EAST LONGMEADOW — Aspiring writers and published authors will assemble at Bay Path University’s East Longmeadow campus on Sunday, April 14 for Bay Path’s 18th Writers’ Day. Guest speakers this year include Jane Yolen, Shahnaz Habib, and C. Flanagan Flynn, and workshop topics include writing and publishing in literary magazines and journals, writing about home, and writing for young readers.

The first hour-long workshop of the day, scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m., will focus on being published in literary magazines and journals. Flynn, former managing editor of Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers and Brain, Teen: The Magazine for Thinking Parents, will teach how to hone query letters, personal essays, and memoir excerpts to catch an editor’s eye and answer the question: what’s the unique angle I can bring to readers? Learning how to use Submittable and Duotrope and other writing venues will also be covered.

The second workshop, scheduled to begin at 1:50 p.m., will focus on how culture, language, and heritage can shape a writer’s identity. Habib, who grew up in India, lives in the U.S., and translates from the south Indian language of Malayalam, will read from one of her recent essays, “A Kerala Native” (published in AFAR) and discuss the challenges and revelations in the act of writing and rewriting about home.

The third and final workshop, scheduled to begin at 3:10 p.m., is a primer on writing and publishing children’s and young adult books. Yolen, called both the Hans Christian Andersen of America and the Aesop of the 20th century, and a multiple-award-winning Pioneer Valley resident, will share some of what she’s learned while penning more than 365 books of prose and poetry for children and adults. Yolen will speak about the breadth and width of children’s book publishing from the 19th century to today, specifically about ever-popular picture books, so easy to read but so challenging to write well. The hows and whys of reaching a variety of young readers will also be discussed.

Check-in begins at noon, and refreshments will be served. Workshops can be purchased individually, or purchased as two- or three-workshop packages with special pricing. The event is open to the public and will be held at the Ryan Center, 1 Denslow Road, East Longmeadow. For more information and to register, visit www.baypath.edu/writersday.

HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union announced its selection as one of 68 Workforce Training Fund grant recipients in the state of Massachusetts chosen by the Baker-Polito administration.

As a financial institution deeply invested in the communities it serves, UMassFive takes pride in supporting the local economy through providing quality service and products for its members, and by offering employment opportunities that encourage personal growth and career development. Accomplishing both of these goals means taking a real interest in the professional development of every employee and offering training opportunities so that any staff might become an expert in their chosen field. 

The $174,000 awarded to UMassFive will provide training for current and newly hired employees that focuses on technology-related mastery as well as leadership and management development in order to promote job growth, retention, and increased opportunity. This project is funded by a Workforce Training Fund grant from the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The grant program is administered by Commonwealth Corp.

HOLYOKE — River Valley Counseling Center (RVCC) announced the promotion of Joy Brock to program director of the CONCERN Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

“We are pleased to promote Dr. Brock to our leadership team,” said Rosemarie Ansel, executive director of River Valley Counseling Center. “As a licensed psychologist with RVCC for over four years, Joy is experienced not only within her area of expertise, but also within our corporate culture of providing high-quality, compassionate care every time.”

Brock received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maryland University College, a master’s degree in psychology from Old Dominion University, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a doctorate in psychology, both from Regent University. She practiced in Virginia and Florida before moving to Vermont for a clinical psychology internship at the Brattleboro Retreat, where she was involved in the Uniformed Service Program.

Brock joined RVCC in October 2014. Her experience includes being a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, a member of Regent University’s trauma team, and a member of the Florida Red Cross Disaster Action Team. This unique blend of experience supports her role as the new program director of the CONCERN EAP.

“In my previous role, I had the opportunity to work in the CONCERN EAP office and provided short-term, solution-focused counseling to employees to address a variety of issues,” Brock said. “In this new role, I am looking forward to expanding RVCC’s presence within the local community and demonstrating our commitment to providing wellness to both employers and employees.”

SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWest is looking for nominees for its fifth Continued Excellence Award, and will accept nominations through Friday, May 3. The winner of the award will be unveiled at the magazine’s 40 Under Forty gala on Thursday, June 20.

Four years ago, BusinessWest inaugurated the award to recognize past 40 Under Forty honorees who had significantly built on their achievements since they were honored.

The first two winners were Delcie Bean, president of Paragus Strategic IT, and Dr. Jonathan Bayuk, president of Allergy and Immunology Associates of Western Mass. and chief of Allergy and Immunology at Baystate Medical Center. Both were originally named to the 40 Under Forty class of 2008. The judges chose two winners in 2017: Scott Foster, an attorney with Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas (40 Under Forty class of 2011); and Nicole Griffin, owner of Griffin Staffing Network (class of 2014). Last year, Samalid Hogan, regional director of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (class of 2013), took home the honor.

“So many 40 Under Forty honorees have refused to rest on their laurels,” said Kate Campiti, associate publisher of BusinessWest. “Once again, we want to honor those who continue to build upon their strong records of service in business, within the community, and as regional leaders.”

Candidates must hail from 40 Under Forty classes prior to the year of the award — in this case, classes 2007-18 — and will be judged on qualities including outstanding leadership, dedicated community involvement, professional achievement, and ability to inspire. The award’s presenting sponsor is Health New England.

The nomination form is available by clicking here. For your convenience, a list of the past 12 40 Under Forty classes may be found here. For more information call Bevin Peters, Marketing and Events Director, at (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Blue Sox are currently searching for volunteer host families for the upcoming 2019 New England Collegiate Baseball League season.

The Blue Sox are a nonprofit, collegiate summer baseball team that recruits baseball players from across the country. Players come to the Valley in hopes of enhancing their draft status and furthering their professional baseball careers.

Volunteer host families offer Blue Sox players housing for the duration of the summer season, which runs from June 5 to August 1.

Families who volunteer to host Blue Sox players will receive the following: paid general admission and concessions vouchers for all family members in the household at all 2019 Blue Sox home games, access to special team events, on-field recognition at the end of the 2019 season, and two tickets to the Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame induction banquet.

Families are required to provide a private bedroom, which may be shared with another Blue Sox player, with proper bedding, linens, and towels.

Former Blue Sox alumni playing in the majors include Trey Mancini, who is currently hitting .385 with five homers and 11 runs batted in with the Baltimore Orioles, and Tom Murphy, who was recently traded to the Seattle Mariners and activated on their 25-man roster.

The New England Collegiate Baseball League has hosted 195 players who have been selected in the MLB first-year player draft over the past two seasons. Notable league alumni include Stephen Strasburg, Joe Nathan, Adam Ottavino, A.J. Pollock, and more.

Questions regarding hosting Blue Sox players can be addressed to Blue Sox General Manager Chris Weyant at [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Auto Group will build a Mazda dealership in the South End of Springfield this summer, the Republican reported. Construction on the $6 million project will begin this summer, and the new dealership is expected to open in 2020, bringing 38 jobs to the South End. Balise currently has a Mazda dealership at 635 Riverdale St. in West Springfield.

“Jeb Balise came to see me and Chief Development Officer Kevin Kennedy a few years ago to express his family’s continued commitment to be part of our Springfield renaissance with major economic-development expansion plans and philanthropic community efforts,” Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said in a statement. “As he and his family have done for the past 100 years right here in Springfield, they have followed through, and I am so pleased and thankful for their continued belief and investment in our Springfield and my administration as we continue to create more jobs.”

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, congratulated the 2019 Anthony J. Serafino Scholarship winners: Jessica Smith of Minnechaug Regional High School, Isaac Schein of Longmeadow High School, Taylor Woods of Pioneer Valley Christian Academy, Quinn Serafino of West Springfield High School, and Kaylee Fife of Tantasqua Regional Senior High School.

The $1,000 scholarships were awarded by Arrha to worthy students based on scholastic merit and civic achievement. Recipients must be a senior high-school student, be an Arrha member or student whose parent is a member, be involved in outside activities or community endeavors, and plan to attend a two-year or four-year degree-granting college or university. In addition to the scholarships, each student was given $100 to open an account with a debit card to jump-start their financial future on a positive note.

“We wish each of our recipients the best of luck with their educational endeavors,” Ostrowski said.

AMHERST — On Sunday, April 28, Big Brothers Big Sisters will host the ninth annual Daffodil 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run. This festive, family-friendly event takes place at Kendrick Park in Amherst, with the race kicking off at 10 a.m.

Before the race, registrants can enjoy Esselon Coffee and a pre-race warmup with 50/50 Fitness/Nutrition. The post-race party for all registrants and volunteers will include a barbecue lunch provided by the Pub, music with DJ Matt Peterson, a bounce house, hula hooping with Hoop Joy, and balloon art. New this year, Crooked Stick Pops will bring their popsicles to the party, and there will be a tent sale of gently used children’s books curated by author and illustrator Diane deGroat.

With a goal of raising $60,000 this year, the Daffodil Run is the largest annual fundraiser for CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County and provides vital funds for its mentoring programs. This year, it is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, and participants can decide which agency their fundraising will benefit.

“The Daffodil Run is a favorite springtime event in our community, with 1,000 people joining together each year to have fun and support youth-mentoring programs,” said Jessie Cooley, director of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County. “By partnering with our friends in Hampden County, we hope to create an even bigger impact and to match more young people in our region with mentors.”

Runners and walkers can register online until Wednesday, April 24, and race-day registration is available beginning at 8 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top three overall finishers in each gender category, as well as top finishers for each age group and top fundraisers. Community members are invited to join the festivities at Kendrick Park and cheer on the runners and walkers along the route.

For more information and to register for the race, visit daffodilrun2019.racewire.com.

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health announced it has mailed letters to patients about an e-mail phishing incident that affected approximately 12,000 patients.

On Feb. 7, Baystate Health learned of unauthorized access to an employee’s e-mail account and immediately launched an investigation. During the course of the investigation, it learned that nine employee e-mail accounts were compromised as a result of an e-mail phishing incident.

“As soon as Baystate identified the unauthorized access, each account was secured,” said Kevin Hamel, chief Information Security officer for Baystate Health. “Baystate hired an experienced computer forensic firm to assist in this investigation.”

The investigation determined that some patient information was contained in the e-mail accounts, including patient names, dates of birth, health information (such as diagnoses, treatment information, and medications), and, in some instances, health-insurance information, as well as a limited number of Medicare numbers and Social Security numbers. Neither patient medical records nor any of Baystate’s electronic-medical-record systems were compromised.

All affected patients are receiving information directly from Baystate Health via direct mail, and Baystate has established a dedicated call center for patients to call with any questions, at (833) 231-3361, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Baystate is offering a complimentary one-year membership to credit-monitoring and identity-protection services for those patients whose Social Security numbers were exposed.

“The integrity of our information systems and e-mail security is a high priority, and we are committed to maintaining and securing patient information at all times,” said Joel Vengco, senior vice president and chief Information officer for Baystate Health. 

To help prevent something like this from happening in the future, the health system required a password change for all affected employees, increased the level of e-mail logging (and is reviewing those logs regularly), and has blocked access to e-mail accounts outside of its network. It is also reinforcing its current, ongoing training and education of all employees focused on detecting and avoiding phishing e-mails.

More information may be found on Baystate’s website at baystatehealth.org/phishing.

AMHERST — President Miriam Nelson resigned from Hampshire College effective April 5, having submitted her resignation letter to the board of trustees two days earlier. The board voted to appoint Ken Rosenthal as interim president.

In a letter to the Hampshire community, Nelson said the college is divided over her leadership and she had become a distraction from the college’s work to establish a sustainable financial model. She expressed optimism that the board, working closely with the Hampshire community, will overcome its persistent financial challenges. 

“I am confident a new leader will work within a more favorable environment and find a path to daylight that has eluded me,” Nelson wrote. “In a short period of time, I have come to love Hampshire, and to deeply admire the students, staff, faculty, alums, and friends whom I have had the great pleasure of getting to know.” She concluded, “I leave knowing that, if there is any community that can creatively surmount obstacles, it is Hampshire.”

Over the past five years, Hampshire has suffered a 20% decline in enrollment and faced operating deficits, balancing its budgets by reducing staff and receiving major rescue gifts from trustees and a one-time endowment investment dividend. After Nelson began her tenure in July, she and the board worked through the fall semester to assess the college’s resources and ability to reverse a projected deficit of more than $5 million for the 2019-20 year and a cumulative deficit of close to $20 million over the subsequent three years.

Dependent on tuition for 87% of its revenues, Hampshire has a small endowment of $52 million. These realities raised the risk that the college would not be able to educate an incoming fall class through to graduation, which led the board to vote to focus on educating its current students and not admit a full new class until they establish a sustainable business model.

Through the fall, Nelson and trustees met with groups of alumni, and individually with major donors, as they explored the feasibility of a major fundraising effort at the level required to sustain Hampshire. With the board’s authorization, Nelson in late fall also began pursuing the option of partnerships for the college, publicly announcing a search on Jan. 15, which led to talks with more potential partners.

The announcement caused distress and criticism from constituents, and the board and Nelson sought over the past two months to work more closely with the community on exploring options for Hampshire to remain independent. Board Chair Gaye Hill announced her resignation on Monday, April 1. Vice Chair Kim Saal submitted his resignation a few days later.

Rosenthal, named interim president, was one of the college’s founders and its fifth employee, hired in 1966, and its first treasurer. He left the Hampshire administration in 1976 for a long career in law, business, and the nonprofit sector, ultimately retiring as president of the non-profit the Seeing Eye, the world’s premier guide-dog school for the blind. During his tenure there, the organization’s net assets increased by 70%.

He returned to Hampshire to serve as a trustee from 2008 to 2016. When Rosenthal retired as trustee in 2016, he established an endowment to fund faculty research.

Rosenthal said it will take the cooperation of the entire Hampshire community to create the model that will become the next Hampshire College. “As someone who has been a part of Hampshire for more than 52 years, I know how difficult that can be. And how wonderful.”

Rosenthal said he will begin immediately to work with college leaders to address the uncertainties faced by Hampshire’s current students and their parents, faculty and staff, and its small class of incoming students. He said he’s committed to channeling the passion and commitment of the Hampshire community to finding a long-term solution.

The board of trustees also appointed a new interim chair, Luis Hernandez, and voted to lead a fundraising campaign to keep Hampshire independent, which will dictate his priorities for the college in the coming weeks and months.

After graduating from Hampshire, Hernandez earned a master’s degree in bilingual and multicultural education from the University of San Francisco. He began his career working as a teacher, then developed educational programs for children and professional-development curricula for Head Start teachers across the country. Today, he’s an early childhood education specialist who provides training and technical assistance through Western Kentucky University. His expertise encompasses early literacy, dual-language learning, adult-learning practices, and diversity. 

HOLYOKE — The Boston Business Journal published its list of the fastest-growing banks in Massachusetts, and, following its acquisition of First National Bank of Suffield, PeoplesBank ranked second on the list.

“About 50% of our growth came from the merger,” said Brian Canina, chief financial officer of PeoplesBank. “But the untold story is that the rest of that growth was organic. We attribute our organic growth to our mutual charter. We do not have to divert earnings to shareholders, so we can reinvest in our organization and the communities we serve. That means improved technology, better products and services — including rates and terms — as well as a level of investment in the community that is unmatched by our competitors.”

HOLYOKE — Attorney Karen Jackson of Jackson Law, an elder-law and estate-planning firm, will teach a series of classes highlighting the latest developments in elder law and estate planning at Holyoke Community College (HCC). The six-hour course, called “Elder Law and Estate Planning: What You Need to Know,” will be presented in three two-hour sessions, on Mondays, May 6, May 13, and May 20, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Jackson will present comprehensive subject matter on what she calls “The Core Estate Plan,” in which she will explain core documents and provide stories and examples. She will also discuss “The Probate Court Process and Medicare Hot Topics” and “Community Care Programs and MassHealth Planning for Nursing-home Care.”

“The course will explain the basic building blocks of an estate plan and a plan for home and nursing-home care,” she said. “From that foundation, we will also consider the various specialized trust documents that support this planning. I will clarify the Probate Court process and what it means to probate a will. And, finally, we will explore current MassHealth issues that are affecting seniors.”

In the first session, Jackson will explain each document in the core estate plan. She will discuss the problems that can occur when proper documents are not prepared before a loss of mental capacity or physical health or before sudden loss of life.

The second session will address four areas: trusts, the probate court process, Medicare hot topics, and options for community care and home care. Jackson will provide pertinent information and details about each to assist attendees in planning now. 

In the third and final session, Jackson will introduce the various Medicaid programs that provide long-term skilled-nursing home care in Massachusetts and the financial assistance associated with each.

While participants may attend only one session of their choosing, they must still pay the full course cost of $89. To register, call (413) 552-2500 or visit www.hcc.edu/bce.

SPRINGFIELD — Work Opportunity Center Inc. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 8 at its newly purchased and renovated community-based day-services (CBDS) facility located at 73 Marketplace in Springfield.

Established in 1969, Work Opportunity Center Inc. (WOC) initially served its participants through a center-based work-service model. Community-based day services were added in the summer of 2014. In June 2016, center-based work services were discontinued for all participants, and those services were converted to CBDS. As of March 14, 2019, there are approximately 84 individuals participating in WOC CBDS services. Last month, 34 program participants and six staff members transferred from the WOC facility in Agawam to its newest facility in Springfield.

The CBDS program of supports enables individuals with developmental disabilities to enrich their lives and enjoy a full range of community activities by providing opportunities for developing, enhancing, and maintaining competency in personal, social, and community activities. Service options for individuals participating in the CBDS program include career exploration, community-integration experiences, skills development and training, volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits, health and fitness classes, socialization experiences, and support to enhance interpersonal skills as well as the pursuit of personal interests and hobbies.

The renovation of the 73 Marketplace facility is supported by a $10,000 grant made by the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation along with a $5,000 grant from Westfield Bank toward the purchase of a new vehicle for program participants.

“This new Springfield community-based Day Services Program will offer individuals from the Springfield area better access for working, volunteering, and exploring in their community,” said Robert MacDonald, executive director of Work Opportunity Center Inc. “The program is designed so individuals will spend less time commuting and more time participating in community activities. More community involvement will help individuals become more comfortable in their community.”

AMHERST — On Thursday, Gov. Charlie Baker celebrated the opening of the new Physical Sciences Building (PSB) at UMass Amherst, a facility funded by the state that fosters and expands cutting-edge collaborative learning and research at the Commonwealth’s flagship campus.

“We were pleased to invest in the new Physical Sciences Building, which will serve as a hub for the natural sciences at UMass Amherst,” Baker said. “The facility’s expansion will help foster new research and career opportunities, which will help support the STEM workforce pipeline here in Massachusetts.”

Added Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, “this complex is home to the very best facilities in physics and chemistry, enhancing the research capability for our faculty and students in the College of Natural Sciences and providing the STEM talent that is essential for the state’s innovation economy. We’re deeply grateful for the governor’s support and the state’s investment in UMass Amherst.”

UMass President Marty Meehan noted that “this project reflects the significance of the Commonwealth’s investment in faculty excellence, scientific discovery, and student success at UMass Amherst. And it strengthens UMass Amherst’s position as a top-tier public research university that prepares students to thrive in the high-demand STEM fields that are so important to the future of Massachusetts.”

The 95,000-square-foot PSB opened this academic year after three years of construction and incorporates the reconstructed West Experiment Station, a 19th-century agricultural soils research laboratory and one of the university’s most historic buildings. Funding for the $101.8 million project included $85 million from the state and $16.8 million financed by the campus through the UMass Building Authority.

The PSB provides offices, specialized laboratories, and approximately 130 laboratory benches for the Physics and Chemistry departments. The laboratories are constructed in a layout that can be reconfigured many times during the life of the building. Among other fields, the PSB supports scientific discovery in material science, condensed matter and nuclear physics, and organic chemistry. The faculty hosted in these facilities have collectively been awarded $127 million in grants and are working on the forefront of science.

The building was designed by Wilson Architects of Boston, and construction was managed by Whiting-Turner, which is headquartered in Baltimore and has a nearby office in Marlborough. The laboratories feature an open floor plan, so space for one group is adjacent to that of another, with no walls between them. In addition to the advantages of increasing interactions between groups, this provides the ability for the amount of laboratory space each group uses to broadly follow changes in group size.

The PSB incorporates numerous green building features and has earned Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, a challenge for a building with such high air-handling requirements. The extensive windows and glass walls allow natural light to illuminate the laboratory space. Energy- and water-saving features include high-efficiency fume hoods with a hood monitoring system to encourage closing of hood sashes when not in use and a closed-cycle chilled-water loop. There is open space for specialized instrumentation such as glove boxes and dedicated rooms for high hazard work, solvent dispensing, and bacterial cell culture.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Elms College are partnering to offer accelerated online degree-completion programs in computer science and computer information technology and security.

In a ceremony Thursday, John Cook, president of STCC, and Harry Dumay, president of Elms College, formally signed an agreement that eases the coursework transfer between the two colleges for students seeking degrees in the computer-focused programs.

The bachelor’s-degree programs are completely online and accelerated, which means students can earn their degree in 14 months after obtaining an associate degree from STCC. They will need to earn an associate degree with at least 60 credits, which typically takes two years. A total of 120 credits is needed for the bachelor’s degree.

STCC and Elms have been partners in two of the pathways since 2016. The colleges have updated those agreements and created two new pathways to a bachelor’s degree from Elms in computer science or computer information technology and security.

The four pathway options are:

• Associate degree in computer and IT security from STCC and bachelor’s degree in computer information technology and security from Elms;

•Associate degree in programmer at STCC and bachelor’s degree in computer science at Elms;

•Associate degree in computer systems engineering technology from STCC and a bachelor’s degree in computer science OR computer information technology and security from Elms; and

•Associate degree in engineering and science transfer – computer science transfer option from STCC and a bachelor’s degree in computer science OR computer information technology and security from Elms.

Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science at Elms will develop technical knowledge and creative-thinking skills to design smarter software. They will learn how to code and also discover how to ask questions about how to improve the user experience of new technologies, apps, games, websites, and more.

Students who graduate with a bachelor’s degree from Elms in computer information technology and security will be prepared for careers as IT technicians, system administrators, network administrators, and cybersecurity specialists. Both fields are expected to experience growth over the next several years.

“We are thankful for the opportunity to enter into a partnership with Elms College on these pathways to technical careers,” Cook said. “Students enrolled in these online programs have an affordable and convenient way to develop computer information technology and computer science-related skills and earn a bachelor’s degree.”

Added Dumay, “computer information technology and computer science are rapidly expanding fields with many employment opportunities for our region. We are pleased to extend our partnership with Springfield Technical Community College beyond social work to put a new field of bachelor’s degrees and rewarding careers within reach for local students.”

Here are other details of the memorandum of understanding signed by the college presidents:

•Elms and STCC agreed to continue a degree-completion program in social work for the next five years. The original agreement was signed in 2011;

•Elms will offer conditional acceptance to its degree-completion programs in social work, computer information technology and security, and computer science for STCC degree candidates in selected associate-degree fields; and

•Elms will guarantee seamless admission into Elms bachelor’s-degree programs in social work, computer information technology and security, and computer science for STCC graduates in selected programs who have maintained a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5.

LUDLOW — Gove Law Office announced that paralegal Tammy Gamache has joined the firm. She has more than five years of experience as a paralegal and will be focused on residential and commercial real-estate transactions. 

“Tammy brings significant experience to our real-estate practice, and will be ready to help our clients with their transactions from day one,” said Michael Gove, founding partner of Gove Law Office.

Gamache earned her certificate of advanced paralegal studies from Elms College after graduating from Bay Path College with a bachelor’s degree. She is a member of Lambda Epsilon Chi, the National Honor Society in Paralegal and Legal Assistant Studies. She is also a foster for National Great Pyrenees Rescue, an organization that rescues Great Pyrenees dogs from across the U.S. that have been abused, neglected, or picked up as strays.

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) will continue its annual Desmond Tutu Public Health Awareness Lecture Series with an examination of the current opioid public-health crisis by two of the college’s experts on the subject.

The keynote speakers are Director of Graduate Psychology Lina Racicot and Jaime Bruno, Springfield Police narcotics detective and adjunct professor of Forensic Psychology, who will discuss the psychological theories and physiological components of this epidemic as well as present real-life scenarios. The lecture will take place on Monday, April 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Campus Center Auditorium at AIC, located at 1000 State St., Springfield. 

“The opioid public-health crisis has led to such senseless loss for so many. Whether it be the addicted losing everything including their own identity or loved ones losing them to the addiction, it’s essential to open the dialogue with healthcare providers to help recognize the comprehensive needs of each unique individual that comes their way,” said Racicot.

As the director of graduate psychology, Racicot oversees AIC’s forensic psychology and clinical psychology master’s-degree programs as well as the educational psychology and mental health counseling doctoral offerings. She brings with her decades of experience as an educator, author, researcher, clinician, and advocate, and has been invited to work on a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant investigating medically assisted treatment for opioid addiction. Her novel, Living with the Little Devil Man, is based upon her own experiences with a loved one’s struggle with mental illness and addiction. An advocate for at-risk youth, Racicot partners with the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative to identify rehabilitative opportunities in lieu of imprisonment for non-violent offenders. She also works with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department researching the efficacy of post-incarceration services.

Bruno offers extensive, firsthand knowledge of the impacts of addiction. An officer with the Springfield Police Department since 1995, he has served the community as a narcotics detective for nearly two decades, including seven years spent in undercover work. He has presented extensively on issues pertaining to heroin and opiate abuse, appearing before the Mayor’s Violence Prevention Committee in Springfield, law students at Western New England University, at Westfield State University, and at the Center for Human Development at Springfield Technical Community College. Bruno earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice from Westfield State University and is a doctoral candidate at AIC.

The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, contact Kristi Gosselin at (413) 205-3565 or [email protected].

BOSTON — Military families often face unique challenges during and following deployments. Established after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Military Friends Foundation is able to support military families and families of fallen service members through challenging times, thanks to the MA Military Family Relief Fund, which is funded via voluntary donations from Massachusetts taxpayers. With the arrival of tax season, the Military Friends Foundation wants to remind Massachusetts taxpayers to “Take 5, Give $5” to help military families in need when they are filing their taxes this year.

“It’s important to remember that our service members continue to be deployed around the world, and their families at home often make great sacrifices to support them,” said Sarah Sweeney, Army wife and executive director of the Military Friends Foundation. “We hope that Massachusetts will continue to help us provide assistance to these families, as they have in years past.”

Massachusetts tax filers can donate via the Massachusetts state tax form by filling out Box 32E to donate $5 or more to the MA Military Family Relief Fund. The Military Friends Foundation manages these funds and offers grant programs, community-building events, and direct support to military families facing hardship.

“We encourage citizens across the Commonwealth to use Box 32E to provide much-needed support to Massachusetts military families and families of fallen service members,” said Francisco Urena, Massachusetts secretary of Veterans’ Services. “This is a critical tool in lending support to those who have worn the uniform and the families who serve beside them.”

In the 13 years since box 32E was added to the Massachusetts state tax form, the Military Friends Foundation has provided millions of dollars in direct aid to help service members in need. More than $250,000 was raised from Massachusetts state tax donations in 2018. The Military Friends Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-deductible charitable organization.

NORTHAMPTON — Fierst, Kane & Bloomberg, LLP announced that Mae Stiles has become of counsel to the firm. She has 11 years of experience in complex commercial litigation, including antitrust and intellectual property matters, as well as a wide variety of corporate and licensing transactions.

Stiles is a graduate of the University of Vermont and the University of Pennsylvania Law School. She is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Massachusetts, New York, and California.

CHICOPEE — The School of Nursing at Elms College has received a $750,000 grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to improve health outcomes in Haiti through nursing faculty development beginning in summer 2019.

In Haiti — where infant mortality rates are the highest in the Americas, and life expectancy is the lowest — most healthcare is provided by nurses, so educating nurses for the future workforce is critical to the health of the Haitian population. Skill development for student nurses depends on competent and well-trained faculty, but nursing faculty in Haiti are reportedly unprepared for clinical teaching and need enhanced teaching.

The Elms program will prepare two cohorts of approximately 40 faculty from approved nursing schools across Haiti and clinical educators from multiple hospitals to be skilled nurse educators. The two cohorts will complete a graduate certificate transferable to a master’s program, providing a pathway for lifelong learning and increasing enrollment in MSN programs.

This sustainable and replicable continuing-education program will use a train-the-trainer model to enhance the nurse educators’ abilities to deliver the content going forward. Content threaded throughout courses will include graduate-level study of the role and skills of the nurse educator, health and physical assessments, nursing leadership, maternal and child health, and other health disparities.

“Because to many we in the U.S. represent the gold standard of nursing, I believe we have an obligation to share our expertise and contribute to global nursing and healthcare,” said Kathleen Scoble, dean of the School of Nursing at Elms. “We are honored to have the opportunity to make a difference through nurse faculty development, which we hope will become a program for replication. After all, in my international nursing experiences, nursing and the human condition are universal despite language and geographical differences. The Elms nursing faculty will gain as much or more than the Haitian nurse faculty they are teaching and mentoring as they learn this new culture and environment of practice.”

TURNERS FALLS — The United Arc will host its annual “Showcasing Talents & Pursuits” open house on Thursday, April 11 at the organization’s main office, 294 Ave. A, Turners Falls.

The open house will showcase the talents and pursuits of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the Turners Falls location — the Franklin County Family Support Center and the Positive Parenting Center.

In addition, Greenfields Savings Bank will showcase the artwork of several individuals served by the United Arc, including Holly Elmer, Mary Fernsebner, Katherine Johnson, James McNeil, Joe Parzych, and Mark Willoughby, all of whom donated original works of art for the United Arc’s annual gala and auction in 2017. The artwork will be on display from Monday, April 8 to Friday, April 12 in their community room at 282 Ave. A, Turners Falls.

Founded in 1951, the United Arc supports people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities in achieving the universal goals of inclusion, choice, and independence. The organization provides services to individuals and their families in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Worcester counties.

SPRINGFIELD — More than 100 agencies in the Greater Springfield area refer women to be suited and take part in other programs and services offered by Dress for Success Western Mass. To thank these referral agencies for all they do, Dress for Success Western Mass. will host a complimentary breakfast in their honor on Friday, April 5 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at Mercy Medical Center. Registration will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m., followed by awards for referring agency and volunteer of the year.

Dr. Reginald Eadie, president and CEO of Trinity Health Of New England, will be a guest speaker. Certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, he earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He also holds an executive MBA from Michigan State University Broad Business School and a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from South Carolina State University. He is a published author of books and articles on the subject of obesity and has been nationally recognized by numerous organizations for leadership excellence.

BOSTON — Business confidence weakened slightly in March amid signs of both a cyclical global slowdown and persistent demographic factors limiting the growth of the labor force in Massachusetts.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index lost 0.3 points to 57.9 during March. Confidence remains within optimistic territory but has lost 5.6 points during the past 12 months.

The decrease reflected employer concerns about economic prospects for the next six months. Those concerns outweighed growing optimism among manufacturing companies and rising confidence in the Massachusetts economy.

The March survey took place as the government announced that Massachusetts created only 20,000 jobs during 2018 instead of the 65,500 previously estimated. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that average payroll job growth in Massachusetts fell from 1.3% in 2017 to 0.9% last year.

“Massachusetts employers continue to struggle with the challenges of a full-employment economy complicated by demographic issues such as the retirement of large numbers of Baby Boomers,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “U.S. economic growth appears to be slowing, as well as world economic growth, but recession fears are still low.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index has remained above 50 since October 2013.

Northeastern University professor Alan Clayton-Matthews, a BEA member, said the downward revision of the Massachusetts job-growth numbers was consistent with demographic trends such as the large number of Baby Boomers retiring from the workforce.

“The last New England Economic Project forecast projected a slowdown in payroll job growth from 1.7% in 2017 to 1.1% in 2018 and 0.6% in 2019, and a slowdown in labor-force growth from 1.6% in 2017 to 0.6% in 2018 and 0.4% in 2019. This forecast was largely based on demographic projections assuming a full-employment economy,” said Clayton-Matthews. “The state economy seems to be running at full capacity, and the basic state indicators don’t suggest a lack of demand, though it’s hard to spot turning points until there is enough hindsight.”

AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, also a BEA member, said employers remain concerned as Beacon Hill lawmakers undertake a broad discussion of how to fund expensive policy priorities such as transportation infrastructure, public education, and clean energy. He noted that AIM will be part of a group assembled by the state Senate to look at the Massachusetts tax code.

“AIM undertakes these debates conscious of the oppressive cost burdens already facing Massachusetts employers,” Lord said. “Massachusetts must develop a fair strategy to address its spending needs without harming employers who are already struggling to implement a $1 billion paid family and medical leave program along with the rising cost of both health insurance and energy.”

FLORENCE — Florence Bank recently announced that Justin LaMontagne and Jennifer Halpin were named the recipients of its 2019 President’s Award.

The President’s Award is a tradition established by the bank in 1995, affording employees opportunities to nominate their peers for this prestigious award that recognizes outstanding performance, customer service, and overall contribution to Florence Bank. LaMontagne and Halpin were nominated by numerous colleagues.

LaMontagne is an information technology specialist at the main headquarters and has been with Florence Bank for two years. He is a graduate of Branford Hall Career Institute and the New England Institute of Art.

Halpin is the employee relationship manager at the main headquarters and has been with Florence Bank for four years. Halpin received her associate degree in business administration from Berkshire Community College and a bachelor’s degree in management from UMass Amherst. 

“Jennifer and Justin showcase how hard work and determination truly pay off,” said John Heaps Jr., president and CEO of Florence Bank. “Their peers have praised their dedication, enthusiasm, and the impressive skill set they bring to their respective jobs each day.”

NORTHAMPTON — Public-relations and marketing firm Chikmedia celebrated its fifth year in business on April 1. Chikmedia is a boutique firm with a passion for working with female-run organizations and women business owners, offering strategic marketing planning and creative public relations, said Meghan Rothschild, CEO and ‘chief badass.’

The said she started the business to put an emphasis on female-run organizations with an edgy, fierce, and authentic approach. Five years ago, Chikmedia focused mostly on social media, graphic design, and public relations for its clients. However, the firm has now expanded its services and has conducted several engaging, informative, and educational workshops that aid businesses with social media, personal branding, PR 101, and crisis management.

“We’ve grown here in the community through our reputation and happy client referrals,” she said. “We’re grateful to now have an amazing team, expanded services, and a well-known presence here in Western Mass.”

This year, Chikmedia worked with the region’s new Futures Collegiate Baseball team, the Westfield Starfires, to launch its season by hosting a team name unveiling party. Chikmedia also worked with Square One, a Springfield nonprofit that provides a range of family-friendly education and support services, in launching a new service line that expands childcare to all hours of the day. The company also partners with Dunkin’ Donuts in sponsoring several events.

Chikmedia puts an emphasis on supporting fellow women entrepreneurs and thrives on hosting its own signature events to fulfill this mission. The company’s second annual sold-out Chiks’ Night Out event took place in Springfield in March to promote the spring line of Addy Elizabeth, a chic clothing boutique. Plans are underway to host Party With the Chiks this fall.

BOSTON — A new Massachusetts passenger plate is now available at all full-service RMV locations for outdoor enthusiasts interested in wildlife conservation, habitat improvement, and guaranteed public access to Massachusetts land.

The new “Habitat and Heritage” plate features a whitetail deer buck drawn by Springfield wildlife artist Edward Snyder. Proceeds from the plate will benefit the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sportsmen’s National Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2007, dedicated to conserving and improving wildlife habitat for use by the public. With funds from the license plate, the Sportsmen’s Land Trust can further its mission to acquire open space and partner with other like-minded organizations to complete habitat improvement projects across Massachusetts.

For more information, visit the special plates section of the Massachusetts RMV website, or e-mail the SNLT at [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — Franklin First Federal Credit Union was honored as a Community Hero at the Credit Union Heroes and Community Bank Heroes Awards Gala on March 28, hosted at MGM Springfield by American Business Media, publisher of Banking New England and Centerpoint magazines.

Wolf and Co., one of the nation’s leading tax, audit, and CPA firms, was the gala’s presenting sponsor. The gala recognized 18 community banks and credit unions from across New England for their creation of community partnerships and going beyond the call to aid their community. Vincent Valvo, American Business Media publisher and CEO, noted that “we sought out the banks and credit unions that are doing things that are interesting, impactful, and innovative.”

Franklin First was recognized for its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Franklin County through the creation of a financial carnival designed to educate youth in the community about identifying, earning, and spending money. Franklin First organized several financial carnivals to coincide with mentoring sessions with local ‘bigs’ (Age 16-18) and ‘littles’ (ages 8-11) as a fun, educational alternative to their normal mentoring sessions. The carnivals involved a series of games designed to identify currency, separate wants from needs, recognize expenses, and experience financial gains and losses, all while tracking their earnings and expenses in a savings register to save up for a fun prize at the end of the night.

“Our community partnership with Big Brother Big Sisters of Franklin County has been integral in the credit union being able to offer financial education to a younger demographic,” said Michelle Dwyer, president and CEO of Franklin First. “Their participation allows us to engage two different generations at once within their Friday-night mentoring programs.”

Franklin First received Silver in the category of credit unions with less than $500 million in assets.

SPRINGFIELD — Western New England University (WNEU) was named among the top institutions in the nation in the 2018 Collegiate Advertising Awards and the 34th annual Education Advertising Awards, two programs designed to recognize higher-education organizations for excellence in communications, marketing, advertising, and promotion of their schools.

Western New England University and its creative partner, Spark451, received a total of four Gold awards. The university’s centennial logo, the recently launched WNE: The Magazine of Western New England University, and WNEU’s “What’s New?” brochure were all recognized for excellence.

The logo created to commemorate Western New England’s centennial claimed gold in both competitions. “The anniversary mark leverages iconic details of the existing brand in a new way,” said Irene Scala, creative director at Spark451. “What’s most important is that the identity’s graphic elements — showcased through the campus banners, publications, and other celebratory materials — reflect the university’s vision for a bright future, one that was inspired by many perspectives from a wide cross-section of people, but carried out as a unified institution.”

The Magazine of Western New England University claimed gold in the Collegiate Advertising Awards competition. The biannual publication explores stories drawn from a cross section of the university, highlighting faculty research, campus happenings, and alumni achievements.

“This project was the results of months of work reimagining how the university presents itself to alumni and other stakeholders,” said Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing. “This was a consummate team effort, drawing on the talents of our Marketing and Alumni offices, as well as the creative vision Spark451 brought to the table to make the stories leap off the page.”

Added Scala, “the industry recognition is a testament to our close collaboration with Western New England’s talented marketing team. We are proud of this long-standing and rewarding partnership.”

Meanwhile, “What’s New at WNE?” took home top honors in the Education Advertising Awards brochure category. The annual publication shines the spotlight on the latest university developments, including new facilities, academic programs, and faculty and student accomplishments. 

The Collegiate Advertising Awards and the Education Advertising Awards each received hundreds of entries from across the U.S. and beyond. Submissions were reviewed by separate national panels of industry experts, with judging including such criteria as creativity, layout and design, functionality, message effectiveness, production quality, and overall appeal.

CHICOPEE — In honor of April being National Autism Awareness Month, Sunshine Village is planning visits and events with local organizations to raise awareness of autism and recognize a shared commitment to inclusivity, acceptance, and celebrating unique abilities, said Gina Kos, executive director.

As a nonprofit leader in day programs and employment services for people on the autism spectrum, Sunshine Village regularly seeks partnerships and gives back to the community by volunteering, advocating, and offering educational opportunities.

With programs located in Chicopee, Springfield, Three Rivers, and Westfield, the organization has developed strong relationships with first responders and community groups and leaders, including libraries and businesses. To promote goodwill and recognize these important partnerships, individuals and staff from each program will visit the offices of Mayor Richard Kos and City Treasurer Marie Laflamme of Chicopee, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. Visits will also be made to libraries and police and fire departments in Chicopee, Springfield, Three Rivers, and Westfield.

In addition, visits will be made to MGM Springfield, Wegrzyn Dental Offices, the Holyoke Public Schools Autism Fair, Harmony House, Ronald McDonald House, Litwin Elementary School in Chicopee, and Serendipity Salon. Each community partner will be presented with inspiring artwork and homemade crafts and treats that highlight the culinary-arts skills and creativity of individuals in Sunshine Village’s programs. Members of local cultural councils will also visit Sunshine Village to enjoy the Everyone Shines Music Therapy program led by a music therapist, which was made possible through cultural council grants.

Since 1967, Sunshine Village has provided innovative day services for people with developmental disabilities, including those on the autism spectrum. Currently, the facility serves more than 500 individuals in nine sites throughout the Pioneer Valley.

HAMPDEN — The Starting Gate at GreatHorse will host breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 20 at 9 a.m. The facility is located at 128 Wilbraham Road, Hampden.

An Easter breakfast buffet will feature buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, pork sausage links, applewood bacon, golden breakfast potatoes, fresh fruit, mini danish, hot cross buns, bagels, coffee, tea, orange juice, and milk. The event will include Easter crafts and games, including an Easter egg hunt. This event is open to the public.

The cost is $35, including tax and service charges. The event is free for children under age 1. Call (413) 566-5158 for reservations.