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Month: October 2025

bankESB Contributes $5,500 to Hampshire Regional YMCA as Signature Sponsor

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Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB is proud to announce a contribution of $5,500 to the Hampshire Regional YMCA, supporting the organization as a signature sponsor. The donation will help the YMCA continue its mission of strengthening the community through programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

“bankESB has a long-standing commitment to investing in the communities we serve,” said Matthew Sosik, bankESB president and CEO. “The Hampshire Regional YMCA plays an essential role in helping children, families, and individuals access programs that improve health, well-being, and community connection. We are honored to support their important work.”

The Hampshire Regional YMCA provides a wide variety of services and programs, including childcare, fitness and wellness opportunities, swimming lessons, and youth activities. With the help of community partners like bankESB, the Y is able to expand access and resources for people of all ages and backgrounds.

“This donation from bankESB helps to support financial assistance programs which allow access and inclusion to anyone who cannot afford to take advantage of our programs, such as summer camp, childcare, membership, and life savings programs like Parkinson’s and Livestrong,” said Julie Bianco, CEO of the Hampshire Regional YMCA. “bankESB has always been a very supportive partner who is there whenever we need them.”

bankESB’s gift reinforces a commitment to the YMCA. The bank has also made a $120,000 multi-year commitment to the Y’s capital campaign.

STCC President John Cook to Step Down Next Summer

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Daily News

John Cook

SPRINGFIELD — In an email to employees and colleagues, Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) President John Cook announced that he will step down next summer, marking 10 years of leadership during a dynamic time in higher education. Cook joined STCC as its sixth president in 2016.

“The way STCC has responded and adapted during these times is a testament to our collective will and talents. We know STCC inhabits the very definition of value in our region by supporting generations of students as they transform their lives,” Cook said in his communication.

Cook has guided the college through a time of significant transformation, including navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic. His tenure has seen the largest reserve funds in college history, and STCC has stewarded more than $100 million in capital projects and infrastructure investments, including the Richard E. Neal Cybersecurity Center of Excellence at Union Station in Springfield.

Signature curricular innovation includes a novel health science degree with embedded certifications that enrolls more than 1,000 students, making it a model across the country. STCC also launched an accelerated nursing program as well as a STEM studies ‘meta major,’ welcomed Head Start to campus, developed non-credit water distribution and treatment trainings, and hosts the largest set of early college partnerships for high school students in Western Mass. STCC achieved reaccreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education in 2021 and launched “Momentum,” a new strategic plan, in 2023.

“On behalf of the board of trustees, I offer our sincere appreciation and thanks to Dr. John Cook as he announces his departure as president of Springfield Technical Community College,” said Michael Knapik, former state senator and current chair of the STCC board of trustees. “John’s nearly 10 years of service to the institution has culminated in its strengthened financial position, increased focus on innovative programs and partnerships, and extraordinary growth in student enrollment, driven in part by the Commonwealth’s MassEducate and MassReconnect programs.

“As STCC prepares for its 60th anniversary, our board acknowledges the strong leadership of President Cook, his cabinet, and the faculty and staff who serve our students so well,” Knapik added. “We are grateful for the time President Cook has allowed for the appointment of his successor. The board will have more to say on that in the future.”

Non-credit Cooking, Wine Tasting Classes Running at HCC

By
Daily News

HOLYOKE — Slots are still available for non-credit cooking and wine tasting classes this fall at Holyoke Community College (HCC).

Stand-alone sessions of both cooking and wine-tasting classes run from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, Thursday, Nov. 13, and Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, 164 Race St., Holyoke.

Valley wine writer Ken Ross leads the wine tasting classes. The three remaining classes each focus on a different theme: Rhone wine (Oct. 16), California wine (Nov. 13), and holiday wine (Dec. 10). Classes cost $79 per session, which includes wine and light snacks.

The cooking classes are led by HCC culinary arts alumni and local chefs Diana Swanigan and Marangelly Vargas-Gonzalez: Oct. 16: Mediterranean Night (Vargas-Gonzalez); Nov. 13: Una Noche En España (Swanigan); and Dec. 10: Wine and Tapas Night (Vargas-Gonzalez). Each cooking session costs $99, including food and drinks.

To register or read a more detailed description of each class, visit hcc.edu/food.

Greenfield Truck and Equipment Joins Bobcat Company Dealer Network

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Bobcat Company announced Greenfield Truck and Equipment has joined its dealer network as the newest authorized grounds maintenance equipment dealer. Located on a two-acre site at a former auto dealership, Greenfield Truck and Equipment now offers Bobcat products — including compact tractors, zero-turn mowers, utility vehicles, attachments, and more — supported by experienced sales and service teams, as well as parts, rentals, pickup, and delivery.

“Our customers will be excited to have access to world-class Bobcat equipment that supports their everyday work,” said Alex Castergini, owner of Greenfield Truck and Equipment. “In our region, there is strong demand for grounds maintenance solutions, from golf course groundskeepers and large property owners to landscape professionals. With Bobcat, we can help them tackle any job with confidence.”

Serving Western Mass. and nearby Vermont and New Hampshire, Greenfield Truck and Equipment, located at 39 Beacon St. in Greenfield, features a 22,500-square-foot retail showroom, full-service repair bays, and dedicated parts and rental centers. In addition to Bobcat products, the dealership carries new and pre-owned turf equipment, plows, and power equipment, as well as offering services such as chainsaw and lawnmower blade sharpening.

“Bobcat welcomes Greenfield Truck and Equipment to our growing dealer network,” said Ian Drugmand, director of Channel Development at Bobcat Company. “With their commitment to service, they are well-positioned to deliver new solutions to customers throughout the region.”

MassMutual Federal Credit Union Volunteers During Live Mutual Week

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual Federal Credit Union (MMFCU) recently participated in MassMutual’s Live Mutual week, dedicating time to volunteer and give back to the community. Throughout the week, MMFCU staff came together to make meaningful contributions by partnering with several local organizations.

MMFCU employees volunteered their time and energy at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, where they helped sort, pack, and distribute 3,460 pounds of food to those facing food insecurity in the region.

Additionally, staff collaborated with both the Dakin Humane Society and the Connecticut Humane Society, supporting their efforts to protect and care for animals. Volunteers rolled up their sleeves to assist with facility upkeep and created enrichment packages for the animals, positively impacting the lives of countless pets and their future families.

“At MMFCU, giving back is part of who we are,” said Lisa Asadourian, president and CEO of MassMutual Federal Credit Union. “Our week of volunteering was not only about supporting great organizations, but also about strengthening the bonds within our own MassMutual family and the communities we call home.”

Bay Path University Launches Bay Path Online, Enrolling Both Men, Women

By
Daily News

LONGMEADOW — Building on more than a decade of innovation in online education, Bay Path University has launched Bay Path Online, expanding online undergraduate degree programs to both men and women.

For more than 10 years, Bay Path’s online undergraduate program, the American Women’s College (TAWC), exclusively served adult women. In contrast, Cambridge College’s online program, Cambridge College Global, was open to both men and women. Following Bay Path’s acquisition of Cambridge College in June 2024, the two programs were integrated to form Bay Path Online, marking a new chapter in the university’s online undergraduate offerings.

Bay Path launched the TAWC program in 2013 to provide accessible, affordable education through an innovative approach that included wraparound support and evidence-based practices to help students complete their degrees. The program received a $3.5 million First in the World grant from the U.S. Department of Education in recognition of its pioneering high-tech, high-touch model. Since its inception, TAWC consistently yielded retention and graduation rates that are significantly higher than comparable online programs.

“Our acquisition of Cambridge College has positioned us for growth, and we’re seizing the opportunity to bring our success with delivering a unique, supportive approach that centers adult learners to a broader, larger community,” said Sandra Doran, president of Bay Path University and Cambridge College.

“TAWC routinely exhibited high retention and graduation rates and received awards for its career-focused degree programs and student support services, but it was difficult for us to partner with many organizations because the program was not available to their male employees,” Doran added. “Now, through our integration with Cambridge, opening our online undergraduate program to all motivated learners allows us to play a bigger role during this era of workforce reinvention.”

Bay Path Online offers self-paced courses in seven-week terms, with the flexibility learners need to balance school, work, family, and other responsibilities, while also providing proactive student support in areas such as academic advising, career planning, financial aid, and mental health counseling services.

With administrative headquarters in Longmeadow and Boston, Bay Path Online is positioned to serve learners and partners across Massachusetts and beyond, offering more than 25 online, accelerated, career-focused programs. All programs are aligned with workforce needs and designed to give learners various options and pathways to continually build upon their experiences; gain credentials, certifications, and degrees; and advance their careers.

The Cambridge College Boston campus continues to offer the option of hybrid, in-person experiences for students who prefer that modality. Bay Path’s Longmeadow campus will continue as a traditional, in-person college for undergraduate women.

Freedom Credit Union Accepting Donations for Rays of Hope

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the month of October, Freedom Credit Union is accepting cash donations at all its branches to benefit the Rays of Hope Walk & Run Toward the Cure of Breast Cancer, a Baystate Health Foundation charity that provides vital support to breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families throughout Western Mass.

“For more than 30 years, Rays of Hope has been a lifeline for people in our community impacted by breast cancer,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “At Freedom, we are deeply committed to helping our neighbors, and we are proud to once again support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference close to home.”

Since its inception in 1994, Rays of Hope has raised more than $17.2 million. Funds support research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, provide funding for state-of-the-art equipment, breast health programs and outreach, patient and survivor support, as well as grants for complementary therapies and cancer programs offered by community partners. Importantly, all funds raised remain local in Western Mass.

Community members are encouraged to donate at any Freedom Credit Union branch through Friday, Oct. 31.

Westover Run the Runway Event Slated for Oct. 5

By
Daily News

CHICOPEE — Runners and walkers of all ages are lacing up their sneakers for Westover Run the Runway 2025, happening Sunday, Oct. 5 at Westover Metro Airport in Chicopee. Hosted by the Westover Metro Airport, Westover Air Reserve Base, and the Westover Galaxy Community Council, the event kicks off at 8:45 a.m. and raises funds for the Westover Galaxy Community Council.

Participants and spectators can expect a scenic, flat course for the dash across an operational federal military installation, perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike. All registered participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt and race bib.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate another year of community, fitness, and giving back,” said Connie Brown, event coordinator. “Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or just coming for the fun, this event has something for everyone.”

Virtual participation registration is still open and available until Oct. 4. Physical participation registration is now closed, but onlookers are welcome to come to cheer participants on. Click here to register, volunteer, or learn more.