LONGMEADOW — The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) will host its annual meeting and awards night, set to take place on Wednesday, May 27 at Twin Hills Country Club.

The meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. and conclude at 5:25 p.m., followed by the annual reception and awards night, where the outstanding contributions of local nonprofits and businesses will be honored. Attendees are encouraged to register by May 25 by clicking here.

The following awardees will be recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to local communities: Nonprofit of the Year: Rachel’s Table; Business of the Year: Tandem Bagel Co.; Small Business of the Year: College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving; New Member of the Year: Baystate Winair Co.; Ambassador of the Year: Rich Merrifield Jr.; and Board Members of the Year: Carla Alves and Amie Miarecki.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these remarkable individuals and organizations that make a significant impact in our communities. We invite all members, partners, and friends to join us for an evening filled with camaraderie, recognition, and inspiration,” the ERC5 stated. “Join us for a memorable evening as we honor those who contribute to the strength and vitality of our community.”

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) Senior Alliance Team announced an informative presentation “Do I Stay or Do I Go?” at the Pleasant View Senior Center in East Longmeadow. This event will take place on Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. Click here to register.

As part of the chamber’s commitment to empowering seniors and fostering community connections, this presentation addresses important questions about housing options for seniors. Attendees will explore current market trends, financial implications, signs it’s time to move, home safety adjustments, smart home technology, legal considerations, and the important role senior centers play in these decisions.

“We aim to provide our seniors and their families with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their living situations,” said Grace Barone, executive director of ERC5. “This presentation will empower attendees to explore their options and connect with the necessary support.”

EAST LONGMEADOW — On Tuesday, Feb. 10 from 8 to 10 a.m. at Ludlow Country Club, the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) will host a legislative breakfast that promises to highlight the work being done in local communities.

Premier sponsor Monson Savings Bank has enabled the chamber to honor two local nonprofits making a significant impact on youth: Rick’s Place in Wilbraham and Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow. ERC5 also thanks local service sponsors, Country Bank and Polish National Credit Union, for recognizing the contributions of public servants. This event will honor dedicated individuals — from town administrators to police and fire personnel — who ensure that communities remain safe and well-run.

This year’s breakfast also marks the inaugural presentation of the 2026 Cultural Heritage Impact Awards, recognizing three individuals who have achieved personal success and also served as mentors and role models in the community: Wen Zhen Gao (“Annie”) of Mandarin Wilbraham, Curio Nataloni of Kitchens & Baths by Curio, and Fernando Blanco of Blanco Electric. State legislators will present a citation to these recipients.

“These award recipients embody the spirit of the American dream while celebrating their unique cultural heritage,” the chamber stated. “Their stories remind us that, by embracing our diverse backgrounds, we strengthen our community and discover the many similarities that unite us.”

For more information, contact Grace Barone, ERC5 executive director, at (413) 530-5778 or [email protected].

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) announced an upcoming collaborative event to demystify the college financing process for students, parents, and guidance counselors.

This event, slated for Thursday, Feb. 12 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Schwartz Campus Center at American International College (AIC), will feature contributions from prominent community leaders, including Amie (Guerra) Miarecki, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts; Dawn Creighton from Liberty Bank; and the team at AIC. The ERC5 is also a key partner in this initiative.

Navigating the financial aspects of college can often feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to understanding the paperwork, scholarships, grants, work-study options, and federal student loans. This event is designed to provide essential information and resources to help families make informed decisions about financing higher education.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with experts who will share insights on available financial aid options and answer questions about the college financing process. The goal is to empower attendees with the knowledge they need to successfully navigate the financial choices for higher education. Click here to register.

EAST LONGMEADOW — The East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5) will host a community celebration on Friday, Sept. 5 beginning at 3 p.m. at East Village Tavern, 53 North Main St., East Longmeadow. The ceremony will feature a check presentation to the East Longmeadow Rotary Club, followed by a ribbon-cutting event to unveil the new patio at East Village Tavern.

This event highlights the spirit of community and the importance of giving back. The check presentation to the East Longmeadow Rotary Club demonstrates the commitment of the Sullivan, Dessereau, and Arment families to supporting local initiatives and programs that enrich the community. Following the donation, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will officially open the new patio, a space designed for the community to gather.

After the ribbon cutting, attendees are invited to stay for an ERC5 After 5 Networking event, where community members and businesses can connect, share ideas, and strengthen relationships. The event is open to the public.

SPRINGFIELD — Attorney Amelia Holstrom, a partner at Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., has joined the board of directors for the East of the River Five Town Chamber of Commerce (ERC5).

Holstrom has been with Skoler Abbott since 2012 and was named a partner last year. She focuses her practice on labor law and employment litigation, including representing employers before state and federal agencies and in state and federal courts, providing counsel to management regarding litigation-avoidance strategies, reviewing and revising personnel policies and practices, wage-and-hour compliance, and separation and severance agreements.

A seasoned employment-law attorney, Holstrom brings a unique perspective to the ERC5’s board. The mission of the ERC5 is to promote an environment that fosters the economic growth of the towns of East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow, and Wilbraham through the creation and expansion of businesses and jobs.

Holstrom’s skills and community involvement have been recognized many times by outside organizations. She was selected to the Super Lawyers “Rising Stars” list in 2018 and 2019, and was a Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly “Up & Coming” honoree in 2017. In addition, she received the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in 2016, and was selected by BusinessWest as a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2015.

In addition to the ERC5, Holstrom is also on the boards of directors for Clinical & Support Options and Girls Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, and is an ad hoc member of the personnel committee for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. She previously served as clerk of the board of directors for Friends of the Homeless. She frequently speaks about employment-related legal topics for a wide variety of associations and organizations and is a regular contributor to the Massachusetts Employment Law Letter.