Page 49 - BusinessWest August 4, 2025

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‘Echoes of Heritage’
Rocky’s Ace Hardware recently helped bring to life a vibrant new
mural supporting cultural pride in downtown Springfield. “Echoes of
Heritage,” a celebration of Latino culture and community, was created
on June 28 on the side of Downtown Supermarket at 121 Spring St.
Led by Dominican artist Pedro Veras and organized by the 7 Arts Latino
Foundation, the mural was a one-day collaboration involving local
students, families, and community sponsors. Pictured, from left: Veras;
Cheyenne Protz of Rocky’s Ace Hardware; Jorge Martínez, president
and executive director of the 7 Arts Latino Foundation; and Luis Pedro
of Rocky’s Ace Hardware.
Community Support
Michael Rouette (pictured at right), executive vice president and chief operating officer of Monson
Savings Bank, recently presented a $2,000 donation to Robin (center) and Kerry Plourde, co-founders
of Whip City Animal Sanctuary, on behalf of the bank. Whip City Animal Sanctuary was selected as a
recipient of a donation from Monson Savings Bank after securing a spot in the top 10 of the bank’s
2025 Community Giving Initiative. The Westfield-based nonprofit was established in 2020 to provide
long-term care for surrendered, neglected, and abused farm animals.
Driving Food
Security
Representatives from Hyundai
Motor America recently visited
Holyoke Community College
(HCC) to deliver a $5,000 check
to benefit the college’s food
pantry. This is the fifth consecutive
year Hyundai Motor America has
donated to the HCC food pantry,
bringing its total donations to
$32,150. This is in addition to
donations made by Gary Rome,
owner of Gary Rome Hyundai and
a member of the HCC Foundation
board of directors, who brought
the college’s Thrive Center and
its food pantry to the attention of
the Hyundai corporate offices in
California.
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AUGUST 4, 2025
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