MCLA Receives $1.2 Million for Early Education Center
NORTH ADAMS — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal joined Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) President James Birge; North Adams Mayor Jennifer Macksey; MCLA students, faculty, and staff; and state and local officials to announce $1.2 million in federal funding for the MCLA Early Education Center. This allocation was made possible through congressionally directed spending from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Neal included funding for this project in the FY 2026 spending bill. The Early Education Center will provide a space that meets the needs of working families throughout North County, while creating workforce development opportunities for students pursuing careers in early education. These funds will allow MCLA to renovate its Church Street Center into a high-quality facility that provides dedicated space for early education partners throughout North County. This space will provide a learning lab for students and childcare services for the campus and local community, benefiting a minimum of 30 families and reinstating 12 to 15 early childhood educator/staff positions.
Ryse Dance Fitness Studio Opens in East Longmeadow
EAST LONGMEADOW — Ryse Dance Fitness, a new dance and fitness studio founded by lifelong dancer and instructor Lyndsay Rysedorph, opened its doors to the community on May 30, offering dynamic classes designed to inspire confidence, strength, and joy through movement. With more than 30 years of dance experience and a passion for helping students grow both physically and mentally, Rysedorph created Ryse Dance Fitness as a welcoming environment where adults of all experience levels can feel empowered throughout their dance and fitness journeys. Ryse Dance Fitness offers classes for adults at every level, from complete beginners to advanced dancers and fitness enthusiasts. With a variety of dance and movement-based fitness offerings, students can find classes that meet them wherever they are in their journey while building strength, confidence, coordination, and self-expression along the way. In addition to dance and fitness classes, Ryse Dance Fitness also offers stretching and recovery-focused classes designed to help participants care for their bodies between more rigorous workouts and dance sessions. The studio will further expand its offerings with private lessons, birthday party packages, and studio space rentals available by appointment.
GCC to Expand Digital Access Following State Grant Award
GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced it has been selected as a beneficiary of the Connected and Online Program, a statewide initiative led by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by distributing internet-enabled devices to essential community organizations across the Commonwealth. Through this grant, GCC will receive a significant influx of technology to support its students, including 60 Dell laptops, 68 Dell Chromebooks, and 20 accessible keyboards and computer mice. The Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund. It is specifically designed to increase access to education, workforce development, and healthcare services with a particular focus on rural communities like those served by GCC. These new devices will be integrated into GCC’s tech lending library, which also includes Wi-Fi hotspots and other tech equipment, all of which bolster the college’s ability to provide equitable access to education. Additionally, they will help students access teletherapy services offered by GCC’s Wellness Center, as well as virtual appointments with GCC’s peer tutors, advisors, faculty, and more.
Berkshire Money Management Recognized by USA Today
DALTON — Berkshire Money Management has been recognized on USA Today’s list of the Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026. Berkshire Money Management appears to be the only Massachusetts-based firm west of Worcester to be included on this year’s list. This award is presented by USA Today and Statista Inc., the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list can be viewed at usatoday.com. The Best Financial Advisory Firms 2026 list awards the top registered investment advisory (RIA) firms in the U.S. based on two dimensions: recommendations from financial advisors, clients, and industry experts, and both short-term (12-month) and long-term (5-year) AUM development analyzed using publicly available data. To be eligible for the award, firms must be registered as an investment advisory firm (RIA firm) with the SEC and/or at state level for at least one year, maintain a principal office in the U.S., have a clean disciplinary record, provide financial planning or portfolio management services to individuals and/or small businesses, and manage more than $500,000 in AUM.
Five CPA Societies Merge into New England Society of CPAs
BOSTON — The boards of directors and members of the state CPA societies of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont have approved a merger to form the New England Society of CPAs, effective July 1. The regional organization is designed to expand value for members while building a stronger, more sustainable future for the profession. The merger unites five state societies into one member-focused organization that will provide enhanced advocacy, expanded learning opportunities, broader peer networks, and increased resources for accounting and finance professionals, their organizations, and future talent entering the profession. State-specific advocacy and local member engagement will remain a central focus, guided by local leadership, committees, and member communities in each state. The merger also strengthens the profession’s ability to address one of its greatest challenges: building the future CPA pipeline. By combining resources and expertise across the region, the organization will have greater capacity to expand outreach efforts that engage students and future CPAs and elevate awareness of accounting career opportunities throughout New England. The new society will maintain existing staff across the five states and is expected to have 14,500 members at its inception.
Bay Path Receives $100,000 to Advance Early Literacy
LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University has received a $100,000 grant from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation to support the university’s Bay Path Encircled Literacy Initiative, a one-year pilot program designed to strengthen early literacy instruction in Springfield Public Schools. The initiative will focus on equipping teachers and paraprofessionals from the same classrooms with shared training in the science of reading, an evidence-based approach to literacy instruction. By training educators together, the program aims to create consistent classroom literacy practices, enhance educator preparedness, and improve reading outcomes for students across underserved communities. The Bay Path Encircled Literacy Initiative is designed to serve as a scalable model that can be expanded to additional schools and districts in the future. Through collaborative professional development and practical classroom application, the program seeks to strengthen foundational literacy skills during the critical early years of learning. The pilot program will launch during the upcoming academic year and will bring together classroom teachers and paraprofessionals in a unified approach to literacy instruction rooted in research and best practices.
Country Bank Donates $5,000 to Support United Way, MSBDC
WARE — Country Bank recently donated $2,500 each to the United Way of Pioneer Valley and the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) in support of their ongoing efforts to strengthen local communities and small businesses throughout the region. Country Bank has long supported the United Way of Pioneer Valley through both financial contributions and volunteerism. The United Way continues to make a meaningful impact across the region by supporting programs and initiatives focused on education, financial stability, health, and basic needs for individuals and families throughout Western Mass. The bank also supports the MSBDC at UMass Amherst, an organization dedicated to helping small business owners and entrepreneurs succeed through educational programs, mentoring, workshops, and strategic business guidance. Through these resources, businesses gain valuable tools and insight to help them grow, strengthen operations, and prepare for long-term success. Country Bank values partnerships that foster economic growth and create opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs. Organizations like the MSBDC help provide business owners with the support and knowledge needed to build strong, sustainable businesses that positively impact the communities they serve.
Springfield Thunderbirds Raise $28,000 for Rays of Hope
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds and the T-Birds Foundation announced a donation of $28,000 to Rays of Hope as a result of proceeds from the live jersey auction and fundraising elements from the T-Birds’ Pink in the Rink game on March 7. The team welcomed a capacity crowd of 6,793 fans for the ninth annual Pink in the Rink game, raising another impactful total through auctions of the team’s pink-themed, game-worn jerseys. Established during the Thunderbirds’ inaugural 2016-17 season, Pink in the Rink marks the launch of the Rays of Hope fundraising campaign each March, shining a spotlight on breast cancer awareness outside the traditional October awareness month. Each year, those fundraising efforts culminate with the annual Rays of Hope Walk & Run in downtown Springfield each October. Since the tradition began, the Thunderbirds have helped raise more than $200,000 for Rays of Hope, with every dollar staying local in Western Mass. to support patients, families, and the ongoing pursuit of a cure.
Advance Psychotherapy Practice Opens Expanded Location
LONGMEADOW — Advance Psychotherapy Practice announced the opening of its new expanded office in Longmeadow, located at 171 Dwight Road, Suite 203. The new Longmeadow office allows Advance Psychotherapy Practice to continue growing its presence in Western Mass. while offering a more accessible and expanded space for clients in Longmeadow, Greater Springfield, Enfield, and surrounding communities. As part of this expansion, the Longmeadow team is also looking for experienced psychotherapists to join its growing clinical team. Advance Longmeadow will provide compassionate, professional psychotherapy services for individuals, couples, families, children, and teens, with care available both in person and remotely. The Longmeadow team is led by Clinical Director Kelly Noga and Clinical Supervisor Katelyn Tower, alongside a group of experienced and specialized psychotherapists.
Window World of Western Mass. Recognized for Customer Service
BELCHERTOWN — Window World of Western Massachusetts received the 2026 Guildmaster Award from GuildQuality for demonstrating exceptional customer service within the residential construction industry. Out of nearly 2,000 eligible applicants, Window World of Western Massachusetts is recognized for consistently delivering superior customer care by achieving a recommendation rate of 90% or above from its customers surveyed by GuildQuality. In determining which businesses receive the 2026 Guildmaster Award, GuildQuality reviewed thousands of survey responses submitted by customers of Guildmaster candidates and considered two primary metrics for each candidate: the percentage of customers stating they would recommend the business to a friend, and the percentage of customers who responded.
ILI Raises More Than $36,000 to Support Free Programs
NORTHAMPTON — The International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI) raised more than $36,000 at its annual Giving Voice fundraiser on May 13 at the Northampton Center for the Arts. More than 150 community members, educators, business leaders, and supporters attended the event, which featured silent and live auctions showcasing donations from local businesses, artists, and community partners. Proceeds will support ILI’s Free English Program, which provides English language instruction and literacy services to immigrants and refugees throughout the region. The event was supported by corporate sponsors Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee, Greenfield Savings Bank, and Gateway Fiber, as well as numerous local businesses, artists, and individuals who contributed auction items and other support.
AIC Launches Redesigned MBA, New Data Analytics Programs
SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has introduced a redesigned master of business administration (MBA) program alongside new graduate offerings in data analytics to prepare professionals for leadership in increasingly data-driven industries. The redesigned MBA blends leadership preparation with analytics and evidence-based decision making across core business disciplines, including finance, marketing, operations, organizational leadership, and supply chain management. The MBA program reflects growing employer demand for leaders who can pair strategic thinking with data-informed decision making. Designed for working professionals and emerging leaders, the MBA is offered in online and hybrid formats with accelerated seven-week courses and entry points in the fall, spring, and summer. Students may complete the program in as little as one year. In addition, AIC is introducing a new master of science in data analytics program and a combined MBA/MS in data analytics pathway. The MS in data analytics prepares students to apply predictive modeling, machine learning, enterprise analytics, and data visualization to real-world organizational challenges. The combined MBA/MS in data analytics pathway prepares professionals to pair executive leadership skills with advanced analytics expertise. Applications are now being accepted for upcoming fall, spring, and summer entry points.
Custom-built Benches, Tables Donated to Irish Cultural Center
SPRINGFIELD — 94.7 WMAS and Audacy Springfield announced the donation of five picnic tables and four garden benches to the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. This contribution aims to enhance the community experience at the center’s expansive athletic fields, providing comfortable seating for patrons, athletes, and families. The furniture carries a unique story of local craftsmanship and education. The pieces were hand-built during the Original Western Mass Home and Garden Show held at the Eastern States Exposition in March. The construction was a collaborative effort between students from Westover Job Corps and the Home Builders Institute, showcasing the skills of future tradespeople to thousands of event attendees. The Irish Cultural Center, located in West Springfield, serves as a hub for cultural preservation, sports, and community gatherings. The addition of these five picnic tables and four garden benches will provide much-needed infrastructure for the athletic fields, which host a variety of matches and community events throughout the year.
United Way of Pioneer Valley, White Lion Launch United Brew
SPRINGFIELD — United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV) and White Lion Brewing Co. announced a new community partnership with the launch of United Brew. Proceeds from this collaboration beer will directly support United Way’s mission across Western Mass. The public was invited to celebrate the launch on June 17, the event marking the official debut of the partnership and giving community members a chance to give back, one brew at a time. All proceeds from United Brew sales will benefit United Way of Pioneer Valley’s work connecting residents with the programs, resources, and support they need to thrive.
Beacon Bank Named Among America’s Best Regional Banks
PITTSFIELD — Beacon Bank has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s best regional banks for 2026, receiving the highest possible rating of five stars. Beacon Bank was selected from more than 8,800 banks and credit unions across the country that are committed to powering local economies by supporting businesses, financing community projects, and providing reliable access to everyday banking services. Results were based on a comprehensive research study that combined, among other metrics, financial benchmarking, a large-scale independent customer survey, and millions of digital reviews.
T-Birds, Sheriff’s Office Donate $5,000 to YWCA
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds, in partnership with the Hampden County Sheriff’s Office, recently presented a donation of $5,000 to the YWCA of Western Massachusetts prior to a T-Birds playoff game. The donation marked the culmination of the organizations’ collaboration for Domestic Violence Awareness Night on April 4 inside the Thunderdome. Proceeds were raised via online auction of specialty warmup jerseys that the Thunderbirds wore that evening. Founded in 1868, the YWCA of Western Massachusetts has spent more than 155 years serving the region. Central to its mission is supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while working to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Each year, the organization provides critical services to nearly 12,000 individuals across Western Massachusetts.
ECI, Route 20 Host Fundraiser to Support Local Veterans
WILBRAHAM — Two family‑owned Wilbraham businesses came together on May 20 to host a community fundraiser supporting local veterans, raising nearly $7,000 in a single evening. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd of residents and supporters, far exceeding expectations for its inaugural year. The fundraiser, co‑hosted by ECI and Route 20, was created to provide short-term financial assistance to veterans and their dependents for food, utility expenses, and transportation, offering critical support during difficult times. Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed food, celebrity bartenders (including Bax at Rock 102 and Leah Rantz at Lazer 99.3), raffles, live music, and opportunities to connect with local veterans. Organizers said the event’s success has already sparked interest in making the fundraiser an annual tradition.
Farm Credit East Cares Donates $40,000 to Mental Health Efforts
ENFIELD, Conn. — In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, Farm Credit East announced that its Farm Credit East Cares Community Fund donated $40,000 to rural mental health initiatives throughout the Northeast. Multiple organizations across Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory of New York, New Jersey, and New England will receive funds to support their work in providing mental health resources to rural communities. Agriculture faces unique stressors like weather and economic uncertainty, coupled with the demanding nature of farm work. Dedicated resources to support the well-being of farmers, fishers, foresters, and their families are critical to manage these challenges. The Farm Credit East Cares Community Fund was established by Farm Credit East employees who raise contributions with a Farm Credit East match. The fund’s primary intent is to provide support for farm families and organizations impacted by disasters. Since 2011, Farm Credit East Cares has donated more than $1.5 million.
