Month: December 2015

WEST SPRINGFIELD — AFC Doctors Express, the largest independent urgent-care provider in the Commonwealth, announced that more than one-third of American households will put up a Christmas tree during the holiday season — and those that sneeze and have a runny nose or itchy eyes once the tree is up might have a case of ‘Christmas tree syndrome’ – an allergic reaction to the tree (real or fake).

The reaction sparked by a Christmas tree could be caused by various factors, from simply the smell of the tree to the pine resin or molds found on live Christmas trees. According to researchers at the State University of New York, 70% of the molds found on live Christmas trees can cause severe asthma attacks, fatigue, sinus congestion, and more. It was previously thought that the pollen and weed killer applied to Christmas trees were the cause of allergic reactions related to the trees.

The good news is that the effects of Christmas tree syndrome can be prevented by limited exposure to the allergens found on the trees. Here are some tips for preventing health issues.

For live trees:

• Wear gloves and long sleeves when bringing the tree indoors to keep sap from touching skin;
• Shake out the tree or blow it with a leaf blower, then spray off the tree and its branches with water before bringing it into the house to help remove pollen and mold;
• Sit the tree stump in a bucket of water and let it dry outside for a few days to prevent mold from growing; and
• Families with severe allergies should avoid putting up a live tree; however, if they do, they should leave the tree up for no more than a week.

For artificial trees:

• Be sure to store the artificial tree properly during the off season by wrapping the tree securely and storing it in a cool and dry place (avoid storing in places that accumulate dust and dirt);
• Wipe the tree down before putting it up in your home;
• Clean ornaments before decorating the tree; and
• Go easy on the spray snow to frost your windows; any aerosolized chemical can cause irritant reactions in the eyes, nose, or lungs.

Additionally, ‘danger trees’ should be avoided. Each holiday, around 230 home fires start with Christmas trees. These fires cause an average of six deaths, 22 injuries, and $18.3 million in direct property damage. To avoid a danger tree:

• Make sure live trees are fresh (deep green, not brown, and the trunk should be sticky and wet with resin);
• Make sure a large number of needles don’t come loose when you tap the tree trunk on the ground; and
• Artificial trees should have a ‘fire-resistant’ label.

LONGMEADOW — In keeping with Bay Path University tradition, an area nonprofit organization has been selected to receive donations from the Bay Path community in celebration of the holiday season. This year, Baystate Children’s Hospital will be the recipient charity of contributions from the university.

Baystate Children’s Hospital, located at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, remains the only accredited children’s hospital in the region and delivers a high level of care to infants, children, and adolescents. The hospital is equipped with 110 beds, including 57 bassinettes, and provides more than 50 inpatient and outpatient services.

Donations from Bay Path faculty and staff will include much-needed items such as toys, games, strollers, and books, among other essentials, and will be collected for the hospital today during the university’s annual employee holiday party. Bay Path employees will be honored for their years of service to the university during the party as well.

CHICOPEE — The Elms College School of Nursing, in collaboration with the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Sunday Sandwich Ministry, is holding a memorial service and dinner to honor homeless people who passed away in 2015 in Chicopee.

The event takes place Friday, Dec. 18 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, 170 Pendexter Ave., Chicopee. The memorial program, which precedes the 5 p.m. dinner, will be held outside, so attendees should dress accordingly. The public is invited to join in remembrance. Food pantry donations of non-perishable food items or money may be made at the event.

For 25 years, on or near the first day of winter and the longest night of the year, the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) has advocated this national day of memory to bring attention to the tragedy of homelessness and to remember friends who have lost their lives to homelessness.

The Basilica of St. Stanislaus Sandwich Ministry distributes food and clothing to people who are homeless or facing financial challenges in Chicopee center each Sunday.

Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry is a nonprofit organization serving the hungry and disadvantaged in the Greater Chicopee community. Lorraine’s serves an average of 100 meals each evening and approximately 500 families a month through the pantry.

Elms College School of Nursing operates the caRe vaN, providing free healthcare to the homeless and underserved of Chicopee and Holyoke.

EAST LONGMEADOW — Robert Charles Photography recently announced a goal to raise $20,000 for Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Since 2005, the studio has donated more than $80,000 to the hospital by gifting its proceeds from sessions purchased in the month of December. In an effort to reach its ultimate goal of raising $100,000, the company has put together a special holiday package available until Wednesday, Dec. 23. All proceeds from the sale of these packages will benefit the area’s only children’s hospital.

For a donation of $79 to Baystate Children’s Hospital, donors will receive a photographic
session, an 8×10 signature portrait, digital images for social media, and a surprise gift. Two other companies have stepped up to help in this year’s effort; Pop’s Biscotti & Chocolate of Wilbraham and the Delaney House of Holyoke. Both have offered to provide special gifts to those who make a donation. The retail value of the holiday package now exceeds $350.

To make a donation and receive a holiday package, call (413) 525-4264 or visit www.robertcharlesphoto.com. Holiday packages may be purchased as a gift or used for the family making the donation. The sessions can also be scheduled until April 2016. A limited number of packages are available.

AMHERST — Clinical & Support Options Inc. (CSO) honored eight employees for their outstanding commitment to the community at its annual staff appreciation and holiday event on Dec. 4. These awards are presented annually to recognize the exemplary contributions made by employees in the course of their work. More than 325 guests attended this lively event, which was held at the UMass Student Union Ballroom.

The Exemplary Administrative Support Award, which honors an administrative support employee whose work has been notable for its excellence, went to Marceina Purdy, back-end billing specialist in Northampton.

The Outstanding Leadership Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership, vision, and initiative in support of the agency’s mission and objectives, went to Sara Stodulski, Springfield outpatient supervisor.

The Exemplary Direct Service Award, honoring an employee whose direct-care work has been notable for its excellence, went to Ben Tozloski, Greenfield outpatient clinician.

Chris Jones, Athol crisis clinician, was recognized with the Morale/Spirit Award, which honors the employee who, in the course of their work, has done the most in contributing to the agency’s employee morale.

Nicole Lemire, Greenfield family-support worker, was recognized for Outstanding Commitment to Recovery. This award recognizes a person who promotes and integrates the principles of recovery and a trauma-informed approach by actively modeling such principles in his or her work.

The award for Community Service Leadership went to Ariane Krumholz, director of Quality Improvement. This award honors a staff member who has provided exceptional personal dedication and a commitment to excellence in bringing communities together at the grass-roots level to assure that the agency meets the needs of those it serves.

The Exemplary Team Award, which recognizes a program, department, or committee that has functioned as an exemplary team, whether formally or informally designated, went to the team at the Bridge Family Resource Center in Amherst.

Finally, CSO honored Rich Nadolski, director of Clubhouse services, for his 30 years of service at CSO.

“Our employees work tirelessly every day supporting our clients and making our communities healthier,” said President and CEO Karin Jeffers said. “I am honored to be a part of this team and recognize these employees for their dedication and excellence.”

LONGMEADOW — John O’Rourke III has been appointed to the position of controller at Bay Path University.

O’Rourke will work closely with Vice President for Finance and Administrative Services Michael Giampietro and the staff of the university’s Business Office to account for and manage its financial assets. His responsibilities include overseeing payroll, accounting, receivables and payables, grant accounting and compliance, and the Bursar’s Office.

“John O’Rourke is highly skilled in financial analysis, auditing, and strategic planning,” Giampietro said. “We are excited to have him join the university staff.”

O’Rourke brings to the university more than 15 years of experience in finance and accounting. Prior to joining the Bay Path staff, he served as comptroller for Holyoke Community College, and has additional experience as an investment accountant for MassMutual Financial Group and staff accountant for Lester Halpern & Co. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from UMass Amherst.

LONGMEADOW — Ruth’s House, the assisted-living residence at JGS Lifecare, announced the appointment of Samantha Panniello as dining services coordinator. As an experienced executive and catering chef, she brings a new dimension to the facility’s signature kosher dining and banquet menus.

Panniello brings more than 10 years of experience to Ruth’s House. Formally trained at the Connecticut Culinary Institute, where she was recognized for excellence and graduated at the top of her class, she worked as a chef for both Springfield College and UMass Amherst before becoming kitchen manager of the Federal in Agawam and Vinted in West Hartford, Conn. where she was named head chef. While at Vinted, the restaurant received a rave review by the New York Times, praising its “rich tastes on small plates.” Panniello also landed an executive chef position at Lego in Enfield, Conn., and most recently served as head chef of Marketplace/Back Street Bistro in Springfield.

“We’re proud to welcome Samantha to coordinate our dining services. She brings tremendous talent, enthusiasm, and experience to our culinary team,” said Joelle Tedeschi, executive director of Ruth’s House. “Our residents are in for a treat.”

WARE — Country Bank is sharing the warmth this holiday season with its friends and neighbors. In each of 15 branch locations, the bank has brought back the Hat & Mitten Tree.

The public is invited to stop by a branch to donate a new hat, scarf, pair of mittens, or any non-perishable food items. Collections will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 18, at which time they will be brought to local food pantries for distribution in their communities.

As a reminder, all Country Bank offices will close at noon on Thursday, Dec. 24 and will remain closed through Sunday, Dec. 27.

WESTFIELD — Baystate Noble Hospital recently received a check for $1,000 from the Amelia Park Ice Arena’s October Pink in the Rink event. This donation will go the Baystate Noble Hospital Breast Cancer fund, which helps women going through breast-cancer treatment who may not be able to afford all of the expenses associated with their care.

Services at Baystate Noble include the Burk Women’s Imaging Center, where mammograms and bone densitometry testing is done, and the Comprehensive Breast Program, featuring diagnosis, treatment, and post-operative care for breast cancer. Treatment for lymphoma and alternative health sessions, such as massage and Reiki, are also offered.

Pink in the Rink at Amelia Park Ice Arena featured a Western Mass Blizzard Girls hockey game, a pink-themed public skate, raffles, and a bake sale.

“We are honored to receive this donation from the Amelia Park Ice Arena’s Pink in the Rink event for the third year in a row,” said Allison Gearing-Kalill, vice president of Community Development at Baystate Noble Hospital. “Donations like this may help your neighbor or family member who is going through cancer treatment. We are fortunate and grateful that the community supports Baystate Noble, which enables us to provide excellent care for our patients.”

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Charles Ramon, owner of Ramon Financial Services, announced that Yvonne Diaz is joining the company as a benefits consultant. She will design and service employee-benefit programs for new and existing clients.

Diaz brings 16 years of industry experience, including 10 years as an account executive at Health New England. She received her bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from Bay Path College and is currently a member of Leadership Pioneer Valley’s Class of 2016.

SPRINGFIELD — When tornadoes carved a 39-mile path through the landscape of Western Mass. on June 1, 2011, thousands of lives were impacted. Even today, many of the tornado victims are still dealing with the aftermath, including Isidoro and Alejandrina Mulero of Springfield. Their home in the Six Corners section of the city sustained significant damage to the roof, siding, windows, and foundation.

After four years, the Muleros’ home is almost habitable thanks to volunteers from the community as well as Habitat for Humanity and Revitalize Community Development Corp. (formerly Rebuilding Together), who refurbished the damaged structure. Now, all the family needs is to have the flooring installed, for which Baystate Rug & Flooring, a local, family-owned provider of flooring with locations in East Longmeadow and Chicopee, has donated labor.

According to Margarita Mulero, the daughter of Isidoro and Alejandrina, the family reached out to Baystate Rug & Flooring at the recommendation of a pastor at a local church.

“We were looking for someone whose heart would go out to them, someone who could volunteer their services to help finish the repairs to the house,” she said. “Baystate Rug & Flooring was the company that was suggested, and when we contacted them, they expressed interest in helping us.”

Jorge Morgado, vice president of Baystate Rug & Flooring, noted, “at Baystate Rug and Flooring, we live by the motto ‘how can I make today a better day?’ When we learned about the Mulero family of Springfield, who were struggling to get back into their tornado-damaged home, we wanted to help in some small way. Donating installation services is one way we can demonstrate our commitment to making each day better for our community.”

WARE — In October, a team of officers and a trustee from Country Bank traveled to Haiti as part of a mission of the Be Like Brit Foundation. During the seven-day excursion, the group built a home in the community of Grand Goave, while connecting with children at the foundation’s nearby orphanage.

Country Bank was joined on the trip by Mark O’Connell, CEO of Wolf & Co., an accounting firm with offices in Boston and Springfield, along with five members of his team. Dubbed ‘Team Double Trouble,’ each group built a new house, benefiting two of the area’s disadvantaged families.

Housing is still greatly needed more than five years after the earthquake that devastated the Caribbean nation. The team from Country Bank cleared the lot, hand-poured the foundation, and framed and finished the structure. All the lumber, concrete, and water to the two remote building sites were carried by hand by the teams.

“As community bankers, we are deeply involved with the families in need in our own region,” said Paul Scully, president and CEO of Country Bank, who traveled with the group. “Our journey with the Be Like Brit Foundation provided us with greater appreciation of the support that people need around the world. It was a life-changing experience for our group on both a personal and professional level, as the trip served as a corporate team-building and bonding opportunity. I am deeply proud to be surrounded by a team of such dedicated and caring individuals.”

In addition to their time building, the teams toured the Mission of Hope International facilities, including a school, computer lab, and library. They also attended church with the children on Sunday and came back to serve lunch the following day.

The orphanage was built in memory of 19-year-old Britney Gengel, the Rutland, Mass. native who perished in the 2010 Haiti earthquake while on a service trip with her college, Lynn University.

SPRINGFIELD — Pride Stores will host its 10th holiday party for 125 local foster children at its “Fifties Diner” on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m. Foster children and their foster families will be given gifts and enjoy food, games, and arts and crafts along with an opportunity to get their photo taken with Santa.

Pride is also sponsoring 18 ‘giving trees’ at selected stores. Last year, Pride, its employees, and customers gave more than 300 gifts to these foster children by taking a tag from the tree and purchasing the wish-list item requested by the foster child.

Every year, Pride Stores also sells $1 ornaments in each of its 30 locations during the month of December. All of the proceeds from the sales go directly to MaryAnne’s Kids Fund.