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EDITION Neal, Banko warn legislation will hurt area health care
Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal sat on either side of a low table in front of about 150 officials, health industry leaders and community organizers.
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Permanent housing funding for homeless at risk as HUD weighs cut
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined at least 24 of his counterparts from communities across the country in urging the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development not to cut previouslyapproved grants for people experiencing homelessness.
Page 3
Officials, activists rally with city’s Somali community On Dec. 9, legislators, educators, activists and community members gathered to stand in solidarity with the Somali Bantu community after President Donald Trump described them as “garbage.”
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It’s a new year, a fresh start, and an opportunity to express our gratitude to all our advertisers, readers, and friends for their support. We’re proud to be a part of this caring community. Your support and trust in us mean a lot, and continuing to provide this community with great service and value is at the top of our list in 2026!
JANUARY 1-7, 2026 | SPRINGFIELD
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By Ron Chimelis
Special to Reminder Publishing.
As Christmas Eve came and went, hundreds of families and thousands of children prepared to enjoy Christmas because the generosity of the local community made it possible. The 2025 Toy for Joy drive officially ended with its traditional Dec. 24 deadline. However, contributions sent in just before the deadline and received after Christmas Eve will be applied to the campaign that brings the thrill of Christmas gifts to deserving children in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties. The contributions of thoughtful individuals, families, groups and organizations were godsends for those children. These donations went directly to making those children happy. Those who gave should feel proud of their contribution. The deep gratitude from those who spearheaded the drive — and the families who benefited — cannot be measured. This drive, sponsored by the Salvation Army and wrapping up its 103rd year, brings toys, games and books to children whose circumstances would otherwise leave them left out of the holiday happiness enjoyed by others. Salvation Army Captain Stacy McNeil was in her first year at the Springfield Citadel. McNeil plans to be here for years to come.
She says she was deeply moved by the generosity of the local community, and is already formulating strategies to make next year’s 2026 drive a bountiful success. In the final days of the campaign, a particularly poignant donation once again came from the law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy. The Springfield firm’s generous $2,148 gift maintains its tradition of donating in memory of cherished colleague Robin Morris, who passed away well over 20 years ago. Morris has never been forgotten. The law firm has donated well over $50,000 to Toy for Joy over the years, and their hearts remain as open as ever, with this year’s gift more than doubling last year’s contribution. As has always been true, many of this year’s donations — including some of the largest by individuals or families — were sent anonymously and/or in memory of loved ones. In some cases, families scaled down their own personal gift giving, or chose not to do so at all, to support the children in need. Toy for Joy was advertised and promoted in The Republican, Reminder Publishing, MassLive and El Pueblo Latino. Donations received in late December, as well as the final total for the 2025 campaign, will be published in
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for Joy YES, I WANT TO HELP!
HERE’S MY CONTRIBUTION OF: $________________________________________________________ NAME: _______________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY, YOUR MESSAGE OF 10 WORDS OR LESS: __________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________
MAIL THIS FORM & CHECK TO: TOY FOR JOY FUND C/O THE SALVATION ARMY • PO BOX 971 • SPRINGFIELD, MA 01101
The Republican in early January and at thereminder.com. The Salvation Army, volunteer workers and Toy for Joy media outlets join in wishing everyone health and happiness during this Christmas and holiday season. They look forward to the 104th campaign next year — continuing one of New England’s most enduring and proven traditions of holiday spirit and community generosity.
DWPM family we carry in our hearts from Doherty, Wallace, Pillbury and Murphy, P.C. — $2,148 • In memory of Kathleen “Mimi” O’Briend who loved Christmas and babies. From her adoring grandbabies McKenna, Casey, Grace, Hannah, Maggie, Kerry & Cillian — $1,000 • In lieu of gifts to family & friends — Merry Christmas —$1,000
Some recent donations • Lia Toyota of Northampton — $2,500 • Anonymous — $2,500 • In memory of our friend and colleague, Robin Morris, and all members of the
Received this week: $15,575 Total to date: $77,646 Still needed: $47,354 For a full list of donors, visit thereminder.com/toyfor- joy-donors.
Neal, Banko warn legislation will hurt area health care By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health CEO Peter Banko and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal sat on either side of a low table in front of about 150 officials, health industry leaders and community organizers. The Dec. 15 panel of two, arranged by the Springfield Regional Chamber, answered questions about what fallout to expect from the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act, also called the OB3 Act, which was passed in July. As part of the legislation, federal subsidies that lowered premiums on insurance plans obtained through the Affordable Care Act are set to expire. In Massachusetts, the Affordable Care Act marketplace is known as the Health Connector. Democrats pushed to extend the subsidies, and the resulting gridlock is what caused the recent government shutdown. Neal said he had not given up hope on forcing a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on whether to extend the subsidies for two years. Neal said forcing such a vote was “uphill,” but on Dec. 17, four Republicans joined with House Democrats to force the vote. As of press time, the future of the subsidies was uncertain. Under the OB3 Act, $1 trillion was cut from the federal budget for health care programs. For Massachusetts, that translates to a reduction of $4 million to $5 million. Neal said the new eligibility requirements put 31,000 state residents in danger of losing their coverage completely, while hundreds of thousands more will see
their premiums increase dramatically. In Neal’s district alone, there are 287,000 people on Medicare, and 106,000 of them are children. He said 21% of Massachusetts residents are uninsured, but every child in the state has coverage, if not through a private plan, then through Medicaid. The legislation’s changes to Medicaid eligibility implement work requirements, which Banko said have not worked in Georgia or Arkansas, where he previously worked in hospital administration. Medicaid mostly covers low-income Americans. More than 1-in-3 Medicaid recipients are children, 10% are seniors and another 10% are people with disabilities. “We’re not talking about people who don’t deserve it,” Banko said of the health care coverage. The system may not be perfect he said, but “we don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.” Neal said politics have colored the way people see Medicaid. He said that if you ask people if they support the Affordable Care Act, they will say yes. But ask them if they support Obamacare — the nickname given to the law by Republicans when it was passed — and they will say no. “If people think you’re taking it away from them and giving it to someone else, it’s a loser,” Neal said. He emphasized that the Affordable Care Act expands insurance coverage to more people, rather than choosing who gets coverage. The cuts will also impact commercial insurance plans, Banko said. Under the law, hospitals are required to treat people
with emergencies regardless of their ability to pay. As more uninsured people visit emergency departments for health care, the unpaid costs and financial pressures will filter into the wider insurance market. “Emergency room visits are a bad way to get health care,” Neal said. Neal went on to say, “Health care in our valley is not just about services.” He explained that it is also about people, including the “tens of thousands” employed in the area’s health care industry. There are more than 1,300 doctors and providers, and nearly 13,000 employees across Baystate Health’s network of four hospitals and 50 medical offices. Mercy Medical Center in Springfield employs 2,000 more, another 3,000 are employed by Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton. From a different perspective, Neal said, Medicare is the largest employer in Western Massachusetts because so much health care is paid through the program. Banko said nearly half of Baystate’s patients, 48%, have Medicare for insurance. Another 23% are on Medicaid. Cost of business While 71% of Baystate patients use Medicare and Medicaid, Banko said neither of these programs fully cover care expenses incurred by patients. Last year, Baystate Health “operated in the positive” for the first time in six years. Banko said the $180 million in revenue was reinvested back into the facilities. However, he said the OB3 Act “wipes that out.” Banko said the expenses
are largely out of the company’s control. These include employee health insurance costs and supplies. He said half of the rise in supply costs are due to federal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Banko, who took over as CEO in 2024, remarked that he has taken heat over recent decisions, including offering buyouts for some non-patient facing personnel who decide to voluntarily separate from the company. “I’m trying to turn a battleship in a bathtub,” he said of his efforts to maneuver the company into a healthy financial position. Banko said people should brace themselves for changes the healthcare industry will make in response to these economic factors. He predicted mergers and acquisitions as companies try to make use of economies of scale. There will likely be a streamlining of services and programs and longer wait times in emergency departments as people without primary care doctors seek treatment. He acknowledged that wait times are already an issue. Banko said many of the impacts will not hit people’s wallets until after the midterm elections in November 2026. “We’ve got time, so our community has to advocate on our behalf in Boston and Washington.” Neal said the American Hospital Association was also advocating against the end of the subsidies. When asked what else people can do to help, Banko quipped, “Prayers are always good,” before asking the public to “support the people in our organizations” and “extend a little grace.”
Zaza Green donates $500 in toys to Indian Orchard By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The holidays are a time of joy but can also be stressful for families who are experiencing financial difficulties. Each year, the Indian Orchard Citizens Council hosts a toy drive to help families give their children some holiday magic. “Our organization is always looking for ways to help the community,” said Zaida Govan, a city councilor and president of the Indian Orchard Citizens Council. The citizens council applies annually to receive toys from the Toys for Tots, a national toy collection and distribution program operated by the Marine Toys for
Tots Foundation. However, the organization also collects new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations from individuals and local businesses to help provide for community children. This year, Christy Figuero, a brand ambassador for cannabis dispensary Zaza Green, reached out to Govan to see how the company could help. The company agreed to donate $500 worthy of toys to the drive. Figuero and fellow brand ambassador Zori Alfonso enjoyed the experience of shopping for the toys and to be donated to the Indian Orchard Citizens Council. Of her past experiences with toy drives, Figuero said, “I’ve only been on the receiving end, so to be on the
Indian Orchard Citizens Council President Zaida Govan, Office Manager Jaqueline Farrow and Zaza Green brand ambassadors Zori Alfonso and Christy Figuero hold some of the toys purchased for the organization’s community toy drive. Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
giving end is really special.” In the days before Christmas, the council hosted an event, allowing people to come pick out
toys for their children. Govan said they come without their children. It provides the parents See DONATION on page 4
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Permanent housing funding for homeless at risk as HUD weighs cut By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — As the freezing temperatures of winter in New England continue, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno joined at least 24 of his counterparts from communities across the country in urging the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development not to cut previously-approved grants for people experiencing homelessness. HUD operates the Continuum of Care Program, a federal program which aims to “promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness” according to HUD’s website. On Nov. 13, HUD sent out a notice detailing plans to limit the amount of funding from Continuum of Care that can be used for permanent supportive housing, in which housing is secured for people with a history of long-term homelessness,
those with disabilities or unhoused families. While 87% of the program’s $3.5 billion budget is currently dedicated to permanent supportive housing, the HUD’s changes would cut that to 30%. This cut would abruptly leave more than 170,000 nationwide without housing, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. On Dec. 8, HUD withdrew its notice of intent and stated the department would review the changes, leaving thousands of people in limbo. In 2024, HUD released a report in February finding that there were 2,683 people unhoused in Springfield, with about 2,400 people in shelters. Another 112 people were found to be in transitional housing. These figures do not include people living in Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care’s 304 permanent supportive housing units. Gerry McCafferty, Springfield’s Director of Housing and
administrator of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care, stated in a press release that the people living in those units will likely return to homelessness if the CoC loses the funding for their housing. An additional 134 units covered by Continuum of Care are time-limited rental assistance for people ages 18-24. McCafferty stated that many of those young people have aged out of foster care and are “at very high risk of being victimized when homeless, including being at risk of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.” McCafferty said in the press release, “This many people returning to homelessness will overwhelm our local shelter system and lead to many more unsheltered people and encampments in the city.” Last winter, Springfield’s shelters reached capacity on multiple nights. One of the organizations that works to place people in per-
manent supportive housing is the Center for Human Development. Sean Brown, a program manager for the Diversion, Shelter and Housing Division of CHD, said permanent supportive housing is more than the government paying for a roof overhead. “Once taken through our intake process, case management is assigned to assist new clients with apartment identification and leasing, basic needs, connecting them to services, and setting personal goals for stabilization in their own subsidized apartments,” Brown said. Brown said stable housing has a major impact on people. “Clients who once felt invisible and forgotten now have the stability, support and access to the tools to turn their life around and thrive. Families once threatened by possible separation have been restored and reunited,” he said. “It is an incredible experience to witness someone moving into an
apartment after being without permanent housing for some time. Their visible expressions of relief, safety and happiness have been incredibly moving.” Sarno said his team is “looking to use every possible tool in the toolbox to address our critical housing and homeless support needs, and focusing on practical solutions,” including working with the state and federal governments and other partners. “This housing crisis was largely created by the federal level and now cities like ours must deal with the fallout. To claw back these funds now will have serious consequences. I appreciate my fellow mayors, nationwide, for coming together to voice our concerns and encourage bold action,” Sarno said. If you are experiencing homelessness, call 211 for a directory of housing, food and crisis services, or visit mass. gov/help-for-homeless-people.
SHOP WITH A COP — Sixty-five Springfield children received shopping sprees with the help of law enforcement at the fifth annual Shop with a Cop event on Dec. 16. Each of the children were given the opportunity to shop for up to $200 worth of items for themselves and their families at the Walmart on Boston Road. The event was made possible through a partnership between Walmart, City Connect, Springfield Together, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield Police Department, C3 Forest Park, Springfield Public Schools, Dunn and Phillips Law Offices and the Jay Caron Community Impact Foundation. Pictured here: Vincent Garay holds a Chromebook he chose with help from Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi. Garay said the Chromebook will help him do his homework. Meanwhile, Springfield Police Officers Oumar Keita and Noel Soto help Avyllana Muriel and Caleb Ruiz show some of the items they picked out. Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
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Cannabis changes pass, synthetic kratom ban delayed By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — After a spirited debate on Dec. 8 regarding changes to Springfield’s cannabis ordinance and how the distance from a school is measured, the three proposed amendments sailed through the City Council with little opposition at its Dec. 15 meeting. The amendments allowed medical cannabis to be sold by businesses that currently sell adult-use recreational cannabis and adjusted the zones in which medical cannabis can be sold. Another amendment changed the method of measuring the 500foot buffer zone between dispensaries and schools. Instead of measuring from one property line to the other, it measures from the door of the dispensary to the entrance of the school. This change brings the city into alignment with how the state measures such buffer zones. At the previous meeting, only councilors Tracye Whitfield, Lavar Click-Bruce and Jose Delgado were in favor of the change, as it would allow EMBR, 461 Boston Rd., to expand its parking. Whitfield made the case that the neighborhood wanted the
dispensary to expand its parking, as traffic had become an issue. When the vote was taken, however, only councilors Malo Brown and Melvin Edwards voted against the change. Meanwhile, a ban on synthetic kratom, a substance with opioid-like effects, which passed the first round of voting unanimously, was derailed at the last minute. Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris spoke against the proposed ordinance because the city does not have the means to test products for the synthetic compound 7-OH, as the regulations call for. Further, she said the language does not make a clear distinction between products made from the kratom leaf and those made with 7-OH. “We all agree that it needs to be taken out,” Caulton-Harris said, but insisted that she was against passing unenforceable ordinances. Instead, she suggested working with the state and the federal Food and Drug Administration, both of which, she said, are working on banning synthetic kratom. Councilor Sean Curran, who had spearheaded the ban, pushed back. He said it is the council’s role to pass ordinances and the executive branch’s role to “figure
out” how to enforce them. Curran said banning the substance will “show leadership” to the state in its efforts to regulate the products and “send a message” to gas station owners that the city will not tolerate the manufacture or sale of synthetic kratom. When asked for an opinion from the Law Department, attorney Ken Shea said, “It would behoove the council not to pass something that cannot be enforced. Councilor Victor Davila said he was “shocked” the issue had not been caught beforehand. Brown asked if the City Council could create and fund a department to perform the testing. Shea said the council had the authority to do so, but it could not be done during the meeting as it was not on the agenda. Brown said Caulton-Harris “does a fantastic job” and opined that her department needs more funding, but said that was “not an excuse” not to “get the ball rolling” on the ordinance and work on the enforcement afterward. Councilor Kateri Walsh acknowledged that Curran “really just wants to protect the citizens,” but suggested the ordinance be sent to committee so the enforcement component could
Springfield City Councilor Sean Curran argues in favor of passing a ban on synthetic kratom and leaving enforcement to the city’s executive branch. Photo credit: Focus Springfield
be worked out. Curran was adamantly against sending the matter to committee and said that the ordinance would “die there” and even if it did not, it would take at least a year to bring it back. He urged his colleagues to vote to pass the ordinance. He said 7-OH was a “gateway drug,” before declaring, “We’re going to have dead kids.” Davila asked if there were deaths directly attributable to 7-OH. Curran relayed that a state
police trooper had told him 7-OH was appearing in the systems of people who had overdosed. However, Whitfield looked up the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s data on the matter and said 7-OH had been present in the systems of 68 overdose deaths since the start of 2024, and other drugs were also present in nearly all those cases. Referring to the meeting being See COUNCIL on page 5
Officials, activists rally with city’s Somali community By Sarah Heinonen
sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — “No more. We will not stand for injustices.” Those were the words of state Sen. Adam Gomez on Dec. 9 as he, his fellow legislators, educators, activists and community members gathered to stand in solidarity with the Somali Bantu community after President Donald Trump described them as “garbage.” Trump’s comments came during a cabinet meeting on Dec. 2 in which he described Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, a Somali American, as “garbage” and said, “we’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country.” He further disparaged Somalis, saying, “They complain, and from where they came from, they got nothing … When they come from hell and they complain and do nothing but bitch, we don’t want them in our country.” Somali Bantu are an ethnic minority in Somalia, descended from enslaved people from southern Africa. Many Somali Bantu fled the country in the 1990s to escape the Somali Civil War and campaigns of ethnic cleansing. In 1999, the United States designated Somali Bantu people as “persecuted.” While Springfield is home to a small population of Somali Bantu, the community came out to the rally to support them. “You are valued and you belong here,”
said Rev. David Lewis, president of the Pioneer Valley Project board of directors. “We surround you with our prayers. We surround you with our promise to stand with you wherever dignity is threatened.” Adan Abdi, a Somali Bantu person who immigrated to the United States in 2004, said he never thought he would need to tell his four children, who are American citizens, “to watch your back” just because their parents are refugees from Africa. He said Somali people are hardworking and contribute to their communities as doctors, teachers, homeowners and business owners. Referring to Trump’s comments, Abdi said, “I want him to know these words are very dangerous. People hear and listen.” He said he now worries about whether his children will be safe. “The reason he is targeting Minnesota is because they are in all levels of government. That really bothers him.” Abdi said, referring to that state’s relatively large Somali population and Omar’s position in Congress. “When he sees minorities doing well, he feels threatened,” he said, adding that Trump has previously singled out Haitians and people from Latin American countries. Gomez spoke about actions by the federal government to stop people from 19 countries — Afghanistan, Burundi, Chad, Cuba, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, Hai-
ti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Myanmar, the Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela and Yemen — from finishing the naturalization process and becoming citizens. “It is wrong, it’s hateful. And what is evident is that it only seems they are targeting immigrants of color, specifically from Africa and also Central America, and they are part of the lifeblood of the commonwealth of Massachusetts.” Addressing Abdi, Gomez said, “My friend, Adan, I stand with you in solidarity, with your family, with your community, and I will continue to fight for what’s right and stand next to your community, as we have always been neighbors.” State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez said Somali people are “proud, hardworking individuals who came here as refugees, searching for a better way of life. These are parents, who have children and fear for their safety back home. Leaving their homeland in pursuit of the American dream. To label them as ‘garbage’ is not only dehumanizing, but also an affront to the very essence of our nation’s value.” Gonzalez said such language and actions are reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan and Nazis in the first half of the 20th century. “We fought them then, and we will fight them now,” he said. “Is the Polish garbage? Is the Irish garbage? Is the French garbage?
Adan Abdi, an immigrant from Somalia, speaks at a rally for the Somali Bantu community after President Donald Trump referred to them as “garbage.” Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Is the Italian garbage? Because each group here came looking for the American dream. The Somali people have been part of the economic dream and success of America no different than any of those communities who have come before them,” he said. State Sen. Jake Oliviera described Trump’s words as “humiliating” and “disgusting.” People in the crowd nodded as he said, “The patchwork of cultures that make up this nation not only benefit our future, but they also make us better as individuals.” In a speech, Sister Melinda Pellerin, a member of the Pioneer Valley Project board of directors, drew a line from the biblical story of the infant Jesus’s escape from King Herod to the current
political climate in the United States. “Somewhere I read about a child born into danger, fleeing violence with his parents, seeking refuge in Egypt. A family, like so many of our neighbors today, seeking safety and asylum,” Pellerin said. “Somewhere I read that some of our brothers and sisters are being referred to as garbage, threatened, being rounded up, just as our brown brothers and sisters have been.” She then quoted Emma Lazarus’s famous words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to be free. Send these, the homeless, the tempest-tossed, to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”
Donation
Zaza Green has found other ways to give to the community. Figuero said the dispensary operates a food pantry at its 311 Page Blvd. Where people can avail themselves of non-perishable goods, regardless of whether they are a Zaza Green customer. She added that the business also offers senior meals every other week. “Prices are going up. Milk is, like, $5 to $7 now.” Alfonso agreed, saying that she has seen her grocery costs go up by $200 recently. Figuero said, “We don’t want to have the children feel that” financial strain.
Continued from page 2
TheReminder.com 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 Sandra L. Broshears Rita R. Costello James M. Deni (Skip) Harriet N. Jodoin Robert S. Wellington EAST LONGMEADOW Marilyn Marino-George Jean B. Walker HAMPDEN Roberta “Bobbie” Burke Dolores C. Fantone Ellen G. Ford Genevieve M. Gibeau
HOLYOKE Gerard N. Aubrey Rose Heleane Glidden Katherine J. Howell Norma Jean Nooney LONGMEADOW Bruce F. Covalli LUDLOW Benta Marques Maria Rodrigues SOUTH HADLEY Jean Braley (Borowski) David W. Komorowski
Thomas J. McNiff SPRINGFIELD Judith Ann Connors Nelson H. Curtis Beatrice S. Dupuis William G. Martin Kevin M. O’Flaherty Gloria M. Tarantino WILBRAHAM Elizabeth “Betty” Crinella Daniel P. Croken Thomas E. Dean Anthony G. Laino
with the dignity of giving to their young ones, and it gives about 200 children the magic of opening unseen gifts, she explained. Aside from Zaza Green, several other businesses and organizations contributed to the citizens council’s toy drive, including UniFirst Corporation, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Primos Auto Center and Burning Balance Candle Co., which is a first-time contributor.
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SPRINGFIELD | JANUARY 1-7, 2026
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Heartbeat of New Orleans music comes to Springfield By Peter Tuohy ptuohy@thereminder.com SPRINGFIELD — An all-star ensemble of musicians are coming to Springfield with the “Take Me to the River: New Orleans” concert at HOPE Center for the Arts on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. The concert is inspired by the 2022 documentary of the same name, which will be shown for free on Jan. 3 at 4 p.m. Some of New Orleans’ most celebrated musicians and rising stars will be performing, such as Cyril Neville, Omari Neville, Ian Neville, Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr., Jelly Joseph, Robert Mercurio, Joe Ashlar and Brian Richburg Jr. The event is presented by Blues to Green, an organization dedicated to utilizing music and other arts to center the cultures of the African diaspora within American culture. It also serves as a benefit concert for the Springfield Jazz and Roots Festival. Kristin Neville is the founder of Blues to Green and the wife of the late Charles Neville, a New Orleans musician best known for his saxophone work in the Neville Brothers. The group won a Grammy Award in 1990 for best pop instrumental performance for “Healing Chant,” off their album “Yellow Moon.” “This project is trying to share that heritage with people through film and through a band that is touring,” Neville said. The documentary celebrates the culture, influence and unique musical history of New Orleans by collaborating legendary musicians to record a melting pot of new music. It served as the final time all four Neville brothers recorded in the studio together. Neville said that music of the African diaspora, which led to genres like the blues, jazz, soul, funk and reggae, speaks to the resilience of the people. “It is a music, I think, of liberation and tells this deep story about our collective history and people who were taken from Africa and brought to different parts
Council Continued from page 4
the last of Curran’s term, Whitfield said, “It is irresponsible to move fast because someone is leaving the council.” The council voted 7-6 to refer the ordinance to the General Government Committee. Goodbyes As it was the last City Council meeting of the year, each of the councilors took time to say goodbye to their two outgoing
of the world,” Neville said. “This cultural memory has been retained and passed down through generations, and given meaning and beauty and joy.” She added that the cultural memory acted as a means for people to express themselves and be given a voice to lead the birth and innovations of jazz in New Orleans, which was uniquely positioned by what many consider the birthplace of jazz, Congo Square. She said people who were enslaved and free Black people would gather at Congo Square on Sundays to sing, drum and dance to traditional music, retaining cultural traditions from Africa. “It birthed something new and what happened there spread to other places in the country and the world out of such hardship and oppression,” Neville said. “Something so beautiful and free, instilling and expressing joy came out of that.” Neville also said that before the concert on Jan. 9, students from across Springfield will be brought to the HOPE Center for the Arts for a learning engagement with the band about the music and culture behind it. She said the youth engagement is tied in with another project of Blues to Green called The Legacy Education Program, where they bring musicians into Springfield and Holyoke schools to connect with students and share their life stories. “The program centers Black music, history and culture,” Neville said. “They are sort of role models for young folks, seeing people like themselves or reflecting their own communities and pursuing careers in music.” Neville added that the ability to honor and pay tribute to the music speaks on a deeper, emotional and spiritual level that “transcends boundaries of language and social class.” “We connect in the spirit of the music as one people through a shared experience,” Neville said. Tickets can be purchased at hopecenterforthearts.org/events/ take-me-to-the-river/
members, Curran and Tim Allen. Fenton described Curran as a “dedicated public servant” with “vision, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility.” Similarly, Davila said to Curran, “You always put Springfield first.” Curran received a standing ovation and received a plaque. “I appreciate all of you,” he said to his colleagues. “It’s been great standing shoulder to shoulder with you.” Allen was also given a plaque and standing ovation. Fenton spoke of Allen’s “intelligence,” “compassion” and “unwavering dedication to dialog,” as well as
SOLUTIONS TO THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE “SIX-E-SOMETHINGS”
Take Me to the River: New Orleans” concert at HOPE Center for the Arts on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. Photo courtesy of HOPE Center for the Arts
the “key role” he has played in the city’s budget process and fiscal responsibilities. Whitfield said she respected that Allen always voted his conscience, even when it was not a popular opinion. As it was after 9:30 p.m., Allen joke, “Hell of a last meeting. If you wanted me not to leave, you got to have shorter meetings.” He spoke about his lifelong desire to run for political office and his family’s legacy of public service. Mostly, though, he urged people to be kind, saying, “It’s all about how people treat each other, with respect and kindness.”
JANUARY 1-7, 2026 | SPRINGFIELD
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3RD ANNUAL HALL OF FAME CLASSIC
BASKETBALL
University of Albany’s Okechukwu Okeke throws down a big dunk. University of Albany’s Isaac Abidde gets the shot off with the left hand.
University of Albany’s Amir Lindsey finishes in the paint against Yale’s #14 Casey Simmons.
x
Yale’s Casey Simmons soars to catch the lob for the dunk. Yale’s Jordan Brathwaite looks to drive to the basket.
University of Albany’s Miles Rose drives to the paint.
Yale’s Nick Townsend gets the shot off from the baseline.
WE ARE HOMETOWN NEWS | THEREMINDER.COM
UMass Daniel Hankins-Sanford shoots a runner in the lane.
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SPRINGFIELD | JANUARY 1-7, 2026
Boston College’s Boden Kapke spins for the left-handed finish.
The MassMutual Center hosted the two-game event and saw a great turnout for two exciting games.
The third annual Hall of Fame Classic at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, saw Yale defeat University of Albany 93-82 in the first game and UMass defeated Boston College 76-74 in the second game.
Boston College’s Fred Payne lets a three-pointer fly from deep.
UMass Marcus Banks Jr. slices through traffic.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY DAVID HOSMER
JANUARY 1-7, 2026 | SPRINGFIELD
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CLASSIFIED DEADLINE IS THURSDAY AT NOON. LEGAL NOTICES INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2573EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: James Malachi Eaddy Date of Death: February 08, 2024 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Avery K Mock of Lawrenceville GA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 1)
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2621EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Jean Ann Fredette Also Know As: Jean Ann Ingram Date of Death: November 10, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Karen C Esempio of Ludlow MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Karen C Esempio of Ludlow MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration, Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 1)
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2575EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Kathleen Leticia McLellan Date of Death: 10/28/2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Tamara McLellan McNamara of Westfield MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Tamara McLellan McNamara of Westfield MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 1) INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. HD25P2374EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Hampden Division Estate of: Sergey Shtrom Date of Death: August 13, 2025 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Elena Shtrom of Springfield MA Elena Shtrom of Springfield MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration, Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any can be obtained from the Petitioner. (January 1)
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Christine A. Valardi to Carlos D. Maldonado and Amneris Gonzalez, 42 Geneva St. $2,000,000 Christopher Collins and Jessica V. Rogers to Thomas Donahue and Jay Patruno, 32 Spruceland Ave. Empire One Investments Inc., to Jadier Ortiz, 1083 Sumner Ave. LONGMEADOW Freddy Cepeda to Seferin Pena, 11 Olive St. Ann-Marie Rosen, Robert Rosen and Kara Bilotta to Dana Merrill Jr., 384 Longmeadow St. $605,000 GBS Realty LLC, to BBBN LLC, 672-676 Dickinson St. Arthur Rickless and Carol Rickless to Bodhico LLC, 127 Magnolia Circle $515,000 Gemini Town Homes LLC, to Ana L. Torres, 44 Central St. Unit 501 Irma C. Schikorra, trustee, and Irma C. Schikorra Trust, trustee of, to Michael Elfman, 182 Crestview Circle $800,000 Ibrahim M. Aljashaam to Evena Jean-Risme and Sheloves Lamandier, 31 Burton St. Joel Wun and Paula Wun to Heather Bliss and David Bliss, 7 Viscount Road $450,000 JBLD Realty LLC, to BSD Care LLC, 1795 Main St. Unit 203 Lauren E. Malone to Eva Yusenko, 22 Hawthorne St. $395,000 JM Partners LLC, to WPB Partners LLC, 306 Greenway Drive LUDLOW Julie Velthouse to Kimberly Dawson, 27 Goodwin St. Adrian Zapala, Jeannie Zapala and Monika Zapala to Angela Lussier, 32 Berkshire St. $295,000 Justine M. Trowbridge to Sunasia Akins, 85 Paulk Terrace Christina Kuehn to Turning Point Properties LLC, 63 Helene St. $303,750 Louise B. Smith and Louise Smith to Wanda M. Tiburcio-Duran, 129 Eastern Ave. Iman Afnan to Wendi Elizabeth Lawson, 517 Ideal Lane $375,000 Majid Khabir and Farkhondeh Goonouei to Janet Gray, 8-10 Brunswick St. Joao A. Dias and Julia E. Dias to Mackenzie Babb and Timothy Martin, 57 Beachside Drive $750,000 Maryanne E. Carroll to Marthe LLC, 915 Bradley Road Wendi E. Lawson and Linda S. Lasante to Alex Parker and Toni Parker, 355 Miller St. $569,000 Miroslaw C. Wloch to Joseph Laliberte, 130 Mazarin St. N & W Associates Inc., to Nery A. Bernal, 55-57 Leslie St. SPRINGFIELD Andrae S. Green and Priya Nadkarni to Caleb Ezewuzie, 24 Bangor St. $309,000 Nery R. Bosque Jr., to Stephanie Runnells and Beatriz Rosario, 181-183 Marion St. Andrew Collins and Lindsay Collins to Liam Patrick Kelly and Casey Nicole Dempsey, 274 Abbott St. $300,000 Roberto R. Gray and Janet M. Gray to JoeJoe Properties LLC, 97-99 Pine Grove St. Ashley L. Montagna, Ashley L. Baker and Shawn Montagna to Shenita N. Guyton, 64 Plumtree Circle $289,900 Samuel I. Diamond to Khristy Lord, 80 Williamsburg Drive Bally Holdings LLC, to Ali Z. Storage LLC, 435-441 Springfield St. $300,000 Sareen Properties LLC, to Nancy Perez and Christopher Lopez Rivera, 116 Merida St. Boniface Anoje to Roseline Omeh, 204 Commonwealth Ave. $232,000 Thanh Nguyen to Bianca Cotton, 1235 Bay St. Bonnie L. Brown to Kayla Burgess and Stephen Burgess, 221 Glenoak Drive $340,000 Thomas J. Crisinati Jr., representative, and Thomas Crisinati Sr., estate, to Jessenia Burgos, 96 Merida St. Cedar Investment Group LLC, to Kara Bilotta, 104 Grandview St, $315,000 Thomas J. Donahue to Chanphilom Chanthanasihn, 32 Pennsylvania Ave. Charity P. Steptoe to Julisa McLeod, 88 Dunmoreland St. $197,500 Yuk Chang and Li Bin Chan to 36-38 Montcalm Street Holdings LLC, 36-38 Montcalm St. Charles Winston to Maxise Pierre, 50 Fox Woods Drive $397,500 Zygmont J. Szczawinski III, and Laurel Szczawinski to Susanne Bettis, 63 Judith St. 465 North Main Street LLC, to UMassfive College Federal Credit Union, 465 North Main St.
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443B SHAKER ROAD • EAST LONGMEADOW, MA • 413.525.6661 (DENSLOW ROAD ENTRANCE)
181 ROOT ROAD • WESTFIELD, MA • 413.562.4181
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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. 45 Papers: Partial-Allen Street 166 Papers: Braeburn Rd., Channing Rd., Tufts St., Van Dyke Rd., Wood Ave., Boulder St., Villanova St., Admiral St., Thompson St., Partial-Dwight Rd. (odd side only)
LONGMEADOW - HOOK DELIVERY THURSDAY
83 Papers: Williamsburg Dr., Eunice Dr., Tabor Crossing, Morgan Ridge, Burns Meadow, Churchill Dr., Partial - Converse St. 84 Papers: Chandler Ave., Partial - Longmeadow St. 109 Papers: Birnie Rd., Brookside Dr., Crescent Rd., Longview Dr., Fairhill Dr., Partial - Longmeadow St. 54 Papers: Bliss Rd. 87 Papers: Andover Rd., Ashford Rd., Cranwell Ln., Deerfield Ave., Willow Cir., Williston Dr., Willow Brook Rd., Partial - Frank Smith Rd. 157 Papers: Albemarle Rd., Arcadia St., Barclay St., Chiswick St., Fairway Dr., Franklin Rd., Lincoln Pk. & Rd., Whitmun Rd., Woodmont Rd., Hillside Ter. 96 Papers: Brookwood Dr., Kenmore Dr., Knollwood Dr., Partial - Shaker Rd. 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.
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