Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts is seeking nominations from throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties for the Pynchon Award, which recognizes citizens who have rendered distinguished service to the community.

The Order of William Pynchon was established by the Advertising Club in 1915 to recognize and encourage individuals whose lives and achievements typify the ideals of promoting citizenship and the building of a better community in Western Mass. Past recipients include war heroes, social activists, teachers, volunteers, philanthropists, historians, clergy, physicians, journalists, public servants, and business leaders. A complete list of recipients since 1915 can be found at www.adclubwm.org/events/pynchonaward.

To nominate an individual, submit a one-page letter explaining why the nominee should be considered. Include biographical information, outstanding accomplishments, examples of service to the community, organizations he or she is or has been active in, and the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of at least three people who can further attest to the nominee’s eligibility for induction into the Order of William Pynchon.

All nominees will be considered and researched by the Pynchon trustees, composed of the current and five past presidents of the Advertising Club. Nominations must be submitted by April 5 to: William Pynchon Trustees, Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, P.O. Box 1022, West Springfield, MA 01090-1022, or by e-mail to [email protected].

Pynchon medalists are chosen by unanimous decision of the Pynchon trustees. The 2019 recipients will be announced in June, with an awards ceremony scheduled for Oct. 10 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond Inc. announced that Brian Brenner, has joined the firm as a principal bridge engineer in its Building Services business line. He has 36 years of experience in highway and railroad bridges, tunnels, and value engineering for large highway and transit projects. Brenner will serve Tighe & Bond’s clients across the Northeast, working from the firm’s Westwood, Mass. office.

Brenner’s career has been defined by his leadership on numerous high-profile projects that include all facets of bridge analysis and design, as well as structural engineering. Representative projects include the Central Artery/Tunnel in Boston and the Burns Bridge in Worcester. In 2016, the American Public Works Assoc. named the Burns Bridge its Project of the Year, and the National Steel Bridge Alliance named it the Best Steel Bridge Design (in the medium-span category). Other project examples include two accelerated bridge-construction projects across the MBTA Commuter Rail in Dorchester, an award-winning accelerated bridge-construction project in Back Bay, Boston, and value engineering for numerous Department of Transportation projects throughout Massachusetts.

A professor of Practice at Tufts University, Brenner also teaches classes in bridge and concrete design, as well as introduction to engineering. In 2016 and 2018, the Tufts Civil and Engineering Department named him Teacher of the Year. He has published numerous papers and books relative to bridge design, and participates regularly in research projects on aspects of long-term bridge design.

“Brian’s depth of experience with bridge analysis and design will benefit our clients greatly and compliments our wealth of infrastructure services perfectly,” said Bob Belitz, president and CEO of Tighe & Bond. “Brian has a unique combination of academic and engineering practice experience on a variety of New England projects. We are very happy that he has joined our team.”

Added Brenner, “Tighe & Bond is a great and growing New England-based A/E firm. I have been fortunate to contribute to many bridge projects in Massachusetts and surrounding states. I am looking forward to this new opportunity, working with a talented group of professionals.”

Brenner is active in the American Society of Civil Engineers, where he is a fellow, and the Boston Society of Civil Engineers. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Daily News

HAMPDEN — The Starting Gate at GreatHorse is celebrating the Irish with a St. Patrick’s luncheon buffet on Saturday, March 16 from noon to 3 p.m. The Cassin Academy of Irish Dance will also be performing a few traditional Irish dances to help get everyone in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. A cash bar will be available.

This event is open to the public. The cost is $45 per person. Call (413) 566-5158 to make a reservation.

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Friday, April 5 will mark Riverside Industries’ 15th annual Silent & Live Auction. The event will feature more than 250 silent-auction items and a live auction full of experiences from the Valley and beyond.

The event will be held at One Cottage Street, in Easthampton from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Attendees can expect plenty of food, casual attire, and a cash bar. Tickets cost $30 in advance. Securely register online at rsi.org.

The presenting sponsor is bankESB; the associate sponsor is Harvard Pilgrim; the table sponsors are Finck & Perras Insurance Agency and Mutual of America; and the collaborator sponsors are A-Z Storage & Properties, Helping Hand Society, SBI Benefits Consulting Group, Ruth and Spencer Timm, Whittlesey & Hadley P.C., and Williston Northampton School.