Picture This
STCC Groundbreaking
Springfield Technical Community College held a groundbreaking ceremony on June 17 for a $55 million project to relocate the School of Health and Patient Simulation to Scibelli Hall. The project will create a new home for more than 20 healthcare degree and certificate programs, as well as the college’s nationally accredited SIMS Medical Center. Pictured, from left: STCC trustees Jeffrey Sattler and Samalid Hogan, state Sen. Adam Gomez, Maddy Landrau of the MassMutual Foundation, STCC President John Cook, U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, and STCC trustees Michael Knapik, Elizabeth Oleksak-Sposito, and William Davila. (Photo by Paul Bloomfield)
Fill the Food Bank
On March 31, six Hampden County chambers of commerce joined forces in the fight against food insecurity, raising $6,590 and collecting 1,881 pounds of food for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts through their third annual Fill the Food Bank event. Pictured, from left: Diana Szynal of the Springfield Regional Chamber, Amanda Waterfield of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Melissa Breor of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Totz of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Robin Wozniak of the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, and Cheyenne Burnham of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
Emerging Leader Award
Monson Savings Bank announced that Heather Arbour, vice president, BSA, Fraud, & Compliance, has been named the 2026 Emerging Leader Award recipient by the Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. (MBA). The MBA announced the 2026 recipients of its Women in Banking Achievement Awards at the recent annual Women and Allies in Banking Conference. Each year, the Emerging Leader Award honors one woman under age 40 who is a rising star in her institution and demonstrates the qualities of a forward-thinking, driven leader. Pictured, from left: Monson Savings Bank’s Dina Merwin, Dan Moriarty, Arbour, and Terri Fox.
Meeting Needs in Times of Grief
Rick’s Place announced it has received a $10,000 grant from the Alternatives for Youth Foundation (AYF) to support its ongoing grief support programming for children, teens, and families who are grieving the death of a significant person. This funding will help sustain free peer support groups and family-centered services, which provide opportunities for participants to connect with others who have experienced a death loss. Through support groups, special events, and community outreach, Rick’s Place offers a welcoming environment where youth and caregivers can express their thoughts and feelings, build supportive relationships, and develop tools for navigating grief.
Supporting Camp Shepard
Westfield Bank recently donated $150,000 to the YMCA of Greater Westfield. The donation will benefit the construction of a new welcome center, pavilion, and bathhouse at Camp Shepard, which, for more than 75 years, has served thousands of children, introducing them to nature while building confidence and lasting friendships. These upgrades, which will be financed by a larger capital campaign, will update the aging facility, expand capacity from 215 to 300 campers per day, and open the site year-round to the community, all while maintaining access and affordability. Pictured: Westfield Bank President James Hagan and YMCA of Greater Westfield CEO Andrea Allard (center) flanked by members of both organizations.
HCC Foundation Scholarships
The Holyoke Community College (HCC) Foundation awarded $405,000 in scholarships to students for the 2026-27 academic year. The foundation awarded 438 scholarships to 422 incoming, current, and transferring HCC students. Some students received multiple scholarship awards. Individual awards range from $500 to $5,000. HCC celebrated this year’s recipients and donors at a scholarship reception on May 14. Pictured: HCC student Araba Murray-Adoboe celebrates her scholarship award with her family and HCC President George Timmons.
