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Banking on the Community
bankESB recently announced its continued support for the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club as a $6,400 season ticket holder sponsor. This sponsorship helps provide critical funding for youth programs that empower and inspire local children to reach their full potential.
bankESB’s Michael Oleksak (third from left) with, from left, Victoria Larriva, Sarah Calabrese, and Dan D’Angelo of the West Springfield Boys and Girls Club. bankESB also recently announced its $10,000 sponsorship of Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s annual Golf FORE Health Tournament, a fundraising event that supports vital healthcare programs and services for the community.
Cooley Dickinson’s Nancy Lapointe and Kevin Whitney (second and fourth from left) with, from left, bankESB’s Cara Crochier, William Judd, Joseph Williams, Lauren Tabin, Timothy Czerniejewski, Elizabeth Schabacker, Michael Oleksak, and Christopher Scott.
Legacy Award
Dozens of area companies were honored by the Springfield Regional Chamber on Nov. 7 in its 36th annual Super 60 awards program, which recognizes excellence in five core categories: Revenue, Growth, Start-Up, Give Back, and Non-Profit. In addition, the chamber presented its first-ever Legacy Award, which recognizes an organization with deep and lasting contributions to the region’s economic and community vitality. The inaugural honor went to Balise Motor Sales Co.
Pictured, from left: Alex Balise and Jeb Balise with Diana Szynal, president and CEO of the Springfield Regional Chamber.
Happy Occasion
On Oct. 25, Happier Valley Comedy held the grand opening of its new Dream Theater in Hadley with an improv show and reception. The new theater, located next door to the previous performance space at 1 Mill Valley Road, features expanded theater seating, an accessible stage, theatrical lighting, and an improv-friendly set. The expansion was funded in part by $115,000 in matching funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund Capital Grant.
On Oct. 25, Happier Valley Comedy held the grand opening of its new Dream Theater in Hadley with an improv show and reception
United in Support
Florence Bank recently announced a gift of $73,520 to the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region. The bank provided direct support of $50,000, and its employees pledged an additional $23,520 as part of the bank’s annual workplace campaign. The combined gift will be used to support the United Way’s annual Diaper Drive, food insecurity efforts, the Ski United event, and event sponsorships.
Pictured, from left: Chris Mullen and Jen Halpin of Florence Bank, Holly Martineau of the United Way, Ryan Hess and Matt Garrity of Florence Bank, Geoff Naunheim of the United Way, and Jenna Rahilly of Florence Bank.
Supporting Local Youth
On Oct. 20, Eastern States Exposition (ESE) and the town of West Springfield visited the West Springfield Boys & Girls Club to present a check for $6,000 toward an all-new technology lab for the students it serves. This donation comes from the ESE-West Springfield Trust.
Pictured, from left: West Springfield Boys and Girls Club trustee Jim Sherbo and board chair Mike Oleksak; ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy; West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt; and West Springfield Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Dan D’Angelo, trustee Joe Kelley, Development Director Sarah Calabrese-Dunphy, and Assistant Development Coordinator Victoria Larriva.
Taking Action Against Hunger
Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) recently partnered with Rachel’s Table in support of Alianza DV Services of Holyoke. During Hunger Action Month in September, MBK raised more than $700 and was able to donate 464 pounds of food to Alianza DV Services through Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts.
Pictured, from left: members of the Rachel’s Table team with Mallory Beauregard and Keara King from Meyers Brothers Kalicka.
