Year: 2018

SPRINGFIELD — The 78th annual Model Congress at American International College (AIC) will convene on Thursday, Jan. 11. Founded in 1940, AIC’s Model Congress is the longest-running continuous congress of its type in the nation, and one of the college’s oldest campus traditions.

Each year, AIC’s Model Congress brings high schools from throughout New England to campus to write, debate, and pass legislation in a simulated congress. The program is completely student-run from program development, coordination, and hospitality to the organization and facilitation of the legislative sessions. With strong support of faculty and staff, AIC student leaders have kept the program thriving and secured its place as an educational opportunity for high-school students throughout the Northeast for more than seven decades.

The AIC Model Congress is also one of the Commonwealth’s long-standing academic traditions during its rich history. Committee sessions will be held throughout the day on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12 and 13. The keynote speaker, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, will address students on Jan. 12 at 9 a.m. in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center/Griswold Theatre located on the AIC campus.

A Holyoke native, Morse was elected the youngest mayor of Holyoke in November 2011 at age 22. Now 28, he is currently serving his fourth term as mayor, having been re-elected in November.

Morse graduated from Holyoke High School, where he developed his strengths as a leader and devoted his energy to public service. He served as president of the citywide youth commission; founded the high school’s first-ever Gay Straight Alliance; helped with the formation of the annual Pride Prom for gay, bisexual, and transgendered students in the region, and was the student representative on the school committee. Morse attended Brown University, becoming the first in his family to graduate from college. While at Brown, he pursued urban studies and interned for David Cicilline, then the mayor of Providence, R.I., who currently serves in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The AIC Model Congress awards scholarship opportunities to its top delegates. This year’s top delegate will receive the Kathryn Mauke Scholarship, a full four-year tuition scholarship to American International College. Second- and third-place delegates will receive half and quarter four-year scholarships to AIC. All delegates will receive a $1,000 scholarship should they chose to attend the college in the future. In addition, Best Bill, Outstanding Delegation, and School Spirit awards are given to the schools that submit the most outstanding legislation and demonstrate the highest level of participation, enthusiasm, and team spirit.

The 2018 Model Congress has 10 participating schools, including Agawam High School, Chatham Central High School, East Longmeadow High School, East Windsor High School, Minnechaug Regional High School, Pope Francis High School, Poultney High School, SABIS International Charter School, Southwick Regional School, and Wilbraham and Monson Academy.

LUDLOW — Packaging prepress provider CSW Inc. announced a strategic re-shaping of company leadership.

Longtime company President Laura Wright has transitioned to a new role as CEO. “My grandfather founded CSW in 1937, and I’m proud to continue moving us forward,” she said. “Although I will continue to actively manage all aspects of the company, I decided to share the day-to-day decision making with someone I trust. This lets me address long-term strategies for company growth.”

That trusted advisor is new company President Scott Ellison, formerly CSW’s vice president of Sales. Ellison brings more than 15 years of executive leadership experience, including five years in the packaging industry, to CSW. He will manage sales, marketing, customer service, operations, IT, and R&D. According to Wright, “Scott comes to us with new ideas developed from both inside and outside our industry, and has already identified and pursued new growth opportunities for CSW.”

Rounding out the organizational shift is former director of Graphics Marek Skrzynski’s new position as technical director. CSW has a long-standing reputation for producing creative solutions to package printing challenges, Wright said. Ellison noted that “Marek has been instrumental to the development of innovations such as WhiteFX ink transfer, X-Color EG separations, and 3D visualization services. This new role allows him to focus on expanding new initiatives such as Web2Plate, an automated prepress workflow for narrow to wide web flexo printers.”

Added Wright, “CSW has thrived for over 80 years, thanks to our ability to creatively adapt to our client’s changing needs. These changes are realigning us once again so we can continue to succeed for another 80 — or longer.”

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College Athletics and the Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement will host more 300 students representing three Springfield elementary schools during the Pride’s men’s basketball game on Wednesday, Jan. 10, starting at noon at Blake Arena. Students from Lincoln Elementary School, Elias Brookings Elementary School, and William N. DeBerry Elementary School will have an opportunity to learn while watching a collegiate basketball game.

As part of the event, Springfield College will provide transportation for the youngsters to attend the game, the college will provide lunch for the kids starting at 11 a.m., and the students will be treated to a popcorn snack at halftime of the game. There will also be a math activity and interactive promotions during halftime of the contest.

“We are excited to open the Blake Arena doors to the Springfield community and its youth for a day of basketball in the ‘classroom’ in which the sport was created,” said Springfield College Director of Athletics Craig Poisson. “We are looking forward to an enthusiastic environment for Wednesday’s game and are happy to facilitate the positive experiences of these elementary students.”

The Springfield College men’s basketball team recently captured the 2017 Hampton Inn West Springfield/Naismith Classic at Springfield College. The highlight of the tournament was the Pride defeating previously unbeaten and 12th-ranked Wesleyan University, 72-67, in the championship game.

Led by head coach Charlie Brock, the Pride has defeated a nationally ranked team six straight seasons, a stretch that has included eight wins over teams ranked in the top 15. Brock recently earned his 529th career victory and the 300th win on the sidelines at Springfield College. He became just the second coach in the history of the program to reach the 300-win milestone while on Alden Street.

The Division of Inclusion and Community Engagement aims to promote and maintain a campus culture of inclusive excellence while simultaneously providing the community with a central point of contact for those wishing to explore ways they can connect with and support the college’s outreach efforts. The division provides students, faculty, and staff with opportunities to work, live, and play across lines of identity and difference.

CHICOPEE — For parents of young adults who have an IDD (intellectual or developmental disability), there is one challenge shared by all: identifying inclusive and accessible recreational experiences in their local community that offer opportunities for peer connections and fun, at low cost.

Best Buddies, CHD Disability Resources, and Extra Innings understand this challenge firsthand and have combined resources to offer a solution. These organizations are teaming up to present the Young Adult Sports Sampler. This event gives members of the community who have an IDD, ages 14-22, an opportunity to sample several activities at once, in one location.

The Young Adult Sampler takes place on Saturday, Feb. 17 (snow date: March 3) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at Extra Innings, 340 McKinstry Ave., #250, Chicopee. A wide range of accessible and inclusive activities will be offered, including dance and movement, martial arts, intro to sled hockey, Wiffle ball, baseball simulator, and intro to adaptive bikes.

“It can be challenging to find sports and activities that are inclusive, accessible, and fun,” said Sarah Akenhead-York, Best Buddies program manager in Western Mass. “But every activity at the Young Adult Sampler combines all three. This is a great opportunity for young adults and their families to see and experience several activities in a short time. Participants can drop in or out of whatever activities interest them, and since it’s only two hours midday on a Saturday, it won’t eat up all your time.”

There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is appreciated. Contact Jessica Levine at [email protected] by Saturday, Feb. 10.

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the parent of Berkshire Bank, announced additional investments in its employees and communities following the recent passage of federal tax reform legislation. These investments include:

• Raising Berkshire’s minimum wage to $15 per hour;

• Providing a one-time bonus of $1,000 to more than 1,000 employees. This grant benefits all full-time employees below a certain compensation threshold, covering more than 70% of the bank’s workforce, and augments the $500 holiday bonus these colleagues received in the fourth quarter;

• Enhancing Berkshire’s investment in employee development and training programs to benefit employees and bolster the bank’s current offering at AMEBU – American’s Most Exciting Bank University; and

• Contributing $2 million to the Berkshire Bank Foundation, which supports charitable organizations, scholarships, and volunteerism across Berkshire’s local communities. This will bolster the foundation’s endowment and allow for increased local giving. Last year, it provided over $2 million to our local communities, complementing the employee volunteer program, which helps employees contribute more than 40,000 hours of volunteer service each year.

“Berkshire’s unique culture is built on the recognition that our employees are our most important asset,” CEO Mike Daly said. “As an organization, we believe that taking care of our employees leads to more satisfied customers, healthier communities, and higher returns to shareholders. We’re pleased to have the opportunity to further reward the team for their hard work and dedication to our customers, while also investing in their long-term professional development and furthering our overall commitment to the communities we serve.”

WESTBOROUGH — As winter continues to have a frigid grip on New England, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts is reminding customers of important safety tips during snowy and icy conditions.

To be safe and avoid hazards, customers should:

• Keep natural-gas meters clear of snow and ice to ensure they are visible and accessible at all times for maintenance by Columbia Gas. Keeping natural-gas meters clear also ensures proper venting;

• Remove snow from the meter with hands or a broom. Never use a shovel or kick or hit the meter to break away snow or ice. If the meter is encased in ice, contact Columbia Gas for assistance at (800) 688-6160;

• Keep fresh air and exhaust vents for natural-gas appliances free of snow, ice, and debris to prevent equipment malfunction;

• Use caution when removing snow from flat rooftops, especially on commercial and industrial buildings, as there may be heating and cooling equipment and electric or fuel lines that may not be visible under the snow;

• Make sure all appliances and heating equipment are inspected and operating properly;

• Never use cook tops, ovens, or outdoor grills as a source of heat;

• Check your carbon-monoxide detectors and smoke detectors to ensure they operate properly; and

• As always, if you smell natural gas at any time, leave the area and call 911 or Columbia Gas at (800) 525-8222.

“The safety and comfort of our customers is a high priority,” said Steve Bryant, president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. “We ask, during these winter months when temperatures are well below freezing, that you check on your families and neighbors, particularly those that are elderly or need special attention.”

LUDLOW — United Bank announced the hiring of Michelle Chase, a local banker with 16 years of banking and financial experience throughout Western Mass. and North Central Conn., as its new vice president/branch manager of the Ludlow branch at 528 Center St.

Chase brings extensive banking experience and financial expertise to United Bank, holding key roles throughout her career in commercial lending, consumer lending, operations, loan servicing, and retail banking.

Most recently, Chase spent more than six years with PeoplesBank, where she managed its Westfield branch and led a team that turned it into one of the bank’s top-producing banking offices. Prior to PeoplesBank, Chase was a small-business lender with the Western Massachusetts Enterprise Fund from 2008 to 2011 and a Loan Operations manager with New England Bank, formerly Enfield Savings Bank. Her 16-year career in banking started in 2001 as a lending specialist with Southbridge Savings Bank.

Chase earned a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and went on to receive an MBA from Bay Path University. She also studied at the Center for Financial Training.

Her reputation in the banking industry spans beyond her professional and educational successes. In addition to winning internal company awards, Chase was selected to BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2017, which recognizes young civic leaders in Western Mass. She also received the Young Professional Society’s (YPS) Excellence in Leadership Award in 2014 for excellence in leadership skills and initiative and for her mentorship of other YPS members.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College will offer an Emergency Medical Training (EMT) program during the upcoming semester, beginning Monday, Jan. 22.

The course consists of 177 hours of lectures and workshops in trauma, medical, behavioral, and environmental emergencies, including 28 hours of online instruction and an auto-extrication field trip that prepares the student to take the National Certification Examination.

The program, based on the Department of Transportation curriculum for Basic Emergency Medical Technician, is approved by the state Office of Emergency Medical Services. The EMT program gives students a strong foundation in basic life-support skills and techniques, patient assessment, and safe transportation.

The college is accepting applications. Students have the option of enrolling in day or evening classes. Visit stcc.edu/wd or call (413) 755-4225 to enroll.

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank announced it will honor 35 high-school seniors across Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Vermont, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania for their volunteer service with Berkshire Bank scholarships. The scholarships recognize students who excel academically, have a financial need, and share the bank’s commitment to community service. Additionally, students must attend a high school that is located in a county with a Berkshire Bank or Commerce Bank office. The recipients will share in $52,500 in scholarship funds.

Through the program, 35 $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to high-school seniors who will be attending a two-year or four-year college in the fall. Applications are evaluated based on the student’s record of volunteerism in the community, academic standing, and financial need. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of a 3.0 and a family household income under $100,000 to be eligible to apply. A team of 200 bank employee volunteers will review the applications and select this year’s recipients.

Recipients will include 15 students in Massachusetts, nine in New York, three in Connecticut, three in Vermont, three in New Jersey, and two in Pennsylvania. Students can apply online at www.berkshirebank.com/scholarships. To be considered, all applications must be submitted online by Wednesday, March 21 at 4 p.m. Additional information about this year’s program can be obtained through the bank’s website or by e-mailing the Berkshire Bank Foundation at [email protected].

EASTHAMPTON — Janice Beetle, principal of Beetle Press, a public-relations and communications firm, recently announced she will celebrate 20 years in business in 2018.

Beetle established the business in 1998 after working as a journalist for 15 years, first as a beat reporter for the Springfield Republican and then as a writer and editor at the Daily Hampshire Gazette. That training has helped her assist clients in connecting with the media via press releases.

Beetle works with a diverse range of clients from the nonprofit and private sectors. She writes for and edits print pieces such as magazines and annual reports; creates editorial calendars that include print and online media channels; and supports digital-marketing efforts for clients, writing blogs, e-newsletters, and website content. In 2013, she introduced book development to her roster of services, and has since helped launch many authors’ publications.

To mark the 20th anniversary for the business, Alison Winkler, a graphic designer native to Northampton who now lives in Brooklyn, N.Y., adapted the original Beetle Press logo design by Lisa Stowe of Florence, creating an anniversary version.

For a number of years, Beetle promoted her business as a one-stop shop, offering writing, editing and graphic-design services. Today, she has returned to her roots, focusing on writing, editing and PR services. When clients need more comprehensive services, she partners with colleagues Ruth Griggs, a marketing strategist, and Maureen Scanlon, a graphic designer, in a collaborative called the Creative.

Beetle holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Westfield State College. Since 2003, she has mentored dozens of interns from Westfield State and UMass Amherst. She now employs four former interns on a freelance basis: Shelby Ashline, a graduate of UMass; Shannon Grossman and Ashley Pond, graduates of Westfield State; and David Kennedy, a current Westfield State student.

Clients of Beetle Press include Westfield State University, Glenmeadow, Florence Bank, Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, Sports Travel and Tours, and the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

EAST LONGMEADOW — East Village Place has been awarded a Best of Senior Living Award for 2018 by SeniorAdvisor.com, the largest ratings and reviews site for senior care and services in North America and Canada. This represents the third consecutive year the assisted-living and memory-care community has been so ranked. Located at 50 Benton Dr. in East Longmeadow, East Village Place is operated by Watermark Retirement Communities, a company that has been helping people thrive for more than 30 years.

SeniorAdvisor.com is in its fifth year of hosting the Best of Senior Living Awards. According to the site, the named recipients represent the best of the best of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior-living services, based on the online reviews written by seniors and their families. This exclusive designation honors the top 1% of senior-care providers across the U.S. and Canada.

“We are honored to be the only community in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts to receive this prestigious award three years running. Our commitment to creating an extraordinary community where people thrive is evidenced by each positive review we receive from residents, families, associates, and guests,” said Pam Skiba, executive director. “I attribute our excellent track record to the longevity of our experienced staff. We extend a cordial invitation to those unfamiliar with our community to visit East Village Place and experience in person why our residents and their families consider us one of the best senior living communities.”

SPRINGFIELD — Single-family home sales crept up 0.6% in the Pioneer Valley in November compared to the same time last year, while the median price rose 13.5% to $213,500, according to the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley.

In Franklin County, sales were down 19.1%, while the median price rose 15.8% from a year earlier. In Hampden County, sales were up 3.6%, while the median price was up 11.4%. And in Hampshire County, sales rose 8.1% from November 2016, while the median price was up 10.0%.

WARE — Community outreach has been a part of Country Bank’s mission since its inception in 1850. During this season of giving, the bank is supporting organizations whose missions are similar, helping friends and neighbors in area communities.

In addition to the bank’s annual donation of $28,000 to its local food pantries, Country Bank recently made an additional $10,000 donation to both the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and the Worcester County Food Bank to help those in need.

“With the spirit of the holiday season in mind, the greater need for food and shelter this time of year is critical. These donations were made on behalf of the banks’ employees, corporators, and trustees” said Paul Scully, Country Bank president and CEO.

NORTHAMPTON — The Massachusetts Equal Pay Act has been amended, and new provisions will begin on July 1. Attorney Timothy Netkovick will discuss the new provisions, its impact on employers, and discuss how employers can take advantage of the safe-harbor provisions on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Royal, P.C., 270 Pleasant St., Northampton.

The amendments present several substantive changes to multiple definitions in the Equal Pay Act, such as employer defenses, comparable work, statute of limitations, and salary-history inquiries. The new provisions provide employers with safe-harbor provisions if the employer takes affirmative steps within the previous three years and prior to the filing of a lawsuit.

The cost is $30 per person. Checks may be made payable to Royal, P.C. and mailed to 270 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA 01060. Advance registration is required, and seating is limited. Contact Heather Loges at [email protected] to register, or if you have any questions about this workshop.