SPRINGFIELD — The Rotary Club of Springfield will present “Financial Foundations for Women: Bridging the Gap and Connecting Women in Our Community,” a panel discussion that empowers women to take control of their financial future, on Thursday, April 25 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at White Lion Brewing, located in Tower Square at 1500 Main St., Springfield.

The panel discussion will focus on the importance of lifting each other up in the pursuit of women’s empowerment, creating support networks, and seeking financial advice. Attendees will gain valuable insights into securing their financial future for themselves and their families.

The panelists for the event include Carla Alves, Rotarian and vice president at Country Bank; Erica Flores, partner at Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C.; Flavia McCaughey (moderator), Rotarian and vice president of FR Investment Group; Jessica Roncarati-Howe, executive director of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts; and Samalid Hogan, Rotarian and CEO of Greylock Management Consulting.

Attendees will also have the chance to network with fellow participants and enjoy heavy appetizers throughout the evening.

Tickets for the event are priced at $40 per person and can be purchased online through the Rotary Club of Springfield website at www.springfieldmarotary.org. For further information, contact Hogan at (413) 342-0013 or [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD — The Rotary Club of Springfield held its annual Changing of the Guard event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield on July 13.

The Changing of the Guard holds deep significance as it represents the seamless transition of leadership within the club, symbolizing growth and continuity. During the ceremony, the club expresses gratitude for the accomplishments and dedication of the outgoing officers while extending a warm welcome to the incoming team, who will steer the course of the club’s activities and initiatives in the forthcoming year.

“We are truly honored to gather at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and pay tribute to our outgoing officers while embracing the fresh perspectives and enthusiasm of our incoming leaders,” said Marie Angelides, newly elected president of the Rotary Club of Springfield. “The Changing of the Guard event encapsulates the dedication and passion of our club members.”

Angelides takes over for Samalid Hogan, who served as Rotary Club of Springfield president for the past year.

SPRINGFIELD — On June 11, John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Frank Colaccino, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame governor, CEO of the Colvest Group, and chair of the Westfield Bank 2019 Service Above Self Luncheon committee, presented a check for $6,500 to the Rotary Club of Springfield.

The contribution was from proceeds of the 10th annual Service Above Self luncheon held at the Hall of Fame last November. The Westfield Bank 2019 Service Above Self Award winners were local honoree the Jimmy Fund Golf Committee of Western Massachusetts. National honorees were Bob and Chris Hurley for living out the Rotary motto ‘Service Above Self.’

This is the largest contribution the Basketball Hall of Fame has made to the Springfield Rotary Club since the inception of the awards luncheon 10 years ago.

Next month, the Rotary Club of Springfield will award $10,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that benefit the Greater Springfield community. This year, all grant projects will relate to serving the Springfield community during the COVID-19 pandemic.