Month: April 2019

HADLEY — Homewood Suits by Hilton, part of Hilton’s All Suites portfolio, announced the opening of its newest property, Homewood Suits by Hilton Hadley. With 96 new suites, the hotel is the first extended-stay property in Hampshire County.

“The extended-stay hotel model has been missing in this region. With visiting professors and foreign students in need of housing, as well as parents visiting for extended periods of time, we believe this hotel will meet their needs,” said Sharon Thompson, general manager. “Homewood Suites was designed to equally meet the needs of those people staying one night, as well as several months.”

Developed and owned by the Parmar Family and managed by Pioneer Valley Hotel Group, Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley offers a combination of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom accommodations featuring fully equipped kitchens and separate living and sleeping areas. Guests are also provided amenities like complimentary hot breakfast, evening socials, wi-fi, and a grocery-shopping service. Located at 340 Russell St., Homewood Suites by Hilton Hadley also features an outdoor kitchen and grill area, fitness center, and indoor pool, as well as 695 square feet of flexible space for meetings and social events.

BOSTON — Berkshire Bank announce the 2019 Volunteer Service X-ellence Award winners: Leonard O’Dea, money desk officer in Pittsfield, for his leadership and individual volunteer service activities outside of his role at the bank; Melissa Myers, compliance analyst in Pittsfield, for her leadership and service in both company-supported and individual volunteer activities; and Shanatia Bygrave, financial services representative in Hudson, N.Y., for her leadership and participation in the bank’s corporate volunteer program.

Each year, the bank recognizes employees for their volunteerism in the community by naming three top volunteers. The annual awards program celebrates company employees who have made outstanding contributions to their communities.  The three recipients were selected based on their strong record of volunteerism to nonprofit organizations through both company-supported activities and individual service in the broader community. Each of the award winners received a $1,000 donation that will be made to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

In addition to the three Volunteer Service X-ellence Award recipients, Berkshire Bank named 26 employees to their Community Service Honor Roll. The employees eligible for the Honor Roll completed a minimum of 150 hours of volunteer service in the last calendar year. They will each receive a $500 donation that will be put toward the nonprofit organization of their choice.

SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of her leadership in supervising social-work students from Springfield College, Square One Chief Family Services Officer Jenise Katalina was recently named Field Supervisor of the Year.

The award was presented by the Springfield College School of Social Work at a ceremonial breakfast on April 26. The recognition comes following Square One’s longstanding partnership with Springfield College and Katalina’s years of leading the school’s aspiring social workers by supervising their field work at Square One.

“Words used to describe Jenise include efficient, effective, an excellent educator, conscientious, and, most of all, compassionate,” said award presenter Sharlene Kerelejza, assistant director of Field Education at Springfield College. “Thank you, Jenise, for all you have given back to our school.”

Kerelejza joined the Square One team in September 2011 as a healthy families home visitor. Within her first year, she was promoted to supervisor in the program, followed by promotions to director of Program Development and assistant vice president of Family Services. She currently serves in a senior-level position as the chief Family Services officer.

Before joining Square One, Katalina served for six years as a supervisor in a Springfield-based residential program for latency-age children struggling with emotional and behavioral challenges related to trauma. Her prior experience includes the supervision and coordination of after-school programs and drop-in teen youth programs with the YMCA of Greater Springfield. 

She received her bachelor’s degree from Westfield State University and her master of social work degree from Springfield College. She is a licensed certified social worker in Massachusetts.

Katalina is the past chair of the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services’ Maternal Child Health Commission. She currently serves in a leadership capacity for the Hampden County Perinatal Support Coalition and the Springfield Baby Bottoms Diaper Bank. She serves on the board of directors for MotherWoman and is a Baystate community faculty member for the Population-based Urban and Rural Community Health program. She is also a member of many community collaborative groups, including the Project ACCESS Maternal-Child Health Partnership and Springfield’s Project Baby.

SPRINGFIELD — More than 1,700 women celebrated the induction of three new Hall of Fame members at last month’s Women’s Leadership Conference. The 2019 induction ceremony celebrated the impact of Dr. Ann Errichetti, Kate Kane, and Mel Robbins. Each inductee received a hand-blown Josh Simpson paperweight to honor their achievement.

Established in 2004, Bay Path’s 21st Century Women Business Leaders Hall of Fame celebrates and shares the courageous spirit of women in business. Through this virtual Hall of Fame, thousands of visitors have learned the stories of extraordinary women. The induction criteria, originally developed as part of a class project to study leadership styles, has provided a way for Bay Path students to understand the qualities of successful women business leaders.

Each inductee must take risks and assume responsibilities, possess an entrepreneurial spirit, foster teamwork as well as individual excellence, incorporate integrity and a strong sense of ethics, adhere to a collaborative management style, value education, be open-minded, and serve as a mentor to others.

Errichetti recently served as chief Operations and academic officer at Presence Health, a $2.6 billion Catholic health system in Chicagoland. Previously, she served as CEO of St. Peter’s Hospital and Albany Memorial Hospital in Albany, N.Y., president of Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, Ill.; and president of Advocate South Suburban in Hazel Crest, Ill. In addition to her role as president, she held the position of chief academic officer for Advocate Health Care. She was also an associate dean at Rosalind Franklin University, Chicago Medical School.

Kane graduated cum laude from Vassar College with a degree in English, and is managing director and wealth management advisor for Northwestern Mutual in Springfield. She has worked for Northwestern Mutual since 1986, climbing the corporate ladder to eventually become field director. Well-known for her volunteerism and philanthropic spirit, she currently serves on the board of directors for Elms College and Girls Inc. of Holyoke, and is vice chair of the board of trustees for Springfield Museums. She co-wrote the original business plan for the local chapter of Dress for Success, which supports the career and economic advancement of women, and she serves as a business mentor for many young entrepreneurs in the region.

Robbins, a Dartmouth College and Boston Law School graduate and a Women’s Leadership Conference keynote speaker, is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, internationally recognized social-media influencer, and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world. Her digital platform inspires more than 20 million people each month with transformative videos, articles, positive psychology research, and inspiring content. Her latest book, The 5 Second Rule, has been translated into 29 languages, was last year’s top audiobook in the world, and is one of the top five most-read books on Amazon. Her TEDx talk about change has more than 14 million views. She’s the host of an original advice show on Audible, Kick Ass with Mel Robbins, and is debuting a talk show on CBS later this year.

HOLYOKE — In front of a crowd of 500 guests, including college presidents, faculty, entrepreneurs, and students, three students were selected as the winners of the 16th annual Live Elevator Pitch Competition Thursday at the Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative Annual Banquet. The winners included:

• Alessandra Massa of Mount Holyoke College for MAIA, the first social network that supports female solo travelers looking to stay safe, share experiences, and save money;

• Edward McLeavy of Springfield Technical Community College for E-Z Salter, a fun and easy-to-use tool for salting driveways and walkways; and

• Alyis Woodward of Westfield State University for Woke Pillow, a weight-sensitive alarm-clock pillow that plays music and vibrates and is set with the user’s voice. It can also be set with an app for those who cannot speak well, such as the deaf community.

Representatives from six area banks — Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, PeoplesBank, People’s United Bank, United Bank, and Westfield Bank — once again sponsored the competition at the awards ceremony and banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. They also served as judges at the annual event.

The live event featured a student representative from each of the 14 participating local colleges. All three received $750. In addition, six student businesses were identified by the bank judges as Best Exhibitors. These were selected from a pool of 65 unique companies during a trade-show-type portion of the evening which featured the 2019 Grinspoon Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winners.

The winning exhibitors were: Grace Buttrick, Autumn Kelly, Cole Peterson, Nicolas Pantorno, and William Hroch of Western New England University for Blink Tek; Christine Clark of Westfield State University for Pespective; Jarrod Coletta and Eric Shilyuk of Western New England University for Bimiitech; Timothy Donahue of Elms College for FitLab Inc.; Eric Grigoryan of Holyoke Community College for GrigCinema; and Matthew Kaplan and Ethan Lazar of UMass Amherst for Costa Brava Cocktails.

The Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Alumni Entrepreneurship Award is presented each year to individuals who have advanced substantially as an entrepreneur since receiving the Grinspoon Spirit Award. Julie Bliss Mullen and Barrett Mully of Aclarity, LLC (UMass Amherst) were winners of the 2019 Alumni Award and $1,000. Aclarity is a water-technology company committed to providing clean, safe water for various applications globally. 

WESTBOROUGH — Mark Kempic will assume the role of president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts on May 1. The role of president is in addition to his current role as chief operating officer of Columbia Gas, which he has held since January 2019.

From September 2018 to January 2019, Kempic was a key part of the leadership team for the Greater Lawrence recovery efforts. Since January, he has led the team focused on restoring the communities of Andover, Lawrence, and North Andover, including overseeing the introduction of the Columbia Gas Equipment Repair Plan, the Heating Equipment Replacement Program, and the private-property restoration work that is currently underway.

“Since September, Mark has been dedicated to helping our customers in Massachusetts as we restore these communities and rebuild trust — not just in the Merrimack Valley, but statewide,” said Pablo Vegas, executive vice president and president of Gas Utilities at NiSource Inc. “As Mark begins his new role, he is supported by a strong and capable team that is dedicated to supporting our customers.”

In his role as president and chief operating officer, Kempic will continue to focus on improvements to statewide infrastructure and implementation of a number of safety enhancements for the company’s infrastructure and operations, as well as phase-two restoration efforts. He will also focus heavily on community engagement, including planned partnerships with local schools for efforts such as career days and other STEM education programs.

Kempic first started with Columbia Gas 40 years ago. His experience in the energy industry includes roles in information technology, engineering, gas supply, corporate planning, and legal and regulatory policy. Prior to his assistance in the Merrimack Valley, Mark served as NiSource’s chief transformation officer, responsible for enhancing efforts to integrate processes and technology across the company’s seven-state footprint. He also previously served as president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland.

He holds a law degree from Capital University School of Law, a bachelor’s degree in computer and information science from the University of Pittsburgh, and an associate degree in solar heating and cooling engineering from Pennsylvania State University. He has been licensed to practice law in four states, including Massachusetts.

LONGMEADOW — Ready to apply for Workforce Training Fund (WTFP) program, but unsure where to begin? Join Bay Path University and the Commonwealth Corp. on Friday, May 3 for a free information session at Breck Suite in Wright Hall, Bay Path University, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow

Topics to be covered include the features and requirements of each program, funding availability, and the application process. Following the information session, participants should be able to determine which grants are best suited for their business needs and know how to begin the application process. 

The free information session, open to Massachusetts business owners, lasts two hours and covers the following WTFP grant programs: General Program, Express Program, and Small Business Direct Access Program. To register or for more information, click here. For more information about the Workforce Training Fund Program, visit www.workforcetrainingfund.org.

HADLEY — On April 22, Paragus IT teamed with Dave’s Soda and Pet Food City and the Lexington Group for a technology-recycling drive to promote sustainability on Earth Day and to benefit Dakin Humane Society.

Paragus took old, unwanted computers, laptops, printers, and other equipment to prepare them for reuse or proper disposal. In exchange, it collected $5 per piece of equipment — all of which went to benefit Dakin Humane Society. 

Between drop-offs at Paragus IT in Hadley and Dave’s Soda And Pet Food City and pick-ups by the Lexington Group, the technology drive raised a total of $2,445 for Dakin Humane Society.

“We are thrilled that so many businesses and individuals came together in the spirit of Earth Day,” said Paragus CEO Delcie Bean. “Because of this one-day effort, Dakin can help more animals, and many pieces of old equipment will be recycled or disposed of in a sustainable way.”

SPRINGFIELD — With more than 25 years of business-development and public-relations experience, Joe Mitchell has joined Eversource as its newest community-relations and economic-development specialist. He will serve as the company’s liaison for communities in Hampden and Hampshire counties. His focus is supporting Eversource’s electric service business.

Mitchell is a past co-chair of the Economic Development Partners of Western Massachusetts, executive director of the Westfield Redevelopment Authority, and a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Most recently, he served as the city of Westfield’s Advancement officer. In this role, he successfully completed numerous large, long-term projects directly related to business development and retention for the city. His previous duties involved site location, expansion, and technical assistance generating private investment, economic opportunities, and jobs. He has worked with all of the Western Mass. communities and has strong relationships with municipal officials and business leaders.

EAST LONGMEADOW —  Looking to return to work after an extended absence? You need to understand your professional story — and how to tell it. On Monday, May 6, Bay Path University will host “The Next Chapter: Transitioning Back to Work After an Extended Absence.”

This session, presented by Strategic Alliances at Bay Path University and Johnson & Hill Staffing, and in partnership with the Bay Path University Advisory Council, is designed for women in all industries and at all levels of their career looking to make a return to the workforce.

This three-hour interactive session, run by Gretchen Heaton, director of Career Development at Bay Path’s American Women’s College, will focus on how to effectively translate experiences and accomplishments into a compelling narrative that makes sense to future employees. Critical job-search resources, such as returnships, mentoring, informational interviews, and volunteer opportunities will also be discussed.

This session, a part of the Why Not Me Career Transitions Series, begins at 6 p.m. at the Philip H. Ryan Health Science Center, 1 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow. Tickets to this session include dinner. To sign up for this session or to learn more, visit www.baypath.edu/careertransitionseries.

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Storrowton Village Museum will host its second annual Blacksmith Collective on Saturday, May 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This one-day event offers visitors a look at the trade and artistry of blacksmithing, from medieval times to the 21st century. Advance tickets are $8 in advance or $10 on the day of the event.

The day will feature demonstrations in Storrowton’s Clark Blacksmith Shop and by smiths who will work at portable forges outside the Greenwich Barn. Guests will be able to chat with the men and women about their tools, techniques, and tradition. Featured demonstrations will take place during the day, and museum buildings will be open, staffed by volunteers who tell the story of how blacksmiths played a major role in helping to build the places where people lived and worked.

Blacksmith Collective is suitable for all ages. Adults will get a practical view of the art and craftsmanship of the trade, while families and children can visit an interactive space inside the Greenwich Barn to see toys made by blacksmiths and try an activity that teaches the science behind molding metal. A scavenger hunt will be included with admission.

Blacksmiths will have items for sale, and visitors will be able to purchase tickets for raffle items. All proceeds will benefit Storrowton Museum’s education programs. Both the Shops at Storrowton and Storrowton Tavern will be open. This year, the tavern will have order-ahead boxed lunches for $10 that include a ciabatta-roll sandwich (turkey, tuna, or veggie), a cookie, a bag of chips, and fresh fruit, for visitors interested in a picnic on the village green.

For more details about boxed lunches or tickets, visit storrowtonvillage.com.

HOLYOKE — Registration is underway for summer-session courses at Holyoke Community College (HCC).

Three- and four-credit summer classes at HCC are offered in two four-week sessions and one full-term, seven-week session — on campus, online, and blended. Summer session one begins June 3 (ending June 27 to July 3), while session two begins July 8 (ending Aug. 1-8). The full-term summer session begins June 3-4 (ending July 17-23).

HCC’s comprehensive summer academic program comprises nearly 200 course sections in 38 academic areas, including accounting, American Sign Language, anthropology, art, biology, business administration, chemistry, communications, community health, criminal justice, culinary arts, earth science, economics, engineering, English, academic English as a second language, environmental science, forensic science, general studies, gerontology, health, health information management, history, human services, law, management, marketing, math, medical assisting, music, nutrition, philosophy, political science, SEM (science, engineering, and math), psychology, sociology, Spanish, and sustainability.

“Summer classes present an excellent opportunity for students to get a jump on the fall semester, stay on track for graduation, or explore something entirely new,” said Monica Perez, vice president of Academic Affairs.

A complete listing of course descriptions and summer-class schedules is available at hcc.edu/registration. To enroll, visit hcc.edu/apply. For more information, visit hcc.edu/admission or call (413) 552-2321.

GREENFIELD — At its annual meeting on March 13, the corporators of GSB, MHC voted to appoint three new directors to the board of directors of both GSB, MHC and Greenfield Savings Bank. The new directors are Lisa Alber, Amy McMahan, and Elizabeth Sillin.

“We are honored to strengthen our board of directors with these three outstanding business leaders,” said John Howland, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank. “They bring a wealth of knowledge to contribute to our board from both their professional careers and their commitment to supporting the communities served by Greenfield Savings Bank.”

Alber is the owner and audiologist for Alber Hearing Services, a business she founded in 2009. Prior to forming her own firm, she worked as an audiologist at Berkshire Medical Center.

McMahan has been co-owner and sole operator of the Greenfield eatery, Mesa Verde, since it opened in 2002. Prior to founding Mesa Verde, she worked her entire professional career in a variety of positions in the food-service industry.

Sillin is a partner at the law firm Bulkley Richardson, working with individuals in all areas of estate and gift-tax planning and administration. Her clients include nonprofit institutions, assisting with formation and operational issues, including regulatory compliance, and providing advice regarding charitable trusts and endowments.

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM), now celebrating its centennial anniversary, announced that Aieshya Jackson has joined its board of directors.

“We are excited to have Aieshya join our board of directors,” said Jennifer Connolly, JAWM president. “She has been actively involved with our organization for many years as a volunteer, and now we look forward to her contributing her thoughts at a decision-making level.”

Jackson is a branch manager for Santander Bank, where she oversees a full range of products and services, leads branch staff, ensures member satisfaction, and minimizes operational issues. Prior to her current role, she served as branch manager at United Bank.

Aside from serving on JAWM’s board of directors, Jackson sits on the board for the Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services organization and volunteers for Revitalize CDC and the Springfield Rescue Mission. She graduated from the Connecticut School of Finance and Management.