Page 39 - BusinessWest January 20, 2025

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Health New England Awards $250,000 to Five Nonprofits
SPRINGFIELD — Health New England awarded $250,000 in grants to five local organizations in honor of Dr. Mark Keroack, former president and CEO of Baystate Health and chair of Health New England’s board of directors. Keroack retired earlier this year after serving in these roles for a decade. The Dr. Mark A. Keroack Health Equity Grant was designed to fund the work of nonprofit organiza- tions advancing equity in healthcare, a passion and priority of Keroack, who served on the commit-
tee that chose the winners. The five grantees will receive $50,000 each to fund specific programs. Community Legal Aid’s Pioneer Valley Farmworker Medical-Legal Partnership will embed an attorney from its Central West Justice Center affiliate into the farmworker healthcare team at Baystate Bright- wood Health Center, also known as La Cliniquita. Wellspring Community Harvest will expand its Go Fresh Mobile Market’s prescription produce pro- gram to Brightwood, Mason Square, and High Street health centers. Planned Parenthood of Massachu- setts will develop strategies to ensure equitable, dignified, and quality care for undocumented immi- grants and refugees seeking sexual and reproduc- tive health services. Stone Soup Cafe in Greenfield will enhance its weekly Community Meal and Com- munity Store programs. The Care Center’s Healthy Homes, Healthy Families program in Holyoke will provide 10 families headed by low-income women with safe, stable housing; behavioral-health ser- vices; healthcare; and a tuition-free education from November 2024 to October 2025.
Suffield Pickleball Opens
SUFFIELD, Conn. — Suffield Pickleball officially opened its doors on Jan. 3. The brand-new indoor pickleball club features five courts that can host more than 9,000 players per month. The ownership team intends to host a variety of leagues, clinics, tournaments, and open-play events for players of all skill levels. The courts can also be reserved for private play through the Court Reserve app. Suffield Pickleball features three different membership tiers, as well as a non-member option. Each membership tier varies in pricing and perks, ranging from $400 to $1,000 per year. The business is proud to partner with Joola Pickleball, Six Zero, Franklin, and Hes- acore to provide high-quality pickleball equipment and accessories in its fully stocked pro shop.
Unemployment Tax Control Associates Earns Certifications
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (SDO), within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, has officially certi- fied Unemployment Tax Control Associates Inc. (UTCA) as a minority and woman business enter- prise (MBE and WBE). The certification was awarded on Dec. 20. UTCA is a nationally recognized expert in the field of unemployment cost control for both corporate, nonprofit, and governmental clients across the nation. The firm was founded in 1990 by CEO Suzanne Murphy.
Herrell’s Ice Cream Wins Spectrum Award
NORTHAMPTON — The Spectrum Awards, present- ed by City Beat News, announced that Herrell’s Ice
BusinessWest
Cream in Northampton is the winner of this year’s Spectrum Award, which recognizes businesses that promote excellence and go above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. “I am hum- bled and honored and very excited for Herrell’s Ice Cream to be recognized,” said Judy Herrell, presi- dent of Herrell’s Ice Cream. “Receiving this award is an amazing testament to our fantastic staff who truly go above and beyond for our customers.”
NBSB Announces Success of Food, Toy Drives
NORTH BROOKFIELD — In the spirit of season
of giving, North Brookfield Savings Bank (NBSB) announced the success of its annual food and toy drives. Due to the overwhelming generosity of community members, employees, and neighbors of NBSB, the food and toy drives made an impact in each of the bank’s communities. During the NBSB annual food drive, held Oct. 1-25, the bank’s com- munities came together to donate 693 non-perish- able food items and more than $1,000 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $3,000 to further support local food pantries. These dona- tions provide crucial assistance to individuals facing food insecurity. During the annual toy drive, which ran Nov. 1-29, community members, employees, and neighbors stepped up to the plate again, col- lecting 388 toys for children in need, alongside $1,432 in monetary donations. NBSB contributed an additional $1,500 to support those who need it the most and bring joy to children in the communities it serves this holiday season.
ViViYarn Fashion Opens Store in Hampshire Mall
HADLEY — ViViYarn Fashion celebrated its grand opening in the Hampshire Mall on Dec. 17. The new boutique focuses on unique, seasonal clothing for men and women. Current items include cashmere scarves and sweaters in a wide variety of designs and colors. General Manager Shawna Wang has more than 10 years of experience producing high- quality garments for the U.S. and Europe, and is dedicated to providing customers with comfort, elegance, and style at an affordable price.
Ximi-V Now Open at Holyoke Mall
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall recently welcomed its newest store, the trendy Asian household goods retailer Ximi-V, with a grand-opening party on Dec. 21. “Ximi-V believes shopping should be fun, inspir- ing, and filled with joy,” the mall shared. “They fea- ture something for everyone, from home essentials to creative gifts, including beauty products, house- hold goods, plush toys, jewelry, stationery supplies, and more, bringing style and charm to your every- day life.”
Susan B. Anthony Museum Awarded Three Grants
ADAMS — The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum received three grants from the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for a total of $3,589.28, through its Berkshire Hills Fund for Excellence, Lee Educational Enrichment Fund, and Williamstown Elementary School Endowment Fund programs. This program brings the inspiring story of Berkshire
County’s own Susan B. Anthony to students at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School in Great Bar- rington, Berkshire Hills Regional School District, Lee Middle and High School and Williamstown Elemen- tary School. Muriel Dyas of Herstorically Speaking reenacts Susan B. Anthony while students complete a timeline of her life, learn about pay inequity, and make a special ballot vote. The event concludes with a ‘votes for women’ march around school grounds complete with suffrage sashes, buttons, and student-made protest signs.
Way Finders Receives Grant from KeyBank Foundation
SPRINGFIELD — Way Finders recently received a grant from KeyBank Foundation for $10,000 to implement its Ready to Work: My Story, My Goals program, which provides employment-readiness resources to unemployed and underemployed residents in Hamden County. KeyBank’s fund-
ing enables Way Finders to provide a six-week employment-readiness course consisting of in-class instruction and one-to-one support for up to 15 low- to moderate-income residents with limited
or no documented work experience. Participants reflect the diversity of Holyoke’s and Springfield’s underserved neighborhoods, where 35% to 80%
of the residents identify as people of color and/or Latino or Latina. At the conclusion of the program, each participant will have a résumé and cover letter, understand how to translate their life experiences into marketable skills, improve their digital-literacy skills, conduct a job search and complete an appli- cation, and understand area resources and pro- grams that can provide additional and/or ongoing employment support.
Bombyx Center Achieves Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation from CET
NORTHAMPTON — Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity has been accredited Carbon Conscious, an award offered by CET, for implementing carbon- cutting measures at the performing-arts venue. This accreditation recognizes Bombyx’s dedication to combating climate change and fostering sustain- ability. The Bombyx Center is the first organiza-
tion to achieve CET’s Carbon Conscious Business Accreditation, leading the way for businesses across all sectors to integrate sustainability as a core part of their operations. Its impact of reducing 800 lifetime tons of carbon is equivalent to the yearly carbon sequestration provided by 36,666 mature trees. CET worked closely with Bombyx to implement a range of impactful sustainability measures through both the Mass Save program and RecyclingWorks, a program CET administers for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Custom weatheriza- tion services, including pipe insulation and other energy-saving upgrades, were provided to reduce energy loss at the historic former church. Additional efficiency upgrades, such as duct sealing and modifi- cations, further optimized energy use throughout the facility. To tackle waste reduction, CET helped estab- lish a food-waste diversion program in the multi-use kitchen and supported community recycling events, fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
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