Home 2016 February (Page 4)

Month: February 2016

Montessori School of Northampton Launches Middle-school Program

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Montessori School of Northampton (MSN) will open Northampton’s first independent middle school in September, aiming to take education well beyond the four walls of the classroom.

“Our middle-schoolers will benefit from the unique materials, intensively trained teachers, and self-directed learning for which Montessori schools are known worldwide,” said Susan Swift, head of school. “But they will also work and learn at local farms, theaters, and businesses, and do service projects to benefit the local community.”

To lead MSN’s middle-school program, the school has hired Corey Hadden, a Montessori-trained and experienced middle-school teacher. He is also an apprentice trainer on the staff of the Cincinnati Montessori Secondary Teacher Education Program and has many years of experience with Outward Bound as well as mindfulness training. His goal as middle-school teacher is to help students understand themselves as part of a community — and part of a bigger world.

“Our out-in-the-community curriculum was designed with the specific developmental needs of adolescents in mind,” he said. “As any parent of a 12-year old will tell you, these kids are in transition, changing from children to teenagers. Their bodies, their minds, their self-image are all in flux. The experience of doing meaningful work alongside adults and one another will help build a sense of self, with purpose, responsibility, and a love for learning that will help them succeed as they enter high school and beyond.”

MSN is holding free middle-school information sessions for interested families, members of the media, and the public, at Lilly Library in Florence on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 10:30 a.m., and at Edwards Public Library in Southampton on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 5 p.m. For more information, call Laura Frogameni, director of Admissions, at (413) 586-4538, or visit northamptonmontessori.org.

Demolition of I-91 Viaduct Deck Begins Feb. 10

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MassDOT’s contractor, the joint venture of White-Schiavone, will begin demolishing the I-91 viaduct’s reinforced concrete bridge deck on Wednesday, Feb. 10. The work will take place in the inner northbound lane of the viaduct along the median, which is currently closed. The contractor will work a day shift (7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and a night shift (4 p.m. to midnight) on Mondays through Fridays.

Demolition of the inner northbound lane deck is expected to continue through April 2017. Demolition of other portions of the viaduct deck will continue through summer 2017.

White-Schiavone will use several noise mitigation techniques during demolition. It has proactively installed noise curtains along the work zone in noise-sensitive areas. Additional curtains may be installed as required once initial noise readings are taken after demolition activities have started. In addition, all heavy trucks and equipment have been retrofitted with self-adjusting backup alarms, which limit the sound to a set volume above the ambient (background) noise. The JV has also taken initial readings of ambient noise in the work zone to establish a baseline for comparison. All equipment has been tested to ensure it is operating within the manufacturer’s specification.

Those traveling through the area should follow the reduced speed limits and use caution. MassDOT encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays.

For more information about the project, visit www.mass.gov/massdot/i91viaductrehab. To report issues or concerns, or with questions related to construction, e-mail [email protected] or call (617) 454-1839.

PeoplesBank Announces Promotions, Appointments

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — PeoplesBank announced the promotions and appointments of three officers: Beverly Farnham, Amos McLeod III, and Nancy Robinson.

Farnham has been promoted to loan service officer. She possesses close to two decades of financial and banking experience. She first joined the bank in 1996 and previously served as loan service specialist. She has earned diplomas for financial services operations and consumer lending from the Center of Financial Training. She has been volunteering for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race for more than a decade.

McLeod has been appointed to senior credit analyst officer. He brings more than a decade of banking experience to his new position. He will be responsible for understanding and managing the credit risk and loan quality of the bank’s commercial real-estate and loan portfolios. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Springfield College and is a graduate of the School of Commercial Lending Program at Babson College. He serves as treasurer of Friends of the Huntington Public Library and volunteers for the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

Robinson has been promoted to internal audit officer. She possesses more than a decade of banking and financial experience. She first joined the bank in 2012 and previously served as financial analyst. She holds a master’s degree in accounting and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Western New England University. She serves on the board of the Connecticut River Valley Golden Retriever Club. She also volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, United Way, and Children’s Study Home.

BusinessWest Seeks Nominations for Continued Excellence Award

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — As part of its 10th annual 40 Under Forty program, BusinessWest is taking nominations for its second annual Continued Excellence Award, the winner of which will be unveiled at the 40 Under Forty gala on June 16.

Last year, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored. The five finalists for that award last year were Kamari Collins, Jeff Fialky, Cinda Jones, Kristin Leutz, and the eventual winner, Delcie Bean IV.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “We wanted to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders. Last year’s five finalists have certainly done that, and we expect this year’s nominees to be equally inspiring.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award, in this case, classes 2007-2015. The nomination form is available at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-continued-excellence-award. For your convenience, a list of the past nine 40 Under Forty classes may be found at businesswest.com/40-under-forty/40-under-forty-past-honorees.

The nomination deadline is April 1 at 5 p.m., no exceptions.

Michele Ouimet-Rooke Nominated as Springfield District Court Judge

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Daily News

BOSTON — Gov. Charlie Baker has nominated Michele Ouimet-Rooke, an attorney with more than 17 years of experience in Western Mass. courts, to serve as a judge in Springfield District Court.

“Michele Ouimet-Rooke offers the court a great combination of experience in both civil and criminal legal matters drawn from her career in public service and private practice in Western Massachusetts,” Baker said. “I am pleased to recommend an individual with such broad experience to the Governor’s Council for their consideration.”

Added Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, “the first two District Court openings our administration has sought to fill are in Hampden County, and we are pleased to make this second nomination to the Springfield District Court. If confirmed, we know that Ms. Ouimet-Rooke will serve her hometown with distinction.”

Ouimet-Rooke, a native and resident of Springfield, joined the practice of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy in 2002 as an associate representing plaintiffs and defendants in a variety of litigations, including employment and discrimination law, premise and product liability, insurance defense, landlord/tenant issues, criminal defense, and business litigation, becoming a partner in 2012.

She began her career in the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office as a victim/witness advocate for eight years before becoming an assistant district attorney and chief prosecutor. She obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Springfield College and her juris doctor from Western New England College School of Law in 1999.

Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the statewide Judicial Nominating Commission and recommended to the governor. All judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.

There are 62 district courts throughout the Commonwealth hearing a range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental-health, and other cases, including all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, misdemeanors, and violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. Springfield is located in Region 6, which includes courts in Chicopee, Eastern Hampshire, Greenfield, Holyoke, Northern Berkshire, Northampton, Orange, Palmer, Southern Berkshire, and Westfield.

Bombay Royale Restaurant Opens in Northampton

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — On Tuesday, Pramod Warriar, Vince George, and Vargheese Athimootil opened Bombay Royale, a new Indian restaurant at 52 Crafts Ave. in One Roundhouse Plaza in downtown Northampton.

Bombay Royale offers Indian fare from all regions of India, including the north and south. The restaurant specializes in fresh, healthy menu items and does not use monosodium glutamate, otherwise known as MSG. Bombay Royale also offers gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free options.

“We are one of the few Indian restaurants in this area offering south Indian cuisine with dishes such as the masala dosa, a crispy rice lentil crepe with potatoes,” said George.

A buffet meal option is offered weekdays from noon to 2:30 p.m. and weekends from noon to 3 p.m. Bombay Royale will also offer a la carte menu items, lunch boxes, gift cards, and catering services for holidays, weddings, and other events.

George has 15 years of experience in the restaurant industry and previously managed Karavalli Regional Cuisine of India in Latham, N.Y. Warriar has more than 30 years of experience and also operates Bombay in Lee. Athimootil works full-time for the state of New York as an engineer and also has worked in the restaurant industry for several years.

To learn more about Bombay Royale, visit www.bombayroyale.com, e-mail [email protected], or call (413) 341-3537.

Six Flags Hiring 3,000 Seasonal Employees for 2016 Season

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Daily News

AGAWAM — Six Flags New England, the region’s largest theme park, is hiring 3,000 seasonal employees for the 2016 season, opening April 9.

The annual job fair is being held on Friday, Feb. 26 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will take place at the Human Resources building at 1756 Main St., Agawam. The park is hiring for all positions, including admissions, culinary services, games, lifeguards, loss prevention, park services, EMT, security, entertainment, retail, and rides.

Interested applicants must be at least 16 years old and should be prepared for on-the-spot interviews, so appropriate dress is encouraged. It is recommended that all interested candidates apply online at sixflagsjobs.com prior to arrival.

In addition, entertainment auditions will be held on Sunday, Feb. 21 and Sunday, Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Human Resources building. Six Flags is seeking actors, dancers, characters, superheroes, drummers, and technical staff for spring and summer shows.

All applicants are encouraged to arrive early. Interviewees will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited positions in specialty areas. Anyone with questions may contact Human Resources at (413) 786-9300, ext. 3100.

Christopher Buono Joins CompuWorks as VCIO

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — Christopher Buono has joined the CompuWorks HealthyIT team as virtual chief information officer. As a VCIO, he guides clients through the critical process of aligning technology decisions with organizational goals by understanding where the company is today and its vision for the future.

Buono has worked in the information-technology field for more than 20 years, including 12 years in leadership roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University at Albany Business School and attended the MBA program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management. He holds numerous technical certifications, including Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, Certified Novell Engineer, Certified Information Systems Security Professional, and Cisco Certified Network Administration. He serves on the board for Community Health Programs and on the strategic planning committee for WAM Theatre.

According to CompuWorks partner Alan Bauman, “we are very pleased to have Chris on our team and to be able to offer his depth and breadth of experience and perspective to meet the IT challenges of our clients.”

Blue Heron to Host Dinner, Conversation About Race in America

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Daily News

SUNDERLAND — On Sunday, Feb. 21, Blue Heron Restaurant will host “On the Bus: Dinner and a Conversation About Race in America with Julius Lester and Barry Moser.”

Lester and Moser, writers, educators, and artists who currently reside in Western Mass., both came of age in Tennessee in the 1950s and 60s. Although they both rode public buses in the South, their experiences differed greatly because of the color of their skin. Their experience provides a lens through which the two will begin a discussion on race, racism, and segregation in the U.S.

Local poet, author, and gallery owner Richard Michelson will moderate the discussion. Guests will be invited to pose questions to the panelists and share their own thoughts and experiences on the subject.

The evening’s menu will draw from the culinary heritage of the American South. The meal will begin with a root vegetable soup served with pimento-cheese crostini. For the main course, guests will choose from a selection of chicken-fried steak with cream gravy, fried catfish with jalapeño remoulade, or squash and cheddar soufflé. Side dishes will be served family-style, and include collard greens, hoppin’ John, sautéed okra, and housemade biscuits. The meal will conclude with a slice of chess pie, a staple of Southern cuisine.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the cost is $40 per person, not including tax or gratuity. The full menu is available to view at www.blueherondining.com/special-events. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (413) 665-2102 or e-mailing [email protected].

Link to Libraries Appoints Andrew Anderlonis to Board of Directors

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Daily News

HAMPDEN — Local nonprofit Link to Libraries has appointed Andrew Anderlonis to its executive board of directors. Anderlonis is president of Rediker Software, a leading school administrative software company located in Hampden.

Rediker helps schools utilize the latest technologies to streamline processes and improve communication. Anderlonis will bring his innovative thinking, along with his strong business and leadership experience, to the Link to Libraries executive board.

“Link to Libraries is such an important organization in promoting literacy in our community,” he said. “The fact that Link to Libraries has donated over 400,000 books throughout New England without any paid staff is truly inspiring. Rediker Software serves many of the schools that Link to Libraries serves as well, and I couldn’t be more proud to join their executive board of directors.”

A graduate of George Washington University with a BBA in international business and management information systems, Anderlonis was a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy’s elite nuclear program prior to coming to Rediker Software. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

Employer Confidence Steady to Start 2016

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Daily News

BOSTON — Confidence among Massachusetts employers remained steady during January as optimism about the state economy offset uncertainty about China and turbulent financial markets.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index rose 0.5 points to 55.8 last month, starting 2016 well above the 50 mark that denotes a positive economic outlook. The increase was driven by a 1.8-point surge in the index measuring employer attitudes about Massachusetts. Confidence remained lower than it was in January 2015, however.

“The fact that employer confidence remained solid during a month in which the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index was at one point off 9% and oil dropped below $27 a barrel points to the fundamental, underlying strength of the Massachusetts economy,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design.

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009.

The index ended 2015 down for the year, but remained consistently in optimistic territory for the first 12-month period since the Great Recession.

Most of the sub-indices based on selected questions or categories of employer rose a point or two in January, though all remained down year over year.

The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, jumped 1.8 points to 58.1, starting the year more than a point lower than last January.

“The Massachusetts Index has been above its national counterpart for 80 consecutive months, and that perception was bolstered by the decision in January by General Electric to locate its corporate headquarters in Boston,” Torto said. “GE’s decision was important, not only for the 800 jobs it will bring, but because the company cited Massachusetts’ leadership in knowledge industries as its reason for coming.”

The U.S. Index of national business conditions slipped to 49.9 on the month, leaving it more than four points lower than a year ago. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased slightly to 54.6, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, rose almost a full point to 57.0.

“Employers clearly do not believe that the correction in financial markets signals an overall economic slowdown,” said Alan Clayton-Matthews, associated professor of Economics and Public Policy at Northeastern University and a BEA member. “Massachusetts employers foresee positive business conditions through at least the first half of 2016, and that comports with economic forecasts that Massachusetts will reach full employment during the year.”

The three sub-indices bearing on survey respondents’ own operations were mixed in January. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, was up 0.3 points at 57.0, the Sales Index shed 1.1 points to 57.1, and the Employment Index rose 1.3 points to 55.1.

“The increase in the Employment Index is good news for Massachusetts. Our survey found that 39% of respondents reported adding staff during the past six months, while 19% reduced employment,” said Katherine Kiel, professor of Economics at College of the Holy Cross and another BEA member. “Expectations for the next six months are even stronger — 37% hiring and only 10% downsizing.”

Time Is Running Out for 40 Under Forty Nominations

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest magazine will accept nominations for the 40 Under Forty Class of 2016 — the 10th class to be honored by the magazine — through the end of the work day (5 p.m.) on Friday, Feb 12.

The annual program recognizes rising stars within the Western Mass. community, which includes Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. This year’s group of 40 will be profiled in the magazine’s April 18 edition, then toasted at the June 16 gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke.

The nomination form, which can be found online at businesswest.com, requests basic information and can be supported with other material, such as a résumé, testimonials, and even press clippings highlighting an individual’s achievements in their profession or service to their community.

Bay Path Online Learning Platform Shortlisted for Prestigious Awards

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Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Social Online Universal Learning (SOUL) at Bay Path University’s American Women’s College was shortlisted for the Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education 2015 Awards, a ceremony billed as the ‘Oscars of higher education.’

The second annual Wharton-QS Stars Reimagine Education Conference, which took place in Philadelphia, brought together more than 300 delegates representing some of the world’s most influential universities and companies to discuss innovation in higher education, consider ways to improve pedagogy and employability, and reward the best projects that aim to do so. Key industry and thought leaders like William Rankin, director of Learning at Apple; Jaime Casap, chief education evangelist at Google; Caroline Howard, senior editor at Forbes; and Sean Coughlan, education correspondent at BBC News, were among the attendees of the event.

More than 150 projects were submitted this year, aiming to win prizes in 14 categories, with the overall winner receiving a $50,000 prize.

Bay Path’s SOUL is a set of cutting-edge online tools and resources developed to make each student’s college experience more personal, supportive, and successful. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE), SOUL is the first program of its kind in the nation.

FutureWorks Welcomes Six New Board of Directors Members

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — FutureWorks Career Center announced the addition of six new directors to the organization’s board: Brian Connors, deputy director, Economic Development, city of Springfield; Kermit Dunkelberg, assistant vice president, Workforce Development, Holyoke Community College; Marylou Fabbo, attorney, Skoler, Abbott & Presser; Mike Grandfield, senior vice president, commercial relationship manager, Berkshire Bank; George Kohout, director, ABE/ESOL Services, Springfield Technical Community College; and Vicki Shrewsbury, director, Talent Acquisition, Smith & Wesson.

Board president MacArthur Starks Jr., assistant vice president at MassMutual, said the group will bring a fresh focus to the organization.

“Each newly added board member brings experience and a wealth of diverse knowledge related to workforce issues, career centers, and the challenges confronting our labor market,” he noted. “The volunteer board works to focus FutureWorks’ mission of advancing the careers of our customers and supporting the needs of local business. This includes strengthening program services, financial oversight, and enhancing our public standing.”

Paul Doherty: An Appreciation

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Daily News

Where does one begin when talking about the accomplishments and legacy of Paul Doherty, who passed away recently after a lengthy battle with lung cancer?
Is it with his success as a lawyer and with the firm he grew into one of the largest in the region — Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy? Or is it with the fact that he was a devoted family man? Maybe it should be with the many aspects of his work within the community, as both activist and philanthropist. Or maybe it’s his work as a truly relentless advocate for this region and especially the city of Springfield.

Maybe the best place to begin is by saying all of that is really just the beginning.

Indeed, one can’t easily sum up the many contributions Paul — often working in tandem with his wife of 55 years, Dianne — made to the larger community we call Western Mass. He was heavily involved in business, education, philanthropy (he was one of the founders of Valley Gives), race relations, and a host of efforts to promote the City of Homes. He lent his considerable talents and imagination to everything from the United Way to the Economic Development Council of Western Mass., to the adoption agency Downey Side, which he co-founded.

Those who knew and worked with him called him a friend, mentor, and inspiration.

People who become as active in their community as Paul often note that they have a hard time saying ‘no’ when people ask them to contribute their time and energy to a cause or initiative. Paul did, in fact, have that problem, if one could call it that. But he could go one better — or even two.

Usually, he didn’t have to say ‘yes’ or ‘no,’ because he didn’t wait to be asked to get involved. He was an initiator, the one who would ask others if they wanted to get involved.

And perhaps his very best quality was getting others to say ‘yes’ and follow his lead.

Because of this rare and special talent, this region is a better place — a much better place.
And that’s why he will certainly be missed.

New Members Appointed to STCC Board of Trustees

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) recently welcomed three new members to its board of trustees: Steven Grande, Franklin Quigley, and Macarthur Starks Jr.

Grande is president of Meridian Industrial Group, LLC in Holyoke and Springfield. He also serves on the Holyoke Taxpayers Assoc. is vice chair of the advisory committee at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, chairs the Mayor’s Industrial Development Advisory Council, serves on board of directors for the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, is a member of the advisory board for William J. Dean Technical High School; and is president of the board of directors for the Western Massachusetts National Tooling and Machining Assoc. Grande holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and criminal justice from American International College.

Quigley, an STCC alumnus, serves on the STCC foundation board and is a member of the presidential search committee. He is the president of FD Quigley and Associates, an organization specializing in providing project-management services to commercial retail developers; is a member of the state board of directors for Special Olympics; and is a retired referee of the American Hockey League.

Starks, a senior finance and leadership professional, is an assistant vice president/change agent at MassMutual Way Center of Excellence, at MassMutual Life Insurance Company. Starks also serves as board chair and treasurer of FutureWorks Career Center in Springfield. A graduate of STCC (‘88), Starks received a master’s in management information systems and a bachelor of arts in accounting from Western New England University.

Boy Scouts Names Ruthann Eagen Berkshire County District Executive

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Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Western Massachusetts Council, Boy Scouts of America, welcomed Ruthann Eagen to its professional team. She will serve as the district executive for the Appalachian Trail District, which serves the communities in Berkshire County as well as several of the surrounding hilltowns.

Eagen is no stranger to scouting. At 14 years old, she joined the Nassau County (N.Y.) Law Enforcement Exploring Program, a career-exploration program run through the Learning for Life division of the Boy Scouts of America. During her time as an Explorer, she gained leadership skills and attained the rank of two-star chief before aging out and becoming an adult advisor.

“I also got to experience scouting by watching my brother rise through the ranks of his troop to become an ordeal member of Order of the Arrow and earn the rank of Eagle Scout,” said Eagen, who hopes to bring her experience and knowledge from both Explorers and Boy Scouts to her role as district executive.

She has an associate degree in liberal arts from Nassau Community College, a bachelor’s degree in criminology from State University of New York (SUNY) at Old Westbury, and a business administration certificate from Nassau Community College, and she is currently working on her master’s degree in human services and leadership from St. Joseph’s College in Patchogue, N.Y.

Michael’s Party Rentals to Move into New Location

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Daily News

LUDLOW — Michael’s Party Rentals Inc., located in Ludlow, recently purchased a building at 1221 South Main St. in Palmer. The new building gives the rental company more than double its current space, providing more than 20,000 square feet.

“I have been looking for quite a long time to find the right building to solve our space issues,” said Michael Linton, president and owner. “Landing in Palmer was perfect because we service west to Albany and east to Boston, as well as north and south from Vermont to Southern Connecticut; this gives the team terrific access.” The additional space is needed to hold Michael’s ever-growing inventory of special-event equipment, including items obtained during its recent acquisition of Yankee Tents.

The migration of the tents, chairs, and china from Ludlow to the new building will not happen until late spring, as Linton plans a major renovation of the building, including 1,000 square feet of office space, as well as a 2,000-square-foot Show Room and Design Center, where a client can plan an event.

“This is the part I am most excited about,” said Melissa Sullivan, senior event coordinator and director of the Design Center. “It is going to be so amazing to actually be able to help a client visualize their event by creating a mini-version for them to touch and feel.”

In addition, Michael’s will be adding a state-of-the-art tent-washing machine, the only one of its kind in the Pioneer Valley. The total project is expected to cost just shy of $750,000 and was financed by Chicopee Savings Bank and the Worcester Business Development Corp.

Have You Ordered Your Difference Makers Tickets?

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — The eighth annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on Thursday, March 31.

Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s class was profiled in the Jan. 25 issue, and their stories can also be read online at businesswest.com. They include Hampden County Sheriff Michael J. Ashe Jr.; Mike Balise, Balise Motor Sales, philanthropist (1965-2015); Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties; Bay Path University President Carol Leary; and John Robison, president, J.E. Robison Service.

Tickets cost $60, and tables of 10 are available. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit businesswest.com. Difference Makers is sponsored by EMA Dental, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., Northwestern Mutual, PeoplesBank, Royal LLP, and Sunshine Village.