APRIL 16, 2026 | FREE
IN THIS EDITION
Shouting match erupts between Whitfield, Davila in council chamber
What began as a simple discussion at a Springfield City Council meeting about discontinuing a street ended in a full-blown shouting match and the near removal of a city councilor from the chamber.
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Cignoli, MassDOT deliver update on construction at The X
Several dozen Forest Park residents attended a meeting at Forest Park Middle School to hear the latest updates on changes at The X, the intersection of Sumner and Belmont avenues and Dickinson Street.
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Gonzalez named chair of World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast
State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez was named the chair of this year’s World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast.
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Flag raising honors Child Abuse Prevention Month
By Debbie Gardner dgardner@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — More than 50
people, including the mayor, city and state officials, representatives from Helix Human Services and other supporters of children in crisis, gathered on the steps of City Hall the morning of April 9 to renew Springfield’s commitment to preventing and helping heal the effects of child abuse.
In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the ceremony included a proclamation from the mayor and remarks by child abuse advocates, capped by the raising of the National Child Abuse Prevention Month flag over City Hall. The design on the flag, depicting children as blue silhouettes on a red background, shows a missing middle child representing those lost to violence.
Mayor Domenic Sarno opened the ceremony by acknowledging the 160-year history of Helix — formerly the Children’s Study Home — and its tireless commitment to working with children and families in times of crisis.
“All the dedicated individuals that work at Helix, you’re doing angel’s work,” Sarno said. “Your efforts help these young people, young children, be able to move forward in a positive fashion that they can and will succeed.”
Reading from the proclamation, Sarno acknowledged the horrors of abuse and neglect and their effects on children, challenging child welfare professionals, law enforcement, businesses, families and the community to work together to better protect children from abuse.
“I urge all our citizens to increase their participation in the efforts to prevent child abuse, thereby strengthening the communities
Child Abuse Prevention Month flag during the April 9 event at City Hall.
in which we live,” Sarno said. City Councilor Brian Santaniello, whom Sarno acknowledged
Above, From left, back row: City Councilor Brian Santaniello, Helix CEO Mark Paglia, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Helix Dean of Students Jason Franklin and Helix Director of Education Dr. Maria Williams. Front row: Students from Mill Pond School. Right: Mayor Domenic Sarno, City Councilor Brian Santanilo and children from the Helix Mill Pond School prepare to rase the National
Reminder Publishing photos by Debbie Gardner
See FLAG RAISING on page 2
STRM: Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day returns April 25
By Dennis Hackett dhackett@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Volunteers from all around the area and beyond will work on restoring homes by participating in Revitalize Community Development Corporation’s #GreenNFit Day on April 25.
On the latest episode of “So That Reminds Me” hosts Tyler Garnet and Ryan Feyre sat down with Revitalize CDC’s President and CEO Colleen Shanley-Loveless and Vice President of Community Engagement Ethel Griffin to talk about Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day on April 25.
Shanley-Loveless explained that Revitalize CDC was founded as an all-volunteer organization in 1992. When Shanley-Loveless was hired in 2009, the organization went from all volunteers with a budget of under $100,000 to growing “significantly” with a staff of 20, now. She said that Revitalize CDC’s work initially began with home repairs.
“The board of directors had realized there was such an overwhelming need in the community, so we focused on doing home repairs, modifications and rehabilitation on the homes of low-income families with children,” she said. “It could be veterans, seniors
and people with special needs.”
Currently, Revitalize CDC has a nutrition program, a healthy homes program and a digital equity and navigation program.
“Once people become a part of it, they don’t leave. We have a 24-member board and just yesterday another organization came to our office and said, ‘we would like to place somebody on our board,’” Shanley-Loveless said.
Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit Day, which takes place the last weekend in April, is a day when
the organization and its volunteers gather to work on homes in different parts of the city.
Beginning in 2013, Shanley-Loveless said the program moved to the Old Hill neighborhood, where volunteers worked on almost 200 homes each #GreenNFit Day for the next seven years before moving into the North End after a COVID-19 related pause.
“We have 20 homes this year, we are kind of spread out across the city — East Springfield, Mason Square area. We’re also go-
ing to do a spring cleanup on the Boys and Girls on Carew Street, and then we’re also going to be working on the Boys and Girls Club Family Center, which is on Acorn Avenue,” she said.
Griffin said the planning process for the next year begins a week after each #GreenNFit Day.
“We’ll start back with the planning process for the following year, determining where we are going to be; we’ll determine the application process for them. It’s a good thing we don’t wait to the
last minute,” she said. Griffin said the event goes on rain or shine. Each year, she said the American International College, Springfield College and Western New England University football teams participate. Shanley-Loveless added that the event receives support from businesses, churches, other schools and people “from Maine to Florida.” She added that the volunteers love showing up each year
Hampden DA’s Office to host 10th annual Hoop Up Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden District Attorney’s Office will host the 10th Annual Hoop Up Springfield Job Fair & Basketball Tournament on April 20 at American International College. The free event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is open to youth ages 11 to 18.
Hoop Up Springfield is a daylong event focused on connecting young people with summer job opportunities, educational resources, and positive activities, while also providing a safe and welcoming environment for youth from across Hampden County.
Participants will have the opportunity to apply for summer jobs, tour the AIC campus and sports complex, participate in skills and drills led by AIC student athletes, take part in a cheerleading clinic and compete in a three-on-three basketball tournament. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for registered participants.
Employers currently scheduled to participate in the job
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as a longtime advocate for children and families in the city, opened his remarks by thanking Sarno for being “on the forefront of this issue,” then shared that the City Council Committee on Health and Human Services, which Santaniello chairs, is slated to have an important meeting on the issue of child abuse and prevention on April 28.
“Seven out of 1,000 children are abused in this country nationally,” Santaniello said, quoting statistics from 2024. “Massachusetts has 14 out of 1,000, and that is totally unacceptable.” Santaniello then noted the role the judgments posted on social media and the lawsuits in the press have played in bringing these state statistics to light.
“I look forward to the meeting on April 28,” Santaniello concluded.
fair include Pho Saigon, YMCA of Greater Springfield, Performance Foodservice, Westaff, Valley Opportunity Council, New North Citizens Council, Big Y Foods, New England Public Media, Eastern States Exposition, the United States Army, Springfield Police Cadet Program, the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, Tech Foundry, city of Springfield Department Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management and Six Flags New England. Additional employers may be added as the event approaches. Employers interested in participating in the Hoop Up Springfield job fair are encouraged to contact Hampden District Attorney’s Office Deputy Director of Community Safety & Outreach Gina Anselmo at gina. anselmo@mass.gov.
District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni said the event is designed to give young people opportunities, exposure and positive experiences that can help shape their future.
“This event brings a lot of
Celebrated author and advocate for Helix Human Services, Liza Zarcone, welcomed those gathered to support children, reminding them that it was important to bring awareness to the issues of child abuse and neglect “not only in the month of April but to 365 days a year.”
The author of “The Unspoken Truth, A Memoir,” recounting her own experiences with child abuse and neglect, Zarcone is a nationally and internationally recognized advocate for child abuse prevention.
“I wrote my memoir, ‘The Unspoken Truth,’ sharing my personal story from the child’s point of view,” Zarcone shared. “I felt it was important to speak from the child’s perspective because people need to understand the depth of damage caused by abuse, neglect and trauma.
“I am now a voice for the voiceless, stepping up to find positive solutions that will best service
different parts of the community together for our young people. They get the chance to play, meet employers, see a college campus and spend the day in a positive environment. We are grateful to American International College and all of the employers who are giving their time and resources to support the youth in our community,” Gulluni said.
American International College President Nicole Cestero said the college is proud to continue its partnership with the Hampden District Attorney’s Office.
“We are honored to partner with DA Gulluni’s office to provide a safe, welcoming space where youth can enjoy the tournament, explore summer job opportunities and begin to imagine themselves as students at a college like AIC. It’s also rewarding for our student athletes who appreciate the chance to contribute to this impactful community event.”
Hoop Up Springfield is free for registered participants. For more information, including registra-
our youth and families,” Zarcone continued. “I want to ask all of you this question, when a parent or guardian is struggling, who helps the child? This is a very, very, very profound question.”
She praised the work of Helix and its “never-ending support and dedication to our community, children and families,” acknowledging her continued role with the organization, including the Rise Up conference hosted by Helix.
“I take great pride in walking with them on this mission,” Zarcone said. “It is through awareness and education that we can break those barriers and make a difference. That age-old saying, ‘See something, say something;’ do not be afraid to ask the questions, because you will be saving a life.”
Mark Paglia, CEO of Helix Human Services, closed the ceremony by thanking the members of the Helix staff and especially the
tion and event schedule details, go to the Facebook event page: facebook.com/share/1BSMK -
students from the organization’s Mill Pond School, who were in attendance at the flag raising.
“Thank you again, Mayor Sarno, for once again standing with us and for your steadfast commitment to children and families across Springfield,” Paglia continued, “Your leadership has consistently affirmed the well-being of children is not optional. It’s foundational to a healthy city.
“Today, as we raise the flag for Child Abuse Prevention Month, we are doing something deeply symbolic,” Paglia said. “We are asking our community to pause, reflect and recommit together to protect our children, because the flag is not just fabric, it’s a call to action.”
Citing the statistics of 20,000 children in Massachusetts who were victims of abuse, a figure he said was doubtless underreported, Paglia reminded attendees that these children are all around us
gwX4y/, or contact the Community Safety and Outreach Unit at gina.anselmo@mass.gov.
– in our schools, neighborhoods and churches.
“But today is not only about acknowledging harm. It’s about prevention, and prevention begins with presence,” Paglia said. “It begins when adults slow down enough to notice, when neighbors check in, when social workers, educators, coaches, health care workers and faith leaders speak up, when mandated reporters act, when communities choose responsibility over silence.
“Resilience begins when adults show up consistently and create healthy relationships, when systems work together, when a city wraps itself around our children,“ Paglia continued. “That’s why this moment matters today. Raising a flag alongside Mayor Sarno is a public declaration that Springfield will not look away, that we will continue to invest in our prevention and our families who are under pressure.”
Local employers connect with students during the job fair portion of the 2025 Hoop Up Springfield at American International College, offering summer job opportunities and career guidance. Businesses are encouraged to sign up to participate in this year’s event. Reminder Publishing submitted photo
Photos from a previous Revitalize CDC #GreenNFit Day.
Reminder Publishing submitted photos
See GREENNFIT on page 3
Gubernatorial candidate Shortsleeve stops in Agawam
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
AGAWAM — About 50 people milled around at Partner’s Restaurant on March 31, gathering in groups to nibble on hors d’oeuvres and talk politics. Eventually, people settled at tables to listen to Brian Shortsleeve make his case for why he should be Massachusetts’s next governor.
State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga introduced Shortsleeve and his running mate, Shawn Oliver. Shortsleeve is one of three Republicans in the primary race. Boldyga said every Republican campaign for office in Massachusetts is difficult. To eschew concerns about the deep pockets of Shortsleeve’s primary opponent, former biotechnology executive Michael Minogue, he said now-Secretary of Education Linda McMahon had run for state Senate in Connecticut twice, and despite drastically outspending other opponents, failed to win the seat each time. He said a candidate can outspend their opponents and lose “if you’re not the right candidate for the job at the right time.”
Oliver, a New Bedford city councilor and corrections officer, took the mic and said, “You have to know criminals when you look them in the face every day; and there are a lot of criminals trying to run the state government.” Oliver said he and Shortsleeve would “fire” all members of the parole board and replace them with “common sense” board members.
Oliver urged the crowd to vote for Shortsleeve because, “He is one of us.”
Shortsleeve leaned heavily on his history as a U.S. Marine and as a business owner. He said the Marine Corps taught him about leadership. “This state is in desperate need of new leadership,” he said. He also spoke at length about his time in former-Gov. Charlie Baker’s administration, managing the finances at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Administration. Shortsleeve said he went “line by line” to find waste and found that the MBTA paid invoices without question and did not regularly examine where it could cut costs.
“We desperately need a governor in the corner office who knows how to balance budgets.” He said there was “enormous growth in state spending,” and noted the state budget was $48 million in 2022 and is now $65 million. He described it as “billions and billions of dollars blown.”
Without citing any sources, Shortsleeve estimated that $5 billion had been spent housing immigrants in temporary shelters. In
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for the event.
“It’s a really diverse group of volunteers all coming together. I remember one time a volunteer said, ‘You get more from this than you’re actually giving because it makes you feel so good,’” she said.
Some of the work volunteers do include replacing bathtubs with showers, replacing steps, replacing carpets, adding handrails for stairs and much more. While Revitalize CDC does similar work in Holyoke and Chicopee, #GreenNFit Day is focused on homes in Springfield. Shan-
late 2022, the number of people in the state’s emergency shelters drastically increased, largely due to an influx of immigrants. Because there is a right-to-shelter law in Massachusetts and the shelters were overflowing, many people and families were sheltered in hotels and other large-scale temporary housing, including Logan Airport. As the number of newly arrived people fell in 2024 and new restrictions, including sixmonth maximum stays and proof of residency requirements, the situation eased. As of August 2025, there were no immigrants sheltered in hotels.
Shortsleeve said he plans to cut waste, increase accountability and lower utility bills and taxes. The last two of these were talking points Shortsleeve returned to several times over the course of the event.
Shortsleeve said Massachusetts is losing population, business owners among them, because taxes are too high. Healey is not “in sync” with the factors impacting small business owners, he said. Shortsleeve’s plan included rolling back the income tax from 5% to 4%.
“We pay our taxes,” said one person in the audience. “I can’t go 14 feet without hitting a pothole.” Oliver said municipalities are “behind the eight-ball,” because not enough funding is coming back to them in local aid.
Pulling a National Grid bill out of his jacket, Shortsleeve said the average Massachusetts customer is paying $480 per month for electricity. As of January, the average electric bill in Massachusetts was $177.61. Shortsleeve also said 30% of electric bills are the result of state-mandated fees, which he described as taxes. There are several state-mandated charges on electric bills, including the energy efficiency charge, which funds electric energy efficiency programs, and the net metering recovery surcharge, which recovers net metering credits applied to customers with excess generation from on-site generation facilities. However, most of these were put in place before Healey took office in 2023.
On “day one” of his administration, Shortsleeve said he would remove all mandated fees from utility bills. He also said he would tie the state to shale pipelines run by companies, including Algonquin Gas Transmission and Tennessee Gas.
Shortsleeve and Oliver both spoke in favor of auditing the state Legislature, which 72% of voters approved in a 2024 referendum. Since then, state House of Repre-
ley-Loveless added that the organization’s nutrition and healthy homes programs, along with its lead inspection and remediation work are available in 11 of Massachusetts’s 14 counties.
Shanley-Loveless touched on how important the GreenNFit event is for helping people in need.
“Everybody needs a little help now and then, and we’re happy to be there to bring some joy and improve people’s quality of life in helping to make their homes safer,” she said.
To listen to the full conversation, head to thereminder.com/ our-podcast or search “So That Reminds Me” on your favorite podcasting platform.
sentatives Speaker Ronald Mariano and state Senate President Karen Spilka have blocked the audit, saying it violates the separation of powers under the state constitution. State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has since sued to force the audit.
In addition to allowing audits of the Legislature, Oliver said Shortsleeve would make sure all executive departments are audited. Under state law, all executive departments must be audited over the course of three years. DiZoglio completed those audits within the prescribed timeframe in 2025. Despite this, Oliver claimed such an audit would “find billions of dollars in waste.” He promised that the first billion would be returned directly to municipalities in local aid.
Reflecting local sentiment that spans the political spectrum, a man in the crowd said, “We have to fight for money in Western Mass., when Boston just gets money dumped on them.” Another person told Shortsleeve and Oliver, “I don’t want you to walk
away after getting you elected and forget about us.” Oliver said that, like Western Massachusetts, Healey only visited New Bedford during campaign season. He promised Shortsleeve would not forget about the region.
Someone in the audience mentioned the “crazy policies” passed by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. The organization does not pass binding policies but instead develops and provides model policies school committees can choose to use. Oliver opined that some districts were on an “ideological crusade.”
Shortsleeve lamented the achievement of students in the state. He described the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as “anti-choice, pro-politics,” and said he would fire and replace the entire board. He said parents should be able to log in online and see what their child learned in class that day. He also said the MCAS was removed as a graduation standard but not replaced with another metric, which
he was in favor of, along with more vocational training options.
Shortsleeve also promoted the proposed federal Education Choice for Children Act, which would allow households earning up to 300% or their area’s median income and corporations to use up to $1,700 in tax credits to contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations, which provide private school tuition vouchers.
When it comes to the need for housing statewide, Shortsleeve said, “To get prices down, we need to boost supply. There is an enormous amount of state-owned land.” To encourage builders, he would eliminate the stretch energy code and suspend the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, he said. With Shortsleeve’s strong message of deregulation, Reminder Publishing asked the candidate what he would do to protect the people whom the regulations were designed to protect. He responded, “You protect people by acknowledging the policies have failed.”
Brian Shortsleeve speaks to voters at Partner’s Restaurant in Agawam.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — What be-
gan as a simple discussion at a Springfield City Council meeting about discontinuing a street ended in a full-blown shouting match and the near removal of a city councilor from the chamber.
Farooqui Zahid and several other members of the Baitus Salaam mosque at 148 Fort Pleasant St. recently purchased seven lots abutting a paper street portion of Cloverdale Street in the Forest Park neighborhood. Baitus Salaam, Inc. plans to build a new mosque on the land, which is currently wooded, because the existing mosque is undersized and lacks off-street parking. The new mosque would offer worship space, recreational facilities and an interfaith area,
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Several doz-
en Forest Park residents attended a meeting at Forest Park Middle School to hear the latest updates on changes at The X, the intersection of Sumner and Belmont avenues and Dickinson Street. The city of Springfield and Massachusetts Department of Transportation are two years into a six-year, $26 million project to completely redesign and construct the intersection.
At the start of the April 8 meeting, Mayor Domenic Sarno told residents that the city had been lobbying the state for this project for decades. He said changes to the “major thoroughfare” would “transform the whole area.” Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila said, “The project is not a want, but a need, a public safety need.”
The project area stretches along Sumner Avenue, from Churchill Street to east of Daytona Street, the area of Belmont Avenue between Burlington and
according to Farooqui’s lawyer.
Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila, who represents Forest Park, asked attorney Ken Shea from the Law Department if a limited liability company has standing to petition the city. After Shea explained that the discontinuance was in order, Davila said he would be more comfortable sending the issue to committee. “I have many questions,” he said. Among them were concerns about traffic on a residential street. He also wanted to hear the opinion of the Forest Park Civic Association. Govan agreed.
At Large City Councilor Kateri Walsh felt the delay was not necessary and said civic associations are not required to weigh in on such matters.
Ormond streets, and along Dickinson Street between Burlington and Cliffwood streets. Several nearby streets will also be affected, including Commonwealth Avenue and Cliffwood, Lennox, Ormond, Burlington and Oakland streets.
DPW Director Chris Cignoli began by clarifying that, despite rumors, “There is no roundabout in the center of the X.” There will, however, be changes to traffic patterns. Among these are plans to change the streets leading in and out of the X to one-ways. Cignoli explained that traffic entering the X from Belmont will need to turn onto Ormond — a one-way — and make a left turn. Vehicles exiting the X to travel toward East Longmeadow will turn onto Belmont, which will be a one-way between Sumner and Commonwealth. A similar pattern will play out on the opposite side of Belmont, which will be a one-way route from Burlington to Sumner. The traffic pattern changes will not go
into effect until 2028 or 2029, and there will be public advisories and signage prior to the changes.
Cignoli also addressed concerns people have previously had about losing trees as part of the project. He explained that a previous plan involved widening the streets and would have required a reduction of about 120 trees. Since then, the on-street bike lanes have been removed and instead of 5-foot sidewalks, 8-foot multi-use lane will be installed, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to share the space. While some trees will still be removed, a robust landscaping plan will result in 57 more trees than are currently planted in the construction area. The number of trees that will be preserved has also increased.
Cignoli said there will be an increase in the number of sidewalks in the area, not only at intersections, but also mid-block. The plan also calls for sheltered bus stops. The redesigned streets will lead to what Cignoli described as “dead areas” of what would be empty concrete spaces on the side of some roads. Instead, the plan calls for “plazas” with seating and lighting in these places. Initial utility work and some tree work was completed in 2025. Sidewalks and drainage work on Sumner, as well as water line work on Dickinson and Burlington will be completed by the end of April. Between May and August, crews will excavate parts of Sumner, Dickinson, Ormond, Burlington and Cliffwood. Work on the multi-use lanes will continue through spring 2027. There will also be utility relocation and electrical work during the year ahead.
ters will be notified before any planned utility interruptions occur. Throughout the project, he said “every effort” is being made to limit disruptions to residents, pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. Most street closures will be scheduled for five or six hours overnight. “Obviously, there will be backups, yes,” Moylan said, but daytime closures will mostly be limited to single lanes. Referring to construction disruptions, Cignoli said he prefers “a big pain for a small time” as opposed to smaller disruptions over longer periods. He said he is working to make sure the crews collaborate on the work to ensure
MassDOT Construction Area
Engineer Todd Moylan said abut-
DPW Director Chris Cignoli explains which streets at the X will become one-way.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Ward 6 City Councilor Victor Davila stands after City Council President Tracye Whitfield calls a police officer to remove him.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
Shop owner fulfills ‘dream’ of helping community
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — Walking into a tiny storefront on the corner of State and Cortland streets, the aroma of incense fills the air. Every bit of space is used wisely, maximizing the ability to display products and creating a feast for the eyes of colors and textures. Along the righthand wall, small bottles and jars are arranged on shelves — salves, tinctures, body butters — while tables hold glittering handbags, T-shirts and items emblazoned with slogans and the black, green and red of
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it is as expedited as possible.
Residents asked a variety of questions, ranging from business owners upset about trash and roadway debris to concerns about uneven pavement. Cignoli told the former person that the DPW and Parks and Recreation Department share responsibility for
City Council
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DPW Director Chris Cignoli offered that it is traditional to seek the neighborhood’s input. When asked by At Large City Councilor Justin Hurst, Cignoli said the paper street did not have value from the DPW’s standpoint, other than the land value.
Davila began to ask more questions about the matter, but City Council President Tracye Whitfield interjected, saying that the motion to move to committee was on the floor and his questions could be answered in committee. Davila insisted that he wanted to ask another question,
61ST ANNUAL ELKS COTE — SULLIVAN FISHING DERBY
The annual Elks Cote-Sullivan Fishing Derby returns Saturday, April 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Barney’s Pond at Forest Park. All boys and girls up to, and including, age 12 are invited to participate. Trophies will be awarded for any tagged trout that are caught. One trophy per child. Three trout limit. There will be two grand prizes of a $50 gift card to (Dick’s Sporting Goods) that will be given to the boy and the girl that caught the largest tagged trout. Free raffle prizes will be held throughout the derby. The event will be held rain or shine. This year will be the derby’s eighth year being partners with the Springfield Parks & Rec Department, Springfield Police “Cops and Bobbers”, Trout Unlimited, Springfield Fire “Hooks & Ladders,” the Massachusetts & U.S. Fish & Wildlife and the derby’s newest partner Springfield Together, Inc. Lessons about fishing, and cleaning fish will be offered. Bait and fishing rods will be available for use during the derby. Please call Tommy Kelly 413-237-6964: or Bob Wallace 413-262-2174 if you have any questions.
the pan-African flag.
Keya Hicks, the owner of the newly opened Mindful Necessities wellness shop, stands behind the counter, ringing up purchases. The line stretches nearly to the door, but her demeanor reflects nothing but the calm and well-being she wants to share with the community.
At the April 6 grand opening, Hicks’s cousin, Ayanna Crawford, said the shop has been a “lifelong dream” for Hicks, who has been crafting herbal remedies based on African traditions and family recipes since she was young.
emptying trash and cleaning the streets. Moylan gave the latter individual good news when he said Sumner is slated to be milled and paved later this year.
The president of a concerned citizens’ group asked about the roadway lighting fixtures and said the “cobra head” lights lead to increased traffic speeds.
“We’re installing cobra heads,” Cignoli said, adding that parts for the decorative or “architectural” lights are no longer available.
but Whitfield tried again to end the questioning. She also pointed out that he had already asked two questions and City Council rules require he yield the floor to other councilors before he continues questioning the petitioner. Davila persisted and both councilors raised their voices, yelling over each other.
Whitfield told him, “I am the City Council president. I make the rules.” He responded with the accusation, “You’re censoring me.” Whitfield banged her gavel repeatedly while Davila smacked his fist on the desk. Then, Whitfield called for the police officer to come into the chamber, ostensibly to remove Davila. However, she called a two-minute
Springfield City Council President Tracye Whitfield, who is an aunt to some of Hicks’s children, delivered proclamations from the council and Mayor Domenic Sarno. Other officials at the opening included City Councilor Zaida Govan, and Crawford, who serves on the School Committee. Crawford was also present in her capacity as state Rep. Orlando Ramos’s chief of staff. She presented Hicks with a proclamation from the House of Representatives.
One person at the opening who has a debilitating condition gave a testimonial that she uses
He said that is what is available through Eversource, with which the city has a contract. “Architectural lights don’t put out the needed light on a four-lane street,” he told the resident. The bases for the cobra head lights are already being installed.
Another person asked if signs alerting drivers to closed lanes can be put out further down the street, giving drivers more time to move into the correct lane. Cignoli said he would speak
recess before the officer could do so. Davila stood, threatening to leave the meeting, but Ward 3 City Councilor Melvin Edwards walked over to calm his colleague. By the time the recess ended, the councilors had settled down. The council voted to send the matter to committee, and the meeting continued without further incident.
This was the latest episode between Davila and Whitfield. In February, controversy swirled around Whitfield after she failed to recuse herself from a matter to which she had financial and familial connections. An investigation by the city solicitor revealed that she had been involved in several questionable interac-
one of Hicks’s products, and it has helped with her pain.
“The demystification of community health starts right here in this store,” said Hicks. “Herbalism is not just about plants. It’s about culture.” She said there is a deeply rooted tradition of herbalism among Black communities.
Hicks said the products sold in the shop that she does not make must align with her mission. “Mindful Necessities is a place for everyone who wants to live healthier,” she said. “It’s about making the community healthy. People can really take charge of themselves.”
with the crews.
Asked if there will be further changes to the plan, Cignoli told Reminder Publishing, “Big stuff? None. The plan in general is the way it will look.”
Moylan said all project materials are available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese at mass. gov/the-x-springfield. Comments and concerns can be sent to MassDOTSpringfieldX@dot. state.ma.us.
tions with city personnel and one neighborhood council. Davila, Edwards and Ward 2 City Councilor Michael Fenton brought a vote of no confidence to the floor on March 2, but their contingent was not enough to oust Whitfield from the presidency.
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
Paul J. Brault
Joyce A. Grycel
Jeannine M. Martell
Tomas G. Martins
Jeanne L. Russell McClain
Suzanne J. Morrissette
Ilda F. Paulo
Darlene J. Peck
Una M. Trudell
Mark Walas
David F. Zajchowski
EAST LONGMEADOW
Mildred D’Amato (Cangro)
Glenn E. Elmer
George Thomas Herberger
William J. Jamieson
Kathleen M. Snow
Jon M. Steele
Norman R. Tremblay
Mary Jane A. Whitehead
HAMPDEN
Catherine Pat Bombard
David Stevens
Stanley Witkop Jr.
HOLYOKE
Marilyn J. Angers
Eric H. Dugroo
Robert E. Lafrenaye
LUDLOW
Edward J. Cislak
Richard L. Dionne
David P. Petrolati
Susan Ribeiro
Barbara S. Zielinski
SOUTH HADLEY
Charles A. Boulais Jr. Olivia Nicole Hann Rosemary Lane
SPRINGFIELD
Barbara A. Aubrey
Loys A. Center
Robert A. Dionne
Robert R. Lynch Jr. Evelyn I. Marlborough
Casey Thompson
WILBRAHAM
Joan Davis
Jean M. Hirsch
Rosemary “Ro” O’Donoghue
From left: Business owner Keya Hicks, surrounded by family and friends, cuts the ribbon outside her wellness shop, Mindful Necessities. Keya Hicks holds a proclamation from the Springfield City Council, while Council President Tracye Whitfield presents a proclamation from Mayor Domenic Sarno. Behind them, School Committee member Ayanna Crawford and Hicks’s son listen.
Reminder Publishing photos by Sarah Heinonen
LACROSSE
The Springfield Central High School girls lacrosse team hosted Belchertown High School on March 30. Belchertown won 13-3 in an early season game.
REMINDER SPORTS PHOTOS TAKEN BY DAVID HOSMER
Valarie San stands tall in goal.
Natalia Auguste moves into position.
Anaya Colon scores for the Golden Eagles.
Ceylin Durdu gets in position on offense.
SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL VS BELCHERTOWN
Cali Smith moves the ball up the sideline after the steal.
Arcieri Guzman shields the ball as she pushes it forward.
Ana Goncalves de Souza gets the play started.
Tyla Greene gives out instructions to her teammates.
Geysha Perez controls the play from the point.
Scarlett Rosa moves up on offense.
Khamani Rawlins looks to move the ball through the midfield.
Forbes Library hosts fiber arts exhibit by The Fiberistas
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
NORTHAMPTON — The Hosmer Gallery on the second floor of Northampton’s Forbes Library is awash in colors and textures. Nine women have put their heart and soul — and thread — into a fiber art exhibit, “Bits and Pieces.”
Sally Dillion, Rebecca Fricke, Barbara Kline, Martha May, Martha Robinson, Florence “Flo” Rosenstock, Margaret Stancer, Eileen Travis and Nancy Young
are The Fiberistas. They range in age from mid-50s to mid-80s, but the one thing they have in common is a love of fiber art.
“There’s nine of us and we work in a variety of different mediums,” Rosenstock said. The “Bits and Pieces” exhibit includes art created by quilting, sewing, felting, crochet, soft sculpture, collage, fabric discharge and printing, cyanotype and photo silk screen and mixed media. Rosenstock said, “I like making things with my hands. I’m fasci-
nated by color.” Her medium of choice is quilting, but she also likes to dye her own fabrics. Occasionally, she will create fiber sculptures with felt and paper
In 2001, the Fiber Arts Center opened in Amherst. When it closed seven years later, a handful of the people who enjoyed the center decided they would carry on in the form of The Fiberistas. Over the years, some members have moved away, and others have joined the group. The goal of the “Bits and
Pieces” exhibit was to use materials the artist already had, scraps from other projects that would otherwise go to waste. The exhibit consists of about 50 pieces of art. Many of them were created for the exhibit, but some pieces are older and simply have not been on display before.
Since the group’s founding, they have staged an array of exhibits in Northampton and Amherst, including at Art in the Orchard, an outdoor art show that is on display for three months
of the year. Rosenstock said making fiber art that will stand up to the weather is particularly challenging. Nonetheless, Rosenstock loves having her work on display. She said, “It’s wonderful to get people’s feedback — and maybe sell a piece — but it’s mostly having people see and appreciate the pieces.”
“Bits and Pieces” will be on display until April 29.
Gonzalez named chair of World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast
By Sarah Heinonen sheinonen@thereminder.com
SPRINGFIELD — On a recent morning, the Bellagio Ballroom at MGM Springfield was filled with representatives of organizations and businesses that support the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast. They gathered to bestow the title of 2026 honorary chair on State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez.
The World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast is hosted by the Spirit of Springfield. This year marks the event’s 40th anniversary. Several past honorary chairs were present at the ceremony, including Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni (2021), Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame President John Doleva (2024) and Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi (2025).
Gonzalez said, “I am deeply humbled.” Referring to the past honorary chairs, he said, “French, Italian, Polish and now Latino.” He said, “Y’all better get ready to do some salsa,” and joked that he had to live up to Mayor Domenic Sarno’s nickname for him: “Salsa
Economics.” He explained that the nickname came from a time when he compared the ingredients for economic prosperity to the variety of spices that go into making salsa. He said Springfield was also made exceptional by the different people and cultures that live in the city.
Gonzalez said what makes the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast special is the “third, fourth, fifth generations,” of families that have made it tradition over its 40year history. Gonzalez said he was looking forward to bringing his grandchildren to the event.
Gulluni and MGM Springfield President Louis Theros presented Gonzalez with the embroidered blue-and-white jacket worn by the honorary chair.
During the ceremony, Spirit of Springfield Board Chair John Sjoberg joked, “Carlos has long brought home the bacon from Boston and this year, he’s going to cook the bacon.”
This year, the World’s Largest Pancake breakfast will take place on Saturday, May 16, from 8-11 a.m. At tables stretching the
length of Main Street, from State Street to Bridge Street, thousands of people will eat pancakes, ba-
con, miniature muffins, coffee, juice and milk. Attendees can help themselves to a plate of entertainment and activities along with their pancakes.
Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt said, “What people remember is not the food. It’s the feeling.”
Sarno said, “This pancake breakfast brings the beautiful mosaic of Springfield downtown.” While “urban centers get knocked,” he said the breakfast highlighted the city’s generosity.
MGM Springfield is the event’s largest sponsor, but All States Materials, GoNetSpeed and Monson Savings Bank also sponsor the event. Dozens of businesses and agencies donate products and services, includ-
ing AM Lithography, American Medical Response, Baystate Health, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Cabot Creamery, Costco, Elegant Affairs, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Home Grown Springfield (Sodexo), Mansfield Paper Company, MassMutual Center, Mercy Medical Center, MGM Springfield, Quality Beverage, Republic Services, Sheraton Springfield, Smithfield Foods, Springfield Business Improvement District, Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, Springfield DPW, Springfield Fire Department, Springfield Parking Authority, Springfield Police Department and Yellowstone Landscape. Volunteers set up, sell tickets, cook and serve food, and clean up after the event.
After Gonzalez accepted the honor, Ashley Kohl, owner of Ohana School of Performing Arts, shared with the crowd that there would be a flash mob at the event performing to John Mellencamp’s “R.O.C.K. in The U.S.A.” For more information about the World’s Largest
Quilts by Margaret Stancer and fiber sculptures by Nancy Young, part of The Fiberistas’s “Bits and Pieces” exhibit at Forbes Library.
Reminder Publishing photos by Peter Tuohy
State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez poses wearing his World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast Honorary Chair jacket, while MGM Springfield President Louis Theros and Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni applaud.
Reminder Publishing photo by Sarah Heinonen
CHICOPEE
Andrew M. DiStefano and Jessica Marie Gannon to Nancy Marie Richter, 269 Chicopee St. Unit 6
Dow Jones & Co., Inc., to UFPT MA LLC, 0 Burnett Road
Ernesto Bonilla Jr., to Julianne Tauscher, Aaron Tauscher and Donna Oberle, 343 Chicopee St. Unit 14
Jaclene M. Newhall to Phyllis P. Chouinard, 38 Applewood Drive
Kamlesh Mistri and Rachna Mistri to Yanir Stein, 32 Nassau St.
Penelope Ann Gagnon to Tyler Douglas Cyr, 25 Ross Ave. $321,000
Phyllis P. Chouinard to Dylan Donoghue and Thalia Phok-Donoghue, 15 Hyde Ave. $315,000
EAST LONGMEADOW
Emily R. Quinn and Kyle Quinn to Harry Horton and Marisa Horton, 31 Canterbury Circle
Gina Calabrese to Casey M. Moriarty and Matthew Boucher, 62 Cooley Ave.
LONGMEADOW
Chong Yuan Zhang, Zhen-Zhen Zhang and Zhen Zhen Zhang to Xian Wu and Mengdi Wang, 303 Captain
Elizabeth A. Kendall and Vaibhav Krishna Irugu Guruswamy to Sean Germain and Iona Holloway, 11 Nevins
Construction
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