Home 2023 December (Page 4)

Month: December 2023

Mercedes-Benz of Springfield Hosting Toy Drive to Benefit Square One Children

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield is hosting a toy drive to benefit Square One’s children and families.

“Every child deserves to experience the magic of the holiday season,” said Michelle Wirth, owner of Mercedes-Benz of Springfield. “We are happy to play a small part in making that holiday wish a reality.”

Toys may be dropped off anytime during normal business hours through Wednesday, Dec. 13. The dealership is located at 295 Burnett Road, Chicopee.

Those who can’t find the time to stop by in person can purchase a digital gift card from online marketplace www.feelgoodshoplocal.com and send instantly to Matt Deloria at [email protected]. Square One representatives will purchase the items of need directly from local sellers in the Pioneer Valley.

“We are so grateful to our friends at Mercedes-Benz for helping us bring holiday magic to all of our Square One families,” said Kristine Allard, vice president of Development & Communication for Square One. “It’s truly heartwarming to think about the joy that our children will experience as a result of our community’s kindness.”

Square One currently provides early learning services to more than 500 infants, toddlers, and school-age children each day, and family support services to 1,500 families each year as they work to overcome the challenges in their lives.

United Way of Pioneer Valley Donating 80 Winter Coats for Children in Need

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In partnership with Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) in Holyoke, the United Way of Pioneer Valley is helping keep kids warm this winter with a donation of 80 new winter coats.

“United Way is always here to support the needs of the communities we serve in the Pioneer Valley. We are able to better serve our community in partnership with other local nonprofits like VOC,” said Megan Moynihan, United Way’s interim president and CEO.

The coats will arrive at Valley Opportunity Council’s offices today, Dec. 4.

Time Is Running Out to Nominate a Difference Maker

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Do you know someone who is truly making a difference in the Western Mass. region? BusinessWest invites you to nominate an individual or group for its 16th annual Difference Makers program. Nominations for the class of 2024 must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 8.

Difference Makers was launched in 2009 as a way to recognize the contributions of agencies and individuals who are contributing to quality of life in this region. Past honorees have come from dozens of business and nonprofit sectors, proving there’s no limit to the ways people can impact their communities.

So, let us know who you think deserves to be recognized as a Difference Maker in our upcoming class by visiting businesswest.com/difference-makers-nomination-form to complete the nomination form. Honorees will be profiled in an upcoming issue of BusinessWest and celebrated at a gala in the spring.

Thunderbirds Contribute $15,000 to Record-breaking Mayflower Marathon

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds announced, in collaboration with Rock 102 and the Mayflower Marathon, that the team successfully generated more than $15,000 for this year’s Marathon.

A contribution of $10,000 in cash was made by the Thunderbirds to Open Pantry, a result of generous donations throughout November and the funds raised during the T-Birds’ celebrity bartending event at White Lion Brewing earlier this month. Additionally, Ray Berry, founder of White Lion Brewing, will contribute an extra $800 from the proceeds of Thunderboom beers and burgers sold at White Lion.

Rock 102 morning show co-host Mike Baxendale expressed gratitude, stating, “the Thunderbirds have been tremendous partners over the years, but this year they went above and beyond in helping us shine the spotlight on the food-insecurity challenges in our community. We are incredibly grateful for their help in making this year’s Mayflower Marathon our most successful in 30 years.”

The Mayflower Marathon achieved another historic milestone, amassing a record-breaking total of $234,733.71 in food and monetary contributions. The non-perishable food donations filled four full-size Mayflower trailers and an additional one-and-a-half box trucks, marking a remarkable increase of more than $55,000 from the 2022 Marathon.

Rock 102 morning show co-host Steve Nagle acknowledged the crucial role played by the Thunderbirds, stating, “our community support is fueled by our partnership with the Springfield Thunderbirds, who we can’t thank enough for rallying the best fans in hockey to help us make this the most successful Mayflower Marathon ever.”

Throughout November, the Thunderbirds actively collected donations at the team office and during home games inside the MassMutual Center. Leading up to Mayflower Marathon Night on Nov. 22, fans making contributions were rewarded with tickets to the T-Birds game.

“When we embarked on our collaboration with Rock 102 and the Mayflower Marathon last season, we aspired to make this game night into an enduring annual tradition,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “Thanks to the fantastic support from Rock 102 and our fans, it is safe to say our community has wholeheartedly embraced this cause. Witnessing our city unite to support others encapsulates the spirit of this season, which only fuels our desire to expand the Mayflower Marathon Night to greater heights in 2024.”

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. Welcomes Attorney Brett Smith as Associate

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. announced the addition of attorney Brett Smith to its team of lawyers.

Smith concentrates his practice on commercial finance and real estate, business organizations and planning, and land-use regulation. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Bentley University in 2019 and his juris doctorate from Western New England University School of Law in 2023. He previously served as a legal intern at New Mexico Local Government Law LLC in Albuquerque.

In 2022, Smith received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in corporate finance law. He co-founded and served as treasurer of the Sports and Entertainment Law Assoc. at Western New England University School of Law.

“Brett joined us as a law clerk in 2022, and now that he has passed the bar, we are proud to have him contribute as an associate in our firm,” founding attorney Steven Schwartz said. “As we prepare to mark 55 years since the founding of the firm, we’re excited by the bright, young talent, including Brett, coming on board to grow with us.”

Flash Car Wash Announces Successful Veterans Day Promotion

By
Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Flash Car Wash shared the success of its recent Veterans Day promotion, honoring U.S. veterans and active service members.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Flash Car Wash extended thanks to veterans and active service members by providing a total of 1,067 complimentary diamond washes. This initiative, offered at all 19 Flash Car Wash locations, aimed to express gratitude for the dedication and sacrifice of those who have served their country.

“Our customers really showed up for this one,” said Vin Porzio, spokesperson for Flash Car Wash, “and we’re thrilled to make a donation of $43,879 to Veterans Inc. as a result.”

Veterans Inc. was chosen as the beneficiary of this campaign due to its impactful work and commitment to assisting veterans in need, specifically in the New England region. This includes crucial assistance in areas such as housing, employment, and counseling.

Marleen Kilcoyne, Donor Strategy manager of Veterans Inc., noted that “Veterans Inc. is thrilled and grateful to receive this donation, which directly supports the vital services that we provide to over 6,000 veterans and their families annually.”

Flash Car Wash opened in 2017 and joined Balise Auto Group in 2021.

Attorney Gina Barry to Discuss ‘Inspired Giving’ over Lunch at HCC on Dec. 8

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke attorney Gina Barry, a 1994 graduate of Holyoke Community College (HCC) and an estate-planning specialist, will return to her alma mater on Friday, Dec. 8 to give an informal talk titled “Inspired Giving” over a complimentary lunch at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St., Holyoke.

Barry chairs the Estate Planning and Elder Law department at Bacon Wilson, P.C. and is a 2015 recipient of HCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Her presentation will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. during a three-course gourmet lunch prepared and served by HCC’s culinary-arts students.

In her talk, Barry will provide helpful tips for integrating tax-savvy charitable-giving strategies into long-term estate plans.

“As a proud HCC alumna, it is my pleasure to bring together both fellow alumni and friends of HCC for this festive occasion,” Barry said. “I am also pleased to be able to share my expertise in estate planning.”

This is a community event, open to the public. There is no fee for lunch, but seating is limited, and reservations are required. To RSVP, visit hcc.edu/barry or contact John Sieracki, HCC leadership gift officer, at (413) 687-0322 or [email protected].