Month: August 2018

CHICOPEE — Elms College announced it will host two Fulbright language teaching assistants (FLTAs) during the 2018-19 academic year.

Akiko Takata of Kyoto, Japan, will teach Japanese language and culture, and Jill McMahon of Dublin, Ireland, will teach Irish (Gaelic) language and culture. The Irish FLTA position is co-sponsored by the Irish Cultural Center of Western Massachusetts.

“Thanks to the Fulbright FLTA program, we are able to broaden the range of languages that we offer in support of our academic programs,” said Joyce Hampton, director of student success and strategic initiatives at Elms. “Learning a language develops a global perspective and sparks an interest in study abroad.”

The college also regularly offers classes in American Sign Language, Spanish, and English as a second language.

Takata most recently worked as a teacher at Doshisha Junior High School in Japan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in linguistics at Tokushima University and her master’s degree in teaching Japanese at Kobe University. She also worked as an assistant language teacher in Dublin from July 2016 to February 2017, teaching Japanese to students at Dublin City University and four secondary schools.

In her teaching practice, Takata engages students and illuminates concepts by incorporating technological tools such as audio-visual teaching materials, tablets, and electronic blackboards. One of her future goals is to set up a support system in Japanese public schools for foreign students who lack Japanese language skills.

McMahon, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Irish and journalism at Dublin City University and a master of philosophy degree in digital humanities and culture at Trinity College, has worked solely in the Irish-language sector following her graduation. She most recently served as a government administrator with Gaeloideachas, an Irish organization that supports Irish-language immersion schools in Ireland.

She has eight years of Irish-language teaching experience, including working as a tutor and an Irish/art teacher, and participates in her Gaelic Athletics Assoc. club, Na Gaeil Óga, whose goal is to encourage people to speak Irish outside of school and work. She plans to incorporate extracurricular activities into her FLTA duties, to give students opportunities to learn Irish in less formal contexts.

SPRINGFIELD — As MGM Springfield prepares to open its doors, it invites the public to join M life Rewards, MGM Resorts’ award-winning loyalty program.

On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11-12, MGM Springfield will host an M life Rewards sign-up party at the MassMutual Center, introducing guests to the exclusive offers and benefits available only to members. MGM Springfield is offering existing competitor cardholders the opportunity to leverage their status and join M life Rewards at a comparable level.

“With our opening day almost here, now is the time for our future guests to become M life Rewards members and make sure they start earning benefits from day one,” said Anika Gaskins, vice president of National Marketing for MGM Springfield. “As the industry leader, M life Rewards provides the highest level of service and benefits, and we are looking forward to bringing this elevated new experience to Springfield.”

Upon arrival to the event, guests will be greeted with a lavish red-carpet arrival, preview all M life Rewards properties, plus enjoy DJ entertainment. The first 100 signups on each day will receive an invitation to a pre-opening casino event, and each new M life Rewards member will have an opportunity to enter to win a motorcycle from Indian Motorcycle of Springfield on Sept. 16. Some attendees may also qualify to win concert tickets to Stevie Wonder or Comedy Get Down at the MassMutual Center and Aaron Lewis or “4U: A Symphonic Celebration of Prince” at Symphony Hall. This complimentary event will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to anyone age 21 or older.

Members of M life Rewards will enjoy special room rates, pre-sale show tickets, priority reservations, and invitations to members-only events nationally at MGM Resorts’ sister properties.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — State Rep. Aaron Vega and state Sen. Jim Welch will square off in a bartending competition to benefit Homework House and Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity on Thursday Aug. 9 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub, located at the Irish Cultural Center at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield.

Vega will be mixing, pouring, and donating his tips to benefit Homework House. HCC President Christina Royal, Holyoke School Committee member Devin Sheehan, and Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, SPARK coordinator, will join Vega behind the bar for Team Homework House. Welch will donate his tips to Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. The event is free and open to all age 21 and older. Dinner reservations may be made by calling the Trinity Pub directly at (413) 342-4358.

CHICOPEE — Sunshine Village held its 29th annual golf tournament fundraiser on Aug. 1 at Chicopee Country Club. The event sold out, with 37 teams enjoying a round of golf and a reception with awards, raffles, and a silent auction afterward at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee.

HUB International New England won the tournament, while Kellco Products came in second, and a team from Supreme Roofing New England placed third. 

Sunshine Village Executive Director Gina Kos and Ernest Laflamme Jr., president of the board of directors, thanked the many sponsors and volunteers that helped make the fundraiser its most successful ever. Chicopee Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, PeoplesBank, and Westfield Bank were tournament sponsors, while major sponsors included Caolo & Bieniek Associates, Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Inc., Inter-All Corp., Marcotte Ford, Polish National Credit Union, Supreme Roofing, and the Gaudreau Group. All proceeds from the fundraiser go toward ensuring that up-to-date technology, adaptive equipment, engaging activities, and professional-development opportunities are offered to the nearly 500 individuals the organization serves.

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced that Carla Oleska, former WFWM CEO who led the formation of the Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact (LIPPI), and Daisy Hernandez, LIPPI class of 2017, have been chosen to lead the upcoming ninth cohort of LIPPI, which begins in September.

“We were very impressed by the caliber of the candidates who responded to our request for proposals for a consultant to lead LIPPI for the next year and were hard-pressed to pick one,” said current CEO Donna Haghighat.

During this one-year appointment, Oleska and Hernandez will coordinate the LIPPI program by implementing the curriculum, identifying and scheduling instructors, acting as the main point of contact with participants, communicating with LIPPI partner Bay Path University, and collecting and analyzing student and alumnae data.

“It is such an honor to be back working with a program that has, and will continue to have, transformational impact on so many women and in turn the communities in which they live and work,” said Oleska, who will also serve as the Bay Path academic instructor for the course.

The LIPPI program, launched in 2009, has trained more than 250 women in Massachusetts in a non-partisan initiative to provide women with the tools, mentors, and confidence needed to become the region’s community leaders and elected officials. Since the first cohort, LIPPI graduates are active in running for public office, currently holding office, sitting on boards, writing policy, promoting public advocacy, and drafting legislation while encouraging respectful and meaningful civic engagement.

The program begins in September and runs to June. The 11 Saturday sessions in downtown Springfield include locally and nationally known guest speakers and intensive training on a particular topics essential to leadership development for public service, policy advocacy, and workplace management. The tuition for the program is $2,500, and limited scholarships are available. College credit for the course is available through Bay Path University for an additional fee.

“It is exciting to return to the LIPPI program as an instructor who will gain insights from both Carla Oleska as lead facilitator, but also from the women in the next cohort,” Hernandez said.

There are still a few seats available for the upcoming LIPPI session, and applicants are encouraged to apply online, even though the official deadline has passed. New applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more or apply online, visit www.mywomensfund.org/lippi-details.

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Medical Center recently opened the Comprehensive Care Center to address opioid dependence. This program provides comprehensive, confidential treatment options for people looking to quit prescription painkillers, heroin, and other opioids.

Board-certified physician and Medical Director Dr. Amy Jaworek manages the use of prescription medication to treat opioid dependency, while licensed mental-health counselors with River Valley Counseling Center provide psychological treatment and substance-abuse counseling.

“Our mission at Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems is to improve the health of all people in our community. The opioid epidemic is one that is having rippling effects throughout the region, and we needed to be a larger part of the solution,” said Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.

Patients are prescribed buprenorphine-naloxone (trade name Suboxone) to help break their addiction so they can focus on healing. “Buprenorphine interacts with brain receptors to reduce cravings and euphoria, while naloxone prevents misuse as it blocks the effects of opioids,” Jaworek said.

Eligible patients must be diagnosed with substance-use disorder, complete an initial medical evaluation, and be screened for associated illnesses. The program treats patients who are age 18 and older, are self-referred or referred by a healthcare provider, and have a desire to stop opioid use.

The Comprehensive Care Center is located 575 Beech St., Suite 404, Holyoke, and can be reached at (413) 535-4889.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College will collaborate with New England Business Associates (NEBA) to introduce the first cohort of interns participating in the Project SEARCH program on Tuesday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. at the college’s Locklin Hall, first floor. Springfield College is the first college or university in Western Mass. to lead the Project SEARCH program on the campus.

Project SEARCH’s mission is to help young adults with disabilities transition from school to work through a community-agency partnership while gaining employability skills. The program is dedicated to workforce development that benefits the individual, community, and workplace.

The Project SEARCH model involves an extensive period of training and career exploration, innovation adaptations, and long-term job coaching, and continues feedback from teachers, job coaches, and employers. Project SEARCH has more than 400 program sites in more than 40 states in the U.S., as well as programs in Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, and Ireland. 

New England Business Associates’ mission is to enable individuals, who may face barriers, to be fully included in community life through employment, and to become economically empowered in a way that incorporates and creates best practices, creates valued typical societal roles, and offers individualized opportunities.

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University’s master of science (MS) program in forensic accounting has been named third in a list of the top five best in the nation, as ranked by BestColleges.com.

According to the site, graduate-degree programs in forensic accounting were ranked on a 100-point scale based on academic quality, affordability, and online programming. The editor’s review of Bay Path University highlights the flexibility of the program, offered 100% online with dedicated on-ground support from staff and faculty. In addition to forensic accounting, Bay Path University also offers concentrations including public and private accounting under the umbrella of its MS in accounting.

“Bay Path University’s master of science in accounting program is designed to meet the professional needs expected within the accounting industry,” said Kara Stevens, assistant professor and director of Accounting Programs. “This is why the concentrations within the MSA program, which are in public, private, and forensic accounting, have received professional accolades within the accounting industry. Students who graduate from our program are ready to work in the accounting industry.”

The MS in forensic accounting at Bay Path University, open to men and women, offers a unique schedule with no classes during the accounting ‘busy season’ (January to mid-April). The flexible, 30-credit program includes individualized advisement and career coaching from full-time, academically and professionally (CPA) certified faculty. Classes start every April, May, July, September, and November, and some students are able to complete the program in just eight or nine months.

EASTHAMPTON — Taylor Real Estate announced it has hired Pete Crisafulli to serve as a licensed agent for the family-owned firm. The role represents the start of a second career for Crisafulli, who has a counseling background and has spent three decades in social services and education.

Early on in his first career, Crisafulli was a therapist and clinical director for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for eight years, and he later served as an administrator in the Frontier Regional School District for 18 years.

“I wanted a change,” Crisafulli said, noting he has owned several homes in his life and has had a longtime interest in real estate and real-estate investing. “I’m definitely a people person, and I enjoy helping other people achieve their goals and dreams. I thought working in real estate would be a great way to do that.”

Crisafulli came to Western Mass. in 1988 to attend Springfield College, where he earned a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Queens College. He volunteered as a coach for many years and served on the boards of the Easthampton Youth Soccer Assoc. and Easthampton Little League.

WESTFIELD — The Western Mass Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Assoc. (WMNTMA) will hold its annual Mainline Drive Pig Roast on Monday, Aug. 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Peerless Precision Inc. in Westfield.

Annually, this event draws more than 150 people, from local legislators and business owners of the advanced-manufacturing community to supporting companies, educators, and friends and families for an evening of networking and supporting an education in advanced manufacturing.

Larry Maier, former President of the WMNTMA and Peerless Precision, came up with the idea of having a fun networking event during the summer and hosted the first Mainline Drive Pig Roast in 2006. Each year, attendance has grown.

With Maier’s passing in October 2012, the Larry A. Maier Memorial Education Fund was founded with a mission to keep alive his passion for encouraging students to pursue a career in advanced manufacturing and supporting the schools and training programs that support these career options. In November 2012, the WMNTMA board of directors voted and agreed that all profits from the annual pig roast would be matched by the chapter and put into the memorial fund to use towards scholarships and training students starting at the middle-school level.

Since the fund’s conception in 2012, donations have been made to Pathways to Prosperity at West Springfield High School; transportation for Agawam Middle School students to attend Starbase Academy in Hartford; travel expenses for multiple Pathfinder students to attend the USA Skills Competitions; show expenses for Westfield Technical Academy, Rosie Robotics, and Putnam Vocational Technical Academy to attend the BusinessWest Business & Innovation Expo to showcase the schools’ manufacturing-technology departments; 3D printer filament and an in-kind monetary donation to the STCC Manufacturing Technology department; transportation for students from Chestnut Academy to attend shop tours and a Springfield Thunderbirds game; the Greenfield Community College Foundation Manufacturing Department Fund; and sponsorships for the Asnuntuck Community College Manufacturing Technology department’s golf tournament for student scholarships, Westfield Technical Academy’s Golf Classic, and the Pathfinder Poker Run.

At this years’ pig roast, WMNTMA plans to present the West of the River Foundation and Agawam High School with a $1,000 donation for the purchase of tooling for the new manufacturing curriculum beginning in this fall.

NORTHAMPTON — Marin Goldstein has been tapped to lead electricity and renewable-energy programs at HCG as director of energy operations, sales, and innovation. In his new role, he will oversee Hampshire Power, Hampshire Renewables, and HCG’s Renewable Energy Credit brokerage program.

“We are thrilled to have Marin join our team,” said Todd Ford, executive director of HCG. “With a strong background in solar and sustainability, Marin will be a huge asset to Hampshire Power as we continue our work in local, renewable energy.”

Hampshire Power, the only Massachusetts-based nonprofit electricity supplier, allows local businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities to power their values by choosing to keep their energy dollars local, while giving back to the community.

“I am excited for the opportunity to work with such a dynamic organization,” said Goldstein. “I am looking forward to continuing the growth of the local, renewable energy programs at HCG by strengthening our position in the state market.”

Goldstein brings with him more than 10 years of management experience in both business and nonprofit sectors. He also currently serves on the Energy Committee for the City of Easthampton, formerly as chair. He comes to HCG after three years in operations management and solar advocacy at Trinity Solar. Prior to that, he managed public education campaigns on renewable energy and energy efficiency and developed community partnerships across Western Mass. at the Center for EcoTechnology.

In addition to expanding Hampshire Power, Goldstein will run the Hampshire Renewables net-metering program, which offers a market-leading 15% savings to thousands of electricity customers in Western Mass. He will also grow the lucrative Renewable Energy Credit brokerage service, which currently manages more than $9.7 million worth of energy credits on behalf of more than 1,500 local renewable-energy system owners.

“HCG has positioned itself as a leader of innovation in the renewable-energy arena,” Goldstein said. “I am eager to have the chance to play an integral part in the development and advancement of these successful programs.”

SPRINGFIELD — All 32 Rocky’s Ace Hardware stores in Connecticut, Florida, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island will take part in Bucket Day Sales on Aug. 3-5 to benefit Children’s Miracle Network hospitals.

“Every location is dedicated to making this a great charitable event,” said Rocco Falcone, president and CEO of Rocky’s Ace Hardware. “The benefits for the Children’s Miracle Network are not measured in dollars alone because these donations also deliver hope to children. We are always proud to be involved with initiatives such as these.”

Rocky’s customers can donate $5 to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals for a limited-edition, five-gallon bucket and receive 20% off all non-clearance items at checkout that they can fit in the bucket. Power tools and small appliances qualify for a 10% discount.

All funds raised will benefit Boston Children’s Hospital and Baystate Children’s Hospital in Massachusetts, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital in Florida, Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Rhode Island, Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Maine.

During its first fundraising event for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals this year, Rocky’s brought in $12,267.96 on April 19-30. In 2017, Rocky’s raised $44,593 for its local children’s hospitals, a 67% increase over the 2016 total.

Ace Hardware has been a supporter of Children’s Miracle Network hospitals since 1991. Thanks to the generosity of Ace customers, retailers, vendors, and team members, Ace has raised more than $93 million for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country.

FLORENCE — Many people would not associate chamber music with breaking the mold, but Valley Classical Concerts, which presents chamber music in the Pioneer Valley, has announced a new leadership structure that is definitely modern. 

Valley Classical Concerts will be guided by three co-presidents in the coming year: Laurel Rogers will focus on administrative matters and will chair the board meetings, Emily Susan Gaylord will handle marketing matters, and Jaime Morton will be in charge of development and fundraising. 

“At first we were unsure who might succeed last year’s president, Mike Brooks, who relocated to Florida,” said Eleanor Rothman, a VCC board member and chair of its nominating committee. “After consulting with several board members, we realized the need for a range of skills to ensure success in this increasingly digital age, and concluded that the need could be better met by a team than by an individual. And we quickly realized that, indeed, such a team was right there at our fingertips, with strong skills in the three major responsibilities of the president: marketing, development, and administration. Everything fell into place.” 

The three co-presidents bring a wealth of experience to the job. Rogers is a book binder and book artist and previously played the cello professionally. In addition to her performing and teaching activities, she has also served on concert boards in Los Alamos, N.M. and Princeton, N.J. Morton has run fundraising programs for departments at Smith College, New York Public Library, and other organizations. She owns Artspromo.org, a social-media marketing and PR company.  

Gaylord works in the nonprofit sector and feels that “doing my part to support the arts here is a real gift.” In high school, she said, she was a “begrudging violinist, but I love that classical music has found its way back to me.” Commenting on VCC’s favorable pricing for students and families, she noted that “it’s possible for young people to have access to this incredible caliber of music, and maybe younger versions of myself won’t be so begrudging.”

Valley Classical Concerts presents six concerts each season, running from September to May, in Sweeney Hall at Smith College in Northampton. Information and tickets are available at valleyclassicalconcerts.org, or by calling (413) 585-0458. The first concert in the 2018-19 season is the Telegraph Quartet with oboist James Austin Smith, on Saturday, Sept. 29.

SPRINGFIELD — True to its promise, MGM Springfield has established strong relationships with Springfield-based businesses in preparation for the casino’s Aug. 24 launch. Specially brewed lager from White Lion Brewing Co. will be served on MGM’s casino floor. The bottled lager is appropriately named King of Hearts.

According to White Lion brew master Mike Yates, “this lager is brewed exclusively for MGM Springfield. It’s a classic German style lager, light amber in color with an ABV of 4.7%. It’s crisp and drinkable with subtle flavors, thanks to both German and American hops with a touch of sweetness from German malts.”

“White Lion has been on our radar since we first came into town,” said Anthony Caratozzolo, vice president of Food & Beverage for MGM Springfield. “I’ve always been impressed with both the beer and owner Ray Berry’s tenacity and his commitment to Springfield.”

Several months ago, Berry and Yates were invited to talk specifics with MGM’s food and beverage team. The decision was made to develop a distinctive lager, and Yates went to work. According to Berry, “this lager is something special. The White Lion team is thrilled to be part of this extraordinary moment in Springfield’s history.”

MGM notes that, in addition to King of Hearts, White Lion’s signature brews will be available at TAP Sports Bar.

HOLYOKE — Dr. Ursula McMillian, a board-certified surgeon, has joined Holyoke Medical Center. Specializing in bariatric and general surgery, she is the newest provider in the HMC Weight Management Program.

“I am excited to be joining the innovative team at the Weight Management Program,” McMillian said. “The philosophy of care and commitment to helping patients find the right tools to maintain a healthy weight, for life, is what drew me to this opportunity. I am also impressed by how friendly everyone is here and appreciate the fact that Holyoke Medical Center is an independent community hospital, focused on patients’ overall health and well-being.”

Passionate about exercise and its role in a healthy life, McMillian is known to practice what she preaches, often creating videos of herself exercising and sharing them online for her patients to follow along. This provides an avenue for her to relate to patients and demonstrates her understanding of the hard work that goes into maintaining a healthy weight. “My passion stems from my own struggles with weight throughout my life. I understand and have empathy and compassion for what my patients are going through.”

The HMC Weight Management Program has experienced tremendous growth since it opened in late February 2016. Under the medical direction of Dr. Yannis Raftopoulos, the program has treated more than 1,500 patients in the Pioneer Valley. With the addition of McMillian, the office now has two bariatric surgeons, two physician assistants, two registered dietitians, and two behavioral health specialists to support the needs of the program’s patients.

McMillian received her bachelor’s degree in physiology and neurobiology from the University of Connecticut, and attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. She then completed a general surgery internship at the University of Massachusetts, a general surgery residency at the Hospital of Saint Raphael, and a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery at Danbury Hospital. She has been practicing since 2010 in Connecticut and Massachusetts, and is a member of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery and the Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons.

“We are proud to welcome Dr. McMillian to the Holyoke Medical Center family. Her surgical expertise and dynamic energy have already begun to make a positive impact with our patients and the organization,” said Spiros Hatiras, Holyoke Medical Center’s president and CEO.

McMillian is accepting new patients at 11 Hospital Drive in Holyoke. Before making an appointment, patients must first attend a free information session to learn more about the program and the services available. Programs are offered several times each month in both English and Spanish. To register for an upcoming program, call (413) 535-4757, or visit holyokehealth.com/events.

LENEXA, Kan. — Mediware Information Systems Inc., a portfolio company of TPG Capital and a leading supplier of software solutions for healthcare and human-service providers and payers, recently acquired Northampton-based Fazzi Associates, one of the largest companies serving home health and hospice.

The acquisition creates a unique alignment between two healthcare industry leaders — one in innovative software, the other in outsourced services, consultation, and education. The combined company will have a greater capacity to help post-acute and community-based providers increase efficiency and improve clinical, financial, and operational performance to advance patient care.

The addition of Fazzi Associates enables Mediware to offer new, comprehensive, and best-in-class services and solutions — including medical coding, revenue-cycle management, education, CAHPS, consulting, and ancillary solutions that address key challenges and evolving complexities affecting the post-acute care sectors.

“Fazzi Associates complements the Mediware family and further strengthens our ability to advance high-quality and efficient patient care while also driving down health care costs,” said Bill Miller, CEO of Mediware. “Fazzi Associates’ extensive industry knowledge and insights will help us identify potential new opportunities for expansion, which is core to Mediware’s long-term growth strategy.”

Founded in 1978, Fazzi Associates is the largest and oldest provider of coding services in home health and hospice. Serving more than 1,400 agencies across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Fazzi Associates’ management team has a track record of success in helping post-acute-care agencies improve quality, enhance efficiency, and accelerate growth.

“Mediware shares our mission of driving a culture focused on innovation, quality, and consistency in health care,” said Tim Ashe, president of Fazzi Associates. “Together, Mediware and Fazzi Associates will be well-positioned for rapid growth as we continue to expand the ways we can help our home-health and hospice customers be successful.”

Mediware plans to maintain Fazzi Associates’ brand and Western Mass. headquarters; the firm’s leadership team will continue to lead Fazzi Associates’ lines of business. Dr. Bob Fazzi will serve in a strategic advisory role with Mediware, consulting on industry relations, home-health advocacy, growth opportunities, and innovation.