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Historic Restoration

Greenfield Savings Bank recently celebrated the grand opening of the newly restored Leavitt-Hovey House. Hosted in partnership with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the bank’s nearly $7 million restoration of the historic 1797 property at 402 Main St. The restored property will house the bank’s Trust & Wealth Management Division, as well as its Residential Lending and Cash Management departments. Retail banking services in Greenfield will continue to operate at the 400 Main St. branch. Pictured: President and CEO Peter Albero and Pamela Stobierski, board chair, cut the ribbon at the event.

Gone to the Dogs

The Foundation for TJO Animals held its annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk on May 2, raising more than $58,000 to benefit animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. The foundation’s signature event brought in a record-breaking 373 registered participants alongside their families and pets to honor the animals who have changed their lives, and to support those still waiting for care and compassion. Patrons enjoyed music, raffles, vendors, food trucks, inflatable games, and superhero-themed activities. Now in its fourth year, the Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk has raised more than $190,000 for the foundation’s mission.

Catching the Vision

The Greenfield Business Association (GBA) is celebrating a new phase of growth, investment, and fundraising. Local business owner Merrill Gagne’s $25,000 challenge gift early in 2025 helped catalyze a broader wave of support for the organization’s vision. The challenge was met by area philanthropists and business owners and inspired a successful event at JaDuke Theater in February that raised $31,477. Pictured, from left: Natty Hussey, Nick Waynelovich, Samantha Myburgh,  Mike Audet, Kim Williams, Hannah Rechtschaffen, Daniel Piasecki, Bill Baker, and Mik Muller.

Children’s Book Drive

Holyoke Credit Union (HCU) announced the successful completion of its 2026 Children’s Book Drive. Through donations collected throughout the campaign, HCU gathered a total of 534 children’s books valued at more than $4,100. In addition to books donated by employees and members, HCU also committed additional monetary contributions, including the purchase of an additional $1,000 worth of children’s books from a local small business member in West Springfield. Book donations collected through the drive are being distributed to local schools and students across the Pioneer Valley.

Community College Innovation Challenge

Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) has been selected as one of only 12 finalist teams nationwide in the 2026 Community College Innovation Challenge, a prestigious competition hosted by the American Assoc. of Community Colleges (AACC) in partnership with the National Science Foundation. STCC’s finalist project, HydroShield, is a replaceable washing machine filter designed to capture microplastic fibers before they enter waterways. Pictured, from left: UMass graduate student Miro Leeb with three STCC students who worked on the HydroShield project: Sophia Landrau, Vincent Githiri, and Shahmeer Ali.

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.

Foundation for TJO Animals’ Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk Surpasses Goal

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals held its annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk on May 2, raising more than $58,000 to benefit animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.

The foundation’s signature event brought in a record-breaking 373 registered participants alongside their families and pets to honor the animals who have changed their lives, and to support those still waiting for care and compassion. Patrons enjoyed music, raffles, vendors, food trucks, inflatable games, and superhero-themed activities. Now in its fourth year, the Jack Rome Memorial 5K & Fun Walk was created to celebrate the life and legacy of Jack, a beloved dog whose memory continues to inspire hope and healing for animals in need. Since its inception, the event has raised more than $190,000 for the foundation’s mission.

“This event continues to grow in the most meaningful ways,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals. “Even in the rain, our community showed up in full force. It’s a powerful reminder that people care deeply about these animals and are willing to step up to make a difference.”

The event was made possible through the continued partnership of Gary Rome Auto Group and Western Mass News, whose support has helped grow the event into one of the region’s most impactful animal welfare fundraisers. Other significant sponsors include the Richard & Barbara Whitcomb Foundation, Alekman DiTusa, and Integrity Veterinary Center.

Participants also heard remarks from state Sen. Jake Oliveira, and the event welcomed several community partners and nonprofit organizations, including Broken Wings, Magic for Maddie, and Each Moment We’re Alive. Chicopee Mayor John Vieau and members of the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department were also in attendance, including Deacon, one of its therapy dogs. While Sheriff Nick Cocchi was unable to attend, he generously pledged $3,000 in support of the foundation’s work.

“The energy, even on a rainy day, was incredible,” Brown said. “This event is about more than just a race — it’s about community, compassion, and coming together to give animals a second chance.”

Foundation for TJO Animals to Hold Jack Rome Memorial 5K and Fun Walk on May 2

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Daily News

WILBRAHAM — The Foundation for TJO Animals will hold its fourth annual Jack Rome Memorial 5K and Fun Walk on Saturday, May 2 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fountain Park in Wilbraham. Event kick-off and race registration begins at 11 a.m., with the run/walk starting at 1 p.m., and activities will continue until 3 p.m.

In addition to being the signature fundraising event for the Foundation for TJO Animals, this family-friendly day honors the pets who have changed their people’s lives for the better, including Gary Rome Auto Group President Gary Rome’s much-loved dog, Jack. The goal this year is to welcome 400 participants and raise $50,000 to benefit animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control & Adoption Center by providing resources and support for critical veterinary care and enrichment for the animals at the center.

This year’s event carries a superhero theme and will include a Superhero Arena where children can design their own cape and mask, meet and greet superhero characters, and enjoy fun zones along the walk. Dogs attending will receive a custom bandana (while supplies last), dog treats, and fun giveaways. Awards will be presented in a variety of categories.

Returning favorites include Resource Row, featuring local animal-focused businesses and services; and the Rainbow Bridge Memorial Wall, sponsored by Integrity Veterinary Center, a mural with personalized paw ornaments honoring pets. Ornaments for the wall are available for purchase at registration or at the event. Also returning are a giant inflatable obstacle course, bubble soccer and foot darts provided by Rivera’s Inflatable Games, and a host of vendors spanning the Pioneer Valley. Food trucks, including Wandering Waffles, Riff’s Joint, Cookies by Ray, and Dave the Beer Guy, will be on site for those wishing to grab a bite or adult refreshment, along with Squirrel – A Dog Bistro to treat pups to a high-end pup cup.

“The Jack Rome Memorial 5K is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the TJO Foundation. “At a time when more animals are arriving at the TJO Animal Care & Adoption Center as a result of surrender, neglect, or cruelty, this support is more critical than ever. We are deeply grateful to our partners, sponsors, and community members who make this life-saving work possible.”

Rome also advocates for animals in need of support. “Jack was more than a dog — he was family. The Jack Rome 5K has become a wonderful way to celebrate that bond while bringing our community together to support animals who are still waiting for their chance at a loving home,” he said. “Every year, it’s incredibly special to see families, runners, walkers, and their dogs come together to make a difference for the Foundation for TJO Animals.”

To register or donate as an individual, team, or pup, visit tjofoundation.org/events/jack-rome-memorial-walk-run-2026.

Foundation for TJO Animals Raises More Than $57,000 on Giving Tuesday

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals and the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center (TJO) are celebrating a record-breaking Giving Tuesday, marked by exceptional community support, a highly successful adoption event, and an outpouring of generosity that far exceeded expectations.

To kick off the campaign, the foundation hosted a two-day adoption event in which all adoption fees were waived thanks to a $2,000 sponsorship from longtime supporters Ted and Barbara Hebert. Over the course of just 48 hours, 18 animals were adopted into new, loving homes.

“The adoption center was buzzing with people who wanted to support TJO and open their homes to animals in need. It was incredible to see,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals.

The foundation initially set a Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $20,000, with every dollar matched by supporters Jan and Bernadette Piepul. As donations surged, the goal was increased to $25,000 — and the Piepuls matched that as well. By the morning after Giving Tuesday, total donations had climbed to more than $57,000, making this one of the foundation’s most successful campaigns to date.

A significant portion of the funds came from Monarch Fore Charities, whose contribution exceeded $10,000 and helped propel the campaign to new heights.

“Our main goal for Giving Tuesday this year was to spread awareness about TJO — who we are and what we do for animals in the Pioneer Valley,” Brown said. “Money raised will go directly toward medical care for the never-ending influx of animals coming into TJO, as well as clinic supplies and a much-needed new washer and dryer — you wouldn’t believe the amount of laundry.”

The Foundation for TJO Animals extends its deepest gratitude to its donors, supporters, volunteers, and the community for rallying behind local animals in need. The funds raised will provide vital medical treatment, support adoption efforts, and enhance the overall well-being of animals throughout the region.

Thunderbirds, Foundation for TJO Animals Partner on Luff’s Pups Initiative

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Thunderbirds announced the inception of Luff’s Pups in partnership with the Foundation for TJO Animals. As part of this newly established initiative, T-Birds veteran forward and animal lover Matt Luff will pledge a donation of $50 to the Foundation for TJO Animals for every point he records during the 2025-26 season.

The Luff’s Pups initiative kicks off in conjunction with the T-Birds’ annual Pucks & Paws Night on Saturday, Oct. 25 as they host the Hartford Wolf Pack at 6:05 p.m. at the MassMutual Center. Fans with dogs are welcome to bring their pets to the game, with each ‘dog ticket’ directly benefiting the Foundation for TJO Animals. Click here for more information on Pucks & Paws, tickets, and rules and regulations regarding the night.

“We could not be happier to support Matt, his passion for animal welfare, and his dedication to helping TJO continue its lifesaving work,” Thunderbirds President Nathan Costa said. “When our players champion a cause that speaks to who they are off the ice, it reflects the heart of this organization. We stand with them, and we use our platform to lift that mission up in our community.”

Springfield Thunderbirds fans are encouraged to join in the Luff’s Pups pledge and donate to the Foundation for TJO Animals. A donation of just $25 can help feed up to 20 hungry animals or supply rabies vaccines for five animals.

“We are so grateful to Matt Luff for using his platform to make a difference for the animals and people in our community,” said Janna Brown, executive director of the Foundation for TJO Animals. “His generosity and compassion help shine a light on the importance of adoption, fostering, and supporting the lifesaving work happening every day at TJO. Luff’s Pups is already a success, and we are excited to be a part of it.”

Pawzaar for TJO Animals

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The 18th annual Pawzaar is a local craft fair with holiday flare! Join the Foundation for TJO Animals on Saturday, November 8th at 52 Sumner as we host over 30 vendors with hand-made, local crafts, a donation-only bake sale, over 30 raffles-including Trisha Yearwood tickets, a $250 value scratch ticket wreath, cat and dog baskets, kid-themed raffles, and more! Get your holiday shopping started early with a festive atmosphere that is all to benefit the animals at the Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center!

Thanks to the Springfield PD, who will be helping people cross the street for the fair! Parking is across Sumner Ave. at the old Friendlys building!

Cooper’s Accepting Donations, Rounding Up for Foundation for TJO Animals

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Daily News

AGAWAM — For a limited time, Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home of Agawam is accepting shelter supply donations for the Foundation for TJO Animals, which is located at 237 Memorial Dr., Springfield.

The Foundation for TJO Animals is a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to provide resources and support for critical veterinary care and enrichment for the animals at the Thomas J O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center. Donations will be collected at Cooper’s now through Sept. 30.

“We invite everyone to help out the animals at TJO and be entered to win a $100 Cooper’s gift card,” said Kate Gourde, owner of Cooper’s Gifts, Apparel, Home.

Current needs include items to keep the shelter clean and well-stocked, including paper towels, bleach, pet food, treats, toys, and litter, she added. “We hope that, while people are out purchasing items for themselves, that they will consider picking up a few extras for the Foundation for TJO Animals.”

Customers will receive a raffle entry for every item donated to the Foundation for TJO Animals. The winner of the $100 Cooper’s gift card will be notified on Oct. 1. Entry tickets can also be purchased at the store for $1 each, or six tickets for $5. All ticket sales will also be donated to the Foundation for TJO Animals.

“Especially for people outside the Greater Springfield area, it’s easier for them to bring donations here, and we are open seven days a week,” Gourde said. Cooper’s is located at 161 Main St., Agawam, and is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Each month, Gourde chooses a local charity to receive the profits of the store’s round-up program, through which customers are invited to round up their purchase total to the nearest dollar amount. Gourde will then match 50% of the total collected. The program has donated more than $62,000 to local organizations since its inception in 2014.

“This drive coincides with Foundation for TJO Animals as our September round-up charity, so it’s the perfect time to spread the word about their mission and really help them out,” she said.

Foundation for TJO Animals Welcomes Janna Brown as New Executive Director

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Foundation for TJO Animals announced that Janna Brown has been named its new executive director. After a year of serving as interim director and five years as a board member, Brown is bringing her lifelong passion for animal welfare and her signature energy to the organization full-time.

Before stepping into nonprofit leadership, Brown spent two decades as a meteorologist, most recently spending nine years at Western Mass News, where she became a household name. Her heart, however, has long belonged to the animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center on Cottage Street, where she volunteered weekly.

“I started at the TJO adoption center as a dog volunteer, walking pups, cleaning kennels, and other tasks as needed,” Brown said. “My admiration and support for what they do there grew into a passion and career centered around helping care for animals. I am honored to take on this role and work alongside such a dedicated team and board of directors. Together, I believe we can achieve great things and make a positive impact at TJO and in our community.”

During her time in the spotlight, Brown helped bring visibility to TJO’s mission, with the foundation being named Western Mass News’ charity of choice, a reflection of her personal commitment to the cause.

“We are thrilled to welcome Janna as our new executive director,” said Heather Heeb, board president. “We are confident that her leadership will bring new energy and effectiveness to the Foundation for TJO Animals. We look forward to working alongside Janna and her team to continue our mission in supporting the needs at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center.”