shops, pool BBQ’S, and many other events that are either free, for a few dollars, for these people, and their family to attend. Her mission has always been to make sure all are included, and all have a quality of life they can enjoy! Her mission doesn’t stop there, by helping homeless people she meets, too. Helping many find a place to live, ensuring they get meals, and medical care if needed. She has recently given her car to a God Daughter that has traveled south for College, to make sure she has dependable transportation. She has given more in her life, and asks only for happiness for who she calls “Her Peeps” ! Please consider Linda as our Hero, as they all consider her their hero for the Love and Respect they get from her, and the community she welcomes them enjoys helping all be a part of.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

ISTOCK PHOTO

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023 | T21

Kim George Nominated by Sherry Mulloy

One person can and does

make a difference.

- ALBERT SCHWEITZER

When Kim’s dog got cancer, she refinan ced her mortgage to afford lifesaving vet car e.

This was the catalyst for founding her nonprofit Kane’s Krusade - an innovative approach providing dog owner suppor t to the elderly, veterans, disabled, domesti c violence survivors and unhoused.

Services include delivering dog food to the homebound, vet care, spay/neuter assistance and housing advocacy for those with emotional support and service anim als.

For the most vulnerable, their dogs are the reason they get out of bed in the mornin g, take their medications and persevere.

In the last 12 years, Kane’s advocated for over 15,000 people. When dogs stay wit h their family, they don’t contribute to an overburdened shelter system. As a han ds-on board member, I am impressed with, and have witnessed, Kim’s passion, relentle ss drive and dedication. Kim deals with people in their most desperate moments, liste ning compassionately without judgment.

Often, these people have no one else.

Through her knowledge and the networ k she’s created, Kim connects people wit h resources and lasting solutions. In ess ence, the organization embodies community members caring about one another – a diverse extended family whose lives are better because of Kane’s Krusade. Kim ’s whole life is her nonprofit. Her singular focus is helping people keep their dog s. Her satisfaction is her reward. On Kane’s soc ial media, you will rarely read about Kim or see her picture. She doesn’t seek the spo tlight.

Despite this, Kim was recognized as a Red Cross Hometown Hero for her commu nity impact. At this stage of her life, Kim’s had to get a second job, which she must trav el for, to cover rising health insurance and hom e repairs. Her current vehicle is 16 years old, causing a lot of uncertainty, expense and stress. A new vehicle would greatly hel p with deliveries, picking up donations and oth er nonprofit needs.

T22 | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2023

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Diane Pirro Nominated by Kathy Curran

Every community has a hero. Our community is Special Olympics and our hero is Diane Pirro. Twelve years ago, the Greater Westfield Special Olympics tragically lost our coordinator. More than seventy athletes and families were suddenly without a program. Diane did not hesitate to step in and finish our season. Diane has stayed with the program for the last twelve years. The coordinator’s position is demanding, unpaid, voluntary and includes many responsibilities. The coordinator handles all of the paperwork, recruits and supervises the coaches and volunteers, arranges transportation, books venues, handles uniforms and equipment for six sports, secures locations for practices and is present all of the practices. Diane has grown our program to include six sports and year round participation. We now have Fall soccer, Winter basketball and bowling, Spring track and field, and Summer golf and softball. Many of our athletes now compete the state level. It is important to understand how much Special Olympics means to those with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympic is a safe and special place, in addition to athletic development there is empowerment through social, emotional and personal development. Athletes and parents refer to themselves as a Special Olympic family. Over the years the program has grown and thrived under Diane’s leadership. It is an important support network for participants and people who care about those with intellectual disabilities. Diane has dedicated at least three or more days a week for the past twelve years. Every sport overlaps another. Diane has been selfless. When an athlete went missing last year, Diane was right there to post and pass out flyers, participate in the search and provide support for the athlete’s family. Diane never wavers. She is our team’s biggest cheerleader. She is our community hero. Without her, we would not have our community.

Heroes are made by the paths they choose,

not the power they are graced with.

- Brodi Ashton

Camella Sebastiano Nominated by Donna Courchesne

I would like to enter my sister Camella Sebastiano for the hero of the year. My younger sister, Debra, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclorosis and Cam took over to help her in any way she could. By finding her an apartment, taking care of her finances, and making sure that she had everything that she needed. Then my brother had an issue with drugs and alcohol so she stepped in and supported him eventually getting him into AA. She herself 20 years sober.

Unfortunately, her daughter passed away at 50 years old so she became a surrogate mother to her grandchildren.

Every day she takes her granddaughter to work, her appointments and even shopping. My other sister Cheryl has dementia so again Cam found her appropriate housing, overseeing her finances and will make sure to take her on outings. Then her son died which was a horrible time for her. Then her son in law who has facial cancer and kidney disease needed help so she started taking him to dialysis 3 times a week and helped out with keeping him supplied with what he needed. All of this she has done with her 23 year old car. Please consider Camella as a candidate for Hero of the Year.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

When I was very young, most of my childhood heroes wore capes, flew through the air, or picked up buildings with one arm.

They were spectacular and got a lot of attention.

But as I grew, my heroes changed, so that now I can honestly say that anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.

- FRED ROGERS

ISTOCK PHOTO

SUNDAY,, OCTOBER 1,, 2023 | T23

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

David Toledo

Nominated by Maria Kretschmer

There is a man named David Toledo who has a mission. David Toledo has been operating a program where he provides a service to a community that is very often overlooked, the homeless.

David has a heart of compassion for the homeless community, in large part because he was homeless at one time. David drives a beat up suv with decals recognized by the community that he serves that says, “Bread and Water”. His friends, the homeless population of Springfield, Chicopee and Holyoke recognize his truck and they come running when they see him.

David supplies this community with food, water, toiletries, cloths, shoes, blanket, sleeping bags. David has been providing this service two to three times a week, for over six years. David is faithful to his mission. You see him out in every kind of weather, rain, sleet, snow, blistering heat, it doesn’t matter He says, if I don’t feed them who will?

David knows firsthand the hardships the homeless go through. That was him not all that long ago. For David this is a way for him to pay it forward.

Presently, David is in a serious need of a reliable vehicle in order to continue his mission. His suv is on his last leg.

David puts hundreds of miles on his vehicle each week, logging tens of thousands of miles annually. His mechanic says that he can no longer do anything else to keep David’s car running, that he has done everything there is to do, the car is rotting underneath and engine is on its last leg. If there is anyone more deserving of the honor of receiving a new vehicle, I certainly cannot think of one.

Celebrate your heroes u l f a t r u a a n e b g e a m e t n i t! w

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