Daily News Archives - BusinessWest

NEW MARLBOROUGH — Construct Inc., a nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to residents in 15 towns across the Southern Berkshires, announced its first Designer Showhouse fundraising exhibition.

Slated for the entire month of June 2024, the Designer Showhouse will highlight the elegant, creative work of more than a dozen local and regional designers, as well as landscape architects and visual artists. Each exhibitor has been assigned a space at Cassilis Farm, an iconic, 27-acre, Gilded Age estate that Construct, along with the New Marlborough Housing Development Committee, purchased at auction with the intention of renovating and converting it into 11 much-needed affordable-housing apartments.

“We have the opportunity to take advantage of Construct having acquired this magnificent estate,” said Hinda Bodinger, Construct board secretary, who also co-chairs the Designer Showhouse committee. “Utilizing such a beautiful space allows us to highlight the sophisticated talent of the designers and to share our mission in a unique way with the greater community.”

The Designer Showhouse pays homage to the theme “Nature in the Berkshires” and displays the transformative, custom work of award-winning designers, whose areas of focus range from real-estate staging and interiors to styling and iconic textile design. Room themes range from a swan nursery inspired by a local swan rescue area to a picnic-under-the-stars nod to Tanglewood to an equestrian-heavy library drawing inspiration from the estate’s former existence as a hackney horse-breeding farm. The Showhouse will be a timed, ticketed walk-through and will be open to visitors through five weekends in June. Additional events surrounding the Designer Showhouse include a free New Marlborough community day on Friday, May 31, as well as an opening-night tour and reception at Cassilis Farm on Wednesday, May 29.

“As we’ve reached out to interior designers, landscape designers, and others with our appeal to help us with the Showhouse, the overwhelming response has been ‘yes’ because they, like many businesses, have been directly affected by the shortage of affordable housing,” said Laura Jordahl, co-chair and Construct board member. “All of us know that working to make Cassilis into a place that 11 families will call home will help to strengthen our community ties.”

Information about the Designer Showhouse will be updated at constructberkshires.org/construct-designer-showhouse, as well as via Construct’s social-media handles. Timed tickets cost $40 per person and can be purchased online only, through the Construct website.

HCC to Welcome Success Strategist for Free Emotional-intelligence Workshop

By BusinessWest Staff April 19, 2024

HOLYOKE — Success strategist Kurt Faustin will lead a free emotional-intelligence workshop at Holyoke Community College (HCC) on Tuesday, April 23.

The workshop, hosted by HCC’s ALANA Men in Motion program, is free and open to the public. It will run from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in the PeoplesBank conference room (301/303) in the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development on the main HCC campus, 303 Homestead Ave.

“Emotional-intelligence competencies are at the heart of effective relationships, productivity, and overall success,” Faustin notes on his website. “Come learn and practice the EI skills that are the core of achieving personal awareness, connecting with others, managing stress, and conflict resolution.”

ALANA Men in Motion is an HCC student support and mentorship program for African-American, Latino, Asian, and Native American men who attend the college.

Kurt Faustin, founder of the Dropout Academy, a personal- and career-development program, focuses on bridging the gap between mental health and performance with an emphasis on emotional intelligence, goal setting, and stress management. A father, entrepreneur, coach, and success strategist, Faustin is a former writer for the Huffington Post and Forbes who has spoken in front of more than 50,000 people, working with organizations such as Harvard University, Chase Bank, and the United Way. He was appointed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu to the city’s first-ever Black Men and Boys Commission and selected by Color magazine’s 40 Under 40 Power List.

Polish National Credit Union to Host Event Benefiting Kate’s Kitchen

By BusinessWest Staff April 19, 2024

HOLYOKE — Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) announced a spring charity event in partnership with Marcotte Ford in Holyoke to benefit Kate’s Kitchen, a program of Providence Ministries. PNCU’s Mike Sugrue, executive vice president; Rachel Dionne, assistant vice president and Credit Risk officer; and Shane Hall, Marketing coordinator, will serve as guest chefs at LugNutz Café within the Marcotte dealership for breakfast on Tuesday, April 23 from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m.

“Kate’s Kitchen is a vital and, in my humble opinion, under-recognized community necessity,” Dionne said. “Each day, 365 days per year, they serve a lunchtime meal to anyone in need with a no-questions-asked policy. They estimate they provide 200 meals per day. It is quite remarkable.”

Polish National Credit Union, through its Community Giving Program, has in recent years donated more than $500,000, thousands of pounds of food, school supplies, and household items to charitable organizations, as well as educated and supported area seniors through its Financial Elder Abuse Workshops. In addition, PNCU highly encourages team members to participate in community initiatives and volunteer their time.

“I feel very lucky to be part of a team where giving back is valued,” Sugrue said. “Currently, our team is involved in about 40 different local organizations through board or committee participation, and we’re always looking for ways to get involved. That is why, when the idea to join the team at LugNutz Café for charity was brought up, my colleagues and I jumped at the opportunity. Although I cannot promise how great my cooking skills will be, I can assure you that giving back to Kate’s Kitchen will make it taste Michelin Star-worthy.”

All proceeds from the April 23 breakfast event will benefit Kate’s Kitchen, which will also be collecting non-perishable food items for donation.

Canna Provisions to Host 4/20 Community Event in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — Canna Provisions will host a community gathering in celebration of 4/20. This event will take place on Saturday, April 20 from 1 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot at 380 Dwight St. This event is free and open to anyone age 21 and up.

The afternoon promises a lineup of live music, featuring local favorites Wild Weston from 1 to 3 p.m. followed by Suspence until 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy food from Bub’s BBQ and sweet treats from Ice Cream Emergency. Fame eatery will also open its doors at 4 p.m., offering cocktails on its patio. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a day of entertainment, community spirit, and conversations.

The first 50 purchases will win complimentary BBQ or ice cream. The day will also feature specials and giveaways, pop-up DIY cannabis cooking tutorials in the café space at Canna Provisions, and contests throughout the day.

Networking opportunities will be available with local cannabis industry leaders and advocates, as well as Canna Provisions co-founders CEO Meg Sanders and COO Erik Willams, as well as cultivation icon and Pioneer Valley native Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski, Smash Hits cannabis director of cultivation. Smash Hits cannabis is the proprietary and High Times award-winning legal cannabis flower brand of Canna Provisions.

This year’s 4/20 event is not just about celebration, but also a platform for discussing the future of cannabis regulation in Massachusetts. Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia will be on site speaking with constituents and attendees about cannabis as a means to bolster economic development, tourism, and public safety via social consumption in Holyoke.

“It is time for the CCC [Cannabis Control Commission] to issue guidelines on social consumption and act in the spirit of the original ballot initiative that legalized adult use of cannabis and stipulated that it be regulated like alcohol,” Garcia said. “On-site cannabis consumption is the missing link for the cannabis industry to have a positive impact on economic development, tourism, and public safety for cities like Holyoke. We need the ability to issue one-day, on-site consumption permits, similar to one-day liquor licenses for events, and to have a bricks-and-mortar, licensed business that is safe and legal for consumers to visit.”

Garcia has previously praised Canna Provisions for its commitment to the community, noting the dispensary’s role in local traditions such as the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade and its ongoing support for city initiatives.

Canna Provisions is not only a leader in the cannabis industry but also a proactive community member, fostering both cultural and economic growth. It has been named Corporate Citizen of the Year 2023 by the Lee Chamber of Commerce as well as the Kiwanis Club.

Jeffrey Siegel Named Partner at Fierst Bloomberg Ohm LLP

Jeffrey Siegel

NORTHAMPTON — Fierst Bloomberg Ohm LLP announced that Jeffrey Siegel has become a partner of the firm.

Having earned his juris doctorate at the University of Connecticut School of Law and his master of laws in taxation at the New York University of School of Law, Siegel has more than 35 years of experience assisting individuals with their estate-planning, tax-planning, probate and trust administration, and corporate law needs. He is admitted to practice in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

OneHolyoke CDC to Host Career Fair on April 24 at Kelly School

HOLYOKE — OneHolyoke CDC will host its third annual “I Can Be Anyone I Want to Be” Career Fair for students and community residents on Wednesday, April 24 at Marcella R. Kelly Elementary School, 216 West St., Holyoke. The career-exploration fair for students will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by the job fair for residents and community members from 4 to 6 p.m.

The event is designed for students to envision future careers for themselves, and also for residents who are looking for potential employment. Organizations that have already signed up to participate in the fairs include OneHolyoke CDC, Massachusetts State Police, Boy Scouts of Western Massachusetts, Holyoke Health Center, Holyoke Fire Department, Sullivan Metals, Nuestras Raíces, Positive Regard Network, River Valley Counseling, and the UMass Amherst Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences.

Businesses and organizations that are hiring and would like to be part of either or both fairs on April 24 should click here to complete the career fair sign-up form.

Executive Director of Peace Development Fund to Retire

AMHERST — Paul Haible, executive director of the Peace Development Fund (PDF) for the past 20 years, announced his plans to retire on April 30.

Under Haible’s leadership, PDF amplified its focus to include a broad range of social-justice issues and movements; expanded its footprint to include a regional office in San Francisco, where he was based; and increased its international scope to include funding to Haiti, Mexico, and the Middle East.

He collaborated with the board to launch several initiatives engaging a range of issue constituencies, including a national environmental-justice initiative that spanned a decade, a cross-border initiative, and a national criminal-justice-reform movement. He was instrumental in creating PDF’s capacity-building program to fiscally sponsor more than 40 organizations. Building on his decades of work with the Indigenous community, he led PDF’s recent Indigenous Land Back work.

“While I may be giving up my seat at this table, I will still be serving elsewhere in the struggle for peace and justice in this world,” Haible said. “Transitions are never easy, but I know that I leave PDF in really good hands.”

Founded and still based in Amherst, the Peace Development Fund is a donor-supported national social-justice funder that has been resourcing grassroots movements for peace and human rights since 1981. It provides grants, training, donor services, and capacity-building resources to organizations around the country and around the world.

“Paul’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping the Peace Development Fund into the impactful philanthropic organization it is today,” said Teresa Juarez, board president. “He has been a leader in the publicly funded philanthropic movement for many years. He is leaving big shoes to fill.”

The board has appointed Lora Wondolowski, PDF’s director of Advancement and Communications, as interim executive director until a permanent executive director is found. Haible and board are working with staff and stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition for their grantees, fiscally sponsored partners, and supporters. A succession committee drawn from board and staff membership is charged with searching for the new executive director. Information on the search can be found at peacedevelopmentfund.org.

Westfield State University Students Launch Campaign for MLK Jr. Family Services

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University students in the “Advanced Public Relations” course are launching a campaign, “Literacy is Currency,” for Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services.

The mission of MLK Jr. Family Services is to strive to foster an environment that nurtures and empowers the aspirations of individuals, families, and youth to achieve new realities of peace, social and economic justice, self-determination, self-actualization, and self-sufficiency.

The students’ campaign will create awareness for the organization and collect donations that will provide funds for its literacy program. The campaign will also provide new books that children will be interested in and have fun reading.

In order to meet their goal, the students are inviting the community to join two events, featuring games, raffles, and prizes including Stanley cups, beach supplies, and Westfield State gear. The events take place on Saturday, April 20 from noon to 5 p.m. outside Target at the Holyoke Mall; and Tuesday, April 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. inside Tim and Jeanne’s Dining Commons at Westfield State University.

The public-awareness campaign will take place on social media via the handle @owlprmlk and use the hashtag #literacyiscurrencymlk.

“We’re delighted to enhance our alliance with Westfield State University with the ‘Literacy is Currency’ initiative, reinforcing literacy’s crucial role as both an empowering tool and a source of excitement about reading, in line with MLK Jr.’s vision that ‘education is the passport to the future’” said Karon Forde, director of Youth Programs at MLK Jr. Family Services. “This project not only reflects our commitment to literacy, but also supports our efforts to elevate reading levels and foster a love of reading among children in our afterschool program. We praise the students for their exceptional commitment to this cause and eagerly await the project’s impact on both the children we serve and the participating university students’ educational journey.”

Suzanne Boniface, adjunct professor of Communication at Westfield State, explained that the course partners with a local nonprofit each semester to help the community through its civic-engagement program.

“These public relations students use the skills they have acquired from their studies and gain practical experience for their future careers,” she said, noting that her students’ campaign will increase awareness of the efforts of Martin Luther Family Jr. Family Services and help them purchase necessary supplies for their program.

Donations to this campaign can be made by Venmo @LiteracyIsCurrency or by visiting mlkjrfamilyservices.org/donate.

Tenth Year of Local Farmer Awards Helps 100 Local Farms Make Improvements

AGAWAM — Checks of up to $2,500 have been sent to 100 Western Mass. farms that are recipients of this year’s Local Farmer Awards. Supporting a diverse range of farm operations and infrastructure projects, the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, in partnership with Big Y and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, along with other funders, issued a record number of awards in the program’s 10th year.

A team of independent reviewers read each of the 199 applications submitted this year. These reviewers selected 100 farms to receive a 2024 grant from the Local Farmer Awards. The capital projects include the purchase of an egg-washing machine, livestock pasture expansion, reusable harvest bins, a cover-crop flail mower for reduced tillage, mobile chicken coops, and many more.

Elyse Cote, production manager at Mountain View Farm in Easthampton, explained that “this award will help us purchase a Tilmor mounted tine weeder, allowing us to invest in a time-saving cultivation technique that I am very excited to get to use this growing season. We are super appreciative of this support from our community.”

Harold Grinspoon, philanthropist and founder of the program, noted that “the farmers in our region have done so much for our economy and food supply, yet these wonderful folks never ask for anything. I’m so proud that the Local Farmer Awards have served their needs for the past 10 years with cash awards for capital improvements amounting to $1.5 million.”

The program funders collectively contributed more than $230,000 this year to assist these local farmers. Funders include the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation, Big Y, Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, PeoplesBank, Ann and Steve Davis, Charles and Elizabeth D’Amour, Barbara Deslauriers, Audrey and Chick Taylor, Andrews, Farm Credit East, Hood, the DeNucci Group at Merrill, Baystate Health, Country Bank, Eastern States Exposition, Three County Fair, bankESB, and Franklin First Federal Credit Union.

“We are proud to support the diverse farming enterprises featured in this year’s winning selection,” said John Lee, president of the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture.

Cari Carpenter, Local Farmer Awards director, added that “we are delighted to be able to support 100 farms in our 10th year. In 2015, our inaugural year, we provided funds for 33 farms. We would have liked to have been able to provide support to more of the farms that applied this year, but our fund limit required the reviewers to make some difficult choices.”

Anyone interested in supporting the 2025 Local Farmer Awards should email Carpenter at [email protected].

Analytics Labs to Host Community Clean-up Day in Holyoke on April 24

HOLYOKE — Analytics Labs, a locally owned, woman- and minority-led small business, announced its upcoming Community Clean-up Day, scheduled for Wednesday, April 24 at 28 Appleton St., Holyoke from 9 to 11 a.m.

This initiative, coinciding with both Earth Day and Arbor Day that week, exemplifies the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. “As the pioneering woman-owned testing lab in Western Massachusetts, Analytics Labs is dedicated to professional excellence and community enrichment,” the company stated. “Rooted in our ethos of growth and social responsibility, we are devoted to nurturing and reinvesting in the communities where we conduct business.”

In a collaboration with Dazed Cannabis located at 56 Jackson St., Holyoke, the first 10 volunteers will receive a gift from Dazed as a token of appreciation for their participation.

Individuals of all ages and backgrounds are invited to join this eco-conscious initiative. Click here to register.

Rocky’s Ace Hardware Invites Customers to Round Up for Kids This Month

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers with 50 locations in nine states, is kicking off its semiannual Round Up for Kids fundraiser. Throughout the campaign, which extends throughout the month of April, customers are asked to round up their purchase total to the next dollar. The difference will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals.

“Round Up for Kids has become one of our signature fundraisers each year,” Rocky’s Ace Hardware President Rocco Falcone said. “It’s a cause our customers, staff, and community really get behind. CMN helps more than 12 million kids each year who receive care from a dedicated children’s hospital to get the best possible medical treatment.”

As in the past, 100% of the money raised benefits the local CMN hospital nearest to each store. Local participating Rocky’s locations include the Island Pond Road and Liberty Street stores in Springfield as well as the Agawam, East Longmeadow, Westfield, Ludlow, Palmer, and South Hadley stores. The proceeds will be donated to Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield.

“This is a busy season for us as folks come in to get what they need for spring cleanup and summer outdoor living,” Falcone said. “It may not seem like a lot to round up a purchase to the next dollar, but every bit adds up. We anticipate another very successful campaign thanks to the generosity of our customers.”

For more than 40 years, CMN has helped fill funding gaps, raising more than $8.5 billion for 170 children’s hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses. All donations fund what’s needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services, and financial assistance for families.

Community Bank Announces Plans to Expand Branch Presence

DEWITT, N.Y. — Community Bank announced a strategic plan to expand its branch presence in select markets throughout 2024 and 2025, including two new branch locations in the New England region. The new branches will include an additional location in Springfield, as well as the bank’s first physical branch in New Hampshire, having broken into that market with a commercial banking presence in 2023.

The bank’s current presence in New England includes 28 branches throughout Vermont and Springfield. This announcement comes as newly appointed President and CEO Dimitar Karaivanov officially steps into his role this year and begins to execute his strategic vision for the bank.

As Community Bank expands into promising markets with strong potential for growth, it is reimagining the customer in-branch experience with clean, modern designs that encourage customer and banker collaboration, local community tie-ins, and staff that can handle a wide array of financial needs. The bank will bring a full suite of consumer, business, and municipal banking products and services, including no-closing-cost mortgage options, business loans and lines of credit, and competitive CD offerings.

“Community Bank is not just expanding, but deepening our roots in New England,” said Matthew Durkee, regional president of New England. “Our branches are the cornerstone of our retail business, and each one allows us to support the community and deepen our relationships with our customers as we partner together throughout their financial journey.”

The move to establish additional branch locations in New England is a substantial investment that will allow the bank to better serve clients and aid in local economic development by creating new jobs, contributing to community efforts, and fostering financial stability.

“We are pleased to officially announce our plans to expand our branch presence throughout New England,” Karaivanov said. “We’ve served the New England market through various lines of business and are happy to further support new and existing customers with additional branch services. We are poised to execute on our growth strategy with the goal of bringing our service offerings to more communities in Springfield, Massachusetts, and in New Hampshire. We look forward to expanding our presence in the New England region through community outreach, supporting our neighbors, and building relationships with our new customers.”

In addition to expanding in New England, Community Bank will continue to grow its branch presence throughout New York’s Western, Central, and Capital regions, as well as throughout Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.

Doug Anderson Elected Chairman of Liberty Bank’s Board of Directors

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — David Glidden, president and CEO of Liberty Bank, and the bank’s board of directors jointly announced that Doug Anderson was unanimously elected chairman of the board at its March meeting.

The election of Anderson comes after the unexpected passing of longtime Chairman Mark Gingras on March 7. Gingras served as Liberty’s board chairman since 2007 and board member since 2001.

Anderson’s role as a Liberty Bank corporator and board member began in April 2018. During that time, he has served on the credit risk, audit, compensation, and governance committees, and most recently as chair of the credit risk committee.

He brings decades of diverse leadership experience in banking, finance, management, and operations to the role of chairman. His extensive background includes senior executive roles as president of the former Savings Bank of Manchester (SBM) until 2004 and chairman, president, and CEO of the former Open Solutions. He spent 14 years at Unisys, an international technology company, and served on the board of directors for the former New Alliance Bancshares Inc.

Beyond Liberty’s boardroom, Anderson, a graduate of the University of Connecticut, has been a dedicated and generous community partner. This includes his philanthropic support and board service for many organizations and causes, such as the Connecticut Science Center, SBM Charitable Foundation, Manchester Community College Foundation, and Connecticut Foodshare. He also served as chairman of the Liberty Bank Foundation.

“Since Doug joined the board six years ago, he has earned high admiration and a stellar reputation as a director and a ‘Be Community Kind’ brand ambassador in the communities we serve,” Glidden said. “Not only does he possess extensive business acumen, but he also brings invaluable banking acumen and a wealth of banking knowledge as a former president and board chair for other community banks. He’s done a terrific job, and we know he will serve us well in setting the course for the bank as he takes on this leadership role.”

On the unexpected passing of Gingras, Glidden added, “Mark was a wonderful husband, dad, and doting grandfather. He also cherished his second family, his Liberty teammates. Whether he was in the boardroom, visiting a branch, or in the community, Mark always conveyed kindness, loyalty, and leadership, and demonstrated a steadfast dedication to ensuring Liberty remains a mutual bank. His leadership and friendship cannot be replaced, but his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of our board members and teammates at Liberty Bank.”

Tri-State SHRM Conference Slated for May 13-15

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) announced that the Tri-State SHRM Conference, the largest human-resources (HR) conference in New England, will take place at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. on May 13-15.

The conference aims to unmask the changing face of HR by providing HR leaders with the necessary tools to stay ahead of the curve. The multi-day event will feature keynote speakers, educational breakout sessions, interactive games, multiple business networking opportunities, and an expo showcasing the latest HR technology and trends.

The conference will cover a variety of topics, including “Building a FOMO Workplace Culture,” “SEAT of Success: How Top Performers Never Settle for Balcony Seats,” and “Beyond Productivity: the Unseen Risks of Employee Stress and Burnout in the Workplace.” There will be 24 sessions available in total, featuring more than 27 speakers. Register online at tristateshrm.com.

“The world has drastically changed over the past couple of years. With that being said, HR leaders must stay current with issues, laws, and best practices,” said Cindy Sherman, Marketing manager for the Tri-State SHRM Conference. “This conference is designed to give them all of that and more. The past couple of years have been stressful, and this conference provides HR leaders with the opportunity to renew and refresh while learning from industry experts.”

The Massachusetts State Council of SHRM (MassSHRM) is a board of volunteers committed to making a positive impact in the human-resources community in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

An affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), MassSHRM serves to support our affiliated local chapters, to deliver resources and education to the HR community, and to advocate for and advance the HR profession.

BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for Alumni Achievement Award

SPRINGFIELD — When BusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007, it did so to identify rising stars across our region — individuals who were excelling in business and through involvement within the community — and celebrate their accomplishments.

In 2015, BusinessWest announced a new award, one that builds on the foundation upon which 40 Under Forty was created. It’s called the Alumni Achievement Award. As the name suggests, it is presented to the 40 Under Forty honoree who, in the eyes of an independent panel of judges, has most impressively continued and built upon his or her track record of accomplishment.

Candidates must be from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007 to 2023.

Past winners include: 2023: Amy Royal, founder and CEO, Royal Law Firm (40 Under Forty class of 2009); 2022: Anthony Gleason III, president and co-founder, Gleason Johndrow Companies (class of 2010); 2021: Anthony Gulluni, Hampden County district attorney (class of 2015); 2020: Carla Cosenzi, president, TommyCar Auto Group (class of 2012), and Peter DePergola, director of Clinical Ethics, Baystate Health (class of 2015); 2019: Cinda Jones, president, W.D. Cowls Inc. (40 Under Forty class of 2007); 2018: Samalid Hogan, regional director, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013); 2017: Scott Foster, attorney, Bulkley Richardson (class of 2011), and Nicole Griffin, owner, ManeHire (class of 2014); 2016: Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president, Allergy & Immunology Associates of New England (class of 2008); 2015: Delcie Bean, president, Paragus Strategic IT (class of 2008).

The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award finalists will be profiled in the June 10 edition of BusinessWest, and the honoree will be announced at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 20. The presenting sponsor of the Alumni Achievement Award is Health New England.

Click here for the nomination form. Only nominations submitted to BusinessWest on this form will be considered. The deadline is Friday, May 10 at 5 p.m., no exceptions. For your convenience, a list of the past 40 Under Forty classes may be found by clicking here.

Philadelphia Transit Authority Cancels $185 Million Contract with CRRC MA

PHILADELPHIA — According to a report in the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has “terminated for cause” a $185 million contract with Springfield-based CRRC for 45 double-decker passenger cars. The project was about four years behind schedule.

According to SEPTA officials, the newspaper reported, Chinese-owned CRRC had performed shoddy work and repeatedly failed to meet production deadlines.

“The authority is assessing its options for recouping funds that have been spent on the project,” SEPTA spokesperson John Golden said in a statement, adding that SEPTA has paid more than $50 million, the Boston Globe reported.

In response, CRRC MA spokesperson Lydia Rivera issued a statement that, “having worked closely with SEPTA’s project team, beginning with rail-car design through initial vehicle production, CRRC MA remains committed to completing the project and continues to seek further discussions to resolve SEPTA’s concerns.”

According to the Inquirer, CRRC’s bid price on the SEPTA project was $34 million below its nearest competitor, the Canadian company Bombardier, which had more than a decade of experience building rail cars in America.

In 2014, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority hired CRRC MA to build new cars on the Red and Orange lines of Boston’s T network. After significant delays, the company now promises all cars will be delivered by the end of 2027. Rivera said the company has delivered 114 of 152 new Orange Line cars and 18 of 252 Red Line cars to the T.

Rotary Club to Present ‘Financial Foundations for Women’ on April 25

SPRINGFIELD — The Rotary Club of Springfield will present “Financial Foundations for Women: Bridging the Gap and Connecting Women in Our Community,” a panel discussion that empowers women to take control of their financial future, on Thursday, April 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at White Lion Brewing, located in Tower Square at 1500 Main St., Springfield.

The panel discussion will focus on the importance of lifting each other up in the pursuit of women’s empowerment, creating support networks, and seeking financial advice. Attendees will gain valuable insights into securing their financial future for themselves and their families.

The panelists for the event include Carla Alves, Rotarian and vice president at Country Bank; Erica Flores, partner at Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.; Flavia McCaughey (moderator), Rotarian and vice president of FR Investment Group; Jessica Roncarati-Howe, executive director of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts; and Samalid Hogan, Rotarian and CEO of Greylock Management Consulting.

Attendees will also have the chance to network with fellow participants and enjoy heavy appetizers throughout the evening.

Tickets for the event are priced at $40 per person and can be purchased online through the Rotary Club of Springfield website at www.springfieldmarotary.org. For further information, contact Hogan at (413) 342-0013 or [email protected].

Excel Dryer Pioneers Blueprint for Healthy, Sustainable Workplaces

EAST LONGMEADOW — Excel Dryer recently unveiled a comprehensive office expansion and renovation project. This initiative, rooted in the company’s mission to lead through innovation, aimed to merge beauty, health, wellness, and sustainability into its workplace. The project’s insights and methodologies are set to educate through a unique continuing education unit (CEU) course offered by Architectural Record magazine in its Continuing Education Center, serving as a detailed roadmap of Excel Dryer’s innovative journey.

Guided by the WELL Building Standard as a principal framework, the renovation serves as a case study showcasing Excel’s commitment to integrating the latest and most effective products in support of occupant well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability. This initiative aims to inspire and educate not just architects, designers, and the construction community, but also owners and facility managers, offering insights into the practical application of sustainability and health-focused principles in commercial interiors and demonstrating Excel Dryer’s leading role in the movement toward more responsible workplace design.

“Our vision was clear from the start — to craft the most beautiful, healthy, and sustainable workplace imaginable,” said William Gagnon, chief operating officer of Excel Dryer. “We are thrilled with the results and proud of how our own latest product solutions were a perfect fit for this lofty goal.”

Katherine Brekka, senior associate and sustainability practice leader at Fennick McCredie Architecture, praised the initiative, noting that “being a part of this groundbreaking project was an extraordinary experience. The innovative blend of space, beauty, and wellness achieved is something I’m incredibly proud of. It represents a forward-thinking approach to workplace design that I was thrilled to contribute to and see come to life.”

The Architectural Record’s CEU course provides a focused overview on the intersection of modern design, health standards, and sustainability in commercial architecture. It provides information on the multiple innovative products used to achieve WELL certification and explores the evolution of hygiene and sustainability post-pandemic, highlighting the importance of touchless technologies in public restrooms to prevent illness. Ultimately, the course showcases how integrated design solutions can promote health, efficiency, and environmental stewardship in commercial spaces.

Elms College to Present Fifth Annual Rev. Hugh Crean Lecture on May 1

CHICOPEE — Elms College and the St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture will present the fifth annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture in Catholic Thought on Wednesday, May 1 at 4:30 p.m.

The lecture, which will take place in person in the college’s Alumnae Library Theater, was rescheduled from its initial April 4 date. Click here to register.

The distinguished speaker for this lecture is Dominic Doyle, associate professor of Systematic Theology at the Boston College School of Theology and Ministry (STM). The theme for Doyle’s remarks will be “Christian Humanism and the Theology of Hope.”

Most recently, Doyle led STM’s Neuroscience Education for Theological Training grant from the Science for Seminaries program sponsored by the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science/Dialogue on Science, Religion, and Ethics. He is currently working on a book exploring the history of theological virtues, tentatively titled Thematic Variations in Theological Virtue.

The St. Augustine Center for Ethics, Religion, and Culture (CERC) at Elms College was launched in October 2020 with support from an anonymous naming gift and several significant contributions. The center aims to increase engagement and discourse on the most pressing and complex questions related to ethics, religion, and culture in today’s society, and to lead the regional community in thoughtful, engaging dialogue.

The founding executive director of the CERC is noted bioethicist Peter DePergola II, Shaughness Family chair for the Study of the Humanities and associate professor of Bioethics and Medical Humanities at Elms.

The annual Rev. Hugh Crean Distinguished Lecture was established through an endowment made by Jack and Colette Dill to honor Crean’s legacy and recognize his academic work at Elms College and his pastoral ministry throughout the Diocese of Springfield and the entire region.

NEPM and Academy of Music to Host Best of Valley Voices Story Slam on April 13

SPRINGFIELD — New England Public Media (NEPM) and the Academy of Music will present the Best of Valley Voices Story Slam on Saturday, April 13 beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy of Music theater in Northampton. Click here to purchase tickets.

The show will conclude the ninth season of the popular, competitive storytelling series that features local storytellers sharing five-minute true stories live on stage at venues throughout Western Mass.

The best-of show features 12 local storytellers, all of whom were top-three finishers at the regular-season shows. While some storytellers featured in the Best of Valley Voices have performed on national platforms like the Moth Mainstage, the Moth Radio Hour, StoryJam, and SpeakUp, for others, telling stories with Valley Voices Story Slam is their first experience with the art form.

This is true for Josh Simpson of Shelburne, a world-renowned glass artist, who pitched the Valley Voices Story Slam line for the first time in January. He’ll be sharing his winning story about how he met his wife, NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, on the Best of Valley Voices stage. He’ll be joined by Ruthy Woodring, founding member of Pedal People Cooperative; Amy Dryansky, former poet laureate of Northampton; and nine others.

Rooted in the tradition of first-person narrative storytelling, story slams emphasize both content and performance, challenging storytellers to captivate audiences within a strict time frame of under five minutes. At the end of the show, the audience will vote on their favorite stories, and one lucky teller will be crowned the winner of season nine.

NEPM and the Academy of Music Theatre produced the first Valley Voices Story Slam as a promotion for a Moth Mainstage show at the Academy of Music in 2013.

“At the time, storytelling events were not really on the radar,” said Vanessa Cerillo, co-executive producer and co-host of Valley Voices Story Slam and senior director of Marketing and Events for NEPM, adding that Academy of Music Executive Director Debra J’Anthony approached her with the idea to try a small slam to test the market in Western Mass., since the Moth Radio Hour is aired on 88.5 NEPM. “The Moth has definitely inspired us, but we’ve really worked over the years to make Valley Voices Story Slam a truly local event, with a big following in Western Mass.”

What began as a small live-event series has evolved over the years to include a podcast and YouTube video series featuring the stories heard on stage at the live events, both produced by NEPM. In 2022, NEPM also produced a pilot season of Valley Voices Radio. Links to the podcast, YouTube, and radio episodes can be found at nepm.org/valleyvoices.

“In our ninth year of Valley Voices Story Slam, we are proud and delighted to encourage and include new voices to share their stories on stage throughout the Valley,” said J’Anthony, co-host and co-executive producer of Valley Voices Story Slam.

At the April 13 event, hip-hop DJ Pzo Pete will set the stage with a custom set that reflects the themes, stories, and storytellers throughout the show. He appears thanks to a partnership with Genuine Culture, a Holyoke-based organization connecting music enthusiasts with dynamic live shows and cultural events.

NFL Legend Calvin Johnson Jr. to Visit 6 Brick’s Cannabis Dispensary Today

SPRINGFIELD — 6 Brick’s Cannabis Dispensary will host a visit and event featuring NFL Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson Jr., famously known as Megatron, today, April 12, starting at 2 p.m. at 1860 Main St., Springfield.

Johnson, a 2021 NFL Hall of Fame inductee and the holder of the single-season NFL receiving record, will stop by to celebrate a collaboration between 6 Brick’s and his own, Michigan-based cannabis brand, Primitive, which is now offered in Springfield through 6 Brick’s.

“We are excited to host 2021 NFL Hall of Fame inductee Calvin Johnson Jr. and to carry his brand, Primitive,” said Payton Shubrick, CEO and founder of 6 Brick’s. “We have worked hard to make connections like this all over Massachusetts to bring synergies to our product line but also to continue to bring positive notoriety to our hometown of Springfield. This Massachusetts-Michigan connection is exciting.”

As a promotion, customers purchasing one eighth-ounce will receive a complimentary photo opportunity with Megatron.

“With a focus on connecting customers with the best products sourced across the state, these events provide wonderful opportunities for our customers and community alike,” Shubrick added. “In addition to the chance to meet Calvin Johnson Jr., attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the Primitive brand and its lineup of premium cannabis products.”

Elms College to Present Experiential Learning Showcase on April 26

CHICOPEE — Students at Elms College are nearing the conclusion of the spring 2024 semester and are making a difference throughout the region.

“At Elms, we strive to provide every student with at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity during their college career,” said Jennifer Granger Sullivan, director of the Dolores Donlin Noonan ’39 Experiential Learning Program. “We want our students to be cognizant of their community and ready to step into their careers, and experiential learning is a way to make that happen.”

Elms College will highlight all of the experiential learning opportunities Elms CollegeElms CollegeElms Collegeover the past year at the annual Experiential Learning Showcase on Friday, April 26 starting at 9:30 a.m. on the Keating Quadrangle.

Elms is the only college in the area that has as a stated goal of providing every student at least one high-impact experiential learning opportunity during their tenure.

Indeed, experiential learning is one of the five pillars of the college’s 2020-24 strategic plan. Elms offers its students several options to learn outside the classroom, including internships, research projects, mission trips, service-learning experiences, study abroad, and course-based, community-engaged learning opportunities. Central to the mission and core values, the goal is for an Elms graduate to be career-ready and community-minded.

Two examples of how Elms students have made a difference are ArihJey Villion-Nahue ’25, a criminal justice and psychology double major, and Adam Rochette ’24, a social work and sociology double major.

Villion-Nahue completed her internship at the Community Justice Support Center in Springfield. Her work included observing group sessions, part of cognitive behavioral therapy, and participating in assessments that help determine how much time clients need to spend within the program based on feeling remorseful for their crimes or recognizing that crime is bad.

Rochette completed his internship with state Rep. Shirley Arriaga. He worked in Arriaga’s constituent services department, meeting with members of the community, listening to their personal needs, and calling agencies to advocate on their behalf.

Several other organizations offered Elms students experiential learning opportunities throughout the academic year, including Baystate Medical Center, Pioneer Valley Life Sciences, Polish Center of Discovery and Learning, the Springfield Thunderbirds, and Hartford Healthcare, to name a few.

VA Central Western Massachusetts to Celebrate Centennial on May 11

LEEDS — The VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System is commemorating a century of dedication to serving U.S. veterans. Established in 1924, the healthcare system has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of veterans, delivering compassionate care and innovative services.

To honor this significant milestone, the VA invites the community to an event on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 421 North Main St., Leeds. The festivities will include special events, recognition ceremonies, and opportunities for veterans and their families to connect with one another, as well as food, games, and fun for the whole family.

“We are grateful for the unwavering support of our community partners, volunteers, and dedicated staff members who have contributed to our success over the past century,” said Sarah Robinson, Public Affairs officer for the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System. “As we reflect on our rich history and look toward the future, we reaffirm our commitment to serving those who have served us. Together, we will continue to uphold the promise of providing exceptional care and support to our nation’s heroes.”

For more information about the centennial celebration and upcoming events, visit www.va.gov/central-western-massachusetts-health-care or call Robinson at (413) 584-4040, ext. 3532.

GCAi Appoints Myranda Nasworthy as Digital Public Relations Analyst

Myranda Nasworthy

SPRINGFIELD — Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) has expanded its digital public-relations capacity by adding Myranda Nasworthy, an experienced video producer. Armed with GCAi’s new G7x vlogging cameras, Nasworthy worked on client videos before she started at the company.

“Myranda’s video-production experience has enabled her to be a quick start on all digital public-relations efforts,” said John Garvey, GCAi’s founder. “Her video and interview skills mean she can effectively work on both sides of the camera.”

Nasworthy will work in GCAi’s new edit suite, including a 2024 Apple Mac Studio. She is also equipped with a 2024 Macbook Pro for remote video editing. She is already working with a new GODOX lighting kit used at GCAi’s 24th-floor studios in Tower Square to produce 10 videos for an award program. Nasworthy shot and worked on all the edits with co-producer Nate Dion. She has also worked with GCAi’s West Coast team to produce 9:16 videos for Reels and TikTok.

A former associate producer of New England Public Media’s Emmy-nominated quiz show, As Schools Match Wits, Nasworthy interviewed celebrities including Keith Lockhart, conductor of the Boston Pops, and Red Sox players Rob Refsnyder and Christian Arroyo.

“I think of video as being PR’s Swiss-army knife, a multi-faceted tool revolutionizing communication,” she said. “Video storytelling has a humanizing effect on corporate communication, evoking empathy and adding emotion. It allows brands to amplify their personality and intentions in a way no other medium can.”

Nasworthy is a summa cum laude graduate of Westfield State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a concentration in media arts & analysis. GCAi currently employs one other graduate of Westfield State’s communication program and has successfully employed others. “Westfield State’s communication program is a wellspring of talent for us,” Garvey said. “We are delighted they are located in the area.”

Nasworthy’s skill set includes operating Sony, Canon, Panasonic, and Nikon filming equipment and studio, control-room, and field equipment. She also is experienced in working with Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Dreamweaver, and Final Cut Pro.

World Affairs Council to Welcome International Trade and Investment Director

SPRINGFIELD — The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts will present an Instant Issues lunchtime discussion event featuring Jeevan Ramapriya, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment (MOITI), on Monday, April 29 at noon in the ninth-floor gallery of 1350 Main St. in downtown Springfield.

Ramapriya became executive director of MOITI last July. He was previously a managing director in State Street Global Service’s regulatory, industry, and government-affairs department, where he was responsible for state government relations and public-policy-related activities and provided support for similar efforts in the U.S. Congress, as well as Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

Prior to joining State Street, Ramapriya was the deputy chief of staff to former Massachusetts state Sen. Steve Baddour, overseeing the senator’s political operation and policy matters involving transportation, economic development, and public safety. Before entering public service, he worked as a technology and management consultant with Accenture, where he assisted in implementing customer relationship management solutions for Fortune 500 companies.

The cost is $5 for World Affairs Council members without lunch provided, $20 for members with a lunch, $10 for non-members without a lunch, and $25 for non-members with a lunch. Registration deadline for a lunch provided is Thursday, April 25. To register or for more information, visit wacwestma.org or call (413) 733-0110.

The Instant Issues series is sponsored by M&T Bank, Wilbraham & Monson Academy, and Sir Speedy, with thanks to NAI Plotkin.

United Way of Pioneer Valley to Host Board-readiness Series

SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley is introducing a learning component as part of its OnBoard board-readiness and matching program. Titled “Board Basics,” this learning component will serve as an on-ramp to the popular annual board-matching event held each winter.

The initiative will kick off with “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” — a three-part series geared toward individuals considering board-level volunteer opportunities. Through a conversational style of presentations by highly experienced nonprofit mentors in Western Mass., attendees will have the opportunity to learn, ask questions, network, and receive resources and tools to help them determine if board service is a good fit.

Part one of “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” will be facilitated by Shannon Mumblo, president of Shannon Mumblo Consulting Inc., who will review the unique role nonprofits play in the community ecosystem and what potential volunteers should be aware of as board members. This breakfast event will be held on Wednesday, May 8 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. in the TD Bank conference room at 1441 Main St., Springfield.

Part two of “So You Think You Want to Join a Board?” will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and will be facilitated by National Federation of Community Broadcasters CEO Rima Dael, who will provide participants with an understanding of board service as it relates to governance, fundraising, and basic financial oversight.

The final event in the series will take place the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 9, and will be led by Sarah Tanner, a partner with Financial Development Agency, who will guide attendees in understanding what questions they need to ask nonprofits in order to determine a fit.

All three of the learning sessions are free and will culminate in the OnBoard matching event on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 12.

Meltdown Family Music and Book Fest Returns to Greenfield on April 13

GREENFIELD — Award-winning authors and musicians, puppetry, circus performances on an outdoor stage, and hours of fun for all ages are among the offerings at Meltdown: the River’s Family Music and Book Bash, which returns for the second year to Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center and the common in downtown Greenfield on Saturday, April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Meltdown is free for all to attend and features music from the Rockin’ Puppies, the Deedle Deedle Dees, and Marsha and the Positrons; readings from locally and nationally recognized storytellers like Mk Smith Despres, Molly B. Burnham, Kaliis Smith, and Hannah Moushabeck; crafting workshops by Annaleah Moon Studios; a book fair with the Imaginary Bookshop; and gymnasts from SHOW Circus Studio performing on Court Square all day.

“We’re thrilled to be presenting Meltdown to the community in the heart of downtown Greenfield,” said Stefan Ward-Wheten, Promotions director at Northampton Radio. “Meltdown is a fun day out for families with young children, with music, games, acrobatics, book readings, and even live birds of prey with Tom Ricardi’s Rehabilitation Center.”

Meltdown will take place both inside at Hawks & Reed and outside on Court Square and the Greenfield common. Local food will be available from Mohawk Falafel and Shawarma, Vegan Pizza Land, and Cocina Lupita, with frozen treats by Bart’s Ice Cream and Crooked Stick Pops. Meltdown is presented by WRSI 93.9 the River.

For more information, including a lineup of performers and activities, visit www.rivermeltdown.com or wrsi.com.

Difference Makers to Be Celebrated Tonight

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest will present its 16th annual Difference Makers Gala at the Log Cabin in Holyoke tonight, April 10. The event is sold out.

Since 2009, BusinessWest has been recognizing the work of individuals, groups, businesses, and institutions through this recognition program. The 2024 Difference Makers — profiled in the Feb. 19 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com — are:

• Matt Bannister, senior vice president, Marketing and Corporate Responsibility, PeoplesBank;

• Delcie Bean, CEO, Paragus Strategic I.T.;

• Linda Dunlavy, executive director, Franklin Regional Council of Governments;

• Dr. Fred and Mary Kay Kadushin, co-founders, Feed the Kids;

• Scott Keiter, CEO, Keiter;

• the staff of Rock 102;

• Shannon Rudder, president and CEO, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services; and

• Springfield Symphony Orchestra and Springfield Chamber Players.

Partner sponsors for the 2024 Difference Makers include Burkhart, Pizzanelli, P.C., Keiter, Mercy Medical Center/Trinity Health, the Royal Law Firm, and TommyCar Auto Group. Supporting sponsors include the Springfield Thunderbirds and Westfield Bank.

Big Y Appoints Colin D’Amour to Senior Director of Asset Protection

Colin D’Amour

SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of Big Y Foods Inc. announced the appointment of Colin D’Amour as senior director of asset protection.

In that role, he will lead the asset protection team, develop and execute future strategies, deploy new technologies, build relationships with law enforcement and other regulatory agencies, and foster both education and growth within the department. He reports to Nicole D’Amour Schneider, senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience.

D’Amour began working as a service clerk at Big Y Supermarkets in 1998 at age 14. From there, he held several positions, including produce clerk, warehouse selector, and construction/remodel store projects coordinator. In 2007, he accepted a commission with the U.S. Marine Corps as second lieutenant, serving with distinction and ultimately earning the rank of captain. In 2010, he was deployed to Helmand, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2014, D’Amour left active duty in the Marines and returned to Big Y by entering into its store director training program. Since then, his career has included several roles, including store director, corporate center store sales director, senior manager of procurement, and, most recently, senior director of the Big Y Express division. He was also a project manager for the expansion of the Fresh and Local Distribution Center and is a member of Big Y’s real estate and store design committees.

In addition, he oversees multiple programs and initiatives with Topco, an $18 billion cooperative that provides aggregation, innovation, and management solutions to its leading food-industry members across the country.

A graduate of Boston College, D’Amour holds personal decorations from his military service, including both the Navy and Marine Corps commendation and achievement medals. He is the grandson of Big Y co-founder Gerald D’Amour and son of Executive Chairman Charles D’Amour.

Greater Springfield Habitat to Host Free Financial Seminar for Community

WEST SPRINGFIELD — On Tuesday, April 16, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host a free financial seminar for the community.

Sue Zielenski of Bank of America will present the topic “Keep It Safe” at Bank of America Financial Center, 1724 Boston Road, Springfield. The class will start at 6 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, but participants are required to sign up. Click here to register.

“With how prevalent financial and identity theft scams are today, it’s important to know how to protect yourself against them,” said Olga Callirgos, GSHFH Homeowner Programs coordinator.

GSHFH hosts free financial-literacy seminars monthly. At the April 16 presentation, Zielenski will provide information on how people can protect their finances and identities from thieves. To keep up to date about future seminars, visit habitatspringfield.org/financial-seminar.

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, the organization has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

‘Build a Better Relationship with Your Boss’ Workshop Slated for April 12

PITTSFIELD — What should you do when you don’t get along with your boss? Answers await at the Dulye Leadership Experience (DLE) Culture Chat program, “Build a Better Relationship with Your Boss,” scheduled for Friday, April 12 at noon. This one-hour, virtual event is free to attend with advance registration.

Attendees will gain five fundamentals and actionable advice from leadership coaches Jeff Schreier and Janet Forest that will help them adopt new thoughts and actions that can make a boss work for the employee, navigate difficulties by being more aware of challenges that a boss may be facing, and use workplace goals to change their perspective on the relationship and move forward. The program will be followed by small group discussions.

Click here to reserve a virtual seat. There is no fee to attend, thanks to the sustained sponsorship of the Dulye & Co. consulting firm.

Schreier began his professional career as a CPA, focusing on auditing and tax preparation. In 2014, he stepped down from his role as CFO into positions that allowed him the time to complete the iPEC coaching program and become a certified professional life coach. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Pace University.

Forest is a certified career and life coach specializing in career transition. Her search for a purposeful career has taken her through several industries, including media, real estate, theater, nonprofits, and librarianship. She holds a certification in life coaching from iPEC Coaching and is accredited by the International Coaching Federation as a Professional Certified Coach. In addition to her coaching practice, she serves as director of the Dalton Free Public Library in Dalton. She received her bachelor’s degree in journalism and communication studies from Concordia University in Montreal.

Ray DiPasquale Left Lasting Legacy at STCC

Ray DiPasquale

SPRINGFIELD — Ray DiPasquale, president of Massasoit Community College in Brockton, who passed away on April 4, served in several leadership positions from 1979 to 1998 at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

While he rose to become president of three community colleges, he spent the bulk of his 50-year career in higher education at STCC. He also spent decades serving the city of Springfield, working as a city councilor and a School Board member, as well as running for mayor in 1991.

STCC President John Cook expressed his sincere condolences to DiPasquale’s friends and family, and to the students, faculty, and staff of Massasoit Community College.

“STCC would not be the same today were it not for Ray DiPasquale,” Cook said. “It was a full-circle moment meeting Ray in person when he assumed the presidency at Massasoit. I knew he played a role in developing key services at STCC, and his leadership across three states and multiple institutions was a tribute to his talents.”

DiPasquale began his career in higher education at Middlesex Community College in 1974. In 1979, he joined STCC as director of Admissions. He would rise through the ranks, helping to develop or re-envision departments and services at STCC, until leaving the college in 1998.

In 1982, DiPasquale was named assistant to the president. His next and longest-held position at STCC was dean of Admissions/Public Relations. Between 1983 and 1992, he was responsible for the operation of the Admissions Office, Public Relations, Media Communications, College Publications, the Transfer Office, and the Placement Office.

In 1992, DiPasquale was named vice president of Enrollment Management/Student Affairs. Among his various responsibilities, he served as a member of the president’s executive cabinet. He provided leadership, administration, and direction for enrollment management and marketing strategies for the entire college, and helped secure federal and state funding to support the newly founded Student Success Center.

DiPasquale created STCC’s Enrollment Management Division. He drew together functions from various areas of the college into a cohesive team that increased applications 21% over a seven-year period. He also served as a consultant for other Massachusetts colleges in developing the enrollment-management concept.

In 1998, DiPasquale left STCC for a position as vice president for Enrollment Management & Student Affairs at SUNY Brockport in Brockport, N.Y. He held the position until 2006.

He began serving his first term as president of the Community College of Rhode Island in 2006, following his selection by the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education.

Four years later, he was named commissioner of Higher Education for the Rhode Island Board of Education, a position he held until 2013. He was also president of Clinton Community College in New York. He began his presidency at Massasoit Community College in August 2021.

According to an announcement on Massasoit Community College’s website, DiPasquale was committed to serving the communities he called home and worked to advance the lives of others through education. In addition to his professional pursuits, he volunteered his time to numerous nonprofits and community organizations.

HCC to Showcase Fine, Performing Arts During Arts in Action Event on April 10

HOLYOKE — Fine and performing arts will take center stage on Wednesday, April 10 as Holyoke Community College (HCC) hosts its first-ever Arts in Action event, showcasing the talents of students and faculty from its Visual Art, Music, and Theater departments.

HCC will welcome more than 100 students from area high schools that day to visit the annual HCC student art show in the college art gallery, listen to live musical performances, observe demonstrations in the ceramics studio, and attend a full performance of HCC’s spring theater production of The Great Gatsby in Leslie Phillips Theater.

So far, participating high schools include Easthampton, Holyoke, West Springfield, and Libertas Academy Charter School in Springfield.

“This is going to be a wonderful event because it brings all of us in fine and performing arts together,” said Felice Caivano, chair of the HCC Visual Art department. “We’re excited to have 100-plus high-school art students, possibly prospective students, coming, and for the community to see what we’re doing in each of our departments.”

Most of Arts in Action takes place in the college’s Fine and Performing Arts building. HCC music students will perform in the lobby outside the theater on the second floor. On the third floor, in art studio 325, Visual Art Professor Margie Rothermich will be sitting at the throwing wheel demonstrating pottery making.

The event coincides with the opening of the annual Student Art Exhibition in the Taber Art Gallery inside the HCC Library on the second floor of the adjacent Donahue Building. The show runs through May 1.

Following the ceramics demonstrations and tours of the gallery, students will enter the theater to watch an 11 a.m. dress rehearsal of The Great Gatsby, which starts its three-day run the following night, April 11, at 7:30 p.m. The play, a stage adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, features a live jazz band on stage led by Music Professor Bob Ferrier, a jazz guitarist who is also the musical director for the show.

“Bob Ferrier is a genius,” said Theater Professor Pat Sandoval, director of the play. “We want people to see the great work being done at HCC. We’ve got great departments here with incredibly talented and committed individuals. Just come and see what we do.”

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Welcomes Joshua Burgos

PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield Cooperative Bank announced the hiring of Joshua Burgos as its new Business Development and Cash Management officer. In this role, he will oversee the multitude of cash transactions for the institution’s commercial customers as well as manage business deposits, real estate, and non-real-estate loans.

Burgos joins the bank after working most recently at Canyon Ranch as a senior accountant. He has 10 years of experience working in financial services, having served in positions at MassMutual and Greylock Federal Credit Union.

Burgos has an associate degree in business administration from Cambridge College, a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Capella University, and will be completing his MBA from UMass Amherst this fall.

Valley Eye Radio Seeks Executive Director

SPRINGFIELD — After the sudden passing of Director Barbara Loh in February, Valley Eye Radio (VER), the area’s only news-reading service for the blind and print-impaired, is seeking a passionate and committed executive to follow in Loh’s footsteps and guide the 40-year-old organization into the future.

VER keeps those with vision loss or reading impairment informed and connected to their communities by radio broadcasting local news and information that otherwise wouldn’t be available to them. The nonprofit strives to fight loneliness, keep listeners informed, and create community among its listeners and nearly 100 volunteer readers.

“We were all shocked and saddened to hear about Barbara’s passing,” said Brian Westerlind, president of the board of directors. “Her leadership took us to new heights in many ways. Her perseverance in identifying new sources of funding put VER on steady financial footing, and her infectious, positive attitude made VER a place where people want to donate their time and resources to keep visually impaired folks connected to the world around them.

“In Barbara’s honor, we must keep the organization moving forward and serving our community,” Westerlind added. “We’re looking for the right person to fill the big shoes she has left behind.”

Valley Eye Radio is seeking an established nonprofit leader, fundraiser, and fiscal and program manager who can engage stakeholders of all kinds. Successful candidates will be able to implement programs to meet the strategic goals and objectives of VER and, ideally, should have a connection to the blind and/or reading-impaired communities. The VER station is located in Springfield.

To learn more, visit the job listing on Indeed or email Westerlind at [email protected].

Greater Springfield Habitat to Host One-day Build Event on April 13

WEST SPRINGFIELD — In honor of March’s Women’s History Month and Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build event, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) will host Spring into Action on Saturday, April 13. The event was rescheduled from March 23 due to poor weather.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., several teams of five to eight people will venture to GSHFH’s parking lot at 268 Cold Spring Ave., West Springfield, to build one of eight pieces of outdoor furniture or yard accessories. Their finished products will be auctioned off at a later date. Participants had to register before March 29.

“This event should be a lot of fun while also helping volunteers to become more comfortable working with power tools,” said Aimee Giroux, GSHFH executive director. “It will hopefully give them the confidence to join us out on a build suite.”

Participants will receive snacks and goody bags, and may win prizes. Following the build, a wrap party will be held at Two Weeks Notice Brewing Co. at 110 Bosworth St., West Springfield.

GSHFH is dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership and home-preservation opportunities. Since 1987, Greater Springfield Habitat has built or repaired 129 homes in Hampden County.

Tickets Now on Sale for Yidstock

AMHERST — Tickets are now on sale for Yidstock: the Festival of New Yiddish Music, happening July 11-14 at the Yiddish Book Center. Now in its 12th year, Yidstock brings the best in klezmer and new Yiddish music to the Yiddish Book Center’s stage. Highlights this year will include the Klezmatics, Frank London, Eleanor Reissa, Judy Bressler, Daniel Kahn, and many more.

Concert passes are available and include admission to all concerts and the two dance workshops. Individual tickets are also available for purchase for those who can only attend for part of the weekend.

This year, livestream concert passes will allow friends from afar to experience Yidstock from the comfort of their homes. These passes only include access to the seven concerts; they do not include access to talks, workshops, or the film screening.

Visit yiddishbookcenter.org/yidstock for more information and to purchase tickets.

HCS Head Start Celebrates Week of the Young Child

SPRINGFIELD — Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield (HCS) Head Start is once again participating in the Week of the Young Child, the purpose of which is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and families and to recognize the early-childhood programs and services that meet those needs.

Originally created in 1971 by the National Assoc. for the Education of Young Children in an effort to recognize that the early-childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life, this week continues as an annual event celebrating early learning.

HCS Head Start prepares preschool children not only for kindergarten, but for life. According to the Brookings Institute (2016), children who attend Head Start have a higher likelihood of graduating high school, attending college, and receiving a post-secondary degree, license, or certification. Since Head Start’s inception in 1965, the organization has improved the lives of more than 32 million children and their families.

“All the data reinforces how a child’s earliest years are fundamental in shaping their learning and development, yet never before have the needs of young children and their families in our community been more pressing,” said Nicole Blais, CEO of HCS Head Start.

In addition to early-education services, as a multi-service agency, HCS Head Start provides comprehensive programs, services, and support for children and their families, with programs including cooking, money management, parenting classes, a healthy relationships program, and more.

HCS Head Start has planned a fun-filled week of happenings celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. Children enrolled in HCS Head Start will enjoy Week of the Young Child with hands-on, collaborative activities encouraging movement and healthy lifestyles through music, food, and art.

The festivities also include storytime guest readers. While some guest readers are still pending, confirmed guests include HCS Head Start board members, members of the organization’s health advisory board, and two area mayors: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno today, April 8, at 9 a.m. at Carew Street Head Start Center, 65 Carew St., Springfield; and Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Friday, April 12 at 10 a.m. at Lincoln Grove Early Learning Center, 216 Broadway St., Chicopee.

In addition, Head Start families are invited to Ride the Wellness Wave, a free health and safety resource fair hosted by HCS Head Start’s health team on Tuesday, April 9 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Carew Street Head Start Center at 65 Carew St., Springfield. Local community organizations will be on hand to provide information and resources to families in an effort to continue to promote the importance of overall health and wellness for young children and their families.

AIC Professor Co-leads Statewide Developmental Screening Effort