Returning and newly elected officials sworn in on Jan. 5
Recently elected officials were officially sworn in on Jan. 5 to serve their respective roles within the city. The ceremony started with an invocation for the elected officials from Fr. Brad Milunski and St. Stanislaus School.
Page 4
HOLYOKE
Holyoke officially swears in elected officials for new terms
Holyoke welcomed returning and newly elected officials during the 2026 swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 5 inside the City Hall auditorium.
Page 5
Assessors to correct CPA assessment rate on residents’ bills
Holyoke residents may or may not have noticed an incorrect Community Preservation Act tax rate on their bills at the start of the new year.
Page 5
Rivera’s role in Holyoke police affairs questioned
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Holyoke City
Councilor Israel Rivera has caught the attention of two unions that represent the Holyoke Police Department after his OUI arrest on Dec. 20.
Rivera was arrested and charged with operating under the influence of alcohol. He pleaded not guilty to the OUI and two civil motor vehicle infractions, failure to stop and speeding. Rivera will have a pretrial hearing on Jan. 26.
The letter from the unions cites that Rivera’s incident on Dec. 20 is documented in an official Massachusetts State Police report and was reportedly captured on Massachusetts State Police body-worn cameras.
The letter cites that during the encounter, Rivera allegedly made statements invoking his elected position and mentioning his authority over police funding. The police report states, in part, “I’m a city councilor, you can’t really work with me? and “That’s fine, I’ll just cut the budget,” and “Everyone else gets a pass, but I don’t?”
It is also reported that Rivera used offensive racial slurs during this incident, including statements that are deeply troubling and inconsistent with the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, according to the letter from the unions.
Holyoke Police Department Lieutenant Andrew DiNapoli, who also serves as the president Holyoke Police Supervisors Union, Local #409, talked to Reminder Publishing about the letter that was sent.
The Holyoke Police Supervisors’ Union, Local #409, and the Holyoke Police Patrolmen’s
Union, Local #388, submitted a two-page letter to the officials of the city for an advisory ethics opinion regarding Rivera’s continued participation in matters directly affecting the Holyoke Police Department.
The letter was delivered to Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia, City Solicitor Lisa Ball, City Councilor President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti and Holyoke Police Chief Brian Keenan to ask their opinion if Rivera should still be serving on the Public Safety Committee or making any decisions relating to the Holyoke Police Department.
Rivera was recently voted the first City Council vice president in Holyoke’s history on Jan. 5 after the inauguration ceremony.
The letter states that if accurately reported, the actions of Rivera raise serious concerns regarding the appearance of bias, retaliation or animosity of law enforcement.
With Rivera participating in deliberations and votes involving police staffing levels, department oversight and funding, both unions felt the continued participation may be a conflict of interest and may undermine the public’s confidence in fair and impartial governance; undermine the perceived legitimacy of police funding, staffing and oversight decisions, and undermine labor relations between the city of Holyoke and its public safety employees.
Both police unions request
written ethical guidance as to whether Rivera’s continued participation in police-related matters presents an actual or apparent conflict of interest, and written guidance as to whether recusal from police-related votes, discussions or oversight responsibilities would be appropriate to safeguard impartiality and public confidence.
The police unions have also reached out to the state ethics commission. DiNapoli said the unions are giving the city “a week or so,” to respond. If they don’t hear back, they will host a press conference on the matter.
DiNapoli added they do not want Rivera removed from the
City Councilor Israel Rivera talks at a recent City Council meeting on Dec. 16.
Photo credit: Holyoke Media
See RIVERA on page 2
Toy for Joy campaign rides late surge to strong finish
By Ron Chimelis Special to Reminder Publishing
A late surge of generosity gave a strong finishing kick to the 103rd edition of the Toy for Joy Christmas campaign.
Thanks to the heartfelt donations of local and regional citizens, businesses and organizations, the 2025 drive brought in $94,317. Under the guidance of first-year Captain Stacy McNeil, and backed by Salvation Army social services manager Danielle LaTaille and dozens of invaluable volunteers, the total rallied in the final weeks.
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
This is the second year of the 2025-2026 legislative session. Typically, the first year of the session sees a flurry of activity, with about 7,000 bills filed. State Sen. Jake Oliveira filed more than 700 bills himself in 2025. In the latter half of the session, though, the bills work their way through committee and will, ideally, be taken up on the floor of the Senate.
Many of those bills will address one major issue with several heads. Like the hydra of Greek mythology, the monster that is affordability must be attacked from multiple angles.
Oliveira explained that utility costs are “crippling” seniors and those on fixed incomes. When it comes to electricity, he said, “Delivery charges frustrate me, frustrate my constituents. They’re higher sometimes than the supply cost.” Delivery charges are the set fees utilities charge to use their wires and poles to carry electricity to customers. In most municipalities, one utility owns most of the infrastructure, forcing people to pay their deliv-
“Wow, what an incredible show of generosity by the community in support of Toy for Joy. We are so deeply grateful for all of your contributions. We couldn’t have done it without you,” McNeil said.
The Salvation Army sponsors the campaign. McNeil was moved by how many people participated, allowing Toy for Joy to maintain its place as a standard bearer for charitable giving in Western Massachusetts.
Families and children were served at Salvation Army Citadels in Springfield, Holyoke and Greenfield. In Springfield alone,
ery charges. It does not have to be that way, though. He said cities and towns with a municipally owned utility, like Chicopee, charge nearly half the distribution fee of Eversource. He said the state Department of Public Utilities is investigating why delivery costs are so high.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between paying for electricity and buying groceries, or paying a bill or buying medicine,” Oliveira said.
Another issue Oliveira is working on is the housing crisis. Despite the 2024 passage of the Affordable Homes Act, a fiveyear housing bond bill, people are still being priced out of the housing market.
“I’m a big fan of mixed-use housing,” Oliveira said, referring to buildings that contain a combination of housing units, offices, restaurants and shops. Redeveloping vacant buildings from the state’s industrial past lends itself to such uses. He cited the mixeduse redevelopment of the Ludlow Mills in his hometown. The housing there is age-restricted for seniors.
more than 1,600 families and 4,300 children experienced the joy of Christmas gifts through Toy for Joy.
In the final days of the drive, many generous donors helped raise the final total. Always a set of loyal contributors, the Pathfinder Regional School of Three Rivers School Committee joined with Superintendent Eric Duda to donate $235.
Matching donations from The Republican employees totalled $2,350.
From the law offices of Mark E. Salamone came $972. Lia Toyota answered the children’s
“We need to end a lot of these age caps,” Oliveira said. This would allow more young and middle-aged people who are currently priced out of homeownership to buy units in housing developments. “Springfield used to be the City of Homes,” he said. “Now, it’s a city of renters. A lot
need in a huge way with $2,500, as did Connecticut Valley Artesian Well with $1,000. Robert and Roberta Bolduc continued their leadership in charitable giving with $2,500. Joseph O’Brien gave $1,000, with Caroline Gruszka ($250), and a $300 donation was given in memory of Michael J. Farrell, “Mugsy” Silansky and Paul “Sammy” Samble. Not to be overlooked were the hundreds and even thousands of dollars given anonymously, or the donations of any size by citizens who were determined to do their part in mak-
of that goes to affordability.”
Not everyone is sold on state-initiated housing changes. Since the Affordable Homes Act was passed, many municipalities have expressed concern and frustration that the state is mandating housing changes, such as allowing accessory dwelling units and affordable housing. Oliveira rejects the assertion that the Affordable Homes Act is forcing new restrictions on municipalities.
Chapter “40B has been on the books for decades. It just wasn’t enforced,” he said of a law setting a threshold of 10% affordable housing in each municipality. He said the Legislature tried to partner with each of the state’s 351 municipalities to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. “There needs to be a balance and a recognition that residents in Massachusetts can’t afford to buy houses. A lot of young people are leaving, and when you ask why, they say it’s because its unaffordable.”
Then, there is the issue of healthcare. The passage of the federal One Big Beautiful Bill, which Oliveira called the “Big Ugly Bill,” changed health and tax credits. Some of Oliveira’s constituents are going to pay “tens of thousands” of dollars more this month than they did in 2025. He said it is most harmful to those people who are retired but not yet old enough to qualify for Medicare.
The state and municipalities are seeing 10% annual increases in health care costs, while tax
Continued from page 1
City Council but want to see him removed from the Public Safety Committee and any other committees that may have direct dealings with the Police Department. They also do not want to see him allowed to vote at all on any Holyoke Polce Department matters. In a comment to Reminder Publishing. the Holyoke Police Department said it is referring all communication on the matter to the mayor’s office.
Garcia released a statement asking for ethical guidance regarding Rivera’s personal issue and whether his participation on the council will have an effect on the operations of the Holyoke Police Department.
ing this a Merry Christmas for the children. Plans are already being discussed for the 104th edition of Toy for Joy, which will roll out in the fall of 2026. The Salvation Army, volunteers who helped the cause and sponsoring media (The Republican, Reminder Publishing , MassLive and El Pueblo Latino). All of those involved have deep and profound gratitude for those who participated to make so many children happy at Christmas, and look forward to the 2026 Toy for Joy campaign next fall.
revenue typically increases by just 3% each year. Health care is “crowding out” other government programs and initiatives, he said. Healthcare is also the largest employer in Oliveira’s district, which encompasses towns from Warren to South Hadley and from Belchertown to the Connecticut line. He also represents parts of Chicopee and Springfield, the latter of which is home to Baystate Health and Mercy Medical Center. Cuts to health care will have significant repercussions on the economy and jobs in Western Massachusetts, he said. Oliveira said that part of the problem is a lack of medical professionals licensed in Massachusetts. Legislation that he filed allowing physician assistants licensed in other states to work in Massachusetts is in committee. Supply is only one aspect of the issue, though. Pharmaceutical benefit managers work as intermediaries between insurance companies and pharmacies, managing drug prices. Oliveira said those intermediaries — the three largest of whom are Optum RX, CVS Caremark and Express Scripts — are profitable and drive up prices. In 2024, the state Legislature passed licensing requirements for pharmaceutical benefit managers.
The health care issue, like housing, requires an “all-handson-deck” approach, but “unless the federal government is a partner,” Oliveira said the situation will not improve.
“I want to clarify that the responsibility for providing such guidance lies with the commonwealth of Massachusetts or the union’s own legal counsel,” Garcia stated. “While the union seeks guidance on Councilor Rivera’s personal matters and their potential impact, I reaffirm that such issues do not influence the daily operations or effectiveness of the Holyoke Police Department. Our department remains committed to its mission, and under Chief Keenan’s leadership we continue to make measurable progress in community safety. I encourage the union to seek the appropriate legal or governmental guidance and appreciate their ongoing support as we work to serve and protect our community.”
Rivera did not respond to requests for comment from Reminder Publishing by press time.
State Sen. Jake Oliveira represents the Hampden, Hampshire and Worcester District in the state Senate.
Reminder Publishing file photo
City receives grant for Uniroyal infrastructure work
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — At its Jan. 6 meeting, the City Council accepted a $450,000 grant to support the necessary infrastructure improvements associated with the redevelopment of the former Uniroyal property.
The grant, which comes from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development’s MassWorks Infrastructure Program, was part of a mayoral order that went in front of the council at the end of the meeting.
Planning and Development
Director Lee Pouliot explained that the MassWorks infrastructure program is a “reimbursable grant program from the state that looks to support the design, engineering and construction of public infrastructure that is in support of large scale catalytic projects that particularly prioritize housing.”
The grant is for early-stage design and engineering development for all the infrastructure systems in the Chicopee Falls neighborhood that will either need upgrades or replacements to support bringing the Uniroyal property online.
Pouliot stated that the city negotiated a real estate option with a preferred developer that was selected through a requests for proposals process for the property.
Although the details are still being finalized, Pouliot said the developer is working on the early development stages of their plan. The former tire manufacturing plant closed operations in 1980 and sold their property to the Facemate Corporation in 1981.
Facemate leased portions of the Uniroyal buildings to vari-
ous companies for manufacturing, printing, machine shops, office, storage and health care facilities.
Michelin North America Inc. then acquired Uniroyal assets in the 1990s before the city ultimately gained ownership of the property.
The project site consists of more than 70 acres adjacent to the Chicopee River that have been vacant since 2003.
Since 2010, the city has conducted a master planning process to introduce two redevelopment visions for the Uniroyal and adjacent Facemate properties. Over the course of that time, the city has completed a brownfields assessment, removed hazardous materials, completed an intensive cleanup and conducted a fill program to level off each site with the levy.
From the city’s standpoint, Pouliot said, “We are being
proactive and working towards constructing the infrastructure that’s going to be needed to support this very large scale project.”
The redevelopment project is a $300 million investment, according to Pouliot and is housing focused.
“We’ll be working very closely with the developer and our own consultants to prepare that work in hopes that we’ll be prepared for future MassWorks rounds to apply for construction funding,” Pouliot stated.
The MassWorks grant award that Chicopee received is for $450,000, but since it is a reimbursement program, there is a $50,000 cost share that the city is obligated to invest towards the project.
The City Council approved accepting the grant and appropriation to fund the grant.
Mayor John Vieau shared his
feelings on the grant, stating, “[I’m] excited that we applied and received this grant from MassWorks. We were embargoed for a few months; we’ve known that we received it and excited to shared it with you today and moving forward with the projects in the West Main Street area.”
City Councilor Joel McAuliffe talked about how this grant will help benefit the city by having the infrastructure in place as the project moves forward.
“MassWorks grants are very important to greasing the skids, if you will, for development,” McAuliffe said. “It gives the city an opportunity to leverage resources from outside of our city to fix the infrastructure in that particular area; target it to that particular area. There’s a very small matching amount, but the impact is very significant.”
Free HCC line-cook training program begins Jan. 26
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College will be running both daytime and evening editions of its free, line-cook training program at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute beginning Jan. 26.
The six-week daytime program starts Jan. 26, and runs until March 6. Classes meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 11-week evening program runs from Jan. 26 until April 8 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m.
Additional spring semester line-cook training programs will start on March 30 (daytime), April 27 (evening) and May
11 (daytime).
“HCC tries to meet the needs of its students by offering multiple options for start days and times,” said Paul Sheehan, assistant project coordinator for culinary arts programs. “Over the last few years, we have offered our free line cook training as separate day and evening programs to help students find the schedule that works best for them.”
The program is designed for those already in the restaurant industry who want to upgrade their skills as well as unemployed or underemployed individuals interested in starting new careers.
“We usually have a mix of young people entering the job
market for the first time and people who are reentering the job market, looking for a second career,” Sheehan said. “The course is perfect for anybody who’s looking for a job and has a passion for food and the dining industry.”
All classes meet in person at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute at 164 Race St.
Participants will learn all the essential competencies they need to become successful line cooks: knife skills; how to prepare stocks, soups, sauces, desserts, poultry, fish and meat; culinary math and measurements; moist and dry heat cooking methods; as well as workplace soft skills, such as building a resume and searching for jobs.
Offered as part of HCC’s Business & Workforce Development division, the line cook course is free to qualifying applicants. For more information, or to fill out an inquiry form, visit hcc. edu/line-cook.
Chicopee’s Planning and Development Director Lee Pouliot discusses the MassWorks grant the city received to help jumpstart the design phase for the Uniroyal property.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
CHICOPEE
Returning and newly elected officials sworn in on Jan. 5
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
CHICOPEE — Recently elected officials were officially sworn in on Jan. 5 to serve their respective roles within the city.
The ceremony started with an invocation for the elected officials from Fr. Brad Milunski and St. Stanislaus School.
The ceremony was dedicated to the late At Large City Councilor and retired Chicopee police officer Robert “Bob” Zygarowski, who passed away last March. His son, Ryan, attended the ceremony.
During his speech, Vieau stated, “It felt right to dedicate today’s ceremony in honor of your dad, my colleague and my dear friend, Councilor Robert Zygarowski. Bob proudly served the city of Chicopee for 51 years honor, valor and integrity. The true epitome of public service. May he rest in peace.”
The Chicopee High School jazz band also had multiple performances throughout the ceremony.
Vieau was sworn in for his fourth term while newly elected or reelected city councilors and School Committee members were also sworn in.
City Clerk Keith Rattell administered the oath of office to City Treasurer Marie Laflamme, City Assessors Laura McCarthy and Brian Suchy. Newly elected City Collector Sandra Peret was also officially sworn in to office.
City councilors sworn in were Frank Laflamme, Jerry Roy, Joel McAullife, Jessica Avery, Abigal Arriaga, Shane Brooks, Susan Goff, George Balakier, Joseph Pasternak lll, Samuel Shumsky, William Courchesne, Douglas Girouard and Mary-Beth Pniak Costello.
School Committee members who were sworn in included Robert Cantin, Deanna Rousseau, David Barsalou, Jason Dout, Diane Trela, Grace Schofield, Carlton Rene Brooks Jr., Rafael Nazario Jr., Susan Constance Lemieux and Ronald Bernard.
Vieau opened his speech like he always does by exclaiming, “It’s a beautiful day in Chicopee.”
While congratulating Marie Laflamme, McCarthy, Suchy and Peret, Vieau also talked about working with familiar and new faces on both the School Committee and City Council.
He stated, “I look forward to working with both of you as groups. I just want us to continue striving to be the best Chicopee that we can be.”
As he prepared for the inauguration ceremony, Vieau said he reflected on his first three terms and the family and friends he has gained over the years.
“Whether it’s campaign races to get here or navigating the work along the way, you need a team and my team began with family and friends and it’s grown into something very special,” Vieau stated. “So, to the members of team Vieau, the inaugural committee, I just want to say thank you.”
Vieau highlighted that with the direction of today’s economy and families feeling the pressure of inflation, Chicopee was recently recognized by a “prominent, national publication” as one of the most affordable cities to live in in Massachusetts.
“That’s something with should all be very proud of,” Vieau stated.
During his previous terms, Chicopee has maintained its stabilization fund and continued to earn one of the highest bond ratings in the region. Vieau said the city always looks at creative ways for funding opportunities like grants, earmarks and innova-
tive partnerships.
“While other communities pursue proposition 2 ½ overrides, Chicopee funded its 2026 budget below the levy limit,” the mayor stated. “My goal has been and it will remain the same and that is continue progress at the pace that we can all afford and to keep the city of Chicopee affordable.”
Vieau also pointed out other accomplishments during his previous terms including Chicopee’s low electric rate, Cross-
In Person on Tuesday, January 27 at 6PM Main Library: 449 Front Street, Chicopee Virtual Drop-in Session on Wednesday, February 4, 9AM-Noon Join Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86595066482? pwd=phnIJoPJfWPLIdKkHTDASX1PhDEbJr.1
Individuals needing accommodation please contact 413-594-1490 at least 72 hours in advance.
roads Fiber, reactivating the Central Library into the Hub at Market Square, securing a permanent home for the school’s administration offices, restoring the Abbey Brook at Frank Szot Park, upgrades at Sarah Jane Sherman Park, completing phase two of city hall renovations, the implementation of a real time information center and working towards a new Anna Barry Elementary School. Vieau concluded, “To grow
you need economic development, you need good jobs and you need great people, and my goal is to retain talent, attract opportunity and to ensure that Chicopee becomes the envy of Western Massachusetts. But remember this, Chicopee is also a pillar of not only Western Massachusetts but the entire commonwealth of Massachusetts. This city is something very special and it’s because all the people here in this room and all those who work here.”
Above, Mayor John Vieau is sworn in for his fourth term as mayor of Chicopee. At right, Mayor John Vieau talks to the audience about his previous terms, goals and projects that he is looking forward to in his next term.
Photo credit: ChicopeeTV
HOLYOKE
Holyoke officially swears in elected officials for new terms
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE — Holyoke welcomed returning and newly elected officials during the 2026 swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 5 inside the City Hall auditorium.
The ceremony featured performances by the Caledonian Pipe Band and the Holyoke High School Madrigal Choir.
Former City Councilor Joe McGiverin served as the master of ceremonies for the event.
Pastor Bernard Smith from the Bethlehem Baptist Community Church provided a prayer for the elected officials.
Mayor Joshua Garcia was sworn in for his second four-year term. City Clerk Brenna Leary and newly elected or reelected city councilors and School Committee members were also sworn in.
City Councilors Juan Anderson-Burgos, Patricia Devine, Howard Greaney Jr., Meg Magrath-Smith, Nicole Maisonet, Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Mimi Pantich, Richard Purcell, Israel Rivera, Jenny Rivera, Michael Sullivan, Anne Thalheimer and Linda Vacon were sworn in during the event.
School Committee members Orlando Isaza, Gladys Lebron-Martinez, Mildred Lefebvre, Patty Lubold, Jens Michaelsen, Yadilette Rivera-Colon, Devin Sheehan, Rosalee Tensley Williams and Ellie Wilson were also sworn in.
During his speech, Garcia talked about working with the returning and newly elected officials.
“Thank you for a City Council and School Committee that be-
Assessors
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
lieve in this direction that we’re going,” Garcia stated. “I know that some may say that the results reflect or indicate Holyokers are going in a different direction. I’d argue differently and tell you that that’s not true. We’re going in the same direction just with fewer obstacles.”
Garcia reflected on his speech from the last inauguration ceremony when he was first sworn in as mayor.
He stated, “It was from that day we celebrated the election as a turning point; a page to the next chapter turned by Holyoke voters. In this new chapter of our proud city, we were given an opportuni-
See HOLYOKE on page 8
row, from
and other recently-elected offi-
Brenna Murphy Leary swears in all members of Holyoke’s City Council. Second row, from left: Holyoke City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary swears in all members of Holyoke’s School Committee. Mayor Joshua Garcia getting sworn in for his second term as mayor of Holyoke. Above, Mayor Joshua Garcia addresses the crowd after being sworn in as his second term as mayor of Holyoke.
Reminder Publishing photos by Tyler Garnet
to correct CPA assessment rate on residents’ bills
the overall collection of taxes.
HOLYOKE — Holyoke residents may or may not have noticed an incorrect Community Preservation Act tax rate on their bills at the start of the new year.
The bills were still overcharging the public for the CPA tax they voted to cut in November 2024, according to the city.
In November 2024, Holyoke voters decided to support a reduction that lowered the CPA surcharge from 1.5% to 1%.
On Jan. 2, it was discovered that the fiscal year 2026 tax bills still used a CPA assessment rate of 1.5%.
After discovering the mistake on Jan. 2, the Board of Assessors sent a letter to the City Council and Mayor Joshua Garcia about how they plan to rectify the mistake.
In a letter to the public, Board of Assessors member Grant Schlosstein stated that “The rate should have been set at 1.0% in accordance with the ballot initiative approved last November and reflected on the third quarter bill. The issue stemmed from a miscommunication with the vendor used by this office to generate tax bills once the final rate is voted on by the council.”
Once they discovered the mistake, Schlosstein said that the Board of Assessors office immediately began working with the city’s tax collector and treasurer to resolve the issue.
“We have since begun recalculating the affected bills to ensure the correct CPA assessment is applied,” he stated.
As of the date of this communication, Jan. 5, most of the corrective work has been completed, and Schlosstein stated the board expected the process to be finalized within the next day of the letter.
The corrected information will be reflected on the fourth-quarter tax bills when they are mailed in April.
In the interim, taxpayers may request an updated tax statement and, by the end of the week of Jan. 9, can download corrected bills through the UniPay system available on the city’s website: holyoke.org.
Any taxpayer who has already made a payment based on the incorrect calculation will see a credit reflected on their updated bill.
Schlosstein concluded, “We apologize for the confusion caused by this oversight. While understandably frustrating, we anticipate that this error will have minimal impact on
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or require additional information.”
Holyoke adopted the CPA program in 2016 with the 1.5% surcharge.
In the past five years, the CPA has secured about $43.4 million
through matched and leveraged state, federal and foundation grant funding. Funds are sourced from a surcharge on property tax bills and an annual allocation from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, distributed to communities that have adopted the CPA.
Over the years, the Holyoke CPA has funded a variety of popular projects throughout the city, including the new Miracle League Playground, the restoration of the stained-glass windows at City Hall, Lady Liberty and the Korean Conflict Memorial at Veterans Park.
EAST LONGMEADOW - HOOK DELIVERY
THURSDAY
144 Papers: St. Joseph Dr., Wisteria Ln., Tracey Ln., Pembroke Terr., Abbey Ln., Rockingham Cir., Dartmouth Ln.,
Partial - Prospect St., Chestnut St., Somers Rd.
129 Papers: Gerrard Ave., Holy Cross Cir., Kingston Ave., Lombard Ave., Mereline Ave., Nelson St., Roderick Ave., Partial- N. Main St.
99 Papers: Barbara Ln., Quinnehtuk Rd., Village Dr., Pioneer Dr., Partial - Maple Rd., Frank Smith Rd., Wolf Swamp Rd.
100 Papers: Norway St., Nevins Ave., Partial - Maple Rd.
WILBRAHAM - HOOK DELIVERY THURSDAY
35 Papers: Arbor Ln., Greenwood Rd., Oak Ridge Dr., Old Orchard Rd., Russell Rd.
61 Papers: Gary Dr., Pidgeon Dr., Raymond Dr., Ruth Dr., Sawmill Dr.
228 Papers: Echo Hill Rd., Highmoor Dr., Meeting House Ln., Rice Dr., Ridge Rd., Highridge Rd., Hitching Post Ln., Peak Rd., Webster Ln., Partial - Mountain Rd., Monson Rd., Tinkham Rd., Main St.
First
left: Mayor Joshua Garcia, City Clerk Brenna Murphy Leary
cials in Holyoke take part in the swearing-in ceremony. Holyoke City Clerk
Jeremiah Vargas takes a shot from the top of the key.
Knight's Michael Medina cuts through the Agawam defense for a basket.
Holyoke High senior Julian Fasoli tosses up a 3-pointer over Agawam's Yusuf Ebrahim and Brody Sheehan.
Michael Dilizia and Georlee Aponte wrestle for control of the ball.
Georlee Aponte rises to take a shot.
Holyoke Knight cheerleaders bring excitement to the crowd.
Jeremiah Vargas puts up a shot in the paint.”
Tom Daisy slips past Agawam's defense to put up a basket.
Brian Thomas and Michael Dilizia vie for a rebound.
Holyoke's Gian Cora sprints down the baseline.
Budget Task Force to host two listening sessions in January
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
SOUTH HADLEY — South Hadley’s Budget Task Force is inviting residents to share their priorities for town services and spending during a listening session on Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. and another listening session on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m.
Residents have the option of joining the session at the South Hadley Senior Center at 45 Dayton St. or over Zoom. The Zoom link is available at southhadley.org.
Town Administrator Lisa Wong said that over 60 residents attended the first listening session in December.
Selectboard member Andrea Miles, who serves on the Budget Task Force, talked about the first listening session and stated, “There were both really great questions asked and people shared concerns from the library to the schools. People really brought forth what was really important to them in the town.”
Besides hosting the two listening sessions, the task force has also made a survey that is available online at the town’s website or in public buildings in South
Holyoke
ty to dismantle historic inequities and structural barriers with the goal of improving the quality of life and health outcomes in every neighborhood from West Holyoke to South Holyoke.”
Hadley, including the Senior Center, the South Hadley Public Library and the town clerk’s office.
The task force wants to hear what matters most, which services are essential and how residents want their tax dollars used. Residents’ input will help guide the task force as it develops budget recommendations.
The Budget Task Force will review initial findings and recommendations from their work over the past six months. Once the task force has all of information and input they need, they will submit a report to the Selectboard by Feb. 10. The Selectboard will then decide how to move forward based on the recommendations.
The Budget Task Force was created due to significant budget pressures that South Hadley has identified, including rising health insurance expenses, growing special education costs and slow new growth in property tax revenue, combined with flat or potentially declining state aid.
These trends have created a structural deficit, requiring the town to implement difficult reductions in services and staffing.
Budget Task Force Co-Chair Nicholas Gingras gave a presentation to the residents at Special
Town Meeting on Nov. 5 and stated that there will likely be a $3 million budget gap in fiscal year 2027, a number expected to increase by about $2 million per year.
Even before the mid-year FY26 health insurance increases were known, the group formed proactively to examine the town’s budget and identify sustainable goals.
The task force quickly began meeting regularly in the summer, diving into both immediate budget needs and longer-term strategies to ensure fiscal stability, maintain essential services, and provide informed recommendations to the Selectboard and the community.
The Budget Task Force has actively reviewed options, scheduled public listening sessions and developed recommendations to maintain essential services and address long-term fiscal sustainability.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the budget process by viewing their page on the town’s website. All task force meetings are open to the public, and past meetings are recorded and available to watch on South Hadley Community TV.
Although Garcia stated that there is still work to be done, he said that over the past four years, strides have been made in advancing economic development, improved and continued work on public safety, investing in the city’s schools and strengthening its neighborhoods.
to tackle housing needs, strengthen code enforcement, protect its tenants, respond to community concerns with public safety and quality of life with its community response team and implement the municipal modernization act.
Looking at his next term, Garcia said with the help of elected officials, Holyoke will continue
TheReminder.com
“We’re going to continue to leverage our economic development opportunities and promote our assets that make our city
Every week we will provide you with a complete listings of deaths from the preceding week from throughout Greater Springfield. We are doing this as a convenience to our readers in case you miss an obit in the daily paper. We hope you find this useful and that you will refer to it weekly.
CHICOPEE
Audrey P. Chausse
Teresa M. Daigneault (Galarneau)
Robert M. Joyal
Richard Allen Mastronardi
Jean Claude Peloquin
Helene C. Sears
Joan A. Skypeck
Kathleen T. Stanek
EAST LONGMEADOW
Douglas P. Howie
Rita M. Hurley
Patricia Lewis HOLYOKE
Gerard N. Aubrey
Jacqueline A. Fitzgerald
Elizabeth A. “Betty” Kane Maria V. Maldonado
LONGMEADOW
Joseph C. Suse
LUDLOW
Anna T. Celona
Rev. J. Donald R. Lapointe
Alice P. Mannix
Claire T. Natario (Paulhus)
SOUTH HADLEY
Marie J. Cassidy
James G. Lowe
Richard J. Ross
Guido C. Schiappa
Roger W. Strange
SPRINGFIELD Agnese Basile
Martha Black William Elian
Susan Ehrlich Gaynor
Berniece M. LaMotte
Mary F. Magiera
Donald Anthony Manoni
Micheline P. Meunier
Antonio S. Monteiro Jr.
Dorothy Pulowski
Jacqueline E. Stanek
Candice Lynn Stolpinski
Richard Wright Jr.
WILBRAHAM
Anthony G. Laino
Stephen Mucha
Gisele G. Pin
competitive here in the commonwealth of Massachusetts,” Garcia stated.
With the school system, Garcia said the city will continue to improve student outcomes and focus on student attendance while also supporting the educators and staff.
Garcia said there is a “possibility” of the city building another middle school as well.
After the inauguration ceremony, sworn-in councilors gathered in the City Council chambers to elect a president and vice president.
Murphy-Romboletti, who was the first woman chosen as Holyoke City Council president, was once again elected to serve in the role for a second term.
Murphy-Romboletti emphasized that her next term will be defined by partnership, collaboration and a renewed focus on
setting a clear vision for Holyoke’s future.
To better align the priorities of the City Council, Murphy-Romboletti said she plans to invite councilors to participate in a half-day retreat.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with every member of the City Council as well as Mayor Garcia to define what we want to accomplish in Holyoke and who we want to be as a community,” she said. “This next term is an opportunity to build on the important groundwork that the mayor has already begun, establishing citywide priorities, setting department goals and laying out realistic plans to achieve them.”
For the first time in Holyoke’s history, a City Council vice president was elected, with Israel Rivera securing the votes for that position.
Ice Art Festival gears up for biggest celebration yet
By Trent Levakis tlevakis@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — Win-
ter magic is returning to Northampton in the form of the 15th annual Ice Art Festival on Jan. 31, turning the city’s downtown into a walkable winter art gallery.
This year’s festival, once again put on by the Downtown Northampton Association, is set to be the biggest iteration yet, according to organizers, as 17 frozen art locations grace downtown. Sculptors will begin carving in the morning and finish their work before dusk, and their finished art will be viewed until nature melts them over the following days.
“It’s really amazing to be able to watch a carver work to completion starting from just a block of ice,” Northampton DNA Board President Amanda Shafii told Reminder Publishing . “Typically, stations get two blocks of ice each, delivered between 8-9 in the morning and then throughout the day, the carver works on their masterpiece, and it’s amazing what they can do. We’ve had dragons, we’ve had the Grinch, we’ve had so many different beautiful works of art, and it’s very fascinating to be able to watch it all happen in live time.”
With more sculptures, more artists and more places to explore, visitors are invited to wander, discover and experience ice art around every corner. From iconic downtown spots to hidden gems, each location offers something unique, according to organizers. The festival encourages guests to explore local shops, restaurants and gathering spaces along the way.
“It happens to be a good time to try and bring an event downtown. Things get a little quieter after the holidays. Everyone loves it,” added Shafii.
The free, all-day festival is a beloved winter tradition in the community that highlights the energy of downtown Northampton while supporting local artists, shops, restaurants and gathering spaces. Shafii said a map of the ice art locations throughout downtown will be released the day of the event on the DNA’s website and socials.
There is also a competition element to the festival, as attendees will be asked to vote on their favorite piece by the day’s end. This year’s People’s Choice Award will be dedicated to the memory of local ice sculptor David Rothstein, who passed away unexpectedly in November.
“David was very active in the carving community and a carver with us for a bunch of years, and unfortunately, he just passed recently, so we want to honor him with dedicating the people’s
Works from sculptors during previous Ice Art Festivals help turn downtown Northampton into a walkable winter art gallery.
Photo credit: Downtown Northampton Association
Frank Serafino 6-9 The Healys 2-5
Voter questions could carry $5 million logistical cost
By Ella Adams State House News Service
BOSTON — Placing 12 initiative petitions on the ballot in 2026 will take a logistical toll on the state elections division and may complicate local ballot box deposits because voters may need to fill out multiple ballot cards, the state’s top elections official said on Jan. 6.
Members of Secretary of State William Galvin’s office delivered dollies of more than 100 boxes of signature sheets from his Ashburton Place office to the State House basement ahead of the Jan. 7 deadline for questions to be transmitted to the House clerk’s office and into the legislative pipeline.
The boxes held a record-breaking number of petition sheets, Galvin’s office said.
“What’s striking to me is not just the number, but the diversity of the groups,” Galvin told reporters.
“What’s the common theme, if there is one? I think it’s that there’s been no action by the Legislature on a wide variety of topics,” Galvin said. “I’m not criticizing this as much as I’m
saying, if you want to look at why it’s here, people have decided that, apparently, whatever the cost of getting the signature is to get on the ballot, it’s probably a more efficient use of their resources.”
Galvin’s office certified eleven questions that would implement all-party state primaries, establish statewide rent control, subject most records of the governor and Legislature to the public records law, allow people to register and vote on Election Day, reduce the state’s personal income tax rate from 5% to 4%, reform the Legislature’s stipend system, roll back recreational cannabis use, steer millions from the state’s sporting goods sales tax to conservation efforts, and ease zoning rules by allowing for single-family homes on smaller lots, allow collective bargaining for employees of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, and require tax refunds if state revenues hit a new limit.
A 12th measure previously certified to hit the 2026 ballot would repeal the state’s 2024 gun reform law.
Top legislative Democrats have raised concerns over the
slew of questions and the special interest groups that are pushing voter referendums to bypass the traditional legislative process. Questioned about those concerns, Galvin said “these are only here because citizens, voters have signed them.”
“I think they’re referencing the fact that most, if not all the questions, used some paid signature gatherers. But I don’t think that diminishes the significance of the voters’ signatures,” Galvin continued. “For instance, I believe in our calculation, the highest number of signatures for any particular question was in support of the one that would limit stipends in the legislature. Draw your own conclusions, but I think it’s fair to say, there are several that have similar themes.”
Lawmakers have until the first Wednesday in May to act on the measures. They have often chosen to let the voters to decide. Legislators bucked that trend in June of 2018, when they negotiated a “grand bargain” compromise to avoid sending measures to the ballot that fall. Issues within the bargain included raising the minimum wage, increasing tipped workers’ wages and cre-
Students, lawmakers want to
By Katie Castellani
State House News Service
BOSTON — Lawmakers are looking to cultivate a spot for Hadley grass on Beacon Hill. Bills (HD 5474 / SD 3498) filed by state Rep. Homar Gomez and state Sen. Jo Comerford would make asparagus — often
known as “Hadley grass” in recognition of the Hampshire County farm town that gained a global reputation for its crop — the state’s official vegetable.
ating a paid medical and family leave program.
If questions are left untouched by lawmakers by May 6, petitioners must file 12,429 more certified signatures with registrars at least 14 days before the first Wednesday in July in order to make it through to November. Galvin said his office would prefer if some of the questions were resolved by lawmakers due to the administrative challenges posed by the volume of questions.
“The biggest challenge will be the actual logistics of printing the ballot, because we’re required — and we should be — to print a summary. The summary that appeared on the papers will be on the ballot, so it will explain exactly what the proposal does. Because of that, and some of the summaries are long, it’s going to require that every ballot probably have multiple ballot cards,” Galvin said. In some communities, it’s also required that ballots be printed in two or three different languages, he added.
“It’s going to be difficult for the voter, going to be challenging for the logistics of ballot boxes and things like that,” Galvin said.
That’s on top of his voter information pamphlet, or “Red Book,” that must be printed and inclusive of everything on the ballot. His office has met with Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz to ask that Gov. Healey recommend increasing his budget due to the costs tied to printing ballots and booklets for so many questions. There are also potential postage issues, he said, due to the substantial number of people voting by mail.
“We’re going to be talking a very significant increase in the cost of the election. But you know, democracy is not cheap, and we’re going to pay the price for it, whatever it is, it’s worth it,” Galvin told reporters. He estimated that his new budget request was $5 million higher than the original one.
The Brighton Democrat has held his secretary position since 1995. Asked if he is running for reelection in 2026, Galvin said, “We’ll be getting to that very soon.”
Ella Adams is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Massachusetts. Reach her at ella.adams@ statehousenews.com
spread ‘Hadley grass’
The idea sprouted from a group of third grade students at Hadley Elementary School who learned about the importance of the vegetable and invited the lawmakers, as well as other local officials, to advocate for statewide asparagus acknowledgement in December.
Donning t-shirts that said “Grown In Hadley” above an illustration of a bunch of asparagus, the students schooled the public officials on facts of the vegetable like its nutritional benefits, how it is grown and the local history of asparagus farming. Later that afternoon, Gomez and Comerford filed the bills.
“You didn’t need to ask me twice to file the bill,” Comerford told the News Service. “I will say that the kids, the students, inspired their entire school in what they did, and the entire community.”
Comerford said she was drawn to the idea because it spotlights not only asparagus, but Western Massachusetts’ vast farming community and the Connecticut River that runs through the area and creates high quality soil for farmers.
“Forever we’ve wanted to put the gifts of Western Massachusetts on the map in the commonwealth,” she said. Comerford added, “It really lifted all of those boats at once.”
At one point, Hadley was dubbed as the asparagus capital of the world for the quantity and quality of asparagus grown there.
In the early 1900s, Hadley produced 80% of the country’s asparagus supply before a fungus wiped out much of the crop, Gomez said. More recently, there were 175 asparagus farms in the state and 215 acres of the crop harvested in 2022, according to the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
While it’s not the most widely grown crop in the state, it’s become rooted in the local culture around Hadley for more than 100 years.
“It’s more like an identity of the farmers in our area,” Gomez said.
Each summer residents gather in Hadley for the asparagus festival with food trucks serving dishes like asparagus ice cream.
And a point of pride for many locals is that Queen Elizabeth II of England is known to have shipped asparagus from Hadley to London because she wanted to taste it.
“People come to Hadley for
the asparagus,” Comerford said, adding that it’s known to be some of the best in the nation. In previous years, then-state Rep. John Scibak of Hadley would occasionally distribute bundles of fresh Hadley grass to State House offices at harvest time.
The bills could end up before the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight once they get referred. Comerford said the students are contacting their peers to rally support for the legislation.
“I’m sure we’ll have a lot of enthusiastic support, not only for Western Massachusetts, but other young people who want to take hold of their democracy ... this is how democracy works,” she said. “These are my people. Hadley is my community. This way of life is my way of life. And when young people call us to act and we can fulfill this so quickly, it’s a great honor.”
Katie Castellani is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at kcastellani@statehousenews.com
choice award to him this year,” explained Shafii. “I hope that we get a busy day full of people
coming downtown. I hope we get a lot of votes as well because we like to make the competition even more competitive, and it’s even more fun the more people that join in.”
A2Z, beryl, Eastside Grill, Familiars, Forbes Library, Hotel Northampton, Thornes Marketplace and more will feature frozen art.
For more information on this year’s Ice Art Festival,
visit nohodna.org/ice-art-festival-2026/.
“I hope that everyone has a great day, gets to do a little shopping, and maybe warm up with a cup of coffee or get a nice dinner after,” added Shafii. “It’s really great to see the carvings come to life during the daytime, but at nighttime, they’re all lit up, so it’s like a completely different site and it’s really special to be able to see it all happen.”
