Hyundai Salute To Heroes - November 14, 2021

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

S2 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

W

e all know a hero; someone who has served us during our time of greatest need. Now more than ever, we’ve learned that heroes don’t always wear capes. Whether it’s a nurse, doctor, teacher, grocery worker or manufacturer, ANY everyday hero deserves our gratitude. As thanks, your local Hyundai dealers teamed up to award one local hero with a brand-new 2022 Hyundai TUCSON as part of the Hyundai Salute to Heroes promotion.

Turning to the community, we asked you to nominate your favorite hero when voting commenced on Sunday, October 3 through Sunday, October 31. The groundswell of community support was overwhelming as nominations came in droves with people sharing all the ways their hero has made an impact. Amassing nearly 500 nominations there was no shortage of admirable acts of kindness, and examples of heroism, whether big or small, that usually goes unnoticed.

One deserving winner was chosen and received the keys to a brand-new 2022 Hyundai TUCSON with all tax and title fees donated, courtesy of the Western Massachusetts Hyundai Dealers. This special section will showcase a sampling of the stories behind our local community heroes.

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

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Kristen Biancuzzo

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S3

WINNER!

Nominated by Jennafer Souders-Gauthier

Mrs.Biancuzzo is a Rockstar teacher.

She is whole-heartedly invested in her students and seeks to open their eyes to the benefits of education, the power of language, and the importance of diversity and acceptance in the world.

A former Grinspoon Award winner, she co-teaches the Westfield Promise ELA program with professors at WSU (Westfield State University). Westfield Promise offers college opportunities to first generation students who might not have seen the opportunity of college afforded to them--it identifies a particular subset of students and paves the initial path to a college education. In the past two years her Westfield Promise students have worked on projects involving the Faces of Westfield and the Opioid Crisis here in Westfield. Her students are about to publish a film documentary covering this crisis. A few years ago we lost a student body member (and this promising individual was in Mrs. B’s class) to the crisis, so it became very personal. Furthermore, with Mrs. B at the helm, a community garden was constructed and maintained and a mural painted in the downtown section of the city. As an educator, she strives for excellence, commands a room, shares responsibility, and makes students laugh. She is the smartest person I know. If I mention I’m looking for a poem or short story on a topic, the next thing I know it is on my desk or in my inbox. She’s a giver. She’s a light. She’s a rock, and a ROCKSTAR. Incidentally, she is driving a VERY old car that is currently in the shop for repair and it has 200,000 miles on it.

Her goal is to nurse the car to 300,000 miles. She doesn’t like to draw attention to herself, as extroverted as she is. So I’ll do it for her. Thank you.

Westfield High teacher Kristen Biancuzzo (red sweater) stands with local Hyundai dealers (from left), Brian Houser of Balise Hyundai, Carla Cosenzi of Country Hyundai, and Gary Rome of Gary Rome Hyundai in front of her new 2022 Hyundai TUCSON during a ceremony at Westfield High. She was selected as the winner in the Hyundai Salute to Heroes program. (DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN)

Kristen Biancuzzo with friend, fellow teacher and nominator, Jennafer Gauthier.

S4 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

MEET THE JUDGES

Katie Allan Zobel

President and CEO, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Katie has served as President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts since 2013 and, for the eight years prior, she shared the position of Vice President of Philanthropic Services with a job-share partner. For nearly a decade, Katie has been focused primarily on leading the foundation through a significant evolution during which time the foundation’s financial assets and its staff have doubled and the Trustees endorsed a new strategic vision and priorities centered on increasing equity and impact. Prior to joining CFWM, Katie was a member of Amherst College Alumni and Development team for 10 years, serving in a variety of fundraising roles and was director of annual giving for WGBY/Public Television (now NEPM) earlier in her career.

She currently serves as board member and secretary of the Western Mass EDC, as board member of the Springfield Regional Chamber, member of the Coordinating Council for the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission’s Plan for Progress, member of the Springfield Business Leaders for Education, and is co‐chair of the Western Massachusetts Funders’ Network. Katie holds a B.A. in English from Boston College and a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation from the American College.

Raymond Berry

Founder and General Manager of White Lion Brewing Company Raymond Berry is the founder and general manager of White Lion Brewing Company, the first craft beer company post prohibition to recognize the city of Springfield’s as its home. White Lion’s portfolio of beers can be found throughout Massachusetts.

White Lion’s branding has received national attention and its creative event White Lion Wednesday was recognized by Food and Wine Magazine as one of the top beer gardens in the country.

Berry is currently a board member at Springfield College, Blues to Green, and an Attorney General appointee to the Commonwealth’s Cannabis Regulatory Committee. Berry also sits on the Basketball Hall of Fame Finance Committee, Food Bank of Western MA Finance Committee, Diversity & Inclusion Committee for the MA Brewers Guild and Philanthropic Committee for the national Brewers Association.

Berry earned his BS from American International College, MBA from Springfield College and a graduate certificate from Tufts University. He was a Business West 40 under 40 honoree, and graduate in the region’s inaugural Leadership Pioneer Valley (LEAP) class. Ray received the Spirit Award by the local Housing Authority, the Affiliated Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Award, the Association of Black Business & Professional’s Business of the Year Award, a Martin Luther King Social Justice Awardee, and has been recognized as one of the region’s top 100 Men of Color.

Recent acknowledgments include Boston Business Journal’s 2021 Power 50 and the 2021 MA Economic Impact Award.

Bo Sullivan

Assistant Executive Director Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield Bo has been with the Boys & Girls Club for three years and served as President for the nine years prior. During his time with the Boys and Girls Club he has led two capital campaigns that raised more than $6 million in the last 10 years. Before joining the Club, Bo had a 26 year career in local radio and was a 20 year host of a morning show in the Pioneer Valley. This career path allowed him to be involved with many Western Mass. organizations and raise funds for much-needed causes.

These include organizations like the Dana Farber Cancer Institute/Jimmy Fund, the YMCA, Big Brother Big Sister, Make-AWish Foundation, Shriner’s Hospital for Children, Baystate Children’s Hospital and many others. After his extensive radio career, Bo went on to work at Westfield State University in the foundation office and then was Executive Director of the Irish Cultural Center. A life-long resident of Westfield and a graduate of the University of Hartford, Bo is now a member of the Westfield School Committee. He and his wife Kristin have two daughters, Leighanne and Shannon.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S5

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

Katie Maggi Nominated by Joanne Bergeron

Katie worked through 2020 and 2021 as a RN at Baystate Medical in Springfield. Katie works on the floor taking care of new mothers and their babies. She has taken care of several new mother’s and newborn babies who were positive for Covid. Through all of this uncertainty with the pandemic she is also a mom herself to two young boys and two step-children. She works the night shift, and during the pandemic in 2020 she would work all night and then go home and take care of her two little boys because daycares had to close, sometimes not sleeping for over 48 hours. She also fights the chronic disease of Lupus affecting her lungs and kidneys which leaves her extremely fatigued and in terrible pain. Although getting Covid would be life threatening for her, she still continued to work and take care of her patients through 2020 and the first six months of 2021 until she had to take some time off because her disease was so out of control. She sold her newer SUV to lessen the financial burden and drives a shared family vehicle. She is now back to work as a nurse at Baystate. Even through her medical challenges she has always put her patients and family first. I hope you will feel Katie is as deserving of a new vehicle as I do.

Julie Wawro Nominated by Andrew Wawro

I am nominating my mother because she is not only the strongest person I have ever met, but also the most selfless and giving person I’ve ever met. She spent 30+ years working as a caretaker for mentally disabled people at Belchertown state school/ Monson developmental centre, all the while raising 4 boys of her own, and 8 step children who’s mother passed away at a young age. My mother now is a caretaker for my father who has Alzheimer’s disease, and requires 24/7 care. She feeds, bathes, clothes, my father among many other things and never once complains or asks for a break, she does everything with kindness in her heart and love. She most recently got her license at 70 years old so that she would be able to take my father to appointments if need be, but has been unable to save enough money to purchase a reliable vehicle as they are on a fixed income and my fathers medications are rather expensive, so something like this would be a dream come true for them. In my eyes, my mother truly is a hero and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than her.

Kim Korovae Nominated by Tracy Lynch

Kim is an absolutely amazing nurse who takes the best care of her patients. She truly cares about each and everyone. During Covid she not only worked her scheduled shift she constantly worked overtime to make sure that the Veterans had the care they deserved. She does not tolerate any mistreatment or neglect of her patients. Kim has worked at the Soldier’s Home for 38 years, barely taking time off, except for vacation. She has over 1200 hours of sick time because she is the most dedicated nurse I know.

At the beginning of Covid, Kim contracted the virus and was very sick and quarantined in her home. Kim was more concerned with how her patients were more than herself. The number of patients lost at the Soldier’s Home was and still is tragic. Kim mourned every patient as if they were family and one of them was her father in law. Kim has been traumatized by these events.

Even though it’s hard for her to be at the Soldier’s Home in light of those events, she continues to work every scheduled shift plus overtime to ensure the safety and health of her patients. If my parents needed to be in the Soldiers Home I would demand that they be assigned to Kim’s floor. Kim’s patient’s families are constantly thanking her for the care their loved ones received from her. You will never find a nurse that cares more or is as good a nurse as Kim Korovae.

S6 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

ISTOCK PHOTO

Madison Quinn Nominated by Jessica Rizzo

Lisa Santos

Nominated by Samantha Santos Working overtime almost everyday of the week, putting the lives of her patients before her own needs, and sacrificing a stress free life, are all things Lisa Santos does for her job. She has been a nurse for many years, but specifically as a hospice nurse, she has taken up this field of work for about ten years. Throughout the past ten years, Lisa has connected closely with many patients and taken their deaths very hard, because not only were they patients, they were friends. The past year and a half, Lisa has taken on so much more than she realistically should have. Not only is she a nurse, she is also a mother. She has four children of her own and three step-children, all of which she refers to as her “seven kids”. During Covid-19, she felt awful as a mother; this is because rather than going to homes, she was pulled into the hospital to provide care to those who were going to pass away due to the infection. Lisa overworked herself everyday of every week, some times she worked all seven days of the week. She felt terrible because she thought her kids would think they weren’t as important, even though she was trying. Lisa took on such a big role at the hospital and still tried to hold the household together; tiring herself. She saw things that were just unimaginable, she would go home and her kids could tell she had an awful day, which was a very common occurrence, but she stayed strong in front of her kids. Lisa did this for about 8 months, and was sent back to regular hospice care. She works so hard and doesn’t get the recognition she deserves. This is why she is a hero.

Madison is only 19 and has worked firsthand with Covid patients through out the pandemic. She goes out of her way to ensure her patients are well taken care of. Whether it’s drying in between their toes, or scratching their back she doesn’t hesitate. She takes pride in her work. When Covid-19 first came around, Madison began volunteering for a local shelter. Madison volunteered 3 days a week to help run adoption hours, spend endless days out saving stray kittens, fostering sick , feral, and neonatal kittens, as well as raising over $1,000 for the shelter. As if that wasn’t enough Madison founded her own 501c3 when she was 13. Her non profit Strong Little Souls like all businesses was greatly impacted by the pandemic. Strong Little Souls works directly with families affected by pediatric cancer by providing individualized care packages, granting wishes, and providing financial support.

Madison worked day and night to ensure all the families she knew didn’t need to worry about bills during the pandemic.

Madison arranged private ice time for, little girl with terminal cancer, and taught her to make her first snowman with shavings from the ice. The memories she creates with these families are priceless.

She surprised everyone by having Strong Little Souls’ most successful year in the midst of the pandemic. Madison doesn’t profit a penny from her work, she has a true heart of gold. Madison has done everything she can to give back to the community through out her whole life, and she has only worked harder during the pandemic. Winning this car would allow her to safely travel to and from work, kittens to and from the shelter, and allow her to continue bringing smiles to the children battling cancer. No one deserves this more.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Kimberly Pezzano

Nominated by Amy Denette Ms. Pezzano is our hero because she has gone above and beyond to help my 20 year old daughter recently diagnosed with Schizoaffective Disorder. Ms. Pezzano demonstrates patience, knowledge, empathy, communication and great work ethic. She is right there helping us through this new diagnoses; it has been very hard on our family.

My daughter has been hospitalized multiple times this year. Ms. Pezzano and Cecile Wonkka (Inpatient Care Prescriber) have been my daughter’s biggest cheerleaders. Ms. Pezzano emails & calls to see how my daughter is doing after she returns home from a hospital stay at Holyoke Medical Center.

Every time I go and visit my daughter, Ms. Pezzano is very welcoming, if i need to have a conversation with her; she makes herself available to hear my concerns. I have been dealing with my own mental health for almost 20 years now; I have never met someone so dedicated to her career; to actually want to change someone life. That’s Ms. Pezzzano! Mental Health Industries is a very hard field, lots of hours, education, and dealing with multiple mental health crisis’s. Ms. Pezzano’s patience and knowledge is one have never came across. When my daughter was about 15 years old she needed to be evaluated by crisis; when my daughter was first hospitalized at Holyoke Medical Center on M5 earlier this year Ms. Pezzano called me to say she is my daughter’s Social Worker, she seemed very nice.

Our conversation continued and come to find out she is the one who evaluated my daughter when she was 15 years old.

Ms. Pezzano remembered my daughter.

My daughter left an impression on Ms. Pezzano. I have been truly impressed with Ms. Pezzano and her dedication to one of the most difficult career fields.

Ms. Pezzano is our HERO!

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S7

I think a hero is

any person really intent on making this a better place

for all people.

- MAYA ANGELOU

Celebrate your heroes w

tful arangeme u a e b a nt! it

Voted Best Florist for 6 years in a row!

413-785-5148

Mon-Fri 8am-5pm , Sat. 8am-3pm, Sun. 9am-2pm Daily Local Delivery

184 Union Street, West Springfield • www.DurocherFlorist.com

S8 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Idaliz Alicea

Nominated by Melissa Cruz I’d like to nominate my sister, Idaliz Alicea, for the ‘Hyundai Salute to Heroes’. 2021 has been a year filled with challenges, changes, but more importantly, growth. In the beginning of the year my sister, a single mother, had to adapt to working from home while also arranging and managing care for her 1 year-old daughter. As a Geriatric Support Services Coordinator, Idaliz was working with the geriatric population in the surrounding areas (Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, etc.) in order to ensure that their medical and social needs would be met during one of the most trying times our society has seen yet. During this time, she made it her priority to ensure their good health and well being by coordinating with other providers to verify that each member’s needs and concerns were addressed. Idaliz made daily phone calls to each and every one of her members, completed assessments and appropriate referrals and case conferenced with appropriate caregivers. As an Aeromedical Evacuation Technician and a member of the United States Air Force Reserves, Idaliz was then activated and deployed overseas in June, leaving behind her daughter and family members. While deployed, she took part in one of the most remarkable events in history, assisting with evacuation efforts of thousands of refugees and providing medical care for them. Idaliz took on the most selfless duty during deployment and promised to put service before herself, as she swore to do when she signed on the dotted line. The sacrifices she made while being deployed amounted to the gratitude and respect we have for her as a family and we are thankful that she has returned safely. I feel that the receipt of this vehicle would signify the appreciation I have for her and for the sacrifices she’s made for us as a country.

Kelly Cruz Nominated by Yesenia Cruz Kelly worked throughout the pandemic. She also raised her 2 children. She also has raised many other children without every thinking about her self first. She raised her nephew when her sister could no longer. Raised her step son, and for the last 8 years after her own children were grown and moved out, her sister in law passed away and her sister in law had custody of her grandson when she died. He was 5 years old and Kelly jumped in and got custody of this child so he would not be put in the court system and now 8 years later is adopting this now 14 year old child. She has selflessly always put other child of need before herself and is a great role model and is very worthy of this car.

Michael Russell Nominated by Jocelyne Scibelli

I am nominating my son-in-law, Michael Russell, as a Hometown or My Hero, because he is always available to help me as well as take care of his wife, my daughter, Laurie, who is disabled. Mike is a 24/7 caretaker for her including making meals, personal hygiene (shower, shampoo, etc), taking her to her doctor’s appointments, follow-up appointments, and her “Rock” which means being there to support, encourage, and be someone for her to talk to and lift up her spirits no matter what. Before he leaves for work, he prepares her meals, makes sure she has her meds at the ready. THEN, AFTER TAKING CARE OF HER, he works in a group home taking care of physically and mentally disabled people. His duties THERE, would include preparing their meals and feeding them, if necessary, as well as taking them to doctor’s appointments or social outings, and then getting them ready for bed. ON TOP OF ALL THAT, I recently lost my husband to Alzheimer’s earlier this year after he fought this unforgiving disease for 5 years. Needless to say, whenever I needed Mike to help me “handle my husband, Bill,” he was always there to offer his assistance with whatever I needed whether it be lifting him out of bed, taking him to the bathroom, or convincing him to go to bed. He would always come over on a moment’s notice. Therefore, I sincerely feel that he is a Hero in every sense of the word. I also want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to “bring into the light” how good a man he has been for our family, and to ask you to please give him serious consideration to be the “Hyundai Hero” he is and has been to our family. Thank You.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S9

Sasha Parker

Nominated by Ronnie Parker

FREEDOM TO PAY IT FORWARD We are proud to honor all those in our community who have done heroic things to help friends and neighbors during trying times.

5.338x5.25

Sasha is a hero due to the strength and resilience that she exemplified working as a frontline healthcare worker during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Sasha was working as a full time ICU nurse at Holyoke Medical Center when the pandemic first hit western Massachusetts. She was working overtime to help with staffing needs and putting her own life at risk to care for others. While working, she followed the CDC’s recommendations and quarantined herself from friends and family to avoid possibly exposing them to the virus that she encountered every day at work. She would often come home exhausted after a 12+ hour shift and mourn for the patients that were lost that day and for their families. All of the emotions that were held back during the day would be released all at once when she arrived home. She would cry that it was unfair that these patients often had to die alone due to the visitation restrictions. While working as an ICU nurse during the pandemic, she witnessed the worst case scenarios of what the virus can do to people. As soon as the vaccine became available to her, she immediately signed up to receive it. She continually tries to educate others about the Covid-19 virus and the importance of getting the vaccine.

Despite all of the trauma that she has witnessed and endured, she continues to work as a registered nurse and provide compassionate care to her patients while simultaneously taking care of her family.

freedom.coop

FREEDOM IS YOURS.

001328_FCU-ChicopeeFirefightersScholarshipPrintAd.indd 1

3159073-01

Freedom Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). Shares and deposits in excess of NCUA limits are fully insured by the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation (MSIC).

Equal housing lender. NMLS #478769.

11/5/21 11:35 AM

S10 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Victoria Weltlich Nominated by Cynthia Wagner Victoria is a RN who worked through the worst of Covid on the front line at Baystate Medical Center working in the cardiac ICU. Holding strangers hands and face timing with patient’s loved ones as they said their goodbyes was one of the hardest situations to deal with. One patient’s wife really didn’t understand the extent of what her husband was going through, although the doctors were explaining the situation it was like she was listening but nothing was sinking in. Later she would ask “Tori”, as she is fondly known, would sit by her side and answer any questions she may have had or didn’t understand. Tori even gave her her personal cell number in case something came up that she needed help with, unfortunately the gentleman passed and the thought of losing him and her not there to be with him broke her heart. Tori met these people under terrible circumstances but felt as though they had been in her life forever. These times have been trying on everyone but you are pushed to the limit when you enter a room to find your uncle on a ventilator, that really tests the emotions, fighting back tears yet knowing you need to stay focused to do your job for as much as you can do. Her cousins leaned on her to be with their dad so that he didn’t leave this earth alone. As many have dealt with Covid to be a young nurse and deal with all these situations really tests you to the core!

She is strong, smart, loving and dedicated to her profession through thick and thin, and the most amazing daughter any mom could ask for. Currently a travel nurse so that she can learn as much as she can to become the best she can be.

Norman LaFave

Nominated by Jillian LaFave I am nominating my dad, Norman LaFave, who is a teacher in Hartford Public schools. My dad has been a teacher at schools with primarily at risk students for over 20 years. He gave up his job working at NASA because he wanted to give back to the community and empower more students to become scientists and engineers. He has helped numerous students get into college with full academic scholarships as well as military academies. On top of all of these accomplishments my dad has also helped many kids pass the AP exam with the highest possible scores in Physics. One year he had the most kids in the country pass the AP Physics exam. He has won many other prestigious awards as well. My dad doesn’t just support students during the school day but after school as well by staying for hours to tutor kids in any subject, he goes to their games and has even been known to help walk the occassional goat or cow at a FFA competition. Nobody is prouder of being a teacher than my dad. He is the best representation of what a teacher should be. He is a teacher, counselor, parent, friend, cheerleader. He is whatever his students need him to be. Plus, he has always been what I have needed him to be. Winning this award would help my dad so much with getting to work without having to worry about his car breaking down so he can continue to be what his students need him to be. Thank you for considering my dad for this award.

“He gave up his job working at NASA because he wanted to give back to the community and empower more students to become scientists and engineers.”

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S11

Alexis Giraud-Budd

Nominated by Diana Giraud My hero is my daughter Alexis, extremely beautiful, intelligent, kind, genuine, trustworthy and much more. Throughout the pandemic she has continued to work her full time job, raise her 4 year old, graduate from Westfield State with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, help her siblings and others, all while expecting a baby, born June, 2021. Her job at Baystate encompasses daily communication with patients that call in with questions, concerns, complaints and unfortunately tragic life stories. It extends to hospital and office staff to book appointments or tests. They know her by name and respect the work she does. Although stressful in daily interactions, she remains truly attentive and empathetic to their needs and concerns and goes above and beyond to give them the assurance and answers needed. As a mom, you are the expected caregiver to everyone. In the past year, Alexis has taken on that role to help me.

I have been battling with medical issues leading me to a dark place. These issues have sadly prevented me from being as active as I was with my kids and now grandkids. It hurts my heart that I can’t participate or do more with them. Although they are young, Alexis instills in them caring and kindness and they understand Grandma needs assistance sometimes.

Through all of this, she has stepped up to help without being asked. She has never made me feel useless, worthless or bad that I struggle with certain things and sometimes need extra attention. Alexis always brings the positive and continues to assure me all will be okay and that I will be better soon. I couldn’t love and adore her more. She is so deserving of a nice, safe vehicle for her precious cargo. My daughter, my true “Hero”!

SALUTING OUR HEROES Al & Jackie Rodriguez

Rays of Hope Event Chairs 2020 and 2021.

Thanks to your leadership HOPE was never canceled.

SALUDANDO A NUESTROS HÉROES Al y Jackie Rodríguez

Presidentes del Evento Rayos de Esperanza 2020 y 2021.

Gracias a su liderazgo, la ESPERANZA nunca fue cancelada.

13350

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

S12 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S13

We have a winner.

The 2022 Hyundai TUCSON

This is the all-new 2022 Hyundai TUCSON. It’s a powerful SUV that was engineered, designed and built for the modern adventure. With a daring new look, inside and out. Game-changing technology and safety. And now for the first time, it comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Without question, it’s the best TUCSON ever. Come see for yourself at your local Hyundai dealer today.

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

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

Country Hyundai Northampton 347 King Street Northampton, MA 01060 413-300-6374 countryhyundai.com

Optional features shown. Hyundai is a registered trademark of Hyundai Motor Company. All rights reserved. ©2021 Hyundai Motor America.

S14 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Candice Gunn

Nominated by Becky Plimpton Candice (Candy) Gunn runs the Southampton Community Cupboard, a food pantry that is housed in the Southampton Congregational Church. Through the pandemic Candy made sure that the food pantry remained open and available to any area residents that needed the help. With the help of her husband, Candy used her own vehicle, time, and connections to stock the shelves with items people wanted and needed most. She has partnered with many community leaders & businesses, including Big Y, the USPS, Boy & Girl Scouts, Norris Elementary School, and Eversource to organize food drives and donations of product and financial support. There are no regular hours to make donations, but if you call Candy or message her through Facebook she will meet you at the church with a smile and happy to incorporate your gift onto the pantry shelves. When COVID hit, she made bags of food for families to pick up. As an example of how busy they were, in October 2020, the food pantry handed out 1500lbs of food. Although she will tell you that this isn’t her prefered method of distributing food, at the time, it was very necessary. She prefers to set up the pantry like a store, where people can come in and “shop” for what they need. She says that this allows them to get what they really need and provides space for some dignity in the process. Search her name on Facebook - she is constantly getting the word out and planning the next food drive or fundraiser. I can’t think of any person who has done more in our community for those that were hit hardest by the pandemic.

Stephen Holt

Nominated by Tiffany Holt When you say the name Steven Holt, most people in my community would agree he is an exceptional example of a local hero.

He is dependable, highly respected and an extremely hard-worker. He does so many selfless things for my community and he does not seek recognition. During the COVID pandemic he kicked up his game and stepped into a new role in town as the emergency manager and spent hours on Zoom meetings to ensure our safety protocols were up to local standards. But the things he did during the pandemic only magnified what my dad does on a daily basis. The pandemic brought out the worst in a lot of people with the added stress and fear of the unknown, but for my dad he simply lead by example and truly restored the belief that there is still good in this world Ever since I was a little girl I witnessed how much people in my town admired my dad.

I grew up seeing firsthand what it took to be a hard-working blue-collar family. My dad will work from dawn to dusk and yet still have time to be an active member of our community. He volunteers his time as a firefighter and EMT serving as a role model and leader. He sits on several town committees and boards. He is an active member of the church and spent many years leading the youth group and Boy Scouts. He has influenced so many of our young community. In a world that is filled with hatred and cruelty he gives me promise that there is still good in the world. So what is hero? A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities, yup that’s Stephen Holt, that is my dad.

Lisa Thompson

Nominated by Gregg Thompson Since the beginning of the pandemic, through to today, Lisa has not missed a single day of work. Everyday she donned her mask, even though it caused skin irritations to the point were she needed special treatment for around her eyes, and went into work to serve the patients that needed to come in for physical therapy. On her scheduled day off (Fridays) she babysits her grandchildren so her daughter can work as a special needs teachers’ aide. In addition she takes care of her mother that lives in the next town over. Going grocery shopping for her, scheduling and taking her to the many doctors appointments, managing her medications on a weekly basis and assuring that she has everything needed. She has never asked for anything from others and is always there when someone needs help, a kind word, or just to lend an ear.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S15

Elaine Awand

Nominated by Alan Stearley In 2008 Elaine Award lost her job. When she applied for unemployment compensation, she was offered a chance to retrain. So, she signed up for the CADAC course at Westfield State. For three years she worked in most of the addiction programs in the area and wound up working in the Providence Hospital DETOX ward. After seeing several addicts return to DETOX several times, she realized that they did not have a safe and sober place to live. So, she set out to purchase an old, large house and turn it into a Sober House. She knew that money could get tight so she decided to take her retirement savings to pay cash for the house.

The house was so successful that she bought a second house to accommodate the need, paying cash from her retirement savings again. “Not In My Backyard” was rampant, but she persevered and overcame the complaints of the neighbors to the Zoning Department. She lost her son to addiction but again she persevered. She worked with Pioneer Valley Project to create systemic change in the Hampden County Jail, and she spearheaded the effort to bring Drug Court to Springfield. Elaine was directly responsible for re-uniting at least three female residents with their children. She has helped to spawn the establishing of four more Sober Homes with her advice that she freely offered. She has touched the lives of at least 400 addicts who have lived in her houses and probably thousands more if you include the addicts of the Sober Houses she advised along the way. Many of these people literally owe their lives to her and readily admit that they wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for her and the ABLE Houses.

For these reasons, I feel that Elaine deserves this SUV.

Nicole Arnold

Nominated by Helen Arnold Nicole is an exceptional RN that works in the ICU at Baystate Medical Center. She had been with that organization for 8 Years and also worked in the ER, and drug rehabilitation for people transitioning back to society. Nicole is well rounded and patients always are at the forefront !

Her experience with trauma, critical care and people with mental health needs, exhibits the RN who truly loves to care for all. During the pandemic, she stayed while she saw many of her peers leave, become ill and just couldn’t continue. It was a very difficult time for her however, her true care of people kept her working! She could of left for travel RN and made three times her current salary. No her commitment was her community! Nicole is an advocate for all of her patients. She can be seen giving COVID injections in the community, food or clothes to the unfortunate or working in ICU to save the most critical patient! She is someone that is always available to assist with the community and Her strong commitment makes her a hero to all.

Thank you to all the Local Front Line Workers and Local Communit y Heroes We Salute You!

1150 West St., Amherst, MA • (413) 253-9528 • www.atkinsfarms.com

Celebrating Our Dedicated BHN Staff Thank You for Your Life-Changing Work Join Our Team of Everyday Heroes Passionate people working to improve the lives of others in the areas of counseling, wellness, addiction and recovery.

www.bhninc.org

Visit bhnworks.org to view all job opportunities

S16 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Susan Beaubien

Nominated by Nicole Pietraszkiewicz I am not sure where to start. Sue has been a friend of mine since our kids played baseball. She is the most kind, generous and unselfish person I have ever met in my whole life. Twenty one years ago I had breast cancer and every morning she would drop a beautiful bouquet of flowers every day. She would come so early that I would never see her doing it. This little woman full of energy has help so many friends, family even strangers. She has come and did landscaping, removed bushes, planted bushes, gave perennials, dropped homemade food to friends, family etc. Unconditionally. She is so humble that it makes me humble.

She is an avid reader and I cannot tell you how many times she has shared her books. When my husband passed away from Covid this past January she would come on my freezing porch and keep me company via my sliding door. So many times she brought me delicious hot homemade soup. Omg. In her car she keeps all her gardening tools because she helps her aunt’s, uncle’s, neighbors and friends. Every day this awesome woman shops at Big Y for her aging uncle and aunt. She is so deserving of a new vehicle so that she can continue spreading her good deeds. Her car is in bad shape because she uses it more as a truck dragging soil, fertilizer, shovels to help others. She is a my hero and a hero for so many of us and she bring sunshine all around her. Hope you consider her as a hero because she IS. Thank you.

A hero is someone who, in spite of weakness,

doubt, or not always knowing the answers, goes ahead and overcomes anyway.

- CHRISTOPHER REEVE

Jeremy Tessier Nominated by Nancy Tessier Jeremy Tessier is a Registered Physical Therapist , a graduate of The University of Hartford (2001). Ever since graduating he has diligently worked in the rehab field, particularly geriatrics. Jeremy is a compassionate and conscientious practitioner who usually puts his staff and patient’s wellbeing above himself. For example, it is not unusual for him to work holidays so his staff members can be home with their families and his patients are properly cared for. He has worked the geriatric environment at many major facilities ( including the Holyoke Soldiers Home) throughout the region. Well known in the Medical Industry, Jeremy is frequently sought after by rehab facilities offering him a position because of his high standards of care that he provides as well as his professional ethics and high standard of confidentiality. In fact, during the pandemic, he was sought after by a large organization in South Carolina, but he decided he should stay here and not leave his patients. Shortly before Covid hit, Jeremy had the opportunity to switch to CareTenders to provide home care to adults of all ages but still mostly elderly. He could be seen donning all the protective gear-gown, mask, and headgear-by his car in order to make his housecall to treat his patient with great care and compassion, extending to other family members as well. For example, one patient’s family wanted Jeremy only as the PT, stated most emphatically. The wife was quoted as saying “The Sun rose and set on Jeremy” . The children he has coached through the years in soccer echo the same sentiments: humble, laid back, funny loving and wonderful. He also often works on fundraising for the Alzheimer Association. Anything Jeremy does is out of the goodness of his heart. If you need help, he is on the spot. A deserving candidate!!!!! Thanks.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Jessica Roy

Nominated by Debby Clarke Jess is a single mother of three children, two of whom are diagnosed with Autism, which creates a daily challenge to ensure structure, instruction and safety for her family at home, in school and in the community. The pandemic has made day to day activities even more challenging with quarantines, minimal access to outside activities, friends and family for support and fun. Raising her children and providing the love and opportunities they need is a full time job in and of itself but Jess is also a special education teacher at West Springfield high school with learners who are the most vulnerable in the building. The learners in Jess’ room are diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, Cognitive disabilities, Physical disabilities,and seizure disorders. Each day, Jess leaves her family and spends her day ensuring each one of her learners receives the opportunity to experience instructional and recreational activities delivered with compassion, professionalism and expertise. Jess has extremely high standards for her staff expecting all who come in contact with her learners treat them with respect and do not limit their experiences based on their diagnosed limitations. Many activities Jess develops are not funded by the school department and she readily uses her own funds to purchase materials for activities that will provide an experience they may not have otherwise, at times, going without herself in order to expose her learners to a new experience. Jess treats all she encounters with respect, never turns away from any challenge or request and rarely asks for anything in return. She inspires others to look for the positive in all that occurs and is enthusiastic and endearing in her spirit.

Jess is a hero to all who know her and would truly be deserving of a vehicle large enough to carry her family. Thank you!

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S17

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

ISTOCK PHOTO

The DIFFERENCE Between Acceptable and EXCEPTIONAL Design to Finish was conceived from the get go to develop and successfully manage commercial and privately funded construction projects. We have succeeded and have built a reputation for quality, innovativeness, integrity and excellence in execution.

Our passion goes beyond construction. Our corporate culture and family atmosphere drives us to serve the communities in which we live and work. Design to Finish General Contracting, Inc. works hard to support organizations and meet the needs of others.

We are a State of Connecticut Certified Woman-Owned Small Minority Business

www.designtofinish.com .

Sabon

S18 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Sherry O’ Connell Nominated by Kelley O’Connell I’m nominating my mom who has been a registered nurse for over 25 years. Since the start of the Pandemic, she has worked 3-4 jobs to support our family, which has been particularly difficult since my dad lost his job. In the last year and a half, she hasn’t taken a single sick day, and has worked at two jobs that she absolutely hates but cannot quit because she supports my unemployed, disabled dad and myself who’s a fulltime college student. She never complains, and is dedicated to serving her patients and community, going as far as to work extra during the holidays so she can anonymously tape cash and/or gift cards to the front doors of people she knows needs the extra help. It doesn’t matter that we don’t necessarily have the extra cash to spare, to her, all that matters is that she has a little bit extra and that she can use that little extra to help someone who doesn’t have enough. Sherry deserves to win not only for her dedication to taking care of her family and her community, but because she recently lost a job that supplied her with a work vehicle and has never been able to afford to buy a new car. She currently drives a 2001 Lexus that she got used from a family friend for $2500 and which needs to be supplied oil on a weekly basis because of underlying mechanical issues. If anyone deserves to be recognized as a local hero it’s Sherry and I couldn’t be more appreciative of this opportunity to nominate such an incredible woman.

Deborah DeLamotte Nominated by Rudolph DeLamotte

Deborah DeLamotte (Zononi) has been a nurse at the VA Hospital in Northampton Ma. for more than 45years, taking care of our Veterans that can’t take care of themselves. When I first met Debbie, I was a recovering alcoholic that just started a new job working as a Nursing Assistant on her unit. I was not doing very well in my recovery at the time and Debbie encouraged me to get off the booze and concentrate on my career. I took her advice and I was starting to fall in love with her.. We dated for about a year and decided to get married. I have remained in control ever since. We have now been married for 14 years. This is how she saved this Veteran’s life. Debbie has a heart as big as a whale and would do anything for anyone if she can. After we were married she promised her elderly parents that they never would have to live in a nursing home and we would take care of them since we were both in the nursing industry. Her father had passed after 8 years and her mother still lives with us at 89 years old.

Debbie has taken care of hundreds of our Veterans throughout her 45 year career with pride, honor and respect no matter what the demeanor or condition with a smile. Debbie has served our country, doing things for our Veterans that some hospitals won’t do, she is an exceptional nurse and deserves to be honored as an American Hero. After prolonging the lives of many Veterans and saving my life as well, I believe that Deborah DeLamotte is a perfect example of what a “Hero” truly is. She has certainly earned my love and respect and definitely is my “Hero”!!! Is she yours???

Cindy Tobey-Hunter Nominated by Thomas Tobey Cindy is my sister and my hero, and I believe she deserves to be recognized as a hero for the amazing job she does as a 911 dispatcher for over 8 years; she has worked two dispatching jobs for two different towns at the same time, and there were times when she would leave one town after working 12hrs and go work for another town because they needed someone to cover the shift. She works every holiday and because she has no kids I cant remember the last time she took Christmas off, she is the most dedicated worker I know and I look up to her everyday. And on top of all this she is an amazing sister who has always been there for me and always had my back. I realized 10 years ago I was an alcoholic and I needed help and I turned to my family for that help and I can say today my recovery hasn’t been easy, but I’ve made it 7 years sober and my sister has been one of my biggest supporters in my recovery and she has been one of the most amazing aunts to my beautiful 8 year old daughter. I truly believe in my heart my sister Cindy Tobey-Hunter deserves to be recognized as a local hero. Thank you for giving me to time to explain a small part of who my amazing sister is.. thank you.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S19

Jess Miller

Nominated by Allie Weissman There is little Jess Miller won’t do for a righteous cause. She’ll roll up her sleeves for manually labor or hop on the phone to find needle-in-a-haystack solutions. Her real power, however, is in orchestrating large-impact campaigns. Jess spends thousands of hours each year recruiting donors and volunteers for a wide range of volunteerism efforts. For our organization (Clinical & Support Options), Jess works with CSO’s Marketing & Development Dept. (specifically with CSO’s Development & Volunteer Programs Manager Allie Weissman). Jess has been a pandemic superhero in Western Mass. for CSO for over a year. For example, she has been an instrumental leader in the annual Gift Drive, which provides end-of-year gifts to hundreds of low-income families in Western Mass. She has provided more than 300 high-end, fully stocked art kits for our free Family Resource Centers in Amherst and Great Barrington. She also makes sure our homeless shelter guests have access to brand new comfy T-shirts and shorts for warm weather months. During the pandemic, Jess made sure homeless shelter guests had protective masks to wear and fun things to keep them occupied when remaining indoors. Jess’ lifelong passions have been children, families and veterans. She conducts giving drives for the veteran program Project Hope, creates and disseminates “appreciation baskets” and flowers for staff of the state’s Dept. of Children & Families, and helps nonprofits like Clinical & Support Options come up with systems to better improve in-kind and cash donation drives and giveaways. Most impressively, Jess Miller has raised over $250,000 for a variety of charitable causes through her “FunnyRaising” comedy shows. As the local comedian, Jess runs OMG! Comedy shows in Springfield and Chicopee. She recruits talented comedians to join her in raising money for a wide range of programs doing good work in Greater Springfield region.

ISTOCK PHOTO

Alesia Corbett Nominated by Sage Guiel Alesia Corbett is a mother, a caretaker, and a saint. She’s taught me to follow my heart and to always use my instincts. Alesia was a hospice nurse for 19 years. Her first patients were her mother, grandmother, and her uncle. My mother is a very strong woman and always sees the good in people. Alesia switched from being a hospice nurse to working in the school system.

Due to being a single mother, it was very difficult to be needed at the job at unexpected hours of the night. She loves her job working with kids, she always has a story about her day that she shares with me. Alesia is genuine, kind, giving, appreciative, and loving. My mother always thinks of others and it would be nice for her to have something for herself for once. My mother has sacrificed so much for me. Alesia volunteers to work with a program MRC outside of her job that helps kids who are lost and are falling through the cracks of the school system. My mother has helped me so much to unfold into who I am and I’m grateful to have her as a role model. She has taught me to be confident, to never let anyone disrespect me, to stand up for what I believe in, and to do the right thing even when it’s hard. I love her so much and I’d be so blessed and grateful if we won this car! I’m grateful for her being understanding, being on my side, and loving me unconditionally.

S20 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Marie Quinn

Nominated by Paul Quinn As soon as the Pandemic started, Marie immediately started purchasing Sanitizers, Surgical Masks, Gloves,Sprays, Wipes, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, and Cleaning Products for her family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, Church, Soup Kitchen so that no one would be missing these hard to get items. She always paid for all these items herself and never let one person giver her a penny.

It was for those who couldn’t but could be vigilant against Covid 19. Unfortunately during the holidays, Marie got severe Covid 19 with Pneumonia and Respiratory Failure and was almost put on a ventilator. She was in the hospital for over a week getting IV therapy medicine and high flow oxygen non-stop to make it through. She could only text because talking was too hard, and kept asking if people had enough supplies. She had medical issues this whole year and her medical bills have been so high and she has paid them all. Because of this she is not able to get a good winter vehicle and has a small car she drives, but is not good for the long New England winters. She has volunteered at the local Soup Kitchen for over 10 years and does this year round. We would love to see her in a safer vehicle. She is still giving those supplies to help people. To see her receive something she could absolutely use daily and help her keep giving so much to others, which she loves doing all the time. She often pays for meals at restaurants for elderly and military as a way to say thank you anonymously. It’s been a terrible year for her and nominating her for this Salute means so much. She would never see herself as a Hero but all those she has helped and keep helping do.

Tracy Moquin Nominated by Linda Paul I would like to nominate Tracy Moquin for consideration in your “Salute to Heroes” contest. My reasoning runs very personal. I feel Tracy (and her husband, Scott) are very deserving of this award. They have, over the years, been very involved in the Foster Program. They’ve had numerous foster children and have adopted two of them. This in addition to Tracy having been primary care-giver to Scott’s special needs son, Kameron, for 22 years. Sadly we lost Kam to Cerebral Palsy in June of 2020. Scott worked very hard with his motorcycle group sponsoring a fundraiser in Kameron’s memory with proceeds going to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children. Kam was a patient there, and was made an honorary Shriner. It will be an annual event. More recently, along with raising their remaining six children, they have gotten back into the Foster Program and currently have a newborn foster-son living with them. They are in the process of adopting him as well. He is a very lucky little baby! A couple months ago, Tracy was in an automobile accident. Thank God there were no serious injuries, but her car was deemed a total loss. She is currently ‘sharing’ a car with their oldest son, Cody. Tracy is a “stay-at-home mom” who is very devoted to her family and friends. She will always lend a helping hand to those in need. She helped me tremendously when her dad had major surgery and always puts others ahead of herself. I could go on, but “word count” won’t allow it. Few people can do as much as she does for so many. I hope you will seriously consider Tracy as winner of your contest. She will always be a hero in my eyes and heart.

Amy Hiltbrand

Nominated by Patricia-Lee Baskin-Scholpp Amy has worked consistently for the past 25 years as a CNA, working minimally 45-60 hours each and every week. She has been through many, many issues with life problems. She has taken care of her ex husband (drug/ jail related), her children (mental issues), her parents ( health issues), her new husband ( recovery from surgery), her own health issues, her beloved pet’s death, and financial difficulties through no fault of her own but trying to help all those around her. All of this while never missing work but more than that, never bringing any of those issues to the bedside of her patients. She always believes that everyone’s problems are much bigger than her own and her life work has shown this. She worked all the way through COVID-19, never taking time off even though it was afforded to her. There are a lot of healthcare heroes, especially since the pandemic, however this is how Amy is with or without a pandemic and how she has lived her life over the past 25 years I have known her. Amy drives an older vehicle and must travel 45 minutes to an hour every single day to get to work, she never calls out in bad weather but instead packs a bag and stays overnight so her patient will not go without care. Not only is she a role model for the entire industry but she doesn’t have an enemy in the whole world. If we could all learn to be more like Amy, the world would be a much nicer place. Please give Amy this well deserved award. Thank you for your consideration.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S21

Ashley Watson LeBlanc Nominated by Lisa M. Hyatt Ashley LeBlanc is my hero. She works full time, while juggling two young children and is working on her Masters degree. She’s kind, generous and family driven. Ashley plans game nights, attends her children’s practices and games and still manages an occasional date night with Dan, her husband of 17 years. She plans vacations and makes detailed lists to keep it all straight.

Professionally, Ashley recognized a lack of lung cancer education opportunities for providers in Western Mass, and requested that the American Lung Association and leaders at Mercy solve this problem. As a result, the American Lung Association’s “LUNG FORCE” Education Event in Springfield, Mass was created. Now in its third year, it provides up-to-date research, guidelines, and information to providers each spring through continuing medical education. Ash serves as the nurse planner for this event as well as the LUNG FORCE Expo in East Hartford, CT. The East Hartford Expo is designed for patients, caregivers, and health care providers to learn more about the latest trends, resources, and research on lung cancer, COPD, and asthma. Ashley’s focus is to make lung cancer screenings accessible to community members, regardless of financial status. She coordinates and plans an annual fundraiser for Mercy Medical Center’s lung cancer screening program, which ensures that those who cannot afford screenings have access to scholarship opportunities. This is something she is truly passionate about. Ashley serves on Mercy’s patient safety council, cancer committee, community benefits committee, is co-chair of the lung cancer screening committee, and is secretary of Mercy’s Nurse Quality Council. Additionally, she is actively involved with the Council for a Tobacco Free Springfield and the Massachusetts Comprehensive Cancer Prevention and Control Network Lung Cancer Screening Collaborative.

She is my daughter, and my hero.

Not every hero wears a mask.

Some heroes save the day in the simplest of ways. By just being there for us, or letting us know we’re believed in.

- BARRY ALLEN

Megan Shiels-Willard Nominated by Don Willard A hero is defined as a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Megan is someone that exemplifies all of those qualities in a multitude of ways. As a nurse for the state of Massachusetts, Megan has worked continuously throughout the pandemic even during times when proper PPE was impossible to find. Having to use the same mask for a week at a time was never something nurses expected to experience when they went to nursing school. Megan’s positive attitude and thorough work ethic made patients feel safe and comfortable during a time when their families could not be present. Megan has continually provided support to other nurses and cna’s whether it be for safety in the workplace, staffing shortages, or proposed vaccine mandates. She has worked hard to make sure other shifts are prepared with the proper amount of staffing and has even covered some of those other shifts when other staffing could not be found. This can be tough because Megan has been working the night shift for the last 20 years so that she could be around during the days to help raise her four sons, never missing a school play, musical, open house, etc. She has even worked at the elementary school when they could not find a substitute for the school nurse. When Megan is not at work or being a mom, she spends her time volunteering as a member of the Chesterfield Recreation Committee. During the last 18 months she has been workingdiligently to come up with safer sports and activities to get children moving again. Frisbee golf, pickle ball, and soccer skills are all programs that she is currently working on. Hero is quite a strong word, but one that describes Megan incredibly well.

S22 | SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

ISTOCK PHOTO

Dolores Jarusiewicz

Nominated by Francis Jarusiewicz This Halloween, I am saluting my mother and hero - Dolores “Ms. Dolly” Jarusiewicz. To me, she stands as a testament and role model for what it means to serve as a pillar of the community, a role model to many young people amongst her, and as a true hero to those who depend on her the most. As owner and primary caregiver of Ms. Dolly’s Daycare, Dolores has seen and strived to meet the needs of children with autism, ADHD, and various disabilities. She has also seen the unmet needs of young parents in the community, and with her relentless compassion and tireless efforts has done all she can to make sure her kids don’t go home hungry throughout this pandemic. With a new Hyundai 2022 Tucson, Ms. Dolly intends to serve her community with refreshing vigor! In the past year, Ms. Dolly has singlehandedly hand-delivered food to struggling families on weekends, and strives to deliver a full turkey dinner to each family from her daycare this Thanksgiving. Ms. Dolly has visions of continuing grocery & medication dropoffs, and hopes to organize pick-up and drop-off of children whose families are without stable access to transportation. She believes in using every tool in her toolbox to improve health outcomes, literacy, and meeting each family’s needs as key to facilitating the essential, tireless work of childcare. Ms. Dolly has served her community with the same sense of duty and compassion she has for her own family. Sometimes, a hero is someone who is happy to make sure the children of our community have a chance for a better tomorrow, every single day. “Children are not a distraction from more important work.

They are the most important work.”

Maria Fontaine

Nominated by Barbara Fontaine During the pandemic, my daughter in law, Maria, worked 10-12 hour shifts at Mercy Hospital. She spends her days with patients on ventilators. She intubates them by putting tubes down their throats and properly maintains their numbers on the ventilators. She constantly needs to make adjustments to the ventilators and makes sure they are working properly.

Maria takes care of each patient as if they were family. She is also responsible for ordering supplies at Mercy and makes sure the hospital has everything they need to use for their patients. Maria has three children and a husband, Jeff. She is very conscientious about not exposing her family. On her drive home from work each day, she calls Jeff when she’s 5 minutes away to alert him that she’s on her way home. She drives into the garage and Jeff brings her a bathrobe so that she can undress from her PPE gear in the garage.

She immediately runs upstairs to shower so that she doesn’t expose her family or granddaughter. She is always on call for Mercy, in case someone calls out of work.

She drops everything and goes to work.

She is salaried and doesn’t get overtime pay. She works countless hours all for her patients. She’s a role model employee and has worked there for 25 years. When she’s not at work, she takes care of her mother who was diagnosed with anal cancer last March. Her father passed away from a heart attack in January. Before Mercy, she spent 8 years serving our country at the Travis Air Force Base in California. She is overly dedicated to her country, family, and job. She drives an old Santa Fe and the paint is peeling. She loves the Hyundai brand and is desperate for a new car.

Thank you.

THE REPUBLICAN | MASSLIVE.COM

Lynne Dutton

Nominated by Jean Brodowski Lynne is a physical therapy assistant who worked at Country Estates/Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation prior to their closing. Currently, she is employed by Genesis of Westfield. In her role as a physical therapy assistant, she provides rehabilitation to patients and residents in our community by bridging the gap between hospital and home. She also helps patients in our community who are recovering from injuries and illnesses to regain movement and manage pain. During the COVID-19 outbreak her employer (Kindred) opened a COVID unit where patients were transferred from a hospital setting to a lower-level of care.

Lynne needed to care for her patients just the same as non-COVID patients. She was required to gown and mask up just like all healthcare professionals caring for their patients. Using video chat, she also took the time to help families connect with their loved ones and sometimes have their last visits as they said goodbye. Like all healthcare professionals, she was putting her life on the line with each patient she cared for. What makes her different from the other healthcare professionals is that she has a 37 year old son at home who has Duchenne’s Muscular Dystrophy.

Because of the muscular dystrophy, her son is a quadriplegic, has a tracheostomy and requires a vent to breathe. Everyday, Lynne has to use extreme caution while caring for her patients at Kindred and Genesis. She could not risk catching COVID and bringing it home to her family.

Lynne is deserving of the Hyundai vehicle because on a daily basis she put her and her family’s life on the line continuing to perform her role as a physical therapy assistant. Lynne has never owned a brand new car and I feel she is very deserving.

HYUNDAI SALUTE TO HEROES

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2021 | S23

THANK YOU

TO OUR EVERYDAY HEROES

THERE ARE NO WORDS JUST

LOVE We Salute our

Everyday Heroes

that shape our communities everyday!

The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce promotes an environment of economic growth in the towns of East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow and Wilbraham through the creation and expansion of businesses and jobs.

ERC5.com • 413-575-7230

Congratulations to our Local Community Heroes, from the Healthcare Heroes at Holyoke Medical Center!

HolyokeHealth.com 3159325-01