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Camp Hard Rock
PicThisHardRockRepresentatives of Hard Rock New England, a local subsidiary of Hard Rock International, the global company vying to build a destination casino resort on the grounds of the Big E in West Springfield, recently announced plans for a first-ever two-day summer music camp. The event, in partnership with the Fender Music Foundation, is limited to the first 150 participants, ages 9 to 16, with intermediate to advanced musical interest. The camp will take place on Aug. 14 and 15 at West Springfield High School. Pictured amid guitars and drum sets are Annie Balliro, senior director of brand philanthropy, and Tim Maland, president of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England. Maland explained that the two days will offer music classes, workshops, jam sessions, and a special open-to-the-public performance on Aug. 15 at 6 p.m., directed by Dan Lavery, a two-time Grammy nominee and a past performer with the bands Tonic and The Fray. Proceeds from the $20 tuition will support music-education initiatives in West Springfield and Western Mass.

Big Relief
PicThisARCBigYOKtornadoIn response to the massive destruction from recent tornadoes in parts of Oklahoma, Big Y World Class Markets hosted a special in-store customer and employee donation program in all Massachusetts and Connecticut stores. Including additional support from Big Y, a total of $40,000 was raised, which will be utilized by American Red Cross chapters in both Massachusetts and Connecticut in support of ongoing relief efforts in those devastated Midwest communities. Pictured at the formal check presentation on June 26 are, from left, Rick Lee, director of the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter; Donald D’Amour, CEO of Big Y Foods; and Mark Brinkerhoff, director of Community Support for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter.

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Buy the Book

23Charlie Epstein, an area financial services expert known as “The 401k Coach,” recently presented the proceeds of the sales for his new book, Paychecks for Life, to the Square One Children’s Center in Springfield. Square One, a Springfield-based nonprofit established in 1883, provides early education and care to children and access to other services that their families may need to be successful. Epstein’s gift will enable the nonprofit to fund programs that help the community’s most vulnerable children to get ready for school, become life-long learners who succeed in school, and grow into self-sufficient adults. Top, Epstein, center, presents the ceremonial check for more than $17,000, to Kimberly Lee, vice president advancement with Square One, and William Sullivan, vice president of PeoplesBank and Square One board chair. Below, he spends some time with some of Square One’s young clients.

Commitment Check

PolishNatCreditUnionShowing its commitment to the new Chicopee Senior Center on Main Street, the Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) presented a check, the second of two $25,000 donations, to support the construction of the new structure. PNCU wrote the first check in 2012. Pictured, from left, are Richard Kos, co-chairman of the senior center fund-raising committee; Marie Laflamme, a member of the capital campaign; James P. Kelly PNCU president and CEO; and Ernest Laflamme, Jr., co-chairman of the senior center fund-raising committee.

Narration Connection

LinkToLibrariesOn Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m., area pre-school children have been treated to an ongoing Summer Reading program at Eastfield Mall through a collaboration between the mall and the nonprofit group Link to Libraries. The program provides trained readers to share stories with area children. Each child receives a new book following the story hour. Here, Link to Libraries reader David Porter has his audience riveted.

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Lifetime of Dedication

Gary-McCarthy-with-Board-MembersGary-McCarthy-National-Boys-&-Girls-Club-RecognitionGary McCarthy, executive director of the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, was recently honored by the Boys & Girls Club of America for his 50 years of service to the organization. Top: McCarthy stands with the Springfield Boys & Girls Club board chairs who have served during his tenure: from left, William Fraser, Malcolm Getz, William Hadley, Diane Dunkerley, Jack Fitzgerald, Stacy Magiera (immediate past chair), Tim Gallagher (current chair), McCarthy, Vinnie Daboul, Timothy Crimmins, and Art Jones. Bottom: from left, Gene Bailey, director of organizational development, National Boys & Girls Club of America; McCarthy; and James Hurley, director of development, National Boys & Girls Club of America.
Photos courtesy of Michael Epaul

Branching Out

RibbonCuttingMonson Savings Bank recently conducted a ribbon cutting for its new branch at 136 West St. in Ware. Pictured, from left, are John Desmond of the Ware Board of Selectmen; Steve Lowell, president and CEO, Monson Savings Bank; and Greg Harder, chairman of the Ware Board of Selectmen.








Thought Process

photo[2]LVPOne of six teams of the Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV) class of 2013, calling themselves the Next Generation Pioneers 2, celebrated their graduation with the presentation of a 10-month-long project on May 31. LPV strives to develop a network of emerging and existing leaders to address challenges and opportunities across the region. Bottom: from left, Christin Deremian, management, Human Resources Unlimited; Brittney Kelleher, commercial loan officer, Westfield Bank; Juli Thibault, talent acquisition marketing & operations manager, Baystate Health; Annamaria Golden, manager of Community Relations Benefits, Baystate Health; Alfonso Santaniello, president and CEO, Creative Strategy Agency; Jason Randall, director of Human Resources, Peter Pan Bus Lines; Peter Ellis, creative director, DIF Design; and Mark Sayre, actuarial consultant, MassMutual Financial Group.

Woman of the Year

DSC_8401DSC_8456DSC_8411The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC) recently honored Jean Deliso, president of Deliso Financial and Insurance Services in Agawam, as its Woman of the Year. Deliso was feted at the chamber’s annual dinner on June 6 at the Cedars in Springfield. Top: Kristy Batchelor, branch manager, Hampden Bank; Laurie Cassidy, executive director, West Springfield Council on Aging; Amy Scribner, associate director of marketing, Hampden Bank; Peg Daoust, branch manager, Hampden Bank; Susan Dominick, branch manager, Hampden Bank; Debra Geisler, branch manager, Hampden Bank; and Nora Braska, training officer, Hampden Bank. Middle: Dave Demos, vice president, Complete Restoration Solutions; Deliso; Alika Hope, co-host, Connecticut Perspective TV; and Michelle Cayo, PWC president. Bottom: Anita Bird, office manager of the Community Outreach Office, MGM Springfield; Kelley Tuckey, vice president of public relations, Eastern Region, MGM Resorts International; Deliso; and Jane Albert , executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation and vice president of Development, Baystate Health.

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Drive Time

BaliseRibbonCutBaliseLadiesAn official ribbon cutting marked the opening of the new, 27,000-square-foot Balise Ford of Wilbraham on the corner of Boston Road and Stony Hill Road, pictured below. After an eight-month construction effort, the dealership moved from its temporary setting a quarter-mile east. The new facility will offer a state-of-the-art sales and service department. Top, Jeb Balise (fourth from the left), president and CEO of Balise Motor Sales, officially cuts the ribbon, flanked on the left by Eric Fuller, member of Wilbraham Planning Board; Phil Podgorny, regional manager of New England for Ford; and Bob Russell, Wilbraham selectman; and on the right by Jason Perez, general manager of Balise Ford of Wilbraham; and Dick Butler, member of the Wilbraham Planning Board. Bottom, the Balise marketing team poses on the back of a 2013 Ford F-150. From left are Kristin Garini, digital marketing manager; Megan Boshuyzen, graphic designer; Dale MacDonald, media manager; and Crystal Childs, social media specialist.

Who Done It?

GrayHouseCastNine area ‘celebrities’ recently volunteered their time and talent to portray various suspects in a second annual murder mystery dinner titled Quicker Than The Eye. The interactive evening benefited the Gray House Inc., a nonprofit that provides food, clothing, and educational services to nearly 8,000 Springfield-area residents each year. Featured players included (from left) Chris Buendo, co-publisher, Reminder Publications; Ellen Freyman, attorney, Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C.; Korri Piper, development and communications director, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; Karen Boyd, the Zito & Karen Morning Show, Mix 93.1; Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli Co.; Jill Monson, owner, Inspired Marketing; Brady Chianciola, assistant vice president and regional manager, PeoplesBank; Elizabeth Taras, staff writer, BusinessWest and the Healthcare News; and Kimberly Robinson William, diversity consultant, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Baystate Health.

Airing His Opinions

YPSmeetingYPSexcelDryerDenis Gagnon, president of Excel Dryer in East Longmeadow, and inventor of the XLERATOR hand dryer, spoke to members of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield for the May CEO Luncheon. After a tour of the manufacturing facility, Gagnon and son Bill, vice president of Marketing and Key Accounts, explained how the family’s investments in new products, especially the XLERATOR, which is now the industry standard, has enabled the company to grow exponentially since it was purchased in 1997. Pictured in the Excel plant, bottom, with Denis Gagnon (third from left), are YPS board members (from left) Jeremy Casey, assistant vice president and commercial service officer, Westfield Bank; Jack Toner, sales, Sumner & Toner Insurance Agency; Nick Gelfand, owner, NRG Real Estate Inc.; Sharon Czarnecki, assistant vice president and commercial loan officer/Small Business Development, Westfield Bank; and Bill Gagnon.

Dave and Dinosaurs

Dave Ratner at schoolDavid Ratner, CEO of Dave’s Soda and Pet City of Agawam and Hadley, recently read to students at the James Clark School in Agawam as part of the Link to Libraries Business Book Link program. Ratner shared a story about dinosaurs with the first-grade class of teacher Kathy Planzo, at right.

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House Party

HapHousingHAPHousing recently celebrated its 40th anniversary at the organization’s annual event and fund-raiser at the MassMutual Center, and received a generous donation of $75,000 from the event’s sponsor, Citizens Bank. HAPHousing provides a broad range of housing services to meet the needs of low- and moderate-income households and is the region’s largest nonprofit developer of affordable housing. More than 400 attendees also witnessed the success achieved by three of HAPHousing’s program participants, pictured above. From left, Wally Quinones, who rebuilt on Clark Street after the 2011 tornado; Derek Washington, formerly homeless and now employed and off of public assistance; and Gladys Morales, who went from a shelter to self-sufficiency and owning her own home.

Learning Experience

Polaris04427687Dan Warwick, superintendent of Springfield Public Schools (second from left), recently presented an Outstanding Community Leadership award to United Water for its exceptional outreach and education programs to Springfield students. United Water, which operates the Bondi’s Island wastewater treatment facility, is a founding sponsor for the World Is Our Classroom program, and has donated nearly $775,000 over the past 10 years. Nearly 20,000 Springfield fifth-grade students have participated in the World Is Our Classroom program, which advocates learning outside of the classroom, since its inception in 2003. Here, Nora Burke Patton, left, executive director of World is Our Classroom, poses with, from left, Warwick; Don Goodroe, area manager for United Water; and Katharine Pedersen, executive director of the Springfield Water and Sewer Commission.

Ingenuity on Display

IMG_5613IMG_5620Thousands of attendees descended on Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield last week for EASTEC, the largest manufacturing trade show on the East Coast. Sponsored by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the three-day event, now staged every other year, showcased more than 550 exhibitors and pre-registered more than 14,000 attendees to view exhibits of industrial equipment and take in educational programs focused on continuous quality improvement, advanced manufacturing, and the importance of workforce development. At top, attendees stroll the aisles. Middle, Kevin Garvey, left, field service and sales, and Kathleen Trudeau, vice president, sales and service, both of Hayden Corp. in West Springfield, stand with Steve Roy, sales engineer of Hayden Laser Services LLC. Bottom, Tony Nelson, left, forging manager, and Larry Flatley, specialty services business manager, staff the Smith & Wesson booth.IMG_5625

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Legacy Luncheon

CTL-4305pic this 0513a 2pic this 0513a 3The Sisters of Providence Health System’s annual Continuing the Legacy Luncheon was staged recently at the Sheraton in Springfield. At the event, which is the annual fund-raiser for SPHS, the Sisters of Providence were also honored for their 140 years of service to the region. Nearly 500 people attended the event, which educates, updates, and impassions members of the community about the mission of the health system, its services, and recent advancements. Top: Dan Moen, SPHS president and CEO, addresses guests. Middle: Longmeadow resident Betty McCann tells the gathering about her positive experience at the Mercy Hearing Center. Bottom: members of the Sisters of Providence congregation gather for a photo; seated, from left: Srs. Mary Horgan, Caroline Smith, Joan Manning, and Priscilla St. Pierre; standing, from left: Srs. Mary Caritas (vice president), Ceil McGrath, Mary Martin de Porres, Geraldine Noonan, Ruth McGoldrick, and Kathleen Popko (president).

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A Living Treasure

PriorAwardThe annual Dorothy Jordan Pryor Award and Lecture at Springfield Technical Community College honors a “living treasure” such as Pryor, the former English teacher, Affirmative Action officer, and trustee. The 2013 recipient, Setta McCabe, retired director of Public Relations and Publication and current WTCC-FM board member, spoke on the history of the college and the radio station.

Sports Minded

GSCVBThe Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) recently launched the new Western MA Sports Commission, which will purse, attract, and support sporting events and sports-related business opportunities that positively impact the Western Mass. economy. During ceremonies at the MassMutual Center, a new logo was unveiled, and John Heaps, president of Florence Savings Bank, was introduced as chairman of the commission, Other members of the board, seated from left, are: Thomas Burke, Granby High School Coach; Steve McKelvey, associate professor and graduate program director at UMass Amherst; Shannah McArdle, director of sports marketing for the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism; Louise Hines, director of sports and event marketing for the MassMutual Financial Group; John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; Paul Dinn, president of Dinn Brothers Trophy, Inc.; and J. Adam Filson, general counsel of Jiminy Peak Family of Companies. Other commission members not pictured include Kenneth Sinkiewicz, deputy director, of the Mass. Convention Center Authority, and Henry Thomas III, president & CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

Naming Rights

EDnamedforGrinspoonandTrodermanBaystate Medical Center’s adult emergency department recently benefited from a  $1 million gift from local philanthropic leaders Harold Grinspoon and wife, Diane Troderman. In appreciation, the Level 1 adult trauma facility’s new name will be the Harold Grinspoon & Diane Troderman Adult Emergency Department at the Baystate Medical Center Emergency & Trauma Center. It joins the Sadowsky Family Pediatric Emergency Department as the two named elements of the new Emergency & Trauma Center at Baystate, which opened in December 2012. The Emergency & Trauma Center encompasses more than three times the size of the hospital’s former emergency room, with twice the number of private, adult patient-care spaces. Grinspoon established the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in 1993 in Springfield, and Troderman has been his active partner in all of his philanthropic activities. Pictured (from left) during the announcement event are: Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health; James Sadowsky of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees; Grinspoon; Troderman; John Davis of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees; Dr. Benjamin Liptzin, chair of the Department of Psychiatry, Baystate Health; and Dr. Richard Engelman, chief of Cardiac Surgical Research at Baystate Medical Center.

Unlimited Pride

20130411hru011220130411hru010120130411hru0105Human Resources Unlimited recently staged its annual Recognition and Fundraiser event at Springfield Country Club. Employer partners and volunteers were honored and successful program members were recognized. At top, from left, accepting the 2012 Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year award is Jeff Lander, center, founder of Appilistic, flanked by (from left) Susan Smith, senior employment coordinator, Forum House; Renee Kosciusko, daughter of Armand Tourangeau; Carol Tourangeau, wife of Armand Tourangeau; and Susan Beckwith, program manager, Forum House. Middle left, 2012 Rookie Employer Award recipients (from left), Jackie Huntley, Tradewinds program member; Deb Post, HR manager, and Russell Prentiss, general manager, both of the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center; Michael Forest, program manager, Tradewinds; and Winnie Siano, senior employment coordinator, Tradewinds; Bottom, Donald Kozera, President of Human Resources Unlimited (second from right) poses with the winners of the Employer of the Year Award, representing Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Westfield. From left are: Arlie Meade, sales manager; Nathan Byrd, general manager, Ashish Patel, president, and Jacquie Clayton, guest services manager.
Photos by Paul Schnaittacher

Engineering Excellence

Tighe&Bond_MAACECAwardThe American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) presented Westfield-based engineering firm, Tighe & Bond, with a Gold Award during its 2013 Engineering Excellence and Awards Gala in Cambridge. The annual competition recognizes recent engineering achievements that demonstrate the highest degree of merit, ingenuity, complexity, and client satisfaction. This Gold Award recognized innovative upgrades that Tighe & Bond recently completed for the town of Sturbridge’s wastewater treatment facility, which became the first full-scale combined BioMag/CoMag wastewater system in the nation. The implementation of two new cutting edge and effective treatment processes, BioMag and CoMag, have increased wastewater treatment efficiency, improved water quality, as well as reduced costs and overall environmental impact. Sharing a moment after the awards ceremony are, from left, Ko Ishikura ACEC/MA president; Gregory Morse, Sturbridge DPW director; Ian Catlow, Tighe & Bond senior project manager; Mike Becker, Tighe & Bond construction observer; Peter Piattoni, ACEC/MA Awards chair; and Shaun Suhoski, Sturbridge town administrator.

Not Just Business as Usual

DSCF0153DSCF0165The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation hosted its fourth annual Not Just Business As Usual event on April 4 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In celebration of 40 years of excellence in Nursing at STCC, keynote speakers included “The Three Doctors,” Dr. George Jenkins, assistant professor of the Clinical Dentistry Section of Adult Dentistry at Columbia University; Dr. Rameck Hunt, board certified internist at University Medical Center at Princeton and assistant professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; and Dr. Sampson Davis, board certified emergency medicine physician at St. Michael’s Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center and Easton Hospital, and assistant medical director of the Emergency Department at Raritan Bay Medical Center. As teenagers surrounded by negative influences with few positive role models growing up on the streets of Newark, N.J., the three friends made a pact to stick together, graduate college, and achieve their dreams of becoming medical doctors. All are now well known for their work in delivering messages of hope and inspiration. Over the past two years, the STCC Foundation event has provided more than $100,000 to support college and student needs. At top (from left) Drs. Davis, Hunt, and Jenkins sign copies of their books, The Pact, We Beat the Street, and The Bond. Bottom, above, Ira Rubenzahl, president of STCC, poses with Frank Colaccino, CEO at Colvest Group (center), and John Heaps, Jr., president of Florence Savings Bank.

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Bold Undertaking

0237_BayPath-0619_BayPath-0583_BayPath-0840_BayPath-More than 2,000 people crammed into the MassMutual Center on March 22 for the18th annual Bay Path Women’s Leadership Conference, which promotes skill building and personal growth. The theme for this year’s event was”Be Bold,” a tone reflected by the keynote speakers, including musician, author, actress, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah and those presenting educational breakout sessions. From top: morning keynote speaker Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Queen Latifah (fourth from left) with the Bay Path team that produces the event, from left, Stephanie Bradshaw, former assistant to the vice president for Planning & Student Development; Caron Hobin, vice president for Planning and Student Development; Briana Sitler, director of Special Programs; Stacey Perlmutter, assistant to Hobin; and Kendrah Bitgood, class of 2014, conference student assistant. Peggielene Bartels, known as ‘King Peggy’ — who in 2008 inherited the position of King of Otuam, Ghana, Africa, a position that for centuries had always been held by men — speaks to the packed house. Carol Leary, Bay Path College president, presents Queen Latifah with a school sweatshirt.

 

Table Top Talking

IMG_5308IMG_5323IMG_5322IMG_5317IMG_5316The 19th Annual Table Top Exposition & Business Networking Event took place at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on March 20, hosted by the chambers of commerce of Greater Holyoke, Greater Chicopee, Greater Easthampton, and Greater Northampton.  Almost 200 vendors showcased their products and services to hundreds in attendance. From top: Susan Seaver, assistant vice president at People’s United Bank, left, and Grace Dias, broker/realtor and owner of Grace Group Realty. Patience Waah, right, owner, and Mashaa Westbrook, office support, represent Victory Home Healthcare in Holyoke. Sarah Etelman, left, development coordinator for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, speaks with Patty Delisle, a Bay Path College intern. Joel Morse, associate director of Corporate Support at WGBY, is flanked by Karina Schrengohst, left, and Melanie Skroski, associate attorneys at Royal LLP. Michelle St. Jacques, left, property manger of Open Square in Holyoke, and Peg Boxold, president of Elegant Affairs and the Electric Café at Open Square.

 

Business Basics

YPS-5289Eric Gouvin, attorney, professor of Law, and the founder of both Western New England University (WNEU) School of Law’s Small Business Clinic and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, was the March speaker for the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield’s CEO Luncheon. The luncheon, a perk of YPS membership, allowed an intimate group of YPS members to learn about Gouvin’s experiences with WNEU’s Entrepreneurial Speaker Series, Extreme Business Makeover, and Basic Business Law for Small Businesses information sessions. Speaking with Gouvin after the presentation is Megan Brady, customer advocate at Farm Credit Financial Partners Inc. in Agawam.

 

 

Cutting the Ribbon

_NAN0142Accountable Care Associates (ACA) recently relocated its corporate headquarters in Springfield from Birnie Avenue to Monarch Place. Part of a growing trend in accountable-care organizations of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, the company gives highly coordinated care to patients with the goal of avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors to improve patient outcomes. ACA brings more than 100 employees to the downtown area and projects 30 more within the next year. Cutting the ribbon in the company’s 10th-floor headquarters are, from left, Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; and Dr. Philip Gaziano, chairman and CEO of ACA.

 

 

Day of Reading

mem-school-4mem-school-2Fourth-grade students at Memorial Elementary School in West Springfield joined Paul DiGrigoli, owner and CEO of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, on March 1 to celebrate Read Across America Day. The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on or around the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the beloved children’s author. In support of the nation’s largest reading celebration, DiGrigoli read Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday to You! to the students. At left, left to right, are Russell Johnston, West Springfield school superintendent; Donna Calabrese, Memorial Elementary School principal; Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries co-founder; DiGrigoli; and Susan Landry, Link to Libraries project director.

 

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Grand Winners

IMG_5160IMG_5151IMG_5161IMG_5273F.L. Roberts and Co. staged its inaugural Managers Meeting and Awards Dinner on March 15 at the Premier Ballroom of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The fourth-generation, Springfield-based company operates gas station/convenience stores (including truck-refueling facilities and the Whately Diner), Golden Nozzle Car Washes, and Jiffy Lubes. Managers of these facilities were honored in sales and service categories. From top: the hosts for the evening, Georgianne Roberts and Steve Roberts. Attendees gather outside the Premier Ballroom. Front row (from left): Ann Cooper; Debra Smith; Richard Smith, vice president of Operations for F.L. Roberts; and Rachel Templen, Loyalty Services product manager; back row (from left): Bob Cooper, director of sales at Pine State Trading Co.; Susan Curren, account manager, the Ostler Group; Benji Burton, partner, Account Services, the Ostler Group; and Kalina Friendt, Retail Rewards product-support supervisor at Fidelity National Information Services. Roberts spins a wheel for an attendee prize with help from Nancy Goldstein of Amazing Celebrations LLC.

 

 










Redefining Possible

DSC_1966Boardshot1Carla-Gloria-et-alDSC_1916The Women’s Fund of Western Mass. (WFWM) recently staged its 15th anniversary celebration at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, an event that celebrated the organization’s many investments in women and girls across the region. Titled “Redefining What’s Possible,” the gala featured the  Standing on Her Shoulders awards and a presentation by Luma Mufleh, the inspirational founder and coach of the Fugees Family, a soccer team that includes players from 28 war-torn countries (Fugees is short for refugees). The team’s story is currently being made into a motion picture by Universal Studios. From top: the Accidentals (the Longmeadow Girls Choir) perform with honorees on stage. Women’s Fund board members (from left) Michelle Depelteau, business manager for United Personnel; Kathy Cardinale, president of Cardinale Design; and Shonda Pettiford, assistant director of Communications for the Commonwealth Honors College at UMass. Carla Oleska, CEO of the Women’s Fund; Dr. Joanna Kelly; and honoree Dr. Gloria Lomax, Holyoke Community College. Mufleh delivers her keynote address.

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Outlook 2013

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield recently staged Outlook 2013, the organization’s annual winter gathering of area business and civic leaders, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event, staged on Feb. 25, drew more than 800 attendees, who had the opportunity to network, receive an update on the chamber’s legislative agenda, and hear from a host of speakers on the state of the economy locally, regionally, and nationally. Clockwise from above left: U.S. Rep. Richard Neal delivers his annual address on the federal economic outlook; keynote speaker Mark Shields, a nationally known columnist and commentator, delivers his talk, titled “How Will History Judge Today’s Headlines?”; Daniel Hodge, director of Economic and Public Policy Research at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, offers his forecast for the regional economy; and the scene in the packed banquet hall at the MassMutual Center.

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Outlook 2013

Outlook2013-124Outlook2013-133Outlook2013-110Outlook2013-53The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield recently staged Outlook 2013, the organization’s annual winter gathering of area business and civic leaders, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event, staged on Feb. 25, drew more than 800 attendees, who had the opportunity to network, receive an update on the chamber’s legislative agenda, and hear from a host of speakers on the state of the economy locally, regionally, and nationally. From top: U.S. Rep. Richard Neal delivers his annual address on the federal economic outlook; keynote speaker Mark Shields, a nationally known columnist and commentator, delivers his talk, titled “How Will History Judge Today’s Headlines?”; Daniel Hodge, director of Economic and Public Policy Research at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, offers his forecast for the regional economy; and the scene in the packed banquet hall at the MassMutual Center.

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Showing Off

PicThis 0113baPicThis 0113bbPicThis 0113bcThe Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts held their annual Table top Business Expo in the MassMutual Room at Max’s Tavern.  The room was filled with area businesses exhibiting their products and services.  From top, Caleigh Creighton and Kathleen Plante of Care@Home, Dawn Creighton of Associated Industries of Mass., and David Paquette from Community Enterprise; from left, Jeanne Filomeno, Rachel Ames, Lisa Piwcio, and Bonnie Nieroda of Marcotte Ford; from left, Patricia Faginski, Laurie Long, and Amy Santarelli of St. Germain Investments.

 

Photos by Denise Smith Photography

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Night at the Museum

Partygoers recently donned their most elegant outfits for an annual fund-raising event, the Springfield Museums Holiday Gala. Guests gathered in the Science Museum for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, where they toured the Gingerbread Fairy Tales exhibit, then enjoyed dinner in the Michele & Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts and the Lyman & Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History. The event helps underwrite the many educational programs at the Springfield Museums. Top: from left, Carol Moore Cutting, owner, WEIB; Beverly Hill; and Willie Hill, director, UMass Fine Arts Center. Middle: from left, artist Doug Brega; Carol Leary, president, Bay Path College; and Richard Flynn, president, Springfield College. Bottom: from left, Debbie DeBonis, payroll manager, Mass. Career Development Institute; Rick DeBonis, senior vice president, Hampden Bank; Mark Bartos, account executive, abc40/FOX6; Mary Ellen Scott; and Roy Scott.

(Photos by Ed Cohen)





























Ringing the Opening Bell

To celebrate the bank’s transfer from NASDAQ to the New York Stock Exchange, Michael Daly, CEO of Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc., the parent company of Berkshire Bank, rang the NYSE opening bell on Nov. 29 at 9:30 am. Transfer to NYSE is a significant step in the growth and success of the company. Before the transfer, the company’s stock was listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The company began NYSE trading on November 19 and retains the ticker symbol BHLB. Seen here, from left, are Pat Sullivan, executive vice president, Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; Richard Marotta, executive vice president, Risk Management; Sean Gray, executive vice president, Retail Banking; Daly; Larry Bossidy, board chair; Linda Johnston, executive vice president, Human Resources; and Kevin Riley, CFO.





Bacon and Basketball

UMass Minutemen basketball coach Derek Kellogg, pictured at top before a filled Center Court, was the keynote speaker for December’s Affiliated Chambers of Commerce Breakfast Club at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Middle: emcee Scott Coen of the River 93.9 and WHMP congratulates Claudine Gaj, owner and chef of the Magic Spoon catering company, who was one of the companies saluted during the morning event. Bottom: Steve Hayes of the Drama Studio introduces a young actress to perform a scene from The Little Princess.

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Open for Business

Ahost of government, education, and business leaders gathered in Holyoke last month for ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center, a project that involves the state, several research institutions (including UMass), and private corporations. Right, Gov. Deval Patrick addresses the more than 200 people in attendance. At left, before the formal ribbon cutting, city high-school students bury a time capsule near the center’s entrance.

 

 

 

Professional Cut

A ceremonial ribbon cutting recently commemorated the opening of the Northampton/I-91 Professional Center in Northampton. The multi-building office park now offers two fully permitted, three-story office buildings adjacent to the existing Clarion Hotel and Conference Center at Exit 18 off Interstate 91. Each building offers approximately 40,000 square feet of tenant space in modern, energy-efficient brick and glass structures. Owned by an experienced group of local investors, the center offers first-class medical and professional office space with first- and second-floor main tenants Clinical and Support Options Inc. (a regional provider of behavioral-health services) and Cooley Dickinson Health Care Group, leaving only 2,500 square feet available on the third floor. Pictured cutting the long ribbon are Lynn Travers, owner and developer; Stephen Murphy, program director of Cooley Dickinson’s Center for Human Motion and the director of Rehab Services; Ken Vincunas (front), general manager; John Lombardi (back), administrative director of facilities at Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz; Curt Shumway, development owner; Craig Melin, CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital; Susan O’Leary Mulhern and Eileen O’Leary Sullivan, owners; Karin Jeffers, president of Clinical and Support Options; Laurie Lamoureux, controller at Cooley Dickinson; and Kathi Donahue, William Wagner, and Russ Omer of Chicopee Savings Bank.

 

 

Pynchon Winners

The Advertising Club of Western Mass. honored the 2012 recipients of the William Pynchon Award at ceremonies on Nov. 15 at Chez Josef in Agawam. Pictured, from left, are Jillian Gould, president of the Ad Club; 2012 winners Robert Perry, Ellen Freyman, and Stephen Hayes; and Alta Stark, immediate past president of the Ad Club, Pynchon trustee, and governor, AAF District 1.

 


Ready to Read

READ! Reading Success by 4th Grade, an initiative of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, recently welcomed Robert Dugger, managing partner of Hanover Investment Group and an advisory-board co-chair for ReadyNation, a business partnership promoting investments in early education as a foundation for the nation’s economic success, to present a national overview on the importance of investments in young children and their impact on building a sustainable national economy. Also presenting was J.D. Chesloff, deputy director of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and board chair of the state’s first-in-the-nation Department of Early Education and Care. The Economic Development Council of Western Mass. (EDC); local chambers of commerce, including Chicopee, Holyoke, and Springfield; and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County presented the event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Pictured at above are Chesloff (left) and Dugger. Bottom, from left, are Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England; Sally Fuller, Reading Success by 4th Grade program coordinator; and Allan Blair, president and CEO of the EDC.

 







Further with Ford

Marcotte Ford of Holyoke recently hosted hundreds at a large event to showcase its showroom and the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion. The event, which was part of a national ‘Go Further with Ford’ night, offered chances for friends and clients to win a new 2013 Fusion, two different trips to American Idol Hollywood, and other prizes. Marcotte Ford donated $10 per person to Kate’s Kitchen for the first 200 registered guests. Standing over the celebratory autographed 2013 Ford Fusion hood, which will be displayed in the showroom are, left to right, Michael Filomeno, general manager; Mike Marcotte, sales manager; Lou Beauregard, parts and service director; and Bryan Marcotte, owner.

 


Trees, Trees, Trees

The 12th annual Festival of Trees launched the day after Thanksgiving and is proving to be a popular family tradition in downtown Springfield. The event, located on the second floor of Tower Square, offers a twinkling roomful of uniquely decorated artificial Christmas trees, adorned with gift cards and other valuable items donated by area businesses and Springfield Boys and Girls Club supporters. The proceeds, through sponsorships, sales of entrance tickets, and raffle tickets to win trees and all their unique décor, will benefit the 119-year old charitable organization that has been providing more than 1,500 children in the community with afterschool, Saturday, and summer youth-development programs. Above, Barbara Kolosowski, director of development, stands next to more than 100 glittering trees. The festival will run until December 9. More information can be found at www.visittreefest.com.

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Barometer of Business

The 23rd annual Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Super 60 awards luncheon was held recently at Chez Josef to celebrate the success of privately owned businesses that continue to make significant contributions to the strength of the regional economy. From top to bottom: Art Jasper, left, sales manager at Johnstone Supply, and Alan Stearley, financial advisor at the Gaudreau Group; Dr. Henry Julio East-Trou, center, executive director of Gandara Mental Health Center, accepts a Super 60 award for revenue from Luke Kettles, left, senior vice president at Hampden Bank, and Juan Campbell, vice president of sales at Health New England; Danielle Lord, vice president of operations at O’Connell Professional Nurse Service, accepts the award for overall growth alongside Campbell and Gordon Quinn, principal at Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn; from left, Lynn Ostrowski, director of Brand & Corporate Relations at Health New England, Pat Scheer, director of Quality Operations at Health New England, Michael Scheer, flooring contractor and consultant at Dimauro Carpet & Tile, and Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England; guest speaker Greg Bialecki, secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, addresses the gathering; keynote speaker Stanley Kowalski III, chairman of the board for FloDesign Inc. and founder of FloDesign Wind Turbine, speaks about the misses his ideas experienced before his current success and new ventures.

 









































Super Model

Mike Balise, right, vice president of Balise Motor Sales, poses with Timothy Cardillo, general manager of Balise Lexus, at an unveiling of the new ES350 model at the dealership late last month. The event drew several dozen customers and potential customers to the facility on Riverdale Street in West Springfield.











Groundbreaking Event

Balise Ford in Wilbraham staged an elaborate groundbreaking ceremony for a new dealership on Wilbraham Road late last month. The 27,000-square-foot facility, which will feature 16 service bays and a QuickLane service center, is expected to open next spring. Seen here with ceremonial shovels in front of several Ford officials, are, from left, Hal Dewsnap, Ford regional manager; Michael Balise, vice president of Balise Motor Sales; and Wilbraham selectmen Robert Russell and Robert Bollard.

 

A Grand Opening

Laplante Construction hosted a reception on Oct. 18 to celebrate the opening of its new offices at 94 Maple St., East Longmeadow. The new, fully leased commercial building was designed with a residential look, and is also occupied by Northstar Recycling, M. Scott Investments, and Robert M. Phelan. From top to bottom: Bill Laplante, president of Laplante Construction; Paul Tierney, senior vice president of United Bank; and Brad Campbell, executive director of the Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass.; Andy Crane, president of A. Crane Construction, with his wife, Tina. Ray Laplante, left, founder of Laplante Construction, with Bill Donovan, president of Donovan Oil Co.

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Swing of Support

The YMCA of Greater Springfield recently honored a longtime community supporter, David Demos, and welcomed sports celebrities to the 20th Annual Scantic Valley YMCA Golf Outing. The event was held at both the Country Club of Wilbraham and the new Cold Springs Country Club in Belchertown. From top, Kirk Smith, YMCA president and CEO; Jules Gaudreau of the Gaudreau Group and a corporate board member; Demos, honorary co-chair; Jim Rice, Red Sox Hall of Famer; and “Coach” Willie Maye of the Boston Celtics. At top: Chris Ott (left), YMCA personal trainer, and Paul McConnell, YMCA member, wait their turn on the greens. Smith (center) stands with Barry and Kim Sanborn of ProShred. Maye (far left) and Rice (center) pose with Day of Caring volunteers from MassMutual.

































Common Ground

The historic Cooper’s Commons in Agawam recently celebrated the grand opening of a new marketplace of distinctive shops and services. The complex contains Cooper’s Gifts & Curtains and unique businesses in the former Country Squire Furniture Shop. The recent renovations complete phase 1 of two phases; phase 2 is expected to be completed in 2013. Surrounded by area supporters at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, above center, is Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and to his right is Kate Gourde, second-generation owner of Cooper’s Commons and Cooper’s Gifts and Curtains. Right, state representative Nick Boldyga, 3rd Hampden District, presents Gourde with a proclamation from the State House.

 

Family Business

Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. recently invited Dr. Michael Klein to speak to a group of family-business owners as part of an educational family-business event. Klein, at left at the head of the conference table, authored the recently published book, Trapped in the Family Business.

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Air Show Breakfast

Top, supporters fill one of the hangars of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee for the Great New England Air Show Kick-off Breakfast on Aug. 3. Middle, Bud Shuback, right, president of the Galaxy Community Council, presents a framed, commemorative show poster as recognition for air-show contributions to Jim Uliano, vice president of Marketing for Town Fair Tire. Bottom, Shuback presents a poster to Melissa Serra, promotions coordinator for Big Y World Class Markets, who also sang the National Anthem.







































Artistic Statement

On August 20, a 36-foot metal sculpture called “Birdicus Gigantium,” created by artist James Kitchen, was unveiled in the courtyard next to One Financial Plaza. The massive piece is one of more than 30 created by Kitchen now on display in downtown Springfield, as part of a collaborative effort involving the artist, NAI Plotkin, the Springfield Business Improvement District, and WGBY. At top, Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin, speaks at the unveiling. At center, Kitchen holds up a map showing where each of his 32 sculptures is located in a 26-block art installation.

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Gold Standard

Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, and Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham, chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, Massachusetts Chapter – West Branch, display the LEED Gold certification for the bank’s year-old branch at 547 Memorial Ave. in West Springfield, which was constructed, and operates, in an environmentally friendly manner. It is the second PeoplesBank branch to receive LEED certification, the first building to be awarded a LEED certification in the town, and one of only two community banks in Massachusetts that has achieved LEED Gold status.

















Check, Please

Max Burger, the second upscale burger restaurant and ninth restaurant of the Hartford-based Max Restaurant Group, celebrated a grand opening in late July at its 684 Bliss Road location in Longmeadow. A portion of the evening’s proceeds, totaling $9,025, were presented a week later to the Longmeadow Excellence in Education Foundation (LEEF), a private, volunteer, nonprofit educational foundation that was created to enrich and enhance the quality of education in Longmeadow public schools. Pictured, from left, are Justin Dion, president of LEEF; Tim Taillefer, managing partner of Max Burger; and Todd Ratner, LEEF board member.





Dream Car

Mike Balise (far left), vice president of Balise Motor Sales, shows off a Lexus LFA (sticker price: $454,000) at an unveiling celebration at the Lexus showroom on July 26. This model is one of only 500 (the 349th, to be exact) in the world, and one of only 50 with the specialty ‘Nürburgring package.’ The car, which has a V-10 engine, was tested at the famous German Nürburgring track and set the 10th-fastest time ever for a production vehicle. The orange racecar will be viewable at Balise Lexus and various promotional events in the New England area.

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Celebrity Read Aloud

Roderick Ireland, chief justice of the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court and a Springfield native, was the guest reader for the Link to Libraries Celebrity Read Aloud Program at William DeBerry School in Springfield. As a youngster, Ireland attended DeBerry School. He read to fourth-grade students and explained how important his education was and how much he enjoyed reading as a youngster and now as chief justice. The students presented him with a certificate of appreciation for attending their school and reading. Link to Libraries invites local and regional dignitaries to become part of its Celebrity Read Aloud Programs and read to area students. For more information, call (413) 224-1031, or e-mail [email protected].

Scholarship Winners

When Thomas E. Cosenzi passed away in 2009, it was not only ownership of the TommyCar Auto Group that passed to his children Carla and Thomas M., but his legacy of giving back to the community. That legacy was evident when the four recipients of a 2012 Tom Cosenzi Scholarship were recently awarded their checks for $1,000 at Country Nissan on Route 9 in Hadley. The scholarships, awarded each year to graduating seniors, helps students with demonstrated leadership and community involvement continue their education at either a two- or four-year institution. The program has expanded to other area high schools, with this year’s winners coming from Hopkins Academy in Hadley, Northampton High School, Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, and Greenfield High School. From left are: Nicole Himebaugh of Charlton; Anaisa Garcia of Florence; Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group; Rita Pirozhkov of Greenfield; and Steven J. Keith of Hadley.

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NCCJ Awards

The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, recently presented its Annual Human Relations Awards at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Six area residents were honored for their dedication to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism and promoting understanding and respect for all. Far left, from left: honoree Michael Sobon, president of O’Connell Oil, and his wife, Joan; honoree Ronn Johnson, principal, R.D.J. Associates; honoree Carol Leary, president, Bay Bath College; honoree Brian Tuohey, president, Collins Pipe; honoree Caleb Wilkie, a Westfield High School junior and youth community organizer, Andrea Kandel, executive director of the NCCJ. Left, Wilkie addresses the audience as he accepts the 2012 Youth Award.


WBOA Gala

The Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley Inc. (WBOA) recently celebrated its 2012 Woman of the Year Event and 30th Anniversary Gala at Chez Josef in Agawam. The mission of the non-profit organization is to build confidence and success, and empower women entrepreneurs. At left, Freda Brown (left), treasurer of WBOA and owner of Divorce Financial Services, who was honored as the 2012 Woman of the Year, stands with Susan Kelley, center, owner of Kelley Tax Service and vice president of WBOA, and Monique Leyda, senior account manager with Bishop Technologies.





YMCA Dinner

More than 350 guests filled the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for the recent YMCA of Greater Springfield’s 160th anniversary celebration. The event featured a keynote address by successful sports and business leader Mannie Jackson, and entertaining insight on Boston sports from Boston Globe sportswriters and ESPN commentators Jackie MacMullan and Bob Ryan. Left, the scene at Center Court as the crowd salutes Springfield College President Richard Flynn.









From left, Kirk Smith, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Springfield; Bob Ryan, Jackie MacMullan, Mannie Jackson; and John Doleva, CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame












From left, Steve Bradley, vice president of Government & Community Relations and Public Affairs, Baystate Health; Tom Creed, senior vice president and Market Commercial Credit Manager in the new credit management division of TD Bank; Kirk Smith; Kathy Treglia, vice president of Education & Government Relations at the YMCA; David Woods, principal of Woods Financial Group; and Victor Woolridge, vice president of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers








Dancers from the Dunbar YMCA Family & Community Center, who performed a tap dance number directed by Shirley Similari.

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Woman of the Year

Freyman1Freyman2Ellen Freyman, attorney and shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., was recently honored as Woman of the Year 2012 by the Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts. The gala event, staged at the Springfield Sheraton, celebrated Freyman’s outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments, and many hours of service to the community. At top, Freyman shares a moment with John Doleva (center), CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Paul Lambert, vice president of Programming & Guest Experience at the Hall. Bottom, Freyman celebrates with (from left) her son Stephen, her husband Richard, and her son Neal.














Groundbreaking Event

Elms College officials broke ground on June 2 for the school’s new Center for Natural and Health Sciences, which is projected to open in January 2014. Doing the honors are, from left, Mary Lou Wright, SSJ, professor of Biology; Linda Mansfield, chair of the board of trustees; Maxyne Schneider, SSJ, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield; Elms College President Mary Reap, IHM; William and Cynthia Lyons, co-chairs of the campaign steering committee; John Flynn, trustee emeritus; and Kevin Chroback, project architect.

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Doris’ Day

More than 200 friends, colleagues, and area business leaders turned out at the Delaney House on May 29 to honor Doris Ransford, who recently retired after 26 years as director of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. At top, Ransford is flanked by Robert Gilbert, president and CEO of Dowd Insurance, and Deborah Buckley, president of Goss & McLain Insurance. Bottom, she shares a moment with Peter Rosskothen, left, co-owner of Delaney House and the Log Cabin and former chamber board president, and state Sen. Michael Knapik, who represents Holyoke.











By the Book

Steven Bradley, a vice president at Baystate Health and a Link to Libraries Celebrity reader, recently read to grade 2 students at the William DeBerry Elementary School in Springfield. Bradley read the book Grace for President and shared with the students his experience, visit, and photograph with President Obama. He spoke to the students on the importance of reading 20 minutes every day, education, and being the best they can be. Each student received a donation of a new book and bookbag donated by Link to Libraries and supported by Baystate Health. Link to Libraries conducts more than 30 readaloud programs each school year throughout Western Mass. and Connecticut. For more information, visit www.linktolibraries.org.


Cutting the Ribbon

The Polish National Credit Union staged a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 24 to celebrate the grand reopening of its Granby branch at 34 West State St. The branch, one of PNCU’s busiest, has been completely renovated and expanded, doubling its size. It now includes a suite of private offices for mortgage originators and loan officers and a spacious lobby and expanded teller line. The six-month project was directed by general contractor Barber Associates of Ludlow. Cutting the ribbon are, from left, Edward Ryback, PNCU board of directors chairman; James Warren, representing state Sen. Gale Candaras’ office; Virginia Snopek, trustee chairperson of the Granby Public Library; and Lynn Trompke, PNCU Granby branch manager.

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Continuing the Legacy

The Sisters of Providence Health System staged its eighth annual Continuing the Legacy luncheon on May 4 in the Springfield Sheraton ballroom. More than 500 people attended the annual fundraiser, at which guests are inspired by, and educated about, the SPHS mission, services and advancements. The event introduces the multi-year giving society, Providence Circle, and invites guests to provide financial or other support. From top, Judith Danek, of Chicopee, tells the gathering about her family’s positive experiences at Mercy Medical Center; John E. Sjoberg, SPHS trustee and SPHS Foundation Board chair, speaks to attendees; and Daniel P. Moen, President and CEO, SPHS, (standing) is surrounded by members of the Sisters of Providence congregation; seated (from left) are Sisters Mary McGrath, SP, Ruth McGoldrick, SP, Margaret McCleary, SP, and Elizabeth Oleksak, SP. Standing (from left) are Sisters Mary Martin de Porres, SP, Priscilla St. Pierre, Joan Manning, SP, and Ann Horgan, SP.














Art of the Matter

Students from the UMass Amherst Commonwealth Honors College, none of whom are Fine Arts majors, showcased their artwork in a pre-concert gallery opening and reception in the lobby of One Financial Plaza on May 12. The students’ works were inspired by Gustav Holst’s The Planets, being performed that evening by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Top to bottom, exhibiting senior Rachel Mroz and guest Charlene Baiardi discuss a painting; parents Louise and Bernie Hartnett and Connoisseur Rosemary Tracy Woods view a recreation of Botticelli’s Primavera; James Vinick of Moors & Cabot Investments and Marjorie Koft contemplate an artist’s unique chimpanzee concept; Springfield City Councilor Timothy Rooke and Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt discuss the artists’ talent; and (from left) Professor John Simpson, Beverly Hill, Evan Plotkin, and Willie Hill Jr. celebrate the opening of the exhibit and gallery. The event was sponsored by UMass Amherst, NIA Plotkin, and Springfield Symphony Orchestra.





























Corridan Center Dedication

The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Technology Park dining commons courtyard was recently dedicated to Brian Q. Corridan, president and CEO of the investment firm Corridan & Co. Corridan was honored in recognition of his years of service to the STCC Board of Trustees, including several years as president, a lengthy tenure as chairman of the STCC Assistance Corporation Board of Directors, and strong record of community service. Top, Corridan (center) poses with former STCC President Andrew Scibelli and Gail Carberry, former STCC vice president and current president of Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. Below, Corridan with his family in front of the plaque inside the center.








Greaney Award Winners

On May 1, the fourth annual John M. Greaney Awards were given out during the Hampden County Bar Association’s National Law Day Ceremony in the Springfield District Court. The awards are given to both an attorney and non-attorney who are deemed outstanding citizens of the Hampden County legal community. Here, Greaney, center, is seen with this year’s winners, Kevin J. Claffey, Esq., and Noreen E. Nardi.

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Entrepreneurship Initiative

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DSC_3430The 9th annual Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation Entrepreneurship Initiative Awards Ceremony and Banquet was staged April 25 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. More than 45 students from area colleges were recognized for their entrepreneurial contributions during the event, which featured an elevator-pitch competition sponsored by six area community banks, a tabletop competition, and the announcement of the Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Alumni Spirit Award. The participating schools are American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path College, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. From top: Kissa Owens of Bay Path College with her son, Da’Din Davis, was one of three tabletop winners at the event for her venture, the Platinum Kids Health Center, which specializes in helping obese and overweight children; Zongfang Lin, a student at the UMass Isenberg School of Management and a tabletop winner for her company, KinVi Products, talks with Joe Bohan of SciDose LLC; elevator-pitch winner Abby Duncan explains her Daddy Go-To Kit; Katelyn Nadeau of Holyoke Community College holds up a sign for her venture, Razzle Dazzle.








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DSC_3527More scenes from the the 9th annual Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation Entrepreneurship Initiative Awards Ceremony and Banquet. Left, Mark Chamberlain addresses the audience of more than 500 people during the elevator-pitch competition. Middle, Sam Tulimat, a student at Mount Holyoke College, won a tabletop award for a venture he created, an online campus market business called Bizarit. Bottom, Harold Grinspoon, shares a laugh with UMass student Zongfang Lin.

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Hometown Heroes





The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter recently honored its 2012 Hometown Heroes. From top to bottom: regional Red Cross officials in attendance included, from left, Mark Brinkerhoff, Kate Leene, Kaitlyn Slattery, Rick Lee, Dawn Leaks, Rich Rubin, and Caitlin O’Hara. Hometown Hero Demetrious Faust, center, with his father, Lee Hutchins, and sister, Mishia Hutchins. From left, Sheila Doiron of presenting sponsor Columbia Gas with Fabiola Guerrero, Juan Guerrero, and Ibone Guerrero, the daughters and husband of Angelica Guerrero, who was named a Hometown Hero postumously. Center right: from left, Hometown Heroes Edward Rosienski Jr. and Edward Rosienski III, with Michael Lia, president of award sponsor Lia Auto Group. Bottom: Hometown Heroes and members of the Holyoke Police Department Narcotics/Vice Division, including Captain David Pratt, along with attorney Patrick McHugh of award sponsor Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesley, P.C.






























Tackling Diabetes


Springfield-based Big Y Foods recently presented New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork with a check for $5,000 to support his quest to tackle diabetes in the New England area. To help build awareness and support Wilfork’s efforts, the Big Y World Class Market in Walpole, Mass. donated 50 cents from the purchase of each Superbird Rotisserie Chicken purchased from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5 to the Vince Wilfork Foundation. Seen at the check presentation are, from left: John Schnepp, director of Marketing at Big Y Foods; Store Director Michael Hanrahan; Wilfork; and Norm Vernadakis of Big Y Foods.

Celebrating 160 Years

Glenn Welch, Hampden Bank president and COO, looks over some of the many photos of Hampden Bank throughout its history, on the occasion of the bank’s 160th birthday, to be officially celebrated on April 13. Officially chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to serve the workers of the Western Railroad, the bank, which started in a rented office space in the basement of then-Agawam National Bank on the corner of Lyman and Main streets, has grown to 10 locations across Western Mass.

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Taking Shape

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Members of the media had the opportunity to tour the inside of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center on March 14. John Goodhue, executive director of the center (seen at top and second-from-top),  led a tour of the 90,000-square-foot, $168 million facility taking shape at the former Mastex Industries site in downtown Holyoke. Work on the center is expected to be completed at the end of this year. Partners in the center are the University of Massachusetts, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston University, Northeastern University, EMC Corp., and Cisco Systems.




















St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast

Berkshire-Bank

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce staged its annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast on March 16. A number of city officials and state legislators took to the podium, and BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien delivered the keynote address. At top, a delegation from Berkshire Bank takes in the festivities, while below, representatives of Noble Hospital enjoy the day’s events. At bottom, the Westfield Colleen, Meagan Susan Casey (center), enjoys a bite of cake with her court, from left, Meaghan Kwarzinski, Ryan Hickson, Sinead Smith, and Connor Sheehan.

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Outlook 2012


The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield staged Outlook 2012 on Feb. 27 at the MassMutual Center. The annual look at the issues impacting the local business community featured keynote speakers Michael Widmer, top, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Assoc., and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal.

Photos by Michael Epaul











Supporting At-risk Teens

The YMCA of Greater Springfield recently received a $50,000 grant from First Niagara Bank to support its Y-AIM (Achieve academically; Inspire to attend college; Move toward personal, family, and community advancement) program. The initiative works to provide talented, underachieving at-risk young people entering the ninth grade with a solid support system throughout all four years of high school. Together, the YMCAs of Greater Hartford and Greater Springfield are taking a regional approach to overcoming the obstacles young people face on the path to success. First Niagara has also pledged $50,000 to the YMCA of Greater Hartford to support its programming for at-risk teens. Pictured from left are Paul McCraven, senior vice president of Community Development for First Niagara; James O’S. Morton, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Hartford; Joe Shaw, first vice president and regional team leader of First Niagara Bank; Brandon Braxton, vice president of First Niagara Bank and corporate board member of the YMCA of Greater Springfield; Jim Ross, corporate board member of the YMCA of Greater Springfield; Kirk Smith, executive director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield; and Tom Creed, corporate board chair of the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

Community Giving

Monson Savings Bank President Steven Lowell presents Link to Libraries co-founder Susan Jaye-Kaplan with one of the 10 awards given to local organizations as part of the bank’s community-giving program. “It’s an honor to be recognized for work we do in the community and to be recognized by both Monson Savings Bank and the public,” said Jaye-Kaplan. “We truly feel privileged to do the work we do and thank Mr. Lowell and the Monson Savings Bank community.” Link to Libraries is a local, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to donate books to underserved youths in public elementary schools and nonprofit organizations in Western Mass. and Connecticut.


It’s Now the ‘Hospital of the Present’

Baystate Health recently opened the doors to the $296 million Hospital of the Future expansion, now known as the MassMutual Wing, which houses the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center. At top, cardiac patient Siegfried Renner of Shelburne Falls, cuts a blue ribbon officially opening the new MassMutual Wing on March 2. Renner was assisted in his efforts by others with gold scissors, including, from left, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal; Dr. Mara Slawsky, director of the Heart Failure Program at Baystate; Marta Sokolowski, RN in the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center; Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health; Richard Steele Jr., chair of the Baystate Health board of trustees; Heather Musselwhite, patient care technician in the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center; and Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. Earler that week, BusinessWest took its own tour of facilities. Above, Dr. Kugelmass, chief of Cardiology (left), and Dr. Mark Hirko, chief of Vascular Surgery, show off one of the cardiac ICU rooms. At bottom is a view of the wing’s new ‘healing garden.’




















There were several events leading up the dedication of the MasMutual Wing on Feb. 28 and the ribbon cutting on March 2. Among them were the Hearts Saving Hearts Gala for major donors to the campaign supporting the hospital’s expansion project on Feb. 25. Top, Dr. John Rousou, chief of Cardiac Surgery at Baystate Medical Center (left), and Dr. Gordon Josephson, chief operating officer for Baystate Medical Practices, enjoy a light moment. At second from top, couples (from left) Timothy Delaney and his wife, Katherine Putnam, who serves on the Baystate Health board of directors, and Dr. Laurie Gianturco, chair of the Department of Radiology at Baystate, and her husband, Neil Swinton. Baystate also held the Red Tie Physicians’ Gala on Feb. 26. Third from top, Dr. Richard Wait, chair of Baystate’s Department of Surgery (center), stands with BMC medical staff member Dr. John Egelhofer of Chestnut Medical Associates and his wife, Janet Egelhofer. At bottom, couples (from left) Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health, and his wife, Noreen Tolosky, with Dr. Ashequl Islam from Baystate’s Cardiology Division and his wife, Melissa Islam.

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Watt’s Happening

WMECOCheckPresentation7587The $296 million expansion of Baystate Medical Center, opening in early March, promises to offer the latest in medical technology, patient care, and comfort. However, it represents the latest thinking in another area, too — energy efficiency in major building construction. Energy efficiency was a top priority for Baystate in conceiving, designing, and building the facility; architects and builders put in advanced cooling and heating systems, energy-efficient lighting, and a green roof to save on energy costs. In recognition of these efforts, Western Mass. Electric Co. President and COO Peter Clarke, left, presented a $426,373 incentive check to Baystate CEO Mark Tolosky. This is the largest energy incentive awarded by WMECo for 2011. Thanks to Baystate’s commitment and WMECo’s support, these changes will save 3,282,269 kWh and about $459,000 in operating costs each year.

By the Book

booksphotoHampden-based Rediker Software recently teamed up with the local nonprofit organization Link to Libraries as part of their Caring Community Project to assemble literacy book bags for children entering kindergarten in Holyoke and Springfield public schools. Pictured, from left, are Rediker Chief Financial Officer Gayle Rediker, Stacie Ann Walker, Ofelia Cruz, and David Tivoli. Link to Libraries has assembled more than 2,800 Welcome to Kindergarten literacy kits and donated more than 50,000 new books since the organization’s inception in 2008.


WMAS Radiothon at Baystate

Radiothon-Susan-and-DJAbove, Susan Toner, vice president of Development at Baystate Health and executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation, speaks with Chris Kellogg, morning host of the Kellogg Krew on 94.7 WMAS, during the 94.7 WMAS Radiothon to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital. The 11th annual Radiothon was held from Feb. 16-18. Bottom, Amy Weiswasser, whose son, Alex, was born prematurely and spent time in the Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Baystate Children’s Hospital, speaks with Kellogg during the event. Weiswasser serves as a member of Baystate’s Family Advisory Council and NICU Parent to Parent.

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Cutting the Ribbon

PicThis 1 0112cAfter an extensive renovation project, the Lord Jeffery Inn in downtown Amherst reopened to the public on Jan. 9. Doing the honors at a ribbon-cutting ceremony are, from left: Robert Reeves, general manager of the inn; John Musante, Amherst town manager; state Rep. Ellen Story; Charles R. Longsworth, chair emeritus of the Amherst College Board of Trustees; Biddy Martin, president of Amherst College; Rob Winchester, president of the Waterford Hotel Group; and Peter Shea, treasurer of Amherst College and president of the Amherst Inn Co.

Third Thursday

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YPS1The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield recently staged its monthly Third Thursday event at Nadim’s Mediterranean Grill in East Longmeadow. Top, Nick Gelfand, owner of NRG Real Estate Inc., with Christopher Rinaldi of Excel Technologies Inc. Bottom, board Member Ron Laprise, owner of Laprise Chiropractic, with Laura Judd.









Groundbreaking Development

DevAssocGroundbreakingBW-0112cGroundbreaking ceremonies were recently staged at the site of what will become known as the Northampton I-91 Professional Center, which will consist of two three-story Class-A office buildings designed for professional and medical tenants. The project is being spearheaded by Agawam-based Development Associates. From left are: David Masiello, owner of R.P. Masiello, general contractor, the builder chosen for the project; Travis Ward, operations manager for Development Associates; Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce; Eileen O’Leary Sullivan, co-owner of Northampton I-91 Professional Center; Ken Vincunas, general manager of Development Associates; J. Curtis Shumway, co-owner of the Northampton I-91 Professional Center; Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz; Brian Huntley, project manager for Tighe & Bond, the engineering firm consulting on the project; and Pat Levelle, CFO of CSO, a future tenant.

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Future Returns

The Mass. Bankers Assoc. Charitable Foundation recently presented Cooley Dickinson Hospital with a check for $5,000 to support the hospital’s Building Our Future campaign. Pictured, from left, are Craig Melin, president and CEO of CDH; Ken Bordewieck, senior vice president of Easthampton Savings Bank; Joanne Finck, CDH Building Our Future campaign chairperson; William Stapleton, president of Northampton Cooperative Bank; and Dan Forte, president and CEO of the Mass. Bankers Assoc. Charitable Foundation.

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Pitching In

HampdenBankThe Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently granted $150,000 to support the plans and objectives of DevelopSpringfield. Seen here, from left, are Nicholas Fyntrilakis, chairman of the board of DevelopSpringfield; Thomas Burton, vice chairman and CEO of Hampden Bank; Glenn Welch, president and COO of the bank; and Robert Massey, CFO, treasurer, and senior vice president of the bank.


Top Lender

UnitedBankUnited Bank’s Joanne Sheedy (center), RCA portfolio manager, recently accepted the bank’s award as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s #1 Lender to Women in 2011 from the SBA’s Robert Nelson, Massachusetts district director, and Jeanne Hulit, New England regional administrator.


Capital Idea

PNCUPolish National Credit Union recently donated $25,000 to the Chicopee Senior Center capital campaign. Seen here, from left, are: Ernest LaFlamme, co-chair of the capital campaign; James Kelly, president and CEO of Polish National Credit Union; and Richard Kos, co-chair of the capital campaign.



Holiday Party

Holiday Party 1
Holiday Party 2
Holiday Party 3More than 80 area children attended the annual Children’s Holiday Party on Dec. 17 hosted by WTCC-90.7 FM, the radio station of Springfield Technical Community College. DJ Fred (Flash) Layne, in his 13th year in the role, was Santa Claus. Station members personally donated more than $800 toward the event, according to committee chair Valerie King-Jackson. WTCC General Manager Denise Stewart said the event “helped these children to understand the love of a community.” Each child received a book donated by Barnes & Noble.

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Old Masters to Monet

Monet 1
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Monet 4More than 150 guests attended the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts’ preview reception for the exhibition “Old Masters to Monet: Three Centuries of French Painting” from the Wadsworth Atheneum. Guests included exhibition sponsors and major donors to the Springfield Museums. The exhibition of 50 masterpieces will be on view through April 29. “Old Masters to Monet” was organized by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. Presentation of the exhibition in Springfield is funded in part by the Michele and Donald D’Amour Fund, established in 2008 to bring world-class art exhibitions to the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. From top: from left, Patricia Hambley, Mark Hambley, and Joanna Rosenthal: from left, Joanna Rosenthal, David Starr; Holly Smith-Bové, president of the Springfield Museums; and Peggy Starr; from left, Lyman Wood; Merrie Wood; Heather Haskell, director of the Springfield Art Museums; Julia Courtney, curator of art, Springfield Museums; Michele D’Amour; Dr. Eric Zafran, curator of European art at the Wadsworth Atheneum; and Donald D’Amour; Dr. Paul Friedmann looks over some of the paintings.

















Food Fest West

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) staged its Fifth Annual Food Fest West on Dec. 8 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Sponsored by Western Massachusetts Electric Co., First Niagara Bank, and OMG Inc., the event featured the foods of area restaurants including Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Casa di Lisa, Chez Josef, Crestview Country Club, Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, Magic Spoon, Mama Iguana’s, Nina’s Cookies, Nora’s, O’Connor’s Pub & Grille, Partners Restaurant, Tekoa Country Club, and Tokyo Asian Cuisine. Restaurants competed to win awards and prizes for best food and best presentation during the course of the evening. A chef auction was also be held, where attendees could bid on meals provided by their favorite chefs.  Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing educational needs. Top, the team from the Magic Spoon. Bottom, some of the desserts that tempted attendees.






Award-winning Efforts


At Freedom Credit Union’s recent annual dinner, Ana Frasco, mortgage processor, top, received the President’s Award from Barry Crosby, Freedom president and CEO. The award recognizes her commitment to professional excellence. She was nominated by a colleague who recognized her exemplary attitude in her service to members and fellow employees, and her contributions to the success of the credit union. In addition, Julia Beaudoin, bottom, Freedom’s director of Human Resources, received a special Tribute Award from Crosby for her leadership actions taken during the tornado on June 1, 2011, ensuring the safety of employees and members at the Freedom branch on Main Street in Springfield.

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Resurgent Springfield

HAP1HAP2“Envisioning a Resurgent Springfield Metro” was the theme of HAPHousing’s annual symposium at the MassMutual Center on Nov. 16. The keynote address was delivered by Allen Joines, mayor of Winston-Salem, N.C., one of the cities visited by a delegation of Springfield-area business and civic leaders last fall as part of the City2City program. Top: from left, panelists Peter Gagliardi, HAPHousing executive director; Orson Watson, Community Revitalization Program advisor to the Garfield Foundation; Joines; David Dixon, principal at Goody Clancy; Gerald Hayes, vice president of Administration and Finance at Westfield State University; and Jeffrey Fuhrer, executive vice president and senior advisor at Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Bottom: from left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Heriberto Flores, chairman of the New England Farm Workers’ Council; and Joines.




ACCGS Government Reception

ACCGS1ACCGS2The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield staged its annual Government Reception at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern on Nov. 16. More than 200 state and local leaders networked with area business leaders. Top: Carl Breyer (left) of Park Place Real Estate Development with West Springfield Mayor Edward Gibson. Bottom: from left, state Rep. Don Humason, R-Westfield; state Rep. Michael Knapik, R-Westfield; and state Rep. Michael Finn, D-West Springfield.




Bright Nights Ball

BriteNites1BriteNites2BriteNites3BriteNites4The Spirit of Springfield staged its annual Bright Nights Ball on Nov. 19 at the Sheraton Springfield. The event, which drew more than 500 business and civic leaders, featured dinner, dancing, a live auction and silent auction, and a salute to the Mass. Army National Guard. Top: from left, Donna Ross, senior vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Baystate Health; Frank Robinson, executive director of Partners for a Healthier Community, Baystate Health; and Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. 2nd from top: from left, Stephen Bryant, president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts; Mary Ellen Scott, owner of United Personnel; and Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England. 2nd from bottom: from left, state Sen. James Welch; Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield; Maj. Gen. Joseph Carter, adjutant general of the Mass. Army National Guard. Bottom: from left, Maura McCaffrey, vice president of Marketing and Business Development for Health New England; Ross; Straley; and Amy Trombley, vice president and chief talent officer for Health New England.







Festival of Trees

FestTrees1FestTrees2FestTrees4Scenes from the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s 11th Annual Festival of Trees at Tower Square in Springfield. Every tree donated helps the Springfield Boys & Girls Club provide programs and services to more than 1,500 inner-city youth who need it most.

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CHD Turns 40

The Center for Human Development celebrated 40 years of service to the community at its recent annual meeting, staged at the Storrowton Tavern and Carriage House. The event featured keynote speaker Bob Fazzi, managing partner of Fazzi Associates and CHD co-founder and former presudent, as well as presentation of the Rick Moriarty Volunteer of the Year Awards. The winners were Doris Chrzanowski, Nancy Evans, and Janice Morin. Clockwise, from above, three of CHD’s founders (from left), Fazzi, Bill Seretta, and Art Bertrand share a moment with CHD President/CEO Jim Goodwin; standing (left to right) are: Jeff Sattler, president, Nuvo Bank; Heidi Delisle, vice president, AW Hastings; Mat Geffin, Webber & Grinnell Insurance. Seated (left to right) are: Hannah Butler, Human Resources director at Lenox Saw; Amy Royal, principal of Royal LLP; Carol Fitzgerald, vice president of CHD; and Amy Roberts, vice president of Kollmorgen; standing (left to right) are: Terry Regina, board member, CHD; Jim Goodwin; Mike Williams, vice president with Chicopee Savings Bank CHD and board member; Bill Seretta; and Michael Weekes, president, Mass. Providers Council. Seated (left to right) are: Art Bertrand; Jay Primack, principal, Moriarty & Primack and chairman of the CHD Board of Directors; Bob Fazzi; and Diana Buckley, principal, Buckley Consulting and wife of Bob Fazzi; Seated (left to right) are: Doris Chrzanowski; her husband, Tom Chrzanowski; Nancy Bazanchuk, CHD; Michelle Theroux, vice president of CHD; and Ron Ancrum, executive director of the Community Foundation of Western Mass. Standing (left to right) are: Denise Dukette, vice president of New England Bank and CHD board member; Evan Plotkin, NAI Plotkin and CHD board member; and Karen Cabana, CHD.

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Spreading the Word

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At top, Doug Bowen, right, president of Holyoke-based PeoplesBank, was the featured reader at the Link to Libraries Celebrity Read Aloud 2011-12 academic year program. Bowen read at Sullivan Elementary School in Holyoke to a most attentive and excited group of fifth-graders. Having grown up in the city, his presentation included a discussion with the students on the importance of being good readers and students, and what living and working in the community means to him both personally and professionally. Bowen is seen here with John Breish, principal of the Sullivan School, and several fifth-grade students.
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Below, BusinessWest editor George O’Brien, left, was a guest reader earlier this month at the White Street School in Springfield. He’s seen here with fourth-grade teacher Jay Brunt and his class. For more information on the initiative, visit www.linktolibraries.org.

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United Way Day of Caring

The United Way of Pioneer Valley recently conducted its annual Day of Caring, organizing volunteers from area businesses who performed needed projects around the region.
Below, from top: front to back, Diane Haggerty, Linda Vela, and Nicole Bryar of MassMutual volunteer at the West Springfield Council on Aging; from left, Rebecca Barlow, Tricia Parolo, Gail Couchon, and Sue Gendron of MassMutual work at Abner Gibbs Elementary School; from left, Narinder Kaur, Kathy Giordano, Jennifer Saltis, Cathy Lafortune, and David Woytowicz of MassMutual volunteer at Stanley Park; from left, Lauren Bouvier, Amy Martin, Andrew Conner, and Christine Landry of PeoplesBank pitch in at Chicopee Child Day Center.
Photos courtesy of Ed Cohen



















More Caring
More from the United Way of Pioneer Valley Day of Caring, below from top: Christine Warren of the Davis Foundation volunteers at Wistariahurst Museum; Angel Diaz-Mangiafic of MassMutual lends a hand at the Children’s Museum of Holyoke; Donna Bernard of Jubinville Insurance pitches in at Wistariahurst Museum; Michelle White of MassMutual works at the Children’s Museum of Holyoke; Corey Tomlinson of MassMutual volunteers at the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

Photos courtesy of Joe Aberdale





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Community Response

The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter has benefited from a recent outpouring of generosity from area individuals and businesses. At top left, the chapter’s executive director, Rick Lee (right), accepts a check for $20,000 from UBS Financial Services in Springfield to support local disaster-relief and recovery efforts. The check, representing a corporate donation, a company matching gift, and employee contributions, is presented by George Keady III, UBS senior vice president and branch manager (left), and James Calabrese, UBS account vice president. Bottom, the staff of Texas Roadhouse in Springfield presents a $13,000 donation to Mary Nathan, the chapter’s director of Disaster Services. The restaurant fed victims of the June 1 tornadoes and helped with cleanup, then coordinated a fund-raiser involving Texas Roadhouse restaurants all over New England to raise the $13,000 donation.

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Kids Safety Event

LibbosTeamClownFireTruck1At left, the staff and family members of the Law Offices of Thomas M. Libbos, P.C. hand out hundreds of free bike safety helmets to children at the 3rd Annual Kids Safety Event staged recently at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. From left, are: attorney Thomas Libbos, Samantha Wrinkle, Catherine Wrinkle, Melissa Cintron, and attorney Katherine Lamondia-Wrinkle. Below left, Shriners Clown Lenny Horowitz, a.k.a. “Paintbrush,” waves from a Springfield Fire Department Fire Truck during the event, which was produced by Market Mentors LLC of West Springfield.







Extreme Makeover

Extreme-Makeover-Home-EditionExtreme Makeover: Home Edition is coming to Springfield. That announcement was made recently in front of City Hall, with dozens of city officials, volunteers, and builders in attendance. Here, Brad Campbell, left, executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of Western Mass., standing with Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, thanks Western New England University students for volunteering their time to help with the project, which will kick-off with the ceremonial “door knock” at the home of the lucky family on Sept. 11. At right is Nick Riley, owner of N. Riley Construction and lead builder for this project. Visit http://www.joinextreme.com/mass to register as a volunteer or donate to the project. For behind the scenes photos and videos visit http://www.facebook.com/emheSpringfield.