Month: April 2022

The state Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would legalize sports betting in the Commonwealth, but prohibit wagering on college sports.

The legislation was narrower than the version the House passed last summer, which allowed for betting on both professional and college sports.

If signed into law, the new gambling program would bring in a projected $35 million in annual revenue to the state, according to Senate Ways and Means Chairman Michel Rodrigues.

Passage of the measure sets up negotiation between the two chambers before the end of the formal session in July.

The Senate measure prohibits the use of credit cards to place bets, allows people to set limits on how much money, and how often, they gamble, and addresses compulsive and problem gambling.

Winners of Elevator Pitch Competition, Alumni Award Announced

HOLYOKE — Before an audience of more than 200 guests, including college presidents, faculty, entrepreneurs, and students, three students among 12 contestants from area colleges were selected as winners of the annual Live Elevator Pitch Contest on Wednesday at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House.

The event, featuring a 90-second pitch, was part of the Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative “Celebration of Entrepreneurial Spirit.”  

The three winners are:

Matthew Fontaine-Dulude a student at Elms College, for Mall Specials, an app that provides location-based deals for malls and other retail stores. The app provides discounts and deals through targeted pop ups. The company garners revenue through advertising and sharing consumer information for more targeted shopping experiences;

Juliana Makonise, a student at Smith College, for Impumelelo Career Network, a career advisory firm connecting young people in Zimbabwe to professional development opportunities; and

Alexandra Pinschmidt, a student at Holyoke Community College, for the Hip Squeezer, a safe, ergonomic device designed to significantly reduce the intense pain experienced during childbirth. Squeezing the mother’s hips together during contractions provides optimal relief and comfort.

Representatives from five area banks sponsored and judged the pitch competition —Berkshire Bank, Country Bank, PeoplesBank, People’s United Bank, and Westfield Bank.

The event also included the presentation of the annual Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Alumni Entrepreneurship Award and $1,000 to an individual continuing to advance as an entrepreneur after previously receiving the Grinspoon Spirit Award. The 2022 winner is Mount Holyoke graduate Regina Ye, co-founder and CEO of Topsort, a company now valued at $110 million. Topsort has developed a state-of-the-art platform for conducting advertising auctions used by companies around the world to host revenue-generating advertising on their websites. Ye won the Grinspoon Spirit Award in 2017 for her entrepreneurial energy.

Girls Inc. of the Valley names Dream Maker Awardees ahead of Spirit of Girls 2022 

HOLYOKE —  Girls Inc. of the Valley has named nine recipients of its first-ever Dream Maker Award ahead of the agency’s Spirit of Girls event on May 5. 

During the past two years, several members of the community have stepped up to provide high-quality learning opportunities for youth, advocate for funding for Girls Inc. programs, and volunteer their time, talents, and treasure to benefit

Girls Inc. of the Valley. Girls Inc. is awarding the following people the Dream Maker Award.

Mary Kay Brown is director of Partnerships at John J. Duggan Academy, a Social Justice Magnet School, Kennedy Middle School, and the Academy at Kiley. She has been the liaison to get Girls Inc. programming in Springfield schools and has advocated for funding from the district for Girls Inc.’s healthy sexuality curriculum;

Angelina Cicerchia graduated from UMass Amherst in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree and currently works at Mass General Hospital. She has been a champion for youth, which includes her dedication as a mentor in Girls Inc.’s College Access Now (CAN) Mentor Program;

Cady Coleman is a former NASA Astronaut and Air Force colonel with more than 180 days in space, accumulated during two space shuttle missions and a six-month expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), where she acted as the Lead Robotics and Lead Science officer. Coleman is a vocal advocate for inclusion in STEM fields. She has hosted workshops to energize youth about space and science careers, and inspired girls to dream bigger and pursue a career as an astronaut;

Rep. Patricia Duffy represents the state’s Fifth Hampden District, which consists of Holyoke and is expanding to include Chicopee Ward 3B in January 2023. She continues to advocate for state funding for Girls Inc. and hosted the press event at Girls Inc.’s new home at 480 Hampden Street. Rep. Duffy’s weekly resource meetings for organizations during the height of the pandemic were also impactful;

Sarah Etelman has been a part of the Girls Inc. family for more than 12 years (which includes nearly a year as a consultant before a full-time position opened up). During that time, she’s been witness to the many transformations that Girls Inc. inspires. During the pandemic, she helped keep girls creatively engaged with felting workshops, and outfitted Girls Inc. staff with handmade masks.

Nikai Fondon is a recent graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, and now works at a woman-owned marketing agency. She hosts her own podcast called She Did That!, dedicated to highlighting women of color leaders in our community. She has lent her voice to the Girls and Racism Town Hall, and worked with Girls Inc. teens to develop their own Zine

Jean Mendoza currently serves as the director of Marketing & Communications for Auxiliary Enterprises at UMass Amherst, where she facilitates and leads high- level marketing projects and strategic plans for the campus community and beyond. A Springfield native, her commitment to enrich, empower, and engage her local community has been a priority throughout her career. She has shown up for youth in many ways, most recently as a mentor in the CAN Mentor Program.

Senator John C. Velis represents the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district in the Massachusetts State Senate, which includes the City of Holyoke and 10 other cities and towns in Western Massachusetts. He has been a champion of the Eureka! Program, secured a $50,000 earmark for Girls Inc.’s new building on 480 Hampden St., and continues to advocate for state funding.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, is the area’s multimedia leader and the most watched television station in the market. The station and its reporters have participated in important conversations that center and elevate girls’ voices in the community, like Project Red to bring awareness to the inaccessibility of period products during the pandemic, and Project TEAL, to shine a light on the hyper-sexualization of girls and women of color.

MCLA to Present Virtual Info Session on Continuing Education and Graduate Programs May 3 

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA’s Division of Graduate and Continuing Education (DGCE) will stage a virtual information session at 5 p.m. on May 3 for community members interested in the college’s Master of Education (MEd) and teacher licensure programs, master of Business Administration (MBA), graduate certificate in Business Administration, master of Education program, Leadership Academy, and bachelor’s degree completion programs. 

This info session is free and open to the public and is tailored to community members interested in advancing their education at MCLA.  

To register, visit mcla.edu/infosession, or email DGCE at [email protected] for more information.  

Community members interested in pursuing a graduate degree or finishing their bachelor’s degree with evening classes at MCLA’s location in Pittsfield, are encouraged to attend. Representatives from each program will answer questions related to academics, the application process, education timelines, and more.  

AIM Elects New Officers

Patricia Begrowicz, president and co-Owner of Onyx Specialty Papers in Lee, was elected Thursday as chair of the board of directors of Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), the statewide business association.

A respected business and community leader in Berkshire County, Begrowicz has led the rebirth of a successful manufacturing company she acquired with a partner from MeadWestvaco during the great recession. She will become the second woman to chair the board of the largest business group in the Commonwealth and the first person from Berkshire County to lead AIM since 1953.

Representatives of 3,400 AIM-member businesses elected Begrowicz during the association’s annual business meeting. Members also elected Donna Latson Gittens, principal and Founder of MORE Advertising in Watertown, as clerk of the corporation, and Gregory Buscone, executive vice president and senior commercial banking officer, Eastern Bank, Boston, as treasurer.

“Our new leadership epitomizes AIM’s commitment to diversity in all its forms – racial, gender, geographic, industry and company size,” said outgoing board Chair Joanne Hilferty, president and CEO of Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries in Boston. “Pat Begrowicz is an accomplished entrepreneur and manufacturing executive who will be the perfect leader for Associated Industries of Massachusetts as it renews its commitment to helping businesses succeed.”

Begrowicz bought the MeadWestvaco specialty papers business with partner Christopher Mathews in December 2009 and formed Onyx Specialty Papers. The company, which currently employs 150 people, provides skilled manufacturing jobs in a region that has seen many manufacturers downsize or close. Onyx produces highly engineered papers for technically demanding applications in global markets including automotive, medical filters, fine art, decorative surfaces and filtration.

A native of New Jersey, Ms. Begrowicz earned a bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Notre Dame and a master of Science in Paper Science and Technology from Lawrence University. She serves on the boards of directors for Power Options, 1 Berkshire, the Boys and Girls Club of the Berkshires and the Berkshire Business Roundtable. She also serves on the University of Notre Dame Engineering College Advisory Council.

“I am honored to chair the board of directors of AIM at a time when the need has never been greater for business organizations to create a sense of collective purpose among employers,” she said. “We are proud that everyone involved in the legislative or business life of Massachusetts praises the professionalism, preparation and civility that AIM shows on behalf of employers and the jobs they create.”

Big Y Donates $100,000 to Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Relief

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y World Class Markets added to the collected donations from customers and employees from March 17 to March 30 through their traditional registers, online and myExpress check out for Ukraine Humanitarian Relief. Community and employee donations along with additional support from Big Y resulted in a donation of $100,000, which will be donated to the global Red Cross network response to provide humanitarian relief to people affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

As the conflict continues, the Red Cross continues to help families impacted by this devastating conflict. International Red Cross teams are currently on the ground in the region distributing food, delivering medicine and medical supplies, assisting with evacuations, and providing shelter.

“Thanks to Big Y’s generous support, the global Red Cross network continues to help families impacted by continued fighting in Ukraine,” said Anne McKeough, chief Development officer at the American Red Cross, “We are grateful for partners like Big Y as we work together to help provide critical humanitarian relief response to the Ukraine crisis.”

Said Big Y President and CEO Charles L. D’Amour, “We have all witnessed the heartbreaking effects particularly on children and families in Ukraine. We are grateful to partner with the International Red Cross to provide some measure of support for their innocent victims. Our thanks go out to our entire Big Y Family, including our customers and employees for joining us to support this humanitarian relief.”

Cindy Jerome Named CEO at Lathrop Community

Lathrop, a senior living community with campuses in Northampton and Easthampton, recently welcomed Cindy Jerome as its new chief executive officer. Jerome is a seasoned executive leader with 23 years of leadership experience in senior living communities in New England.

“We knew what we were looking for, and Cindy meets all our requirements,” said Acting Board Chair Chuck Johnson. “She will oversee initiatives in facilities stewardship, strategic planning, program development, and ensuring Lathrop is well-positioned to serve and thrive for generations to come.”

A non-profit founded in 1989, Lathrop is a Kendal affiliate, serving older adults in the Quaker tradition. “I was delighted to receive a call inquiring about my interest in leading a Kendal community,” said Jerome. “Kendal’s values and my own have great affinity.”

Both of Lathrop’s campus communities offer independent living in townhomes. The Easthampton campus is also home to The Inn, an Enhanced Living option offering meals and daily support.

Jerome has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch New England Graduate School. Most recently she was the senior leader of Alice Peck Day Lifecare and, prior to that, of Garden Path Elder Living.

Skoler, Abbott & Presser Welcomes Attorney Trevor Brice

SPRINGFIELD — Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., a labor and employment law firm serving employers in the Greater Springfield area, recently welcomed attorney Trevor Brice to its team. 

  “Trevor brings years of expertise in labor and employment litigation to help employers solve — and prevent — legal issues,” said Attorney John Gannon, a partner at Skoler Abbott. “His experience provided him with a detailed understanding of the difficult scenarios employers face when defending claims of discrimination, harassment, wrongful terminations and allegations of violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act. We are confident he will quickly make an impact on behalf of our clients.” 

  A native of Newport, R.I., Brice received his law degree from Suffolk University School of Law in Boston, where he was the recipient of the Robert Fuchs Memorial Labor Law Award. After practicing in Boston, he recently relocated to Northfield and joined Skoler Abbott.  

  Brice has regularly advised and represented clients in state and federal courts, as well as at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Mass. Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), the Conn. Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO), and other state agencies. He is licensed in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire, Maine, and New York, and is a member of the bar associations in those states.

U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern to be Featured Speaker at UMass Amherst Commencement

AMHERST — U.S. Congressman Jim McGovern, who represents the 2nd District of Massachusetts, will be the featured speaker at the UMass Amherst undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 13 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. 

  The congressman will address an anticipated crowd of about 20,000 family members, friends and other guests as approximately 7,000 undergraduates receive their bachelor’s degrees at the Commonwealth’s flagship campus.

  “Congressman McGovern has been a champion for human rights, an influential legislator in the fight to end food insecurity in America, and a tireless advocate for the people of Massachusetts,” said UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy. “He played an important role in securing direct funding for UMass and our students through three COVID-19 relief bills during the pandemic. We are honored to have him as our featured speaker.”

Among the congressman’s many accomplishments are his successful efforts to increase Pell Grant funding for low-income students, creating a program to provide nutritious meals in schools for millions of the world’s poorest children, and passing laws that target global human rights abusers with sanctions.

The graduation ceremony for the undergraduate Class of 2022 is the 152nd UMass Amherst Commencement. Approximately 7,000 graduates are expected to receive their degrees at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on the UMass Amherst campus. The ceremony will be held rain or shine beginning at 4:30 p.m. and is scheduled to conclude at approximately 6:30 p.m. The ceremony is free and tickets are not required. 

Stadium gates open at 2 p.m. Guests should plan to arrive on campus by that time and will be directed to free campus parking and to shuttle buses that will take them from parking lots to the stadium. Services are available for guests with limited mobility and other disabilities.

Leaders Call for Western Mass. Passenger Rail Authority

Gov. Charlie Baker and Congressman Richard Neal are calling for a Western Mass. Passenger rail authority that would apply for federal funds for east-west commuter rail and administer such a program.

The joint call for a rail authority came after what Neal called a “historic meeting” Tuesday on east-west rail attended by Baker, Neal, Congressman James McGovern, and most all members of the Western Mass. legislative delegation to Beacon Hill.

There was no timeline announced for a new east-west rail line, and there are many hurdles still to be cleared, including the securing of funding, but Tuesday’s meeting marked a step forward for the rail project, with Baker announcing support for the plan.

At a press conference following the meeting, Baker, who has long been accused by some backers of the project as being opposed to the initiative, said that rather than opposition, he simply has questions about the bold endeavor.

He told those assembled that he would like to see the state Legislature take up the formation of an authority by the end of this session later this summer.

Funding for the east-west rail project, projected to cost from $1 billion to $2.4 billion or more, could come from the $1 trillion federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, which would be available later this year.

Whalley Computer Associates Named One of The 2022 Tech Elite 250

SOUTHWICK — Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) has again been named to the Tech Elite 250 list comprised of solution providers in the U.S. and Canada that have made the investments necessary to earn the highest level of certifications from the largest and most prestigious manufacturers of technology products and services

CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, named WCA to the Tech Elite 250 in 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2021 as well.

WCA’s engineering team has earned about 125 certifications with nearly 30 different manufacturers by numerous dedicated engineers.

“We are honored to be named to this prestigious list for the fourth year in a row,” said Michael Sheil, president of Whalley Computer Associates. “This is truly a testament to the team we have here at WCA. Our employees are what makes WCA the company it is, and I thank everyone who has mad ethe commitment to continuously improving our processes to give our customers an outstanding experience. The level of certifications and knowledge our engineering team possesses is second to none int eh industry and we are incredibly proud of them.”

Founded in 1979, WCA has been providing IT solutions and services to customers throughout New England and upstate New York for 43 years.

UMass Amherst Dining to Measure Carbon Footprint for Individual Dishes

AMHERST — Bolstering UMass Amherst’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2032, UMass Amherst Dining Services has made the commitment to measure the carbon impact of their menu. In doing so they will be the first college or university dining program in the country to include carbon footprint for individual dishes.

The initiative will help students reduce their carbon footprint with their everyday food choices by including a carbon rating on the menu identifiers. In a fall survey of over 800 people, 88% of students indicated the climate crisis informs their decisions at least some of the time. In addition, 75% indicated they believe their food choices impact the environment and 76% said reducing their carbon footprint is important to them.

Launching during Earth Week, the first phase of this project will feature an A-E carbon rating for all menu items at Hampshire Dining Commons on the menu identifiers, online and on the UMass Dining App.

Determining the carbon footprint of a dish is a multi-faceted process that incorporates things like water consumption as well as storage and transport. To create a clear, concise way to communicate these values for their customers, UMass Dining is working with My Emissions, a leading provider of food carbon labelling. My Emissions’ standardized process makes it easy to calculate the carbon footprint from a recipe and demonstrates the impact of a customer’s food choices using a rating scale. Factoring in all the contributing elements, My Emissions has developed an A-E rating scale based on the carbon intensity (“A” signals Low impact and “E” signals Very High).

“Eating low-carbon food is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint,” said Matthew Isaacs, co-founder of My Emissions. “As an award-winning university food service provider, UMass Dining Services are the ideal partner for us to launch our carbon label into the U.S. I hope this inspires people to make more sustainable choices, and that many other institutions follow their lead.”

Said Ken Toong, executive director of auxiliary enterprises, “we are excited to launch this carbon rating system in our dining program as part of our efforts to empower students with information so that they can make educated decisions for both their personal and planetary health,”

Chelsea Sunday Kline Named Executive Director at Cancer Connection

NORTHAMPTON — The Board of Directors of  Cancer Connection announced that Chelsea Sunday Kline has been named executive director of the nonprofit.

“As we mark the 22nd anniversary of Cancer Connection and transition to in-person and virtual programs and services, we are pleased to introduce Chelsea Kline as our new executive director,” said Jennifer Ewers, board president, “With Chelsea’s demonstrated community involvement, leadership and enthusiasm, we are so lucky to move forward with her guidance.”

  Kline’s hiring comes as Cancer Connection is poised to create and implement a new plan of strategic growth in programming, development, and outreach. Kline said she is eager to support the staff in safely reopening to provide in-person supports for participants and their caregivers, from massage, reiki, mindfulness, and more.

  According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2022. Furthermore, an estimated 40 out of 100 men and 39 out of 100 women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetime, so the free services offered by the Cancer Connection are unfortunately very necessary.

  “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead Cancer Connection,” said Kline. “The organization is poised to really expand its vision and build on its solid reputation of the past 22 years of compassionate service. I look forward to being a part of the effort to bring the organization to the next level, making a positive difference for even more people living with Cancer and their caregivers.”

  Kline joins Cancer Connection with a wide range of applicable professional skills and expertise. Kline is a graduate of both Smith College and Harvard Divinity School and has a background as an academic program director for a local university, an interim executive director of a small non-profit, and is currently a consultant and professional life, career, and transition coach. Moreover, she contributes a regular column to the Daily Hampshire Gazette’s Living section entitled “In the Present,” featuring content about mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness.

MGM Springfield Awarded Venue-management Contract for MassMutual Center

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield and the Mass. Convention Center Authority announced that MGM Springfield has been awarded the venue-management contract for the continued management of the MassMutual Center.

Beginning July 1, the new contract awards a seven-year term, plus the option to extend for an additional three years.  

The Mass. Convention Center Authority held its monthly board meeting on April 21, and part of the agenda was the selection of management for the MassMutual Center for the next 10 years. By a unanimous ‘yes’ vote, the board selected MGM Springfield as its management partner.

MGM Springfield initially assumed management for the MassMutual Center on July 1, 2017, and since that time, the MassMutual Center has hosted more than 730 events that have attracted more than 1 million people to the Greater Springfield area, despite the impacts of COVID-19. MGM Springfield has been able to expand the quantity and quality of world-class entertainment and events, as well as the number of major meetings and conventions including: AHL All-Star Classic, Slayer, Aerosmith, Bill Burr, John Mulaney, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement, Cher, Stevie Wonder, Red Sox Winter Weekend, for King & Country, Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts, World Quilt New England, Massachusetts Association of Realtors, New England Fence Association, Massachusetts Teachers Association Annual Meetings, Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership Lean Conference, New England Library Association, Yankee Security Convention, New England Regional Volleyball Association, and many more.

The MassMutual Center is also home to the Springfield Thunderbirds and the American International College’s Men’s Hockey team, the Yellow Jackets.

“We are thrilled with this decision,” said Sean Dolan, general manager of the MassMutual Center. “Our staff is the best in the business, and this gives us an opportunity to expand on our operational excellence, guest services, community involvement, diversity initiatives, public safety features, and our investment and partnership with the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau.”

Said Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield President & COO, “We’re incredibly proud to continue our relationship with the MassMutual Center and MCCA. The venue is an integral part of our region, having served as Springfield’s premier event space for nearly two decades. We look forward to bringing more world-class experiences for years to come.”

Greater Springfield CVB Names 2022 Howdy Award Finalists

The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) has announced 50 Finalists for the upcoming 2022 Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence.

The Howdy Awards, as they are also known, celebrate workers in visitor-facing roles across Western Mass who deliver outstanding guest service, create loyal customers for their businesses and help make a positive impact upon the region’s hospitality economy. 

“Every guest interaction is a chance to create quality customer service impressions, which reflect back on Western Mass as a region,” said Howdy Committee Chair Michael Hurwitz from Uno’s Pizzeria & Grill. “We’re tremendously proud to have so many outstanding, hard-working people on our visitor front lines. Customers come back when they are treated well and that’s why we originally created these awards in 1996. We want to recognize the hotel desk clerk who always has a pleasant smile, the food server who gets your order right every time or the bartender who always remembers your favorite beverage, because they’re the ones who create strong, positive reviews and memorable word of mouth impressions.” 

Hurwitz added that the 2022 awards will feature winners in categories including Accommodations, Food Casual, Food Tableside, Beverage, Public Service, Retail, Transportation, Attractions, Banquet, and People’s Choice.

“Customer service has never been more important in the tourism sector,” said GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra. “With review apps like Yelp, Expedia and others playing such an important role in how businesses are perceived, it’s vital that customers feel they’ve been welcomed and treated well.”

The 2022 Howdy Awards will be celebrated on May 16 at 6 p.m. at the MassMutual Center, and will also include the presentation of the Spotlight Award to Nate Costa and the Springfield Thunderbirds ownership group for keeping professional hockey in Western Mass.

The 50 finalists are:

Accommodations

Felicia Fernandez, front desk clerk, Hampton Inn and Suites, Hadley;

Austin Ginman, front desk agent, MGM Hotel, Springfield;

GenesisRamos, front desk clerk, Residence Inn, Chicopee; and

Felicia Laurin, housekeeping supervisor, The Inn on Boltwood, Amherst.

Attractions

David Dunston, show staff, Basketball Hall of Fame, Springfield;

Laura Litterer, owner, Full of Grace Farm, Hadley;

Steve Ferraro, director of Operations, Eastern States Exposition, West Springfield;

Sabrina Brizzolari, director of Event Services, Mass Mutual Center, Springfield; 

Gary Laprade, tour host, Sports Travel and Tours, Hatfield;

Pearl Wesley, ranger, Springfield Armory, Springfield; and

Sharon Ferrara, Welcome Center manager, Springfield Museums, Springfield. 

Banquets

Shanique Fair, catering sales manager, MGM Springfield;

Will Diaz, event planner, Log Cabin, Holyoke; and

Brenda Lee Glanville, director of Sales & Marketing, Summit View Banquet House, Holyoke.

Beverage

Terry Ryan, bartender, Collins Tavern, West Springfield;

Rob Dullea, bar manager, Fitzwilly’s, Northampton;

Jessica Santinello, bartender, Maple Leaf, Westfield;

Matthew Jerzyk, bartender, Max’s Tavern, Springfield; and

Amanda Reed, bartender, the Ranch Pub House, Southwick

Food Casual

June Leduc, general manager, Delaney’s Market, Longmeadow; 

Silvana Cardaropoli, customer service, Palazzo’s, Springfield;

Humberto Caro, manager, Starbuck’s, Monarch Place, Springfield; and

Erica Rosado, breakfast attendant, Tru by Hilton, Chicopee.

Food Tableside

Kelsi Donohue, server, Bnapoli Italian, West Springfield;

Donna  Nardi, server, Cal’s Restaurant, West Springfield;

Matthew Canata, counter clerk, EB’s, Agawam;

Darlene Robinson, server, Gregory’s Pizza, Wilbraham;

Bernadette Beaudry, server, Johnny’s Roadside Diner, Hadley;

Benny  Beans, server, Lattitude, West Springfield;

Amy Silvestri, general manager, UNO’s Pizzeria & Grill, Springfield; and

Michael Moriarty, server, Villa Napoletana, East Longmeadow.

Public Service

Serena Curley, concierge, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield;

Latrina Haynie, phlebotomist, Baystate Lab, Springfield;

January Russell, insurance agent, Bluestone Insurance/Horace Mann, Agawam;

Heather Wyman, office manager, Cordes Orthodontics, Westfield;

Paul Barden, Meals on Wheels, Greater Springfield Senior Services, Springfield;

Tricia Zoly, nurse, Holyoke Council on Aging, Holyoke; and

Harold Anderson, program director, Valley Eye Radio, Springfield.

Retail

Yates Greenhalgh, cashier, Big Y, Wilbraham;

Kerri O’Connor, manager, Athleta, Longmeadow;

Patrick Hamel, service advisor, Gary Rome Hyundai, Holyoke;

Tiarra Henderson, framing specialist, Michael’s, West Springfield;

Maria Lepage, sales and leasing consultant, Gary Rome Hyundai, Holyoke;

Sabrina Pretti, customer service, Insa Inc., Easthampton;

Carolyn Owens, cashier, Walgreen’s, Springfield;

Janet Graves, retail sales associate, Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield; and

Stephen Ross, sales associate, Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield 

Transportation

Jose Guzman, valet parker, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield;

Barbara Eckert, booth attendant, Civic Center Garage, Springfield; and

Tom McLeer, PVTA bus driver, PVTA, Springfield

The Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence are sponsored by Eastern States Exposition, Aladco Linen Services, Mass. Convention Center Authority, Freedom Credit Union, Performance Foodservice, People’s United Bank, MGM Springfield, MassMutual Center, Baystate Health, Yankee Candle Village, Modelo Especial, The Republican, MassLive, WWLP TV-22 and IHeart Media.

The GSCVB, an affiliate of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass, is a private non-profit destination marketing organization dedicated to promoting Western Mass for meetings and conventions, group tours, sports and leisure travel.

Northampton Cooperative Bank Announces Promotions

NORTHAMPTON — Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank and it’s Northampton Cooperative Bank division, announced several recent promotions:

Lisa Kmetz is being promoted to executive vice president, Retail Banking. She has been with the bank since 1998 when she started as a branch manager. She holds an associate’s degree in Business Administration from Holyoke Community College and certification in Computer Information Systems from Western New England University.
Chelsea Depault is being promoted to vice president, Commercial Operations Officer. She originally started with the bank back in 2007 as a float teller and also worked in the Accounting Department before moving on to Commercial Lending, where she has been for the past several years as a credit analyst and then as an assistant vice president, Commercial Lending. In her new role, she will oversee the operations of Commercial Loan Servicing and Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst.
Casey Cusson is being promoted to vice president, branch manager. He has been with the bank since 2017, when he started as a branch manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and lives in Shelburne with his family.
Lisa Granger is being promoted to vice president, branch manager. She has been with the bank since 2007, when she joined as a branch manager with several years of experience in bank management. She is a graduate of the New England School of Financial Studies.
Jenicca Gallagher is being promoted to vice president, branch manager. She has been with the bank since 2010, when she joined as a branch manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst.
Cynthia Gonzalez is being promoted to vice president, branch manager. She has been with the bank since 2003, when she joined as a branch manager. She attended Salem State College.
Dawn Hibbert is being promoted to vice president, branch manager. She has been with the bank since 2002, when she joined us as a teller. She holds an associate’s degree from Holyoke Community College.
Chris Wilkey is being promoted to assistant vice president, Information Systems. He has been with the bank since 2007, when he joined as a back-up head teller before becoming lead technology specialist in 2014, and MIS Officer in 2019.
Julie Gonzales is being promoted to Human Resources officer. She has been with the bank since 2012, when she joined us as a teller before becoming executive assistant to the CEO and then most recently HR coordinator. She holds an associate’s degree from Greenfield Community College.

Other notable promotions:

Matt Welcome was promoted from branch manager-in-training to branch manager. He has been with the bank for more than four years and has served as a float teller, float head teller, and was most recently promoted to branch manager-in-training for the Turners Falls branch. He now drops the in-training designation to become a branch manager in Turners Falls. He holds an associate’s degree from Springfield Technical Community College.
Erika Kleeberg was promoted from head teller to assistant manager. She has been with the bank since 2019 and has quickly risen from teller to head teller and now assistant manager. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Roger Williams University.

Florence Bank to Celebrate 20th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program

FLORENCE — For 20 years, Florence Bank has awarded grants of up to $5,000 each to dozens of nonprofits chosen by its customers, and at its annual gathering this year, it will once again offer up $100,000 to organizations that support young and old in the community.

At its 20th Annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants gala, to be staged May 19 at 5 p.m. at Frank Newhall Look Memorial Park, the bank will offer awards to 45 nonprofits and celebrate a total of $1.4 million in community giving through this one channel.

Organizations like Shriners Hospitals for Children in Springfield and the Therapeutic Equestrian Center in Holyoke will receive awards for the first time this year thanks to customer voting.

“We are so grateful,” said Stacey Perlmutter, director of development at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield. “All care and services at Shriners Hospitals for Children are provided regardless of a family’s ability to pay. This grant money will help us to continue to provide life-changing pediatric specialty care to families throughout Western Massachusetts and beyond.”

Likewise, Gerry O’Connor Page, executive director of Therapeutic Equestrian Center (TEC) in Holyoke feels grateful for an assist that will help provide therapeutic horseback riding to individuals with physical, emotional or psychological disabilities.

“We will use the money to enable us to keep prices down,” she said. “It helps make the service accessible.”

In the past, the bank has granted funds to some Hampden County-based nonprofits, such as Dakin Humane Society, which typically is the top vote-getter each year. This year, as Florence Bank develops its engagement in the southern county, the awards to organizations based there are increasing.

“We have branches now in West Springfield, Springfield and Chicopee, and we very much want to be good neighbors in those communities,” said Florence Bank President and CEO Kevin Day. He noted that this year, the bank held a Zoominar event to educate Hampden County nonprofit leaders about the Customers’ Choice program.

“We wanted to be sure they were aware of the program so they could take part and have the best chance at success,” he said.

Florence Bank’s community grants program is an annual offering founded in 2002, and, through it, Florence Bank customers are invited to vote for their favorite local nonprofit in hopes it will receive a share of grant funding.

Voting takes place all year long, online at www.florencebank.com/vote and in bank branches, and each customer has only one vote. To qualify for a community grant, organizations must receive at least 50 votes. In 2021, roughly 6,700 votes were cast, making 45 nonprofits eligible for a grant.

Over the past 20 years, Florence Bank has tallied more than 141,000 customer votes and given grants to roughly 164 different organizations.

Organizations to receive awards this year range from police, fire, library and school groups to nonprofits that provide food, shelter or support to people living with a serious illness or disability. Leaders of these nonprofits will learn the amount of their award at the May event.

In addition to Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield, the Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Dakin, the following organizations received enough votes to qualify for a grant and will receive an award at the celebration: Amherst Neighbors, Amherst Survival Center, Belchertown Animal Relief Committee Inc. (BARC), Belchertown K-9, Cancer Connection, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Cooley Dickinson Hospital VNA & Hospice, Easthampton Community Center, Easthampton Elementary Schools PTO, Edward Hopkins Educational Foundation, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Friends of Forbes Library, Friends of Lilly Library, Friends of M.N. Spear Memorial Library, Friends of Northampton Legion Baseball, Friends of the Williamsburg Library, Goshen Firefighters Assoc., Grow Food Northampton, Granby Senior Center, Habitat for Humanity Pioneer Valley, Historic Northampton, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, It Takes a Village, J.F.K. Middle School, Kestrel Land Trust, Leeds Elementary School PTO, Ludlow Boys & Girls Club, Manna Community Kitchen, Northampton Community Music Center, Northampton High School PTO, Northampton Neighbors, Northampton Survival Center, Our Lady of the Hills Parish, Pioneer Valley Chinese Immersion Charter School, Revitalize CDC, Riverside Industries, R.K. Finn Ryan Road School, Safe Passage, Smith Vocational High School PTO, The Parish Cupboard, Whole Children, and Williamsburg Firefighters Association.

PeoplesBank Announces New Banking Center in South Windsor, Conn.

Fresh off its successful launch in the center of West Hartford and the renovation of its Suffield Banking Center, PeoplesBank has announced that it will add to its Connecticut footprint by building a new 2,000-square-foot banking center at 50 Cedar Ave. in South Windsor.

The banking center is expected to be the anchor for other adjacent development that may include a restaurant, coffee and retail shops, and a medical office building. 

Designed by Tecton Architects of Hartford, the banking center will feature many of the innovative technologies that PeoplesBank has rolled out at its other new and renovated locations, including two VideoBankerITMs and two EV charging stations. The new banking center will also utilize the bank’s Universal Banker approach, which allows its associates to provide a wide range of banking services to customers.

“With all the recent merger activity, it’s clear that there is a need for more community banking,” said Tom Senecal, president & CEO of PeoplesBank. “As a mutual bank, we cannot be bought or sold. Our profits are not diverted to stockholders but, instead, are reinvested into services to our customers and support for the communities where they live. Our new South Windsor banking center will also be a catalyst for other nearby services, all of which will benefit the community.”

PeoplesBank set an institutional record in 2021 by donating $1.3 million to charitable organizations that focus on food insecurity, housing, and literacy in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Further, PeoplesBank’s associates volunteer thousands of hours per year, and 74 of them have served on 54 nonprofit boards.

The new South Windsor Banking Center is expected to be open in early December, 2022.

STCC Connects with Hispanic American Institute to Offer Courses for Entrepreneurs

SPRINGFIELD — The Hispanic American Institute, in partnership with Springfield Technical Community College, will offer two free courses to support Latino and minority entrepreneurs in Springfield by providing education and tools which will help them achieve economic prosperity.

The two courses are “English for Entrepreneurs,” starting today and “Basic Computer Skills Classes,” starting April 26.  STCC’s Workforce Development Center will offer the two courses for HAI. Learn more about the classes at stcc.edu/wdc.

Courses are open to Springfield residents or any entrepreneur who has a business in Springfield or wants to start a business in Springfield. Courses are taught in English, but translation in Spanish will be available as needed.

The Boston office of the Hispanic American Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting social, educational, and economic development in Hispanic communities in the continental United States, Puerto Rico, and Latin America, will provide funding for the courses.

As part of this Springfield project, the Hispanic American Institute will provide bilingual and culturally competent business technical assistance to minority-owned businesses. The goal is to increase revenues, create and retain jobs, and help start new businesses. The Hispanic American Institute has recently opened a local office at 1350 Main St., Suite 1508, in Springfield.

“We were inspired to create a holistic approach to supporting immigrants, particularly Latino entrepreneurs, in Springfield by providing educational courses and one-on-one business coaching,” said John Perez, consulting project manager for the Hispanic American Institute. 

“We know lack of English language proficiency is a barrier to economic prosperity,” he added. “Further, lack of computer skills further inhibits access to knowledge and opportunities to start and manage a business successfully. Through this collaboration and the courses being offered, we hope to address all these issues and open opportunities for the participants.”

STCC, which has a technical focus in all of its programs, is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution. That means at least 25% of the full-time equivalent students are Hispanic and the college is eligible for grants to benefit all students.  

About the courses:

English for Entrepreneurs: This course, taught virtually via Zoom, is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs and adults. Participants will learn English in the context of managing a business. Vocabulary will cover marketing, management, accounting and legal terms frequently used in casual conversations. As part of this class, participants will be asked to create a business pitch. 

Prior to starting the course, STCC will assess each participant to place them at the correct level. The course runs for 10 weeks. Classes will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. April 25 through June 29.

Basic Computer Skills Classes: This in-person course is designed for business owners, entrepreneurs and adults. Participants will develop basic computer skills for office work, as well as for the effective management of a business. Students will participate in activities to learn: Google Documents, Google Sheets basics (spreadsheets), efficient use of the internet, Google Slides basics, efficient use of electronic communications (e-mail), and file management and storage in Google Drive. 

There will be two cohorts. The first cohort will start April 26 and will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at STCC. The course will run 5 weeks (last class May 26). The second cohort will start on May 31 and end on June 30.

For more information, contact the Workforce Development Center at STCC. Visit the office at Building 27, second floor. Call (413) 755-4225 or email [email protected].

$7 Million in State Grants Announced for Western Mass. Farms, Food Businesses

Western Massachusetts farms and food businesses are about to receive some much-needed support from the state. The Mass. Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program (FSIG) has announced $22.5 million in awards, $7 million of which is coming to the four counties of Western Mass. CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) helped 18 of those recipients secure $3.6 million in funding.

FSIG was conceived of by the Food Security Task Force that was established by the state in response to the COVID-19 crisis, and it was formalized by the Baker-Polito administration in 2020. Its goal is to strengthen the local food system as COVID-19 both threatens small businesses and increases food insecurity and hunger. This recent announcement marks the second round of funding, with the possibility of a third round to come.

“This funding enables farms and food businesses to invest in their businesses, meeting their immediate needs and strengthening their businesses into the future,” said Philip Korman, CISA’s executive director. “We’re so pleased that the state, with strong support from our Western Mass. legislators, has made this crucial investment in food security and infrastructure. And I’m very proud that CISA’s skilled staff supported so many businesses in successfully applying for this funding.”

A statewide coalition of farm and food system advocates, including CISA, has pushed for $30 million per year for the next three years to be allocated to FSIG, with resources dedicated to helping farmers navigate the application process. “We have already begun to see the enormous difference this funding can make for local farms and related businesses,” said Korman. “With support to invest in infrastructure like refrigeration, storage, and transportation, they can provide more food to their neighbors. We are working with our legislators to continue this investment, and to ensure that these funds are flexible and responsive to the needs of the farmers and others they are helping.”

Funded projects range from food pantries and other emergency food providers to grocery stores, food distribution companies, and farms. Funded projects supported by CISA are: Brookfield Farm (Amherst); Diemand Farm (Wendell); Honey Pot Produce Co. Inc. (Hadley); Agric Organics Urban Farm (Wilbraham); Atlas Farm (Deerfield); Crimson & Clover Farm (Florence); Winter Moon Roots (Hadley); D.A. Smiarowski Farms (Sunderland); Fruit Fair (Chicopee); Full Well Farm (Adams); and Greenfield Farmers’ Market (Greenfield)

Also, Mayval Farm (Westhampton); Lyonsville Farm, LLC (Charlemont); Red Fire Farm (Montague/Granby); Reed Farm (Sunderland); Sawyer Farm (Worthington); Simple Gifts Farm (Amherst); and Woven Roots Farm (Tyringham)

Jack’s Walk Slated for May 14 in Holyoke

Jack’s Walk, a fundraiser to benefit the Jack Jonah Foundation, is slated for May 14 at the Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke.

The foundation has a stated mission to “encourage, foster, teach, engage, and provide opportunities, specifically in the areas of drug awareness.” The foundation also provides assistance (financial or otherwise) at the local, state, and/or national level in the promotion of drug awareness and education.

The foundation is named in honor of Jack Jonah, who died of a heroin overdose.

Jack’s Walk features a full schedule of activities. The day begins with a pre-walk tie-dye party and check-in beginning at 9 a.m. There will then be several guest speakers, including West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi, Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, and Jack Jonah Foundation Founder Kirk Jonah for closing comments and a moment of silence.

The walk begins at 11, and there will be a post-walk reception at the Elks from noon to 2 p.m.

Tickets are $20 for adults. Youths 18 and under are admitted free. To register online, visit Jackjonahfoundation.org.

BusinessTalk with Andrew Michael, manager of Dave DiRico’s Golf in West Springfield

Business Talk Podcast Special Coverage

We are excited to announce that BusinessWest, in partnership with Living Local, has launched a new podcast series, BusinessTalk. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews and discussions with local industry leaders, providing thoughtful perspectives on the Western Massachuetts economy and the many business ventures that keep it running during these challenging times.

Go HERE to view all episodes

Episode 109: April 25, 2022

George Talks Andrew Michael, manager of Dave DiRico’s Golf in West Springfield

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien talks with Andrew Michael, manager of Dave DiRico’s Golf in West Springfield. The two discuss the surge that the game — and business — of golf have seen since the start of the pandemic and its prospects for continuing in the 2020 season. They also delve into supply chain issues, inflation, and the many other challenges facing course owners and managers. It’s all must listening, so join us on BusinessTalk, a podcast presented by BusinessWest in partnership with Living Local and sponsored by PeoplesBank.

Sponsored by:

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OneHolyoke Clean Up Initiative Starts at 10 Today

HOLYOKE — OneHolyoke CDC announced it will be hosting a neighborhood clean-up campaign focused on the Flats neighborhood today, starting at 10 a.m. and continuing throughout the day. Resources to support the clean-up initiative come from OneHolyoke CDC.

Volunteers, residents, and representatives of OneHolyoke will assemble at the Flats Community Building, 43 North Canal St. on Earth Day to begin the neighborhood clean-up. Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia has been an active supporter of the clean-up initiative.

The campaign will specifically focus on cleaning streets in Holyoke. City residents may participate individually by cleaning their yard, sweeping their steps, or raking leaves.

Participants and residents are being invited to take photos and share on social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter, using the hashtag #KeepItClean2K22. The social media moniker #KeepItClean2K22 is a way of keeping the community connected throughout the initiative, allowing residents or partners to participate at their own convenience, according to organizers.

OneHolyoke has taken a leadership position in cleaning Holyoke streets for the past four years by organizing weekly clean-ups from spring to end of summer. 

“The clean-up engages our residents and partner organizations and leads to an improved quality of life for our citizens,” said Nayroby Rosa-Soriano, OneHolyoke director of Community Engagement and Resident Services. “It builds community, which is one of the reasons OneHolyoke exists. We look forward to engaging residents, volunteers and partner organizations.”

For more information, for supplies, for support, or to be included in the hosting rotation, please contact Rosa-Soriano at (413) 409-2004, or via email at [email protected]

PeoplesBank Celebrates Spring and Earth Day with Annual Garden Giveaways

HOLYOKE — The arrival of spring means sunshine, warmer weather and … the annual Earth Day (today) tomato plants and garden seeds giveaways hosted by PeoplesBank at four of their banking centers. This year, each banking center will also be giving away kids gardening kits. All giveaways are while supplies last.

Gardening enthusiasts can also register to win gift certificates to Dickinson Farms, Rooted Flowers, and Arethusa Farm Café.

PeoplesBank will give away tomato plants, garden seed packets, and kids gardening kits starting at 10 a.m. at the following locations:

Massachusetts Locations

1866 Northampton St., Holyoke

56 Amity St., Amherst

Connecticut Locations

102 LaSalle Road, West Hartford

30 Bridge St., Suffield

The events are open to the public. Seed and plant quantities are limited, will be distributed only while supplies last and only at the designated PeoplesBank offices.

For more information on getting your garden growing, please visit the bank’s Gardening Tips page.

Revitalize CDC, BeHealthy Partnership ACO Team Up to Tackle Diabetes

SPRINGFIELD — Revitalize Community Development Corp. and the BeHealthy Partnership Accountable Care Organization are teaming up again, this time to tackle the issue of diabetes.
The Nutrition Rx Program provides services aimed to improve health outcomes for patients with uncontrolled diabetes and food insecurity. Since September, more than 150 patients enrolled through the BeHealthy Partnership have completed the 10-week program. Patients must meet specific criteria of the MassHealth Flexible Services program, which is not a covered service and only available to a limited number of eligible members. Each participant receives a cooking appliance of their choice (microwave, slow cooker, or induction cooktop), kitchen supply bag, diet education, and 10 weeks of home-delivered nutritious groceries.

The weekly groceries are specially curated for people with diabetes by registered dietitians and are delivered to the client’s doorstep. The groceries are culturally tailored and feature foods that promote a carbohydrate controlled therapeutic diet.

Perhaps the most empowering benefit of the program is education by way of the grocery deliveries. The groceries demonstrate how to shop for foods needed to plan healthy meals and include a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, chicken, fish, dairy products and whole grains. Clients express having more confidence to choose appropriate foods at the store so they can continue buying similar foods after the program has ended.

As organizers head into the third cycle of referrals to the program, they look forward to offering a virtual group to provide nutrition education and to share recipes and strategies for managing diabetes.

MCLA to Hold Science and Robotics Camp for Grades 4-7

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA’s summer Science and Robotics Camp is back this year from July 25-29, with hands-on STEM activities that culminate in a Robot Demolition Derby.

Designed for students ages 9-12 in grades 4-7, this camp is for students who are interested in science and robotics. Campers will participate in science activities and experiments and use LEGO Mindstorm RCX and NXTs to create robots. Families are invited to attend a demolition derby at the end of the week where campers will battle with their creations.

Science and Robotics Camp costs $375, and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a 2 p.m. end time on Friday. Campers should be dropped off at 8:30 a.m., with pickup at 4:30 p.m. Camp will take place in MCLA’s Bowman Hall Robotics Lab, and proof of immunizations and COVID-19 vaccination is required for all campers.  

To register, visit mcla.edu/camps or contact [email protected] or (413) 662-5576 with questions. Space is limited.  

UMassFive College Credit Union Earns Gold Award for Civic Involvement

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) was the recent recipient of a 2022 Gold Community Champion Award from Banking Northeast magazine in the category of Civic Involvement. The award recognizes the Credit Union’s overall philanthropic efforts.

Banking Northeast established the Community Champion Awards to highlight credit unions and community banks that create unique community partnerships, go beyond the call of duty to aid their community in special times of need, and demonstrate what their institution’s cumulative effort means to their communities. The Civic Involvement award was presented to UMassFive for its “A Community You Can Count On” campaign, which provides value to non-profit organizations within each of the communities the Credit Union serves, and also encourages a similar community spirit within UMassFive employees and members.

“In addition to the financial support that we provide to local organizations, we also offer resources including employee volunteerism, promotional assistance from our marketing team, and engagement of our membership,” said Craig Boivin, vice president of Marketing at UMassFive. “Our employees personally fundraise for select events with credit union support such as paid-time-off incentives for funds raised, and in-branch fundraising opportunities. We also welcome member engagement through donation drives in our branches, and promote fundraising for local organizations and events through our marketing channels.”

The credit union’s ongoing campaign has provided both financial and non-financial support to nearly 50 local organizations in recent years. In 2021, UMassFive employees raised more than $20,000 for two local fundraisers, and the Credit Union held in-branch drives that collected 350 pounds of personal care items for local survival centers.

Thunderbirds Put Playoff Tickets on Sale

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds have put Calder Cup Playoff tickets on sale. They can be purchased at www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com/Playoffs. 

For fans’ convenience, the team’s front office is offering a ‘Pay as We Play’ plan, which allows fans to lock in a seat and pay for the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs as the Thunderbirds advance through the playoff tournament. This is currently the only way to lock in seats at the lowest price for the Calder Cup Playoffs. 

If the Thunderbirds finish the regular season in first or second place in the Atlantic Division, the team will earn a bye from the Calder Cup Playoffs’ best-of-3 play-in round and begin its chase for a Calder Cup in the division semifinal round.

‘Pay as We Play’ works like this: There is no upfront payment for games. Rather, fans pre-authorize the T-Birds to charge a credit card on file before each guaranteed home playoff game. Participants are only charged for games that are played. Tickets will be sent as mobile tickets via email, starting 48 hours before each playoff game.

To secure the same seats throughout the 2022 Calder Cup Playoffs, ‘Pay as We Play’ plans are available for purchase up to 24 hours before the first playoff home game. After that date, all seats will become available for public sale. Individual tickets will need to be purchased on a game-by-game basis online or at the MassMutual Center Box Office at full box office prices plus additional fees. If fans decide to join in after the playoffs have commenced, the team cannot guarantee that the same seat will be available for every remaining game.

Credit cards must be used to sign up for the ‘Pay as We Play’ plan, and cards will only be charged for games played. There are a maximum of 16 home playoff games for the duration of the 2022 Calder Cup playoffs. 
Individual game tickets for the playoffs will be made available in the coming days.

For more information, call (413) 739-4625. Follow @ThunderbirdsAHL on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more details to come, or visit www.SpringfieldThunderbirds.com.

Bright Nights Bus Admission Temporarily Reduced

SPRINGFIELD — To promote travel and tourism in Western Massachusetts and to support the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism’s My Local Campaign, the Spirit of Springfield has temporarily reduced admission prices for motorcoaches. Through August 31, paid reservations for buses with seating capacity of 31 or more passengers will be just $150, a reduction of $25.  

“The group tour industry has been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic; we want to support their efforts and bring their passengers to Bright Nights at Forest Park,” said Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. “We also want to support our local attractions, shops, and restaurants in order to maintain the multi-million dollar economic impact Bright Nights provides to the region.”

Some bus tours make Bright Nights their primary destination while others bring their passengers to Yankee Candle Village and the Holyoke Mall to shop, to the Log Cabin and Salem Cross Inn to dine, the Springfield Museums, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Springfield Armory for culture and education, and to MGM Springfield for some fun.

“Bright Nights at Forest Park is a great way to complete a holiday tour in Western Massachusetts,” added Judy Matt. “The American Bus Association has recognized it as one of the Best of the Best in 2020 and 2021.”

Bright Nights at Forest Park will open for its 28th season on Nov. 23, and operate nightly through Jan. 1, 2023.  It will be closed Nov. 28 and 29, 2022.  

Visit brightnights.org for more information and to make a bus reservation.

Entrepreneurship Program Seeking Volunteers for Summer

HOLYOKE — The Pioneer Valley’s local entrepreneurship program EforAll is actively seeking volunteers to mentor aspiring entrepreneurs as part of the summer Business Accelerator program.

Accelerator mentors come from a variety of backgrounds and use their business and leadership experience to guide new entrepreneurs through the process of turning their idea into a growing business.

Mentors work in teams of three and are matched with an entrepreneur based on schedule availability and desire to work together. The team meets virtually as a group to help reaffirm topics and themes raised during classes, while also strategizing with the entrepreneur on how to reach their specific goals during the program. This is a high-touch, year-long commitment, and is a great way to give back to the community.

Anyone interested in mentoring can email [email protected] for more information or visit eforall.org. 

YPS of Greater Springfield Hosts ‘Third Thursday’ Today

The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield (YPS) will host its signature Third Thursday event series at Smokin’ Scoops in West Springfield today, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The networking event will support and encourage young professionals to become more involved and invested in their local communities. 

April’s Third Thursday event will feature Smokin’ Scoops’ signature offering, Nitro Ice Cream, made from scratch and mixed at 320 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as its popular Boozy Milkshakes, networking with fellow young professionals, food from Springfield’s The Saucy Mama food truck, and more. 

“Events like this will help retain individuals who are enthusiastic about the future of the community and their personal endeavors,” said YPS president, Heather Clark. “YPS is here to exchange ideas, share common interests, and cultivate membership to serve as local leaders of tomorrow. We’re hopeful that our monthly events will make it easier to make meaningful connections that will help local young professionals thrive.” 

Smokin’ Scoops is located at 1425 Westfield St. in West Springfield. Attendees are encouraged to register in advance. Registration is free for members and $10 for non-members. Register today by visiting: YPS Third Thursday at Smokin’ Scoops (springfieldyps.com)

Mayors Forum Set for May 4

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Regional Chamber will present its Mayors Forum on May 4, from 7:15 to 9 a.m. at Springfield’s MassMutual Center.

Dave Madsen of Western Mass News will moderate the discussion with Mayor Domenic Sarno of Springfield, West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt, and the region’s newest mayor, Joshua Garcia of Holyoke. 

Sponsored by Common Capital and Health New England in partnership with the MassMutual Center, the discussion will offer an inside look at the personal and professional lives of the elected officials and provide insight into what they’ve learned over the past year. The group will also discuss what the future looks like for local communities as we move past the pandemic. 

“It’s more important than ever to check in with our local elected officials to hear their plans for the future,” said Springfield Regional Chamber President Nancy Creed. “Participants will truly benefit from hearing insider knowledge directly from the mayors during the forum.” 

Tickets are $35 for Springfield Regional Chamber members who purchase tickets in advance, and $45 for future members buying tickets in advance. Participants can register online by visiting the Mayor’s Forum event page here.

Peter Pan Bus Lines Lifts Mask Mandates

SPRINGFIELD — Chris Crean, vice president of Safety & Security at Peter Pan Bus Lines, announced that the company will follow the guidance of TSA, and no longer require employees or passengers to wear a mask while boarding, riding and disembarking the coach.

The choice to wear a mask will be a decision left to the employee and the passenger, he said.

HCC opens registration for summer and fall 

HOLYOKE — Registration is now open for summer and fall classes at Holyoke Community College.

Summer classes at HCC begin May 24 and run in two, consecutive seven-week sessions: Summer Session I (May 24-July 8); Summer Session II (July 11-Aug. 26).  

The fall 2022 semester begins on Sept. 6. Full 15-week semester classes begin Sept. 6. HCC will also be running three accelerated flex start sessions: Flex Start I classes also begin Sept. 6 and run for seven weeks; Flex Start II classes begin Sept. 26, and run for 12 weeks; Flex Start III classes begin Oct. 31, and run for seven weeks. 

“Fall offers a mix of classes, fully online, fully on campus, and hybrid – partly on campus and partly online, allowing students the opportunity to find what works best for them,” said Mark Hudgik, HCC director of Admissions. “Students should register early to ensure they get the classes they need, taught in the way they want, before they fill up. Students looking to complete credits and also experience summer will find both online and on-campus options, with the majority being online.”

Prospective students can peruse all the course options for summer and fall at: hcc.edu/class-schedule

Students interested in visiting campus, should contact the HCC Admissions office at [email protected]

For more information on HCC classes or to enroll, please visit hcc.edu/admission or call (413) 552-2321.

While HCC is ending its mask mandate on May 20, proof of COVID-19 vaccination remains a requirement to enroll in on-campus classes for summer and fall 2022.

Ad Club of Western Mass. Extends Deadline for Annual Scholarship

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts has extended the deadline for submissions to April 29 for its annual merit-based scholarship.

The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts, the premier organization for all marketing and communications professionals in Western Mass. and Northern Conn., launched its annual scholarship to support future generations of creative professionals. Western Massachusetts seniors who plan to attend an accredited college or technical school to study advertising, communications, marketing, or graphic arts and will be attending in September 2022 are encouraged to apply. The scholarship must be applied against tuition and fees at the school.

Candidates will be judged on academic performance, extracurricular activities, community service and/or work experience. Scholarship decisions will be made by the Scholarship Committee of The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts. The scholarship will be awarded at the Ad Club’s Creative Awards show in September.  

Applicants can find the guidelines and application form here or can contact the Ad Club at (413) 342-0533, or [email protected]

“Over the years, the Ad Club has been pleased to award scholarships to graduating seniors throughout the four western MA counties,” said Matt Audette, Ad Club scholarship chair. 

Rocky’s Announces Reopening of Liberty Street Location

SPRINGFIELD — Rocky’s Ace Hardware, one of the country’s largest family-owned Ace Hardware dealers, will celebrate the reopening of its Liberty Street, Springfield location on April 23.

After months of construction, renovations to the store are complete, adding new features for both homeowners and contractors.

The reopening celebration begins at 10 a.m. and will feature a board-cutting ceremony, raffle prizes, demonstrations, activities for young people and much more.

“This renovation has allowed us to expand our paint options and cater to both those who make a living in construction as well as weekend warriors tackling home projects on their own,” said Rocky’s Ace Hardware President Rocco Falcone. “Inside the Liberty Street location, we have built a paint store within the store, offering a grander range of products. This new and innovative setup offers high-quality products for all our customers.”

The new space also offers expanded paint selections for contractors and a separate, more convenient entrance for them. This location also employs a master paint specialist who can help customers select and purchase any paint products they need, offering expert advice on everything from colors to the tools needed for the job.

The store will also be collecting donations for Children’s Miracle Network to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Lora Wondolowski Joins the Peace Development Fund as Director of Advancement and Communications   

AMHERST — Lora Wondolowski has joined the Peace Development Fund’s (PDF) Amherst-based staff as the new director of Advancement & Communication.  

Wondolowski comes to PDF with an extensive background in leadership training, environmental advocacy, fundraising, organization building, and voter education, throughout her career working for the National Audubon Society, League of Conservation Voters, the Mass. League of Environmental Voters, and most recently leading Leadership Pioneer Valley in Springfield.  

As the founding executive director of Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) since 2011, she managed all aspects of LPV’s training programs and development, while growing LPV from a start-up to an established, successful, and productive regional leadership development organization.  

Wondolowski brings more than 20 years of experience with grassroots organizing and community outreach work to lead PDF’s development operations and capacity-building training program, the Sustainability Project.  

“Over the course of my career, I have designed, implemented, and managed advocacy and outreach programs at regional, statewide, and national levels,” she said. “A recent volunteer campaign working to cure rejected ballots in GA and IA reminded me how much I love grassroots organizing and social justice work. I am thrilled to be joining PDF to help strengthen social justice movements across the country.”  

She is also involved locally serving on the boards of directors of the Connecticut River Conservancy, Public Health Institute of Western MA, and the United Way of Pioneer Valley  

The Peace Development Fund’s mission is to build the capacity of community-based organizations through grants, training, and other resources as partners in human rights and social-justice movements. 

Funding Secured for Lupa Zoo

LUDLOW — On April 18, opening day at Lupa Zoo, state Sen. Eric Lesser and state Rep. Jacob Oliveira announced $100,000 in funding for American Disabilities Act (ADA) handicapped accessibility improvements, general operations, and expanded virtual opportunities to meet the needs of the pandemic.

Lupa Zoo is a 20-acre conservation and education institution demonstrating the value, beauty, and interdependence of all living things.

“I am proud to present this funding to Lupa Zoo, a Ludlow institution dedicated to conservation, education, and connecting our community to animals,” said Lesser “The park does important work protecting our wildlife and providing fun and educational programming in our community, and I am glad to see its mission continue.”

Said Oliveira, “as a life-long Ludlow resident, Lupa Zoo is a fixture in our community bringing joy to families throughout New England. The pandemic was hard on many community zoos, that is why I am pleased to present funding secured by the House & Senate as they upgrade their facilities and programming for this new season.”

Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee Hosts 80’s Themed 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run

CHICOPEE — On April 30, the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee will host an 80’s themed 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run.

The Kid’s Run will take place at 11:15 a.m. and 5K will take off at noon from the Club located at 580 Meadow St., Chicopee. Participants are encouraged to dress in their best 80’s attire and can enjoy a cookout after the race included with registration fee. There will be a DJ, inflatable obstacle course for kids, ice cream truck and a contest for the best dressed.

The event is a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Chicopee with a cost of $30 per person for the 5K Run/Walk and Kid’s Fun Run $10. Children will receive a certificate for participation, lunch, and gift to take home.

The event is sponsored by PeoplesBank, Polish National Credit Union, A. Crane Construction, Planet Fitness, Freedom Credit Union, Mohawk Communications, and Westfield Bank. Anyone interested in signing up, can visit to www.bgcchicopee.org and follow the link for registration. For more information, call (413) 206-4101.

Northampton Jazz Festival’s ‘Jazz Artists in the Schools’ Program Returns to Northampton High School

By BusinessWest Staff April 18, 2022