Historic home owner made to fix mistakes after ignoring rules
The owner of a fire ravaged home in the Forest Park Heights Historic District was told to fix his mistakes after he renovated the building without the approval of the Historical Commission or the proper permits.
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$250K in fed. funds secured for community development org.
Revitalize CDC, a Springfield-based community development organization, operates programs to create safe housing, adequate nutrition and digital literacy for people across the state. In early February, it received $250,000 in congressionally directed spending.
ROCA receives
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$1.66M for antiviolence employment program
Thanks to the congressional delegation from Massachusetts, the antiviolence organization ROCA received a $1.66 million earmark to continue its program that aims to stop violence through employment.
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Whitfield stands her ground in face of controversy
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — City Council
President Tracye Whitfield will not step down from her position leading the city’s legislative body. At a Feb. 16 press conference on the steps of City Hall, Whitfield said that she respected Ward 6 Councilor Victor Davila’s opinion but would “respectfully and firmly decline” his call for her to give up the gavel.
“I made a mistake,” Whitfield said of failing to recuse herself from a matter she had financial and familial connections to. “I take full responsibility for my actions. It is my duty to understand the rules, especially those concerning conflicts of interest.” Despite having built a reputation of “integrity and service,” she said her “incomplete” understanding of the regulations “understandably raised concerns.”
Whitfield’s statements are the latest in the public fallout from a Feb. 2 meeting in which JETS Property Development, of which Whitfield and her son, Jelani Bland, were part-owners, petitioned the council to discontinue 600 square feet of land at the end of Wallace Street. The company planned to acquire the land with hopes of building it. Whitfield oversaw the discussion of the issue until Councilor Michael Fenton inquired whether she would recuse herself. She has said that she thought she was supposed to recuse herself from the vote only, and not the entire matter.
Whitfield contacted City Solicitor Stephen Buoniconti immediately following the meeting, and he issued an opinion two days later that she had violated the city’s rules and state conflict of interest law. After press conferences in which Whitfield admitted her
error and several of her fellow councilors acknowledged the issue, a special meeting was held on Feb. 13 to rescind the vote. In the days since then, Buoniconti released more information about potential conflicts Whitfield was involved in.
At the meeting, many of the councilors spoke about ensuring the public trust in the City Council. Davila asked that Whitfield step down as president of the council in service of preserving that trust. If she did not, he said he would call for a vote of no confidence at the council’s Feb. 23 meeting. Whitfield later said that if Davila follows through on his intention to call for a no confidence vote, she believes that she has the support of most of her colleagues.
“Let me be clear, I have never intentionally used my position for personal gain,” asserted Whitfield. She admitted to con-
tacting city staff and officials “to better understand certain processes,” taking part in city auctions and interceding on behalf of a constituent.
That constituent, Desi Jackson, had performed work for the Old Hill Neighborhood Council, and Whitfield said he was owed $13,000. After her involvement, she said Jackson was paid more than $10,000 of the compensation he was due. According to Buoniconti, in December 2025, Whitfield said she would encourage the city to audit the neighborhood council. Her intervention in the matter resulted in a complaint by Old Hill Neighborhood Council Vice President Awilda Sanchez.
Referring to Sanchez, Whitfield said, “If my words or actions caused her to feel targeted in any way, I sincerely apologize.” She insisted her comments about auditing the council were an attempt to “advocate for transparency
and accountability” in the use of federal American Rescue Plan Act funding, which was used to pay for Jackson’s work and not a “threat,” as Buoniconti described in his findings.
“I believe all ARPA funding, whether awarded to neighborhood councils or other entities, should be audited to ensure transparency and responsible stewardship of public resources,” Whitfield said.
The councilor also took exception to media coverage stating Jackson is listed on the state’s sex offender registry. He had been convicted of child rape and indecent assault and battery on a person over age 14, but his record has since been sealed and he no longer appears on the registry. “Accuracy matters and so do public reputations,” Whitfield said.
Tracye Whitfield says she is taking responsibility after a conflict of interest violation, but will not step down.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
See WHITFIELD on page 2
Healey, Driscoll make Holyoke campaign stop
By Tyler Garnet tgarnet@thereminder.com
HOLYOKE
— On Feb. 17, Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll visited the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke as part of two campaign stops in Western Massachusetts.
The stop in Holyoke and the one later that day in North Adams provided Healey and Driscoll the opportunity to discuss state investments in new housing projects and local arts and culture, in addition to the duo’s affordability agenda and their reelection campaign.
“The bottom line is both Kim and I feel incredibly privileged to be in these positions,” Healey stated. “We also deeply, deeply love our state, and we want to work and stand shoulder to shoulder with everyone and anyone who believes in our state and who wants better for their community, for their family, and we’ll work so, so hard to get that done.”
Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia opened the event by endorsing the duo and highlighting some of the work they and the state have done to help Holyoke achieve certain goals. He specifically highlighted advancements in housing, regaining local control for its school district and construction advancements at the Victory Theatre as major milestones in the community.
Garcia recalled a similar event four years ago at the Victory Theatre in Holyoke, where he first endorsed Healey for governor.
“Today, I stand here once again alongside our governor to reaffirm my full support for Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll as they seek reelection, because their leadership has been clear, their vision has been strong and their commitment to not only Holyoke, but communities everywhere in the commonwealth.”
Other legislators at the event endorsed Healey and Driscoll, including state Reps. Pat Duffy and Brian Ashe, Easthampton Mayor Salem Derby, Holyoke City Council President Tessa Murphy-Romboletti and Holyoke City Councilor Juan Anderson-Burgos.
Healey emphasized some important accomplishments from
Whitfield
Continued from page 1
To ensure there are no conflicts in the future, Whitfield said she has taken several steps. Most notably, she has resigned as a managing agent from JETS Property Development and vowed to not do business with the city during the remainder of her time as an elected official. She also said she has reviewed the law and rules with the City Council counsel to confirm that she understands them. Whitfield confirmed that councilors are required to undergo conflict-of-interest training regularly. Buoniconti stated that he had shared the rules regarding conflicts as recently as the council’s swearing in in January. However, Whitfield said she did not receive them. She also said she is working to implement regular training on the state’s Open Meeting Law. Whitfield, who contacted the state Ethics Commission the day after the bungled recusal, said she
her first term, including tax cuts, the passage of a “historic” housing bill, and improvements in health care costs and economic development.
Healey said the housing bill has resulted in 100,000 housing starts, in other words, new housing units either built, permitted or constructed around the state in the last three years. She further explained that experts said when they started, Massachusetts needed to build about 220,000 units around the state by 2035 to get to where they need to be.
“We’re focused on affordability, we’re focused on building more homes as quickly as we can to drive down costs,” Healey said. “Build more housing, we drive down costs.”
First-time homebuyers can also receive $25,000 towards the purchase of a new home.
Healey also recently announced an increase in the production of Accessory Dwelling Units in Massachusetts to expand housing options, support homeowners and increase affordable housing.
For economic development, Healey talked about a key economic driver in the state.
“One thing that we’re really excited about in this region is the opportunity for more investment in arts and culture. This is a great example. What Victory Theatre is going to yield; what that’s going to become is just going to be so awesome,” Healey said.
Healey also announced that her administration is focused on lowering the cost of energy bills.
“Standing up to utility companies, we’ll oppose any rate hikes out there. I filed energy legislation, which will reduce energy costs by $13 billion.”
Healey discussed the completion of the New England Clean Energy Connect transmission line that is now delivering affordable, stable hydropower from Canada to Massachusetts. According to mass.gov, the NECEC line will provide Massachusetts with nearly 20% of its overall electricity, deliver $3.38 billion in total net economic benefits to Massachusetts ratepayers over the life of the contracts and reduce ratepayer bills by around $50 million each year.
On the topic of health care, Healey said they are the first team to eliminate copays and
deductibles for people on their health care. They also recently got rid of prior authorizations for “a whole bunch of staff.”
She explained, “If you got diabetes, you no longer have to wait for some insurance company to OK your receiving insulin. We’re trying to make it easier for people to get access to care, and we fundamentally believe in this.
At a moment where the president and Congress have taken a trillion dollars out of health care, we stand here united in support of making sure that we’re doing everything we can to get health care to our residents who need it.”
When it comes to the federal administration, Healey said they will continue to look for ways to work with them, but stated, “Where the president and federal administration do things to harm people, we’re going to stand up and defend Massachusetts.”
She continued, “I’m excited about some of what we’ve been able to accomplish. We know that these are hard and challenging times. Both of us were college basketball players, so we do a little bit about taking lumps and getting back up and throwing
the necessary elbow when necessary, or pick when necessary, but fundamentally, whether it’s volleyball or basketball, it’s about teamwork, and that’s the vibe we’ll continue to bring, not only to the campaign — as we seek to grow more support — but also to the that way we look to govern.”
Driscoll said she and Healey work hard to make sure the decisions they make at the State House reflect the needs of each community in Massachusetts as they continue to uplift and empower local governments.
“We can have the best policies, and I think we have a lot of them. We can make significant investments in things like housing and infrastructure, but none of that gets done unless we [have] a strong team locally,” Driscoll said. “That’s why it’s such a privilege to be serving in a time when we have the ability to work with amazing leaders, shape policies, shift resources, and do things that are going to help communities lower costs, drive high quality of life, and make Massachusetts the best place to live to raise a family [and] to come visit.”
would answer questions from the body. The commission is charged with reviewing or investigating potential violations of state law regarding elected officials, in-
cluding conflicts of interest. If it finds cause, it can compel officials to pay a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each violation.
Among the more than 40 peo-
ple who attended the press conference to support Whitfield was School Committee member Rosa Valentin. “I do support Tracye in this,” she said. “As a School
Committee member, I’m new. That could be me one day. We’re human beings. We all make mistakes. What is important is how you handle it.”
City Council President Tracye Whitfield stands with more than 40 supporters after refusing to step down amid controversy.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Gov. Maura Healey discusses some accomplishments during her current term while at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame in Holyoke.
Reminder Publishing photo by Tyler Garnet
Historic home owner made to fix mistakes after ignoring rules
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — The owner of a fire ravaged home in the Forest Park Heights Historic District was told to fix his mistakes after he renovated the building without the approval of the Historical Commission or the proper permits.
The two-and-a-half-story home, which sustained heavy fire damage from the first floor through to the roof in 2022, was purchased by AAD, LLC the following year. Any exterior work on homes in the city’s historic districts must be approved by the Historical Commission, and it authorized the replacement of the building’s siding in 2023. Instead, the owners replaced the siding, windows and front door, and refinished the cracked foundation. The chimney was also not replaced when the roof was fixed, which changes the look of the home.
Because the repair work has been completed, the commission had a choice. If the work was up to historical standards,
they could approve it after the fact. Otherwise, they could instruct the owner to do it again the right way. The commission took the fire into account as a “hardship.”
Nick Dipon of AAD, LLC appeared before the commission and brought his nephew, Pavlo Yesenko, to translate, as English is not his first language.
Commissioner Judith Crowell said the previous owner had come before the commission after the fire to undertake the same projects. She asked Dipon if he had permits for all the projects, but he said he only had one for the roof.
The commission took each item in turn, beginning with the chimney. Community Planning Director Andrew Strniste said the chimney had mostly collapsed along with much of the roof during the fire. Commission Chair Alfonso Nardi asked Dipon who had given permission for the chimney to be eliminated during roof repairs. Yesenko said he was “pretty sure” Strniste’s predecessor Alvin Allen “said it was okay.” Commis-
sioner Vincent Walsh said Allen would not have had the authority to approve it. When asked by Nardi, Dipon explained that the chimney had been attached to an unworking gas furnace, rather than a fireplace. Walsh told his colleagues that it would not be the first time the commission approved a homeowner not replacing a collapsed chimney. As it was a public hearing, Harry Seymour, chair of the Forest Park Civic Association Historic Committee, said he approved of the building without the chimney. Based on all the information, the commission approved the chimney elimination.
The building’s original foundation was made of brick, but photos from just after the fire showed it had been given a “mortar rub finish,” Nardi said. After fixing cracks to the foundation, Dipon had applied a mesh and covered it with concrete stamped to look like stone, with a darker color between the “stones.” Neighbor Ellen Gallagher said the foundation stands out from the rest
of the neighborhood and can be seen from the street. Two other neighbors agreed. Walsh said he would not have approved it, but said he wanted to consider the hardship factor. Nardi agreed and said grinding off the finish could damage the bricks beneath it. He floated the idea of having the Dipon apply a new mortar rub finish over the concrete, but Walsh suggested having the owner paint the concrete a single color instead. Many historic homes have painted foundations, he said. The other commissioners agreed, as did Dipon.
The front door and windows were different stories. The 38 wood-framed windows throughout the house were replaced with vinyl windows that lacked any of the historic characteristics the commission was looking for. Walsh said that even diamond grid that had been applied to the top floor windows to mimic the originals looked wrong. The paneled wood door had been damaged by fire and water, with the large glass pane shattered and damage to one of
the bottom panels. It was replaced with an old door of a different style that Dipon had purchased used. The trim around the door had been made larger, making the door seem smaller than the previous one. Commissioner Kevin Coffee said it was not “like for like.”
Neighbors again expressed disapproval. “We all own houses in the historical society,” said Christy Young. She said everyone who purchases a home in a historic district receives a letter explaining that they are required to have changes to the exterior approved, and added, “They didn’t follow the rules.” Seymour and Tom Gallagher agreed.
The commission ruled that Dipon had one month to return to the commission with a proposed replacement for the door. Once the commission approves it, he must have it installed withing three months. The windows were also deemed unacceptable, and Dipon was given similar instructions to return with an appropriate option for replacement.
Local students invited to compete in Stop the Swerve contest
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden
District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni is inviting high school students across Hampden County to take part in the 2026 Stop the Swerve Public Service Announcement and Billboard Challenge, a countywide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
The contest challenges students to create original PSAs and/or billboard designs that deliver powerful, prevention-focused messages about safe driving. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel selected by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, with first-, second- and third-place awards presented in both categories.
Winning schools will receive:
• First place: $2,500 Second place: $1,000
• Third place: $500
Prize money is awarded directly to the winning students’ schools to support educational or school-based initiatives. In past years, award funds have been used for items such as classroom technology and student presentation equipment.
In addition to monetary awards, winning PSAs will air on 22News, and the selected billboard submission will have the opportunity to be displayed on one of Lamar Advertising’s digital billboards in Hampden County.
“This program gives students a real voice in preventing tragedies before they happen,” said Gulluni. “By creating messages for their peers, students are help-
ing shape safer behaviors and stronger communities.”
All submissions must consist of original student-created content and be approved and submitted by a designated adult representative at each school. Schools may submit multiple entries, though each submission requires its own entry form. The submission deadline is March 20.
Contest winners will be recognized during the Stop the Swerve prevention event, taking place on Thursday, April 2 at 5:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event is free and open to all Hampden County parents and driving-age students, and will feature a locally produced documentary examining the real-world impact of impaired and distracted driving, along with interactive safety activities such as driving simulators and impairment-goggle exercises.
Eligible high school students in attendance will also have the
opportunity to enter a raffle for free driving school tuition. More information about the contest, submission guidelines, and the Stop the Swerve event can be found at hampdenda.com.
The public Facebook event page is available at: facebook.com/ share/189Cm6LEZm/.
Scenes from the 2025 Stop the Swerve prevention event at the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
$250K in fed. funds secured for community development org.
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize
CDC, a Springfield-based community development organization, operates programs to create safe housing, adequate nutrition and digital literacy for people across the state. In early February, U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal secured $250,000 in congressionally directed spending, also known as an earmark, to help it continue to help others.
Revitalize CDC began in 1992 as “Rebuilding Together Springfield,” with a focus on repairing homes in the city. Since then, the organization has spread to operate in 11 of the state’s 14 counties. The scope of its work
has expanded, as well. President and CEO Colleen Shanley-Loveless said the organization is still rooted in essential home repairs for people in need, but its Joined Forces and Healthy Homes programs also offer home repairs for veterans and upgrades to allow people to age in place. The Nutrition Rx program provides kitchen supplies, nutrition counseling and grocery items for people in need. The Digital Equity program teaches clients computer skills one-on-one in a home setting. It also helps people sign up for lowcost internet.
The organization’s most visible program is still GreenNFit Springfield, a one-day event in which 1,000 volunteers and 100 supporters rebuild one block of a
neighborhood to make the homes energy-efficient, safe and healthy. This year, the program will take place on Saturday, April 25.
“We’ve really, really grown,” Shanley-Loveless said. When she joined the organization in 2009, she said she was one of two people working to serve just five households. In 2025, a team of 20 people helped 826 households.
Shanley-Loveless said the earmark will help the organization reach its capital campaign goal, which is now 86% complete. The campaign has funded a warehouse for Revitalize CDC to store cleaning products, including vacuums and air purifiers; repair supplies, such as wheelbarrows, paintbrushes and tools, and cold food storage. The federal funding
will purchase steel racking and walk-in refrigeration. Right now, Shanley-Loveless explained, deliveries that come from Fruit Fair in Chicopee are stored in standard refrigerators.
Some of the earmark will be put toward information technology upgrades at the organization’s community engagement center, where it hosts classes in topics that include cooking and energy efficiency. The parking lot at the Cadwell Street headquarters also need to be repaved.
The work of Revitalize CDC is funded through donations, grants and private funding from businesses. Shanley-Loveless said 92 cents of every dollar the organization receives goes directly to services for the community.
She also pointed out that Massachusetts offers a 50% tax credit to anyone, no matter where they live, who donates to Revitalize CDC. The organization has only received one other federal earmark. That one was received a few years ago through the Department of Housing and Urban Development and is currently being used to repair 20 homes in Chicopee, Springfield and Holyoke. She said receiving federal funds can be a slow process, but the organization appreciates every dollar.
Shanley-Loveless said, “We’re really grateful to both Sen. Markey and Sen Warren for helping is provide services to help the community with these really essential needs.”
ROCA receives $1.66M for anti-violence employment program
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the congressional delegation from Massachusetts, the anti-violence organization ROCA received a $1.66 million earmark to continue its program that aims to stop violence through employment.
ROCA is an organization that engages with people aged 16 to 24 who are at extreme risk of violent crime, either as a victim or a perpetrator, those who are currently or have been incarcerated, girls and women at risk of sexual violence or of being trafficked.
ROCA has five locations in Massachusetts, including two in the Pioneer Valley, as well as a site in Hartford and another in Baltimore, Maryland.
Dwight Robson, ROCA executive vice president of operations, said people do not seek help from ROCA. Instead, the organization uses an approach of “relentless outreach” to people who are referred to them by
police departments, correctional facilities and schools. ROCA clocked 130,506 engagements with young people in fiscal year 2025. Robson said almost all — 99% — of people enrolled with ROCA for 18 months or longer showed improved behavioral health, while 90% of those with the program for at least two years had no new arrests.
ROCA of Western Massachusetts Director Solomon Baymon said there are more than 200 young people in Springfield and Holyoke enrolled in ROCA and the ability to help them comes down to building relationships. People who have been referred to ROCA are assigned a mentor “youth worker.” Baymon said the youth workers usually reach out to the person in person eight or nine times, building trust with them, before they agree to come to ROCA and meet the rest of the team.
The transitional employment program helps people build hard
and soft skills by working with the city’s DPW or Parks & Recreation Department. People are assigned to a supervised crew, and behaviors are monitored and strictly enforced. If a person is written up four times, they are fired from the crew and work with their mentor to explore what behaviors led to the firing. Baymon said that after they sign a safety contract, they are reassigned to a crew. He said people go through seven of these cycles before they are hired by one of ROCA’s outside partners.
“It takes support from the village,” he said. “To bring one young person through our program takes a lot of work and time.”
Baymon previously worked in a correctional facility and said one of the biggest problems people face when released is, “How am I going to get money? I have a record now.” The temporary employment program helps solve that issue, while also
teaching the young people how the interpersonal skills to conduct themselves in a workplace without resorting to violence to solve issues. ROCA also helps people find permanent employment through job fairs. Baymon said the most recent job fair saw nine employers participate, and two people have been hired since the job fair hosted before that.
Baymon shared that he had just spoken to a young person who had been enrolled in ROCA before he had to return to prison to finish his sentence. They told him that what they had learned from the program helped them make better decisions while inside and that they could not wait to continue the program” to get his life together for his daughter. Baymon said it is a sentiment he has heard multiple times.
ROCA is funded through a mix of sources, but 61% of its funding is through federal, state and local governments. Robson said that $4 million in unspent
federal grants were canceled last year. Half of that money was slated for Western Massachusetts programs. As a result, about 25 positions went unfilled and another 25 people were laid off.
Baymon said it impacted young people, who had built relationships with the employees, only to have them suddenly gone. “A lot of these young people are used to people coming and going in their lives,” he said. Robson added, “These young people who have been let down so many times” told him it felt like a “gut punch” to have their youth workers leave.
“In the wake of the U.S. Department of Justice’s abrupt termination of three ROCA grants last year, we are enormously grateful to have earned the trust of Senators Markey and Warren, who requested this funding in the Senate, as well as Congressman Neal,” Robson said. “We are fortunate to have them championing our work in Congress.”
Springfield Museums seek nominations for 2026 Ubora and Ahadi Awards
SPRINGFIELD — The African Hall Committee of the Springfield Museums is seeking nominations for the prestigious Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award, which recognize African American people from Greater Springfield who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to community service, education, science, humanities, and the arts.
Nominations forms are available at SpringfieldMuseums.org/ Ubora; the deadline is March 31, 2026. Nominations may be submitted online, or forms can be downloaded and mailed to African Hall Committee, Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA 01103.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to honor the pioneers of our community who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Terry Powe, chair of the African Hall Committee.
The African Hall Committee is a volunteer group comprising educators, businesspeople and community leaders from the African American community.
Named for the Swahili word meaning “excellence,” the Ubora Award has been awarded annually since 1992; in 2025, the recipient
was Vanessa V. Ford, Associate Director and voice faculty member at the Community Music School of Springfield and the founding director of the Trust Transfer Project. The Ahadi Youth Award has been given since 2009 to an African American student (age 19 or younger) who embodies the Swahili word for “promise” and excels both in academics and service to the Greater Springfield community. The student must be currently enrolled in grades 10, 11 or 12. Last year, for the first time in the award’s history two honorees were selected: Saryah Brantley, a recent graduate of Hampden Charter School of Science who is now a freshman at Spelman College; and Elijah Ballard Deon, one of the top students in Rise Early College High School’s Class of 2025 who is now pursuing a business degree at Western New England University. Visit springfieldmuseums. org/ubora/ for a complete list of the awardees. The Ubora and Ahadi Awards will be presented on September 19, 2026, at the Springfield Museums. For more information or to become an event sponsor, please email ubora@springfieldmuseums.org.
Alekman DiTusa donates to Square One campaign
SPRINGFIELD — In keeping with its long-term commitment to the children and families served by Square One, the principals of Alekman DiTusa, LLC have once again stepped up in support of the agency’s work.
Attorneys Ryan Alekman and Rob DiTusa recently gifted $25,000 to the “Back To Square One” capital campaign.
In November 2025, Square One cut the ribbon a brand new state-of-the-art early learning center in Springfield’s South End neighborhood, marking the end of “phase 1” of the agency’s $19 million campaign. “Phase 2” of the project involves the renovation of the adjacent building located at 947 Main St., which was generously donated by the Balise family. Anticipated to be complete in fall of 2026, the building will become home to a family resource center, providing workforce development programming, family support services and emergency supplies, including diapers, food and clothing.
“Our firm is deeply committed to giving back to the community that has been the foundation of our success,” said Alekman. “Supporting organizations like Square One is our way of ensuring the growth and well-being of Springfield’s future.”
“We hope our support for Square One inspires other small businesses to join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families in our community,” added DiTusa.
SPRINGFIELD — Thanks to the generosity of numerous donors, Mercy Medical Center has received gifts totaling $1 million dollars for the Sister Caritas Endowed Nurses Education Fund, securing its permanent endowment. SCENE funds are available to nurses to help them attain higher education and new certifications, and to other Mercy colleagues who want to become a certified nursing assistant or licensed practical nurse.
The concept for the SCENE Fund was first introduced at the celebration marking the 100th birthday of Sister Mary Caritas, SP, former president of Mercy Medical Center and the Sisters of Providence congregation. Sister Caritas is also a member of the Mercy Nursing School class of 1945. The original goal for the SCENE Fund was set at $100,000, the minimum required to establish an endowed fund at Mercy.
This fundraising generated more than 200 gifts, ranging from $5 to $275,000 from individuals, foundations and countless admirers and followers of Sister Caritas, including a $25,000 “challenge/match” gift from philanthropist Harold Grinspoon and his foundation to help launch the fundraising effort. The initial challenge required Trinity Health and Mercy to raise $75,000 first, then Mr. Grinspoon would add the
Alekman DiTusa has been supporting Square One’s annual operational campaigns since 2017.
The capital gift comes in addition to the firm’s annual $5,000 classroom sponsorship and $5,000 Derby Party sponsorship.
“We take great pride in the passion we have for position-
final $25,000 to formally establish the SCENE Fund. This challenge was swiftly met and upon the Grinspoon Foundation check presentation, Grinspoon issued another challenge to help permanently endow the SCENE Fund at $1 million; once Mercy and Trinity Health raised $900,000, the Grinspoon Foundation would add the final $100,000 to reach the $1 million goal.
Fueled with even more inspiration, the Mercy and Trinity Health Of New England fundraising team worked toward that goal and the $900,000 mark was recently reached. As a result, Grinspoon made good on his prom
ise, gifting the final $100,000 in a celebratory check presentation at the Harold Grinspoon Foundation offices in Agawam. While every donor has been vital to this effort, larger gifts supporting the SCENE Fund include: an anonymous donor, bankESB, the Brindle Family, the estates of Homer Foucher and Monte Cohen, Dean Kavanagh, Dave and Pat Johnson, Kevin and Sandra Delbridge, John Sjoberg and Brenda Garton-Sjoberg, and Richard Dooley, former Mercy Board member and lifetime supporter.
The need for more qualified, talented, and dedicated nurses is an urgent priority for Mercy along with most other health care organizations. The recent gift from the Harold Grinspoon
ing our community’s children, youth, and families for long-term success,” says Kristine Allard, Vice President of Development & Engagement for Square One.
“But none of our success would be possible without the support of our community’s businesses. Having a partner as consistently
generous as Alekman DiTusa has made a world of difference in our work. We are so grateful for their steadfast belief in our mission and their overwhelming kindness.”
The Back to Square One capital campaign will continue with the goal of raising an additional $3 million.
Foundation, born out of a lifelong friendship between one of the most prominent Jewish philanthropists and most prominent Catholic leaders in our region, underscores the spirit of philanthropy that continues to bless the greater Springfield community.
Trinity Health Of New England and Mercy Medical Center will host donors to this historic fund at a celebration of the new Sister Caritas Endowed Nurses
Education Fund at The Delaney House in Holyoke on April 23. Mercy’s leadership will partner with local colleges and universities offering nursing degrees, as well as make available scholarship dollars for professional development and advanced certification for current Mercy nurses, as well as any Mercy colleagues who may wish to pursue a nursing career.
Operations
Executive Editor: Chris Maza
Managing
Staff Writers: Sarah Heinonen, Deb Gardner, Amy Porter, Trent Levakis, Cliff Clark, Tyler Garnet, Peter Tuohy
Graphic Design Manager: Beth Thurber
Graphic Design Department: Leigh Catchepaugh, Lorie Perry, Sophia McClellan, Susan Bartlett, Jim Johnson-Corwin, Molly Arnio
Sales Manager: Scott Greene
Account Executives: Matt Mahaney, Paula Dimauro, Lisa Nolan, Jeanette Grenier, Paul Poutre, Andy Shaw, Laura Tassistro
Classified Account Managers: Roxanne Miller-Longtin, Evan Marcyoniak, Shannon Spada
Sales Support: Carolyn Napolitan
Financial Department: Nancy Banning
Left to right: Kristine Allard and Dawn DiStefano, Square One; Rob DiTusa and Ryan Alekman, Alekman DiTusa, LLC. Photo overlooks the agency’s latest capital project — a new family resource center at 947 Main St., Springfield.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Sister Mary Caritas, SP, and Harold Grinspoon. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Sadie Keegan fights for room in the paint.
Avery Knox pushes the ball forward in transition.
Maddy Roy lets the three-pointer fly. Avelinn Baxter looks for a passing lane.
Rosalyn Hudson looks to make a pass
Rosalyn Hudson finds open space to get the shot off.
PVCA VS GRANBY
BASKETBALL
The Pioneer Valley Christian Academy girls basketball team lost to Granby High School 64-56 in the PVIAC Class D Western Mass Finals at Chicopee Comprehensive High School on Feb. 17.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY
DAVID HOSMER
Ella Knox drives to the hoop for two.
Avelinn Baxter shoots over the defenders. Brooke Beggs draws the contact in the paint.
Avelinn Baxter lines up the jump shot.
Brooke Beggs shoots a three from the top of the arc.
Sadie Keegan spins and shoots for the score.
Healey, Ayotte drawn to immigration, competitiveness debates
By Sam Drysdale State House News Service
BOSTON — From taxes to ICE detention, Govs. Maura Healey and Kelly Ayotte are trading cross-border barbs and turning each other into convenient political foils in an election year.
The latest flare-up between the Massachusetts Democrat and New Hampshire Republican spans affordability, outmigration, taxes and a proposed 400-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire, about 20 miles north of the Massachusetts border.
Appearing Feb. 15 on WCVB’s “On the Record” program, Healey called for Ayotte to oppose the proposed detention facility in the Granite State.
When asked about the proposed ICE detention facility in Merrimack, Healey did not mince words: “Absolutely not. That’s crazy.”
The proposal is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s “Detention Reengineering Initiative,” a plan to expand immigrant detention capacity nationwide. Documents released last week by Ayotte’s office outline a network of new “large scale detention centers” and “processing sites” intended to “serve as ICE’s long-term detention solution” and to support mass deportations.
In Merrimack, ICE proposes retrofitting a roughly 325,000-square-foot vacant warehouse at 50 Robert Milligan Parkway into a regional process-
ing center with 400 to 600 beds. The agency said it would spend $158 million on renovations and $146 million to operate the site for its first three years, according to the documents.
ICE has described the initiative as “a new detention model” that “aims to meet the growing demand for bedspace and streamline the detention and removal process.” The documents add: “These facilities will ensure the safe and humane civil detention of aliens in ICE custody, while helping ICE effectuate mass deportations.”
Healey, who grew up in New Hampshire, on Friday called the project “outrageous and absolutely the wrong move for New Hampshire, Massachusetts and our entire region.” She added, “Governor Ayotte needs to stand up and oppose this and say, no.”
Ayotte told the New Hampshire Journal, “New England is in this position because Gov. Healey and Massachusetts created a billion-dollar illegal immigrant crisis in our region. Get your own house in order, Maura.”
In a subsequent statement, Healey said, “We should be opposing ICE’s tactics, not allowing them to expand … I oppose this in the strongest possible terms, and I am demanding that Governor Ayotte do everything in her power to block a new ICE facility in Southern New Hampshire.”
During a Feb. 15 appearance on “On the Record,” Healey also called for the federal government to defund ICE.
“ICE, right now, is not acting like a law enforcement agen-
cy. They’re out there with really rogue tactics,” she said, adding that “ICE right now has more funding than all state and local law enforcement around the country combined.”
She said the agency has “too much power, unbridled authority, no guardrails.”
Though she has gone up against Healey on immigration issues, Ayotte has not yet taken a public position on the Merrimack facility.
As that dispute plays out, Healey is also navigating a ballot fight at home over taxes and outmigration.
Hosts of “On the Record” asked Healey on Feb. 15 about U.S. Census data showing a net loss of more than 30,000 Massachusetts residents to other states last year.
“Our population has actually grown by 125,000 over the last three years, and actually since I took office, we’ve actually slowed outmigration,” she countered. Still, she added, “I want to keep every 20- to 45-year-old in the state ... We’ve got a lot of assets and strength, but we’ve got to get a handle on costs.”
Asked to clarify the difference in numbers, the governor’s office pointed to the state’s overall population trends and its domestic outmigration numbers as two separate measures.
While Massachusetts recorded a net loss of 33,340 residents to other states between 2024 and 2025 — and larger losses of 47,954 in 2021–2022 and 35,360 in 2022–2023 — those figures reflect only the balance of people
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
Barbara A. Betournay
Lois A. Gagne
Christos Lolos
Robert J. Lukasik Sr.
Jeannette M. Marceau
Joseph P. Ramah Jr.
Cecile L. Vincelette
John C. Wrzesien
EAST LONGMEADOW
Joan M. Hirsh
Margaret A. Miller
Ronald E. Moody
Sarah L. Pendleton
Dolores M. Scibelli
Steven J. Valentino Jr. HOLYOKE
Lorraine F. Janis
Patricia Palmer
Herman A. Sutter Jr.
Virginia R. Zabowski
INDIAN ORCHARD
Alan A. Dargis Sr.
Daniel J. Salamon
LONGMEADOW
Judith A. Allen
James W. Henrikson
Frank S. Podgurski
LUDLOW
Kathleen V. Garand
Ruth F. Pancotti
SOUTH HADLEY
Peter A. Gagne
Hugh Parker Hutton Gaetano J. Milano
Tessie O’Neill
Robert J. Valenti
SPRINGFIELD
Thomas M. Belton
Raymond N. Dagenais Jr.
Dr. Veronica Harnois (D’Urso)
Frank Lango
Leon A. Lemieux
Dolores P. Santinelli
Annie Ruth Tatum
Michael Barry Wiener
Steven Wilson
WILBRAHAM
Deborah Ann Gero
Bowman Dean Franklin Milner Sr.
Danielle Paige
moving to other U.S. states. Total population change also includes births, deaths and international migration. According to the governor’s office, Massachusetts’ population has increased by an estimated 128,619 residents over the last three years, even as some residents continued to leave for other states.
Those numbers are central to a high-stakes ballot fight over whether to lower Massachusetts’s 5% income tax to 4% — a change supporters say would improve competitiveness with states like New Hampshire, which levies no tax on wage and salary income.
In a Feb. 16 Washington Post op-ed, leaders of the coalition pursuing the income tax ballot question wrote that “Massachusetts’s high taxes are shrinking its population.” They cited Census data showing that in 2024, “net out-migration was more than seven times larger than in 2010,” adding “the state is losing residents to more affordable states like New Hampshire and Florida.”
The coalition is arguing taxpayers would save an average $1,300 annually with the income tax reduction, and that the change would bolster long-term economic growth.
Healey urged voters to reject it.
“Who doesn’t want to have their taxes cut, right? I mean, sign me up,” she said on “On the Record.”
But she warned that if the measure is approved, “that’s going to be a huge cut to our budget. You’re going to see 65% of all funding for education go away. You’re going to see all the funding that we give to cities and towns be significantly reduced. It’s going to be very, very harmful, and that’s why it doesn’t make any sense.”
She said the proposal “undercuts affordability,” adding,
“All the free school meals, the free community college making financial aid larger for people in Massachusetts ... all of these things are going away.”
Calling the tax cut “totally counterproductive,” Healey said, “I really want the public to understand how catastrophic this would be for Massachusetts.”
The Pioneer Institute, a conservative think tank which supports the tax cut, pushed back. Executive Director Jim Stergios said Healey’s claim it would “devastate the budget and gut education is a wild distortion.”
While Beacon Hill debates a 5% versus 4% income tax rate, Ayotte has highlighted New Hampshire’s tax policy which she says is better for businesses and residents.
In a Feb. 10 press release Ayotte said, “Any business seeking freedom from higher taxes in Massachusetts or anywhere else in the nation is welcome in the Granite State.”
She added, “We’re proud to have one of the best business tax climates in America, and we’re going to keep showcasing all New Hampshire has to offer to companies in Massachusetts and beyond.”
Ayotte’s office has also pointed to six companies and 500 jobs relocating from Massachusetts last year.
With a tax-cut ballot question looming and a detention center proposal simmering near the border, the two governors have found in each other a politically useful contrast — 5% versus 0%, resistance versus recruitment — as each makes a case to voters while keeping an eye on the other side of the state line.
Sam Drysdale is a reporter for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts. Reach her at sdrysdale@statehousenews.com.
Arts in the Area: Local company to debut new film in Agawam
Local independent film production company Xposse Productions will release its new psychological thriller, “Dark Places,” on March 14 at Agawam Cinemas.
Written and directed by Geno McGahee, the film centers on college student Natalie Parker, who is managing anxiety and social challenges while navigating a new relationship with fellow student Jason Evans. When two professors are murdered, the pair become entangled in a confrontation with a satanic cult as they work to uncover those responsible.
The film is produced by Rick Caride, Matt Hebert, Eric Michaelian, Brent Northup, Lorrie Bacon and McGahee, with Gregory Hatanaka of Cinema Epoch serving as executive producer. McGahee also operates the horror review website ScaredStiffReviews.com, which he founded in 2006.
The ensemble cast includes Lindsey DeLand, Jake Whitlock, Lorrie Bacon, Phil Godek, Eric Michaelian and Gabbi Mendelsohn.
Following its theatrical release, “Dark Places” is expected to be made available on streaming platforms including Tubi, Fawesome and Amazon Prime Video. Ticket information for the
Agawam Cinemas screening will be available through the theater.
Lumos Experience candlelight concert
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Longmeadow will host a Lumos Experience concert titled Step Into the Glow: A Vivaldi & Mozart Candlelight Experience on Friday, March 27.
The 60-minute performance will feature an ensemble of violin, viola and cello performing selections by Vivaldi and Mozart in a candlelit setting. Seating is limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere.
All tickets must be purchased in advance at lumosexperiences.com.
‘Hope and Glory’ production
On Saturday, Feb. 28, at 4 p.m., Young@Heart and Hope Center for the Arts will present “Hope and Glory,” a show that will combine the hope for the future as represented by the Hope Center’s students, faculty and staff at the newly renovated center in Springfield. The “lory represents the life and times of the recently deceased Evelyn Harris, who was a member of Young@ Heart for the last 2 1/2 years of her life.
Special guests for the show will include:
Members of Sweet Honey in the Rock, an all-female, African American a cappella ensemble that started in 1973. They are a three-time Grammy Award-nominated troupe who express their history as Black women through song, dance and sign language.
Harris was a member of the group from 1974-1992.
Yasmeen Betty Williams, an American gospel singer and former member of the Sweet Honey in the Rock from 1976 to 1986. After meeting in Sweet Honey in the ‘70s, Williams
remained Harris’ close friend for the remainder of her life. Kayla Staley, the director of vocal ensemble at the Hope Center’s after school. Buy tickets at the Hope Center website, hopecenterforthearts. org/events/youngatheart.
Provisions Picks: Cotes-du-Rhone from the French Rhone valley
“What should I bring to dinner?” It’s a question that customers often ask us here at Provisions. In a perfect world, one can pair the wine to the food being served, but we may not always know what to expect as a guest. No one wants to commit a faux pas by bringing something that clashes with the food, and that’s where our favorite safe bet red wine comes in: Cotes-du-Rhone.
The Rhone valley lies in eastern France just south of Burgundy, and the region has a long history of winemaking dating back to the 600s BC. The region is generally separated into two sections: the northern Rhone, where single varietal Syrah reigns supreme, and the warmer southern Rhone, where blends of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre dominate the production. The south contains many prestigious appellations for these blends, most notably Chateauneuf-du-Pape an area promoted from obscurity to prestige during the Avignon Papacy. The overwhelming quantity of wine, however, comes in
the form of the humble Cotesdu-Rhone and Cotes-du-Rhone Village appellations, which together account for more than half of the Rhone’s wine production. Literally translating to “hills of the Rhone,” these wines are produced throughout the south, and what they lack in prestige they make up for in quality, approachability and value.
Always a red blend, Cotes-duRhone reds consist mostly of Grenache, a friendly and fruit-forward variety boasting high levels of ripeness and generally lower levels of tannin when grown in the lower altitude areas of the region. The blend is completed with Syrah, adding spice and tannin, and Mourvedre, which contributes earthy notes and inky color. This trifecta works so well together that you’ll see the combination used in wines of many other warm climate wine regions of the world, including California, Australia, and South Africa. Together, these three varieties yield a wine that is medium bodied, dry, moderate to low tannin
and food friendly with notes of berries and herbs. These wines pair great with chicken, burgers, pork dishes, hearty stews and most anything savory, but more importantly for the purposes of this article, they’re unlikely to clash with whatever your host may be cooking. So next time you’re running to the store for a bottle before a dinner party grab one of our favorites below.
Domaine La Manarine Cotesdu-Rhone Rouge ($19.99): Located in the southernmost tip of the region, La Manarine are meticulous organic farmers and take a hands off approach to winemaking, preferring to let the grapes speak for themselves. Their
rouge is a somewhat rare example of a 100% Grenache Cotesdu-Rhone, and as a result it offers a great deal of aromatic fruit along with a pleasant amount of herbal spice. A lush and delicious crowd pleaser.
Clos du Mont-Olivet Vielles Vignes Cotes-du-Rhone Rouge ($24.99): The Sabon family have been making the wines of Mont-Olivet since 1932 and are great example of a traditional producer that isn’t afraid of new techniques. This wine is produced from three organically farmed parcels of 40-plus year old vines and primarily ages in a mix of concrete and old wood, allowing the wine to breath and develop
without imparting substantial oak flavor. This wine is the biggest of the bunch, offering more tannin, earth and spice due to the age of the vines and the higher portion of Syrah and Mourvedre.
La Cabotte Cotes-du-Rhone Colline ($19.99): Grown in a higher altitude, cooler area of the region, this blend of Grenache and Syrah is farmed biodynamically by the d’Ardhuy-Plumet family. In the cellar, the wine is fermented and briefly aged in stainless steel with an eye towards preserving the grapes’ natural fruit and acidity. Medium-bodied, aromatic and bright enough to cut through fattier cuisine.
