Month: February 2020

SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts (WFWM) announced a spring grant cycle to fund organizations that are working to fight sexual violence in the Western Mass. region. Funding for this grant cycle is made possible by a grant the WFWM received from the Fund for the Me Too Movement and Allies (the Me Too Fund), housed at the New York Women’s Foundation.

Joining the Washington Area Women’s Foundation, the Women’s Foundation of California, and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota in this work, WFWM will carry out the Me Too Fund’s goal of ensuring ongoing philanthropic investments toward transforming the oppressive systems that produce structural inequalities of power that result in harassment and violence by making grants from this fund in and for the local community.

“The Women’s Fund of Western Mass. is proud to have been selected to partner with the Fund for the Me Too Movement and Allies to support organizations devoted to preventing and interrupting sexual violence in Western Mass.,” said Donna Haghighat, WFWM CEO. “As our recent research report has shown, over 82% of the perpetrators of sexual assault were known by their victims/survivors. This funding will allow us to focus on preventing such assaults and reducing this staggering statistic.”

Applications will be accepted from women- and girl-serving organizations in all four counties of Western Mass. starting on March 1, and the deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. on March 31. Projects funded by this grant from WFWM must focus on prevention and/or intervention of sexual violence and harassment.

Visit mywomensfund.org for additional information or to apply.

Two Tree Species Can Be Used in New Sustainable Building Material

AMHERST — Two tree species native to the Northeast have been found to be structurally sound for use in cross-laminated timber (CLT), a revolutionary new type of building material with sought-after sustainability characteristics, according to research by a UMass Amherst timber engineer.

The findings, published in the Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, suggest that these trees — the eastern hemlock and eastern white pine — could support local markets for CLT. The manufacturing of CLT, a type of mass timber used for wall, floor, and roof construction, could create jobs, improve rural and forestry economies, and support better forestry management, which is a strategy to address climate change, the research says.

“This is the future — prefabricated, panelized wood,” said lead author Peggi Clouston, professor of Wood Mechanics and Timber Engineering in the School of Earth and Sustainability. “It’s far more efficient, and there’s far less waste than site construction. It’s less time- and labor-intensive than building with cast-in-place concrete,” and has a much lower carbon footprint.

Clouston’s leadership in state-of-the-art wood construction technology was instrumental in the creation of UMass Amherst’s John W. Olver Design Building, a showcase for best practices in sustainability. When the structure opened in 2017 to house academic departments and offices, it was considered the most technologically advanced CLT building in the country. All the CLT for the Design Building was certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, ensuring it came from responsibly managed forests that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.

“We wanted to show the world how to build a contemporary mass timber structure, and we are doing so. Groups have come from as far away as Taiwan to see it,” Clouston said.

She and her team of researchers tested the eastern hemlock and eastern white pine in the UMass Wood Mechanics Lab at the Olver Design Building. They made the composite building panels by gluing together wooden boards from hemlock and pine trees that were grown in the region.

“We then broke them in a strength-testing machine to find out if they would be safe to use in a university-size building,” Clouston explained.

The researchers analyzed the results, comparing them to engineering requirements, and showed that both tree species met building standards, with eastern hemlock outperforming pine.

Salvaging wood from eastern hemlock is a key forest-management priority, Clouston noted, because the trees are under attack by an insect, the hemlock wooly adelgid. “The insect doesn’t harm the wood, but it kills the tree, which in five to 10 years will rot and fall down, becoming hazardous fuel for forest fires.”

Eastern hemlock also is considered low-value because it’s prone to a wood defect called ring shake and isn’t used in structural framing. “Turning this particular species into CLT turns a very low-value material into a very high-value building product,” she said.

Identifying low-carbon materials for construction is an emerging buzz among architects, and the timing is right to encourage CLT production in the Northeast, the research concludes.

“The testing we did shows that anyone who would want to invest in a local plant has a reason to do so,” said Clouston, whose trailblazing work was recently highlighted in a Washington Post feature story. “The prospect of being able to use local wood in CLT and manufacture it locally makes it all the more sustainable by avoiding the environmental cost of transporting the material long distances.”

Elms College School of Nursing Ranks in Top 10 of Massachusetts Nursing Schools

Daily News HCN News & Notes

CHICOPEE — The School of Nursing at Elms College ranks in the top 10 of “Best Nursing Schools in Massachusetts,” according to a recent ranking by registerednursing.org.

“We are very pleased and gratified to be recognized by registerednursing.org as a top nursing program in the state,” said Kathleen Scoble, dean of the School of Nursing. “It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our nursing faculty and staff to provide a high-quality nursing curriculum for our students. As a result, Elms College nursing students have performed extraordinarily well on the NCLEX-RN [National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses] exam over the past three years, with an average pass rate of 98%.”

To determine this year’s rankings, registerednursing.org researched the 40 nursing programs across the state and analyzed their students’ performance on the NCLEX-RN exam over the past five years. In 2019, Elms College nurses achieved a 97% pass rate on the exam, while the national pass rate was 91%.

This is the third top-10 ranking for Elms College’s School of Nursing over the past year. It has been ranked in the top 10 of nursing schools in Massachusetts according to both nurse.org and niche.com.

Dr. Richard Basile Joins Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC, Berkshire Vein Center

PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Health Systems announced the appointment of Dr. Richard Basile, board-certified in general surgery and certified by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine, to the physician staff of Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC.

Basile, who has operated Basile Vein Specialists for many years, has been named medical director of the Berkshire Vein Center at BMC. As a result, he is closing his Basile Vein Specialists practice and will provide advanced vein-care services at the Berkshire Vein Center beginning on March 2.

Basile had a busy practice in general and vascular surgery for more than 20 years at Berkshire Medical Center, and has also served as medical director of the Center for Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine at BMC for several years. He established Basile Vein Specialists in 2010 and now brings his experience in vein care to the Berkshire Vein Center at BMC.

In providing vein-care services, Basile will be joined by Dr. Adam Bowling, a general surgeon at Berkshire Surgical Services of BMC who is currently working toward certification by the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic Medicine.

Basile received his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and completed his residency in general surgery at Berkshire Medical Center. He is certified as a vein specialist and as a registered vascular sonographer, including as a registered physician in vascular ultrasound interpretation.

The Berkshire Vein Center is located in the BMC Medical Arts Complex, 777 North St., Pittsfield, fourth floor. For an appointment with Basile, ask your physician for a referral or call the Berkshire Vein Center at (413) 445-6422.

Hearing Loss and Balance Seminar Slated for March 30 at Baystate Wing Hospital

PALMER — Baystate Health’s Senior Class will hold a free seminar on Monday, March 30 titled “Hearing Loss and Balance Care.” The event will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Snow Conference Room at Baystate Wing Hospital, 40 Wright St., Palmer.

“Hearing loss by itself doesn’t cause balance problems, but hearing loss can occur together with balance-impairment symptoms and can indicate problems with the inner ear and vestibular system,” said Susan Fontaine, senior coordinator of Loyalty Programs at Baystate Health. “It’s important to also know that a balance disorder may occur in different situations and may have various causes.”

The program will be offered by audiologist Deborah Stroetzel and Lori Manseau, physical therapist and manager of Baystate Rehabilitation Care at Baystate Wing Hospital. Together, they will discuss hearing loss, from diagnosis to treatment, and vestibular problems such as vertigo and inner-ear issues that affect balance, and how both are treated.

Baystate Health Senior Class is a free loyalty program dedicated to health and wellness, offered exclusively for men and women ages 55 and over.

The “Hearing Loss and Balance Care” seminar with Stroetzel and Manseau is offered at no cost, and refreshments will be served. Registration is required by calling (413) 794-5200 or visiting hearingloss-andbalance.eventbrite.com.

For more information about Baystate’s loyalty programs, including Baystate Health Every Woman and Senior Class, visit baystatehealth.org/loyalty.

Hanger Clinic in Springfield Honored by Parent Company

SPRINGFIELD — Hanger Clinic, a local patient-care provider that empowers people with custom-designed orthotic and prosthetic solutions, recently received the 2019 Excellence Award for Operations from the management of its parent company, Hanger Inc.

This annual award recognizes Hanger Clinic locations that have attained outstanding operating results, while providing superior clinical care and exceptional patient experiences. It’s awarded to about 1% of Hanger Clinic’s approximately 800 patient-care locations in 47 states and the District of Columbia.

“The Hanger Clinic Excellence Award is one of the highest honors our patient care clinics can earn, and this team is most deserving of this recognition,” Hanger Clinic President Sam Liang said. “Their professionalism, clinical expertise, and dedication to providing the best possible patient-centered care are changing lives every day.”

In addition to the clinic as a whole receiving the 2019 Excellence Award for operations, Clinic Manager Maggie Baumer was personally recognized with a 2019 J.E. Hanger Award for Collaboration.

Named for Hanger’s founder, the first amputee of the Civil War, the J.E. Hanger Awards are the company’s highest level of employee recognition. Baumer was nominated and selected to receive the award for her efforts in a number of areas, including leading her team in Springfield, managing Hanger Clinic’s involvement in the Boston-area Design Museum exhibit on the design and craft of prosthetics, and collaborating across the orthotics and prosthetics industry with organizations including the Amputee Coalition, the American Orthotic and Prosthetic Assoc., and the National Assoc. for the Advancement of Orthotics and Prosthetics, where she serves as a board member.

Bay Path University Names Sandra Doran Its Sixth President

Daily News HCN News & Notes

LONGMEADOW — The Bay Path University board of trustees announced today that Sandra Doran has been selected by unanimous vote to become the sixth president of Bay Path effective June 30. She will succeed Carol Leary, who retires in June following her 25-year presidency of Bay Path.

Doran’s appointment is the culmination of a comprehensive, 10-month, national search process to recruit, in board chair Jonathan Besse’s words, “the candidate whose experience, energy, and vision will build on the mission-driven and innovative legacy of Bay Path and propel our university into the future.”

“Sandy Doran is a charismatic leader who cares deeply about women’s education and is passionate about access to education and student success,” Besse said. “She has an impressive and broad background in a variety of complex organizations, all of which flourished greatly under her leadership.”

Doran is currently president of Salem Academy and College in Winston-Salem, N.C. As president, she led an inclusive and aggressive strategic planning process that resulted in a transformation of the college as evidenced by unprecedented growth in enrollment and fundraising.

“I am humbled by the trust the board has placed in me to continue the spirit of innovation here at Bay Path,” Doran said. “The visionary nature of President Leary is inspiring and unprecedented in higher education, and I look forward to working with the Bay Path faculty and staff to build on her legacy. Serving our students, and providing them with a superior learning experience, gives us all great joy. I look forward to engaging with all members of our community, students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees, and our business and philanthropic partners.”

Doran holds a juris doctor degree from the Syracuse University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Methodist University.

Before serving at Salem, she was CEO at Castle Point Learning Systems (CPLS), a company that develops innovative teaching and learning technologies incorporating artificial intelligence and adaptive learning algorithms to provide better student outcomes in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Prior to her position at CPLS, she was president of the American College of Education in Indianapolis, where she grew the organization into the fifth-largest graduate school of education in the country, serving more than 5,000 adult and non-traditional students.

Her professional experience also includes positions at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey as an entrepreneur-in-residence, as well as at the New England Board of Higher Education as national policy director. Early in her legal career, she transitioned into higher education, joining Lesley University in Cambridge in 2004 as chief of staff, vice president, and general counsel.

Doran currently serves as chair of the board for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation and on the board of the Online Learning Consortium. She was named the Triad Business Journal’s Most Admired CEO, and Power Player of 2019.

According to Patricia Pierce, immediate past chair of Bay Path University and co-chair, along with Besse, of the presidential search committee, Doran’s involvement with national organizations and her entrepreneurial leadership give her a first-hand understanding of the challenges faced by higher education. “Sandy is drawn to Bay Path for all the right reasons, and she is the right candidate to forge an exciting and leading-edge strategy for the university’s future.”

Eversource Energy to Purchase Massachusetts Natural-gas Assets of Columbia Gas

BOSTON — Eversource Energy announced it has reached an agreement to purchase the Massachusetts natural-gas assets of Columbia Gas for $1.1 billion from NiSource. The acquisition will bring Columbia Gas operations in Massachusetts under local ownership by the largest energy company in New England.

Columbia Gas currently serves 330,000 natural-gas customers in more than 60 communities in Massachusetts. Eversource has 300,000 natural-gas customers and 1.5 million electric customers in 51 communities across the Commonwealth. Many communities that Columbia Gas serves with natural gas already receive electric service from Eversource.

“Eversource is uniquely positioned to leverage the strengths of our current and future workforce, facilities, gas-supply resources, and business processes to achieve greater operational efficiency, while continuing to deliver on our unwavering commitment to safety and superior service for our customers,” said Eversource Chairman, President, and CEO Jim Judge.

Under the asset-purchase agreement, liabilities related to the September 2018 gas distribution incidents in the Merrimack Valley will remain the responsibility of Columbia Gas’s current parent company, NiSource.

Eversource plans to finance the transaction with a balance of new equity and debt that maintains its credit profile.

“We look forward to working with Columbia Gas to achieve the transaction and ensure a safe and smooth transition of services for customers in Massachusetts,” Judge added.

The transaction will require approval from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and the U.S. Justice Department. Eversource and Columbia Gas intend to engage with key regulatory stakeholders and consumer advocates over the next 30 days to review the investments needed to operate the system, to minimize rate impacts and review key benefits for customers. The parties expect to close the transaction by the end of the third quarter 2020.

Florence Bank Gives $50,000 Grant to YMCA of Greater Springfield

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has pledged $50,000 to the YMCA of Greater Springfield to help fund the new wellness and childcare center that opened at Springfield’s Tower Square on Dec. 5.

The new, state-of-the-art facility includes a 15,000-square-foot education center that serves infants through elementary-school students. Additionally, the facility includes a new, 12,000-square-foot wellness center with premium strength and conditioning equipment in a space that overlooks the city. Community support will also allow the organization to build an endowment fund to ensure fiscal strength for its growing camp programs and facilities.

The YMCA in Springfield, established in 1852, currently serves more than 15,000 members and program participants. In addition to the Springfield-based programs, the YMCA of Greater Springfield operates the Scantic Valley YMCA, Wilbraham Early Learning Center, Stony Brook Acres Camp in Wilbraham, and Camp Weber in West Springfield.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the YMCA of Greater Springfield to help the organization continue to fulfill their mission and grow in the center of Springfield,” said Florence Bank President Kevin Day.

Jasmine Rivera-Boucher Promoted to Director of Adult Foster Care at BFAIR

Daily News HCN News & Notes

NORTH ADAMS — Jasmine Rivera-Boucher has been promoted to director of Adult Foster Care (AFC) and Shared Living (SL) services at BFAIR.

The director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of both programs, the development and implementation of the AFC/SL, accreditation, policies, and procedures as well as the fiscal administration of the AFC department. The director ensures that all funders’ regulations are met, which includes oversight of the referral and intake process in collaboration with the Department of Developmental Services, the Department of Mental Health, and other funding and referral sources.

According to Michelle Carleton, vice president of BFAIR’s Residential Services, “Jasmine’s knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm for BFAIR’s AFC and Shared Living services made her the perfect choice for this well-deserved promotion.”

Prior to her promotion from assistant director, Rivera-Boucher worked at the Key Program in Pittsfield and graduated from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts with a degree in psychology. She also holds a degree in gerontology from Maria College and certification as dementia friend trainer.

March 5 Event to Discuss How to Ask for — and Offer Help Around — Mental Health

LONGMEADOW — How do you ask for help? When it comes to physical health — perhaps you twist an ankle, come down with the flu, or have trouble regulating your blood pressure — the answer is simple for most people. You call or visit a doctor, and you ask them to help you feel better. But when it comes to mental health, there is often a stigma around admitting when something isn’t right and reaching out for help.

Sara Kendall, MSW, LICSW, and Kimberley Lee, both of the Mental Health Association, will be on the Bay Path University campus to talk about how to ask for help, and also how to support others in your life who may need help, but aren’t asking for it. Their simple approach of ‘ask, support, and recommend’ is geared toward individuals who want to be able to reach out and support, but aren’t trained counselors and may not feel prepared to do so.

This free event, scheduled for March 5 at 7 p.m., is open to the public, and will be held at Breck Suite in Wright Hall, Bay Path University, 588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. For more information or to register, visit baypath.edu/asksupportrecommend.

River Valley Counseling Center Welcomes New Senior Grants Director

HOLYOKE — Rosemarie Ansel, executive director of River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC), has announced Kelly Gloster as its senior grants director. In this new role, she will oversee all grant programs to ensure the organization’s funded programs are compliant with grant rules and regulations based on the terms and conditions set by each funding organization. Gloster is also the program director for both River Valley Counseling Center’s School-Based Health Centers and HIV/AIDS Project.

“I have a particular interest in maximizing grant dollars to both better serve clients and achieve program efficiencies,” Gloster said. “My goals are to bring transparency to the grant-compliance activities, such as chart and documentation standards, data collection, and reporting requirements. I will also be looking to increase grant funding for River Valley Counseling Center programs, as we continue to serve the mental-health needs of our community.”

Prior to joining RVCC, Gloster was an assistant vice president of Grants and Government Relations at Landmark College in Vermont. She brings more than 20 years of grant-writing and grant-administration experience, and owned her own grant consultancy. She maintains a certificate in financial research administration. She also has extensive experience in the nonprofit and mental-health sectors, having worked as a foster-care supervisor, residential case manager, and crisis hotline counselor.

“We are fortunate to have an experienced grant writer joining our team as River Valley Counseling Center continues to grow as a nonprofit behavioral-health organization serving the Pioneer Valley,” Ansel said.

Gloster received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in social work planning, policy, and administration from Boston College.

Health New England Named a Finalist in Healthiest Employers of Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD — Health New England has been recognized as one of the 2019 finalists of the Healthiest Employers of Massachusetts, a nationally recognized awards program powered by the Springbuk Health Intelligence Platform.

Applicants to the Healthiest Employers awards program were evaluated across six key categories, representing a holistic view of employee well-being: culture and leadership commitment, foundational components, strategic planning, communication and marketing, programming and interventions, and reporting and analytics. All companies that applied to the awards program were ranked according to the proprietary Healthiest Employers Index, a 1-100 rubric for employee well-being programming.

Ranked second in the 100- to 499-employee size category in Massachusetts, Health New England was honored for its commitment to employee health and corporate health programming. As an award finalist, Health New England has demonstrated a strong commitment to the health and well-being of its team members.

“We are honored and excited that Health New England is being recognized for the work we do to empower our associates to make positive changes in their health journeys,” said Katie Bruno, Public Health and Wellness program manager at Health New England. “We strive to improve the health and lives of the people in our communities, and we bring that same mission to our worksite wellness program. My team, in collaboration with our wellness committee, implements engaging, innovative, and meaningful programs that support our associates’ health needs.”

Health New England offers traditional wellness programs that allow employees to partake in short-term programs individually or with a team, and identifies ways to encourage long-term behavior change by building a work culture that supports overall health. This includes leadership support, internal partners, mindfulness training, health coaching, flexible work hours and location, and increased benefits and rewards.

“We congratulate Health New England for their efforts to make workplace health a top priority for their organization and their team members,” said Rod Reasen, co-founder and CEO of Springbuk. “Each year, it’s our privilege at Springbuk to recognize the best of the best in corporate health through the Healthiest Employers awards program. Across the nation, we’re encouraged by the tremendous efforts of corporate health leaders proactively investing in the well-being of their employee population.”

AIC Named Among 2020 Best Colleges and Universities for People with Disabilities

SPRINGFIELD — The Edvocate, an online education magazine, has named American International College (AIC) among the best colleges and universities for people with disabilities.

The Edvocate highlighted institutions that have multiple programs, policies, and measures in place to help people with disabilities succeed in higher education. AIC placed in the top 10.

“The Supportive Learning Services (SLS) program at American International College provides professional tutoring services to students, as well as assistance with study skills, organization, and time management,” the magazine noted. “Students can also take advantage of the Center for Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations (CASAA), which provides both academic and physical accommodations.”

CASAA provides resources, training, and direct services to ensure people with disabilities have a greater opportunity to achieve their goals, while SLS is a fee-based program that helps students with learning challenges achieve their dream of completing college successfully. The second of its kind in the country, SLS celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. This comprehensive program works with the whole student academically, socially, and emotionally, by providing one-on-one tutorial assistance in addition to skills and content workshops designed to fit the unique needs of each student. In addition to helping students hone academic skills, SLS staff can assist students with organizational skills and time-management strategies that can help them modify their learning environment and maximize their strengths.

“We are pleased that the commitment of the college to provide access and opportunity for every student is recognized,” said April Voltz, AIC’s dean of Academic Success. “American International College has long appreciated that people learn differently and have varying needs in the pursuit of their education. Learning specialists in the Supportive Learning Services program provide professional tutoring and academic coaching tailored to the learning style of the individual student. The Center for Accessibility Services and Academic Accommodations collaborates with members of the institution’s diverse community to ensure that all aspects of campus life — learning, working, and living — are universally accessible.”

DAISA Enterprises Chosen to Facilitate Healthy Children and Families Event

SOUTH HADLEY — DAISA Enterprises, a food-systems and community health strategy firm based in South Hadley, was selected by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to design and facilitate a convening of Healthy Children and Families grantees for 2020.

The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), based in Princeton, N.J., is the largest philanthropic foundation in the U.S. focused solely on health, striving to advance policy, system, and environmental changes that create the conditions to foster families’ opportunities to promote healthy child development. The Healthy Children and Families convening will be a forum for sharing lessons and leveraging insights among grantees, partners, stakeholders, and RWJF staff around strategies to achieve this goal and prioritize health equity. More than 100 health leaders are expected to attend this event this spring or summer.

DAISA Enterprises works at the intersection of food, health, and economic and community development, building cutting-edge initiatives and enterprises. It has quickly established itself as a key partner to national health-based philanthropic foundations, helping them design and implement field-building events and initiatives.

“DAISA is honored to support the work of RWJF grantees, help them connect and learn from each other, and build a greater movement for the health of children in our country,” CEO Daniel Ross said. “This is among the most powerful work we can do.”

Nicholas LaPier CPA PC Welcomes Three CPAs to Firm

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Nicholas LaPier CPA PC announced that three local CPAs have joined the firm:

Dawn Bryant, CPA, recently joined Nicholas LaPier, CPA PC as an audit manager. She has worked in public accounting for more than 25 years, with her primary focus in auditing and specializing in not-for-profit organizations. Her experience also includes working with for-profit businesses in various industries including retail, distribution, and construction. Bryant earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, financial track, graduating summa cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). She serves as board president for a private foundation and teaches a nonprofit business functions course for the University of Connecticut.

Colleen Berndt, CPA, recently joined the firm as a tax manager. She has worked in public accounting for more than 30 years, with a primary focus in business taxation and consulting. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from American International College in Springfield and is a member of AICPA and MSCPA. She serves on various local nonprofit boards.

Edward Stambovsky, CPA, also recently joined the firm. He has worked in public accounting for more than 40 years, with a primary focus on business, individual, and trust taxation, and has consulted with businesses throughout his career. He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from UMass Amherst and is a member of AICPA and MSCPA.

Florence Bank Announces Patricia Covalli as Community Support Award Winner

FLORENCE — Florence Bank has named Patricia Covalli its Community Support Award winner. Covalli, a collections officer, joined the bank in February 2015 and has 25 years of banking experience.

The Community Support Award was established by Florence Bank in 1997 as a means of formally recognizing employees who are active participants in community events and donate their personal and professional time to local not-for-profit organizations.

Each year, the award recipient has the opportunity to select a not-for-profit organization of his or her choice, and the bank makes a donation to that organization. At Covalli’s recommendation, Florence Bank will make a donation to Soldier On. The mission of Soldier On, based in Leeds, is to provide formerly homeless veterans with permanent, supportive, sustainable housing.

Covalli serves her community as an active member of the United Way of Hampshire County. She also serves as a fundraising volunteer for Florence’s Look Park and volunteers at Northampton’s Interfaith Cot Shelter.

“Patty is the ideal choice for the Community Support Award,” said Kevin Day, president of Florence Bank. “Her positive energy, commitment to numerous local nonprofit organizations, and dedication to helping those in need within our community is exemplary.”

U.S. Mint Unveils Commemorative Coin to Benefit Basketball Hall of Fame

PHILADELPHIA — Basketball Hall of Famers Julius Erving and Sheryl Swoopes, as well as U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, were on hand Tuesday at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, which unveiled a special coin commemorating the Hall of Fame, the Republican reported.

The Mint makes two commemorative designs a year and offers them in limited quantities. Surcharges collected from sales of the coin — expected to be about $10 million — will go toward the Hall.

March 5 Event to Discuss How to Ask for — and Offer Help Around — Mental Health

George Webb Memorial Basketball Tournament Begins March 13

CHICOPEE — This year marks the 35th year Kevin Vann has enjoyed coaching youth basketball — and for 16 of those years, he has provided young people in Greater Springfield and Northern Connecticut with the chance to play in a competitive tournament.

As the founder of the George Webb Memorial Basketball Tournament, which supports the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee, Vann recently announced to sponsors and participants that the event topped the $200,000 fundraising mark in 2019.

“Thank you for standing with me over the past 16 years, supporting the kids of the club,” he said. “I have a deep passion for basketball, yet my 35 years of coaching pales in comparison to the 108 years that the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee has been there every day for the now 358 boys and girls of this city. They are children who desperately need encouragement, companionship, challenge, and opportunity to help them grow into responsible and respected human beings.”

The largest basketball tournament of its kind, the annual 15-day event tips off on March 13 at the club, ending on March 28. Each year, the tourney draws hundreds of spectators to watch more than 40 teams of boys and girls play.

Vann founded the George Webb Memorial Basketball Tournament in 2005 to honor his late friend, George Webb, who died of cancer at age 52 in 2004. A basketball player who shot hoops at the club on Tuesday evenings, Webb rarely lost a game, Vann said, “and when he did, he showed true sportsmanship to whoever he was playing against.”

Vann and his business, the Vann Group of Springfield, a professional-services outsourcing company, have sponsored the tournament since its start. And it has been held at the club it supports since the beginning as well.

“The George Webb Basketball Tournament embodies the values of the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee,” Vann said. “It’s an even competition for teams of boys and girls aged 8 to 13 who have varying abilities as ball players.”

For the second year in a row, Daishany Miller of Chicopee was named the club’s Youth of the Year. To achieve that title, a club member must embody the values of leadership and service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles. The Youth of the Year serves as a role model for other young people in the club and as a representative to the community.

Drawn to investigate the club in 2014, Miller, 19, soon adopted it as a second home and learned how to thrive as a leader. “It takes strength to fit in and courage to stand out,” Miller said. “The club is there for me and encourages me to take the steps I need to strive to be a better version of myself.”

Vann said the tournament has allowed thousands of young people to experience the safe haven that is the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee, play a sport, and develop values that will last a lifetime.

For more information about the tournament, visit bgcchicopee.org/george-webb-memorial-basketball-tournament. For information on sponsorship opportunities, visit georgewebbtournament.com or contact Ruth Griggs at (413) 727-3354 or [email protected].

Health New England Named a Finalist in Healthiest Employers of Massachusetts

STCC’s Veterinary Assistant Training Program Starts March 2

SPRINGFIELD — Registration is open for Springfield Technical Community College’s (STCC) veterinary assistant training program, which begins March 2.

The course runs through August, with classes meeting Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Elliot Levy, senior director of the Workforce Development Center at STCC, encourages prospective students not to delay registration since space is limited.

The training prepares students to keep animals healthy, care for them when they are ill, and assist veterinarians in their offices.

Veterinary assistants work directly under the supervision of veterinarians and the veterinary technician as they perform procedures, examinations, and treatments. They provide basic care, such as feeding and exercising the animals, while learning how to recognize signs of illness and disease, performing laboratory procedures, interacting with clients, and performing general office procedures.

Veterinary assistants work in animal hospitals and clinics, animal shelters, laboratories, zoos, and animal parks.

The training marks the first step toward getting a start in a field where the jobs are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, veterinary assistant jobs are expected to grow 19% between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

For more information and to enroll online, visit stcc.edu/wdc/descriptions/veterinary-assistant. To contact the Workforce Development Center Office, call (413) 755-4225.

Springfield College Department of Graduate Social Work to Host Open Houses

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield College Department of Graduate Social Work (DGSW) will host an open house for prospective students at the Brennan Center, 45 Island Pond Road, Springfield — and also simultaneously at Saint Vincent Hospital, Conference Room B, 123 Summer St., Worcester — on Thursday, March 5 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. There will be a second open house for prospective students at both locations on Saturday, March 7 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

The DGSW offers flexible scheduling options for students, including weekday, evening, and weekend courses in Springfield, as well as weekend courses in Worcester. There are also options for graduates of Council on Social Work Education-accredited bachelor of social work programs to choose either a four-semester weekend or three-semester weekday advanced standing program. The combined master of social work/juris doctorate is a four-year, full-time program in conjunction with Western New England University School of Law.

“Social Work is a growing profession. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that social-work jobs will grow by 11.5% between 2014 and 2024,” said Department Chair Dr. William Fisher.

The DGSW offers an advanced generalist concentration, the ideal preparation for direct clinical practice, group work, community practice, and administration in a range of settings. Graduates find careers in child and family agencies, schools, hospitals, veterans and military services, senior centers, the justice system, mental-health clinics, hospice care, government agencies, and corporations.

“The department is student-centered, community-focused, and committed to diversity and cultural competence, and to promoting continuous learning,” Fisher said.

Prospective students may register in advance for the open house through the department’s website, springfield.edu/gsw, or by contacting Leanna Tamiso, Recruitment and Admissions coordinator, at (413) 748-3060 or [email protected].

Webber & Grinnell Insurance Acquires Roger Menard Insurance Agency

NORTHAMPTON — Webber & Grinnell Insurance announced the acquisition of Roger Menard Insurance Agency at 241 King St., Northampton.

“Roger and I have been talking about this for a long time, and we are fortunate to be able to continue his legacy of great customer service to his clients,” said Webber and Grinnell President Bill Grinnell. “Our office is only a quarter-mile down the street, so it will be an easy adjustment for his clients. We also represent the same insurance carriers as Roger Menard Insurance, which will make the transition go very smoothly.

Menard added that “Webber and Grinnell is the premier insurance agency in Northampton, and I know my clients will be treated very well. I’ve truly enjoyed this business and the relationships I have developed along the way. But after 36 years, it’s time to do something different. I will still be available to answer any questions during the transition.”

Bay Path President’s Gala to Celebrate Legacy of Carol Leary

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University’s fourth annual President’s Gala will take place on Saturday, April 18, at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. While the event will continue its tradition of raising funds for student scholarships, it will also celebrate the legacy of Carol Leary, who will retire in June after 25 years as Bay Path president.

The gala will feature a tribute to Leary and her husband Noel, silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing with live entertainment. The evening will also tell the story of the university’s mission — empowering undergraduate women and graduate women and men to flourish in a constantly changing world. Last year’s event netted more than $360,000 in support of student scholarships.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to raise funds again this year for student scholarships while celebrating the legacy of Dr. Carol Leary and Noel. The Learys have been instrumental to Bay Path and the Western Mass. community over the last 25 years,” said Allison Gearing-Kalill, Bay Path University’s vice president for Development and Planned Giving. “The gala provides an opportunity to bring together businesses, community partners, alumni, and friends of Bay Path who understand the obstacles our students face today.”

Mary and David Bushnell, Laura and Rick Grondin, and Michelle and Peter Wirth are the gala’s honorary chairs. The platinum sponsor is MassMutual. Gold sponsors include Advance Manufacturing Co. Inc., Hannoush Jewelers, Health New England, Melinda and K. Francis Lee, PeoplesBank, and Powerstation Events. Drew and Lauren Davis are the entertainment sponsors.

The President’s Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner at 7:30 p.m. The tribute will start at 8:30 p.m., and at 9 p.m., guests will be invited to dance the night away. To learn more about the gala, including sponsorships, purchasing tickets, and donating to or participating in the auction, visit www.baypath.edu/gala or contact Meg Morrill at (413) 565-1396 or [email protected].

For those who are not able to attend, but would like to support Leary’s 25th and final year as president, Bay Path University announced the relaunch of the Carol A. Leary Endowed Scholarship Fund for First-Generation College Students. The fund, which was initially established in 2005 in honor of Leary’s 10th anniversary as Bay Path’s president, is just as relevant today as Bay Path continues to welcome first-generation students into the community. Since its induction, Bay Path has awarded this scholarship to more than 100 women attending college as first-generation students. To learn more about the fund, visit baypath.edu/leary.

DAISA Enterprises Chosen to Facilitate Healthy Children and Families Event

Happier Valley Comedy Welcomes Meghan Lynch as New Board Member

HADLEY — Happier Valley Comedy, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing more laughter, joy, and ease to Western Mass. (and the world) through the tenets of improv comedy, named Meghan Lynch to its board of directors.

Lynch is the CEO of Six-Point Creative in Springfield, a brand strategy agency serving second-stage businesses. Lynch co-founded Six-Point in 2007 and was named an Enterprising Woman of the Year in 2019 for her company’s growth and her commitment to supporting other women entrepreneurs.

Lynch first became acquainted with Happier Valley Comedy when its president and founder, Pam Victor, facilitated a THROUGH LAUGHTER Professional Development workshop for the Women Presidents’ Organization, of which she’s a member.

“That workshop took place on the due date for Meghan’s baby,” Victor recalled. “She was ready to give birth and so totally wiped out that she had to sit and observe most of the workshop. I think she was just concentrating on not giving birth right there and then. And yet, when we reconnected a year later, she absolutely astounded me by her ability to perfectly appreciate and encapsulate the benefits of the THROUGH LAUGHTER program. But that just goes to show how good Meghan Lynch is at her job.”

In 2017, Lynch invited Victor to Six-Point Creative to facilitate the first of many professional-development workshops for the staff and clients. “Pam clearly reads her audience well, and had a team of skeptics not only laughing and participating, but also actively using the principles of the workshop within hours of her departure,” Lynch said. “We need to access our place of pure creativity on a daily basis, and this workshop gave us new tools to use in order to do that ourselves and encourage others in to do it. I have never participated in a workshop that was so thoroughly applicable to our daily life, work, and relationships. The return on investment was clear immediately.”

When a seat opened up on the Happier Valley Comedy board of directors, Lynch was at the top of Victor’s wish list. “Meghan brings a tremendous breadth of talents to our board, including her business acumen, sharp intellect, and creative mind,” Victor said. “The fact that she’s not an improviser is a huge benefit too, since we need some more ‘normals’ in the HVC community.”

Happier Valley Comedy is a 501(c)(3) organization and the first and only comedy theater and training program in Western Mass. The organization provides comedy shows, classes, workshops, and professional and personal development services.

“Happier Valley Comedy uses improv as a tool to build truly important skills for both individuals and companies,” Lynch said. “Assuming goodwill, reframing and disempowering failure, taking risks, and finding the joy and ease in our daily lives are things that are so difficult for people to do. We use the tenets of their work in my own company, and we share it with our clients. Now I am excited to help further the mission as a board member.”

State Announces $2 Million in Community-based Grants for Urban Neighborhoods

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito administration announced $2 million in Urban Agenda grant program funding to 23 projects, the largest award round since fiscal year 2016. The program is focused on promoting economic vitality in urban neighborhoods by fostering partnerships for growth that capitalize on unique local assets and community-driven responses to challenges.

The awards will fund projects supporting workforce development, small businesses, and entrepreneurship initiatives across 21 communities: Attleboro, Barnstable, Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Greenfield, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, New Bedford, North Adams, Pittsfield, Revere, Salem, Springfield, and Worcester.

“Our administration is committed to partnering with local leaders and community organizations that are on the ground in urban neighborhoods to encourage collaborative, high-impact projects that directly impact the quality of life and access to opportunity of residents,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “The flexibility of the Urban Agenda program enables investments in a wide range of initiatives that train unemployed individuals for jobs, assist local entrepreneurs, and prepare small businesses for success.”

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito added that “Urban Agenda grants are one of the tools that allow our administration to tackle local challenges around workforce training and provide support to urban small businesses and entrepreneurs that have the potential to create strong and vibrant downtowns. Our administration has always emphasized collaboration and homegrown solutions, and today’s awards embrace innovative projects that will expand access to economic prosperity.”

Launched by the Baker-Polito administration in 2015, Urban Agenda program grants are competitive, one-year grants that offer flexible funding for local partnerships to implement programming and projects that are based on creative collaborative work models with the goal of urban communities achieving economic progress. These projects leverage existing economic assets to respond to and deliver on defined economic development and quality-of-life goals. Awards prioritize collaboration, shared accountability, and building leadership capacity at the local level.

In this round of the Urban Agenda program, the administration prioritized funding to applications that proposed the implementation of projects or initiatives that directly address any of the recommendations issued by the Black Advisory Commission and the Latino Advisory Commission, established by Baker in 2017. Applicants were encouraged to enhance partnerships from within the African-American and Latino communities and to prioritize changes that would enhance community partnerships, strengthen small businesses, increase workforce participation, and expand opportunity in ways that drive diversity and inclusiveness.

“Our new economic-development plan, Partnerships for Growth, aims to ensure that everyone has a chance to be on the playing field when it comes to economic success, and the Urban Agenda program is one way our administration can connect more residents to the prosperity that has been generated in Massachusetts,” Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy said. “Over the next four years, our administration will continue our outreach to small businesses across the Commonwealth, including those in urban downtowns, to ensure we align programming with their needs for space, capital, employees, and technical assistance.”

Bay Path, Springfield Museums, Springfield Women’s Commission Convene On the Move Forum

LONGMEADOW — In honor of Women’s History Month in March and International Women’s Day on March 8, Bay Path University, Springfield Museums, and the Springfield Women’s Commission will present the fourth annual On the Move Forum on Wednesday, March 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield.

This year’s theme, “Generation Equality: Stand Up, Stand Out, RISE,” offers attendees an inter-generational, cross-cultural, gender-inclusive conversation focused on women’s rights, civic engagement, career opportunities, and wealth. Now in its fourth year, the forum explores women’s history and the advancement of women.

The On the Move Forum will engage attendees in an interactive conversation about the gaps, gains, and opportunities to advance women, empower young professionals, and inspire students. Kamilah A’vant, director of Diversity Programs for Color magazine, will be the event’s keynote speaker. The forum will also include a panel discussion, where attendees will have the opportunity to have their questions addressed by community, business, and academic leaders.

“The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote,” said Kateri Walsh, On the Move Springfield City Council Women’s Commission chairwoman. “I am proud to promote and support the advancement of women in all fields, especially as we hope to get more young women involved in civic engagement.”

Added Janine Fondon, Bay Path professor and founder of the On the Move Forum, “I look forward to engaging in this inter-generational conversation where women of all backgrounds can share their voices, insights, and leadership. There will be dialogue, networking, resource-sharing, and relationship-building. We hope to advance women by connecting the dots and helping women find tangible ways to reach their goals, build new skills, and take advantage of existing resources — all to break barriers and remove obstacles to success.”

Kay Simpson, president and CEO of the Springfield Museums, noted that “the Museums, historically known as the People’s College, are proud to be a part of the conversation orchestrated by the On the Move Forum. As a gathering place for curious people, the Museums strongly support collaborative efforts to help us all engage through authentic educational and social experiences that foster connection.”

This event is free and open to the public, and is hosted in collaboration with the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Arise for Social Justice, the African American Female Professors Assoc., NAMIC New England, the Rhode Island Black Film Festival, and others. Registration is required. For more information and to register, visit onthemoveforum2020.eventbrite.com.

Opportunities to sponsor On the Move’s 2020 year-long series and programs are still available. For more information, contact Janine Fondon at (413) 221-7931 or [email protected].

Springfield Artist John Moore Wins ADDP’s 2020 Legislative Calendar Cover Contest

BOSTON — John Moore, a Springfield artist, was recently recognized at the Massachusetts State House as the winner of the Assoc. of Developmental Disabilities Providers’ (ADDP) 2020 Legislative Calendar cover contest. Moore is a member of Pyramid, a day habilitation program at Viability in Springfield.

He was among 31 artists — all of whom have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including autism or brain injuries — who submitted their artwork for entry into the contest. The ADDP calendar is an annual project that features compelling stories from its member provider agencies and legislators’ birthdays. It is distributed to both the House of Representatives and Senate, and its association members statewide.

As part of his winnings, Moore was recognized in front of approximately 300 people, including state legislators, during ADDP’s Legislative Luncheon, held last month at the Massachusetts State House. ADDP hosts the annual luncheon to outline its budget priorities for the upcoming fiscal year and to honor its Legislators of the Year.

“ADDP’s member organizations serve talented individuals across Massachusetts, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase those talents on the cover of our annual legislative calendar,” ADDP President Ellen Attaliades said. “On behalf of the entire association, we’d like to congratulate John on this well-earned honor, and thank the many other artists who submitted beautiful works of art.”

Moore, an active member of Pyramid since 2005, is known as the scientific wizard of Pyramid, sharing technical facts about the world to everyone in the program. He loves to draw, paint, Google interesting facts, dance to rock and roll, and exercise when he attends the Pyramid program. His hobbies include collecting pictures and facts on volcanoes and “scary creatures.” He also gives back to his community by volunteering at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. While out in the community, he loves to swim, go to the movies, and shop at bookstores.

“I love to paint and draw, so it felt really good to get this award,” he said. “I enjoyed getting dressed up and attending the Legislative Luncheon in Boston with my friends from Pyramid.”

ADDP is a statewide association comprised of approximately 120 community-based providers throughout Massachusetts that provide critically needed services to individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including autism and people with brain injuries.

Viability, headquartered in Northampton, serves more than 4,000 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, New York, and Florida. The agency leverages community and employer partnerships to create opportunities for the people they serve.

Florence Bank Tops $1.2 Million in Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program

FLORENCE — When parents believe their child is headed down the wrong path, they often panic. That’s why it’s essential to have organizations like the CARE Coalition of West Springfield. As a nonprofit focused on the prevention of youth substance abuse, staff there can answer questions, provide recommendations, and tell parents where to get help.

For the first time this year, the CARE Coalition will receive a $1,232 grant from Florence Bank through its Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program during the 18th annual event, to be held Tuesday, March 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Garden House at Look Park.

This year, 57 nonprofits will receive an award as Florence Bank tops the $1.2 million mark in grants it’s presented to community organizations over nearly two decades.

“We’re extremely honored to have been chosen by the customers of Florence Bank to receive the funds,” said Nikki Lewis, coordinator at CARE Coalition. “We feel this is the start of an incredible partnership with Florence Bank. We are always looking to enhance community relationships. This is an incredible opportunity.”

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program is an annual offering founded in 2002, through which Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2019, more than 11,000 votes were cast, and 57 nonprofits will accept a grant award at the celebratory event, with a total of $100,000 to be presented.

Ten organizations that received between 40 and 49 votes were also invited to attend to be in a drawing for one additional $500 award.

Florence Bank’s former president and outgoing CEO, John Heaps Jr., who will retire in May, will be there alongside Florence Bank’s new president, Kevin Day.

“It will be an especially memorable night for me,” Heaps said. “My late wife, Jane, suggested this program, and I will be proud to attend my last awards event. It is always tremendously rewarding to meet the people behind the organizations and to hear firsthand about the good work they are doing in our communities.”

Day, who has attended the event for the past 11 years, said he is thrilled to preside over his first Customers’ Choice ceremony as president. “I look forward to the event every year. I value the program’s contribution to the community, and I’m committed to its continuation and growth.”

The following organizations received more than 50 customer votes and will receive an award at the event: Dakin Humane Society, Cancer Connection, Friends of the Williamsburg Libraries, Northampton Survival Center, Friends of Forbes Library, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, Amherst Survival Center, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of Lilly Library, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, Williamsburg Firefighter Assoc., New Hingham Elementary School PTO, Northampton High School PTO, BARC Inc., Northampton Senior Center, Grow Food Northampton, Safe Passage, Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, MANNA Soup Kitchen, Kestrel Land Trust, Northampton Community Music Center, Hospice of the Fisher Home, Children First Enterprises Inc., Community Action Pioneer Valley, Easthampton Elementary Schools PTO, Belchertown Firefighters Assoc., Jackson Street School PTO, Granby Senior Center, Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Northampton Neighbors, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Belchertown Police K-9 Unit, Historic Northampton, RK Finn Ryan Road School, Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, Friends of Clapp Memorial Library, Easthampton Community Center, Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, It Takes a Village, Amherst Regional Public Schools Parent Guardian Organization, Tapestry Health Systems, Cub Scout Pack 705 (Chesterfield), Mass Audubon’s Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuaries, Whole Children, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Belchertown Band Boosters, Williamsburg Grange #225, Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School PTO, Riverside Industries Inc., Pelham Elementary PTO, Emily Williston Memorial Library, Belchertown Public Schools, Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice, Amherst Neighbors, Granby Preservation Society, and the Hartsbrook School.

The Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is a year-long initiative. Customers of the bank can vote via paper ballots at each bank branch location or online at www.florencebank.com/vote.

40 Under Forty Pulls in More Than 200 Nominations

SPRINGFIELD — The nomination period for the 40 Under Forty class of 2020 has closed, and now a panel of judges has a challenging task ahead.

That’s because BusinessWest received a record haul of more than 200 unique nominations this year — an indication that, in its 14th year, the 40 Under Forty honor remains a coveted mark of distinction for this region’s young individuals who have made a mark both professionally and through community involvement.

This year’s judges include Mychal Connolly, chapter chairman of SCORE Western Massachusetts and member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2011; Jose Delgado, director of Government Affairs at MGM Springfield and member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2011; Claudia Pazmany, executive director of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; Payton Shubrick, a home office technology strategist at MassMutual and member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2019; and Donna Yetter, a principal in Commercial Services at Melanson Heath.

After the judges have completed their careful review of the nominees, the class of 2020 will be profiled in the April 27 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 25 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. This year’s event is presented by PeoplesBank and Health New England, and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Springfield. WWLP-22News is the media sponsor, and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield is a partner. Other sponsorship opportunities are available.

Bay Path Earns ‘A’ Grade for Early Reading Courses

LONGMEADOW — The National Council on Teacher Quality released its scores for the 2020 Teacher Prep Review, ranking Bay Path University’s Early Reading course content in undergraduate, traditional, elementary-education programs with an ‘A’ designation.

Reading ability is a key predictor of future educational gains and life success, and more than one-third of American children are not able to read by the fourth grade, with black and Hispanic children being disproportionately affected. Successful reading instruction is essential to achieving educational equity, yet only seven programs in Massachusetts received an ‘A’ ranking.

After reviewing course syllabi and required textbooks, programs were ranked based on the following criteria: the availability of explicit instruction on each of the five components of reading instruction — phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies; support for instruction with high-quality textbooks that accurately detail established principles of scientifically based reading practices; and evidence that teacher candidates must demonstrate mastery through in-class assignments, tests, and field work.

“Only about a quarter of educator-preparation programs nationwide received this highest rating, with Bay Path University being only one of four undergraduate programs in the state of Massachusetts to be recognized with an ‘A,’” said Ellen Rustico, Bay Path professor and chair of Education Programs, and director of Teacher Licensure. “It ensures that we are training teacher candidates with effective, evidence-based, structured literacy practices for use in the pre-K-to-12 general-education and specialized settings. The reading coursework at Bay Path links the science of reading to educational practice. Our teacher candidates are ready to make an impact on students on day one.”

The National Council on Teacher Quality is a non-partisan, not-for-profit research and policy organization that is committed to modernizing the teaching profession.

American International College to Host Black Wellness Dinner and Dialogue Tonight

SPRINGFIELD — The American International College (AIC) Office of Diversity Education, student organization People Ready in Defense of Ebony (PRIDE), and the Assoc. of Black Business and Professionals will host a dinner and dialogue event tonight, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. in the Schwartz Campus Center Auditorium located at 1000 State St. in Springfield.

In the U.S., black women are three to four times more likely to die from complications of childbirth than white women are. Black individuals are 70% more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than white individuals are. The public is invited to attend a roundtable discussion concerning these and other health issues affecting black individuals, along with ways to improve health and wellness for the black community.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call AIC’s Office of Diversity Education at (413) 205-3352.

Rotary Club of Holyoke Gives Paul Harris Award to Steve Kaplan

HOLYOKE — Steve Kaplan was awarded the Paul Harris Award by the Rotary Club of Holyoke on Feb. 18 at the Delaney House in Holyoke.

Paul Harris Fellowships are awarded as recognition for donations of $1,000 to the Foundation of Rotary International. The foundation utilizes the funds raised to support Rotary International humanitarian efforts throughout the world.

The recognitions are named in honor of Paul Harris, the Chicago businessman and visionary who formed the first Rotary club and began what has become an organization with more than 22,000 clubs and more than 1 million members. Both Rotarians and non-Rotarians alike are eligible to receive Paul Harris Fellowships. While anyone may make a donation and receive a Paul Harris recognition, the Holyoke Rotary Club has chosen to utilize its credits to honor some of its own members for their service to the club and the community.

A recipient must be a humanitarian, willingly participate in Rotary Club activities over an extended period of time, be a person whose daily actions personify the Four Way Rotary Test, display initiative, and be a leader. Consideration is given to Rotary activities at the district, national or international level; volunteer participation in civic and/or religious groups; and volunteer service to town, city, state, or federal government.

Free Legal Help Hotline Slated for Feb. 27

SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Assoc. will hold a Legal Help Hotline in conjunction with Western New England University School of Law on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 4 to 7 p.m.

The volunteers will provide legal advice on a variety of topics, including divorce and family law, bankruptcy, business, landlord/tenant matters, and real estate. Spanish-speaking attorneys will be available. Individuals needing advice should call (413) 796-2057 to speak to a volunteer.

MGM Springfield Revenues Rebound in January

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2020

SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission reported that gross gaming revenue (GGR) at MGM Springfield totaled $20.6 million in January, up from $18.9 million in December, which was its worst-ever full month.

Meanwhile, the Encore Boston Harbor casino recorded $48.6 million in GGR in January, down from $54 million in December, while Plainridge Park Casino posted $11.1 million in January, an almost $900,000 increase from December and its first monthly uptick since last spring.

MGM Springfield’s January GGR totaled included $14.9 million from slot machines and $5.7 million from from table games. The facility named a new president and chief operating officer following December’s poor numbers, replacing Michael Mathis with Chris Kelley.

MGM Springfield and Encore Boston Harbor, category-1 resort casinos, are taxed on 25% of GGR; those monies are allocated to several specific state funds as determined by the gaming statute. Plainridge Park, a category-2 slots facility, is taxed on 49% of GGR; 82% of those taxes are paid to local aid, with 18% allotted to the Race Horse Development Fund. To date, the Commonwealth has collected approximately $547 million in total taxes and assessments from the three gaming facilities.

Incoming Florence Bank President Committed to Remaining Independent

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2020

FLORENCE — Florence Bank’s incoming President and CEO Kevin Day said his 11 years with the bank will allow for a smooth transition for employees, customers, and the community. He stressed that he and the board are committed to keeping the bank independent.

“Where the bank is and where it is going will not change. I am 100% committed to the mutual form of ownership,” Day said. “Remaining mutual is what allows our culture to exist. As a mutual bank, we can’t be forced into a sale or merger with another bank. We have the flexibility to do what is right, not just what’s profitable.”

Drawing on the bank’s popular and unique “Always” branding, Day added, “that should give all stakeholders comfort that Florence Bank will always be Florence Bank.”

Day has 37 years in the banking industry and has been in senior management for 34. He came on board at Florence Bank in 2008 as chief financial officer, responsible for finance, facilities, and risk management. His responsibilities expanded to include compliance in 2013, residential lending in 2014, and retail banking in 2016.

When he was promoted to executive vice president, also in 2016, Day was supervising 90% of the bank’s personnel.

“I’ve been part of every major decision at the bank for 11 years,” Day said, noting that he’s been significantly involved in the bank’s expansion into Hampden County, where two branches now exist in West Springfield and Springfield; a third branch will open in Chicopee in 2020.

Immediately after earning his bachelor’s degree in business administration at UMass Amherst, Day worked for five years as a CPA for the accounting firm Arthur Young & Co. In 2016, he graduated from the Executive Development Program at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and he is a 2018 graduate of the ABA Wharton Executive Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania.

Day became president on Jan. 29, replacing John Heaps Jr., the longest-serving president and CEO of Florence Bank. When Heaps retires on May 1, Day will also become CEO.

Active in the community, Day is currently a member of the board of directors and the finance committee for United Way of Hampshire County, a board member for the Springfield Rescue Mission, a member of the finance committee for Westfield Evangelical Free Church, and board president for the Northeast Center for Youth and Families.

Bank of America Entrusts More Than $22 Million to Community Foundation

By BusinessWest Staff February 19, 2020