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Year: 2026

Berkshire County Development Alliance Announces New Leadership Team

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PITTSFIELD — Berkshire County Development Alliance announced a new leadership team for the 2026-27 program year. Hannah Kogut and Kara Matthews will oversee group programming and operations. They succeed outgoing chairs Kate Gigliotti, Jackie Kelly-Olson, and Miranda Meyers.

Kogut is a skilled, Berkshires-based arts and nonprofit professional with nearly a decade of experience spanning development, digital communications, and marketing. She currently serves as Membership and Stewardship coordinator at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, a regional performing arts organization with a multi-state donor base. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Clark University in film/video production and European history and a postgraduate certificate in museology from Tufts University. She is a Fulbright Summer Institute scholar and a graduate of the Berkshire Leadership Program.

Matthews is an experienced development professional with more than a decade of experience leading advancement efforts for arts, cultural, and social sector organizations. She currently serves as director of Institutional Giving at MASS MoCA. She holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from the New School and is based in North Adams.

Founded more than two decades ago, the Berkshire County Development Alliance is an informal group of more than 150 development professionals who represent Berkshire area nonprofit organizations in a fundraising capacity. Members gather up to six times per year to share information and engage in dialogue about advancement issues affecting the industry. There are no fees to join, and the group is open to all interested parties.

Lenox Summer Art Festival Returns to Lilac Park July 11-12

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LENOX — Art lovers, collectors, and visitors are invited to experience the Lenox Summer Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, July 11-12, in the heart of downtown Lenox at scenic Lilac Park.

The two-day, juried festival will showcase more than 50 talented artists and fine craft artisans presenting original works across a wide range of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fiber art, wood, metal, glass, and mixed media. The festival offers an opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes, and purchase one-of-a-kind handcrafted works directly from their studios.

“The Lenox Summer Art Festival is a celebration of creativity and the vibrant spirit of our community,” said Sue Brown Gordon, festival director. “We’re excited to welcome visitors from across the region to experience outstanding artwork, live entertainment, and the warm hospitality that makes Lenox such a special art destination.”

In addition to exceptional artwork, visitors can enjoy live music throughout the weekend, culinary specialties from local restaurants, and gourmet food trucks. The event takes place in Lilac Park, surrounded by Lenox’s galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Festival hours are July 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

For event information, vendor details, schedules, and updates, visit gordonfinearts.org or follow on Instagram @GordonFineArts.

Westfield State Expands Summer Learning with Teen U, Baystate Health Partnership

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WESTFIELD — Westfield State University will host two dynamic summer initiatives in July, Teen University (Teen U) on July 19-24, and the inaugural Healthcare Career Excellence Academy on July 13-17, the latter in partnership with Baystate Health.

Teen University, a long-standing WSU program, offers middle- and high-school students a residential experience, allowing participants to live on campus and fully immerse themselves in college life. This summer, Teen U continues to strengthen its healthcare-focused programming, providing students with both foundational and hands-on exposure to careers in the field. Through engaging, experiential learning activities such as simulated suturing, teddy bear triage, music therapy, the black box experience in athletic training and sports medicine, the healing power of electricity, and virtual reality exploration, students gain a deeper understanding of patient care and clinical environments.

In addition to technical skill-building, Teen U emphasizes the development of essential soft skills through interactive workshops focused on communication, teamwork, and professionalism. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn CPR certification during the program and may choose to enroll in a dual-enrollment course, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school.

Complementing these offerings is the Healthcare Career Excellence Academy, launched this year as a new partnership between Westfield State University and Baystate Health. This inaugural collaboration brings together academic and healthcare leaders to create an immersive career exploration experience for high-school students that includes a visit to departments within Baystate Noble Hospital. Through mentorship, simulations, and exposure to both clinical and educational settings, students gain valuable insight into in-demand healthcare roles and the pathways required to pursue them.

“These programs demonstrate the power of partnership in preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals in Western Massachusetts and beyond,” Westfield State University President Linda Thompson said. “By connecting students with hands-on learning, mentorship, and college experiences, we are expanding opportunity, strengthening our regional workforce, and helping students envision a future in healthcare.”

Together, these programs reflect Westfield State University’s commitment to expanding early access to higher education, creating pathways to healthcare careers, and addressing the region’s growing need for skilled healthcare professionals. The partnership with Baystate Health represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between higher education and healthcare providers to enhance student learning, expand career opportunities, and support the long-term health and workforce needs of the communities they serve.

“We are excited to welcome students to campus this summer and provide experiences that spark interest, build skills, and open doors,” said Jessica Holden, associate dean of Nursing.

Both initiatives highlight Westfield State University’s role as a hub for innovation, experiential education, and community engagement, offering students a supportive, hands-on environment to explore their interests while envisioning their future.

“From hands-on clinical simulations to earning certifications and college credit, programs like Teen U and the Healthcare Career Excellence Academy showcase the power of experiential learning and our shared investment in student success and healthcare workforce development,” said Emily Ciccolo, healthcare career navigator at Westfield State.

Liberty Junction Team Tapped to Develop New Regional Justice Center

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) announced it has accepted the recommendation of the Massachusetts Trial Court to select the Liberty Junction Team to construct the new Roderick L. Ireland Regional Justice Center (RJC) in Springfield.

Following a competitive procurement process led by the Trial Court, in consultation with DCAMM, the selected team will redevelop 125 Liberty St. in downtown Springfield into the future home of the Springfield RJC. The new facility will retain the Roderick L. Ireland name but will replace an obsolete building with modern, safe, accessible and sustainable court facilities for employees, court users and visitors throughout the region.

The Liberty Junction team is a joint venture partnership between CoJo Partners and FD Stonewater, with Leers Weinzapfel Associates and Suffolk Construction providing design and construction services.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno’s immediate response to the decision was one of disappointment. “This is not a game-changing project; our local developers were shunned,” said Sarno, who has backed a proposal to build on new courthouse on the riverfront in the North End of the city.

The proposed Regional Justice Center will be located at 125 Liberty St., a site that offers convenient access to public transportation, including Union Station and 21 bus lines, noted DCAMM, as well as regional highways and nearby parking, making it highly accessible for those needing to visit the court.

In order to deliver the new facility as quickly as possible, DCAMM and the Trial Court obtained approval to utilize a long-term lease for this project. The Asset Management Board authorized an initial lease term of 40 years, with two optional 10-year extensions, allowing occupancy for up to 60 years. Now that the Liberty Junction team has been selected, DCAMM will work with them to execute the lease.

The Trial Court expects to be able to occupy the building in 2030. Had the project been delivered through traditional state construction, it would have taken at least twice as long, due to capital plan funding constraints. Because it will be privately owned, the project will also generate significant new property taxes for the city of Springfield.

“After a thorough and competitive procurement process with several strong proposals, the Liberty Junction Team emerged as the best value proposal in the eyes of the Trial Court,” DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke said. “Their experience, an efficient layout that effectively meets functional and security requirements, a downtown location that can catalyze revitalization, and the project’s comparative cost savings make this an excellent outcome for the Commonwealth and the Springfield community.”

The selection follows a competitive procurement process that attracted 10 proposals from development teams across the region. A selection committee composed of Trial Court and DCAMM staff conducted a comprehensive evaluation over several months, visiting all the proposed sites and reviewing each proposal against criteria outlined in the request for proposals, including location, cost, project delivery schedule, and overall value to the Commonwealth.

The new facility will ultimately replace and consolidate operations currently housed at the Roderick Ireland Courthouse and the neighboring housing court to provide a modern, efficient, and resilient home for the courts serving Springfield and the surrounding region.

“125 Liberty Street represents more than a development opportunity — it is a chance to contribute to something lasting in this community,” said Claiborne Williams, principal at FD Stonewater, in a prepared statement on the announcement. “Locating the new Springfield Regional Justice Center in the North End, steps from Union Station and connected to every major transportation corridor in the region, anchors the city’s long-term revitalization efforts. We are proud to be part of that story.”

Richard Mann, Principal at FD Stonewater, added, “from project onset to occupancy, we are committed to ensuring that the Springfield Regional Justice Center creates real, lasting opportunity for the people of Hampden County — not just as a public institution, but as a catalyst for economic opportunity in this region. That means actively bringing diverse businesses to the table at every phase of this project and holding ourselves accountable to the communities this building will serve for generations.”

Key highlights of the selected proposal, according to DCAMM, include:

• A downtown Springfield location with strong, multi-modal transportation access;

• An experienced development team with a proven track record delivering projects of comparable size and complexity for federal and state agencies;

• The lowest-cost proposal submitted among all respondents;

• A project delivery schedule that is among the fastest-proposed;

• A design team with extensive experience designing successful court facilities in Massachusetts and elsewhere, who applied that expertise to present a highly efficient and successful approach to meeting the Trial Court’s needs; and

• A building design that exceeds current energy code requirements and supports the Commonwealth’s climate and decarbonization goals.

The proposed six-story, L-shaped building is also designed to maximize efficiency, providing a logical and efficient layout for court operations and bringing natural light into all courtrooms.

“This is a satisfying and important step toward creating a modern courthouse that better serves our court community, court users, and the Greater Springfield region,” Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino said. “We are grateful to DCAMM and the Healey/Driscoll administration for their support of this critical Trial Court need.”

State Invests $2 Million to Support Climate Tech Business Development

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BOSTON — The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced more than $2 million in awards through its Innovation Ecosystem Program (IEP) to 10 entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) in six communities across the state, including one in Western Mass.; Berkshire Innovation Center in Pittsfield will receive $120,000.

The funding will help accelerators, incubators, universities, and other business development organizations expand hands-on programming that moves early-stage climate tech startups from idea to market, strengthening business readiness, sharpening commercialization pathways, and accelerating growth within Massachusetts’ innovation ecosystem.

“Massachusetts has always led by bringing together bold ideas and the people who can turn them into real-world solutions,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “These investments help ensure that entrepreneurs have the support they need to grow here, create jobs here, and deliver technologies that make life better.”

The other nine awardees are InnoVenture Labs in Beverly ($60,000); Leading Cities ($100,000), MassChallenge ($120,000), and MassRobotics ($110,000) in Boston; Activate Global ($120,000 plus $600,000 in fellowship funding) and the Engine ($120,000) in Cambridge; UMass Lowell ($120,000); and FORGE ($120,000) and Greentown Labs ($120,000 plus $300,000 in fellowship funding) in Somerville.

The IEP is designed to support ecosystem business development activities that advance climate tech startups through their commercialization life cycle. The program invests in ESOs, such as accelerators and incubators, that provide critical technical assistance, mentorship, and networks that improve both the likelihood and the speed of startup success. These organizations play a critical role in helping early-stage companies pressure-test ideas, refine technologies, validate market fit, and clear early commercialization hurdles faster.

“Massachusetts is building a strong innovation pipeline where research, entrepreneurship, and industry reinforce one another,” Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper said. “These awards help ensure that promising ideas do not stall early, but instead move forward into deployment and impact.”

In addition to operational expense funding, these awards include targeted fellowship funding at select organizations to support entrepreneur fellowship grants that translate research into climate tech businesses, products, and jobs across the energy, transportation, and buildings sectors.

“These investments help founders move from concept to company faster and with stronger support behind them,” said Ben Downing, CEO of MassCEC. “These organizations are embedded in the work of building climate tech companies every day, and we are investing in their ability to scale that economic impact across Massachusetts.”

Star Spangled Springfield Preparations Start Today

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SPRINGFIELD — There are firing tubes to load and a stage to set up to make July 4 a Star Spangled Springfield 250th celebration. After months of planning and coordination, the physical work begins today, July 2.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., teams from Fireworks by Grucci and the Springfield Department of Public Works will begin to load firing tubes onto three flatbed trailers provided by the Joseph Freedman Co. and Affordable Waste Solutions, and delivered by Charlie Arment Trucking. The tubes are metal and inserted into racks. When the trailers are moved to the Memorial Bridge on Friday, July 3 at 11 p.m., they will then be loaded with fireworks. They are then wired to a panel that the lead pyrotechnician will use to electronically fire with precision and to the exact specifications designed for the show, which is coordinated to music that will be broadcast on Mix 93.1 FM.

On July 3 at 9 a.m., a tractor trailer will deliver a 40-by-40-foot covered stage to Riverfront Park for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s July 4 performances. Most of the day will be spent erecting the stage and then installing the lighting and sound components. This will continue on Saturday, July 4, with fine tuning to be done during the orchestra’s rehearsal from 2 to 5 p.m.

On July 4, festivities in Riverfront Park will begin at 6 p.m. with food vendors, face painters, and activities with the Springfield Armory National Historic Site. At 7 p.m., following welcoming remarks, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra will take the stage in Festival Field, followed by the fireworks display from the Memorial Bridge at 9:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the festivities in Riverfront Park.

Hogan Technology Provides AI Receptionist for Business Phone Systems

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EASTHAMPTON — Hogan Technology, a managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced that the company provides a new artificial intelligence-powered receptionist solution designed to help businesses improve customer service, eliminate missed calls, and improve user experience beyond the typical auto-attendant experience.

For many organizations, every missed call represents a missed opportunity. Whether it’s a prospective customer calling after hours, a client needing assistance, or a vendor seeking information, unanswered calls can lead to lost revenue and frustrated customers. Hogan’s AI receptionist helps solve that problem by providing businesses with a virtual front desk that answers calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

“Business owners don’t want callers sitting on hold, getting voicemail, or struggling through complicated phone menus,” said Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Technology. “They want customers to get answers quickly and reach the right person without frustration. That’s exactly what artificial intelligence is designed to do.”

Unlike traditional automated phone systems that force callers through a series of button prompts, which often leads to repetition, frustrating loops, and time-consuming processes, Hogan’s AI receptionist interacts naturally with callers, understands common questions, and helps route people to the appropriate department or employee, so clients are served correctly, the first time.

The technology is especially valuable for businesses that receive a large volume of repetitive phone calls, operate across multiple locations, or want to provide after-hours coverage without adding additional staff. In addition to improving customer service, the AI receptionist can help employees become more productive by reducing constant interruptions from routine inquiries.

“Many employees spend a surprising amount of time answering the same questions over and over again,” Hogan added. “When those routine calls are handled automatically, staff can focus on serving customers, solving problems, and growing the business.”

Unlike traditional staffing challenges, the AI receptionist doesn’t require ongoing training or struggle during busy periods. It delivers the same professional experience whether it’s handling one call or 100, which is important as businesses scale and want to maintain their customer service level consistency.

“For business owners, the value is straightforward: answer more calls, improve customer experience, and allow employees to focus on the work that matters most,” Hogan said.

Super 60 Nominations Now Open

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SPRINGFIELD — Nominations are now open for the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Super 60 Awards, one of the region’s premier celebrations of business and nonprofit excellence.

Each year, Super 60 shines a spotlight on organizations making a meaningful impact across Western Mass. through growth, innovation, community involvement, and service. The chamber invites the public to nominate a deserving business or nonprofit that is helping move the region forward.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, Sept. 11, and winners will be recognized at Super 60 on Friday, Nov. 6 at the MassMutual Center. The Super 60 categories include:

• Revenue Award: Honoring companies with outstanding total revenue performance in their most recent fiscal year.

• Start-Up Award: Recognizing companies that have been in business for five years or less and have achieved revenue growth over a full three-year period.

• Give Back Award: Celebrating companies that make a difference through charitable giving, volunteerism, and community engagement.

•Growth Award: Recognizing businesses that have achieved significant revenue growth over a consecutive three-year period.

• Non-Profit Award: Honoring nonprofit organizations that demonstrate a strong commitment to their mission through program-focused spending and community impact.

Click here to submit a nomination.

Hampden Parks & Rec Teams Up with East Village Tavern for Free Music Fest

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Daily News

HAMPDEN — The Hampden Parks & Recreation Department is teaming up with East Village Tavern to put on the second annual Rock into Summer event, held at Hampden’s new Town Hall, 85 Wilbraham Road, on Saturday, July 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. Parking lots open at 5 p.m. This family-friendly event will feature live music from Acousticca, as well as local food trucks. Families are encouraged to bring their own picnic baskets, blankets, and lawn chairs.

“Outdoor concerts bring people together and provide families with an opportunity to enjoy quality entertainment close to home,” Hampden Parks & Recreation Director Dan Blanchard said. “They help strengthen community connections by creating welcoming spaces where residents of all ages can gather, relax, and have fun.”

This event is supported with sponsorships from Charlie Arment Trucking, Deer Park Recycling, Affordable Waste Solutions, Scags Enterprise LLC, East Meadow Enterprises, McNamara Waste, Monson Savings Bank, Richard Green Insurance, Rent-a-Tent, SAFCO Foam Insulation, and Cloud 9 Marketing Group.

International Language Institute Launches Expanded Summer Language Programs

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Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute (ILI) in Northampton will begin its summer language programs the week of July 13, offering new opportunities for adults to build language skills for work, travel, and personal enrichment. Registration is now open at ili.edu.

The summer schedule includes world language classes in Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Portuguese, along with culture-focused electives featuring literature, film, conversation, and regional studies. ILI is also offering evening English classes designed to help intermediate and advanced English learners build confidence in everyday conversations and workplace communication, as well as a 15-hour daytime English program for adults seeking to improve their English for work and daily life.

“Language learning is about much more than grammar and vocabulary,” said Caroline Gear, executive director of ILI. “Whether someone is learning English or another language, our goal is to help people build confidence, connect across cultures, and communicate more effectively.”

Springfield JCC Awarded $100,000 Grant from Davis Foundation

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC) announced it has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation to launch a comprehensive early literacy development initiative within its Early Learning Center (ELC).

The grant will support an innovative, evidence-based literacy program serving approximately 85 children from birth to age 5, strengthening early language development, vocabulary growth, phonological awareness, and school readiness skills during the most critical years of child development.

Building upon the foundation’s previous investment, which enabled the Springfield JCC to adopt a new early childhood curriculum, this grant represents the next phase in ensuring that curriculum is implemented with excellence and delivers measurable literacy outcomes for young learners.

“This transformational investment from the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation will help us create a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” said Mechilia “Chile” Salazar, chief development officer at the Springfield JCC. “Early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of future academic success, and this grant allows us to strengthen not only the literacy skills of the children we serve today, but also the capacity of our educators and families to support learning for years to come.”

At the heart of the initiative is the addition of a part-time early literacy specialist who will work directly with children, coach teachers, and engage families in literacy-rich learning experiences. The specialist will help create language- and print-rich classroom environments, expand diverse and developmentally appropriate classroom libraries, and integrate literacy into daily activities through interactive read-alouds, storytelling, phonological awareness exercises, and emergent writing opportunities.

The initiative will also provide ongoing professional development and coaching for educators, ensuring literacy practices are embedded consistently throughout every classroom. Families will be engaged through workshops, literacy events, and take-home resources designed to reinforce language and reading development at home.

One component of the program includes an intergenerational literacy mentoring model, connecting students from the JCC’s KidSpace afterschool program with younger children to foster a love of reading and learning across age groups.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation for its continued partnership and belief in the power of early childhood education,” Springfield JCC Executive Director Karen Jarmoc said. “This grant reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality educational opportunities that prepare them for success in school and in life.”

Program outcomes will be measured through developmental observations, child portfolios, literacy checklists, and assessments of classroom practices and family engagement. By embedding literacy strategies into the curriculum and building educator expertise, the initiative is designed to create sustainable, long-term impact that extends well beyond the grant period.

State Opens FY 2027 Destination Development Capital Grant Program

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), announced that the application portal for the FY2027 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is now open. This round of the grant program will provide up to $8 million in funding for capital projects that enhance tourism infrastructure and increase non-resident visitation across Massachusetts.

The competitive grant program supports tourism-related capital improvements that promote sustainability, accessibility, and long-term economic impact. Priority consideration will be given to projects that advance the state’s tourism goals, including climate resiliency, rural development, and designated cultural districts.

Authorized by the Mass Leads Act, the DDC Grant Program supports investments in tourism assets that contribute to economic growth throughout the Commonwealth.

“Tourism is one of Massachusetts’ most powerful economic development assets. These investments help communities build the destinations, cultural attractions, and public spaces that attract visitors, generate local spending, and create long-term economic opportunity,” Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley said. “By investing in projects across every region of the Commonwealth, we are strengthening local economies and positioning Massachusetts for continued growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.”

Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and other entities undertaking capital projects that expand, construct, restore, or renovate tourism destinations and attractions. All proposals must demonstrate how the project supports the tourism objectives of MOTT and the state’s Regional Tourism Councils.

“Great tourism experiences begin with great places. From cultural attractions and historic sites to downtown districts and outdoor destinations, these capital projects help communities create the experiences visitors are looking for,” said Kate Fox, executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “When we invest in the places that bring people together and tell Massachusetts’ story, we strengthen tourism, encourage repeat visitation, and support the businesses and communities that make our state such a compelling destination.”

Click here to visit MOTT’s online application portal to view program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and to submit an application. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Aug. 11. An optional, informational webinar for prospective applicants will be held on Wednesday, July 8 at 10 a.m. Click here to register.

Greenfield Savings Bank Launches Annual Buy in July Mortgage Promotion

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Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) announced the launch of its annual Buy in July mortgage promotion, offering a combination of interest rate incentives, closing cost savings, and — for the first time — a down payment assistance program designed to expand access to homeownership.

This year’s promotion introduces GSB’s new Down Payment Assistance Program, which provides eligible borrowers with up to $25,000 to use toward a down payment or closing costs, along with an additional interest rate reduction. The assistance carries no interest, and repayment is deferred until the sale, transfer, or maturity of the loan. The program is available across all GSB mortgage products, including the Buy in July special.

“This year’s Buy in July promotion reflects our ongoing commitment to making homeownership more accessible across our communities,” said Peter Albero, president and CEO of Greenfield Savings Bank. “By introducing down payment assistance into the program for the first time, we’re helping more individuals and families overcome one of the biggest barriers to buying a home — the upfront costs.”

The Buy in July mortgage special features an adjustable-rate mortgage, fixed for the first seven years and adjusted annually thereafter. Additional benefits include a $750 closing cost credit, no application fee, no points, and interest rate protection, allowing borrowers to request a rate reduction if market rates decline in the future.

Borrowers may also qualify for interest rate reductions of 0.50% for first-time homebuyers through the Buy in July specialm 0.25% for repeat homebuyers, and an additional 0.125% reduction for borrowers participating in qualifying down payment assistance programs and setting up automatic loan payments from a GSB checking account.

According to Cassandra Morrey, senior vice president of Residential Lending, the program is designed to meet borrowers where they are in today’s market. “We know that affordability is top of mind, especially for first-time buyers,” she said. “Combining rate reductions, closing cost savings, and now meaningful down payment assistance allows us to provide more flexible solutions and help buyers move forward with confidence.”

To introduce the program to local industry partners, GSB hosted a pre-launch event on June 26 at the Roosevelt Room at Union Station in Northampton, bringing together real estate agents, attorneys, and other housing professionals, providing an overview of the program’s features.

The Buy in July promotion is available for conventional, owner-occupied purchase loans on one- to four-family homes and condominiums. Applications must be submitted by July 31, with closings completed by Sept. 30. Additional terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements apply. For more information, visit www.greenfieldsavings.com/buy-in-july.

Westfield State University Athletics to Add Two Varsity Sports

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Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University will add two varsity sports teams for the 2027-28 academic year, with the Owls starting women’s flag football and men’s swimming and diving.

Westfield will become the first school in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference to sponsor flag football at the varsity level. It is anticipated that the Westfield will play as a club sport in the spring of 2027 and at the varsity level in the spring of 2028.

“I am excited that we are going to be able to add two programs and more opportunities for our student-athletes.” Westfield State Athletic Director Richard Lenfest Jr. said.

In late May, the NCAA Committee on Access, Opportunity and Impact voted to recommend Divisions I, II, and III sponsor legislation to add a national collegiate flag football championship. The committee oversees the Emerging Sports for Women program, which aims to grow participation and competitive opportunities for women’s sports across the NCAA. Its first championship is projected to occur in spring 2028.

Women’s flag football has been fueled by support from the National Football League and has seen explosive growth in participation across New England and the nation. The New England Patriots sponsor leagues and championships for more than 40 Massachusetts high schools that offer flag football. Just over the border, the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference recently completed its second annual girls’ flag football championships with Manchester and Plainville winning state titles — with both schools only about an hour’s drive from Westfield — helping establish a strong geographic footprint for competition in New England.

Westfield State University President Linda Thompson praised the addition of the Owls sports programs.

“Our student-athletes are the heart and soul of Westfield State University,” she said. “The addition of women’s flag football and men’s swimming and diving builds upon the proud tradition and success of Owl Athletics while creating new opportunities for students to compete, lead, and grow. These programs strengthen the student experience, expand access to intercollegiate athletics, and help more students reach their full potential both on the field and in the classroom.”

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Appoints Chrissy Lynch, Michelle Schutt to Board

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BOSTON — Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced the appointment of two new members to its board of directors: Chrissy Lynch, president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, and Michelle Schutt, president of Greenfield Community College. Together, they bring expertise and leadership experience in workforce development, labor, and higher education to the state’s clean energy and climatetech economic development agency.

“Labor partnerships have been critical to the progress we’ve already made growing Massachusetts’ clean energy economy, including major projects like Vineyard Wind. At the same time, our colleges and universities play an important role in preparing the next generation of workers with the skills needed to succeed in this industry,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who serves as chair of the board. “Chrissy and Michelle bring invaluable perspectives that will help us continue building a strong, skilled workforce needed to lower costs, expand economic opportunity, and make Massachusetts more energy-independent.”

MassCEC CEO Ben Downing added that “it’s important that leaders from labor and community colleges have a seat at the table as we grow the state’s clean energy workforce and accelerate innovation that improves lives. I’m thrilled to welcome Chrissy Lynch and Dr. Michelle Schutt to Mass Clean Energy Center’s board. Their unique experience and shared commitment to Massachusetts will make us a stronger, more effective agency.”

Lynch has served as president of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO since October 2023. She previously served as the organization’s secretary-treasurer and chief of staff, and oversaw its political and legislative departments. Prior to AFL-CIO, she spent time as director of Operations for the Greater Boston Building Trades Unions, where she helped lead programs that advanced equity, inclusion, and community standards in the construction industry. She is a current member of LiUNA Local 22 and former member and steward of OPEIU Local 6.

“I’m honored to join the MassCEC Board at such an important time for Massachusetts. Building a clean energy economy goes hand in hand with creating good union jobs and investing in workforce development because unions have the training, infrastructure, and workforce necessary to tackle complex projects,” Lynch said. “I look forward to working with the board and the Healey-Driscoll administration to grow an innovative and equitable clean energy future that benefits workers, communities, and our entire Commonwealth.”

Schutt has served as president of Greenfield Community College since 2022. She has more than two decades of experience supporting students, staff, and faculty through her work in higher education leadership. Prior to leading Greenfield Community College, Schutt served as vice president of Learner and Community Services at the College of Southern Idaho, the state’s first Hispanic-serving institution.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Board,” Schutt said. “Clean energy is creating tremendous opportunities for innovation, economic growth, and workforce development across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to help advance a sustainable future while expanding educational and career opportunities for Massachusetts residents.”

Monson Savings Bank Donates $2,500 to Springfield Ballers

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Daily News

MONSON — Monson Savings Bank is supporting the Springfield Ballers with a $2,500 donation as part of its 2026 Community Giving Initiative, a community-driven program dedicated to supporting local nonprofit organizations making a meaningful difference.

Dan Moriarty, president and CEO of Monson Savings Bank, along with Michael Rouette, executive vice president and chief operating officer; Dina Merwin, senior vice president & chief risk and senior compliance officer; and Carla Carnevale, Community Relations manager, recently presented the donation to Springfield Ballers’ James Gee and Lien Baker, who visited the bank’s Loan and Operations Center in Wilbraham to accept the donation. The contribution reflects the voices of the community, as Springfield Ballers was selected through public voting in the bank’s annual initiative.

“We are proud to present this donation to Springfield Ballers on behalf of Monson Savings Bank,” Moriarty said. “Their commitment to creating opportunities for youth through athletics, mentorship, and community engagement is truly inspiring. Supporting organizations that make a direct and lasting impact on young people and families is incredibly important to us.”

Rouette emphasized the importance of community input in guiding the bank’s giving efforts. “Our Community Giving Initiative is all about listening to our community and investing in the programs that matter most to them,” he said. “The support for Springfield Ballers speaks volumes about the role they play in our region. We are honored to help advance their mission and expand the positive experiences they provide to local youth.”

Springfield Ballers is dedicated to empowering youth through sports, leadership development, and mentorship, helping to build confidence, teamwork, and life skills that extend well beyond the court. Through its programs and outreach, the organization creates a supportive and engaging environment for young people to grow and succeed.

“We are incredibly grateful to Monson Savings Bank and to everyone in the community who voted for us,” Gee said. “This support allows us to continue providing meaningful programming and opportunities that help shape the lives of the youth we serve.”

Baker highlighted the broader impact of community partnerships in advancing their mission. “This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together to invest in its young people,” she said. “With support like this, we’re able to reach more youth, strengthen our programs, and continue making a lasting impact both on and off the court.”

Luis Márquez Named Director of UMass Amherst’s Cranberry Research Station

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Luis Márquez

AMHERST — UMass Amherst recently announced the appointment of Luis Márquez as the next director of the UMass Amherst Cranberry Station, an 11-acre working farm, research, and outreach facility located in East Wareham.

Cranberries are one of the most iconic fruits in Massachusetts, and an important part of both its economy and culture. One of only a handful of fruits native to North America, the cranberry represents both a defining element of the Commonwealth’s agricultural heritage and an economic driver, with an annual value of more than $70 million supporting farming communities across Southeastern Mass.

Since 1910, the UMass Cranberry Station — the nation’s only facility dedicated exclusively to cranberry research and extension — has supported growers with practical, research-based solutions while advancing environmental stewardship, climate and economic resilience, and innovation in cranberry production.

Márquez brings more than two decades of experience spanning academia and agricultural biotechnology, with deep expertise in applied plant biology, soil health, plant-microbe interactions, and field-based research. Most recently, he served as chief technology officer at CryoBio, a startup incubated at Cornell’s Boyce Thompson Institute, and previously held leadership roles at Robigo, Joyn Bio/Ginkgo Bioworks, and Indigo Agriculture — organizations rooted in the Greater Boston and Northeast biotechnology ecosystem. His career has been marked by translating cutting-edge science into practical, grower-relevant solutions through large-scale field trials and collaborative research programs.

“I wanted to come back to my academic roots and give back to society,” says Márquez, whose daughter will be starting her junior year in neurobiology at UMass Amherst. “The cranberry is the crown jewel for Massachusetts agriculture, and because cranberries live at the intersection of food and health, there is great opportunity for innovation.”

Though cranberries are the iconic Thanksgiving food, second only to turkey, they disappear from most menus once the holiday has passed, and growers have largely saturated the market that exists. Márquez noted that, when the Cranberry Station was founded in 1910, growers were harvesting about 10 barrels of berries per acre. Now, thanks to a variety of technological innovations, they can harvest more than 600 barrels per acre.

What Márquez calls a “paradigm shift” in the cranberry industry will revolve less around increasing quantity and more around increasing the quality of the berry, especially given their health benefits. Long known as a superfood, cranberries are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, cancer-fighting antioxidants, and other compounds that may help with everything from blood pressure to cardiovascular and urinary tract health.

“Along with keeping them in the supermarket, I think getting cranberries into the aisles of the pharmacy will be a game changer for the industry,” he said.

Márquez succeeds Hilary Sandler, who retired in 2024.

“Márquez is an outstanding fit for this role and for the future of the UMass Cranberry Station,” said Lynne McLandsborough, director of the UMass Amherst Center for Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, under which the Cranberry Station is housed. “He brings an exceptional combination of scientific leadership; real-world ag experience; and a collaborative, extension-oriented approach. His strong connections to the regional innovation and biotechnology community, paired with a deep respect for grower needs, position the station to build new partnerships while remaining firmly grounded in its mission to support Massachusetts agriculture.”

FirstLight Announces Recipients of 2026 FirstLight Sustains Grant Program

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BURLINGTON — FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, announced that 17 organizations will receive funding through the company’s FirstLight Sustains competitive grant program. This program has awarded more than $310,000 to nearly 70 organizations over the last four years to support schools, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations that promote community building and sustainability in areas where FirstLight operates across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.

“We are proud to see the FirstLight Sustains program continue to grow in its fourth year. There was tremendous interest in the program this year,” said Andy Brydges, director of Community Relations at FirstLight. “It is an honor to support organizations making a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work. This year’s grants reflect our continued commitment to sustainability and community enrichment, supporting efforts in areas like environmental education, public safety, accessibility, and vital social services.”

The five 2026 FirstLight Sustains grant recipients in Massachusetts include the Montague Police Department, which will procure specialized water rescue and safety equipment, including 14 river-capable personal flotation devices and 14 rescue throw bags; Northfield EMS, which will purchase equipment and training materials to support educational programs in community settings; the town of Gill, which will expand its historic municipal common with the addition of a third Veteran’s Memorial monument covering military actions from the Vietnam War to the present; the Turners Falls Fire Department, which will replace water rescue dry suits, rope, rigging equipment, flotation devices, and a rescue boat; and the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition, which will secure permanent public access to the iconic Farley Ledges climbing area and support the formal establishment of conservation restrictions on a newly acquired adjacent parcel.

“The town of Gill extends its sincere thanks to FirstLight for supporting this important community project through this year’s FirstLight Sustains Program,” said Ray Purington, Gill’s town administrator. “With FirstLight’s partnership, we’re able to preserve our community’s history, recognize the sacrifices of our veterans, and create a lasting tribute for future generations.”

The selected projects reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the communities FirstLight serves, from environmental conservation and educational programming to public safety, food access, and infrastructure improvements.

The FirstLight Sustains review and selection committee prioritizes two key areas: Climate Action & Education grants that raise awareness, foster appreciation, and improve access to conservation and sustainability initiatives, while supporting the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources; and Community Building grants that fund projects aimed at strengthening places people live and work through public safety enhancements, public art, placemaking, and community-driven services.

Hampden County Bar Assoc. Holds Annual Meeting

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SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden County Bar Assoc. (HCBA) held its annual meeting, vendor show, and member reception on June 18 at the Springfield Sheraton.

Attorney Stephen Holstrom from Bulkley, Richardson & Gelinas, LLP was sworn in as HCBA president for the 2026-27 year by retired Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup. Attorney Charles Casartello Jr., of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C. was presented with the Thomas A. Kenefick III Memorial Award for Leadership & Professionalism. The award was presented by his son, attorney Tyler Kenefick.

Fifty-year members of the HCBA also recognized during the evening include attorneys Stanley Komack, Jeffrey McCormick, Richard Morrissey, Joseph Pessolano, James Smith, John Thompson, and Linda Thompson; and judges Thomas Merrigan and W. Michael Ryan.

MountainOne Earns High Ranking on Best Places to Work List

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NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne announced it ranked 17th in the Medium Company category (100-249 employees) on the Boston Business Journal’s 2026 Best Places to Work list. This recognition marks the second consecutive year MountainOne has been honored and reflects an improvement from its 21st-place ranking in 2025.

The annual Best Places to Work awards recognize Massachusetts employers that have created exceptional workplace cultures and employee experiences. Rankings are determined through confidential employee surveys conducted by Quantum Workplace, which measure areas such as workplace satisfaction, leadership, communication, professional development, compensation, benefits, and overall employee engagement.

“MountainOne is deeply committed to developing homegrown talent through our investment in our people. By offering meaningful professional development opportunities, investing in our employees, and promoting from within, we attract and retain the very best talent. This investment in people extends to our commitment to offering comprehensive benefit programs and to cultivating an environment that is welcoming and supportive to all employees,” said Beth Petropulos, senior vice president, Senior Human Resources and SAFE Act officer at MountainOne.

“Earning a place on this list for a second consecutive year is an achievement we’re incredibly proud of,” she added. “Moving up in the rankings reinforces what we’ve long believed: when employees are supported, connected, and empowered to succeed, our organization, customers, and communities all benefit.”

The Boston Business Journal honored 90 Massachusetts companies across a variety of industries during an awards celebration held June 11 at the Westin Copley Place in Boston. MountainOne employees who accepted the award on the company’s behalf included Peter Barrow, Kevin Carpenter, Ethan Coe, Erin Galvin, Erik Ray, and Devon Stone.

“A strong workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident. One way we stand out is through our robust community engagement program that provides meaningful opportunities for employees to give back to their communities in ways that matter to them,” said Jill Amato, senior vice president, Marketing & Community Banking officer. “Furthermore, maintaining strong company values as well as a distinct and fun brand identity has paved the way for a sense of employee pride and ownership.”

As MountainOne continues to grow, it remains committed to attracting talented individuals who want to be part of an award-winning workplace culture where employees are supported, recognized, and encouraged to grow.

Massachusetts Community Living Initiative Marks One Year

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration celebrated the successful first year of the Massachusetts Community Living Initiative, a coordinated effort to help older adults and people with disabilities live independently with dignity, agency, and the support they need in their communities.

During an event at the State House, administration leaders, advocates, and legislators marked the milestone and released the initiative’s first annual report, highlighting significant progress made during its inaugural year. The Community Living Initiative brings together agencies across the administration to expand access to home- and community-based services, strengthen coordination across state government, and help more individuals transition from nursing facilities to homes and other community settings.

“Every person deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence and agency in the community they call home,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “That’s exactly what the Community Living Initiative is about. By working across state government and alongside advocates, providers, and families, we’re helping more older adults and people with disabilities access the support they need to live where they want to live. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made in just one year, and we’re committed to building on it.”

The first Community Living Initiative Annual Report highlights the progress made during the Initiative’s first year, including expanded cross-agency efforts to ensure individuals living in nursing facilities understand their rights and available community-based options, significant progress toward the administration’s goal of helping at least 2,400 people with disabilities transition from nursing facilities to community settings over the next eight years, and personal stories from individuals who have successfully transitioned from nursing facilities into homes and community-based settings with the support they need to thrive.

“Today we celebrate hundreds of individuals transitioning out of nursing facilities into their homes or community settings, providing them with more independence and support in an affordable and accessible way,” Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. Kiame Mahaniah said. “This has taken an enormous effort across state government, and I appreciate the dedication and collaboration between agencies, legislators, and the advocate community for improving the lives of so many residents.”

Dietz & Company Architects Welcomes Alvana Abedini as Design Associate

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Alvana Abedini

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Alvana Abedini has joined the firm as a design associate. In this role, she will support project teams throughout all phases of design, bringing an approach rooted in creating spaces that focus on the connections between architecture, culture, community, and place.

Abedini recently earned her master of architecture degree from the University of Hartford, where her thesis explored cultural preservation through hands-on learning, traditional crafts, storytelling, and intergenerational exchange, culminating in the design of a Center for Craftsmanship and Learning in Albania. During her academic career, she gained professional experience through internships with architectural firms in Connecticut, where she contributed to residential and mixed-use projects.

Abedini will be a valuable addition to Dietz & Company’s group of emerging professionals, with her community-focused design approach complementing the firm’s diverse portfolio of projects.

Eastern States Exposition Welcomes Mary Lee Walsh as Executive Assistant

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Mary Lee Walsh

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Mary Lee Walsh has started a full-time venture as executive assistant to the president and CEO of Eastern States Exposition (ESE). In this role, she will provide high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the CEO and Executive Office, ensuring seamless daily operations, proactive coordination, and clean communication across the organization.

“Creating community and being a people person are my strengths,” Walsh said. “My ability to connect with others, my organized nature, and foresight will all serve me well in this role.”

Walsh earned her bachelor’s degree in social science from Providence College. She also spent time studying abroad in London, England, through Richmond American University. Prior to joining ESE, Walsh’s career history prepared her to be a partner to senior executives, supporting them across complex, high-visibility industries.

As associate director of Philanthropy at Shriner’s Children’s New England in Springfield, she managed a portfolio of donors, oversaw confidential records, and built relationships to advance the organization’s mission. She gained experience in major event management, taking responsibility for guest registration, logistics, and leadership briefings for the organization’s 100th anniversary gala.

At Bay Path University, Walsh was assistant director of Alumni Relations and Engagement. During this time, she drafted executive communications, planned and executive more than 30 alumni events annually, and collaborated with the president’s office, university leadership, and the alumni community to cultivate strategic partnerships on behalf of the institution.

Other roles that have prepared Walsh well for ESE include associate operations manager at Cap & Hitch of New England, executive assistant to the president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts, director of Constituent Services for the office of state Sen. Eric Lesser, and director’s assistant for Everybody Hates Chris (2005-09) in Hollywood, Calif.

Walsh is known for her philanthropic efforts outside of the workplace; she has served on the boards of directors for Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts and the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals of Western Massachusetts. She has volunteered her time with Special Olympics Massachusetts, read-aloud programs through Springfield Public Schools, and the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.

“A fair means bringing joy to people in the same way entertainment always does, and that brings my story full circle,” Walsh said. “The opportunity to support visionary leadership and contribute to an organization with a rich history and far-reaching impact is one I am honored to embrace.”

ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy added that “I am excited to welcome Mary Lee to the Eastern States Exposition team. She has a great deal of experience across a range of industries, and I am looking forward to working closely with her.”

ESE’s staff welcomes Walsh to the Executive Office and wishes her predecessor, Laura Kalisz, a happy retirement following five years at the organization.

NBT Bank Earns Two Coalition Greenwich Awards in Small Business Banking

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NORWICH, N.Y. — NBT Bank has been recognized with two 2026 Coalition Greenwich Awards in Small Business Banking.

In the U.S. Small Business Banking category, based on more than 11,000 interviews with businesses with annual sales of $1 million to $10 million across the U.S., NBT earned the following designations Best Bank – Satisfaction with Relationship Manager for Small Business Banking in the U.S. (Northeast); and Best Bank – Satisfaction in Cash Management for Small Business Banking in the U.S. (Northeast).

“Our relationship-driven approach is the foundation of how we serve customers,” said Joe Stagliano, president of NBT Bank. “Our teams work closely with businesses to understand their goals and deliver solutions that support growth and resilience. That partnership is strengthened by a comprehensive set of banking and cash management capabilities that help protect businesses, simplify financial operations, and support confident, day-to-day decision making.”

NBT’s Cash Management team works in close coordination with relationship managers to help businesses maintain control over cash flow, reduce risk, and operate more efficiently. Through tailored solutions for payments, collections, liquidity visibility, and fraud prevention, the team helps customers streamline operations and focus on running and growing their businesses.

Community Action Pioneer Valley Opens New WIC Office at Hadley Crossing

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HADLEY — On June 25, Community Action Pioneer Valley opened a new office of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) nutrition program at 4 Bay Road in Hadley. A formal opening and ribbon cutting is planned for early September.

Frances Hall, director of Community Services at Community Action Pioneer Valley, said the new site boasts a few advantages over previous sites, including location and expanded office space to serve an increased number of participants.

“We’re right on the fare-free B43 bus line, and there’s plenty of free parking,” she noted. “This will make a big difference to people who may have faced challenges with transportation to Community Action WIC sites in the past.”

Lev BenEzra, executive director of Community Action Pioneer Valley, added that “Community Action’s WIC has been a cornerstone of healthy starts for families in our region for decades, and this new Hadley location improves access for families across Hampshire County. We look forward to welcoming families through these doors, where we can partner to improve each child’s health, and each family’s well-being and economic stability, through all that WIC offers, and by connecting them to other Community Action programs, like high-quality early childhood education and care, job training, or fuel assistance.”

WIC is a supplemental nutrition program for people who are pregnant or have children under age 5. Participants are given a WIC EBT card that can be used at many local grocery stores on specific items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt; whole grains such as bread, oatmeal, and quinoa; fresh fruits and vegetables; and more. WIC provides breast/chest feeding support from the first prenatal visit forward and offers additional support when needed.

Families participating in WIC meet regularly with WIC staff and a nutritionist to check their children’s growth and development, ask questions, and get nutrition information. WIC staff also connect families with many other helpful resources.

“WIC is much more than a food benefit program,” said Valerie O’Connell, WIC program director. “It helps families stretch their food budget by providing access to healthy foods, trusted nutrition information, personalized support, and valuable community resources that help children get a healthy start in life.”

Community Action’s WIC program serves families in Franklin and Hampshire counties and some parts of the North Quabbin. WIC offices are located in Orange, Greenfield, and Hadley. Families who are interested in applying for WIC can begin on the state website, www.mass.gov/wic, or call (413) 376-1160 to speak to someone at their local office.

Attorney Claudia Quintero Honored by Massachusetts Bar Assoc.

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Claudia Quintero

SPRINGFIELD — On June 2, Central West Justice Center Director Claudia Quintero received the Legal Services Award from the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Quintero was honored as a champion of the clients she serves in her role as director of Central West Justice Center (CWJC), where she oversees a team of lawyers, paralegals, and staff who assist low-income and elderly clients with immigration, housing, and employment benefits in the five counties of Central and Western Mass. (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester).

Since 2021, Quintero has also led the Fairness for Farmworkers Coalition, a group engaged in legislative advocacy to support a law that would entitle farm workers to a minimum wage and overtime pay. She has also taught students at Western New England University School of Law in Springfield since 2022.

“To the Mass. Bar Association, I would like to thank you for this recognition and celebrate the other award recipients for their great work to our legal community,” Quintero said. “Access to justice is an integral part of my identity as a lawyer, and the reason I have spent my entire career as a legal services attorney engaged in community lawyering representing farm workers in direct legal services and legislative policy making. As director of CWJC, I am proud of the team I work alongside every day and honored to be doing this work in this moment, and to be recognized for it.”

Latinos for Education Celebrates Trailblazing Springfield Educators

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BOSTON — Latinos for Education recently hosted its fifth annual Latino Educators Shine Awards at the MCLE Conference Center in Boston, honoring four local educators for their impact in Springfield classrooms. This year, more than 50 Latino educators from across the Commonwealth were honored by state legislators for the trailblazing work they do in the classroom every day.

Janelee Morales Colon, sixth-grade English teacher at Veritas Prep Charter Public School, was recognized for showing up as her authentic self and encouraging students to do the same. She motivates students to find themselves in the curriculum and exceed their expectations, leading to significant academic growth between fifth and sixth grade. As a leader beyond the classroom, she advises the Viper Dance Squad and organizes its participation in Springfield’s Puerto Rican Day Parade, fostering cultural pride and excellence.

Mario Chavarria, school counselor at Veritas Prep Charter Public School, was honored for his dedication to the Veritas community. Known for his optimism and high energy, he is a 10th-grade team member who also coaches girls flag football. Universally respected, he balances a supportive listening ear with a firm commitment to accountability. His mentorship has led to remarkable academic turnarounds and student enrollment in summer learning and certification programs.

Yanela Cruz, Lower Academy principal at Libertas Academy Charter School, leads Libertas with a focus on belief and data-driven results. Starting as a year 1 science teacher, she now oversees a program with some of Massachusetts’ highest student growth rates. In February, she received the national Impact and Proof Point awards from the Leverage Leadership Institute Fellowship, honoring her vision and commitment to scholar success.

Springfield International Charter School Deputy Director Shirley Vazquez also received the honor.

The event was hosted in partnership with state Sen. Adam Gomez. Several state leaders also received awards at the event. State Sen. Liz Miranda and state Rep. Michael Kushmerek were honored for their legislative work in advancing educator diversity and retention. The ceremony featured remarks from Miranda, Kushmerek, and Regina Robinson, special assistant to the commissioner. Also speaking were key leaders from Latinos for Education, including Amanda Fernandez, CEO and founder; Jacqueline Monterroso, director of Policy and Advocacy; and Migdalia Diaz, COO and Massachusetts interim executive Director.

UMassFive College Federal Credit Union Helps Award $4,000 in Scholarships

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HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced that two high school seniors, Romy Leuchs-Curtis and Matthew Gillis, were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship on behalf of the credit union by the Massachusetts Pioneer Valley Chapter of Credit Unions. Applicants receive scholarships based on academic achievements, community involvement, and a written essay. Both awardees distinguished themselves through exceptional academic achievement and meaningful engagement in their communities.

Romy Curtis-Leuchs, a Frontier Regional School graduate, has demonstrated success through the highest levels of academic rigor, managing an ambitious course load across diverse disciplines. She served as president of both the Student Council and the Feminist Club while enjoying participation in numerous student organizations, including National Honor Society, Rock Climbing, Drama Club, and Latin Club. She also volunteered with vital social service organizations, including Manna Kitchen, where she helped provide meals and foster a sense of connection for community members, as well as Safe Passage, where she supported efforts to provide safety and resources for individuals and families impacted by domestic violence. Curtis-Leuchs plans to study comparative literature at Brown University this fall.

Matthew Gillis, a South Hadley High School graduate, has been recognized for his academic and athletic excellence. He actively supported his student community through participation in a broad array of clubs, most notably the Chemistry Olympiad, a prestigious academic competition for high school students who excel in chemistry. A disciplined and versatile athlete, he served as varsity captain of his soccer and track and field teams, where he competed across multiple events. He was recognized with the University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology for his achievements in the field and received the Certificate of Excellence in AP Computer Science Principles, awarded annually to one South Hadley High School student. Gillis plans to study engineering at Swarthmore College this fall.

“UMassFive is proud to celebrate Romy, Matthew, and the 47 other outstanding local high school seniors who submitted their applications for consideration,” the credit union stated.

SSO Offers ‘Bid on the Baton’ Opportunity at Star Spangled Springfield Concert

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SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) invites the community to “Bid on the Baton,” an opportunity to conduct the SSO during its Star Spangled Springfield performance on the occasion of America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4 at 7 p.m. at Riverfront Park’s Festival Field.

Click here to bid, with bids starting at $500. Individuals and businesses are invited to bid to conduct one musical selection during the live performance at Riverfront Park, with all proceeds directly supporting the SSO’s free community concerts, music education, and the symphony’s work throughout Greater Springfield. Participants may bid once and are encouraged to submit their highest and best offer. The deadline to bid is Thursday, July 2 at noon.

The full Springfield Symphony Orchestra of 62 musicians will perform at Springfield’s Fourth of July celebration, making it a Star Spangled Symphony for the first time since 1998 in front of an anticipated audience of more than 5,000 people. The performance will begin at approximately 7 p.m., leading up to the fireworks display.

“For a once-in-250-years moment, during one of the largest public gatherings in Western Massachusetts celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra is inviting the community to take the podium,” said Heather Caisse-Roberts, president and CEO of the SSO.

“This is an opportunity to stand in front of the orchestra and thousands of neighbors to conduct a live performance as part of this historic celebration,” she added. “An individual may bid because it’s the experience of a lifetime. A family may bid to celebrate a milestone. A business may bid to demonstrate its commitment to Springfield while receiving recognition during this historic event and throughout the upcoming SSO season. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra belongs to this community. This is a symbolic invitation for the community to step onto the podium and become part of its story.”

The concert will feature a music program that tells a broad American story through music prior to the Fireworks by Grucci display. There will be marches by John Phillip Sousa, Duke Ellington-inspired selections, American orchestral standards by Aaron Copland and Martin Gould, John Williams’ Star Wars theme, and more. Thomas Bergeron, principal trumpet for the SSO, will conduct the concert, and Springfield songstress Vanessa Ford will also perform with the orchestra for several pieces.

This year’s event, as always, remains completely free and accessible, ensuring thousands of residents can experience live orchestral music as part of one of the region’s most beloved civic traditions. The winning bidder will receive recognition throughout the SSO’s 2026-27 season.

The Star Spangled Springfield event is organized by the Spirit of Springfield and sponsored by MassMutual, and is being presented with the support from the Music Performance Trust Fund.

Bacon Wilson, P.C. Welcomes Four Law Clerks for 2026-27 Season

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SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C. announced that Gabriella Ofcarcik, Daniel McKellick II, Patricia Santana-Garcia, and Monnea Slade have been accepted into the firm’s law clerk program for the 2026-27 school year.

Bacon Wilson created the clerkship program more than 40 years ago to allow law school students to gain experience and mentoring in the legal profession. The clerks are an integral part of the firm and participate in various firm events during their time at Bacon Wilson.

Gabriella Ofcarcik

Ofcarcik joined Bacon Wilson in August 2025 as a law clerk in the firm’s Commercial Law department. She is currently pursuing her juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her bachelor’s degree in legal studies from UMass Amherst in 2024.

During her undergraduate studies, Ofcarcik completed a semester abroad at the Lorenzo de’ Medici School in Florence, Italy. She was inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in 2023 and the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in 2024. She was also a recipient of the 2025 Commonwealth Law Scholars Award. At WNE Law, she received the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Lawyering Skills in 2024 and 2025, as well as the CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Conveyancing in 2026. She also earned runner-up honors in the 2025 Best Oral Advocate Competition. She is a member of the Western New England Law Review and serves on the E-board as senior note editor for Volume 49.

Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Ofcarcik gained valuable legal experience at a local law firm concentrating on family law, custody and divorce matters, and real estate transactions. In that role, she assisted with purchase and sale agreements, case preparation, and client communications. She also served as an intern with the Children and Family Law division of the Committee for Public Counsel Services, where she supported attorneys representing children and parents in care and protection proceedings.

Daniel McKellick II

McKellick has spent much of his legal career with Bacon Wilson, beginning in June 2021 as an office assistant in the firm’s Westfield office. Throughout his tenure, he has gained experience in a wide range of legal matters, including drafting conveyance, mortgage, and corporate formation documents, while serving as a key point of contact for clients throughout the legal process.

McKellick is currently pursuing his juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. In 2025, he received the CALI Award in Property and was nominated for the school’s Oral Advocacy Competition. He earned his bachelor’s degree in law and society from Western New England University in May 2025.

Earlier in his career, McKellick worked as a circulation assistant at the Western New England University School of Law Library, where he assisted students in accessing both physical and digital legal resources. He has a strong interest in real estate law and other areas of commercial law.

Patricia Santana-Garcia

Santana-Garcia joined Bacon Wilson in May 2026. She is currently a juris doctor candidate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science, with a minor in law and human rights, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City in 2022.

At Western New England University School of Law, Santana-Garcia is actively involved in student organizations, including the Women’s Law Assoc. and the Latinx Law Students Assoc. She also serves as a junior staff member of the Western New England Law Review. Beyond her academic pursuits, she volunteers with the ACLU Election Protection program, where she assists voters and monitors polling locations, and has supported refugees seeking adjustment of status through the Center for New Americans.

Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Santana-Garcia served as a judicial intern to the Hon. Bianka Perez at the Bronx Supreme Court, where she drafted memoranda related to motions for dismissal and summary judgment and conducted preliminary legal analyses. She also spent two years with a West Palm Beach, Fla. law firm that provided legal representation to motorists facing traffic-related offenses, including speeding violations, suspended license matters, and DUI charges. She is bilingual and fluent in Spanish, allowing her to effectively serve and communicate with a diverse range of clients.

Monnea Slade

Slade joined Bacon Wilson in May 2026. She is currently pursuing her juris doctorate at Western New England University School of Law and is expected to graduate in May 2027. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland Global Campus in Adelphi, Md. in 2023.

At Western New England University School of Law, Slade serves as president of the Student Bar Assoc. and as symposium editor for the Western New England Law Review, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to academic excellence. In addition to her legal studies, she serves as a paralegal non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army Reserve in Middletown, Conn. In this role, she supports military attorneys by drafting routine legal documents, including pleadings, motions, and affidavits, helping to streamline legal operations and enhance efficiency.

Prior to joining Bacon Wilson, Slade served as a student attorney with the Legal Aid Clinic in Springfield, where she provided direct legal assistance to low-income tenants under Massachusetts Rule 3:03 certification. Her work included assisting clients with eviction defenses, subsidized housing disputes, and habitability claims through client interviews, legal research, motion drafting, and court appearances.

From 2022 to 2024, Slade served on active duty at the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School as the operations non-commissioned officer. In that capacity, she improved operational effectiveness by streamlining processes and implementing new systems. She managed administrative operations for hundreds of newly appointed Army judge advocates, ensuring mission readiness and organizational efficiency. Additionally, she conducted quality assurance inspections, ensured regulatory compliance, and developed standard operating procedures that increased consistency and reduced operational errors.

“We are pleased to welcome Gabriella, Daniel, Patricia, and Monnea to Bacon Wilson,” Managing Partner Jeffrey Fialky said. “Each of these talented law students brings an impressive combination of academic achievement, leadership experience, and a strong commitment to serving others. Their diverse backgrounds and unique perspectives strengthen our team and reflect the values that have long defined our firm. We are proud to support the next generation of legal professionals and look forward to their continued growth and contributions as they gain valuable hands-on experience at Bacon Wilson.”

BusinessWest Accepting Nominations for 2026 Healthcare Heroes

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest and HealthcareNews.com are now accepting nominations for the 10th annual Healthcare Heroes awards. Nominations for the Healthcare Heroes class of 2026 are due by Monday, July 27, and may be submitted online by clicking here.

The Healthcare Heroes program was created in 2017 to honor the individuals and organizations working across the region’s vast, diverse, and essential healthcare and wellness sector. These leaders, innovators, and collaborators have devoted their careers to improving the quality of individual lives and the health of entire communities.

Since its inception, Healthcare Heroes has more than fulfilled its mission of identifying truly inspirational people and organizations — and sharing their compelling stories. Year after year, the program has highlighted outstanding achievements and contributions from throughout the healthcare and wellness industry.

For more information, contact Heather Leclerc, Marketing and Events director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or [email protected].

Former Gateway City Arts Property Opening as Creators Campus for Teens

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Daily News

HOLYOKE — Two years after LightWorks Collective took ownership of the former Gateway City Arts property, the organization is opening the campus more broadly to young people across the region through Creators Campus Holyoke, a summer program built around real tools, real venues, real skills, and real audiences.

The program invites teens ages 13-19 into the working spaces of the LightWorks campus, including the De la Luz Soundstage, Divine Theater, commercial kitchen, studios, classrooms, and maker spaces. Instead of simulated projects or traditional summer camp activities, students will use professional equipment and public-facing spaces to make, perform, cook, print, record, design, and build.

Youth musicians will not just rehearse in a classroom; they will play on a real stage with real sound and lights. Students in the culinary programs will work in a real commercial kitchen, earn their Serv-Safe credential, and prepare and sell food at a real event. Students in visual arts and design will create work that can be exhibited, sold, worn, or shared. Students exploring music, media, glass, AI, screenprinting, and making will have access to the kinds of spaces and tools usually reserved for adult professionals.

“This campus was built for creativity, performance, food, gathering, and community,” said Catherine Gobron, executive director of LightWorks Collective. “Creators Campus is one way we are making sure young people are not just consumers. They are using the tools, making the work, serving the food, running the sound, stepping onto the stage, and learning what it feels like to be taken seriously.”

Creators Campus builds on more than a decade of project-based education at LightHouse Holyoke, the relationship-driven middle and high school operated by LightWorks Collective. The summer program expands that approach beyond enrolled LightHouse students and opens the campus to youth from surrounding communities.

The program runs from June 22 through Aug. 14, with half-day and full-day offerings in arts, making, culinary, media, music, creative technology, and performance. Current and upcoming programs include Fire and Ice: Glass Lampwork, Ghost in the Feed, I Am Not a Robot, Screenprinting, Vinyl DJ Lab, culinary arts, studio arts, and more.

In addition to daytime programs, Creators Campus will host the Drop every Thursday night throughout the summer, a free, all-ages community gathering featuring youth projects, live music, food, galleries, games, and public showcases of student work.

For LightWorks Collective, the launch of Creators Campus is also part of a larger effort to reimagine what the former Gateway City Arts site can be in its next chapter: a working creative and community hub where education, performance, food, art, workforce development, and public life are connected rather than separated.

“Gateway City Arts meant a lot to this community,” Gobron said. “We feel a real responsibility to honor that history while building something new. Our vision is for this campus to remain alive, public, creative, and useful — and to make sure young people have a central place in that future.”

Students do not need to be enrolled at LightHouse Holyoke to participate. Creators Campus is open to young people from any town or community. Scholarships are available. Families can learn more and register at creatorscampus.org.

Dietz & Company’s Soniha Nuzrat Becomes LEED Accredited Professional

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Daily News

Soniha Nuzrat

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced that Design Associate Soniha Nuzrat has earned the credential of LEED accredited professional with a building design and construction specialty (LEED AP BD+C) through the U.S Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainability in the built environment.

The LEED AP BD+C designation denotes proficiency in current sustainable design, construction, and operations standards, and signifies expertise in green building and a LEED rating system. In order to achieve LEED certification, she completed a rigorous, multi-part exam to prove her knowledge on the subject.

Nuzrat joined Dietz & Company Architects in 2023 after completing her master of architecture degree at Miami University in Ohio. Her current focus is on projects for multi-family housing, higher education, and municipalities.

“I wanted to pursue the LEED AP BD+C credential to bridge the gap between architectural form and environmental performance,” she said. “Seeing high-performance engineering seamlessly elevate human-centered environments inspired me to design in harmony with nature. I believe sustainability belongs at the inception of design by embedding energy efficiency, material life cycles, and environmental performance into the earliest concepts. My goal is to bring this holistic perspective to every project, creating beautiful, functional spaces that uplift communities while protecting the ecosystems that sustain us.”

Holyoke Rotary Club Awards Eight Scholarships

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HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Rotary Club, servicing Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby, recently distributed $12,000 in scholarship funding to eight deserving local high-school seniors chosen from a large applicant pool. Applicants were asked to share how they have demonstrated Rotary International’s principal motto “Service Above Self” with unselfish volunteer service.

The Holyoke Rotary Club 2026 scholarship recipients include Leah Bobrowski (South Hadley High School), Gabriella Cayo (Holyoke High School), Kaitlyn Curran (Granby Junior/Senior High School), Mars Lambert (South Hadley High School), Colin Lumb (South Hadley High School), Ryan MacGregor (South Hadley High School), Faith Ramos (Granby Junior/Senior High School), and Yasani Thompson (Holyoke High School).

The 2026 scholarship recipients have not only excelled in their educational pursuits, but also, more importantly, excelled through the many volunteer activities and services resulting in positive outcomes in their community. The winners recently attended a Holyoke Rotary Club meeting to share their personal volunteer stories and plans for the future with club members.

The awardees are planning to attend college in the fall to pursue degrees in nursing, forensic science, technology, law, and other fields that will positively affect the world.

“The Holyoke Rotary Club is proud to be a service organization that gives back to our community. We appreciate our many corporate and event sponsors that enable us to provide scholarships such as these, as well as help fund other deserving projects,” said Kathy Viens, 2026-27 Holyoke Rotary Club president and scholarship committee chair. “Other initiatives we are proud to offer include a free summer concert series at Heritage State Park in Holyoke, supplying food for those in need through community collaborations, and funding international clean water initiatives.”

Tighe & Bond Relocates Providence Office

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WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond, a leading engineering, environmental, planning, and design consulting firm focused on serving the Northeast, announced it has relocated its Providence, R.I. office to the Foundry complex at 235 Promenade St., Suite 500.

The new location offers the firm additional square footage as it continues to strengthen its presence in Rhode Island, providing convenient access to clients, project partners, and communities throughout the Greater Providence area and beyond.

“We’re excited to establish our new Providence office, which supports the continued growth of our team given our long-term commitment to serving Rhode Island,” said Bob Belitz, Tighe & Bond’s president and CEO. “The new location further enhances our ability to collaborate with public and private clients, respond to project needs, and remain closely connected to the communities we serve throughout the region.”

Tighe & Bond has provided engineering, environmental, planning, and design services in Rhode Island for decades since opening its first Providence office in 2018, partnering with municipalities, utilities, state agencies, institutions, and private-sector organizations to advance infrastructure, environmental, resiliency, and built environment projects.

From AskMyDog.com to Answer Engines, Garvey Communication Associates Turns 35

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SPRINGFIELD — This month, Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) marks 35 years in business — a run that traces the arc of modern communications itself, from retail politics to the dawn of the web to the AI-driven answer engines reshaping public relations today.

Founder John Garvey launched GCAi in 1991, fresh off a short stint as a legislative aide to the vice chairman of the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee. He started with a name on the door, no clients, and a family that, by his own account, ate ramen noodles for several years after. That lean stretch didn’t last long. Springfield City Councilor Brian Santaniello called looking for fresh re-election ideas and hired Garvey. The campaign topped the ticket, finishing first among all City Council candidates — and a first-time candidate GCAi also represented won a seat as well.

Political consulting proved a fast way to gain broad experience, and the legendary political consultant Joe Napolitan took Garvey under his wing. But Garvey chose a different road, turning toward the private sector — where two early wins shaped everything that followed. He became the first marketing consultant Tom Burton hired for Hampden Savings Bank and the first marketing and PR consultant Sam Hanmer brought on for his insurance network, then known as Field Eddy & Bulkley.

GCAi’s edge was an unusual one for a PR firm: Garvey knew computer programming and had worked in a computer center, and technology never frightened him. The firm was building websites in 1996, before most companies knew what a website was — GCAi first lived at AskMyDog.com (it’s a long story). Banking and insurance became a core focus, but over the years, the firm has worked across nearly every vertical, from healthcare and transportation to accounting, legal, and grocery.

GCAi also became known for getting there first. It built its first dot-com bank, yourebank.com, in 1998. It helped pioneer SEO PR and the use of video as a digital communications tool, and was among the first to use social media to distribute PR. Over time, through effective paid campaigns, the firm pushed PR beyond its traditional limits, showing it could be more than just the coverage a company earns.

Those instincts drew recognition along the way: an Ad Club Creative Award for the documentary-style “Innovation Series” hosted by PeoplesBank, a Daily Hampshire Gazette Reader’s Choice award for Best Marketing/Advertising Agency, a Small Business Recognition Award from the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and a national Top Ten Social Media Standout honor from Snap Fitness. The firm is a Google partner and a Meta marketing agency partner.

Giving back has been part of GCAi from the start — perhaps because Garvey’s first venture out of college, before the State House and before GCAi, was a social enterprise: Dispute Resolution Services Inc., which he founded and ran for nearly a decade, and for which he was later presented with the Brent P. Davis Award for his support of the community mediation process.

With Attorney Scott Foster, Garvey helped develop permanent funding for Valley Venture Mentors, and he spent years as a mentor and PR and digital marketing instructor for MassChallenge. Organizations the firm has helped more recently include Tech Foundry, Square One, Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services, Revitalize CDC, and a Garvey favorite, the Gray House.

Some of the firm’s favorite memories are the least corporate ones. Both of Garvey’s children, James and Quinn, practically grew up in the office at Tower Square — testing the patience of building security as they raced the elevators from the 24th floor to the second, with Edwards Books as their other favorite hangout. More than a dozen associates have come through GCAi’s doors over the years and gone on to bigger markets — New York, Los Angeles, and beyond. One even beat Garvey to retirement and now lives in Oahu. Quinn still works for GCAi today, specializing in TikTok content from her perch in the Hollywood Hills, and runs her own marketing business focused on vintage luxury estate and home sales.

That same get-there-first instinct defines GCAi’s work today. The firm now applies answer engine optimization and generative engine optimization to PR, shaping how AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s answer engines understand, describe, and cite the brands it represents.

As GCAi sees it, the audience once reached through a ranked list of links is now handed a synthesized answer, and the job is to be inside it. AI-powered discovery rewards brands with genuine authority, and the firms that establish that authority early are remarkably hard to displace.

One person stands at the center of the milestone. Garvey’s son James grew up to become GCAi’s vice president and director of Digital Marketing — a Google Ads certified planner, a member of Facebook’s Business Insights Panel, and a national award winner for social media marketing. He didn’t just buy ads; he built campaigns that worked for clients who trusted him completely, and he was doing the work he loved right up until the day he passed away nearly two years ago. So much of what GCAi is today, James helped build. The 35-year milestone is his as much as anyone’s.

Thirty-five years on, GCAi extends its thanks to every client, associate, mentor, and friend who has been part of the journey — and to James, always.

Eastern States Exposition Presents $351,742 to Town of West Springfield

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Each year, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) donates 1% of its annual gross operating revenue to the town of West Springfield to continue the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust. On June 25, ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy and members of the wider team visited Mayor William Reichelt at West Springfield Town Hall to present a check for $351,742 to the trust.

Cassidy, Reichelt, and attorney Mary Paier Powers are all on the board for the trust and were present at the press conference and check presentation. This executive body reviews grant applications and awards a percentage of the donations to applicants. The allotted donation benefits education, youth, athletics, and the elderly, as well as combating food insecurity in West Springfield, among other assistance. The remainder accrues with each donation.

As a not-for-profit entity, ESE does not receive federal support, state support, or funding from local taxes. This sets the Big E, which has grown to be the fourth-largest fair in North America, and the broader organization apart from most fairs. To express appreciation to the populace that continues to support its mission faithfully, ESE partnered with the town to create the Eastern States Exposition-West Springfield Trust.

“Congratulations to all who were awarded a grant,” Reichelt said. “We received a lot of requests this year, and it’s always difficult to whittle down which causes we give to. Thank you for joining us today.”

Added Cassidy, “I’m proud to be at the helm of an organization capable of giving back to West Springfield. Our total payments to the town in 2025 were more than $2.2 million across taxes, licensing, and more. Even with significant expenditures, we continue to grow the trust.

“Since it was first founded more than three decades ago in 1995, Eastern States Exposition has contributed $6.1 million to West Springfield through the trust,” he went on. “When we started, it was easy to decide where grants would be awarded because we had so few applicants. Now, it’s difficult to choose between the many impactful projects proposed. We are proud to invest in the town we call home and the people that live there.”

Innovative Springfield Program Creates Pathways into Legal Careers

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SPRINGFIELD — Leap into Law, a new workforce development initiative designed to expand access to careers in the legal field, officially launched in Springfield and is currently underway with its first cohort of 15 participants. The program supports residents seeking stable, living-wage career opportunities within the legal services sector.

The initiative, funded by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development and the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation, is led by Springfield WORKS, a workforce development effort of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. Springfield WORKS serves as a regional convener, bringing together employers, educators, and community organizations to build career pathways, support worker advancement, and pilot workforce solutions that strengthen economic mobility across Western Mass.

Developed in partnership with Katie Manzi McDonough, partner at the law firm Hinckley Allen, Leap into Law responds directly to the growing demand for entry-level and early-career legal talent. The program creates a clear and accessible pathway into the legal field through structured training and direct employer engagement.

Leap into Law prepares participants for in-demand legal support roles while helping employers build a stronger, more diverse talent pipeline. Program components include contextual training and hands-on skill development; digital literacy instruction; professional readiness and wraparound support; exposure to legal career pathways, including legal assistant and paralegal roles; employer engagement opportunities, including experiential activities and job shadowing; and support for notary public applications.

“Leap into Law is about creating real access, not just awareness, to legal careers that offer stability, growth, and long-term economic mobility,” said Anne Shecrallah Kandilis, director of Springfield WORKS. “This program bridges talent and opportunity while responding directly to employer needs in our region.”

The current cohort includes 15 participants who are actively engaged in training at the Roderick J. Ireland Courthouse, providing an immersive learning environment within the legal system. Participants receive individualized support throughout the program to ensure readiness for employment and long-term career success.

Leap into Law is made possible through partnerships with Springfield WORKS, Hinckley Allen, the Hampden County Bar Assoc., Tech Foundry, the Massachusetts trial courts, and many other partners in the Greater Springfield area. This collaborative approach reflects a shared commitment to workforce development and economic mobility.

“The legal field offers a wide range of meaningful and sustainable career paths, and employers in our community need strong candidates to fill essential administrative roles to support their work,” said Manzi McDonough, who was born and raised in Western Mass. “Leap into Law removes barriers by creating direct connections between participants and employers, opening the door to a career in the law with real opportunity for growth and stability right here in the Greater Springfield area.”

Partnership opportunities remain available, including hosting interns, providing training support, interviewing candidates for part-time or full-time positions, and contributing to program expansion.

HCC President, Board of Trustees Selected for National Collaborative

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HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College President George Timmons and the HCC board of trustees have been selected to join the second cohort of the Aspen Presidents & Trustees Collaborative.

This year-long initiative, led by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, brings together colleges nationwide to strengthen alignment between boards and presidential leadership and advance long-term student success.

Through this collaboration, Timmons and HCC trustees will engage with national experts and peer institutions, learning from best practices of Aspen Prize-winning colleges and leveraging Aspen’s Trustee Framework. The goal is to build sustainable governance practices that drive meaningful reforms in student success.

According to the Aspen Institute, “Aspen’s research into community college excellence reveals that long-term, scaled change depends on college presidents and trustees having a shared understanding of why student outcome reforms are needed, agreeing on prioritized reform strategies, and aligning their review of metrics, policies, and budgets to those priorities.”

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes, with the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of each individual and society as a whole.

Country Bank Announces Seven Promotions

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WARE — Country Bank announced the recent promotions of seven employees across its commercial banking, retail banking, lending, and marketing divisions, recognizing their leadership, commitment to customers, and contributions to the bank’s continued growth and positive community impact.

“These promotions recognize a talented group of leaders who consistently deliver exceptional service, drive meaningful results, and embody Country Bank’s corporate values of integrity, service, teamwork, excellence, and prosperity,” said Miriam Siegel, chief Culture & Development officer at Country Bank. “Each of these individuals has demonstrated strong leadership, dedication to our customers and communities, and a passion for helping Country Bank continue to make a difference for the communities we serve.”

Angela Barahona was promoted to first vice president, Cash Management team lead. With a combined 24 years at the bank and extensive cash management experience, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening municipal and commercial banking relationships while helping advance the bank’s cash management strategy.

Jennifer Bujnevicie was promoted to first vice president, Retail Banking regional manager. With more than 21 years of banking experience, she has driven significant consumer loan and deposit growth in the bank’s East Region and played a key role in opening several new banking centers.

Cristina Consalvo was promoted to vice president, Marketing. Since joining the bank last year, she has leveraged her 14 years of marketing experience to lead strategic initiatives, including implementing and optimizing marketing automation systems to enhance lead generation, analytics, and overall marketing effectiveness.

Sarah Yurkunas was promoted to vice president, commercial lender. A nearly 20-year veteran of the bank, she manages a substantial commercial lending portfolio, including complex construction and commercial relationships, while remaining actively involved in community initiatives throughout the region.

Kimberly Eaton was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Banking officer. Over the past four years, she has demonstrated strong leadership and sales performance, contributing to growth in the bank’s Worcester market. She is also deeply committed to community involvement, regularly volunteering at local events and organizations.

Kelly Kemp was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending officer. With more than 20 years of experience at Country Bank, she consistently delivers exceptional service and is highly regarded for her expertise in supporting homebuyers. She is also recognized for her strong commitment to community involvement.

Janelle Soucia was promoted to assistant vice president, Retail Lending officer. Throughout her 19-year tenure with the bank, she has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, strong sales performance, and active engagement in financial education and community outreach initiatives.

“These leaders each make a meaningful impact in their own unique way,” Siegel added. “Their commitment to our customers, communities, and colleagues reflects the very best of Country Bank’s culture and values.”